Anyone get a negative reaction to the Interactive format?

PChef_ang · 03-03-2008, 11:42 AM

when I did my interactive, everyone worked at the same time, so it was simultaneous. Maybe for me having 4 kids allows me to understand all that going on at once, who knows!! My executive does interactives with recipes they can make themselves, like stuffed tortilla's or panini's etc. She takes them 4 at a time so they can make their meal. This allows her to have individual time with smaller groups and it allows those waiting for their turn to chat and enjoy each other's company. I too have done a panini show with a group I had done many shows with, they loved it and so did I, it was just a nice change of pace.

I think your host would have a good feel for the guests s/he is inviting to let you know which show type s/he would prefer....

Good luck to you!!

jenf · 03-03-2008, 01:30 PM

I had two interactive last weekend. The first one was great. People got involved and seemed to really have a good time. Everyone commented on how this was the best show they had ever been to. Then the next day it was like night and day difference. They were totally opposed to the concept. I tried to stay positive and do most of the demo and a few people reluctantly got involved. I am glad I had both experiences because it was really eye-opening. I love the concept so I am going to keep offering this option. I think the host really selling the concept to the guests is important.

Chef Bobby · 03-03-2008, 10:00 PM

I've only done one and it went great and I'm going to try it again. Before my show everyone was standing around the counter checking out the tools. I tried to notice who was interested in what and asked them if they wanted to try it before they considered ordering it.
Bobby

urbnk8 · 03-04-2008, 11:18 AM

I have done a few now and have had very good feedback but it does get very hectic. And I feel like I don't get to talk about as many products or benefits. This is fine when the guests have been to PC shows before, but new people don't get as much from it.

My last one got kind of hectic...I usually divide them into two groups and have each group do a recipe. We did the chicken clubhouse squares and the girl that was helping just jumped into it and started doing things and nobody read the recipe right. We ended up having to make adjustments to fix it. Unfortunately, i had not made that recipe before so it was partly my fault. I don't usually do recipes without practicing but I took a chance on this one. Oops!

I don't like having to ask for volunteers because this is one they all just sit and look at me...i like to have them gathered around a table already with expectations of helping.

I would like to try and do more of a combination...like the one girl on the interactive shows dvd. Demo the products and have one person at a time doing something. That way, it's still interactive but I can still talk about the products without having to yell over all the people talking. I did one show like this and it went well.

mama2emma · 03-05-2008, 01:15 AM

I bribe people to come up and help! I play a ticket game, so at the beginning of a show I say, "I have these tickets – you’re all going to get one just for being here. You can earn more tickets as we go along, and at the end I’m going to do a drawing. The winner gets free shipping. You can get tickets by telling me you have a particular product and why you love it. If you come up and help, or just say something funny, you can get more tickets. Stay on your toes, you never know when I’ll give out tickets!"

When I want someone to jump in, all I say is "First person gets two tickets!" and I always get a taker. Once the first person starts working, I keep the recipe going so people are doing things at the same time, and it's easier to get everyone playing with the toys.

pampered.chris · 03-05-2008, 07:19 AM

I had one interactive show that was a hit, another one where NO ONE moved, and one where it was alright. I kinda went back to the classic show and offer my hostesses the opportunity to have an interactive show, most don't want to though, so I am not going to force it.
I don't know if I like one way over the other way. I have fun at every show!!

tabnat80 · 03-06-2008, 12:11 AM

I personally love the interactive shows. It allows me to talk about other products while the "helper" is using another one. I've sold more tools using this format than when I am the only one cooking. Plus, it calms my nerves way down having someone else up there with me. At the beginning of the show I place the pictures of the tools I'm using in my stainless mixing bowl and pass it around and ask everyone to pick one tool that they want to try. Then after they try it during hte demo, they put it back in my bowl and we do a door prize drawing at the end. Who's ever tool I draw, they win.

silly@hrt · 03-07-2008, 01:12 PM

My first interactive show was a Saturday brunch - and I think that worked in my favor (because as some have mentioned, the guests weren't tired from a long days work). But also, had a lot of my prep done and told the guests that this was the way to "TRY before they BUY".

