Sorry im a little late, but I started my own Pampered Chef business, and really I'm doing it with the support of my mom, my Pampered Chef director, and Im reading a lot of books on the subject (let me know if you want the titles, and if you buy them they are tax-deductible!) I think it depends on what type of busines you are starting whether or not you need "people skills". But I find that by going out in service and giving public talks, I have more "people" skills than the average person. I think we work on that more in the truth. I was not familiar at all in the kitchen but Pampered Chef has honestly taught me how to cook. Initially you find customers through your family and friends and then it spreads out. I am actually thinking about joing NJAWBO (New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners) because the point of it is to network. I went to one meeting last week, without any business cards and I picked up ten and booked one party!!
the NJAWBO is great. my boss goes to their meetings and has hosted a few at the tea room and all the ladies are so nice and outgoing and totally dedicated to helping eachother. like one waitress at our tea room was an artists and going to school to be a teacher and one lady at the meeting just hired her off the bat to be an art teacher. it's so cool!!