klsnyder
- 459
Discouraged and Disappointed: My February Bookings Weren't Meant To Be
- Thread starter klsnyder
- Start date
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- bookings discouraged
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
This thread discusses the challenges faced by participants regarding cancellations of cooking shows in February. Several participants express feelings of discouragement and share their personal experiences related to booking and hosting shows.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions feeling discouraged after two shows cancelled, questioning the reasons behind the cancellations.
- Another participant notes a flu outbreak in their area, which may be contributing to the high number of cancellations.
- One participant observes an increase in cancellations since last summer, stating that hosts are harder to connect with and often do not return calls.
- Another participant shares their experience of having a successful November and December but facing a difficult January, emphasizing the importance of prospecting for future shows.
- One participant discusses their strategy of securing replacement dates immediately when cancellations occur, which has helped them maintain a steady schedule.
- Another participant recounts a strange cancellation where the hostess opted for outside orders instead of hosting a show, expressing frustration over the situation.
- One participant mentions the strategy of overbooking shows to mitigate the impact of cancellations, sharing their goal of booking 10-12 shows per month.
- Another participant describes a challenging experience with a friend who repeatedly reschedules shows due to low attendance, expressing frustration despite their efforts in host coaching.
- Several participants suggest creative ideas for encouraging attendance at shows, such as offering incentives or competitions to guests.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ among participants regarding the reasons for cancellations and the effectiveness of various strategies to handle them. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to mitigate cancellations.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to hosting cooking shows, reflecting a range of challenges and responses within the consultant community.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants facing similar challenges with show cancellations or those looking for shared experiences and strategies within the community may find this discussion relevant.
Teresa Lynn
Gold Member
- 3,447
BethCooks4U
Gold Member
- 12,926
I have noticed that since last summer there are a lot more cancellations in shows. Hosts are harder to connect with and don't bother even returning calls to let me know they aren't doing the show. I'm not doing anything different. I just think I have been in a group that's that way.
That being said, I had a fabulous November and December and I have been working on prospecting for the next few months. I had the worse month ever in January (I had 10, yes 10, cooking shows scheduled to begin with) but that will not happen again! I am prospecting big time to have a strong spring with excited hosts.
When in a slump look for some extra training and find the positives to grab on to. Act like you are successful and you will be - it does take work but it's worth it!
That being said, I had a fabulous November and December and I have been working on prospecting for the next few months. I had the worse month ever in January (I had 10, yes 10, cooking shows scheduled to begin with) but that will not happen again! I am prospecting big time to have a strong spring with excited hosts.
When in a slump look for some extra training and find the positives to grab on to. Act like you are successful and you will be - it does take work but it's worth it!
Last edited:
M
MicheleC
I've had more cancellations this month as well. The thing I really work on is getting a replacement date right there so I have them in the future. I do send out postcard invites for my hostesses so this means I generally know well in advance if they are going to cancel (I never get their guest list). That allows me time to find a replacement show. I've offered a free show when someone books to fill a spot for me and actually just had a $700 show that was put together in 5 days because I had an opening so it can work.
Sometimes these things just happen!
Sometimes these things just happen!
klsnyder
- 459
One of the shows that cancelled was very strange to me. I always send out the invites for the hostess. So, I had already sent them out, and she said she only had 2 people say that they were coming, so she did not want to do the show. She will try to get outside orders instead.....I am just freaked out. I never have had 2 shows back to back cancel.
DebbieJ
- 10,849
Cookingfool
- 66
uuuugggggghh!I have a friend who will book a show, only invite about 10 people, and have to reschedule because nobody will show up. The first scheduled show, I drove 50 miles to drop off the hostess packet while she was at work. She didnt send out the invitations until the week of the show. The second time I told her I would do the invitations for her. She didnt get the addresses until just over a week before the show. This time: She just started her own pet care business so she thought that if she did it as a business kick-off party people would come... wrong. I've done host coaching by the book. I've read multiple books on direct sales, been in it for about a year, and believe me, I've done my work. This time around was perfection for host coaching. I am so aggrevated!!!
She's called me twice tonight wanting to reschedule (my allabi... she knows that I work nights). UUUGH what should I do?
She's called me twice tonight wanting to reschedule (my allabi... she knows that I work nights). UUUGH what should I do?
CAmomCookin4U
- 482
Tell her to ask the two people who said yes to bring 3 friends (adults) and they'll get a Free GIFT. At least the two yes's won't be mad you cancelled and thats what they will think that it was you instead of the house. Future send the invites and ask for a list of 30+ Good luck HTH LaurelCookingfool said:
Cookingfool
- 66
She doesnt even have any "yes's" that she knows of... but it couldnt hurt. I'll give her until tomorrow afternoon to find out. Im sure that I could have figured this all out if she would stop calling me and let me get a game plan together (I've just been through this so many times with her... and never with anyone else). I have to call her on my way home from work tonight or she'll drive me nuts.
Thanks!!!!
I love this website. Other DS companies dont have an ounce of support from other consultants.
Thanks!!!!
I love this website. Other DS companies dont have an ounce of support from other consultants.
kcjodih
Gold Member
- 3,391
Or you could tell her you're trying something new and you want her to call ALL her guests and have them bring their ugliest spoon/spatula/towel and the winner will get a new one from you! We gals LOVE competition and they may jump at the chance! It's worked for me and then I bought them a new spatula (skinny) on the host's order or I already had one from a previous host's order.
Or just a thought....maybe everyone else gets frustrated with her like you do and that's why they're not coming....or maybe they're like her
and that's why they haven't committed. Don't mean to be rude, just a thought I had while typing 
Or just a thought....maybe everyone else gets frustrated with her like you do and that's why they're not coming....or maybe they're like her
and that's why they haven't committed. Don't mean to be rude, just a thought I had while typing Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my February bookings fell through?
It's important to stay positive and reflect on what might have caused the cancellations. Reach out to your customers to understand their reasons and offer alternative dates or options. Use this time to focus on building relationships and planning future events.
How can I prevent future booking disappointments?
To minimize future disappointments, consider diversifying your booking strategies. Engage with your customer base regularly, offer incentives for booking, and maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate their needs. Building strong relationships can lead to more consistent bookings.
Is it common to experience slow months in direct sales?
Yes, it's quite common for direct sales representatives to experience fluctuations in bookings. Seasonal factors, holidays, and personal circumstances of your customers can all impact booking rates. Stay resilient and keep promoting your business throughout the year.
How can I stay motivated after a disappointing month?
Staying motivated can be challenging after a setback. Set small, achievable goals for the upcoming month, celebrate your successes, and connect with fellow Pampered Chef consultants for support and encouragement. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth.
What resources are available to help me improve my booking rates?
Utilize resources provided by Pampered Chef, such as training materials, webinars, and support groups. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship from experienced consultants who can share their strategies for successful bookings and overcoming challenges.
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