I didn't make everyone help out, but allowed them to cut or chop if they wanted ~ then anyone who did "participate" was given a ticket for the raffle. My raffle was for an ice-cream scoop and surprisingly everyone was really excited and jumped in.

I did have one guest that felt like she was "doing my job" , but I just mentioned that before I had become a consultant - I bought a lot of PC products and a few sat in the box because they intimidated me. I told them they didn't seem as easy as the "lady" had made it look. I liked to do this so everyone could feel comfortable with the products, and how to use them. As well as make them all feel like they could now go home and make this recipe for their family.

It turned out to be my best show yet!!!

dpcharlotte · 03-08-2008, 09:19 PM

Love these varied responses. I am really on the fence about this - so I love the input. The great thing is that you have the flexibilty to TRY it or OPT out if it does not suit you.

chefmelody · 04-07-2008, 02:46 PM

I did one show completely interactive, and I had mixed feelings about it. One guest said she didn't want to help at all, so I gave her the recipe to read. About ten minutes into the show, she handed me the recipe back and demanded to have a catalog and order form because she had to leave early. So I got her one, she went out into the living room... and about 5 other guests followed her! I did the demo with the rest of the group, but people kept filtering out into the living room to talk or pass the ONE catalog around. *sigh* Once the recipe was finally done, I'd completely lost control of the show, even when I tried to herd everyone back into the living room to finally get catalogs and eat and listen to me talk for a few more minutes. Everyone already had their own conversations going, and I just gave up after awhile and told them I'd be in the dining room to take orders.

Needless to say, I got no bookings off that show. It was utter chaos, and not in a good way.

I'm sticking to my "pass the apron" game from now on.

dianevill · 04-07-2008, 03:34 PM

What is the "pass the apron" game?

KellyRedHead · 04-07-2008, 03:48 PM

I was just going to ask the same thing!

Kelly V.

katiemoser · 04-07-2008, 04:17 PM

Sorry Chefmelody,

I've had shows like that and it spins out of control fast! Haha

To give an update. I now still do the interactive format, but I prep a lot of the items and just have a little bit left for the guest to do. Last week I did the creamy one pot pasta for a large party. I had stations to try the garlic press, forged cutlery to cut the brocolli, santoku knife for the carrots, kitchen shears to snip the sun-dried tomatoes.

I also put my tool turn about out and encourage people to 'play' with the items in that.

With most of the prep done, I think people feel much less like kitchen slaves, and more like they are trying out the products as a consumer.

Then we moved into the living room to get the lapboard and I point out the new items in the spring/summer catalog and go around the room asking them what their favorite products are...that generates a lot of conversation like "I love that, can't live without it" and "you HAVE to get one."

Then we eat, and I let them talk and shop. The more you let them talk, the more they buy, I have found. They talk things up to each other.

Good luck to all those out there forging ahead with the interactive format!

pampered1224 · 04-15-2008, 05:57 PM

My interactive, express parties are going strong. Since November, I have been walking into my host's home, setting up, greeting guests, talking for 15 minutes tops about the upcoming host specials, the host program, guest bonuses and that is ALL! Then I simply say to everyone, "I am preparing 2 recipes tonight and I really could use your help." Now, I if I am doing a dessert, and I use the Trifles ALOT, I say somehting like, IS there any one who does not think they can make a really wonderful, tastey and elegant dessert in 10 minutes? (I have not made a dessert at a show in 4 months!)
Then I get at least 4 people to help no matter what recipe I am doing. I would rather they sit and talk than be forced to do something they really don't want to do. I give them the choice. However, I also have not had to really do any of the cooking myself. I simply decided this was their night or day away. So who am I to infringe on that? Besides, I am always within ear shot fo the guests, they talk products and sell each other stuff. I have not had one interactive/express party come in under $600. Most are over $700.
SO the choice is yours. I love to cook so who cares who really does it as long as they are buying!!!

Chefstover2 · 04-16-2008, 09:38 PM

I've been doing the interactive shows since I got back from Leadership...they're going much quicker (I'm home in 3 hours instead of at the show for 3 hours--depending on the distance I'm driving) and the guests (so far) have been enjoying getting to play with me.

