Anyone Get a Negative Reaction to the Interactive Format?

[katiemoser]

Wow! Great discussionThanks for the replies. I guess you just have to talk to your host and take it from there. I think I'm going to try to make up some combination of a little interactive and a little of the old format and see if I can come up with a compromise that both keeps the time down and makes it look easy to be a consultant, while still talking up the products.

I appreciate all those that took the time to respond to this thread.

Go Cheffers!


Katie

 

[Amzipp]

I don't think the interactive show if for me either. I think I sell more when I demonstrate, because I am comfortable with the tools and can make them look easier than if someone who has never used them can. I am a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of girl though. You really have to read the crowd. I had a show last week and tried the interactive show. I only had 2 people help out of the 12 that were there. Then when I went to the living room to do a little presentation, they all seemed annoyed that I was doing that!

 

[quiverfull7]

It's not really for me either... I am taking any help from those who come early and ask if they can do anything... but I'm pretty much back to my semi-interactive format from before... I get them talking alot... I got major complaints when I tried the new format and like others here have stated... got bookings but with the request for not doing it this new way... I'm glad it is encouraged because different ideas work for differents consultants!

 

[Chef Kearns]

I guess I had much of the same response. I don't even attempt or mention an interactive show if there are more than 8 guests coming. It is just too chaotic. I do want to make sure that the guests learn about the products and tips and things, but with 10 women in the kitchen working on a recipe it is like being....well in a kitchen with 10 women! Thay are all talking to each other. Not neccessarily about PC and I'm trying to guide them along. YUCK! With a smaller group I will definitely go interactive, but with a larger group no way!

 

[rennea]

I too don't do these kinds of shows. A lot of people are uncomfortable getting up in front of people. I did in the past and people were not happy with them so I stopped.

 

[climbercanoe3]

I love the interactive show style. I was a teacher before I became a Mom and I have been home with the kids for the last 5 years. I guess the teacher part of me is into the hands on style of the shows. I think because everyone is around the table or island or demo area, noone feels like they are in the spotlight.
I want them to realize how user friendly they are right there at the show, so they won't be afraid to buy the products.
It is interesting to see all the points of view about the new format. It will be interesting to see this post in a few months. To see if the ones who aren't impressed with the new style have changed their opinion at all or if it still isn't for them.

 

[chefshawna]

I have done 8 interactive shows now and all of them have gone great except for this past Friday. It was like pulling teeth to try and get people to come up and join in. Usually I have everyone standing all around and they all just join in doing different things. This time they all sat down and were like, no thanks I'll just watch. I didn't even have a volunteer to read the recipe!! So, I think you will just always have those crowds that would rather just sit there and watch and that is o.k. I personally prefer the interactive show b/c it takes all the pressure off of me and makes me feel like it's o.k. if I don't tell them every little detail of a product b/c it will sell itself. But, I agree that you have to do what feels right for you!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I love the interactive show style. I was a teacher before I became a Mom and I have been home with the kids for the last 5 years. I guess the teacher part of me is into the hands on style of the shows. I think because everyone is around the table or island or demo area, noone feels like they are in the spotlight.
I want them to realize how user friendly they are right there at the show, so they won't be afraid to buy the products.
It is interesting to see all the points of view about the new format. It will be interesting to see this post in a few months. To see if the ones who aren't impressed with the new style have changed their opinion at all or if it still isn't for them.

I think it's because of the teacher part of me that I am enjoying this format so much too - and have to agree with the part I bolded. When I have done these shows, I haven't put anyone on stage, everyone is just standing around doing it together......at my show on Saturday, people were actually saying things like "Oh, can I try that now", and "Hey, Cindy, why don't you try this now...." because everyone was just standing around the island doing it together. There were a couple who just sat and watched, but they were still asking questions and watching what everyone else was doing - and they both said they had a good time at checkout - and both booked.

 

[dianevill]

I try to put myself into my guests' shoes (and even into my own shoes when I'm a guest at shows). What I mean is that I really don't like the spotlight. When I go to shows as a guest and we go around the room and do introductions, I hate talking! I get all nervous as it's building up to my turn to talk. I know that sounds stupid, because I love getting up at my own shows and talking about PC, and I used to be a trainer for analytical instrumentation and do 3 day training sessions, but I think it's because I was/am comfortable with what I'm talking about.

