hey brent.. thank you for your support..... i have checked out the forums and they have been very helpful... i have not jumped into the forums yet because i have been pretty busy with work.... thanx to your marketing methods i have become busier than normal... i am also getting my catering license and have been dealing with all the stuff that goes along with gettting that set up... i will be in touch... thanx for always being so helpful..

Thanks, Sharon. I renewed my membership with a smile on my face. I love being a member of PCN and feel it has helped make my business a success. I love being a personal chef and having such a wonderful support system. I do visit the forums every day and have posted to them. I am close to Seattle and Portland and was thinking about traveling there for their gatherings this year. I have been saving my money so I can attend the convention this fall. I can hardly wait. Thanks again for all you do.

Hi Sharon: I would be a fool if I didn't renew my PCN membership, I wouldn't be employed if it weren't for your network. You gave me the tools I needed to start my business, and continue to refer clients my way. Are you sure I only owe you $155? I feel like I should send you more J

Hi Sharon! Hope you've had some time to put your feet up and revel in the great accomplishment that was Convention 2007! It was SO GREAT! I've been so energized since returning home and hope that I find the courage to follow through on all the marketing ideas I found so appealing. I think I may try the trial 60-day Constant Contact, even though I don't have that many clients, I know a lot of people. Another area that intrigues me is cooking classes, both in-home and store. I'd really like to see that as a topic for next year since so many of the demonstators mentioned giving classes, ie Connie. I'm sure there is forum info, I just haven't gone there yet, but just having Denny talk about dinner and massage has certainly inspired many of us to do just that. I know that Jackie Davids has already! I haven't broached the subject yet with my massage therapist but will when I can focus an things a bit more (end of school year approaching). Again, thanks for everything you do! I love being a part of PCN - it's almost like being in a sorority again, only with guys! Cheers, Margie

Hi Sharon!

I want to tell you that the materials are fantastic. It has been one week since it all arrived and I have been consumed with it (well, only after I make sure my little girls are okay J) Although I had researched how to go about setting the business up, it is all in one place and easy to use/adapt etc. So far I have my DBA, business checking account, Insurance; effective today and I an signed on to do the Serv Safe Training the end of March. Working on my menu and finishing up my forms/contracts. My husband is amazed at how quickly I have been able to get going and I know that is due to this amazing network. Thank you for all that you have done to create the Personal Chefs Network!

Hope you are having a great day!

Hi Sharon:

I was so pleased when I got your note in the mail yesterday. How absolutely thoughtful and special that was! You're right, Sharon--that smile on my face during the convention was because I was having a wonderful time. And I learned so much.

Since coming home I've raised my rates, redesigned my logo and my website is in process. I think it's going to be pretty cute. I'll post a link when it's done.

The convention took me to the next level in terms of aspiration. I still want this to be a part-time business. But I'm thinking I could hire the heavy work done in my garden instead of doing everything myself--then I'll have more time to take on another client or two! I'm jazzed!

Thanks so much for your genius business idea. Top notch offerings with top notch chefs.

Sending a hug!

Hi All:

Got my PCN package in the mail today. I started looking at it. It's just like Christmas in July. Now is when the fun begins it's time to read and digest it all. I'm looking forward to picking brains and asking some new questions. I know with this group it's hard to stump the panel. Thank for all the support thus far.

In your debt,

Hello Brent, Hello Sharon,

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. I just wanted to let you know that I received my package Saturday, but I have been so busy this weekend that today is actually the first day I can go through the material. I’ve only read a few pages and already I found detailed answers to some of my concerns ... All I have to say is: WOW! Anyway ... I just wanted to thank you before continuing my reading and planning!

Thank you so much ... I am so excited to be part of PCN!

All the best,

PS: I just received the results for my ServSafe certification ... And I passed with 94%. I think I might be on my way ;-)

Posted in the Member's Only Forums at PCN:

I'm really getting things in order and feeling proud of myself, for a while I wasn't posting or even coming to the forums. But now the inspiration is back and I'm starting to get excited again. You know that feeling when you first got that link to PCN and visited the home page... and just knew that PCing fits you. I'm not half way completed in setting up by business though I am almost there with my plan not to mention I was blessed with some financial backing recently I just have to make sure not to loose those butterflies, I mean the good ones, the ones that hint on good things to come. The ones you got when you saw that big PCN box waiting at your front door. Not the ones that build fear of the unknown. Just wanted to say thank you to all who post here. To the one's that ask the rookie questions and the ones who take the time to answer. To the people who care to post a quick congrats because you received an inquiry or got that check in hand. Thanks.

PCN,

I am getting a wealth of information from this site!! Joining this network is probably the smartest thing I've done in years.

PCN,

Thank you so much for this information. I am so excited to get started on everything. I am so thrilled by all the emails and positive reinforcement. (If I wasn't sure I did the right thing already it looks like everyone will make sure I did) . hee hee Well I am anxiously awaiting my info packet and in the mean time reading every post I can. I just read all of the Garlic Press...and can relate to the Newbie who had the dinner party that went crzzzy...I cant wait to get started.

Thanks again for offering such an awesome network. You and Sharon have provided a great service and a lot of support to one more aspiring Personal Chef.

Cheers and Thanks again,

Sharon,

I can't tell you how happy I am that I joined PCN. It is an invaluable tool--all those great chefs with their positive attitudes and great info to share. How often I run their advice through my head when I start getting negative and questioning my ability to pull this business off! Thank you so much for all you do. It's a wonderful service that you and Wendy have put together. I'll be looking forward to meeting you both in Las Vegas next year.

Thanks again,

Dear PCN:

Well, call it beginners luck, but I handed out 5 business cards over the weekend and landed two cook dates....geez.....you guys were right. The only thing they wanted to know was, "Can you cook?" Now I have to hurry up and finish my paperwork and SafeServ class. Here we go!!! My package arrived, but I have to pick it up. Thank you!

