Create Custom Lap Boards for Efficient Marketing - Tips and Ideas

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various approaches to creating and utilizing custom lapboards for marketing purposes in Pampered Chef shows. Participants share their experiences with homemade lapboards, the contents they include, and the effectiveness of these tools compared to traditional methods like catalogs and order forms.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses difficulty in finding information on making lapboards and questions their effectiveness compared to just using catalogs and order forms.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using two-pocket folders instead of lapboards, noting they are lighter and still effective for organizing materials.
  • Several users mention creating homemade lapboards by modifying inexpensive binders, with variations in the contents they include, such as catalogs, order forms, and promotional flyers.
  • One participant highlights the importance of ensuring lapboards are safe to use by trimming sharp edges and using sandpaper to smooth them out.
  • Another participant notes that using lapboards provides a better writing surface for guests and helps keep materials organized, while also mentioning the inclusion of special offers in the lapboards.
  • Some participants discuss the use of guest folders with catalog pages in sheet protectors, with one noting that this method has reduced the number of catalogs taken home by guests.
  • One participant mentions the investment in show binders as a cost-saving measure over time, emphasizing the importance of having organized materials for shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and practicality of lapboards versus folders, with some participants favoring homemade lapboards for their organization and others preferring lighter alternatives. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding the materials and methods used for marketing at shows, reflecting a variety of practices within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative ideas on organizing marketing materials for shows may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.

J
jrny2001
Silver Member
Messages
258
I know I've read this somewhere on here (searched for an hour and can't find it).
How do you all make your own lapboards?
What do you put in them?
Do you really think it makes a difference than giving just a catalog & order form?
I tried puting everything in plastic folders with info (specials, wedding reg., fundraiser, etc..) in clear plastic sleeves. It was too much info I think and way to heavy to carry!
Thanks!
 
I have used the lapboards we could order from Town & Country-I like them but felt they were WAY too heavy to carry to shows. I recently changed to giving each guest a two-pocket folder and inside I have my business card, the new recruting flyer, a blank piece of paper (they use this as their order form/wishlist) and a pen. This way they have the folder to lean on and I don't have to lug the lapboards around!
 
Homemade lapboards: buy inexpensive binders (with pockets inside!) and cut the two sides off, discarding the rings. Make sure you trim the sides so they aren't sharp.As to what to put in them, everyone seems to do something differently. I put in a catalog, order form, drawing slip, recruiting flyer, and specials flyer.
 
jenniferp417 said:
Homemade lapboards: buy inexpensive binders (with pockets inside!) and cut the two sides off, discarding the rings. Make sure you trim the sides so they aren't sharp.
Click to expand...

Also make sure that you cut on the ring side of the seam. Otherwise you will end up with the cardboard coming out!
 
Oh good point!I haven't made lapboards - I know how to do it, but without the actual experience I forget stuff like that. :)
 
If there are sharp edges, just take an emery board or piece of sandpaper and sand off the rough spots! That way you won't cut too far and have the cardboard showing on the corners, too!

BTW- In mine, I have the current color host benefits flyer in the large pocket (this would be the back of the board) this way I don't have to mess with changing them out at all during the season...) and in the front pocket, I have:
catalog
order form (turned upside down so they use it as a wish list first)
opp flyer
business card magnet
 
Yes, they are a bit heavier than just using folders, but I really like using them because they give the guests a better place to write.
I put the printout of the guest special for the month and the host special for that month and the next month in the clear pocket on the outside. Then in the inside pocket, I put (in this order) my business card papercliped to the pocket, any flyer I really want them to see (right now it is the recruiting promo flyer), a 1/2 page "My PC Wishlist" that I made, a catalog and an order form. I have also put various stickers on the inside pocket.

There are also people that do guest folders, with catalog pages in individual sheet protectors. The one person I know that does this says it has drastically reduced the number of catalogs that guests take home. She tells them at the beginning of the show that if they want a catalog, they just need to ask her. She also has everything in sheet protectors and the folders are plastic, so everything is "spill proof" as well. If you want the contents of her folders, let me know and I can post them. (BTW - last year, her sales were around $80,000 so she earned TPC in sales, she also earned it in recruiting, she does 12 - 15 shows EACH MONTH and she only started about 2 years ago... so she is doing something right!!!)
 
