Cooking for Singles: Reinventing Leftovers & Hosting Shows

[riggs62]

Ok, I had a show last night with more men than women, everyone was single (doesn't cook big meals). I did a big presentation about the cookware (& ice cube demo). Tailored my presentation to them explaining how they can reinvent left overs and even though they don't have large families to cook for doesn't mean they should eat from a box. There was a bunch of oohs and ahhs. The men seemed more impressed than the women! But no one ordered!! They all wanted to go home and really look over the catalog and make their decisions. The host is optimistic that everyone will order and I've given her six days to close it out. I felt really good about my presentation, as everyone came up to me after saying they had such a good time and that it was a lot of fun. I want to call them tonight to thank them for coming etc. and explain that they can order under their host's name online. Any body ever run into this and how did it turn out? Any advice for my calls tonight? Oh and one of the men may want to host a show, but had to leave before I could talk to him about it. I left a host packet with the host for him and booked two other shows. And I may have recruited the host. Sorry this is long.

 

[Dawn4]

I think even if you don't get any orders from this show (which I bet you will) it was very successful. Just the bookings and the recruit alone was worth it. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. I would definately call each person tonight and see if they had a chance to go through the book. Make sure they know about the specials for the month and that you need to close out within six days. I would offer them each a recipe. I'm sure it's going to turn out great!!!!! Good luck.

 

[peichef]

I bet if you follow up soon (by tomorrow at the latest) you'll get some orders. Keep the faith and good luck Let us know what happens!!

 

[Kathytnt]

I did have one show that everyone order online even though they were at the show - I was a very odd feeling but it happens.

 

[bethsbiz]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to get those orders but it is unusual to have a full show, with guests present, where no one orders. And, my experience is that you will only get a few of those orders. Without sounding deperate, you will want to remind your host that "out of site, out of mind" might lead to fewer orders than she is expectng. Make sure she follows up on each and every one of them.

Not saying it won't work out, but it would make me nervous. I've had 2 shows like this. One was a group of young women who, when they learned I was closing the show in 4 days said "so we don't have to order tonight?" ...well, I said, no, it would be helpful of course but I need the orders by "such and such". When that day came and went there were no orders. None. That was my only show with zero orders. After that I made sure to say that orders taken and paid for tonight were requested....but later in the show I would discuss that we'd be formally closing on "such and such a date".

Another show, the gal billed as a ladies night out. She had a big crowd...20 women. WOW!!!! They were an enthusiastic and attentive crowd. When I was done with my demo, imagine my surprise when they all left the room and went to an area of the home where there was a kareoke machine. This really was a girls night out and I was a very small part of it. I did get orders from the show...but only from a few.

I always use these types of situtations as learning experiences.

Some consultnat indicate they are "closing that night" in order to avoid this type of delay. You can still meet with the host a day or so later...but it communicates to the guests that it is time to order and pay now.

Fortunately, this is not the norm so don't panic. I've done close to 400 shows now and only had these 2 where no orders happended at the show. Very much the exception.

Good luck!!!

 

[riggs62]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'd love to come back and post next week that it was a $1000 show. LOL but I'm not holding my breath. I'll keep you posted.

 

[PCJenni]

Make sure the hostess follows up too. You may come off as too "selling" but the hostess wants to have a good show and great her free products. People will understand her following up.