Breaking Out of the Book Party Rut!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and strategies for transitioning from catalog shows to live cooking shows. Participants discuss various methods to increase bookings and engage potential hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a desire to move beyond catalog shows and emphasizes the importance of live shows for greater sales.
  • Another participant suggests conducting drawings at fairs and festivals to encourage bookings and mentions the effectiveness of offering free shows as prizes.
  • Several users mention the value of asking friends and family for referrals to generate interest in cooking shows.
  • One participant shares their experience of using incentives for hosts to encourage bookings during catalog shows.
  • Another participant notes their success in generating live shows from free cooking show drawings at fairs.
  • Some participants discuss the influence of external resources, such as Brenda Ellsworth's materials, on their approach to bookings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for securing live shows, with no clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their individual circumstances and locations, highlighting the diversity of approaches within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking to enhance their booking strategies and transition from catalog shows to live cooking demonstrations may find the shared experiences relevant.

Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
OK, over there ....
<-------

...it says I have done a DOZEN shows.


However, this is my dirty little secret ... almost ALL of them have been catalog shows!

Some of them do really well ... others not so well ... but I REALLY need to get my name out there and get something going!

I've done fairs and festivals and have several more coming ... I'm set to go business-pampering ... and I am having a "Christmas in July" party tomorrow to open my boxes from the spree ... and I am getting the word out to my customers about the discontinued products.

How do I get IN HOMES to do LIVE SHOWS??? I know those are the ones that lead to bigger sales ...
 
Di,Do you do a drawing at the fairs and festivals offering a "free" show for the winner? You would pay for the ingredients and the paper products, etc. Then you could always have multiple winners and generate more bookings from their shows....Have your friends and family done catalog parties? See if some of them will help get your live show business going by having one and being sure to invite people you don't know.Tomorrow at your "Christmas in July" party would also be a good time to have a drawing for a free show.Good luck!
 
Di, have you asked any of those that have done catalog shows for you if they have referrals that would love to do a cooking show? I seemed to have the opposite problem... I couldn't get catalog shows when I wanted them or needed them! :) LOL

Have you listened to Brenda Ellsworth's CD's? I've mentioned her several times in threads throughout the past 9 months and I believe her ideas work. At least they worked for me... All you need is just one or two cooking shows in a home and you should be able to build off of that. Would your roommie host a show for you or what about your soon to be sister-in-law- it could be a bridal one?
 
I have 2 words for you:ASK EVERYONE!It only takes one cooking show to get the ball rolling, but don't stop at one, pick up the phone! Create some excitement!
 
Good sound advice above. My only question - where are you in Ohio?
 
Kathy's_Kitchen said:
Do you do a drawing at the fairs and festivals offering a "free" show for the winner? You would pay for the ingredients and the paper products, etc. Then you could always have multiple winners and generate more bookings from their shows....
Click to expand...

I use this as my prize when I do fairs and festivals. I tend to generate alot of shows from that.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Some of the book parties are for friends, family members or myself ... others have been from free cooking show drawings (like the one that just converted to a live party) at fairs and from businesses I have pampered.

I think I am a busy person, people around me are busy ... so the book party works for both of us. Well, sort of ..
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I am in L.A. ... lower Akron.

Yes ... I do plan to do a LOT more asking!

Who is Brenda Ellsworth? Are her CD's on supply order or is she outside of PC?
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
Who is Brenda Ellsworth? Are her CD's on supply order or is she outside of PC?
Click to expand...

She is outside PC. I have heard her speak "live" a few times. She is awesome. I believe her website is: www.stepintosuccess.com.
 
Di, One thing I try to do with both my catalog and cooking shows, is offer the host an extra product (like a rub or spice) and/or an extra amount of FREE product if she has someone book a show with me by the time her show BEGINS or if it's a catalog show, by the time the show closes. Doing this with catalog shows, I have actually booked cooking shows and the host earns a little extra too.:D
 
pamperedpals said:
She is outside PC. I have heard her speak "live" a few times. She is awesome. I believe her website is: Step into Success - Belinda Ellsworth.
Click to expand...

Thanks for getting that info, Laurie- sadly I wouldn't have known where to get that as a fellow clustermate gave me a copy off all her Belinda stuff! :)

Have a super day Miss Laurie, and Rock on Miss Di!
 
In order to get cooking show bookings since I have moved, I have been offering referral gifts, of $15 at their friends show, and also, I buy the ingredients and mail out invites for them. It is working.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Book Party Rut" in direct sales?

A "Book Party Rut" refers to a situation where a consultant primarily relies on traditional party bookings, such as catalog or online parties, without exploring new methods or engaging with potential customers in innovative ways. This can lead to stagnation in sales and a lack of excitement for both the consultant and their customers.

How can I break out of the Book Party Rut?

To break out of the Book Party Rut, consider diversifying your party formats. Incorporate live cooking demonstrations, virtual events, or themed parties that align with current trends. Engaging your audience with interactive elements, such as games or challenges, can also help reignite interest and enthusiasm.

What are some creative party themes I can try?

Creative party themes can include "Around the World" where you showcase international recipes, "Healthy Cooking" focusing on nutritious meals, or "Quick and Easy Meals" for busy families. Seasonal themes, like holiday cooking or summer BBQs, can also attract attention and encourage bookings.

How can I utilize social media to enhance my parties?

Utilizing social media can significantly enhance your parties. Create engaging content such as cooking videos, recipe posts, or live Q&A sessions. Encourage your customers to share their own cooking experiences using your products, and consider hosting exclusive online events or giveaways to boost participation and excitement.

What role does customer feedback play in breaking the rut?

Customer feedback is crucial in identifying what works and what doesn't in your party approach. Actively seek input from your customers about their preferences, interests, and experiences. This information can help you tailor your parties to better meet their needs and keep them engaged, ultimately leading to more successful events.

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