Desperate for Bookings - Would You Do This?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various strategies for generating bookings in a Pampered Chef business, particularly in the context of a participant seeking advice after experiencing a decline in business. Participants share their personal experiences and opinions on the effectiveness of purchasing mailing leads versus engaging in more direct, personal outreach methods.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over declining business and considers purchasing mailing leads but questions the value of the investment.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not receiving any responses from a neighborhood mailing, suggesting that personal contact is more effective.
  • Several users mention the benefits of setting up booths at local events, such as flea markets or church bazaars, as a more effective way to generate leads.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of making personal connections and engaging with potential customers directly rather than relying on mailings.
  • Another participant recounts a negative experience with a bridal fair, highlighting the disappointment in the quality of leads obtained from such events.
  • Some participants suggest collaborating with other direct sales consultants for events to maximize exposure and potential bookings.
  • One participant mentions the idea of hosting a multi-vendor party to leverage the networks of multiple vendors for increased reach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the effectiveness of purchasing leads. While some strongly advise against it, advocating for personal outreach and local events, others share mixed experiences with various lead generation methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their own business practices, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in the direct sales environment.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternative methods to generate bookings and those interested in learning from the experiences of others in similar situations may find this discussion relevant.

A
AMTC
Gold Member
Messages
170
Well it's true - if you ignore your business, it goes away. I've been staying active until I got out of school, and now that I'm out my business has dried up and I can't go back once again to those who helped me before and ask AGAIN - okay I have but they don't seem as excited this time.

Anyhow, I found a place online where you can get mailing leads.

500 leads for $30
+ postage $135.00
+ Merrill Postcards $105

is this where I say building my PC business back up is PRICELESS?????? :confused:
 
I wouldn't. Find some vendor events to set up a table- or contact DS folks you may known and do one together! But to pay $270 for 500 leads doesn't seem like good odds. You'd be better off paying for several smaller vendors tables.And check out the "Ways to get bookings" docs in the Files- there are several. I'd start there. And if you had contacts- such as past customers and hosts, I'd start with THEM. Did you read this Month's Cons.News? The article on 4 talks about a consultant who was getting back into the business. Read that.Good luck
 
I wouldn't do it! I've done a mailing to my neighborhood, and never got one call. You need to be able to call people, or talk with them in person.
 
I would spend my money on a booth at a flea market, church yard sale($ down as a donation), fair or festival. Get online and swap shows with other direct sales companies or to set up your own neighborhood bazaar. Ask your director if he/she can help you if you are stuck on where to go for these leads.

As a rule I will not mail out anything if I don't have a personal connection already. I can easily call before and after the mailing goes out to ensure the intended person knows it isn't trash.
 
OH MY GOSH DON"T DON"T DON"T DON"T DO THIS!!!!
If you want to get your business going again I heartily agree with those who have mentioned finding a church bazaar, craft fair, etc. (call your local chamber of commerce to find out what's happening, when) and get a table. With your table make sure you are standing out front of it attracting people to you and engaging in conversations to lead to bookings ~ if you sit behind the table you just wasted your time.
Also, you need to make your three contacts a day. It's a numbers game, babe. One in ten will book a show right now. If you feel you don't have the people to call or you have "over-used" your peeps and you need to get out of your circle you need to hit the streets. Make a fun competition for yourself- you can't come home until you have made three contacts. If you need to know what to say, listen to the 3 A Day Connect on Main Street workshop or if I get a chance I will try to post the word choices (I spoke on that same topic at conference but I didn't make it to the paper work supply...sniff, sniff :)
If you want the business you have to be willing to go out and make those 3 contacts a day -there's no way around it. I have girls on my team who are totally turning there businesses around just by doing this simple thing. So get excited because you are only 30 days of 3 contacts a day, 5 days a week away from a totally new and brilliant business!
So take the money you would have invested in the mailings and rent some spaces at local fairs and bazaars, invest in a cute pair of comfy shoes for going out and drumming up leads, and an mp3 player that you can download all the workshops on bookings and prospecting off of the online training center and you can listen to them while you do housework!
 
I don't think we are even allowed to do this. The best way is setting up a booth somewhere. You could ask some friends who also have direct sales businesses to get together with you. We do "Stop N Shops" where we charge $10 a spot plus 10% of your sales. That way if someone makes no sales, they still pay $10. I've gotten good contacts from those before. You never know what person will be the one to start your business off well!
 
MY 2 CENTS---call your last 10 hosts--and ask them who was the last party they went to-
who is the party person- see if they can connect you--Then start going to salons-and local business---
 
Buying leads is a waste of money--don't do it. Get out there and meet people!
 
I think this is actually against company policy somewhere. Even if it's not, it's just not a good idea. Basically as far as they are concerned you are just another person sending them Junk Mail. You could spend hundreds of dollars and get nothing out of it. Our business has to be personal to make a difference.
 
I basically "bought leads" by doing an overpriced bridal fair and getting a list of contacts months later. I was disappointed to find out that many weddings were years away and nothing ever panned out despite repeated calls to many of them. It was sad ... some weddings ended up getting canceled. I didn't even get "100 nos" I got at least 100 unreturned voice mail messages.
 
My director has suggested setting up at yard sales or having your own yard sale with a table for your PC. I haven't had time to do this yet, but she swears by it. Good luck!!
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
I basically "bought leads" by doing an overpriced bridal fair and getting a list of contacts months later. I was disappointed to find out that many weddings were years away and nothing ever panned out despite repeated calls to many of them. It was sad ... some weddings ended up getting canceled. I didn't even get "100 nos" I got at least 100 unreturned voice mail messages.
Click to expand...

I have had the same thing happen. I don't know what it is with Bridal Fairs here in Ohio. Not very profitable for most. We split the last two among our cluster and only a few consultants came out of it with anything.
 
Even not so much a yard sale...I'm doing a multi vendor party at my house with about 5 other vendor plus myself in my backyard. I've included my leads and friends and the other vendors listed are inviting their friends. Their friends may not want to have another one of their parties but may want one of yours. Make it a big party...it's going to be a lot of fun. Try it!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Desperate for Bookings - Would You Do This?" mean in the context of direct sales?

"Desperate for Bookings - Would You Do This?" refers to the strategies and tactics that some direct sales consultants might consider when they are in urgent need of bookings or sales. It often involves creative or unconventional methods to attract customers or host parties, especially when business is slow.

What are some ethical ways to secure bookings when feeling desperate?

Ethical ways to secure bookings include reaching out to your existing customer base for referrals, offering limited-time promotions or discounts, hosting virtual parties, or collaborating with other consultants for joint events. Building genuine relationships and providing value can also encourage bookings without resorting to desperate tactics.

How can I avoid feeling desperate for bookings in my direct sales business?

To avoid feeling desperate for bookings, focus on consistent marketing and relationship-building throughout the year. Set realistic goals, maintain a steady pipeline of potential hosts, and engage with your audience regularly through social media, newsletters, and follow-ups. Diversifying your approach can help mitigate periods of low bookings.

What should I do if I feel pressured to use unethical tactics for bookings?

If you feel pressured to use unethical tactics, it's important to step back and reassess your values and business practices. Consider discussing your concerns with a mentor or leader in your company. Remember that building a sustainable business relies on trust and integrity, and unethical practices can damage your reputation in the long run.

Can desperation for bookings affect my performance in direct sales?

Yes, desperation for bookings can negatively impact your performance. It may lead to high-pressure sales tactics that can alienate potential customers and hosts. Instead of fostering genuine connections, it can create a sense of urgency that may turn people away. Focusing on building relationships and providing value is more effective for long-term success.

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