Struggling to Book Cooking Show Dates? Share Your Tips and Experiences Here!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various methods participants use to book cooking show dates, sharing personal experiences and preferences. Participants discuss the effectiveness of different calendar strategies and the challenges they face in securing bookings close to the current date.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, uses post-it notes on a monthly calendar for potential hosts to select dates, appreciating the visual appeal but noting that many prefer the last available date.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a weekly calendar, finding it more effective for booking shows in the near term.
  • Several users mention using sticky notes on a booking board, with one participant noting that offering an extra gift encourages hosts to choose available dates.
  • One participant describes using a magnetic blackboard with printed dates, which helped somewhat, but they still encountered hosts wanting to book far in advance.
  • Another participant reports switching from a monthly to a weekly calendar after a conference, resulting in more bookings per show.
  • Some participants express frustration with potential hosts who are hesitant to book close dates, citing common responses like being too busy.
  • One participant recounts a successful booking experience by directly asking potential hosts for their preferred days, emphasizing the importance of being proactive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various booking methods, with some participants favoring weekly calendars while others prefer sticky notes or monthly calendars. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to booking cooking shows, reflecting a range of success and challenges in their efforts.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on booking strategies and experiences shared by peers in the community may find this discussion relevant.

Liquid Sky
Liquid Sky
Messages
766
I use post-it notes for available cooking show dates on a monthly calendar for potential hosts to pick their date. I like this method because it's visually appealing and I don't have my whole business out for everyone to see in a calendar. I have experienced tho that everyone, of course, wants to get the last possible date that I have "stickied" for their show.

I know others have (and are starting to use) the weekly calendar method. I know there's psychology behind people thinking you are booking way out when more "flipping" of pages occur.

What do you all do? I would love to hear your experiences!!!!
 
I have always done weekly. I find it much more effective in booking in close- much better results. Just give it a try for yourself and see what happens!
 
I have my own weekly planner that I've been using until recently- I printed out the weekly calendar pages from consultant's corner that are formatted just like our monthly consultant planner we get each year.If you search for "weekly calendar" on consultant's corner you'll find it.
 
kdangel518 said:
I have my own weekly planner that I've been using until recently- I printed out the weekly calendar pages from consultant's corner that are formatted just like our monthly consultant planner we get each year.

If you search for "weekly calendar" on consultant's corner you'll find it.
Click to expand...

Great! Thanks
 
i use somehwat of the sticky notes, i have them on a booking board, and tell them these are the dates taht i have available and if they pick one of these they get an extra gift. i have never had anyone not pick one of those dates! they don't even ask about any other dates, they just pick one of those. and i only put dates up within a 4 week period. i know its not that 'booking close' but its good enough for me.
 
I have been really struggling to get hosts to book in close...and not 3-4 months down the road (ick!). So--in an attempt to change that, I went to Hallmark and bought a small magnetic "black board" and cute little magnets. I printed about 6 squares with my next available dates on them and let potential hosts choose from those dates.

I've only done this once and it helped some but I still had one person who needed to book a couple months out. I think I'm going to try the weekly calendar trick next! I already have shows booked for Feb and Mar of NEXT YEAR...now that's great if my Oct-Dec was booked but it's not!!
 
I was using the monthly until conference. I switched to weekly, and I have been averaging 2 bookings at every show since, and right now the only reason why I have November bookings is because all the dates that the girl wanted for October were already booked.
 
I use the sticky note method but I only put the first two weeks of the month down. Then as the month fills up or progresses along I move them.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
wadesgirl said:
I use the sticky note method but I only put the first two weeks of the month down. Then as the month fills up or progresses along I move them.
Click to expand...

What do you do/say when someone doesn't/"can't" have their show in that time frame you have stickied?
 
Liquid Sky said:
What do you do/say when someone doesn't/"can't" have their show in that time frame you have stickied?
Click to expand...

I start off by asking them which day of the week would work best for them. Currently I'm booking Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays as my schedule allows. If they give me a day of the week that doesn't work for them I ask them what the next best night is, as I don't book parties on that day.
 
wadesgirl said:
I start off by asking them which day of the week would work best for them. Currently I'm booking Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays as my schedule allows. If they give me a day of the week that doesn't work for them I ask them what the next best night is, as I don't book parties on that day.
Click to expand...

And if they say "well, I just can't have a party then", how do you respond?
 
PamperedchefDaly said:
And if they say "well, I just can't have a party then", how do you respond?
Click to expand...

I've never had anyone that wasn't willing to work with my schedule. I would probably offer to find them a consultant that could do it. Or change to a catalog show.
 
I just had a lady call me last Tuesday who wanted a Cooking Show. She was a friend of one of my KITK moms. I started out saying, "Which night is best for you?" She said "Tuesdays". I said, "I have October 6th available. Would that work for you?" She said, "Yes that would be great!" WOOHOO! She gave me a list of 39 people to send invites to on Friday and I have them ready to go in the mail! Booking in close works if we are "brave enough" to try it. Yes we will get those who can't but as I told some people, "Most of your friends know more about what they are doing in the next 2 weeks than they do in the next month!"
 
I can't even get people to book in the current month let alone a week out. I get so sick of hearing "not now, i'm too busy" or "i'd be interested but down the road in a few months". When I do try for a week or 2 out most laugh or don't even let me finish my sentence. I had more November bookings than September and it was only August. I ended up with only 3 for Sept but have 5 already for Oct and 5 for November. We won't even count the cancellations though because "they're too busy". (can you tell I'm sick of that phrase? - like the rest of us have nothing in life to do)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to promote my cooking shows?

Promoting your cooking shows can be done through various channels. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share engaging content about your shows. Create event pages and invite friends and family. Additionally, consider sending out personal invitations via email or text, and leverage local community boards or groups to spread the word. Offering incentives, such as discounts or free products for hosts, can also encourage bookings.

How can I overcome objections from potential hosts?

When faced with objections, it's important to listen and understand the concerns of potential hosts. Address their worries by highlighting the benefits of hosting a cooking show, such as earning free products and having a fun gathering with friends. Share success stories from previous hosts to build confidence. If they are concerned about time, reassure them that you will handle most of the planning and preparation.

What types of themes can I use to make my cooking shows more appealing?

Themes can add excitement and attract more guests to your cooking shows. Consider themes like "Healthy Cooking," "Quick Weeknight Dinners," or "Holiday Entertaining." You can also create seasonal themes, such as "Summer BBQ" or "Fall Comfort Foods." Engaging themes can encourage guests to bring friends and make the event more memorable, increasing the likelihood of bookings.

How can I follow up with potential hosts who have shown interest?

Following up is crucial in converting interest into bookings. Reach out with a friendly message, thanking them for their interest and asking if they have any questions. You can also share additional information about the benefits of hosting and remind them of any upcoming promotions. Timing is key; follow up within a week of their initial interest to keep the momentum going.

What are some tips for making my cooking shows more interactive?

To make your cooking shows more interactive, involve your guests in the cooking process. Encourage them to participate by assigning them tasks or asking for their input on recipes. Incorporate games or quizzes related to cooking or Pampered Chef products to keep the energy high. Additionally, allow time for questions and discussions, making guests feel more engaged and connected to the experience.

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