Dear PCN,

Just a note to let you know, I am a happy camper!! For some reason the mail arrived today at noon not 2PM and the materials for PCN were there and I have just finished reading both manuals. Yes, this is the business I can be proud of and since signing on, have talked to several friends and neighbors and have already started marketing. They have an advantage of knowing my cooking already.

Have already checked on my liability insurance with my carrier and called to get the bank account set up and the business license started.

This note is to say, "Thank You", for the great business plan provided, I have researched a home business for over a year now and this is the first one that does not ask me to sell my family and friends something they do not need or want. And as stated yesterday, this is an answer to my prayers.

My husband always said I should do something like this and since his passing I started to seriously look into all we discussed, only to find the answers in PCN.

I look forward to a wonderfully prosperous adventure. Again, Thank you!

Dear Sharon:

Ok...first off, let me retract anything I may have said in the beginning about PCN being insanely expensive to join! I just got my package today and I can't BELIEVE all the useful info that there is! I cannot imagine how much work was involved to put together such a comprehensive package! The time involved with the SBA trying to figure out this crap was nuts, and here you have it all spelled out. GOD BLESS YOU! It's bloody unbelievable. I can't thank you enough for shaving WEEKS of work off this ordeal, seriously.

This is the best money I've ever spent, without a doubt. Hands down. You are my HEROES.

Hey there Sharon,

Congratulations to both of you on PCN's anniversary. It's a wonderful feeling to watch your business grow and your hard work pay off. Thank you for your help getting my own business started-- this last year the growth in my business has been unbelievable and I know that even though I don't get as involved on the forums as some, just being a part of the group has been inspiring and supportive to get me to this point. Thanks for your hard work.

Regards,

Hi Sharon:

It's taken me a while to get myself ready to proceed; but it feels great to know I'm really "official" now. One of the best things I did for myself when I began looking into personal cheffing was to join PCN. I have learned so much through the forums, and I feel that I have become a member of a great enthusiastic family--no one knows me yet, but I feel some of the "regulars" are my personal friends! You should hear me cheer when I read of their successes--like Joni Wilhelm landing that connection with the day spa, or Abra being covered in Food and Wine! Without the enthusiastic sharing of this terrific group, I doubt that I would have proceeded. And I would have made a lot of mistakes along the way were it not for the wisdom of the seasoned chefs who share the things that have helped make them successful. I do hope I will be able to attend the next convention to get to know my "cohorts" on a personal level.

Thanks to both you and Sharon. I look forward to participating as I go along now with recipes that I feel others would enjoy or comments worthy of sharing on the forums.

Hi Margaret: (In reply to the last issue of "The Garlic Press(c)")

Thank you for wanting feedback! I am sure that I am only one of many who is enjoying your content! I am equally impressed with the topics as I am the humor and expertise. I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from just being a member in the Personal Chef Network over the past year. I labored for many days and prayed even harder to enable an informed decision as to which network to join after graduating from Culinary School as I was a stay-at-home mom of two girls. With a husband, household, and children still under tow; I have my hands already full......but you don't know ME! I have a PASSION....It's food...every aspect of it excites me!

Previous to my mom-years, I was a business office manager in many fields which included healthcare and law. I have an accounting, management, and marketing background (education without finishing the degree, Jr. year).

And, to tell you the truth; nothing excites me more than what I am doing right now! So, a long story short, this forum in newsletter form really peaks interest. It shows me that if I am having a problem or need ideas, you point me in that direction. You give us clues, ideas, and start me thinking in areas that I may not have visited in a while. Sometimes, I may have thought about a topic, and when it is then mentioned in the newsletter....it validates me. I have gotten some wonderful results from the helpfulness of other cheffies! My business is growing with every day and is much more than I hoped for thus far! Thank you!

Hi Sharon,

I am so thrilled that you picked me for Runner Up for Marketing Ideas. I am also very honored that you would give me a 6 month membership discount to PCN! That's a Wonderful prize!!!! Thank you so very very much!

I can't tell you how much all this means to me. I think 1 member said it feels like winning an Oscar...that's exactly how I feel. I am so proud to be part of this group...and to be an honored member is beyond all my dreams and expectations! Thank you so much!

You really put together a remarkable organization Sharon. I know you're proud..... You have truly created a superb entity that has grown and flourished. The best part is...it's all good. That says a tremendous amount about the people behind it. I have an enormous amount of respect for you and Wendy. You two are truly Mentors in the best and most honest sense of the word.

I'm sure you've heard this from hundreds of people. I just want to be another who thanks you.

My son has moved away from Houston...I am so disappointed because I was REALLY looking forward to another reason to come see you and Norie and whoever else was available! Now he is back in Philly so I guess I'll just have to hook up with "Tri City Folks" When I finally cash in those frequent flyer miles.

I won't bend your eyes anymore tonight...Just wanted to let you know how completely honored I am and thank you for the wonderful honor.

Kindest and Warmest Regards,

Ann

Hello All,

This past Friday was my last day at my part time job. The timing has been perfect because I have 9 regular clients that are all happy and should be long term. I cook 4-5 days a week and home in time to get my kids from school - how cool is that! If you would have told me 3 years ago that this was going to be my fututre I would have laughed. Thanks PCN!

Hey Sharon,

Hope you are having a great day!

Your forums are so awesome, Sharon. There is so very much info at our fingertips. I am so very glad I renewed and have been working hard in preparation to chef.

Thanks for being there.

Dear Sharon,

I received my materials last Tuesday and have been reading through them ever since! It's more than obvious that I have made the right decision joining PCN! Thank you so much for the phone call and added support. I've got a lot of preparation and organizing to do before I get started, so it is nice to know that the forum is there for all my 'newbie' questions. I am so excited about my new biz adventure and the contacts I will be making with fellow PCers. Thanks to your (and Wendy's) passion for food and people, I am able to make my dream become a reality (slowly but surely :-) ).

