Closing Hosts: How to Firmly (Yet Politely) Set a Deadline

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various strategies participants use to encourage hosts to close their shows in a timely manner. Participants share personal experiences and techniques for setting deadlines while maintaining a positive relationship with hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration with hosts who want to keep their shows open longer, despite the lack of additional orders.
  • Another participant suggests informing hosts about the need to close by a specific date to ensure they receive their specials.
  • One consultant shares that communicating personal goals, such as working towards a promotion, can motivate hosts to close their shows on time.
  • Several users mention the effectiveness of providing hosts with written expectations to clarify what is needed from them.
  • One participant discusses a strategy of keeping the closing date firm and only allowing a short extension to maintain focus on orders.
  • Another consultant notes the importance of setting the closing date during the initial coaching call to prepare hosts in advance.
  • One participant shares a method of closing shows on the same day as the event, which has been well-received by hosts.
  • Another participant mentions using the sentiment that delaying closure could frustrate guests waiting for their products.
  • One user expresses having more difficulty than others in getting hosts to close their shows and plans to try using a letter for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to encourage hosts to close their shows, with no clear consensus on a single effective method.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and techniques, reflecting a variety of approaches to managing host relationships and deadlines.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for different strategies to encourage timely closure of host shows may find the shared experiences helpful.

amy07
amy07
Messages
2,785
Ok, so if you guys can give me some suggestions on what you do to get hosts to close I would appreciate it! The month is coming to a close (as is my 30 day bonus period), and almost all of my hosts for the month are insistent on keeping their shows open, for a few more days! UGHHHHH It would be great if they were getting more orders, but so far it is not making a bit of difference. I'm anxious, nervous, and getting STRESSED!! :mad: I've tried setting a date to close, and almost all of them call and say, "can we please wait a little longer, I need to get in touch with....." I've tried explaining that their guests that have already ordered are going to start wondering when they are getting their products.........so, I guess I'm asking is how do you firmly, but politely tell them the closing date, and then stick to it?
 
You can always tell them that you have to close by X day to be able to give them and their guests the specials that they are due to receive.
 
Have you told them that you are working towards a promotion? I find that helps a lot. I let my hosts know that I need them to close by such-and-such date, because I working towards something. Like right now, I need ALL my February shows to close by March 5 so I can earn double points on them. I tell my hosts at the end of the month I would prefer they close by the 28th for payday, but if necessary, I can hold their show until March 5th, because there is a company promotion going on.

I find that telling the host WHY I am trying to get their show closed by certain date really helps motivate them to help ME.

HTH!
 
One more quick note...I just got this from Yahoo! loop that I'm on. This particular consultant gives this to the host before she leaves the house, and goes over it with her. She said that she finds that by having what is expected of the host IN WRITING instead of just telling the host has really made a difference.

I intend on giving this a try as I go back to cooking shows in April (baby due March 14). HTH!

**************
Editing Note: I am so sorry about the flyer. I had changed it, but apparently didn't save it, and sometimes my two year old "helps" mommy by closing things on my computer. It is now corrected. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
 

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Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #5
nikked said:
I just got this from Yahoo! loop that I'm on. This particular consultant gives this to the host before she leaves the house, and goes over it with her. She said that she finds that by having what is expected of the host IN WRITING instead of just telling the host has really made a difference.

I intend on giving this a try as I go back to cooking shows in April (baby due March 14). HTH!
Click to expand...


I like the flyer, I may try that as well!
 
I generally try to keep the closing date firm, and will keep the show open for only 5 business days afterwards. I've found this helps keep the host focused on the orders she's trying to get. Plus she's able to tell her guests that the order has to be in by a certain date.

A nice way to explain it to the host is that all of the other "paid" guests have to wait on the other orders and holding it open too long could cause them to cancel their order out of frustration. Every is excited about the orders they place, getting them quickly ensures their happiness and their reorderness. :D
 
I always set the closing date in my first host coaching call so that the host is prepared as she is talking to people about her show.

Now, that doesn't mean I don't have those hosts that stretch it out and out and out....but at least they know from the beginning that we're not leaving this thing open for two weeks.

I like to close all my weekend shows on Wednesdays, that way I'm not chasing all my hosts down during the week. It works well for me to have one dedicated day like that.
 
Nicole,
Thanks for sharing that letter! I think I will edit/make it my own and use it as well to help my hosts understand what to do after the show is over!
 
I've started closing my shows the day of the show. The two I've done it for so far have worked out great! I tell the host I'll submit the show after I cash the checks. Then I mail a thank you with the receipts so they know it's closed. I love not having to track down my hosts & find out they are still waiting on that "one person" who never ends up giving them an order anyway! I tell the hosts during the first coaching call that I do this & ALL of them so far (around 10) have been thrilled & say they prefer it that way. For those of you who were at the spring regional in Hilliard, OH earlier this month, I did get this idea from our speaker, Julie.
 
pamperedgirl3 said:
I love not having to track down my hosts & find out they are still waiting on that "one person" who never ends up giving them an order anyway!
Click to expand...

So true!!!!
 
I use the, "I would hate for your friends and family to have to wait for much longer for their products" line.

Of course, you can't use that if you can't get hold of them.
 
I have more trouble getting hosts to close than any consultant I've heard of. I'm going to try the letter. Be sure to change the shipper to Fed Ex if you're using it as well.
 
Sorry about the flyer. Explanation and corrected flyer are on my post (#4) above. Thanks, Paige, for bringing it to my attention!
 
Thanks Nikke for bringing the flyer over to this site!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of setting a deadline for closing hosts in direct sales?

Setting a deadline for closing hosts is crucial as it creates a sense of urgency, encouraging hosts to finalize their parties and make decisions. It helps streamline the planning process, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are made in a timely manner, which ultimately leads to a successful event and maximizes sales opportunities.

How can I communicate the deadline to my hosts effectively?

Communicate the deadline clearly and positively by sending a friendly reminder via email or text. You can say something like, "I'm excited about your party! Just a quick reminder that we need to finalize everything by [insert date] to ensure we have enough time to prepare and promote your event." This approach keeps the tone upbeat while emphasizing the importance of the deadline.

What should I do if a host misses the deadline?

If a host misses the deadline, reach out to them promptly to discuss their options. You can express understanding and offer to accommodate them if possible, but also explain the implications of the delay on the party's success. Encourage them to make a decision quickly so they can still enjoy the benefits of hosting.

How can I set a deadline without sounding pushy?

To set a deadline without sounding pushy, frame it as a helpful guideline rather than a strict rule. Use language that emphasizes collaboration, such as, "To help us stay on track for your party, I suggest we aim to finalize everything by [insert date]. This way, we can ensure the best experience for you and your guests!"

What are some tips for following up with hosts about the deadline?

When following up with hosts about the deadline, keep your communication friendly and supportive. Use reminders that are spaced out appropriately, such as a week before and a few days before the deadline. Personalize your messages by referencing their specific party details, and offer assistance or answer any questions they may have to keep the conversation open and engaging.

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