$1,000 Shows -Share Your Tips From Your Experience

[sfdavis918]

holy cow cathy!!! i so want your luck with shows!! i really suck at host coaching! i definately need more practice!

Sounds like it's not luck, she worked hard to get those!

 

[cathyskitchen]

Thanks, Sarah (and everyone!). Yes, I think the extra effort definitely paid off. I also have used this "Blueprint for a $1000 Show" in my host packets, and I find when I go through it and really explain it to hosts, they do really well (if not $1000, at least $700 - 800). When I book shows at a show, I always explain this 5/15/5 rule in person, and then talk about it again. They all strive to get at least 15 people at their parties, and think that's the "rule"!

(PS - I tried to post the original "powerpoint" slide that had grids in the background like a real blueprint, but it wouldn't let me, so I switched it to a "word" document so I could attach it here).

 

[blessed4life]

I have had 8 1k shows in a year. Each host that has reached 1k had done the block sale. This is where you sell each block for $2. There are 49 squares and if they are all filled in I give the final $2. I do not do the drawing until after everyone at the party has placed their order. The winner can not replace their current order. The winnings have to be used for product only, no tax or s/h.

While the host is asking people if they want to buy a square they also show them the book. These host have gotten lots of outside orders. If they are asking co-workers about the squares they leave the catalog and order form with them for a while and come back later. Usually there are some products on the order form!

Hi Nikki,
Can you give me more info on this? I would love to try it !

Thanks a bunch.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I've had about 24 $1000 shows in the last 4 years (I guess that makes it 6 per year?). In my first year, I didn't have that many, but by year 2, they were happening more regularly, and I think it's b/c I got better at host coaching. I made sure I explained that outside orders and attendance were KEY and told them all about the 5/15/5 rule - every one of my hosts who has had a $1000 show has had at least 5 orders before the show, 15 buying guests at the show, and 5 orders after the show. At least.

Many of them are motivated, but most are just aware that they need to invite as many people as possible. These hosts are the ones who send out every single invitation and ask for more. I actually had 5 $1000 shows in a row in May of 2006, and it was because every single host actually listened to me when I told them to INVITE EVERYONE.

As you have seen already with this thread, this is definitely the key. I like the line that "no one will be insulted that they are invited, but they'll be offended if they're NOT invited", and I use that a lot.

Hope this is what you were looking for! GL!

I use that line all the time, and I tell my hosts this story:

my first summer as a consultant, I had a show where the host had invited a ton of people....she was going to have a GREAT show. When I got to her house though, she was very upset. It seems that although she had invited alot of people, she had one friend she hadn't invited, because she was wealthy, and in the hosts words "Why would she need Pampered Chef? I figured she wouldn't even be interested." Of course, this friend found out from another friend about the show - and was very hurt that she hadn't been invited - so the host had just called her and apologized, and extended a last minute invite to her. She ended up coming, made a $350 purchase, and booked her own show! (and is now one of my best and favorite customers!) The host had a $1200 party - all because of this one guest who ALMOST wasn't invited!
So don't ever assume that someone won't be interested - Remember - No one is ever offended by being invited to the party, but they can be offended and hurt if they aren't invited!

 

[nikkijo]

Germell, I have the blocksale sheet posted earlier in the thread. What other questions do you have?

To win the money they do not have to be present. If every box is not filled up they do not win $100. Lets say 30 box's were filled up, then the winner would win $60 in product of their choice. If every box is not filled up and an empty box is picked, I just have the hostess pick another box until we get a winner.

 

[ChefNic]

I had a show in March where ONE LADY spent $500....her total was $510 after tax shipping...!!! Her items didn't even fit on the write in receipt! And she got Exec. 8" saute, 12", Stir-Fry, and lid among other things. This was all HER personal order, not adding other's together!
Needless to say, this host had a $1000+ show! I'm sure the host was glad she came!

I had a $1000 show in Feb, March, and April($1,100+) of this year.
I really don't do anything different for these shows as any other. I really think the wishlist helps, so they can SEE how much they want.

For the last couple years I've given an incentive to my highest $1000+ show of the year. Last year I gave the Prof. Stir-Fry skillet...this year the Professional Family Skillet. I tell all my host about it, and it seems to get them motivated to be the winner, and they are like "OH MAN!" when someone beats them.

And I try to brainstorm with them about more people to invite.

