Contact or Wait? How to Handle January Booking Leads

[wadesgirl]

I have some booking leads for January. When I last talked with these leads, they told me to call them after the new year. My only problem is I only have 1 show for January. I would love to contact these leads now before the holidays hit but also don't want to since they told me to call them after the holidays. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[candiejayne]

I think I would call them soon, maybe make an excuse up that your January is filling up quicker then you expected and you didn't want them to miss out on choosing a date if a January show is what they wanted. Have a few dates prepared as your "last" openings. If they still aren't ready to set a solid date, then just say talk to you after the holidays!

 

[leftymac]

I believe in contacting people when they say. But then again, that may be why I don't have as many shows as I would like.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Go for it. I just did that. I told the leads that I was calling because they had wanted a January show. "I'm booking January now, before the holiday rush to make your show go smoothly. " "I want to give you first opportuniy to pick a date before others. I have ____ and ___ dates available. Which one works best for you?"

Even though your schedule is empty, they don't need to know that. Give two dates close in January, so you can be guaranteed the show AND look at the special gift you get for booking early in January.

 

[wadesgirl]

I think I would call them soon, maybe make an excuse up that your January is filling up quicker then you expected and you didn't want them to miss out on choosing a date if a January show is what they wanted. Have a few dates prepared as your "last" openings. If they still aren't ready to set a solid date, then just say talk to you after the holidays!

I believe in contacting people when they say. But then again, that may be why I don't have as many shows as I would like.

See, these are the two thoughts going through my head. We talked about when to talk next so I don't want to "bother" them by checking in early.

But the people I have been talking to I have been telling them that my January is filling up (it's a little hard with Leadership and the New Year so close together). I am sending out my newsletter right now offering free kitchen shows for January.

 

[wadesgirl]

Go for it. I just did that. I told the leads that I was calling because they had wanted a January show. "I'm booking January now, before the holiday rush to make your show go smoothly. " "I want to give you first opportuniy to pick a date before others. I have ____ and ___ dates available. Which one works best for you?"

Even though your schedule is empty, they don't need to know that. Give two dates close in January, so you can be guaranteed the show AND look at the special gift you get for booking early in January.

Yah, I know the calendar trick!

 

[lockhartkitchen]

I think I would call them soon, maybe make an excuse up that your January is filling up quicker then you expected and you didn't want them to miss out on choosing a date if a January show is what they wanted. Have a few dates prepared as your "last" openings. If they still aren't ready to set a solid date, then just say talk to you after the holidays!

I like that! filling up quicker than you expected and you don't want them to miss out on choosing a date. I'd focus on how great this January (only happens once a year) special is.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Good ideas. For the last couple of years I have sent a series of postcards to my January hosts but this year I'm sending letters. Just keeping in touch through the holidays - it keeps them from forgetting - they don't mind because they get a recipe with each letter.

I have several who said to call after the first of the year. I will send them the first one and say something like "you said you were interested in having a show after the first of the year and I wanted you to get first choice of dates. Give me a call and let's coordinate our dates". Then I'll send the 3rd to those that I don't hear from (honoring their request to wait to call them) and say on that one that I will call in the next week to set their date.

Keeping in touch is key but especially this time of year I honor the request to wait - most have said they are slammed this time of year and can't even think about it until January. But that doesn't mean I can't send them a festive note with a recipe in it!

 

[mscharf]

I would call, but I also would not wait too much longer. it is still only the 2nd of December, if you wait another week or so, then you are really getting in to holiday time, and definately call during the week, weekends are way to busy right now.

 

[wadesgirl]

Okay, I'll sit down and call on Thursday (my next available time for calls).

 

[ltkacz]

I would call now. Explain the dates are filling up fast. I've been telling people I'll get your host package to you earlier, so as you are seeing people over the holidays you can give them the invite, and then follow-up with calls and e-mails. They have been loving the idea.

Some people still are saying - call after the holidays. I tell them ok but they may have to wait until February for a time/day of the week they want. I literrally have 1 Saturday left (subtracting out leadership and my husband's birthday) to book a show. Whomever gets the last one - gets it.

 

[janezapchef]

Good ideas. For the last couple of years I have sent a series of postcards to my January hosts but this year I'm sending letters. Just keeping in touch through the holidays - it keeps them from forgetting - they don't mind because they get a recipe with each letter.

I have several who said to call after the first of the year. I will send them the first one and say something like "you said you were interested in having a show after the first of the year and I wanted you to get first choice of dates. Give me a call and let's coordinate our dates". Then I'll send the 3rd to those that I don't hear from (honoring their request to wait to call them) and say on that one that I will call in the next week to set their date.

Keeping in touch is key but especially this time of year I honor the request to wait - most have said they are slammed this time of year and can't even think about it until January. But that doesn't mean I can't send them a festive note with a recipe in it!

Are you able to post these? TIA!

 

[BethCooks4U]

Are you able to post these? TIA!

Here you go!

 

[bknowles67]

I have been calling people who said call me after the holidays. I too am using the "my calendar is filling up quick excuse". I now have 3 January shows on the books. No one was mad that I called them before the holiday. Most were pleased that I thought of them since I was doing it so they "would not miss out" on a great host special! YOu are doing them a favor by giving them this opportunity.

 

[princessmeshelle]

Here you go!

i love that not and recipe idea! and i'm sure you can adapt them to use year round!

 

[candiejayne]

I have been calling people who said call me after the holidays. I too am using the "my calendar is filling up quick excuse". I now have 3 January shows on the books. No one was mad that I called them before the holiday. Most were pleased that I thought of them since I was doing it so they "would not miss out" on a great host special! YOu are doing them a favor by giving them this opportunity.

woohoo for once in my life i had a good idea work! LOL

I'd try it myself, but I dont have anyone who said call me after the holidays. :balloon:

 

[Koolotus]

Do it now, I called tonight and booked 4 shows