Ways to Jump Start Business

Mystik

I have been a consultant for over 4 years now, and have done all of 40 shows, a lot of them my own. I want to really get my business off the ground and running now that I'm a single mom. My plan is to go gung-ho on it in September by contacting everyone I know and offering an incentive to past hosts if they rebook, something like an extra 10% off their order or something and a free product to new hosts. Because I recently moved into my own place I need to get that all situated, hence the September goal.

In the meantime, I don't want to just laze about all summer and risk being inactive too long. Does anyone have some suggestions to get a couple shows over the summer months, or ideas to get it really off and running in September?

I have the PC reusable shopping bags, going to start using them more. I know a few people I can send catalogs to who might be interested now, along with DYLAB flyers for the rest of the summer.

pampchefsarah

Don't wait until September to start booking shows! Remember two things:

What you do NOW affects your business 3 months from now, and
It only takes 1 show a month to stay active.

Try to have at least a couple of cooking shows a month for now, and maybe see if you can add a catalog show or two. From those cooking shows, start getting your bookings for the next few months. By July or August, I bet you find your September and October are already pretty full.

Chefstover2

What Sarah said...keep the 90 day rule in mind...What you do today affects your business 90 days from now.

My advice...get on the phone and make 3 contacts a day (in-person contacts count, too)...you won't regret it. Keep the focus on how you can help others and OFF how they can help you.

cookingwithlove

Try to find some fairs to have a booth at. I just did a small fair in the rain and wind (this IS Oregon) on Saturday and booked 3 shows and have 2 recruit leads. I also have a more that want shows "later". It is a great way to build your lead list. I have also found that most of them are not ready to book right away, so it might be a good way to get your fall booked. I have attached my drawing slip here. I call everyone, even the ones that were not interested. I just called on a bunch of leads from a Christmas fair and got a couple of books. If you have a sizeable lead list you do not feel "desperate" for that booking.

Attached Files

Julie's Door Prize Slips.doc (32.5 KB, 292 views)

pampchefsarah

Wendy, you're so funny. If you've heard of The Pampered Chef, you must love it and want to either host a show or place an order (or, start your own business). If you haven't heard of it, you'll settle for winning a prize.

There's no "I'm not interested at all" option! Very clever.