Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Suggestions and Complaints => Topic started by: kathleenm on March 17, 2012, 11:48:13 am

Title: need help
Post by: kathleenm on March 17, 2012, 11:48:13 am
hey peeps.
im just starting out as a consultant and im have problems getting bookings ive just had my only booking canceled  yesturday and im at a loss for wat to do.

i have had friends tell me to give up but i love doing the demos and showing off thermi. my gl is going to thermofest soon so she wont be any help for a week.
im hoping somone might be looking for a new consultant or know someone who dose im in oakleigh melbourne but dont mind traveling a bit.
if u can help me please do  :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: judydawn on March 17, 2012, 12:17:51 pm
Sorry to hear your booking was cancelled Kathleen - they are hard enough to get in the first place. Anymore friends you can call on to put the word out if they themselves have already had one, relatives, neighbours, Mums waiting to collect their kidlets from school.  Hope you can pick one up whilst your GL is away, good luck.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cecilia on March 17, 2012, 12:33:46 pm
Hang in there, Kathleen.  Whenever I am down if I can't pick up demos, I do two things- cook and reflect.  Then pick up the phone.  Some days I don't have the courage to ring and ask people cold if they'd like a demo.  On those days in my reflection time I just get out the manual and study it, then list anyone who comes to mind.  On another day if I'm still failing in self-belief, I might look up the numbers of people I've listed.  Then, when I'm more organized, it takes much less effort to make contact and ask the question personally.  Don't be downhearted- you will hear lots of nos on the way to yes.
There is lots of admin to do to prepare yourself to being a successful consultant.  An hour spent going over instructions at meeting or sending out messages about latest offers is worthwhile.  If phonecalls don't work one day, try text messages the next.  Emails and private Facebook msgs or chat are great too as ppl can ignore you if they're not immediately interested.
I wish you well.  I know the feeling.  That's where the power of teamwork will uphold you.  If you have several weeks when you can't get a demo don't give up.  Get out and mix with your team and feel the achievement of the group as a whole.  Working on l
Commission is not for everyone but if you've taken it on, I'll bet you're one who feels the pride of workmanship that comes from giving customers a good demo.  Good luck!
PS. Another tip for inspiration for thinking of possible hosts - be very conscious in your self-talk as you drive around --- ah yes, my former co-worker x lives in this street/ my cousin went to that school/ the lady in that shop knows lots of people etc.
Pps networking!!  Pm me your email address and I'll send you a GoGetter talk on that topic.

Title: Re: need help
Post by: RosieB on March 17, 2012, 01:18:22 pm
I'm not really into cold calling, but a friend of mine was selling a product on commission similar to TMX and was feeling like she had run out of family and friend contacts..   Thought she was going no-where, and about to give up.
She decided she was not a quitter and just needed a new approach.
She designed an A4 size flyer and printed it out on nice paper, giving a brief description with photos etc.
Each was carefully rolled and tied with pretty ribbon and she did a letter box drop with them,
She targetted more affluent suburbs and found she received enough interest and bookings to get things rolling again by reaching a totally new group of people.
Just an idea.... ;)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: jakodai on March 17, 2012, 01:36:47 pm
Hi Kathleen, the reason I asked where in Melbourne you were was because in a few months I want to buy a thermomix (I'm aiming for June, but possibly July) and because I have gained so much knowledge from this forum (most recently the decision NOT to buy one of the Belinni machines, which had I not seen the comments and reviews from people on here, I probably would have purchased when I saw it in the Target catalog, so thank you everyone!) I want purchase one from a forum member, and I'd love to help out a 'newby' because I know how hard starting anything can be. I know it doesn't help you now, but something to look forward to may help you stay motivated.

I'm sorry I can't be of much help about now, but I think the letterbox drop is a great idea.

And don't worry about the people who are negative, your friends should support you whatever decision you make. If we all stopped when things got too hard, we wouldn't have anything.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on March 17, 2012, 02:07:26 pm
ive done a letter box drop with no response but thermo has been in the news more since and i have plans to do another one. my friends are surportive they are just conserned.
im at a loss i was out tonight and ask my friends but they have seen it that many times they are over it lol they all want one cant afford it but they wont one.

