Hi Maria, thanks for talking to Insight. Can you tell us a little about yourself, and your start in Tupperware?
I started in Tupperware on a bit of a whim. It was always somewhere in the back of my mind but attending a party at my sisters with a Demonstrator I knew made me decide to start. I was interested in the product discount and doing a party a week.
I had a six month old breastfed baby so really wasn’t looking for a job. I had worked as a teacher in child care prior to having children, so couldn’t see the sense in paying someone to look after my children when I was being paid to look after someone else’s children.

What made you decide that was the right time to advance towards Managership?
I enjoyed being a Demonstrator and really needed encouragement to become a Manager. My first recruit, Manager and husband encouraged me after attending an Insight into Managership evening. I was reluctant to become a Manager as I didn’t think I could do it as my baby was still so small and I didn’t want to work full time( I still don’t work full time!) But figured I had nothing to lose if I tried it.

How did you feel when your first Manager Conference was announced?
My first Manager Conference was announced two weeks later at sessions and I was excited at the thought that I would be travelling overseas for the first time.

How did you work towards it?
I was a little worried at the expense so I simply followed the new Manager Development Program and earned points towards New Zealand money. I worked towards going to Conference for free... which I did.
Amazingly, at the Conference we were recognised as the number one New Unit in Australia/New Zealand. Really a highlight of my career.

Describe some of the positive affects of working towards Conference, i.e, the personal benefits and the benefits for your Tupperware business?
I held interviews... which turned into recruits... which turned into Promote Outs which built my team very quickly. I could see the earning potential was much greater as a Manager, really just by adding a couple of extra responsibilities. I was just doing what I was doing as a Demonstrator but with better pay for a little extra work.
I have always enjoyed watching my team grow and found the benefits great. As I came to have my second child I initially thought I would have to give up Tupperware but in fact had great Manager bonuses whilst ‘on leave’. What other job offers this?? How amazing!

How did you overcome your fears and doubts?
I have always had fears and doubts throughout my Tupperware career over the past eight years, and even now as a Manager. I have overcome these fears by speaking to the supportive Managers at my Distributorship and also have found the coaching and support from my Directors fantastic. After all, they have been through it all before and have overcome many doubts and fears along the way.

What did you love the most about the Conference?
I love attending Manager Conference( I have attended four now) and I’m really looking forward to KL as you get to share ideas and thoughts across two countries of successful Tupperware Managers. It is great to get a shot of excitement and a reminder of how vast the opportunities are in a Tupperware business. I love working for myself with such support from those who are meant to be my rivals, but I have found everyone sharing and encouraging, adding to my longevity in the business.

The things I love about Manager Conference are the opportunity to be exposed to excellent training and development, and to be around friends who have similar interests and the same ups and downs. The social atmosphere is great and you experience events you would never have working in a regular every day, ordinary job .The gifts and releases are very exciting too. Oh and the entertainment. I would miss it for the world!! Thanks Tupperware!!