Navigating Conflict of Interest in My Elementary School Side Hustle

[msmileyface]

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone else has been in this boat. I work in 2 elementary schools (gold mines for contacts!). However, I feel uncomfortable about the idea of advertising too much there other than to my teacher friends. I'm not sure that I would want to host shows in the homes of my students (and since I am the school counselor, all 900 children are my students!) even though I know many of the moms would probably love to have parties.

Any thoughts? I'm going to run this by my principals as well, in terms of what they think is a conflict and what isn't.

 

[ChefCat]

Why not start with a fundraiser for the school's next event. That would get your PC name out there in a generous way- your just helping the school after all. And maybe some parents will contact you for their own party.

 

[kristina16marie]

Recruit a parent to join so they could do the "parent" parties and you wouldn't have to be put in that position and you keep doing the "teacher" parties. =)

 

[Sheila]

Sorry, I do think it could cause an ethical situation for you to market to the parents. I like Kristina's idea of having someone in your downline do all the shows for the parents & you do the ones for the teachers.

 

[babywings76]

I think it's fine to approach your fellow staff members. But I'd leave the parents alone. Doing a fundraiser would be awesome though! Because then the parents can discover your consultant status and then maybe they'd ask to host a show. I'd donate your commission (minus material expenses) for a fundraiser.

 

[Chefstover2]

I work in my kids' school cafeteria and I just began with getting to know the assistants, etc. that work the lunches. I found ways to work it into conversation and eventually one of them booked a show. Since then, my principal orders from me, as well as half the school. Then when I volunteer in the classroom, I always wear my logowear and if there are other parents, I make a connection, etc, just like in the cafeteria. Word's gotten out.BTW...one of my team members is also a parent at the school and we do not seem to be stepping on each other's toes at all.

 

[msmileyface]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to do a fundraiser next month. I just wonder if it's okay to do a show for a parent if they ask, considering their kids (my students) would be there in the home? I think it's probably okay. They would get a kick out of it I'm sure.

 

[MLinAZ]

It's not exactly the same but I work in a foster care agency and although my co-workers purchase from me and have hosted shows, I'm not allowed to sell to our foster families.

That said, I typically carry a logo tote bag and I suppose if someone were to place an online order it would be out of my control. But I definitely would not be able to have a foster family host a show or purchase from me outright.

 

[RMDave]

Why not start with a fundraiser for the school's next event. That would get your PC name out there in a generous way- your just helping the school after all. And maybe some parents will contact you for their own party.

I think this a brilliant idea!

 

[PamperedchefDaly]

I guess it all depends on your school and the administration. When I first started PC two years ago, I spread the word as much as I could that I am a PC consultant. I work in the cafeteria, and come in contact with quite a few people. I've had a few orders, but that's about it. Initially, there was some interest with some of the teachers having a show, but they ended up dead ends. In fact, I couldn't even get any orders last spring for HWC. This past holiday season I put catty's in the faculty room, but they quietly ended up in my mailbox, without orders. I can take a hint.

Oh, and I park my car right at the curb, with my logo information on the windows. Everyone knows who the pampered chef is, and it hasn't seemed to help.

 

[raebates]

I can see there being a difference between being a counselor and holding just about any other position in the school. Have you thought about talking with your principal?

 

[cewcooks]

I am an Instructional assistant and I have had parties with the parents some good and some bad, but for the most part it has helped my business, I do not have to sit down with the parents to discuss problems and or child's academic progress so its comfortable I live and work in my community and that's the message our school conveys so its nice for me... Don;t give up, though !