A new objection for me...

[finley1991]

I think for some of us, after a while, there aren't too many objections that we hear about joining PC that we haven't heard before. I got one yesterday though and it stumped me. Of course, later in the evening, I thought of a couple of things I could have said!

How would you respond to this objection?

"I would totally do this but I don't want to be known as a 'home party' lady. I just can't get past that stigma..."

[bethcooks4u]

WOW! :rolleyes:

I would have her watch the Your Life Your Way DVD and, if you have it, read the Empowering Woman Magazine.

Point out all the professionals that are now top consultants in our company, such as Don Funt and Nancy Jo Ryan. Hey, I bet none of them are upset to carry the title of "home party lady" with their six figure checks.

[dannyzmom]

Well said, Beth!

[finley1991]

I did give her the DVD so hopefully that will inspire something in her! :)

[legacypc46]

The whole stigma thing drives me nuts; it's such a matter of misconceptions.

I refuse to apologize to anyone for my career choice. When I meet fellow professionals and introduce myself as a Director for The Pampered Chef, I almost always add, "it's my business, not my hobby." It's a subtle, but straight-forward way to address misconceptions right up front.

I left a six-figure (barely) career to become a 'pampered chef lady' and still have some former collegues who can't grasp why (uh, no more 60-80 work weeks, tolerating petty politics, or being limited by someone else's restrictions.) My own DH struggled a lot with my decision, feeling it was 'beneath me' (and was too embarrassed at first to tell his family:rolleyes:.) He no longer feels that way...but it was an early eye opener for me. It took a lot of heart to hearts for him to realize this is about being successful (and happy) my way. (Now, thank goodness, he is the first to talk up my business. :love0010:)

I've learned to routinely slip into my conversations comments that reinforce how viable (and therefore 'respectable') an opportunity this is:
- The Pampered Chef is a Warren Buffet company. (Anyone who follows stocks knows how selective he is about acquisitions.)
- The Food Network is the best thing that ever happened to us...now more and more people are looking for serious quality kitchen tools.
- The Pampered Chef was ranked the nation's favorite and most-recognized "Gadgets and Cutlery Brand" in a survey conducted last year by the home furnishings industry's leading publication. Our tools and cutlery outranked the KitchenAid, Cuisinart and Martha Stewart brands. (I know that's a mouthfull, but say it enough times, and it rolls out.)
- I love representing a company that actually honors it's warranties...no wonder it has such a great reputation for customer service.
- etc, etc, etc

Our company was founded in part to provide self-employment opportunities for women at a time when there weren't a lot of options available, especially for stay at home moms. It's no longer operated out of a basement and employs all demographics, but our products are still only available via consultants. It's a successful business model that has served the company (and our customers/hosts) well.

Sorry to have turned this into a personal vent :o, but here's my answer to your original question Colleen. Tell her the only stigma associated with being a 'home party lady' is the one we allow others to mistakenly put on us.

[finley1991]

That was awesome Leggy! THANKS!!!!!!