Vietnam

I've just crawled back into the country, having survived 5 days in Vietnam with the hardest partiers I've ever travelled with.

Going via Singapore Zoo, we had breakfast with the orang utans and Josie's next pair of shoes!

Vietnam was amazing - friendly people, clean, stunning, and incredible tailors. The markets were very rustic and eye-opening, from the live skinned frogs to the whisky with a marinated cobra and scorpion.

Although we subscribed to the "what goes on tour stays on tour" ethos, I'll post a selection of the slightly sordid photos when we receive them.

15 dinner

Sorry for the lack of posts - I've finally remembered my password.

We had an awesome time in Melbourne at the Rising Star Manager day and dinner with partners. The day was focussed on developing strategies for our Managers and those soon to be, on setting their business objectives and actions to achieve them. I'm always inspired by the insights of our most engaged Consultants.

Of course, all work makes Jack a dull boy, so after a day of strategising we were off to Jamie Oliver's 15 with partners. Karen and my kids were in Melbourne and I was told it isn't appropriate to leave them (the brats, not Karen) in the hotel room. I think they added to the night as they're a fan of Jamie, although they prefer Gordon's grasp of the English language!!

New TLs

Congratulations to three businesswomen who work smart as well as hard and acheived Team Leader status in April : Coralie Knight, Kerry Lynn and Lyn Hart. You've earned your success and I look forward to partnering with you as your businesses develop further. Well done also to your Team Leaders who helped you get there : Julie G, Josie and Phip.

Recent media

Thanks to everyone who has sent their congratulations on TCT acheiving No.30 in BRW's latest list fastest growing Australian companies.
I've also recently been interviewed in TCT's success by the Hot Innovator column www.smartcompany.com.au/Premium-Articles/Hot-Innovator/20080508-The-Chefs-Toolbox-holds-the-ingredients-for-success.html. I'm very pleased with this article as Innovation is one of our core values, and the article has done a pretty good job of getting my view across (this is often not the case). Fortunately, I don't think that jacket has dated too much.

Champagne and pizza

Congratulation to all TCT's Consultants living our message that Cooking is Fun!! Despite news of doom and gloom in the papers, your customers spent a record $140 each during April. This is an awesome result and very profitable.
Your enthusiasm is proving contagious with a record 109 new Consultants joining TCT in April. Those joining TCT are bursting with energy and excited to continue our success in improving eating experiences across Australia and NZ. Check out this blog as an example of one of the madder new Consultants http://www.agoddessinthekitchen.blogspot.com/

Of course, everyone has to get to training in May as I promised champagne and pizza if you got us to our target of 100. Enjoy!

Di Rendle

Di has always been right up there as one of TCT's most loyal Consultants. Following the Rising Stars seminar, Di was so pumped on the way home, she dialled in to a radio talk-back, got on air and pitched TCT. Di has received one C.Party booking, has been contacted by someone who wants to join her team, and our web visitors have spiked. Awesome effort Di!!!

Guys

Finally, we are starting to see a steady flow of guys as Consultants. We've always had heaps of guys as customers - and very lucrative customers they tend to be- however we've not had too many join as Consultants. I have always felt the cooking aspect would attract more guys than other Party Plan companies, and this is starting to happen. Any change which doubles your target market is a good thing.