Annie's Frustrations: Looking for Business in a Downturn

[chefannie]

I don't even know the right word to use. I guess the word that first springs to mind is Frustrated! Let me explain - I started in September with PC and have been doing OK. I have had 14 shows (some really good and some very, very bad (1 person showed up)). My November and December are basically dead except for a holiday fair in November and possibly 2 in December. I have been trying everything to get some new business (doing my 3-2-1, making customer care calls, etc.). I have even made 100 holiday flyers and stuffed zipper bags with holiday flyers and the mini-holiday flyer, then I walked outside for a two mile radius and dropped flyers on front porches until I couldn't walk anymore. I have sent out another 100 holiday mini catalogs to friends, family and customers. I have sent out at least 15 fundraiser packets to various schools in my area. I did the same with 20 realtor packets I put together and mailed these also. I am paying for advertising in a bridal supplement that will be coming out next week. I really, really don't mean to sound like sour grapes, but that is the way I feel.

I have spoken to a lot of different people and they say what you do now takes at least six months to come through, but I don't know if I can wait that long. I really shouldn't complain, my January and February look OK so far, it is just so frustrating (there is that word again) after spending so much time and money with no results.

Thanks for listening!
Annie

 

[janetupnorth]

14 shows since September is an awesome start...just keep doing what you are doing and it will get better. This time of year is often hard on many people. You had a big start so there is bound to be a little lull...stick with it!

 

[Brandi2007]

Just keep on the phone! Don't get frustrated just yet! Everything will snowball, I promise!

 

[pamperedgirl3]

You don't mention if you are following up on the info you've sent out (holiday minis to family, fundraiser stuff, realtor stuff)--make sure you do if you haven't! I know that I want to order something & then the catalog gets buried under other stuff.

Just like what you've heard, give it time! You have had a great start! I think everyone hits a lull when they've gotten through their circle until they get out of it. It will come! Good luck!

 

[JAE]

You know, I had a hard time after my first couple of months, too. I had a great first 30 and 60 days. But then nothing! I went to conference and was so motivated to get on the phone. I started calling all my past customers to see if they were happy with their products. I asked them if they would like to get my e-mail newsletter. Then I asked them if they had ever thought about having a show. I booked my September that way. Get excited and make your 3 contacts a day. Don't take it personally if you get "no". That's why I offered my newsletter because almost everyone said "yes" to that.

 

[ragschef]

Just keep on the phone! Don't get frustrated just yet! Everything will snowball, I promise!

Everything will snowball IN A GOOD WAY!!! I had this problem last year and spent more money in the last 2 months of the year than I had made in the 3 previous to that. In January, I had a $4500 month TOTALLY unexpectedly! The holidays are just a hard time to get people to have one more get-together with family and friends since thanksgiving and Christmas are so close together and so commercialized nowadays, that no on ehas the time to slow down, including us. My first holiday season was the best I've had yet ( I started my biz mid-Nov 2005) and I truly believe it was because I was in LOVE with my new business. If I could just find that love again, I may have a good holiday season next year.... This one's just going to be okay....
Keep smiling though and market your biz everywhere you go! You'll do fine on top of your snowball!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I agree with JAE's advice.....maybe because we have both seen our businesses take off from doing 3-2-1 calls.
I too made a commitment after conference to do my calls - and am experiencing an almost overwhelming Fall/Winter season because of it!
You have done 14 shows - that is awesome! If you have 14 shows under your belt, then you have a TON of customer care calls you can do, and from what I have experienced the past 3 months - THAT is the best way to get business - way better than flyers, or advertising in papers, or any of that stuff that costs you money. Focus on the practices that will MAKE you money instead, and call those people from your shows......offer them what JAE suggested, and also ask them if there is anything they might need for their Thanksgiving and Christmas baking needs, or gift-giving needs.
Don't give up - and remember - the first call is the hardest! Keep going!

 

[chefannie]

Thanks everyone for the pep talks! It really made me feel better. OK phone - here I come. Wish me luck!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

You can do it Annie!:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: