Why Did I Freeze and Act Like an Idiot When Asked About My Business?

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Discussion Overview

This thread revolves around participants sharing their experiences of feeling frustrated after missing opportunities to connect with potential customers while out in public. Many express empathy and understanding, recounting similar moments of hesitation or regret in their own experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a moment of frustration after failing to engage a potential customer at WalMart, feeling embarrassed about not following through.
  • Another participant emphasizes that everyone has similar "Oh, carp!" moments and encourages the original poster not to be too hard on themselves.
  • Several users mention their own experiences of freezing up in similar situations, reinforcing that such occurrences are common and part of being human.
  • One participant suggests using customer care cards to facilitate better follow-up in future encounters.
  • Another participant reflects on their own past challenges with asking for higher fees, highlighting the importance of practice and preparation in overcoming hesitation.
  • Some participants note the chaotic environment of WalMart as a factor that can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and unable to respond effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that freezing up in social situations is a common experience among consultants, and there is no clear consensus on the best way to handle such moments, as many share different personal anecdotes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the emotional challenges faced by consultants in their business interactions, emphasizing the human aspect of making connections and the learning process involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for relatable experiences and support regarding the challenges of making business connections in everyday situations.

Becky0216
Becky0216
Messages
720
Man I feel so stupid.
I was out at WalMart today and was stopped by a woman to ask for the time. While I was getting my cell phone, the woman saw my PC pin and said I Love PC. Then asked me if I sold it. I said yes I do and she said, they have really good stuff. As to which I repled...........Yes, they do.!!!!!
And then I walked away.
I carry catalogs and contact info with me everywhere I go. I even set a goal to give one mini catty away to someone new each time I go out. So, why did I freeze and act like such an idiot?
I am so mad at myself right now. Maybe I am not cut out for this business if I couldn't even make a contact right.

Just had to vent.
 
Stop boxing yourself around the ears - we all have those "Oh, carp!" moments
a1chic.gif
when we freeze up. We've all done it at one time or another.
 
I've done the same type of thing, too. You're human and you won't do it again! You are cut out for this business! Give yourself a break. And a hug!((((((()))))))
 
That's ok, we're all off sometimes. I did a similar thing. A neighbor from a couple streets over I have never met before came along handing out info about our HOA and I mentioned that I sell PC and Saturdays are when I do most of my shows and she gave me an interested Ohhhhh..... and all I did was continue to look at the flyer and say, YEAH..... Kicking myself ALL night for that one!! I'm just hoping I see her at one of the HOA meetings!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I just hate that I was determined to make a new contact and still flaked on following through. Even my hubby was annoyed that I didn't pursue it.
 
It's easy to pile on - so stop piling on.
 
It's done. It's over. Move on. You'll be on it next time, and the next time, and the next time, and . . .
 
Becky0216 said:
Maybe I am not cut out for this business if I couldn't even make a contact right.
.
Click to expand...

If every consultant had to make perfect contacts, say the perfect thing, and not do something stupid....there wouldn't be any of us left :D

If you can show me a consultant that says they always have the perfect respond and always follow through with a lead, I'll show you someone that is pulling your leg. liar, liar, pants on fire

As we've said on here before....build a bridge and get over it. :) You can spend all night beating yourself up or you can use this as an opportunity to do something productive with your business.
 
You learn from your mistakes and move on. A great tip I learned from here was to carry the door prize slips (I call them customer care cards) with me. That way if someone asks about PC I can give them a catalog or my info but also ask for theirs! You'll do better next time!
 
More years ago than I care to think about, it became necessary for me to raise my daily fee for training. I was already underpricing myself in the market. You cannot even begin to imagine what it was like for me to ask more per day more than I had been charging. I took some advice from Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup For The Soul fame) to rehearse the line in front of a mirror. Over and over, starting with the customer asking. So, I'd practice it over and over:Customer: What's your rate?
Me: $500 per day plus expenses.
Customer: What's your rate?
Me: $500 per day plus expenses.
Customer: What's your rate?
Me: $500 per day plus expenses. (Five hundred bucks a day was pretty steep for a training consultant, in this market, back then.)The next time a customer called, and asked, "What's your rate?" I swallowed hard and almost choked as I blurted, "Four hundred dollars per day plus expenses." The program I did for him came to $2400 and I almost cried when the client told me he had $3000 budgeted.Keep practicing - you'll get it.
happy0207.gif
 
I've done it before too (DOH)! It's ok, you'll get it next time! ;)
 
If your Wal-Mart is anything like ours, I'm sure that just getting out of there was foremost in your mind! I can't think straight from the time I walk in the doors 'til I leave. My blood pressure goes up at least 20 points--it's SUCH a zoo in there! Don't worry so much about it, as KG says "carp" happens!
 
Sounds fishy, doesn't it?
 
I wish someone else would kill this thread. Every time I look at the title of the thread and then look over to see my name as the thread killer, well, my self esteem takes a hit.
 
Ok, here you go KG...I'm great at killing threads. :blushing:

Becky, you'll be find...

Now let's kill the topic and move on...
 
HIJACK!


It's been raining here since last night, and all of the snow is disappearing quickly - It's actually exciting to have a rainy day - just to get rid of some of this snow!:D
 
I'm replying just to make KG happy... LOL

Seriously.... we have all done it!
 
Hey Paulette - check out the wave 1 threads and check in. :)
 
We all have those moments where our brains do not work very well.

If it is like my Walmart, you will see her again. Be prepared to give her your info then!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I freeze when asked about my business?

Freezing when asked about your business can be a natural response to anxiety or self-doubt. Many people feel pressure to present their business in a perfect light, and this can lead to a momentary lapse in confidence. It's important to remember that it's okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.

Why did I act like an idiot when discussing my business?

Feeling like you acted foolishly can stem from a fear of judgment or a lack of preparation. When discussing your business, it's common to feel vulnerable, and this can lead to overthinking or stumbling over your words. Practicing your pitch and focusing on your passion for the business can help alleviate these feelings.

How can I overcome the fear of discussing my business?

Overcoming the fear of discussing your business involves building confidence through practice. Role-playing conversations with friends or family can help you become more comfortable. Additionally, focusing on the positive aspects of your business and the value it brings to others can shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.

What should I do if I freeze again in the future?

If you find yourself freezing again, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to pause. It's perfectly acceptable to take a moment to collect your thoughts. You can also prepare a few key points about your business in advance to help guide your conversation and reduce the likelihood of freezing.

Can I learn from this experience?

Absolutely! Every experience, even uncomfortable ones, can be a valuable learning opportunity. Reflect on what triggered your freeze and consider how you can prepare differently next time. Embracing these moments as part of your growth journey can help you become more confident in discussing your business in the future.

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