Buon Appetito,

Hi Sharon and thanks for the note -

I've enjoyed the first couple of days going through all of the message boards. I am compiling a short list of questions that I might email or call you with. I have 4 potential client meetings this week - before I actually joined PCN I had been doing some networking and research about people and their needs - so once I had the materials, I dove in and set up these appointments.

Thanks again for creating such a wonderful network - I am finding the binder to be my bible!

Regards,

Hi Sharon,

Just wanted to let you know I did finally receive the fish sauce you sent me. I've used it and I love it!

I know you hear about what a great job you're doing from our members often, but I just wanted to say once again, that I'm thankful every day to have found PCN, not just because you send Asian condiments across the continent for people, but because you take the time to be a part of what you've created, and not just take our cheques and be done with us.

Sincerely,

Posted in the Personal Chefs Network Member Forums:

As a new PC in the network, I wanted to express my thanks and my excitement in this new chapter of my life. The kind, supportive emails and materials have been incredible.

I had been looking at becoming a PC for many years, but it was never the right time. My parents have always known that I wanted to move into the world of cooking (as my passion and career), but with a family (two great kids and a supportive husband), the timing never seemed to be right. They bought me the PC Network as a "gift" to get me motivated and to help me get into something that I love.

I've jumped into it headfirst and have 4 potential client meetings set up this coming week - I figure I have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. I look forward to meeting many of you and chatting on these forums - thanks in advance for your expertise and kindness

Posted in the Personal Chefs Network Member Forums:

I just joined PCN a little while ago and don't actually plan on getting things officially underway till Fall. That being said, I have been browsing these forums almost daily and have posted a fair bit, too! The amount of support that is provided is unbelievable and the information on this site is second to none, primarily because it is just so darn practical as it directly relates to this particular industry!! People who are not taking advantage of everything their membership has to offer are truly missing out.

You guys are really impressing me.....I thank you for your welcome and return your graciousness.......my goal is to add to the ranks of integrity and success of this profession and organization.....thanks to all...

Hi, Sharon,

I just wanted you to know that yesterday afternoon I received the box of materials for The Making of a Personal Chef. There's a lot of information in that box. I have even more than I thought to get started and organized. Stuff I hadn't thought of but ALL good, informative, valuable stuff. This would be valuable information for anyone starting up a small business out of their home - no matter what the industry or business. It'll be a while before I get through all of this and organized.

I JUST WANTED TO THANK YA'LL FOR THE WARM WELCOME I HAVE RECEIVED FROM ALL OF YOU GUYS. IT SHOWS THAT I HAVE CHOSEN THE RIGHT PCN ASSOCIATION, WHERE THE MEMBERS REALLY DO CARE ABOUT ONE ANOTHER. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF TOWN FOR THE LAST WEEK SO I AM A LITTLE SLOW WITH THIS REPLY, BUT I'M BACK HOME NOW AND PLANNING TO JUMP IN TO STUDYING THE MATERIALS 100%. YOU WILL SURELY BE SEEING ME IN THE FORUMS AND I HOPE TO BE TALKING TO SOME OF YOU LOCALS VERY SOON.

Thank you,

Sharon ...

Hello to my fave PC's! Just wanted to let you in on what happened at our accountant's office yesterday. His exact words were, "My gosh Kris, your business has REALLY taken off this year!" I hadn't thought too much about it until the actual figures were in, BUT I am thrilled! I am doing well!

I will sign my last client Monday...here goes a wait list!

Thanks a million - this is what I know I am meant to be doing. I also am starting to teach some classes at the Senior Center the last three weeks in March. Simple meals, veggies, and healthy salads.

You two rock!

Dear Sharon,

I just wanted to thank you both for creating such a supportive, kind, and enthusiastic network that I was happy and proud to be a part of for 15 months!

I have had to close my PC business and let my membership lapse for the time being, and am seeking employment from someone other than myself. However, I remain hopeful that I will return to this business in the future.

My previous experience in the corporate world was as an environmental consultant, and I am really reluctant to get back in to that situation, but I know it will pay the bills. I just don't want to get sucked back into it full force! (I know you know what I mean!)

My experience as a personal chef and my association with PCN taught me to trust my instincts more, and to use more of my creative talents. So, I am also looking to do something different, and would like to work as an editor for a newsletter, publishing company, or something similar. I have a lot of experience and talent at writing technical reports, and editing them as well, so am hoping that I may find work in that profession. If you know of anything that might be a fit, please keep me in my mind!

I wish you all the success and happiness that I know you deserve, and thank you for the opportunity to get to know you!

Chef Sharon,

I just thought I would let you know I got my package safe and sound today. The first thing I did was to frame my certificate and hang it on the wall of my little office!

I have been doing busy work since the beginning of December for my PC business, and it is such a good feeling to see it all starting to come together. I found a perfect little van to use, and I'm going to pick that up tomorrow. I already have a graphics guy that is going to do the decals on it for me too........

Thank you for the help you have given me so far. I have so many more questions still, though. As far as the business aspects involved, I was pretty knowledgeable as far as running a 1.5 or 2 million dollar a year foodservice business, but this is so different! There really is no delegation to personnel, maintenance, "front of the house" people, etc. now. I am it!

But.....with a couple of deep breaths and a little help from my friends, I do believe it will work!

I have targeted March 1st for my official start date, yet with the marketing I have done so far, I already have way more clients than I could ever think of taking care of with the level of quality service that I insist on.

Anyway, thank you (and all of you too) so much..........

Sharon:

It is with great pleasure to tell you how much PCN has changed my personal chef business. After three years as a working chef and member of another organization, I joined PCN a year ago. I have completely revamped my business to make more money, work less and offer my clients a completely different spectrum of menus. I couldn't have done it without the information I found here.

I would also like to sincerely thank the both of you for your kindness and appreciation of my input in the forums. It truly is a refreshing change. The forums at PCN are fascinating and so broad with information that you can't help but learn from them. The support I feel from the members here is truly warm and genuine, and the absence of hierarchy in this organization is something that is a sheer pleasure to experience.

