Hi Michelle, thanks for talking to Insight again, and congratulations on your amazing Record Breaker Week. For those new to Tupperware what is a big week and why are these weeks important for your business?

A big week is historically identified by Tupperware - we always have great guest specials and host rewards, however in a 'big week' they are even bigger! There are also traditionally EXTRA rewards and gifts for Demonstrators and Managers too. Each Unit sets a goal to achieve or it is set as a challenge by our Directors!. It is a time to challenge ourselves in individual sales too. Record Breaker Week, usually at the end of November, is the most well know 'big week' in Tupperware...however there are other weeks as well. There is also no reason that you can’t set your own 'big week' anytime! - by booking as many parties into one week as you can.

How do you plan Big Weeks around your young family?

Everyone in my family knows when there is a 'big week' coming up. The dates are put on the calendar, as well as the week or so before to allow planning time. I can then overlay the dates with our family commitments to ensure nothing is overlooked - school lunches organised, extra help with packing later, care for the children if there are any clashes with my husband’s work (my husband works shift work so this might just mean booking a baby sitter for one evening while I go out to do a party), or keeping an evening clear to enter orders from all of my parties once the kids go to bed. I enlist everyone’s help with little jobs - delivering previews in our local estate, stamping literature, etc - the kids love the extra pocket money and know that we always have lovely rewards after a big week too. If you are new to Tupperware make sure they know that it is only one week and that it does not hurt to work hard now to reap the rewards later - ie extra money and time together. We always have a lovely family holiday together at the beach in January - the kids love to spend their pocket money and of course enjoy the extra time together as a family.

Do you set yourself a personal goal during a Big Week?

Yes, I always set a personal sales goal for myself as well as a personal reward, which might just be a visit to the day spa. I am a big believer in balance. I teach my kids that it’s good to work hard as long as you have time for each other, and time to reward yourself too. Being strict with your diary and not saying ‘yes’ to everything is okay too. I still play tennis once a week, it’s a social commitment to myself (and good exercise too!). And I don’t work on Sundays, that’s a family day together that is in my diary crossed out for any work.

How do you work with your Managers and Unit for Big Weeks?

Planning is the most important aspect here. As well as information. Everyone in the team needs to know what our team goal is prior to a big week in terms of parties and sales, and what part they play if they choose to participate. I always make sure I clearly reiterate the rewards available from Tupperware when my team members achieve their sales levels they set. We set sales goals together according to the gift levels. For example, if the top level is $5000 in sales for all of the gifts, I may set this as a challenge for those that have expressed interest to achieve approx $4000. It’s fine to help and support everyone to extend themselves and reap the rewards!

I see my part as that of motivator, supporter and communicator - its great with Tupperware that Managers plan parties and demonstrate too, so we understand exactly what is required to do well, and to reach a goal we have set ourselves. With my Direct Promote Outs I try to be a step ahead and pass on information in regards to what it is that I am doing with my base team and encourage my DPO's to do the same.

Do you share your Big Week goal with your family? If so, why?

Yes I do, so they understand why I am busy in the big week and in the planning weeks prior.

What do Big Weeks do for your business?

'Big weeks' are vitally important to our business as they generate excitement, team spirit, more rewards for my team and a real sense of achievement. My team, and now group, really loves working together. Doing well individually and as a team is the icing on the cake.

Although you’re very busy with your Tupperware career, you still have a healthy work life balance. How have you achieved this?

This is so so important to me and the main reason I believe that I have the perfect job - I get to choose when I work..I often remember my 'past life' working in a busy marketing office for a big corporation - long hours, childcare and no flexibility. Holidays had to be taken when it suited the business, not my family. I love the work/life balance that this job affords me, and I don’t take it for granted because of my time 'on the other side'!

What tips can you give on how you work with your big week Hosts to make sure their dates hold on the original day?

My word choices when booking in potential hosts are vital - I would never of course say - 'when do you want your party?’, it is more along the lines of ’I hold my parties on a Saturday morning and afternoon or on a Thursday evening, which suits you best?’ Now that my children are at school I always encourage day time parties. I talk about office, hospital, factory parties etc.

Party planning is always essential and can never be underestimated, it’s a vital tool. Especially the WIFM (what’s in it for me - GIFT GOAL!) for the new Host. Also contact, contact, contact - this may be a friendly email or confirmation card to say how much I am looking forward to seeing them at their party and how great it will be when they achieve the 'Mixed Pantry Plus' (or whichever gift they chose).

I also have a set weekly routine now that I am an EGM - a set time with my Managers, reporting time and time for focus with our Managers In Training.