How to Restart Pampered Chef Business

[Michelle K]

Hi I need to see if anyone has any ideas how to restart your business or maybe just give it a jolt. I have been selling PC since Aug. 2000 I have lost 2 directors in this time and now have a director that lives in California she is really trying to help get me a hospitality director for me I really love going to meetings to get inspiration. My question is how do I restart my business? I have kept a float all this time and have never(so far) gone in active I seem to have really high shows when I get shows but my problem is getting shows and I am like everyone I hate to cold call people. I do have a list of all the people that have done shows in the past for me and have come to my shows but how do I go about calling someone I have not spoken to in say 3-4years? Or should I just start from scratch with new people? Thank you so much for any help you can offer I really need to do 2shows a week for the income and would like to become a director since I do not have one now.

Thanks

 

[dianevill]

Restarting your businessHi Michelle,

I've been there! I did enough to stay active, but then needed to jump-start my business again. I did a couple of things to get myself going. First, I had a Mystery Host Open House, and in the invitation I stated that I was focusing on restarting my business. I invited everyone - past hosts, past guests, friends, family, neighbors, etc (go back to your list of 100 for ideas). I offered extra incentives for booking (an extra half price item up to a $40 value), for placing $50 orders (free $10 item), for bringing a buying friend (free $10 item), etc. It did cost me a little bit, but it got me back on track. Next, I called hosts I haven't talked to in a few years. A good ice breaker is to ask them about the products they purchased, and then tell them about the new host program. Finally, I did some cold calling as well (I started with customers that previously purchased $50 in product), and I have to admit it certainly is not my strong suit, and there were some rejections, but I also had some that booked and had great shows.

Good luck!
Diane

 

[Michelle K]

Thanks for the help. I think I will try to do the Mystery Host party I was thinking maybe at the end of July since I will be out of town next week. I am also going to try to call some of my most recent customers (within the last 4months) and see how they like their PC products. I have to admit my customer service has not been good over the years. It was not something I really thought of to call after they got their orders to call and see how they liked them boy I wish I would have known about customer care 4years ago! Well wish me luck on those cold calls I have to make.

 

[dianevill]

Good luck!It does get easier with time

 

[chefmary]

Hi, Michelle!

If you have the CD "Customer Care: Taking Care of Business" I would suggest listening to it, as it has a lot of great ideas for making those "out of the blue" calls and reconnecting with customers. I've been with PC for 5 years and my business the last two years has been all about getting the bookings, since my family moved to a new area, so I've let other areas of my business slide. Now I'm trying to reconnect with customers in a positive way to get my business back where I want it to be. This CD has lots of great words to use.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing!!

 

[PamperedGinger]

I do have a list of all the people that have done shows in the past for me and have come to my shows but how do I go about calling someone I have not spoken to in say 3-4years? Or should I just start from scratch with new people?

I would call my past hosts first. I'd say something like this:

Hi, this is Michelle with The Pampered Chef. I was calling because it had been a while since your last show. I had so much fun meeting your friends and family and I know you enjoyed getting all the free products.

Did you know that The Pampered Chef has a whole new host program that is even more generous than before! My average host gets about $___ in free products! Plus there are so many NEW PRODUCTS since your last show. I have a few dates open in July. This month I'm making Dazzling Dessets. I'd love to come and teach you and a few friends how to make the ______. Can I tell you about the dates I have open?

GOOD LUCK, but get on that PHONE!! Start with old host and then go back to your list of 100.

 

[gmosullivan]

You could also send letters to your old hosts and perfered customers, leting them know you had taken a break and are now back. This also gives you and excuse to call and follow up and see if they need anything, ie catalog, show, etc.

Good Luck