Yours with warmest regards

Hi Sharon!

I'm happy to be renewing my membership! The best $135.00 I've spent this year.

I just don't know what I would do without PCN. I know that the support has helped my business and knowing you and Wendy are always available is a tremendous safety net.

Thanks again for such a wonderful "home" for new and not-so-new PC's to put our feet up on the coffee table. It really is a blessing to so many of us.

Let me know if there is every anything I can do to help you or Wendy... or PCN. I am more than happy to contribute in any way I can.

Kindest and Best Regards,

Dear Sharon

Well I have finally managed to get myself organized with setting up my Personal Chef business called Sophie's Kitchen. I wanted to thank you and Sharon for provided such a comprehensive guide, it has been such a great help and source of inspiration. Thank you.

Regards

Hi Sharon!

I just wanted to write and tell you Thank you for the wonderful welcome into PCN! I'm so looking forward to this experience and can't wait to be "up and running" soon. (I still have a lot of work to do though).

Everyone has been so supportive and welcoming so far, I know that I've made the right choice in joining! I've been so busy going through all the materials - there's a lot to digest, but it really seems helpful, especially yours and Wendy's personal experiences. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better and being a part of this community. Thank you for all your support .

Sincerely,

Hello Sharon!!

I want to thank you for all of your support, I feel so lucky to be apart of such a wonderful organization that cares so much about it's members.

Hi PCN!

I just wanted to drop you both a note to say "thank you".

After a year and a half of slowly growing my business, I can say that I am at a place now that feels very comfortable for me. I am in control of how many clients I cook for and what I prepare for them (usually). I control what days I cook and what days I'm off marketing my business.

I'm my own boss with ALOT of help from PCN.

Thank you for starting PCN in the first place and thank you for setting the tone of our forums. The forums are fun, light and very supportive, with tons of information shared every day.

I just love being a member of PCN!!

Dear PCN:

Everything I learned from our manuals, the forums, and at the convention helped make my first cheffing day successful and FUN. It was so much fun.

I got a lovely e-mail from my client today. They are happy. They especially liked the caesar salad dressing that I goofed on (didn't save lemon juice for it, ended up using vinegar.) I went a little heavy on the garlic, but can easily fix that. (They said they loved garlic, lesson learned, better too little than too much.)

Here is what she wrote:

"Hi Patti - Fred and I were thrilled. I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer about our impressions of our dinner last night. I thought the broccoli was PERFECTLY prepared. I had it cold - a fabulous munchy. I'm serious! It was super green, just soft, just crunchy enough. We're talking perfection here. We really enjoyed our caesar salads - somehow you were able to make a pungent dressing that was still light!!! The chicken marsala was terrific - fabulous sauce - satisfying, nicely developed flavors. However afterwards all we tasted was garlic. Perhaps a little less garlic next time. We are happy clients!!!! A+ to you - that, from one of my other lives as a teacher. We are looking forward to tonight's experience. We can hardly wait to have dinner...ate a little early last night...this is a great service."

Sharon, for all you do for us. You are the BEST. The PCN materials are great. You are both so welcoming and helpful.

Janet Wilson, your advice to pack up my cheffing kit, do my shopping, come home and unpack it all, ... was worth a million bucks. My husband thought I was nuts, but I learned so much from doing that. Cooking a weeks worth of meals in a day is not new to me, but all the other stuff was.

Caren, your time saving tips helped me so much. They made me really think about how work efficiently.

Peg, I've been using MasterCook for managing recipes for about 2 years, but never used the menu planning or grocery list stuff. Learning those made the shopping a breeze. I am going through my ingredient database and updating info about store location. I'm changing all the store locations to sort in the order of the aisles in my store, changing produce to a produce, deli to b deli, etc. Can't do it by aisle number because MC sorts alphabetically, not numerically (it will sort 1, 16, 2, rather than 1, 2, 16). I thought I had a pretty good grocery list method, but MC rules.

To everyone else, every bit of information I've read here or discussed with you has added to my pool of knowledge. You've helped me by giving me tips, inspiring me, prodding me, ...

This is a great place to be. Thank you helping me make this possible. I am so glad that my crazy high-tech employer decided that it no longer values my skills and is setting me free on May 30. And that I found PCN.

Hi all -

Long time no post. I don't know HOW you folks find the time to read all the posts AND reply AND be a busy PC, AND have a life beyond PCing! I feel like a slouch that I don't get here nearly as often as I think about it.

Anyway, for those of you just starting, count me as just one more "you can do it!" vote.

I joined PCN about a year ago, and my business is slowly growing, and I'm learning the ropes.

I started slow, and now have 4 clients. Seems like the more clients I get, the more calls I get - totally through word of mouth around here. I did some marketing earlier on, with no success. But since I wasn't dependent on the business to support me, I had the luxury of just letting things happen. And they are - to the point where I don't know how many more clients I want ... I'm retired, don'tcha know, and have a grandbaby that lives across the state that misses me terribly, and I like to garden and do a bunch of other stuff ...

But I LOVE my job!

I got to thinking the other day - all my life since I was about 16, on of my very favorite things to do was to leaf through my many cook books and recipe collections, pick out something that sounds good, go get the stuff at the store, and make it. In fact, a big frustration through all the years of single-parenting my 4 wonderful kids was that I rarely had time to do that.

Now, it's my JOB! And I'm the boss! Who knew it'd be so satisfying! And pay so well! And, I'm getting it down to a science now, little by little, developing routines and building my kit so I don't have to "pack" every time, etc.

And you guys are so helpful - NEVER have I asked a question that wasn't answered completely. It's so nice to know you're out there!

Thanks to all of you for all you do, and newbies, GO FOR IT!