I have had a couple of shows where some guests come in complete exhausted and don't want to do anything...fine with me (though the first time, I wasn't sure how to react). They appreciated not being pushed into service.

My big issue has been with the transition to "shopping mode". It felt very stilted. I've learned to just tell everyone "now while I clean up, grab a plate and head into the other room. I'll give you a quick rundown on the specials that are coming up and then we'll be done". It's better since I've started doing that, but it's really uncomfortable for me...and when do I hand them the catalogs. If I do it right when we sit down, they're looking at the book and not hearing about the specials, but I feel like I'm withholding the goodies from them.

My bookings haven't been as good, but I have had more people interested.

I'm not giving up on interactive shows...they're just plain fun, but I'm also open to doing it the old demo way.

wadesgirl · 04-16-2008, 09:45 PM

My interactive shows have not been any shorter! I think I need to work on that. Maybe do a little more prep work or something.

Di_Can_Cook · 05-29-2008, 05:02 PM

I tried to do one in the interactive format and people were hesitant to help ... I've got another one coming, with the same crowd. I think I am going to offer the opportunity to help with some of the products and not sweat it if they don't. Most of the prep work will be done in advance for this one, anyway.

03-06-2008, 12:11 AM	#47
tabnat80 Location: Alabama Posts: 824 Best Show: $1004. Experience: 4 # of Shows: My Mood:	I personally love the interactive shows. It allows me to talk about other products while the "helper" is using another one. I've sold more tools using this format than when I am the only one cooking. Plus, it calms my nerves way down having someone else up there with me. At the beginning of the show I place the pictures of the tools I'm using in my stainless mixing bowl and pass it around and ask everyone to pick one tool that they want to try. Then after they try it during hte demo, they put it back in my bowl and we do a door prize drawing at the end. Who's ever tool I draw, they win. Last edited by tabnat80; 03-06-2008 at 12:14 AM..

04-15-2008, 05:57 PM	#54
pampered1224 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,681 Best Show: $4260 Experience: 7 # of Shows: My Mood:	I have been having a blast! My interactive, express parties are going strong. Since November, I have been walking into my host's home, setting up, greeting guests, talking for 15 minutes tops about the upcoming host specials, the host program, guest bonuses and that is ALL! Then I simply say to everyone, "I am preparing 2 recipes tonight and I really could use your help." Now, I if I am doing a dessert, and I use the Trifles ALOT, I say somehting like, IS there any one who does not think they can make a really wonderful, tastey and elegant dessert in 10 minutes? (I have not made a dessert at a show in 4 months!) Then I get at least 4 people to help no matter what recipe I am doing. I would rather they sit and talk than be forced to do something they really don't want to do. I give them the choice. However, I also have not had to really do any of the cooking myself. I simply decided this was their night or day away. So who am I to infringe on that? Besides, I am always within ear shot fo the guests, they talk products and sell each other stuff. I have not had one interactive/express party come in under $600. Most are over $700. SO the choice is yours. I love to cook so who cares who really does it as long as they are buying!!!

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03-03-2008, 11:42 AM	#41
PChef_ang Location: Streetsboro, Ohio Posts: 159 Best Show: $1431 Experience: 7 # of Shows: 191 My Mood:	when I did my interactive, everyone worked at the same time, so it was simultaneous. Maybe for me having 4 kids allows me to understand all that going on at once, who knows!! My executive does interactives with recipes they can make themselves, like stuffed tortilla's or panini's etc. She takes them 4 at a time so they can make their meal. This allows her to have individual time with smaller groups and it allows those waiting for their turn to chat and enjoy each other's company. I too have done a panini show with a group I had done many shows with, they loved it and so did I, it was just a nice change of pace. I think your host would have a good feel for the guests s/he is inviting to let you know which show type s/he would prefer.... Good luck to you!!

03-03-2008, 01:30 PM	#42
jenf Posts: 97 Best Show: Experience: # of Shows:	I had two interactive last weekend. The first one was great. People got involved and seemed to really have a good time. Everyone commented on how this was the best show they had ever been to. Then the next day it was like night and day difference. They were totally opposed to the concept. I tried to stay positive and do most of the demo and a few people reluctantly got involved. I am glad I had both experiences because it was really eye-opening. I love the concept so I am going to keep offering this option. I think the host really selling the concept to the guests is important.

