Dealing with Host Cancellation Due to Tragic Circumstances

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses how to approach a host cancellation due to a tragic circumstance, specifically focusing on the sensitivity required in communication and the timing of follow-ups. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts on how to handle such situations with empathy while considering business aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about whether to reach out to reschedule after a tragic event.
  • Another participant suggests sending a mini catalog with a note about new products, followed by a phone call to discuss rescheduling.
  • Several users mention personal experiences where hosts chose to postpone shows after a loss, emphasizing the importance of offering support and understanding.
  • One participant shares that sending a sympathy card without mentioning rescheduling might be appropriate initially, followed by a follow-up note later.
  • Another participant advises against sending a card after a significant time has passed, suggesting a more genuine approach by calling instead.
  • Some participants propose sending a "thinking of you" card without any mention of business, followed by a catalog later on.
  • One participant reflects on their own experience with sympathy cards, noting that they can evoke strong emotions if sent too late.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of sending sympathy cards or follow-up communications after a significant time has passed. Some participants agree on the importance of personal relationships over business concerns, while others suggest more direct approaches to rescheduling.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of personal experiences related to hosting shows during difficult times, highlighting the emotional complexities involved in balancing empathy with business needs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for consultants navigating similar situations with hosts who have experienced personal tragedies, offering a variety of perspectives on communication strategies.

Christ Follower
Christ Follower
Gold Member
Messages
4,976
Okay, how do I approach this if I do so at all???

I had a show booked for July 5th. I've never met this lady. She got my number from a co-worker.

The day before her party when I was doing my 3rd call, she told me she would have to cancel due to her BIL being "hit and killed by a drunk driver" the night before!:eek: I felt terrible and told her don't worry about it etc.

So, do I ever call her back to try to reschedule? Do I wait for her to call me? Do I send her a new catalog in the mail with up-coming specials and a note? If yes on the note, how do I word it? I've never had to deal with this before. Am I being uncaring for even trying to still get a show from her??

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
I would send a mini catalog with a short note--"thought you might like to see our new fall products"--and then follow up with a phone call where you can explore the booking idea.
 
I had this happen to me when my host's brother died of cancer and she still wanted to have the show to help get her mind off things and feel "normal". She just postponed for a month. I did ask her how she was doing and if I can do anything for her but just prayers was all I could do for her then.

Does she live close? You might want to take a dish to her family or just visit and pray with her. When my lil' brother passed in an accident 11 years ago strangers I didn't know came to my home and just prayed with me and it helped too.

Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
This is what I would do...
Send a sympathy card, but do not mention anything about rescheduling the show... just express your condolences and leave it at that for now. In a week or so, send another note that (again) you are sorry for her loss and will be following up with her in a few days to see if she wants to reschedule. That way when you call, it won't take her by surprise and she *hopefully* will have had some time to think about it.

Even though you are concerned (not the right word, but you get the point) about your business, we are still in the business of personal relationships with people and sometimes those relationships need to trump our business... this is one of those situations.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
tpchefrebecca said:
I had this happen to me when my host's brother died of cancer and she still wanted to have the show to help get her mind off things and feel "normal". She just postponed for a month. I did ask her how she was doing and if I can do anything for her but just prayers was all I could do for her then.

Does she live close? You might want to take a dish to her family or just visit and pray with her. When my lil' brother passed in an accident 11 years ago strangers I didn't know came to my home and just prayed with me and it helped too.


Sorry I can't be of more help.
Click to expand...


She lives about 30-40 minutes away and it happened almost 2 months ago so I don't think I can go that route. It's one of those "too little too late things, I think. Maybe I should have done something right away but I had know idea what would've been appropriate.
 
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  • #6
DebbieJ said:
I would send a mini catalog with a short note--"thought you might like to see our new fall products"--and then follow up with a phone call where you can explore the booking idea.
Click to expand...


Maybe I'll do this. She'd probably appreciate the new mini and not a lot of pressure. She called me to begin with to book a show originally so maybe she'll see it and call me when she's ready? If she called a total stranger to book a show, she must really want to have one. I just don't want to pressure her or come off as insensitive.
 
katie0128 said:
This is what I would do...
Send a sympathy card, but do not mention anything about rescheduling the show... just express your condolences and leave it at that for now. In a week or so, send another note that (again) you are sorry for her loss and will be following up with her in a few days to see if she wants to reschedule. That way when you call, it won't take her by surprise and she *hopefully* will have had some time to think about it.