If I didn't know our products and someone handed me the Ultimate Mandoline and told me to demo in front of a bunch of people, some of whom I have no clue who they are, I'd be very nervous and manage a way to slice off my finger.

I try to keep that in mind at my shows - I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable- I KNOW I'm not the only one that gets nervous talking in front of others, and even just doing introductions at my shows I can tell who's like me in the audience. Then to really put them in the spotlight...not so much. I'd hate for them to regret coming to my show.

Going back to my earlier post, you have to find what works for you, the host, and the crowd (but still be open to at least try new things).

 

[etteluap70PC]

I did my 2nd interactive show on Saturday. I like it but I learn things every time. I need to do more prep work. I think those that tried the tools liked getting "hands on" but I do not think they liked standing arround the kitchen table for 30 minutes! I felt it all went well we did power cooking, I felt like I was having the host help more than I should have (again need to do More prep). I was pleased that it was only an hr from the time we started cooking till I was done talking. Taking orders took another 1/2 hr. I do not feel I was at the hosts home any shorter time (bummer!) I am still there 3-3 1/2 hrs.

I will keep offering this show and keep working with my hosts to make it fun for them.

P.S. as far as I know there were no complaints. (no real bookings either or recruit leads.) I asked everyone and got VERRY negative reactions to hosting. All had bad experiences or No way I do NOT know enought people. I never had so many people have bad attitudes about hosting! I kept a smile on my face said I understand and would love to work with them if they ever change their minds....

 

[PChef_ang]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

What is the "pass the apron" game?

 

[KellyRedHead]

I was just going to ask the same thing!


Kelly V.

 

[katiemoser]

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]

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!!!

 

[Chefstover2]

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]

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.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

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.

 

[ezundel]

I just had my first totally interactive show last Friday. It was the best show I have had so far. I left it up to the host and she chose this format because most of the crowd were PC junkies(they were 40 somethings) and probably own half of the catalog. I had three recipe stations and divided everyone up. When the guests were assigned to a specific station, they benefitted from being at the station (being able to use the Dots Beverage Glasses if they made the 2-4-6 lemonade, being able to do shots of the new sprinkles if they were at the Apple/Lemonade bites, station, etc). This way the guests felt like they were getting something out of being at that particular station.

Also, while they did the recipe, I circulated but did three "commercials". Each one was focused on a particular station and what was new or upcoming (Host special, guest special) in the next two months. When I would break into the commercials, they knew to stop what they were doing. I told them all before we started that we would play a game afterward if they could remember the new things for Spring at each station.

After the recipe was done, I gave them a quiz on "What's New and Upcoming" at PC. We went station by station and the people who were at the station usually knew all of the answers and got tickets. Then I launched into the "Ask Me Anything" game and said, "for those of you who didn't earn tickets on our last game, here is your chance!!" They were asking me tons of questions about being a consultant...the first game really primed them.

All in all, this was a total success and the guests walked out of there knowing the Guest/Host/Help Whip Cancer products by heart. They went away telling people about the show and I got a lot of extra bookings that way.

However, I am going a show this weekend with the same amount of people - but it will be an older crowd. I know that the interactive format won't work for them. So, I think it also has to do with the age of the guests, sometimes.
:balloon:

 

[cookingwithdot]

That sounds really fun! I did something similar, but not as organized as yours!! On a total whim (thought about it in the shower that morning!) It was a dessert party and we were making 2 desserts. I was thinking that there wouldn't be enough time, so for the sake of time, I split the group in half and had each group make one of the desserts. Prior to the guests arriving, I asked the host if she thought this group of friends would be up for something like that. I told them what we were making they just chose their team. I had all the tools out on a table, the ingredients out & I handed a recipe to each group. It was a lot of fun and I went back and forth between the two groups, shared tips, talked about the tools, etc. It felt soo much more natural than giving a "presentation". At the end, I asked if everyone had fun and if they liked making the food themselves & they all said it was a lot of fun! I am definitely doing it like that again!!!