Boost Your Bookings: Tips for Direct Sales & Women Business Owners

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various strategies and personal experiences related to boosting bookings at booths for Direct Sales and Women Business Owners. Participants share creative ideas and techniques they have employed to attract potential hosts and generate interest in booking shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions wanting to focus on bookings at an upcoming booth and seeks suggestions.
  • Another participant shares that keeping an updated calendar and promoting host specials can encourage bookings.
  • One participant suggests using a booking tree with dates displayed, offering free cooking shows as an incentive.
  • Several users discuss the effectiveness of offering gift certificates or prizes for on-the-spot bookings.
  • One participant describes using Chinese take-out boxes filled with product images and incentives to attract bookings.
  • Another participant mentions a "Kitchen Show in a Bag" concept that includes all necessary items for a show, making it easy for potential hosts.
  • One participant highlights the importance of follow-up after events to maintain interest from potential hosts.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for the prize wheel idea, noting it attracted attention and led to bookings.
  • One participant shares their experience of using colorful bags with product images and candies to entice bookings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the most effective methods for attracting bookings, with no clear consensus on a single best approach. Participants share a variety of strategies that have worked for them personally.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily sharing personal experiences from various booths and events, focusing on creative marketing techniques within the context of direct sales.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for innovative ideas to enhance their booth presence and increase bookings may find the shared experiences valuable.

wadesgirl
wadesgirl
Gold Member
Messages
11,383
I have a booth in two weeks for a small group of Direct Sales/Women Business Owners. I really want to focus on bookings. Any good suggestions on how to focus on this?
 
I would have your calendar up to date and the next few months host's specials. If anyone shows an interest in a product, advise them that as a host they can earn it as one of their half price items.
Good luck!
 
A booking tree is a great idea. You pick the dates you want booked, put them on a card and put in a card holder display. I would bring a sign that says free cooking shows. When someone picks one of those dates, they get a free cooking show: free ingredients and plates, napkins, utencils (Dollar Tree great deal for you). Good luck!
 
our cluster just shared a booth at the local home show. we offered a $25 gift certificate to anyone who booked on the spot. Plus we did a draw (draw slip was a modified version of the one from supply order) offering opportunity / bookings / etc.I have booked several shows from the slips. Plus some great recruit leads -- one has already signed.The key to success at a booth is in the FOLLOW-UP. You have to make the calls soon after the show, or people lose interest & excitement.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I figured I would try a booking tree and offer the next 5 dates I have open.

I was just trying to think outside the box or come up with something very catching and makes people want to book!
 
Get the chinese or small boxes and place a picture of an item the person can get if she host a show. People love to open gifts. I did that at a booth and got 3 bookings in a coupe of hours.
 
The book to look option Jane mentioned works well for me and so does the Kitchen Show in a Bag. In the bag you have the hostess backet, cups, plates, napkins, silverware (Dollar Tree is good for this) and I also purchase the ingredients for the show.

Everything is in a cute bag and ready for them to take with them.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I like the chinese take out box idea. I've seen those around and thought they were cute. Maybe I'll do it like a booking tree, book on this date, get the product free with a $400 show. I also like the kitchen show in a bag, maybe I'll offer it instead.
 
I like the chinese take out box idea too! When I do my booths, I buy pretty bags (I did pink last year that matched our dotted towels), put the PC clear sticker on it, and filled the host packet inside. When they booked, I gave them the bag to take with them. As they walked the fair, they were advertising for me! I booked 6 the first day of the fair and all 6 held their shows. It was a great start to fall.
 
I did a booth a few weeks ago, and have about 5 bookings from it so far. I also gave a way 4 recruit packets, and have done 1 interview from that.

A Free Cooking show was offered for the drawing to get leads. I find you get the serious leads that way. I probably walked away with about 18 names or so. The recruit leads came from just coming straight out and asking them at the booth, "Have you ever thought about doing something like this?". I gave 4 recruit packets away that day. Since then, I have only been able to reach 1 person so far, who I have interviewed. I have a couple more recruit leads from following up on the drawing slips. (some checked yes on the wanting more info on the business opportunity)

This is my 3 or 4th booth sharing it with others, and I have seen them be very conservative when people walk by. I try to make eye contact with people as they are walking by, and then usually have a recipe card and ask them if they would like one, and then ask them if they are familiar with the PC, and take the conversation from there (and direct them to the free cooking show drawing).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I went with the Chinese take-out box idea. I found cute pastel ones at Hobby Lobby and decorated them with spring flowery stickers I found at the Dollar Tree. Then I wrote my next four dates on them and put a print out of an item in each. I put the better items the closer I wanted to book - I'll make sure to point this out to them.

Also at Dollar Tree, I found cute wedding favor boxes that are a stand up wedding dress. I bought a pack of 10 for a $1. I took one of them, set up the box and wrote on the front of the dress "Ask about our Bridal Registries and Showers!"
 
three of us did a booth last weekend, and I actually rented a "Prize Wheel" from a casino! We covered the spaces on it with PC items you could win by booking a show that day about half the spaces were products and teh other half were all "Free Show" spaces.
We got about 8 bookings at the show, and TONS of leads for people to call for bookings.
It was really cheap to rent, but i think that the owner of the casino is just a really nice guy, because he quoted me one price and then I said oohhh... I was hoping it wouldn't be so much... and he immediately cut the price by at least 75%!! LOL. He's easy...