Title: Re: need help
Post by: cecilia on March 17, 2012, 02:15:42 pm
If you think you've "done" your own friends, try visiting another family member (eg parent) and make a list of the people they suggest.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: andiesenji on March 17, 2012, 05:09:24 pm
I can't give you advice for cold calling, but I can tell you that a friend who lives down in Valencia, near the Magic Mountain fun park, and sells mobility scooters/powered wheelchairs,  had a magnetic sign made for her van that says "If interested in a demonstration of a powered chair or scooter in your home, call this number and ask for Maria."  then lists here phone number and fax number.

She has told me that during the two weeks after she got the sign, she had three or four times as many calls as from her ad in the newspaper. 
She has four boys and does a lot of driving (and parking and waiting) them to various sports venues, one skates, one plays tennis and the other two soccer. 

She hands her business cards out to most people she meets, at schools, at church, casual social events, etc., and tells them to pass them along to people who may need assistance with mobility. 

The sign is magnetic so she can remove it if they are using the van to go to an event where a vehicle with a commercial message might be considered vulgar.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: ThermomixBlogger on March 17, 2012, 09:42:42 pm
I'm a big fan of magnetic signs Andie, and have used them for years (re another business, not TMX). These days they don't serve me so well as I am not driving as much. (More walking now, to help with my diabetes, but that's another story...)

The beauty of that concept, imho and why it's working for your friend is that as the gets in and out of the van etc, and as she sits in traffic even, people see HER and can make a decision about whether or not they may want HER in their home for a scooter demo etc. Does she look like their daughter, or friend, or like she might just be a kind, understanding sort of person etc. If they have seen her once (even from a distance as she was parking etc.) they will feel more comfortable to invite her to their home, rather than making the call to an unknown entity.

Familiarity -- even presumed familiarity -- can work wonders! Glad to hear your friend is enjoying newfound success. I hope the advice from Thermomix buddies here will help Kathleenm find some too  ;)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on March 17, 2012, 09:53:06 pm
i had thourght of magnets but i dont have my own car my bf has been driving me around :P
i need an in to a particular market so th chain of demos can begin its getting it to continue the i find hard no one wants to see it a second time and some want to keep it secret so they can apper real cheffy to thier friends i feel like i need to stop rewind and start over (must be somthing i missed).
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on March 20, 2012, 09:37:55 am
I had a delivery to make today the girl was over the moon her godmother in perth had bought it for her as a wedding gift instead of a kitchen aid. Neither the girl or her fiance has seen one before except for on youtube. she was so excited and enthusiastic and so was he they couldn't wait to book a demo. And when I got home I got a call to book another the day after. I'm hoping this is the beginning and it will take off from here I'm still going to try some of the suggestions Ive received from everyone so figures crossed
Title: Re: need help
Post by: goldfish on March 20, 2012, 10:23:42 am
You go girl!!!  We've all got our fingers crossed for you!!   :D :D :D
Title: Re: need help
Post by: judydawn on March 20, 2012, 10:26:33 am
There you go, the ball is rolling and you are off and running - good luck.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: Cornish Cream on March 20, 2012, 11:16:45 am
Fantastic news Kathleen ;D
Title: Re: need help
Post by: Tan on March 20, 2012, 02:28:50 pm
great work kathleen - the demos will start to come - i was so worried when i first started as a consultant that i had no one in my circle of friends who would really want to help me.
The more you talk to people about thermomix - the more will come back to you.
Its not easy sometimes but it is so worht it - i am loving introducing families to this wonderful machine.
Good luck
 :)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: obbie on April 05, 2012, 03:14:01 am
I love magnetic signs.
I have them on 2 of our utes, and they work for our business.
Our utes are always on the road, so mobile advertising on wheels.

I am also amazed at how many coffee shops  don't have a Thermomix, It would save thousands in wages.

Wishing you good luck.