 

[feather18]

I love the blueprint Cathy!! Thank you for posting that! Can any of you creative people make it with a blue print behind it? That would look so cool!! That is so helpful, because my thing is i dont know how to SAY what I am thinking.. But I think i just need to be upfront and say " To have a successful show you need to do this..." (5/15/5) I tried explaing it to my host last night, and I feel like im being demanding.

 

[pchefinski]

Here's one version I made. I can make another with a blueprint behind, but it would take up a lot of colored ink when printed, so I thought this may work better. Let me know if you want the other one too. I can't save it as a pdf file on my computer, so if someone wants to do that and then put it into word, they can. I left a space at the bottom so the consultant info can be stamped on if desired. (or print off one copy, print off your information typed out, and then tape it on in the blank spot and run off a copy to transfer your info into place).

 

[cathyskitchen]

I love the blueprint Cathy!! Thank you for posting that! Can any of you creative people make it with a blue print behind it? That would look so cool!! That is so helpful, because my thing is i dont know how to SAY what I am thinking.. But I think i just need to be upfront and say " To have a successful show you need to do this..." (5/15/5) I tried explaing it to my host last night, and I feel like im being demanding.

No problem! You could also just buy graph paper - I'm sure the office stores carry it - and just print the flyer on the graph paper - same thing!

Oh, and if you have PowerPoint, you can just use one of the Microsoft template backgrounds they give you that looks like a grid - that's what this was in PowerPoint form (I can email it to you if you want, too, just let me know!)

 

[feather18]

GOOD IDEA!! haha! and thank you so much for posting that!! Yall are all so creative!! Thank you so much!!:love:

 

[legacypc46]

SEVENTEEN $1000+ shows? Did I read that right? If so, please do share some tips.

I do plan to share (combination of host-coaching, cross selling, luck, etc)....am burning the candle at all ends this week...besides the Morning Update for Paige I haven't been signing on here until late at night...and now I'm too tired to think (it's almost midnight here). Will try for tomorrow AM. -leggy

 

[feather18]

OMG ! Your in Germany!! wow! I just realized!

 

[GourmetGirl]

I love CS and this thread! I haven't had a $1000 show all year, and had 3 in my first 9 months last year... 2 of those included very large orders (one for $200 and one for just over $400) and the third was a fundraiser.

After reading these and comparing to my host coaching I realize I need to put more emphasis on telling people to bring friends and I need to put more emphasis on carrying around invitations with you for those you "didn't have their address, but really wanted to invite." How many people do we sort-of know but if they invited us to a party we would actually go? Especially if it was something we were interested in! One of my $1000 shows the host's DH pushed her to get over $1000... he said in our neighborhood, we should have double the national average, if it takes you going door to door, you can do it and get that free stuff! It was so funny to see him so interested! (granted this was also my cousin, so I got to see more "behind-the-scenes" than I normally would have...)

 

[Christ Follower]

I love Chef Success and this thread! I haven't had a $1000 show all year, and had 3 in my first 9 months last year... 2 of those included very large orders (one for $200 and one for just over $400) and the third was a fundraiser.

After reading these and comparing to my host coaching I realize I need to put more emphasis on telling people to bring friends and I need to put more emphasis on carrying around invitations with you for those you "didn't have their address, but really wanted to invite." How many people do we sort-of know but if they invited us to a party we would actually go? Especially if it was something we were interested in! One of my $1000 shows the host's DH pushed her to get over $1000... he said in our neighborhood, we should have double the national average, if it takes you going door to door, you can do it and get that free stuff! It was so funny to see him so interested! (granted this was also my cousin, so I got to see more "behind-the-scenes" than I normally would have...)

Great idea! I will FOR SURE start coaching my hosts with this idea!

 

[ginamkiely]

i've only had 4 cooking shows and they have all been over $1000. (mine was $2800) and i definitely think getting the host motivated about the free stuff and sending out e-vites, reminders, sorry you can't attend e-mails is also important. i do all that myself so i make sure i know everyone had a chance to place an order.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

i've only had 4 cooking shows and they have all been over $1000. (mine was $2800) and i definitely think getting the host motivated about the free stuff and sending out e-vites, reminders, sorry you can't attend e-mails is also important. i do all that myself so i make sure i know everyone had a chance to place an order.

I have found that for me, the evites just don't work that well. Most of them never get opened........I think that most either go into a junk mail folder, or never even make it past the ISP.

