Why Do Friends Sometimes Fail to Support Our New Business Ventures?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by a participant in securing support for their new business as a Pampered Chef consultant, particularly from friends and acquaintances. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding booking shows and reaching out to potential hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses disappointment over a friend's lack of response regarding hosting a cooking show, highlighting feelings of isolation in a new location.
  • Another participant suggests hosting a mystery show and distributing flyers to invite more people, acknowledging the challenge of limited acquaintances.
  • Several users mention the idea of asking friends from afar to host catalog shows as a way to generate business.
  • One participant shares their experience of having four catalog shows booked and expresses optimism about qualifying for a promotion soon.
  • Another participant notes that while catalog shows can be useful, they often do not lead to further bookings, emphasizing the need for direct bookings.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of utilizing personal networks, including spouses and acquaintances, to find potential hosts.
  • One participant reflects on feeling discouraged but remains hopeful about qualifying by the end of the month, indicating a proactive approach to seeking bookings.
  • Another participant encourages reaching out to email contacts for referrals and suggests looking for resources in the community files for additional ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of catalog shows, with some participants expressing skepticism about their potential to generate bookings, while others share positive experiences with them. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to securing support from friends.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of consultants navigating the challenges of building a customer base in a new environment, particularly in military or transient communities.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges in securing bookings and support from their social circles may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

PoseyMom
PoseyMom
Messages
182
When I first decided to be a PC consultant, one of my friends on the base said she would do my first cooking show. So it would be low- stress plus I know she has a handful of friends that would come and order (5-6) so it would be a good starting show as well, i figured. Well now I called her to see if we could schedule her show and she hasn't returned my calls. This is totally weird. I'm totally unhappy about it, because I don't know too many people on this base anymore as most of the people I know have moved! I'm so disappointed. :(
 
Look up mystery host show in the search box, and host your own show, you can invite everyone you do know and hand out fliers to people you don't know and post fliers all over the place.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
oops.... i dont think you understand how few people that i know at this point! lol.... I think we're topping out at three and they all just came to my show :) When we relocate in October, I'll definitely be doing a mystery host show. I just don't think it will work very well this month.
 
Maybe ask them to pass out fliers for you. Is there a community building that you could use either for free or rent? Just put up fliers all around, and put up fliers on peoples doors to invite your neighbors. Just throwing ideas out for you. Maybe there is something in there. Have you thought of your friends from afar doing catty shows for you? That is another option to keep you going.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
All ideas appreciated! I'm asking everyone that I know from afar to do catty shows. So far I have four booked. As soon as I get my kit with the catalogs, I'll be able to get those going. I'll definitely be putting up flyers today or tomorrow. Just need to get them printed on the 'puter. Mostly I just need to qualify by the end of September so I can get the knives!!! :D

jdavis said:
Maybe ask them to pass out fliers for you. Is there a community building that you could use either for free or rent? Just put up fliers all around, and put up fliers on peoples doors to invite your neighbors. Just throwing ideas out for you. Maybe there is something in there. Have you thought of your friends from afar doing catty shows for you? That is another option to keep you going.
Click to expand...
 
Something very important to know, and I am sure your recruiter or director addressed it with you already - but while catalog shows are great fillers, they are usually dead ends and generally don't get you any bookings. At this stage you need to be working on bookings.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I'm trying to get bookings. But I also don't have a lot of time, since we are moving overseas somewhere's around October 10. I'm working on it though.
 
Is there a phone list of some sort that you can use to call or mail out info? Does your husband have any buddies that their wives might be willing to help you out. I can't imagine your alone in your situation. I'm sure there are a lot of other spouses who feel the same way. I think its tough!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
No, I'm sure I'm not alone! :) I'm feeling a little discouraged today, but I know I'll be able to qualify by the end of September. My hubby said he would ask at work. I think it will be easier when my kit gets here and I can send him with some catalogs to send home with the guys he knows. Then I can follow up. Any other suggestions for getting more bookings right now? Knowing I only have bout 5-6 weeks. :)
 
I think you're doing a good job cnsidering you have a short amount of time left there. Is there anyone on your email list that can refer you to someone? Also, go into the FILES section and type in the word book. There are always some good ideas there.
 
You might ask a few of your friends/family that live out-of-area to do a catalog show for you. Play up the stoneware special. If you go into the file section you'll find lots about the stoneware specials. The websites (if you have one) also now has an option for people to look through the catalog online which is a format that I am sure many people will really like.
 
When you talk to people about doing shows, let them know that they need to throw it together quickly. If they seem squeamish, point out that when you invite your friend to the mall, you don't ask her two weeks ahead of time. Same thing here. Really, you could book a show for tomorrow night, or three for this weekend. They may even like to call/email everyone and not have to deal with mailing invitations.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do friends sometimes fail to support our new business ventures?

Friends may fail to support new business ventures for various reasons, including fear of change, jealousy, or simply not understanding the business model. They might worry that the new venture will alter the dynamics of the friendship or that it could lead to financial instability.

Are friends obligated to support my new business?

No, friends are not obligated to support your new business. While it can be disappointing when friends do not show enthusiasm, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own priorities and perspectives. Support can come in many forms, and not all friends may feel comfortable promoting or engaging with a business venture.

How can I encourage my friends to support my business?

To encourage support from friends, communicate openly about your business and share your passion for it. Invite them to events, offer them samples, or provide them with information that highlights the benefits of your products. Building excitement and showing how they can benefit from your venture may help garner their support.

What if my friends are skeptical about my business?

Skepticism from friends can stem from a lack of understanding or previous experiences. It’s essential to listen to their concerns and address them with facts and enthusiasm. Providing them with success stories, testimonials, and clear information about your business can help alleviate their doubts.

How should I handle disappointment if my friends don't support me?

It’s natural to feel disappointed if friends do not support your business, but it’s important to manage those feelings constructively. Focus on building a broader support network, including family, colleagues, and other entrepreneurs. Remember that not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s okay; seek encouragement from those who do.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Boost Your Business Success with Out of the Box Calls | My Experience
  • tinawhite07
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wildfire
Fundraiser Fail: Lessons Learned from Show Bombed Event - My Experience
  • salthechef
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
13
Views
2K
scottcooks
Why Did My First Fundraiser Fail?
  • ksartain
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
tpchefpattie
Host Never Returned Calls? Get Tips on Handling No-Show Parties | Mia Host
  • cookingwithlove
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
19
Views
2K
Curlyone
"Grand Opening" When All Friends/Family Came to Hosted Show?...
  • HealthNut
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
16
Views
2K
HealthNut
Is it worth hosting shows with friends who don't take my business seriously?
  • NooraK
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
14
Views
2K
NooraK
Dealing with Unresponsive Hosts? Here's How to Handle the Frustration
  • AshleyAllison
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
3K
ChefPeg
Catalog Show With My Mother-In-Law
  • SDTeaGirl
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
maldvs
Is My Host for Friday's Show Not Responding to My Calls and Emails?
  • Suzy Englert
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
2K
PChefPEI
Misery Loves Company: Share Your Worst Show Ever!
  • abell
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
abell
Back
Top