Robyn :)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: DizzyGirl on April 07, 2012, 03:05:52 am
The magnetic signs are great. We have a see thru sticker on our back window of the car and it is amazing how many people take notice of it sitting in car parks, driving along and parked at my sons school.
Perhaps put an ad in the local paper targeting mums to be and brides to be. Thermomixes make great wedding and baby shower presents. See if you can get a spot at a wedding expo or ask your local baby shop if you can put an ad in their window.
Good luck
DG xxx
Title: Re: need help
Post by: mcmich on April 07, 2012, 10:03:50 pm
The magnetic signs are great. We have a see thru sticker on our back window of the car and it is amazing how many people take notice of it sitting in car parks, driving along and parked at my sons school.
Perhaps put an ad in the local paper targeting mums to be and brides to be. Thermomixes make great wedding and baby shower presents. See if you can get a spot at a wedding expo or ask your local baby shop if you can put an ad in their window.
Good luck
DG xxx
That is such a great idea DG. A shower of one sort or another would be a wonderful platform for your business.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cookie1 on April 09, 2012, 03:26:58 am
When DH first retired he started up a small handyman business. Just little jobs that no one wanted to do. He had magnetic signs on his ute and used to get so many calls when he was out on a job. He eventually gave it up after 12 months as he was working harder than he did when he was teaching. :P
Title: Re: need help
Post by: faffa_70 on April 09, 2012, 04:37:02 am
The magnetic signs are great. We have a see thru sticker on our back window of the car and it is amazing how many people take notice of it sitting in car parks, driving along and parked at my sons school.
Perhaps put an ad in the local paper targeting mums to be and brides to be. Thermomixes make great wedding and baby shower presents. See if you can get a spot at a wedding expo or ask your local baby shop if you can put an ad in their window.
Good luck
DG xxx

Unfortunately consultants aren't allowed to advertise individually.  :( Expo's etc are done with the teams in the area that the expo or show is held. The magnetic signs are great, though you are only allowed to use the ones that HO have and can't put your own phone number on/with them. I'll stop now  ;)

Hang in there Kathleen because it does start on a roll, and the more demo's you do the more bookings you get and the more you talk to people the more they become interested etc. You are on the right path  :) :)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: Shayla on April 12, 2012, 03:48:01 pm
Hi Kathleen
I really understand what you are going through but I congratulate you on understanding that booking of demos is the hardest part of the job. When I first started I invited people to my own home - I fixed a couple of dates and times wrote lists and invited friends "so I could practise the demo", then asked if they would bring someone I didn't know as that would make it better practise. The result was quite a few early sales to people who came to a demo not intending to buy at all but were so impressed that they bought. Those same customers still have demos and invite more friends. I always say I am just a demonstrator and the machine sells itself; if the person does not "get it" they will never buy.
Here in South Africa we are a very small team still with consultants being trained and then never selling so they drop out; the Thermomix is still relatively unknown here.
Good Luck! :)
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on June 26, 2012, 08:55:19 am
well im stuck again  :'( got no demos and thermofest for next year has just been announced........ im not telling lol
 :'(its so hard at the mo lol had 3 people post pon and 1 lady who wont ansewr any mesg txt or email i send. plus not being able to advertise makes it harder thankfully my gl is very understanding and is tring to help by passing on referal to me but even they dont want a demo grrrr.  :( :(
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cecilia on June 26, 2012, 09:11:08 am
Glad to see you posting again KathleenM but sorry you're having trouble getting those demos into the diary.  Did you hear the new deals for July at the meeting where Thermofest13 was announced?  Take heart in a great deal like that for hosts and customers.  Make sure you know in your own mind what Thermomix is offering so you can explain it to other people.  Maybe take the time to produce a clear, concise letter to send out, then follow up with a phone call.  Don't take no as a knockback.  Have another read of your Consultant Manual and make one goal to focus on for July.  Eg call 2 people every day and ask to book a demo in July.  Then come back on July 1st and tell us how you are going.  :)  "Whether you can or think you can't, you're probably right."
Title: Re: need help
Post by: CraftyMum on June 26, 2012, 10:37:48 am
Hi Kathleen,

Sorry to hear your struggles in getting the demos and sales for the Thermomix.  I imagine it can be a tough gig sometimes!! I thought I'd share my decision making process of buying my TMX to see if there's anything of use in it for you ...

It took me over 6 months of serious thinking to decide on buying a Thermomix.  I loved it from the first moment I saw it - probably 6 months before my first demo, but I just had to justify it in my own mind. Hubby said to buy it if I wanted to, but since I already had a mix-master, blender, stick blender, ice cream maker, soft serve ice cream maker, bread maker, cool mortar and pestle, awesome set of scales and juicer, as well as a steam oven in my kitchen, I couldn't really justify it it my own mind.  

The only thing I didn't have was a food processor ... and imagine my delight when I saw the Bellini at Target - for 1/10th of the price of a Thermomix :o :o  Of course I didn't expect it to match up to the TMX (and I do know you get what you pay for) but if I could get a food processor that could heat, that could be a good alternative ... right???  wrong!!!

