Contact or Wait? How to Handle January Booking Leads

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the timing of contacting potential hosts for January shows, with participants sharing their thoughts on whether to reach out before the holidays or wait until after as previously requested by the leads.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having leads who requested to be contacted after the holidays but is unsure whether to reach out sooner due to having only one show booked for January.
  • Another participant suggests calling soon, using the reasoning that January is filling up quickly, and preparing a few dates as options for the leads.
  • Several participants express a belief in honoring the leads' requests to wait, while also acknowledging that this approach may limit their bookings.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully contacting leads early and securing multiple January shows, noting that leads appreciated the proactive approach.
  • Another participant discusses sending letters with recipes to keep in touch with leads during the holidays, while respecting their request to wait for a call.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of maintaining communication and providing leads with opportunities to book dates before others do.
  • One participant notes that they have been using the "calendar is filling up quickly" excuse and have successfully booked shows without negative feedback from leads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to contact leads before the holidays or to wait as requested. Some participants advocate for early contact, while others prefer to honor the leads' wishes to wait.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to booking shows in January, highlighting the challenges of balancing lead preferences with the desire to secure bookings during a busy time of year.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing booking leads and timing communications during the holiday season may find the shared experiences relevant.

wadesgirl
Gold Member
Messages
11,383
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?
 
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. :)
 
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.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
candiejayne said:
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 said:
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.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
lockhartkitchen said:
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!
 
candiejayne said:
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.
 
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! ;)
 
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.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Okay, I'll sit down and call on Thursday (my next available time for calls).
 
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.
 
BethCooks4U said:
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!
 
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.
 
BethCooks4U said:
Here you go!

i love that not and recipe idea! and i'm sure you can adapt them to use year round!
 
bknowles67 said:
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:
 
Do it now, I called tonight and booked 4 shows :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best approach to follow up with January booking leads?

The best approach is to reach out promptly but thoughtfully. Start by sending a friendly message or email thanking them for their interest and asking if they have any questions about hosting a party. Personalize your communication to make it more engaging and relevant to their needs.

Should I contact leads immediately after they express interest?

Yes, contacting leads soon after they express interest is crucial. It shows that you value their inquiry and are eager to assist them. However, ensure that your follow-up is not too pushy; aim for a balance between being proactive and respectful of their time.

How long should I wait before following up with leads?

A good rule of thumb is to follow up within 48 hours of their initial inquiry. If you don’t hear back, consider sending a second follow-up message about a week later. This keeps the conversation open without overwhelming them.

What should I say in my follow-up message?

Your follow-up message should be friendly and informative. Start with a thank you for their interest, briefly mention the benefits of hosting a Pampered Chef party, and invite them to ask any questions. You can also share any promotions or incentives that may encourage them to book.

How can I encourage leads to book a party in January?

To encourage leads to book a party, highlight any special promotions or discounts available in January. Share success stories from previous hosts, emphasize the fun aspects of hosting, and offer incentives such as free products or exclusive recipes for those who book a party. Creating a sense of urgency can also motivate them to make a decision sooner.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • Suzy Englert
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
2K
pampered1224
  • megara2688
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
4K
pcsharon1
  • Bren706
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
2
Replies
31
Views
16K
Kattipppe
Replies
16
Views
2K
PamperedTammy
  • Bren706
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
15
Views
3K
Malinda Klein
Replies
4
Views
1K
Wildfire
  • PChefPEI
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
16
Views
3K
chefmeg
  • PChefPEI
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
18
Views
2K
DebbieJ
  • KellyCooks
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
2K
esavvymom
  • Shonda1107
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
13
Views
2K
redprincess
Back
Top