BUT... we would spin the wheel even when no-one was booking, just to get peoples attention, and it worked. People would come up and ask what they had to do to get a spin at the wheel, and of course we would go right into the "Are you familiar with TPC" spiel.
 
peichef said:
our cluster just shared a booth at the local home show. we offered a $25 gift certificate to anyone who booked on the spot. Plus we did a draw (draw slip was a modified version of the one from supply order) offering opportunity / bookings / etc.

I have booked several shows from the slips. Plus some great recruit leads -- one has already signed.

The key to success at a booth is in the FOLLOW-UP. You have to make the calls soon after the show, or people lose interest & excitement.
Click to expand...

Would you care to share your drawin slip???

Stephanie
 
Sk8Mom209 said:
The book to look option Jane mentioned works well for me and so does the Kitchen Show in a Bag. In the bag you have the hostess backet, cups, plates, napkins, silverware (Dollar Tree is good for this) and I also purchase the ingredients for the show.

Everything is in a cute bag and ready for them to take with them.
Click to expand...

Do you let them take the items in a bag (plates, forks, napkins) or do you just bring it to the show?

Stephanie
 
Hmmmm ... I've seen my local Chipotle offer a wheel like this ... I may have to ask where they got it ... (Then again ... They've had a bit of a bad food scandal, so who knows if the manager is even around ...)
 
Veevahchef said:
three of us did a booth last weekend, and I actually rented a "Prize Wheel" from a casino! We covered the spaces on it with PC items you could win by booking a show that day about half the spaces were products and teh other half were all "Free Show" spaces.
We got about 8 bookings at the show, and TONS of leads for people to call for bookings.
It was really cheap to rent, but i think that the owner of the casino is just a really nice guy, because he quoted me one price and then I said oohhh... I was hoping it wouldn't be so much... and he immediately cut the price by at least 75%!! LOL. He's easy...

BUT... we would spin the wheel even when no-one was booking, just to get peoples attention, and it worked. People would come up and ask what they had to do to get a spin at the wheel, and of course we would go right into the "Are you familiar with TPC" spiel.
Click to expand...

I LOVE this idea...do you know where we would be able to rent one? I am doing a big event next weekend (Thurs-Mon) with a clustermate and would love to do this...
 
lockhartkitchen do you do the take out boxes, and offer a free cooking show by having people put in drawing slips? Not sure if I should both
 
at my last couple shows/booths I have done the booking tree thing with a twist. I bought little colored lunch sack type bags, put a picture of a product in them and some candies. Then I attached cards with my next 10 dates on them. They look really cute, but I haven't had anyone bite yet. I think the prize wheel is a great idea and I asked my hubby to help me build one for our booth at the county fair.
 
I just did two booth/fairs and the draw prize was an all expense paid show, ideas from here. Of course I called everyone and let them know they were winners out about 50 entries, 10 I will not call because I don't want to do a show for them, 10 declined, 2 have dated a show and the remainder are sitting on the fence still deciding. I really felt good about the connections I made.
 
I like the idea of the gift sack, and having a PC sticker on there while they walk around and advertise for you! I have a booth coming up, and I think what I will do is put their host packet in it, along with some candies when they book, and tell them that I will bring the plates, etc for their party.. from $ store of course.

Great ideas!

Stephanie
 
Last summer we had the lavendar dots towels. I found a lavendar gift bag, put the PC clear sticker on the bag, and had several of the bags on the tables in my display. They fit right in with the color. I loved having others advertise for me. Good luck with your fair Steph!
 
Do any of you bring food samples to boths?
 
You have to find out if you can have food or not. Sometimes the health dept does not allow it. So double check. You can have mints if they are already wrapped. Anyhow... just check on that.

Steph
 
StephsKitchen said:
You have to find out if you can have food or not. Sometimes the health dept does not allow it. So double check. You can have mints if they are already wrapped. Anyhow... just check on that.

Steph
Click to expand...


When I do indoor events, I sample cranberry crunch, but nothing at outdoor events. Don't want to worry about anything.
 
I found the bride figurine at Dollar Tree ... also the gift boxes that will have pictures of $10 items in them for people who book on the spot.
 
I will be heading to the $$ tree again soon!!! That place is great for alot of things!! I even get some business supllies there!

Stephanie
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies to boost bookings in direct sales?

To boost bookings in direct sales, consider leveraging social media platforms to showcase your products and host virtual parties. Networking with other business owners can also provide referrals and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, offering promotions or incentives for bookings can encourage potential clients to schedule parties or consultations.

How can I effectively use social media to increase my bookings?

Utilize social media by regularly posting engaging content that highlights your products, shares customer testimonials, and promotes upcoming events. Use stories and live videos to interact with your audience in real-time, and consider running targeted ads to reach potential customers. Engaging with your followers through comments and messages can also help build relationships and encourage bookings.

What role does customer follow-up play in securing bookings?

Customer follow-up is crucial in securing bookings as it shows your clients that you value their business. After an initial interaction, reach out to thank them for their interest and remind them of any promotions or upcoming events. Consistent follow-up can help keep your business top-of-mind and increase the likelihood of securing future bookings.

How can I create a referral program to enhance my bookings?

To create a referral program, incentivize your current customers to refer new clients by offering discounts, free products, or exclusive access to events. Make it easy for them to share your business by providing referral cards or unique links. Promote the referral program through your marketing channels to encourage participation and increase your bookings.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to boost bookings?

Common mistakes to avoid include being too pushy or sales-focused, which can turn potential clients away. Failing to follow up with leads or neglecting to engage with your audience on social media can also hinder your efforts. Additionally, not tracking your bookings and customer interactions can lead to missed opportunities for follow-up and relationship building.

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