I bought it, left it in the box for a week while reading reviews, made sure I had a good copy of my receipt, and then decided to open it and try it - knowing it could get my money back if there were any issues.  It made awesome beetroot salad and play dough, but that was about all  :)  My attempt at making custard resulted in burning, as did sauteeing.  There was vertical movement in the blades and liquids leaked out, and after not much use, there was some 'play' in the blades, so instead of being 90 degrees to each other, there was probably a 10% movement either way.  So, it was then I decided that it was going back to Target and I'd think again about the TMX.  

One thing that I did like was that each month I'd get an email from a consultant about the latest offer for purchases that month.  I think that could be enhanced if you were to include a recipe and a photo of the result - and the time it takes to prepare it!  I didn't get phone calls or text messages - and I think that would turn me off if I did get them.  

I made up my mind in my own time and although I love cooking and know I could do without a Thermomix, I am absolutely blown away with how much time it saves me in preparing fresh home cooked meals!  I have made so much in my first week of owning my machine, and I've had no failures (except for maybe one batch of yoghurt that could have been set a little more).  I know the cost is a huge barrier for some people, but it is truly worth it.  Unfortunately, it's not easy conveying this to prospective buyers - you need to SHOW them.

Find 'time-poor' people and demonstrate to them ... try mum's groups, day-care centres, kindy's, tuckshops, P&F groups, single parents groups

Find the people who would benefit from the allergies side of it ... approach health food stores and see if they'll let you advertise in their newsletters, do a demo for staff, get them to put on a demo for clients

Find the health conscious people - gyms, personal trainers, boot camps, triathlons

Find the ones who should be health conscious - health management centres in hospitals, maybe corporate businesses with staff who are likely to spend long hours at work, work social clubs,

You could work out a few recipes which focus on the best dishes for these groups of people, put on a free demo with samples, include a little take home pack with recipes and maybe samples. Perhaps try to get some people on board first to include some cross-marketing ideas with them ... eg, a welcome voucher from a Personal Trainer or gym to include in the gift bag for the new mum group or the ones who should be health conscious; a discount voucher from the health food store to give to the other groups.

I know it's all easier said than done, but once you exhaust your current circle of friends, perhaps it's easier to approach groups than individuals. Make sure you get their email addresses so you can send them a follow-up email, and then a monthly email.  For me, I loved getting the info while I was deciding.

Wow - this has gone on for a little longer than I had hoped.  These are just my thoughts and my process for making my decision - others may differ. Even if you get just a little bit out if it will be great.   Good Luck!  











Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on June 28, 2012, 12:02:51 pm
i booked a demo today for sunday and being i dont have much time im already stressing lol im a bit of a stress pot somtimes thank goddness for my fantastic bf ;D. shes booked for sunday cos its the first of july and she wants the new server. she borught last month from a consultant in sydney so she got a bread mat as a gift.

i have been around lol.

ive signed up to help out with a ronald mcdonald house dinner with my branch leader and a anz cooking class not sure wat it is lol but it may help.

i have tried parent groups but no luck.

when i first saw the tm i was blown away and now i dont know wat id do without it but before hand i was like no its too much and wont get used but i was sooooo wrong. and i tell people that because i am yet to meet someone who wants it then and there with out any second thourghts. 

im hoping that this demo will go somewhere booking wise
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cookie1 on June 29, 2012, 08:32:14 am
Best of luck.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: mcmich on June 30, 2012, 04:14:47 am
Let us know how you get on Kathleen.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on July 02, 2012, 03:02:04 am
well i didnt get any bookings  :(and im starting to think mayby im just not cut out to be a consultant. i sold a new 2.5L server but i dont get anything from that  :'( i have my first varoma demo coming up on the 17th and shes a lot of fun so im looking forward to that. otherwise im almost dead in the water and thermofest in hongkong is traveling in a speed boat away from me.  :(

ps i hate papper work lol
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cookie1 on July 02, 2012, 04:02:25 am
Kathleen  do you think that possibly your feelings are coming across during your demos? I know it is very hard, but that may be a possibility. Keep trying.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: meganjane on July 02, 2012, 08:21:10 am
Kathleen, you mentioned that you sold a 2.5L ThermoServer. How did you manage that? They're only available as a gift if someone buys.

I, too am struggling a bit. It's hard when you're in an area where no one owns a machine. Every single person who's seen it in my community is hesitating due to the cost.

I'm also 60kms from our main town, so demos there mean a 120km round trip and DH is complaining about kms being racked up in the car.
I had to postpone two demos I had booked this week because they're in a country town three hours from me and DH hit the roof!