03-03-2008, 10:00 PM	#43
Chef Bobby Location: Prairieville, LA Posts: 798 Best Show: $980 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 56 My Mood:	I've only done one and it went great and I'm going to try it again. Before my show everyone was standing around the counter checking out the tools. I tried to notice who was interested in what and asked them if they wanted to try it before they considered ordering it. Bobby

03-04-2008, 11:18 AM	#44
urbnk8 Location: Superior, WI Posts: 403 Best Show: 774.13 Experience: <1 # of Shows: 30 My Mood:	I have done a few now and have had very good feedback but it does get very hectic. And I feel like I don't get to talk about as many products or benefits. This is fine when the guests have been to PC shows before, but new people don't get as much from it. My last one got kind of hectic...I usually divide them into two groups and have each group do a recipe. We did the chicken clubhouse squares and the girl that was helping just jumped into it and started doing things and nobody read the recipe right. We ended up having to make adjustments to fix it. Unfortunately, i had not made that recipe before so it was partly my fault. I don't usually do recipes without practicing but I took a chance on this one. Oops! I don't like having to ask for volunteers because this is one they all just sit and look at me...i like to have them gathered around a table already with expectations of helping. I would like to try and do more of a combination...like the one girl on the interactive shows dvd. Demo the products and have one person at a time doing something. That way, it's still interactive but I can still talk about the products without having to yell over all the people talking. I did one show like this and it went well.

03-05-2008, 01:15 AM	#45
mama2emma Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 56 Best Show: 730 Experience: <1 # of Shows: 9 My Mood:	I bribe people to come up and help! I play a ticket game, so at the beginning of a show I say, "I have these tickets – you’re all going to get one just for being here. You can earn more tickets as we go along, and at the end I’m going to do a drawing. The winner gets free shipping. You can get tickets by telling me you have a particular product and why you love it. If you come up and help, or just say something funny, you can get more tickets. Stay on your toes, you never know when I’ll give out tickets!" When I want someone to jump in, all I say is "First person gets two tickets!" and I always get a taker. Once the first person starts working, I keep the recipe going so people are doing things at the same time, and it's easier to get everyone playing with the toys.

03-05-2008, 07:19 AM	#46
pampered.chris Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,710 Best Show: 1878 Experience: 4 # of Shows: 250 My Mood:	I had one interactive show that was a hit, another one where NO ONE moved, and one where it was alright. I kinda went back to the classic show and offer my hostesses the opportunity to have an interactive show, most don't want to though, so I am not going to force it. I don't know if I like one way over the other way. I have fun at every show!!

03-07-2008, 01:12 PM	#48
silly@hrt Location: the Lake baby! Posts: 26 Best Show: 1100 Experience: <1 # of Shows: 16	My first interactive show was a Saturday brunch - and I think that worked in my favor (because as some have mentioned, the guests weren't tired from a long days work). But also, had a lot of my prep done and told the guests that this was the way to "TRY before they BUY". I didn't make everyone help out, but allowed them to cut or chop if they wanted ~ then anyone who did "participate" was given a ticket for the raffle. My raffle was for an ice-cream scoop and surprisingly everyone was really excited and jumped in. I did have one guest that felt like she was "doing my job" , but I just mentioned that before I had become a consultant - I bought a lot of PC products and a few sat in the box because they intimidated me. I told them they didn't seem as easy as the "lady" had made it look. I liked to do this so everyone could feel comfortable with the products, and how to use them. As well as make them all feel like they could now go home and make this recipe for their family. It turned out to be my best show yet!!!

03-08-2008, 09:19 PM	#49
dpcharlotte Posts: 42 Best Show: Experience: # of Shows:	Love these varied responses. I am really on the fence about this - so I love the input. The great thing is that you have the flexibilty to TRY it or OPT out if it does not suit you.