Hi Sharon:

I wanted you to know how much I am LOVING the forums and this group of wonderful men and women. I especially love love love your responses...to the point and honest and so very supportive. I read an email yesterday in which someone was wondering how much to charge and someone responded to her that as a new chef, that charge would be too high. I was a little discouraged because I remember reading that we should be confident with what we're charging, and then I laughed and sighed with relief when I read your response that we shouldn't even THINK about undercutting ourselves. Thanks for always being on our side out here!!

Sharon:

I started my business in 1997 and was formerly with another association until March of 2003 when I decided that I'd had enough of the politics that were rampant at the other association and grew tired of the negative rivalry fostered between the various Personal chef associations. I have a successful business that I have built through hard work and networking and I wanted to continue to be part of a chef networking group, but one that focused on positive inclusiveness in the membership and encouraged it's members to help each other not hold out information so it could be later packaged and purchased. I am so happy that I made the decision to join PCN. The founders Sharon and Wendy are great and are actually working chefs so they know the latest up to date real life working situations and relate to the members as fellow chefs. All the members have been very welcoming and incredible! After 7 years, I thought I knew almost everything about Personal Cheffing. Was I wrong! I have found ideas that were never even discussed at the other association that make so much sense and make life easier on the chef. PCN chefs are happy and willing to help you make your business a success without the politics and backbiting. I can't believe that it costs MUCH less than the other materials I paid for when the value is so great here. It's the best money you will spend on creating a successful Personal Chef business. It's a great place to be!

Hi Sharon,

I am so excited to be coming to Boston. Cindy Barnard and I are going to be roomies. I still feel "new" at this, but we thought we would have a great time together. I am arriving Thursday afternoon and leaving Sunday afternoon.

Hope to learn a lot, meet all the cool folks who have been so helpful to me, get some great ideas that have worked for others, get "pumped up" and just plain ENJOY ! Last year, I was way too newbie, but I feel that now I will get a tremendous amount out of this event.

I can't remember what I signed up for, BUT will we get a copy at registration? LOL That is the over 55 syndrome, right there and then....for sure!

All I can tell you is that PCN is the BEST way I can think of to get going in this biz. Were it not for you, I would still be in the very early stages of everything. My website is getting ten hits a day now, I have joined a womens' networking group, and last week, got a call from a guy who is in NC and is coming here with his family of 16. He said they want dinners for the week. He found me on a GOOGLE search...I couldn't believe it.

So all that marketing, the articles, etc. have really begun to pay off big time. My goal is to have a WAIT LIST by June 1.

Thanks so much to both you and Sharon for all you do and have done. Your dream(s) made my dream a reality. I LOVE THIS JOB!

See ya in Beantown, GURLZ! :-)

Kris

Dear Sharon,

I want to tell you that I am so happy I joined PCN. I love everyone on the boards, and all the information. My business is right on track, and it's because of PCN. Thank you so much. I couldn't be happier to be associated with all of you!

Thanks Sharon for the great links.

I hope you and Wendy never get tired of spoon-feeding those of us who have not mastered the "Search" portion of our web site.

Also, thanks to Norie, who talked to me on the phone for a long time giving me lots of help and suggestions.

This is a great organization, and I'm so glad I joined PCN.

Looking forward to meeting everyone in Boston!

Dear Sharon:

Thank you for providing such a wonderful network and group for all of us newbies. Without this organization, I would never have been able to do this on my own.

Sincerely,

Bad Sharon! You let me into the forum too late at night... I'm so tired I'm rocking as I sit, but I can't pull myself away from all the information I've been dying to get! All I can think of now is that there should have been a warning label-- "Contents of forum may become addictive and the surgeon general advises that sleep is necessary for good business! Should be read with caution!"

Anyway, what a GREAT service you offer. Thanks for making me feel so welcome from the start!

Thanks PCN! I just did a 5x4 for a family that went so well I'm thankful! Now if they just like my food! Your PCN package arrived Friday (the day before), and it was a Godsend! Before that, I was so nervous about the cooking date - you all, with your commonsense approach, helped me to not only do it, but enjoy it!! I am walking on air, finally having the courage to stop being a closet entrepreneur and actually BE one! My family loves the idea; my darling husband having given me the startup money once he saw I had thoroughly researched the idea, and my two sons, ages 24 and 15, are helping me design a logo and a brochure, eventually a website. Thank you so much for all you and Sharon do - and the rest of the group!

Sincerely,

Sharon,

You are a doll. Thank you so much for your help. Input from seasoned 'cheffers' like you is important. I do love all the input in the forums, too, but as a Founder of this supercalifragilisticexpialdocious (SP???)organization, your opinions are the tops!!!

Again, thank you.

Sharon:

Just wanted to let you know that I have my liability insurance now. I got it last week! Worked out great too, I chef for my first client tomorrow (Monday).

This whole experience has been a "God Thing". He has worked this plan out for me and I didn't even realize what he was doing over the past 3 years! I guess that is how it works though. I started out selling Pampered Chef and got my confidence up, then started helping others out with meals and now I am a Personal Chef!! There were times that I though what am I doing but it has all paid off. I finally have a career that I think I am gonna love!

Thanks for your help in getting started and all the great advice you have given and will give in the future. My first 2 clients came from the web page and the other one through a referral. It has to be a "God Thing" since I have not even sent out press releases or advertised. He is soooooo awesome and has our life paved out for us. I can't wait to see what happens when I really start to advertise!

I did have the local sign shop put my information on my back window of my van and it has drawn some attention. I can see people reading it and following me to write down the number. No inquires yet but that will happen.

Thanks for founding this great organization!

Hi Sharon:

I gave credit to you on my menus for your dishes. I have to tell you that I am modeling much of what I do after you.. (my mentor! you seem to have everything put together so well and seem to have a very solid "recipe" for success, so thank-you for sharing..it has helped me tremendously!

Sharon,

This is my 2nd month so far with PCN and I am happy that I have made the decision to join. I have already started my PC chef service (one client) and will go full time at the end of February beginning of March.