I've actually pulled right back and have just done my follow up phone calls from demo participants and only email interested people each month with the incentives. If I start stressing about it, I think it will show. When I do demos and people are hesitating, I tell them to go home and think about it. I explain that some people wait 6 months before making a decision.

I guess I'm looking at the long term, not short term. Unfortunately, I only have two more weeks to get my third sale. If that doesn't happen, I won't be qualified. I'm not going to worry about it. What happens, happens...
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cooking-good-looking on July 03, 2012, 12:31:42 am
Hi Kathleen, the reason I asked where in Melbourne you were was because in a few months I want to buy a thermomix (I'm aiming for June, but possibly July) and because I have gained so much knowledge from this forum (most recently the decision NOT to buy one of the Belinni machines, which had I not seen the comments and reviews from people on here, I probably would have purchased when I saw it in the Target catalog, so thank you everyone!) I want purchase one from a forum member, and I'd love to help out a 'newby' because I know how hard starting anything can be. I know it doesn't help you now, but something to look forward to may help you stay motivated.

I'm sorry I can't be of much help about now, but I think the letterbox drop is a great idea.

And don't worry about the people who are negative, your friends should support you whatever decision you make. If we all stopped when things got too hard, we wouldn't have anything.

I just need to comment on this. Last night I read in the Target catalogue an apology about the fact that the Belinni had been sent out with a recipe book in which they had still left the words Thermomix and TMX in the recipes... ouch. Big ouch. They then had to go as far as to say that the recipes are not suitable for the Belinni!
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cookie1 on July 03, 2012, 04:09:06 am
MJ I'm sure with that attitude your 3ed sale will come through. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: meganjane on July 03, 2012, 01:58:44 pm
Thanks Cookie.

Sometimes, though, my honesty doesn't pay.

I need to shut up.

I tell people that the icing sugar is pure icing sugar and is gritty. I tell them that the ground wheat is just that, not quite flour yet. Blah, blah. All those things I discovered when I first got my Thermomix. I just can't help it! Unfortunately, I feel that's what people focus on, the negatives, rather than the positives. In future, I'm not saying anything, I'll just listen to the Oohs and Aahs.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: CraftyMum on July 03, 2012, 02:18:23 pm
Tell them about the perfect lemon butter :) it's awesome -
never making that in a saucepan again! 

Title: Re: need help
Post by: judydawn on July 03, 2012, 02:21:10 pm
MJ, what's wrong with being totally honest - they are going to find out for themselves once they own the machine and then they'll complain that their consultant never told them the icing sugar was going to be gritty.  Mine certainly never did  ;)  Give me honesty any day.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: cecilia on July 03, 2012, 02:39:46 pm
MJ,  I share the info that Chookie gave us after an advanced class she attended - it's on the forum here somewhere - about milling it up again to get it finer.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: goldfish on July 03, 2012, 11:07:32 pm
Cecilia - I printed that off too.  The tip from Tenina said . .

"To make icing sugar, grind/cool/grind/cool - Do this 10 times so that it is not gritty.  This is how commercial icing sugar is made."

Eventually found the link - http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=9284.0
Title: Re: need help
Post by: DizzyGirl on July 03, 2012, 11:16:58 pm
MJ perhaps you need to make a list of all the positives and use that. Forget the negatives. All things in life have negatives and it is important to focus on the positives.

Perhaps comply a list of the favourite things you make  and hand that out at demos. It gives the attendees a great perception of the abilities of the machine.

You could even categorise it into Starters, Main Meals, Snacks and Desserts. I found that the demo was good but it is time limited and there is so much more that can be done with the machine that wasn't shown or discussed.
Title: Re: need help
Post by: kathleenm on July 04, 2012, 01:21:44 am
Quote
I tell people that the icing sugar is pure icing sugar and is gritty. I tell them that the ground wheat is just that, not quite flour yet. Blah, blah. All those things I discovered when I first got my Thermomix. I just can't help it! Unfortunately, I feel that's what people focus on, the negatives, rather than the positives. In future, I'm not saying anything, I'll just listen to the Oohs and Aahs.

i do that too and i run over time because of it.  :P
any excisting customer can buy a 2.5L server for $37.50 at a demo only otherwise thier $75.
its hard not to tell people everything about it but we must learn to stop ourselfs and keep it to the 2 hrs. :P