04-07-2008, 02:46 PM	#50
chefmelody Location: Kansas City Posts: 465 Best Show: 1,171 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 120	I did one show completely interactive, and I had mixed feelings about it. One guest said she didn't want to help at all, so I gave her the recipe to read. About ten minutes into the show, she handed me the recipe back and demanded to have a catalog and order form because she had to leave early. So I got her one, she went out into the living room... and about 5 other guests followed her! I did the demo with the rest of the group, but people kept filtering out into the living room to talk or pass the ONE catalog around. sigh Once the recipe was finally done, I'd completely lost control of the show, even when I tried to herd everyone back into the living room to finally get catalogs and eat and listen to me talk for a few more minutes. Everyone already had their own conversations going, and I just gave up after awhile and told them I'd be in the dining room to take orders. Needless to say, I got no bookings off that show. It was utter chaos, and not in a good way. I'm sticking to my "pass the apron" game from now on.

04-07-2008, 03:34 PM	#51
dianevill Location: WI Posts: 2,534 Best Show: 2138 Experience: 8 # of Shows: 347 My Mood:	What is the "pass the apron" game?

04-07-2008, 03:48 PM	#52
KellyRedHead Location: New York Posts: 634 Best Show: 1099 Experience: 3 # of Shows: My Mood:	I was just going to ask the same thing! Kelly V.

04-07-2008, 04:17 PM	#53
katiemoser Location: East Petersburg, PA Posts: 47 Best Show: 1100 Experience: <1 # of Shows: 28 My Mood:	Sorry Chefmelody, I've had shows like that and it spins out of control fast! Haha To give an update. I now still do the interactive format, but I prep a lot of the items and just have a little bit left for the guest to do. Last week I did the creamy one pot pasta for a large party. I had stations to try the garlic press, forged cutlery to cut the brocolli, santoku knife for the carrots, kitchen shears to snip the sun-dried tomatoes. I also put my tool turn about out and encourage people to 'play' with the items in that. With most of the prep done, I think people feel much less like kitchen slaves, and more like they are trying out the products as a consumer. Then we moved into the living room to get the lapboard and I point out the new items in the spring/summer catalog and go around the room asking them what their favorite products are...that generates a lot of conversation like "I love that, can't live without it" and "you HAVE to get one." Then we eat, and I let them talk and shop. The more you let them talk, the more they buy, I have found. They talk things up to each other. Good luck to all those out there forging ahead with the interactive format!

04-16-2008, 09:38 PM	#55
Chefstover2 Location: Arden, NC--near Asheville Posts: 485 Best Show: 1551 Experience: 7 # of Shows: 464 My Mood:	I've been doing the interactive shows since I got back from Leadership...they're going much quicker (I'm home in 3 hours instead of at the show for 3 hours--depending on the distance I'm driving) and the guests (so far) have been enjoying getting to play with me. I have had a couple of shows where some guests come in complete exhausted and don't want to do anything...fine with me (though the first time, I wasn't sure how to react). They appreciated not being pushed into service. My big issue has been with the transition to "shopping mode". It felt very stilted. I've learned to just tell everyone "now while I clean up, grab a plate and head into the other room. I'll give you a quick rundown on the specials that are coming up and then we'll be done". It's better since I've started doing that, but it's really uncomfortable for me...and when do I hand them the catalogs. If I do it right when we sit down, they're looking at the book and not hearing about the specials, but I feel like I'm withholding the goodies from them. My bookings haven't been as good, but I have had more people interested. I'm not giving up on interactive shows...they're just plain fun, but I'm also open to doing it the old demo way.

04-16-2008, 09:45 PM	#56
wadesgirl Location: Iowa Posts: 6,993 Best Show: 2009 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 216 My Mood:	My interactive shows have not been any shorter! I think I need to work on that. Maybe do a little more prep work or something.

05-29-2008, 05:02 PM	#57
Di_Can_Cook Location: Ohio Posts: 2,969 Best Show: $1,209 Experience: 1 # of Shows: 25 My Mood:	I tried to do one in the interactive format and people were hesitant to help ... I've got another one coming, with the same crowd. I think I am going to offer the opportunity to help with some of the products and not sweat it if they don't. Most of the prep work will be done in advance for this one, anyway.