Sharon:

I have to say I am so glad to have joined this organization. You and Wendy have done a wonderful job. Having a place to network with such wonderful people has given me all the more confidence to get my business started. I hope to make it to the convention next year to put faces to names. Thanks again.

Hi Sharon,

I am very impressed with the PCN materials, you and Sharon have done an excellent job of compiling valuable info, so far all of my questions have been answered in the books.

Thank you~

Hey, Sharon:

The package just arrived about a half hour ago...sheesh, girl, there's SOOOOO much info in there! And thanks for the MasterCook software...I wasn't even sure that was included, but that will be incredibly helpful too.

I'm just starting to write an 8-page essay for an English class I'm taking, so I won't be able to get to much tonight...oh, the heck with it...I'll take a couple of hours off and at least page through it and make some lists on things to do ;-)

Thank you, thank you, thank you....THIS is gonna be a blast!

Hi Sharon-

I ordered the business kit on Saturday! I'm so excited-I can't wait to get it! I'm sure I will have some questions after reading everything. Thank you for calling me on Friday and answering my questions. I have such a good feeling about this-it's so exciting!!!

Thank you!

Sharon,

I just wanted to let you know personally that I have tried 2 of your recipes and they are DIVINE!!! If I can cook 1/4 as well as you, then I will know I am a success!!!

I have tried the Creamy Poppy Chicken, made myself sick eating that one it was so good!! Tonight we are having your Beef Stew and I just tasted the meat and it is to die for!!!

What an honor it is to be a part of an organization that has a founder as wonderful a chef as you!!!

You are AWESOME!!

Hi Sharon!

Thanks for my training materials - - they are really helpful. I'm so glad I joined! I ALSO read that we get a discount on cooking magazines. How do I approach that with the publications, and which magazines offer us these discounts? Thanks again for all your help.

I'm so excited to get up and running, and I just love the forums!!!

Hi Sharon

Wow - I have just finalized my calendar for the next few months - I am now completely booked M-F. M-W I chef for six different families on a rotating basis. On Thursdays I now have a weekly client and Fridays are reserved for monthly clients (3) and the fourth Friday for gift certificates. I'm a little overwhelmed and have to say that if one of my regulars goes on vacation and doesn't need me - I'll be on vacation as well. Just hope I can keep up the pace. Thanks PCN - I owe a lot of it to you.

I can't believe all that I have learned, all that I have been helped with, all the people I have met since August. I try to explain PCN to my friends and it's hard to find the words to describe all that it means to me and how enormous the impact has been on my "almost ready business".

Last night I was reading a post and someone suggested searching for "Time Savers" which I did. Wow, Double Wow. I ended up printing the pages because there was so much information. Ya' know what another cool thing was? I got to read about some of you "veterans" when you were just starting out. And that gives me so much encouragement! Thank you to everyone. My life is sweeter for all of you in it.

Hi all,

Have been so busy of late, no time for posting! I just got my 10th client, and 2 dinner parties & 2 gift certificates this week to boot. Almost to my goal of 12 regular clients! Don't mean to brag, I'm just so excited to be making the progress I'd hoped for. Belonging to PCN and accessing all the amazing resources here is a big part of things turning out well so far. I'm surprised by how satisfying the "business" part of this is. I thought I just liked to cook!

Thank you all for your support during my insecurities and making me feel like I can do anything! You really make the difference between "thinking I might can" And "I can do anything and it will be awesome!" Having people behind you is worth more than anything in my opinion. I think that having this kind of support makes us succeed! There is no doubt in my mind PCN is the best thing I EVER did for myself (other than marry my wonderful husband) I thank you all again for always responding, always having an answer, always caring. I have lived a long time and I don't think I have come across a group like this ever..God Bless each of you.

Thank you so very much for choosing me as the Personal Chefs Network(R) Pacesetter for January, 2002. I am so honored! I have tears in my eyes. PCN is the greatest organization, and I attribute much of my success to your mentoring. I am thankful that I found this group of kindred souls, and enjoy contributing to the forum.

Thanks again -- you are wonderful.

I love you guys!

I joined in August and it is the best decision I have made in a long, long time. When I look back on all that I have learned since August purely as a result of being part of this wonderful organization, I am overwhelmed. AND...I have some new and wonderful friends. AND...I laugh more.

AND...I cook better.

AND... I feel supported in everything I do.

Sharon,

It was great to talk to you on the phone yesterday when I ordered my materials. Just hearing your voice reinforced the support that I was already sensing from viewing the web site and gave me great assurance that I could do this. I just spent about two hours reading through the forums...great stuff!..got some of my questions answered, information I hadn't thought of yet and a relief to see that others have the same questions/concerns. There is so much to read I could feel myself just glued to the forums, yet I had to stop myself...gotta work on those progress reports for my students. Before that, I had to send this email to you. I've already been brainstorming names for "the business" ..(gives me goose-bumps to say that)...and can't wait to see all the goodies within the materials sent. I have to remind myself (my personality trait is to go for the gusto when I have an idea and/or desire) to take one step at a time...even if it takes a month or two before I as a PC am "ready to go." Anyways, I look forward to receiving my materials and joining in on the forums. A GREAT BIG THANKS sent your way for EVERYTHING.

Hey ladies! I signed my second bimonthly today. She was oh so ready to sign up, and it looks like a great match! Just a couple to cook for - very open to tastes, etc. SOOO, I am going to be even busier.

Additionally, I have been called back to both TV channels for other stuff- holiday hors d'oeuvres and leftover turkey gigs! This is way cool! I am really enjoying the fruits of the marketing now. I am also an "OPTION" on my friend's 6K per week beach home rental in Bethany Beach next summer. The kitchen is great, but he will purchase ANYTHING I need to cook with!

