August Wasn't Our Best Month: Lessons Learned for Next Time

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants reflecting on their experiences with booking shows and the challenges faced in August, including communication difficulties with potential hosts and the outcomes of their efforts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions submitting five new shows for August but not winning any prizes.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about how winners are notified after submitting shows.
  • One participant shares that a pop-up box appears for winners, with details on checking results available under the official rules tab.
  • Several participants celebrate their wins after entering bookings, highlighting personal successes.
  • One participant discusses making ten calls but only achieving two contacts, expressing satisfaction in taking action despite limited results.
  • Another participant reports making sixteen calls, resulting in one party booking and a fundraiser, while noting the difficulty of reaching people.
  • One participant shares frustration with unresponsive contacts and discusses their strategy of persistent follow-ups through calls and texts.
  • Another participant reflects on their own experience of being unresponsive to calls and emphasizes a customer service approach to booking calls.
  • One participant expresses discomfort with aggressive follow-up tactics, preferring a more service-oriented approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of follow-up strategies and the appropriateness of persistence in reaching out to potential hosts. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to their business practices and challenges, particularly in the context of a booking blitz and the impact of personal circumstances on their efforts.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into the challenges of booking shows and the varied approaches to communication with potential hosts may find this discussion relevant.

U
ughubug
Messages
415
Bummer--Just submitted 5 brand new shows for August and no winners! At least business should be good!;)
 
I just also submitted 5 new shows, how do we know if we are winners, I didn't see either way.
 
A pop up box will automatically appear when you win. It doesn't stay long so if you miss it there is a box in the upper left hand corner that says view winners and you can click there and check it out. The $5 gift cards are supposed to ship the end of July somtime and the drawing prize winners will be picked Sept. 7th I believe it was. Sorry I don't remember the exact dates off hand. But you can check them all out under the official rules tab found on the same page.
 
Also make sure you are entering the entries under the booking blitz page and not on CC.
 
THANKS!!! I just got in and saw this post. So I put in 3 bookings and won!!
 
trps said:
THANKS!!! I just got in and saw this post. So I put in 3 bookings and won!!
Click to expand...

Woo Hoo! I won too. Somthing small... but I'll take it.:D
 
I made 10 calls but no bookings. Out of those 10 calls came only 2 contacts. BUT, I am very happy, because it was the first time in a few months that I have picked up the phone and worked my business. Our house is on the market and it seems like all I have time for is to keep the house clean and take care of the 3 kids (7, 5 and 1 year old). This booking blitz as well as conference announcements has inspired me to start making the time for my business again!!!!
 
I made 16 calls yesterday! I talked to a total of 3 live people vs machines. 1 booked a party(she was a maybe from awhile back) one was a cancel from 2 months ago(she said she would call me back...hmmm) and the other was a cancel from several months ago and she just had surgery. I had also sent out 150 customer connection email (ZERO respose) and did send out an email to a friend looking for fundraiser ideas for a JDRF walk. SHe booked a fundraiser with me for August. SO all in all, I got one party and one fundraiser yesterday which is more luck than I have had in awhile. I just wish people would answer their phones or call back when I leave a message. Does anyone else feel like they see it is you and will not answer the phone? I do feel good that I made all those calls. I am going to make some more today and hope to get some call backs form the others. Not too hopeful on that part. How often do you all keep calling someone and leaving messages before you just figure they do not want to do it or do you just keep calling?
 
I hate when people do not answer the phone... so I text and call some more and email. When I get a NO, it gives me an answer. Not guessing they do not want to host a party, they could be really busy. I thought this was bull untill it happened to me, I forgot and got super busy! Thank God the consultant called me again and I booked a show. I think everyone wants to book, after about the 3rd call I leave a message saying.. " I guess your really busy but I cant wait for you to be my host, how does 8-21-10 look?" If they dont call you back and give you a no, call back!!! Still no answer call l them and say "I cant wait to se you on _____! Im going to send out a host packet" Im sure you will get a call or an answer very soon! Also dont leave much information on voicemail... now they know what you want! Example: Hey Stacey its Julie just wanted to tell you... (and hang up) they will call back, they dont know what you want!!

I told my director about my problems about getting call back, and the answering machine... I am working on my calls as well, but I wanted to share some information.
 
Jholmes0904 said:
I hate when people do not answer the phone... so I text and call some more and email. When I get a NO, it gives me an answer. Not guessing they do not want to host a party, they could be really busy. I thought this was bull untill it happened to me, I forgot and got super busy! Thank God the consultant called me again and I booked a show. I think everyone wants to book, after about the 3rd call I leave a message saying.. " I guess your really busy but I cant wait for you to be my host, how does 8-21-10 look?" If they dont call you back and give you a no, call back!!! Still no answer call l them and say "I cant wait to se you on _____! Im going to send out a host packet" Im sure you will get a call or an answer very soon! Also dont leave much information on voicemail... now they know what you want! Example: Hey Stacey its Julie just wanted to tell you... (and hang up) they will call back, they dont know what you want!!

I told my director about my problems about getting call back, and the answering machine... I am working on my calls as well, but I wanted to share some information.
Click to expand...


Being one of "THOSE PEOPLE" who doesn't answer the phone- for me, it's "I don't know the number, and I don't want to deal with any sales pitch right now". Because think about it- 9 times out of 10- when it's an unknown number, it IS a sales person from the Cable company, or the phone company or whatever, trying to upsell you on the services, etc. When it's a company I DO need to talk to - like the HVAC service or the pest control- reminding me of service schedules, etc coming up...I do appreciate it (they leave a voicemail).

So my philosophy that I'm hoping to incorporate into my business for calls is to make it about CUSTOMER SERVICE. If the bookings come, FANTASTIC! Otherwise, I'm not going to get hung up on it. I'm doing them a service call, nothing more. My VM would indicate as much as well. I wouldn't be comfortable doing what you do by saying "I can't wait to see you on XXX, and I'm sending out a host packet." If I was on the receiving end, I'd be ticked. Sorry- just me. :) I know you mean well, but that is way to pushy for me...but if it works for you, then good!

Anyway- just wanted to chime in on the "people not answering" the phone bit...from the other side of the phone. :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main challenges faced in August that contributed to lower sales?

In August, we encountered several challenges that impacted our sales performance. These included seasonal fluctuations in consumer spending, increased competition from other brands, and a lack of promotional events that typically drive engagement. Additionally, some team members faced personal challenges that affected their ability to focus on sales activities.

What specific lessons were learned from the August sales experience?

One key lesson learned was the importance of proactive planning and setting realistic sales goals based on historical data. We also recognized the need to diversify our marketing strategies to reach a broader audience. Furthermore, enhancing team communication and support can help maintain motivation and accountability during slower months.

How can we improve our sales strategy for the next month?

To improve our sales strategy for the next month, we can implement targeted promotions and bundle offers to attract customers. Additionally, leveraging social media and email marketing more effectively can help us reach potential clients. Organizing virtual cooking demonstrations and engaging with our community can also boost interest in our products.

What role does team motivation play in sales performance?

Team motivation is crucial for sales performance as it directly impacts productivity and enthusiasm. When team members feel supported and motivated, they are more likely to engage with customers and drive sales. Regular recognition of achievements, setting achievable goals, and fostering a positive team culture can significantly enhance motivation levels.

How can we better track our sales performance moving forward?

To better track our sales performance, we can utilize sales analytics tools that provide real-time data on sales trends and team performance. Setting up regular check-ins and reviews will help us assess progress and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, maintaining a shared dashboard for the team can promote transparency and accountability in achieving sales goals.

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