Are You Ready to Fill Your Calendar With March and April Bookings?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and strategies for booking cooking shows in March and April, particularly in light of new products and catalog releases. Many discuss their approaches to follow-up communications with potential hosts and the challenges they face in securing bookings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses hope to fill their calendar with bookings by sending out a "Potential Host pack" that includes the new catalog and host rewards.
  • Another participant shares their excitement about receiving a booking after sending out information packs, indicating a positive response from potential hosts.
  • Several users mention the importance of follow-up calls, with one participant noting that they struggle with this aspect but are working to improve.
  • One participant discusses a strategy of offering additional free product to incentivize bookings, reflecting on their decision to forgo a booth at a Home and Garden Show.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making follow-up calls without securing any bookings, expressing curiosity about effective communication strategies.
  • One participant notes that they had success with a single letter leading to a booking, highlighting the unpredictability of responses to outreach efforts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various booking strategies and follow-up approaches, with no clear consensus emerging on the best methods to secure bookings.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences related to booking shows during a specific promotional period, focusing on their individual challenges and successes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into booking strategies and follow-up techniques may find the shared experiences relevant to their own practices.

heat123
heat123
Silver Member
Messages
6,922
Well with the New Season, Catalog, New Products and Colors I am hoping to reel in those maybes and yeses (but don't know whens) and get my calander full for March and April! I have put together a "Potential Host pack" and will mail them all out this week! Hopefully seeing the New catalog, host rewards sheet, list of themes, and upcoming specials will get them excited to have their parties in these upcoming months! :D

Wish me luck on follow up- (calling to secure) them! That's my weakest strategy at this point. (Trying to work on it though!) :rolleyes:
 
Go for it Heather! Congratulations! Keep us posted.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
thanks!I actually just got a phone call from one whom I gave my info pack to last night. (She must be eager!) She booked for March 14th! :)

1 down 10 more to go! Whoo-hooo!
 
Awesome! That's such a great idea! Did you add a little cover letter in there? Do you mind sharing what you said? That's a great response already! Way to go!! :D Maybe challenge yourself to follow up with one of the people you mailed it to per day once they've had a chance to receive it. Just call and say you're following up on your mailing and you wanted to make sure they understood all the awesome host rewards and to check and see if they had other questions. That would be a great start to conquering your fear! :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Hi Becky!I do have a cover letter here it is! Thanks for your "follow up" advice I will use your suggestion, cause you know I need as much help as I can with phone calls! :rolleyes:

Dear _______,
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Cooking or Catalog show. What a great season to have a get together with family and friends while learning a new recipe or two! With a New Spring Catalog, 42~New products and the New (Wave of Colors) it is sure to be a hit!

Enclosed you will find the Spring Catalog, Host Rewards info, list of Themes and the up coming Host specials for March and April. When you decide on the month of booking a show we can start planning it soon! I am open for shows Tuesday-Saturdays.

I will be contacting you in a week or so after mailing your packet out to follow up!

Sincerely,
Heather Isackson
Pampered Chef Consultant
619.820.9900
[email protected]
www.pamperedchef.biz/heatherlynn
 
Good luck!! I have three cooking shows next week, and my goal is to get a minimum of 10 bookings from the three. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
wow!great booking goal! Do you always strive that high!? I'm happy to get 1 per show at this point! :p
 
No, I usually don't set a goal for myself at all, and I usually don't get any bookings. That is one of my weak spots. I think I may actually be even better at picking up the phone and making calls than getting bookings from my shows!!

Here is what made me decide this. I was going to have a booth at a Home and Garden Show the beginning of April. This was going to cost me about $200, and it is a 2 day event. The more I thought about it the more I really wasn't sure I wanted to do it. I would be spending $200 to stand at a booth for two days and hope that I might get a couple of leads. I thought to myself, why not take that $200 and just offer it to future hosts. So, at those shows next week, I'm going to say that the first 10 people to book and hold a minimum of a $300 show in March or April would get $20 additional free product. That way I know I will be for sure getting 10 shows with that money and not just hoping for some shows.

I know a lot of consultants probably think it is stupid. I know that the hostess program is already generous. I just feel if I can get three or four months in a row with several shows, I will get on a roll and not have to do that kind of thing anymore. I tend to slack off and then have trouble getting going again. I have 3 cooking shows and 3 catalog shows this month and I already have 2 cooking and 1 catalog next month. Hopefully my plan will work.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
udate..Well after doing some follow up calls I have 5 of them booked and 2 probably but uncertain dates 1 MIA (cannot get a hold of her after 3calls and 2emails) and 3 not at this time responses. So almost 1/2 of them were definite takers! Not great but not too bad either! March is looking great w/(6 shows) . Now to work on filling April:D

Just had to share the outcome:)
 
Heather -
I honestly don't know how you do it. I did EXACTLY the same thing last week and have since made follow up calls and haven't gotten ONE booking. I would love to know what you say on the phone to get these people to book!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
PamperedPrincess74 said:
Heather -
I honestly don't know how you do it. I did EXACTLY the same thing last week and have since made follow up calls and haven't gotten ONE booking. I would love to know what you say on the phone to get these people to book!
Click to expand...

I really just called to ask them if they had any ??? with the info. I gave them, then point blank asked them if they were interested in booking a date for March or April or not at this time.

That's it! Good luck to you!
 
That is great~! I actually did something like that the other day with just one letter. The person called me today upon receiving her letter in the mail and booked a show!;)
So you just never know until you try!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies for booking parties in March and April?

To effectively book parties in March and April, consider leveraging seasonal themes such as spring cooking or Easter gatherings. Utilize social media to promote your events, offer special promotions or discounts for bookings made during these months, and reach out to past hosts for re-engagement. Personal invitations and follow-ups can also increase your chances of securing bookings.

How can I encourage my customers to host parties during these months?

Encourage customers to host parties by highlighting the benefits, such as earning free products, exclusive discounts, and the opportunity to gather friends for a fun cooking experience. Share testimonials from previous hosts and offer incentives for hosting, such as a bonus gift or a special recipe booklet for those who book in March or April.

What types of parties are popular during March and April?

Popular party themes during March and April include spring-themed cooking classes, Easter brunch parties, and healthy meal prep sessions as people look to refresh their cooking routines. Consider incorporating seasonal recipes and showcasing products that align with these themes to attract more hosts and guests.

How can I follow up with potential hosts who expressed interest in booking?

Follow up with potential hosts by sending a friendly message or email thanking them for their interest and reminding them of the benefits of hosting a party. Offer to answer any questions they may have and suggest specific dates that are available. Personalizing your communication can help convert their interest into a confirmed booking.

What resources does Pampered Chef provide to help with bookings?

Pampered Chef offers a variety of resources to help with bookings, including training materials, marketing tools, and customizable party invitations. Utilize their online portal for access to promotional materials, recipes, and tips on how to effectively engage with hosts and guests. Additionally, joining team meetings or webinars can provide further support and inspiration.

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