That is all the good news. I am loving it. I think I would not have done this great a marketing job without all the support from PCN! My hubby is amazed! Turns out HE is the one who put the brochure in the upscale car wash that got me this client! YAY!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, no matter where you may roam! Electronic hugs to all of you. :-)

Hi Sharon-

Thanks so much for all of the materials. I have been reading them all weekend! My boyfriend who is in the process of becoming a CPA right now has also looked over the business parts of the materials and thinks they are really good. I just tried to register to the forum and hopefully I did everything correctly.

Dear Sharon,

Please know that I thank you for everything. My materials are wonderful. Filled with excitement here. Reading and reading. Your web site is as wonderful as is Wendy's. You are both are terrific. Several fellow chefs have corresponded with me and I have written privately to each one of them. Everyone is great.

Just now feeling my way around Cheers and other great spots. It's such a joy to be part of this great group. I will jump right in there.......

Hi Sharon,

I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with this great group you & Wendy started. When I couldn't figure out how to search the forum yesterday, I posted in the tekkie forum. Not only did you & Abra respond, but Brent Evans called me on the phone & walked me through it, & discovered what I was doing wrong. I don't know too many folks who would go to that extent to help someone out. Many thanks to you & Brent & all the great PCN folks!

PCN,

I'm so impressed with you all. Your almost daily communication with all of us PCers, your efforts to help us to succeed, and sincerity in getting us going. I very much enjoyed the latest Garlic Press, your fascinating history of the lobster, the honey/onion sauce and pasta recipes. I'm anxious to get started if just to stay in touch with you, Sharon, and Brent. Brent e-mailed me a while back to see if I was alive which I really appreciated.

Sharon,

Thanks for your help. I have to tell you, you have really put together an amazing package of info... I dove head first into my materials last night and I am incredibly excited now!! The forums are just fantastic as well. Thanks so much for all you both do for us NEWBIES!!

Sharon,

Thanks for the note about my materials. Yup! Got them today and have already gone through the first binder and tried 2 recipes from the second for dinner tonight! Hubby loved it! I am so pumped. There are no other PC's in my area so the territory is ripe for the pickin. Got a ton of ideas for marketing ( my strong point) and am going to start first of next week. You have done a wonderful job with the NETWORK. I have to say that the attitude of the participants have to follow those of the leaders! THanks again and it means a lot to me that I feel comfortable calling you and Wendy or e-mailing you with ANY questions.

Sharon:

I'm truly impressed with the materials received. I realize I have a lot of work to do, but it doesn't seem as overwhelming when I think of all the support that's being offered. I really feel I made the right choice with PCN.

Hi Sharon,

Thank you so much for your welcome. I have truly been overwhelmed by the outreach of support from your organization. I received my training materials on Friday and started looking over them this weekend. My plan is to take it slow and steady, one step at a time. I am in no rush since I already work part-time now and I can start my cheffing business in my spare time. I will definitely be turning to PCN as I get going and need more information.

Thanks for all your help. Hope you had a good vacation!

I am so happy with PCN I can hardly contain myself. I have been a consultant for a kitchen accessory home party plan for almost a year now and haven't received a smidge of the support and moral that I do here. This is truly a wonderful thing you and Wendy have done and you should be very proud, go ahead and smile!!!! : )

PCN,

Thank you SO much for your warm welcomes! When I opened my Outlook Express this morning, I was overwhelmed by the wonderful welcomes from you both and your gracious PC's. I am truly honored and excited to be a part of this great organization. When I saw my name as Chef Beth Arnold, I almost cried!! As with all of you, my passion is my cooking. It's the one thing I feel most comfortable doing! I am looking forward to receiving my materials and I will not hesitate to ask questions of any of you, in fact, I feel that the questions would be welcomed as well! Again, thank you both and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Hello, Ms. Sharon!

I am having a ball going over my materials and getting started!! I was really dreading the business part, but it's not so bad! I think I can do it! Of course, I've got lots of help! :-) You and Ms. Sharon have got an amazing organization. Everyone is so helpful and nice and I just can't say enough about all of you! I feel like I have made one of the best decisions in my life when I joined you.

Thanks Sharon!

I received my materials today and immediately opened the box and started reading. What a wealth of wonderful information! Everything is moving very quickly and smoothly with the start up of my new venture. I will keep you updated as things progress.

I did get a chance to see the welcome note. I was impressed that you were able to get a picture of the "mini-apple" aka Minneapolis skyline and a Campbell logo - it looked great. Thank you.

I am very excited to have joined such an enthusiastic organization.

Here's to good food and great eating!

Best Regards,

WOW!! I have been impressed with this group since i stumbled across your website about 9 months ago, everyone has been so nice and willing to share their ideas! But! I was totally taken back on SAT after i had sent in my Credit Card # to join all of you in the group!! I would not have expected a call from one of the founders of a group this big until maybe the middle of the next week , BUT to get a call on a SAT. !!! I was just knocked out !!And to all of you that have e-mailed me Thank you all for the kind welcome ! Now i just have to wait for the material to get here so i can get my ducks in a row !! again thank you all!! " YOUR CULINARY COMPANION"

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I'm thrilled to have received my materials yesterday. I'm looking forward to being a part of PCN and meeting the chefs in the chapter that ROCKS! I'm very impressed with the quality of the materials. I didn't sleep well last night knowing that the books were sitting there just waiting for me to dive into. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon, so I'm off to read, read, read!

Take care and thanks again.

I also want to say what an honor it is to be a member of PCN . It has far surpassed any expectations that I ever had ! I never dreamt I would be getting this much support . It is like you all have been holding my hand through the whole process . Thank you so much for creating this organization , and for helping me achieve my dreams ! I hope I will be as valuable an asset to PCN as it has been to me !

Sharon,

I am making progress and feel very excited about the response in my area. Those that have found out are really looking forward to my opening. When I spoke with you on the phone I had told you that my ins. agent was the one that got me interested in the personal chef concept. Well, when I told her I had joined PCN and was going to start our business she was so excited. She wants to host an open house for me to showcase this new service!! Sharon, you have got to know that without the support of PCN I know I wouldn't have had the nerve to do this. Thanks goes to you, Wendy, and all those at PCN.