 

[ginamkiely]

I have found that for me, the evites just don't work that well. Most of them never get opened........I think that most either go into a junk mail folder, or never even make it past the ISP.

really? wow, i never thought of that. so far it's been working pretty well for me, there always are a couple that don't seem to get opened but the hosts usually call their friends too.

 

[cathyskitchen]

After reading these and comparing to my host coaching I realize I need to put more emphasis on telling people to bring friends and I need to put more emphasis on carrying around invitations with you for those you "didn't have their address, but really wanted to invite." How many people do we sort-of know but if they invited us to a party we would actually go? Especially if it was something we were interested in!

Allison - I have gotten my show averages up by remembering to say this to all of my hosts - it definitely helps!! I tell them to make 3 contacts with everyone:

1 - personally invite everyone with a phone call or in person
2 - send the postcard or the email invitation as a 1st reminder
3 - call or email (whatever works best for that person) each person, whether they're coming or not, during the week of the party.

This has helped tremendously. The hosts that do these 3 contacts with their guests have the best attendance!

 

[cathyskitchen]

really? wow, i never thought of that. so far it's been working pretty well for me, there always are a couple that don't seem to get opened but the hosts usually call their friends too.

I agree, Gina - email invitations work really well for me, too, if the host is really good about sending them all out at least 3 weeks in advance, and especially now with the automatic "reminder" email feature.

I always tell my hosts to think about how they talk to their friends/family most - is it on the phone/in person, or is it via email? The ones they always talk to via email they should send an email invitation (and make a phone call). The ones who never check their email should get a postcard invitation. Most of my hosts know exactly who should get an email and who should get a postcard, and I always stress that EVERYONE should get a phone call from them regardless.

 

[missyciccolella]

You guys may have seen this as I can't remember where it came from...I changed the info a little, but I've been sending this to my hosts.
I also offer a "stone of your choice" for beating my highest show ($1440)...I've had a few hosts really challenge themselves to this one...a couple of hosts beat it, and another came close - about $100 shy. I gave the host that just missed the goal 75% off a stone for trying so hard. Hope this helps!

 

[legacypc46]

It took a while to get back to this (sorry), but here's a quick overview of my $1K shows. First, a modesty disclaimer: I'm still figuring this business out and can only share what I'm doing...but I think caring about our hosts and just being ourselves is what's most effective.

Since 1 Nov 06:
15 of 57 cooking shows were over $1K*
2 of 18 catalog shows were over $1K (submitted as cooking shows due to last minute illness/family matters; they did the planning/prep so credited them for it)
*13 were less than $400 (truth in sharing:angel: )

Host Coaching
- I always do it in person...takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes depending on the social chit-chat (I like getting to know my host and forming a partnership)
- My general format:
> nicities, to include learning why she decided to host (because we all like to be treated like a person)
> review host benefits program (important she realize just how much she can receive)
> share "the five things I've found that consistently lead to a successful show" (I use this phrase several times during coaching...the 5 steps are in my host letter {attached})
> review guest special, outside order form, upcoming specials
> discuss the theme for her show (every show I do has a theme...it's just works for me...I think it also helps guests to arrive expecting a good time.)
- My host packets are a bright color so they stand out (I suggest they keep it out on their desks at work...if SAHM, carry it around with them when running errands...it has a big PC sticker on the cover )
- I strongly emphasize the website for outside orders...we're a military community overseas...but I think now-a-days everyone has out-of-town friends/family

At the Show:
- Tell guests I'm not here to sell to them; only they know what they want in their kitchen (though I'm happy to help them realize they want more than they thought they did )
- I try to mention at least three uses/benefits for every item I discuss and cross-sell like crazy
- I rarely do games...I think they work great...but that approach isn't my personality, so it comes off fake when I try them

After the show I try to coach her to at one one or two more levels. My show sales always include quite a few outside orders.

In a nutshell, I just think it comes down to caring about your host, her guests, and yourself. When we enjoy our shows, they relax...and relaxed guests tend to give themselves permission to spend more.

anyway...hope this is somewhat helpful....like I said, I'm still learning....and I think they are some folks on here who probably have a much higher ratio of 1K shows
-leggy

 

[legacypc46]

oops, here's my host coaching letter (think it's already posted)

i got it from here and just modify it every month...haven't done october yet

 

[PC_CPR]

Leggy--thanks so much for sharing!!

