It’s January, the time of year when people are most eager to set personal and professional goals for themselves. But what if one of your goals is to lose weight, get in shape and eat healthier? Where does WineShop at Home fit into that goal?
It’s something many consultants have struggled with, including me: if my job is to be a wine consultant, what will people think if I take a break from drinking wine? Can I still build a business?
The short answer is that yes, you can. I’ve lost 50 lbs in my time with WineShop (ahem, um, after this renovation and holiday season MAYBE it will be 40) and my business is thriving. And I totally understand the challenge, because I’ve been there! Here are some thoughts on how to meet your fitness goals while still preserving your WIneShop business.
You are the Most Important Part of Your Business
There’s no doubt that when you are a wine consultant, there is an expectation that you drink and enjoy wine. I, myself have been known to tell my consultants that they must join Wine Club not only because the wines are incredible, but so that you can talk to your customers about it!
However, WineShop at Home supports the responsible consumption of alcohol. The company wants us to remember that the most important part of your business is you! Your health, your well-being, your peace of mind and soundness of body are all required in order for your business to be a success.
WineShop wants you to be healthy. And yeah, sometimes that means taking a little break from drinking so that you can lose weight. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking wine forever, are you kidding? That would be hellish!
A Few Tips
Despite everything I’m saying, I realize that there will still be moments when you feel pressure to drink. Having a wine glass in hand is simply part of our culture; we like wine, we drink it and talk about it constantly!
However, there are a few sneaky tricks I have up my sleeve to downplay when I’m minimizing my wine consumption…
Don’t drink at your tastings. This is actually important for your sales numbers as well. I don’t drink much at tastings just because I have to do math at the end and boy are my order forms a mess when I try to sip and add tax! So when you’re trying to cut back, just eliminate any sips you might normally take during a tasting. This one is easy.
Hold a glass but don’t drink it. If we’re doing a web conference or I’m at an event and I know that I’ll get some flack for not drinking, I’ll hold a glass in my hand and not drink it. Sneaky? Yes! Effective? Oh yes! Easier said then done? Of course but we are STRONG!
Avoid situations that will be challenging. When I can, I’ll simply avoid situations that I know will be too difficult to resist. Obviously I don’t avoid leading a tasting, but I might decline an invitation to my husband’s sister’s friend’s boyfriend’s birthday party or to check the new tasting room. Why? Too tempting!
When all else fails, stand firm. Sometimes it just comes down to setting boundaries. Say something like, “Hey, I’m on a plan right now and cutting back this month.” You might find that some people continue to pressure you, but remember that your health comes first.
The truth is that people don’t always want you to be successful when it comes to weight loss efforts, and none of us wants to be the “boring one” that won’t drink. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with people who support your efforts and cheer you on.
It’s totally hard, but you can do it! And remember, it’s not permanent. Once you lose the weight you can maintain while still drinking wine. Heck, I have ZERO scientific proof but I REALLY think that because our wines are cleaner, with fewer added preservatives that I’ve had an easier time with maintaining post weight loss when I incorporate our wines back in.
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a WineShop at Home consultant, let’s talk. Click HERE to connect with me directly and learn more.