Sharon,

There are so many things to thank you and Sharon for, but most of all for the inspiration you both impart to your members - I can't even express how I feel. (Speechless for the very first time!) And I saw it and felt it "in person at the convention!!!" Some would say that anyone in your position would "have" to show such compassion because "it's your job." Not Wendy and Sharon!!!!! You don't get to where you are by just "doing your job." You have created a haven for people who dare step out into the world of entrepreneurship and cradle those who need your strength to achieve their success. You nurture your members as they were seedlings ready to spring forth into the world, and then feed them to help them grow. (Could I write a book or what??!!! - LOL!!) Seriously, WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!

I have only been a member for about 14 hours, I don't even have my "start-up" information, but I truly feel that I have made one of the best choices I could have made. Everyone has been so nice and to hear what you all say to each other. (or should I say read) I feel honored to be a part of this wonderful group of people and I look forward to asking LOTS of questions. Thank you all for being who you are and welcoming me in such a nice way. It really takes away "most" of the stress of stepping out there to just do it, because I now know that I am truly not alone.

Just a short note to say thank you for allowing me to join your organization. After speaking to you the other night I was so excited I could hardly sleep. I know my husband wished I would go to sleep. I also was excited today when I was able to see the cheers forum online. Again thank you and I hope to meet you face to face soon.

Hi,

I'm really happy with the reception I've gotten in the couple of days since joining PCN, and am looking forward to receiving my materials tomorrow. I really think the forums are great, I've already spent a few hours browsing, I think. So far I'm very happy with my decision to join PCN. Everyone seems great!

Sharon,

You have really inspired me over the past few months via your posts. I admire your savvy and rich mentality... I have adopted it, and now, I am making money; thank you I really needed it after the tragedy-(September 11th)

I received my "Making of a Personal Chef" guides today (2nd day delivery, just like Sharon & Wendy said!) and I have to say...you girls rock! I don't want to go to bed now, just off my shift at the hospital, because I want to start reading and really delve into my new career! Even my normally non-emotive husband flipped through the materials tonight and got excited for me! I just want to encourage anyone who might be sitting on the fence about making the investment to go for it! I can say without hesitation that I'm so glad I did!

The package (The Making of a Personal Chef(c)) is awesome. I must have read mine four or five times in three days because every time I read it again I found something new. I still use them weekly and still get that sense of motivation every time I read them again.

Sharon, I can't tell you how much talking to you helped my confidence! Thank you so much for all the help. It went well (a nice 12 hr day!) but all the food came out and I didn't burn anything! I'm getting ready to post all the gory details for everyone to see!

I know that I'm not exactly the most interactive chef online, but I truly believe you folks are a great support system for those newbies and for us oldies too. Can you please send me the info I need to renew my membership with the network? Thanks in advance.

I want to let all of you know that I have never been part of any organization that is so totally supportive, helpful and just plain friendly in all my 57 years. All of you are truly amazing. Sometimes I wonder if you all realize what a positive influence you are in others'lives, and how you give those of us who haven't worked in a few years the courage and excitement to get out there and "just do it". Thank you so very much.

Hi Sharon:

Thanks for the beautiful welcome post you designed. I love it!! I also absolutely am enjoying "The Making of a Personal Chef." It has been so helpful. I can't wait to get started!

Sharon,

I am sorry I didn't get to say Good-bye to you. I wanted to tell you that you did a wonderful job with the PCN convention and it was an inspirational and very enjoyable gathering! I hope you had the opportunity to have fun there since you were busy coordinating and making everything run so smoothly for us.

I'm enjoying the forums and the materials immensely!

This is AWESOME! (RE: ~The Garlic Press(c))You do a FAB job in pulling the PCN newsletter together Sharon. There are always so many interesting and informative articles. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Hello Sharon -

I just finished reading The Garlic Press and I have to say it is a truly wonderful newsletter. You and Chef Wendy really are amazing. I don't know how you find time to cook for your clients with all the phone calls you take, the marketing you do, the welcomes for new members you so thoughtfully write up, and this newsletter to work on also, among a dozen or more other things you are juggling. I certainly hope some of it rubs off on me, you are excellent role models!

Sharon, I don't know if I told you have WONDERFUL, SUPERB, EXTRAORDINARY, ETC. the educational materials are!!!!! They have helped immensely. You guys did a terrific job. My hat's off to all of you. Also, the forum is the most wonderful place to go for any source of information. I told my husband it is like I have a cheffing family much like he has a firefighting family. I just love all you gals/guys to death. I've met some new friends, too. Rachael and I have been corresponding a lot lately. I think we'll try to help each other out.

I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the information contained in your materials. I feel that my new venture is off to a fabulous start!

Thanks Sharon, for the guidance & support that you (and Ina, Rivka, Martha and Lynn - and all the other members @ PCN) have provided - you've given me the knowledge & self-confidence to start a business of my own doing something that I love. Kudos to you all!!"

Truly,

The transition to my new career choice would not have been as smooth or as interesting without the support of Sharon and all of the other PCN members. From the moment that I first spoke with Sharon I felt completely confident about joining the network and I have not had one moment of regret.

Sharon:

I appreciate so much what you do to support us. Without the wealth of knowledge you provide or make available, we'd be overwhelmed and probably unable to do what we love to do. I know I'd have had a hard time getting business insurance had it not been for your contacts.

Sharon and Brent have been so helpful, anytime I've called or written you have all come to my aid. I most definitely feel the money invested in the PCN materials has paid off because it was comprehensive AND because the people behind it stood behind their promise to be there when I needed them. Mucho gracias, danke, thank you!

I now been a member of Personal Chefs Network(R) for one year! It has been so fantastic starting this business and I want to take this time to thank you for ALL of your help in encouraging me, training manuals, and moral support several times when there were family crisis.