 

[pchefinski]

QQ for Legacypc46: In the Host Letter, at the bottom is a bonus for getting 5 outside orders ($20 extra free product value). Is this something you personally give to the host, and then cover that on her order? That letter was great, as was all of your information. Would you mind giving us an idea on what you put in your host packet and how you make it so colorful? TIA

 

[Gina M]

I've only had 3 over $1000 with one from last Friday - my experience with this latest one - she was so enthusiastic about getting free products - I left her house with around $859 in sales (she had 14 guests present and 2 outside orders) - I told her how we have a $1000 brunch in December for our hosts who achieve this and she was so motivated to get that - she contacted people who couldn't come and got an additional 6 orders - her show is now at $1049! She told me she would get it and she sure did! And this is from a host who was hesitant (and felt kind of shy) inviting her neighbors but I told her that was a great way to get to know your neighbors even more. Her show was very fun and I got a booking and recruit lead from it as well.

As far as my other 2 $1000 shows - one was a HWC fundraiser in May at my Curves and the other was a co-hosted show that had tons of outside orders and over 20 people at the show. I think when hosts are excited and understand that they need to invite a lot of people - they finally click and get it! I'm hoping to have many more $1000 shows from now on.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I think I've had 7 $1000 shows this year.
My biggest thing in increasing show average & sales is sending my invites. Also get your host excited about all the FPV she's going to earn. Encourage her to follow up with those that didn't come & get outside orders. The big guest list is where it all starts!

I had 5 $1,000 in the past 1.5 years. I agree with Lacy- these are the things I attribute to the super sales!

 

[legacypc46]

QQ for Legacypc46: In the Host Letter, at the bottom is a bonus for getting 5 outside orders ($20 extra free product value). Is this something you personally give to the host, and then cover that on her order? That letter was great, as was all of your information. Would you mind giving us an idea on what you put in your host packet and how you make it so colorful? TIA

bonus for 5 outside orders before the show
- it's something I personally give...but it doesn't actually cost me $20. To the host, it's $20 more in free product value; to P3 it's $20 over free product value, so P3 applies the host discount. I then pay whatever the post-discount amount is. (Input as Consultant Gift)
- if a host collects five orders, then she's going to earn (or come close to) her 1/2 price item before her show even starts. The one's who do this, get even more excited and tend to keep going. Those that don't get the 5 orders, don't cost me anything.
- I previously offered a free seasoning, then a $12 item of choice, but had few takers. Offering anything though, is totally each consultant's decision.

host packet contents
- front side pocket = planning guide (which I really don't like) w/memory jogger flyer inside, a catalog with host name and code on it, SB, Come Join Us brochure. I also include a "Simple Tips for a Successful Show" post card from Nancy's. (It's no longer available, but use anything that the host can post on her fridge....to minimize the 'out of sight - out of mind' syndrome)
- in document protectors = host letter and back side of "Host a Cooking Show Flyer", current month specials and my outside order form, next month specials and "apron in five sizes" flyer. (I've already posted my specials flyers in the flyers thread)
- back pocket = 5 outside orders forms, 3-5 catalogs, a 6x9 envelope for collecting orders and payment
- I just use a bright colored folder (plastic), but coordinate the inside documents....all have a cranberry color right now becuase that is what PC's current Cooking Show Flyer uses.

The "packaging" helps, but I think it really comes down to the host (and you) being excited about the show (like Kelly, Lacy, and others say). If your host realizes that she's sharing an opportunity to buy versus asking her friends to buy, then she will generally have a large guest list and several outside orders.

(Also, I don't mail the invites...we (and our hosts) aren't allowed to here becuase of legal restrictions with the military postal system. I think I would do that if I could.)

-leggy

 

[pchefinski]

Thanks for explaining it!

 

[mypampchef]

I need clarificationI am a new consultant and wanted to know how they base the $1,000 show. Is it on Commision sales or overall show total. My first Cooking "Show Total" was $1,190.00, but the guest sales were only about $700.

Is that considered a $1,000 show?

Thanks
Kristi

 

[cathyskitchen]

I am a new consultant and wanted to know how they base the $1,000 show. Is it on Commision sales or overall show total. My first Cooking "Show Total" was $1,190.00, but the guest sales were only about $700.

Is that considered a $1,000 show?

Thanks
Kristi

It's based on guest sales and/or commissionable sales, since that's what counts for host bonuses. Sometimes that can be more than commissionable sales, depending on how many host specials are purchased. HTH