Katie,Please post what your friend puts in her folders. We have a soon to be Advanced Director in Oregon that just started 2 years ago. She too, uses just a folder and has made great success. I use a folder too, but would like to know what others put inside theirs.
 
I'd also like to know what she puts in her folders. Thanks!
 
Katie.. i think we ALL want to know what's in those folders. =)

Thanks
 
Yea - please post!
 
Make sure the ring on the binder is attached to the spine, not the front or back or you will end up with only one useable lapboard.

I've used these for years. Love them!
 
Someone already posted what they put - but I wanted to second that you be sure to get the lapboards with the clear pocket on the outside. I usually put the upcoming host specials because the guest special is already on the order form or I have it displayed and I had rather attract bookings. The best thing about these is they have really helped me to stay organized - I like the way they are neat and stack and I don't have all these separate papers flying around anymore! They are the best thing I ever did!

Still waiting to see what Katie's friends put in hers! :)
 
I haven't started doing this yet but I am planning on placing the host and guest specials in them and using different ones and then having the guest read what the special is that they have in theirs.
 
Here you go..


For my guest folders I use Show Binders

This is an initial investment but it's one you never have to make again. NOW is the time to do it - while school supplies are CHEAP and catalogs are changing! It saves money in catalog costs and makes sure you ALWAYS have show folders ready! No more catalogs with water rings or wrinkled pages that are suddenly unusable!

Back pocket - sales receipt

Guts in the middle - catalog: each page in page protector

Current guest/host specials in page protectors in front of the catalog

Fundraiser, Wedding Shower, Opportunity brochure in front pocket
 
Katie, how many of these do you have? Does each guest get a binder with the page protected catalog, or dsoes one or two get passed around?
 
jenniferp417 said:
Homemade lapboards: buy inexpensive binders (with pockets inside!) and cut the two sides off, discarding the rings. Make sure you trim the sides so they aren't sharp.

As to what to put in them, everyone seems to do something differently. I put in a catalog, order form, drawing slip, recruiting flyer, and specials flyer.
Click to expand...
I also do this and it works out really well for me! I like and get alot of compliments:D
 
chefmeg said:
Katie, how many of these do you have? Does each guest get a binder with the page protected catalog, or dsoes one or two get passed around?
Click to expand...

I don't do this, but someone in my upline cluster does. She had two dozen or so (I think) and everyone gets a binder.
 
homemade lapboardsI just bought some basic black binders with pockets on the inside and cut the spine out and use those for my lapboards. I think they work just fine. I couldn't get myself to buy some for $3+ If I had to do over again I might have bought the ones with the clear sleeve cover to put a flyer in. But then again they were more, and I couldn't go wrong for 50 cents a lapboard!
I also made a label that said, "writing a check? make checks payable to Jess.." Oh and I put a Gift Certificates Avaliable Sticker on them. I take 12 with me to my shows, prestuffed with catalogs and order forms. I think next show I also might put the guest special in them too.

Good Luck!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are custom lap boards and how can they be used in direct sales?

Custom lap boards are portable, lightweight boards that can be used during presentations or demonstrations to display products, share information, or engage with potential customers. In direct sales, especially with companies like Pampered Chef, they can help create a professional appearance and keep materials organized while allowing for easy interaction with clients.

What materials are recommended for creating custom lap boards?

For creating custom lap boards, consider using sturdy materials like foam core, lightweight wood, or plastic. You can also use decorative paper or vinyl for a personalized touch. Ensure that the surface is smooth enough for writing or attaching materials securely, and consider adding a protective coating to enhance durability.

What design elements should I include on my custom lap boards?

When designing your custom lap boards, include your brand logo, contact information, and a visually appealing layout that highlights your products. Use colors and fonts that align with your brand identity, and consider adding pockets or clips to hold brochures, order forms, or samples for easy access during presentations.

How can I effectively use my custom lap boards during presentations?

To effectively use your custom lap boards during presentations, practice your pitch while utilizing the board to showcase products and information. Engage your audience by inviting them to interact with the materials on the board, and use it as a visual aid to emphasize key points. Ensure that the layout allows for easy visibility and access to all materials.

Where can I find inspiration for designing my custom lap boards?

You can find inspiration for designing your custom lap boards by browsing online platforms like Pinterest, design blogs, or social media groups focused on direct sales. Additionally, consider attending workshops or networking events with other direct sales professionals to exchange ideas and gather creative concepts that resonate with your brand.

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