I just sat down for a minute to look at the upcoming schedule for the "The Business of Doing Business as a Personal Chef" seminars. I was surprised to find that there are seven (7) opportunities for new Personal Chef members to attend these all important training seminars.
At my last seminar in Atlanta I had people attending from all over, including Tennessee, Montana and Florida.
For new members I want to just give you an idea of what goes on at these seminars...first we use the training manual as a guide, but we don't sit down and read it...we actively discuss it and get all the attendees involved in those discussions. We make every effor to make a naturally dull subject into something that has meaning and substance. And we discuss in detail all the factors that are critical to you running an effective and profitable business.
I would suggest to all of you that there are three levels of getting your business started...all of them are correct and there is no right or wrong way...but they are:
1. Join APCA, read and study the training manual and diligently read the forum. This is the practical and most economical way of using your APCA association. It is my opinion that most people will require at least 4 to 6 months or more to use this method effectively.
2. Join APCA and purchase the collection of Video Training tapes. This is the next step above number 1...the video tapes give you exposure to the programs and demonstrations done by others. You still must read the forums and study your manual. And by using this method you will cut some significant time off getting started in the business.
3. Join APCA and attend a training seminar. You still have to read the manual and you still have to spend a lot of time reading the forum...but you couple those activities with a hands on, active participation group and you really speed the process up in getting your business off the ground. We have often had new members go out, follow the training program that we present and end up with clients before the end of the first month. Not always, because a lot depends on the individual...but often enough to know that it is not just chance.
We have seriously discussed making the attendance of a seminar mandatory because it is so important a contribution to starting a successful business.
But Candy will have none of that! She absolutely insists that we maintain the flexibility for people to join the association that do not have the financial where-with-all to attend a seminar right away. And more power to her for holding her ground. It proves why this association is the leader in this industry.
Newbies Unite!!!
Look carefully at how you want to start your business and how quickly you want to get off and cooking. Then see if there a way that you can work attending one of these seminars into your start up budget. Remember if you are already a member, you get a discount on the fee...you don't have to pay the whole load again!
And remember, too, all of the expenses of your APCA membership and all of the travel expenses and fees to attend the seminar are also tax deductible.
It would be very helpful if any of those who have attended seminars recently would jump in and add their comments about the effectiveness of the program.
If you look right now you can attend all across the country in the next 30 days. NOW GET OUT THERE AND COOK FOR SOMEBODY.