Even though you are concerned (not the right word, but you get the point) about your business, we are still in the business of personal relationships with people and sometimes those relationships need to trump our business... this is one of those situations.
Click to expand...

I agree with this approach, but I would wait 3-4 weeks or so to send the note and follow up.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Okay. I guess I will send a sympathy card first. I just thought it might be too late after almost two months. Now to figure out how to word it...
 
Personally, I would wait and let her call you. Keep her in your list of contacts, and keep her updated on new products and specials but I wouldn't send her a card or note,2 months after the fact, in hopes that she'd reschedule.
 
I wouldn't send a card at this point since it's been almost 2 months. I feel like it would untimately look too fake..... You send a sympathy card then just happen to follow up a couple weeks later about the show. I would send the new catalog (not mini) with a note expressing your sympathy and also mentioning that should she still desire to Host a Cooking Show in the future, to please contact you when the time is right.
 
katie0128 said:
This is what I would do...
Send a sympathy card, but do not mention anything about rescheduling the show... just express your condolences and leave it at that for now. In a week or so, send another note that (again) you are sorry for her loss and will be following up with her in a few days to see if she wants to reschedule. That way when you call, it won't take her by surprise and she *hopefully* will have had some time to think about it.

Even though you are concerned (not the right word, but you get the point) about your business, we are still in the business of personal relationships with people and sometimes those relationships need to trump our business... this is one of those situations.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I would do. I would mail that card and note and follow up with a phone call. It's the most personal way to deal with a situation like this. I would not send a mini catalog or any other materials or flyers until I spoke with her and she indicated she was ready. She will probably book within a month.

I had this happen to me too and the host ended up calling me before I called her and rescheduled for like a week after the funeral - said they needed the distraction. It ended up being a fun party - I did start by offering my condolences and then we went on with it (as we all have to go on with our lives). It was all good.
 
Oh! A lot of posts later...

No I wouldn't send a sympathy card if it was 2 months ago!

I would send a note saying that I hoped she and her family were doing well and is she ready to talk about rescheduling her party. Be genuine about your concern (which I am sure you are by your screen name) and just ask.

Then follow up with a call. Ask her if she wants a new product brochure or if she wants to schedule.
 
3 years ago tomorrow my dad died and I can tell you the Sympathy cards that came 2 -3 weeks later were sweet but it just brought all the emotions back....
I would even skip sending the catalog first, be honest pick up the phone call her and say you've been on my mind or I've been thinking about you,
Tell her you would like to send her a new catalog or would she prefer to reschedule now and you can send her host packet instead,?
 
i would just send a "thinking of you" card with a note saying that i hope she is doing ok something like that.
no mention of pc at all
then in about a month send her a mini catalogue with a short note saying you thought she would love to see the new product and thats all
the following month would be when i start to mention re-booking maybe?! depending on if i got a response the previous month

if this were to happen to me and the person started talking about rebooking right away i would think it insesitive but that is just me.
and although it wasnt a parent, child or her husband you never know how close she was to him and having a pc party could just trigger all those emotions again

i was in the US when i got the news my mother had passed away almost 18yrs ago, and i still can not listen to a cd i bought while there without thinking about the drive home or tearing up

sorry for the long post
just my thoughts :)
 
Skip the card....at this point, as another poster said, it would look insincere.
Send her the mini with a note telling her that you hope everything is going well. She will respond to that, I am sure. You sending the mini catalog will jog her thoughts to her cancelled party and she will reschedule!
 
I would send the mini with NO note as if she is on your mailing list and in a couple of weeks call her. My mother passed away July 8th and it takes a month or so to get back on track. But as mentioned, some normalcy is welcoming.
 
When I mail my catalogs I stick a flouruscent Avery label on it that says now booking thru (whichever month you still need to fill)
 
When I mail my catalogs I stick an Avery flourescent label on that says now booking thru (whichever month I need to fill)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
You all have so many great ideas. Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I will just call her and ask how things are going and ask her if she would like me to send her the new catalog. I wont make any mention of re-scheduling. If she brings it up, great. If not, no big deal. My only issue is getting ahold of her. She was a tough one to get on the phone.

If I don't call her, I will send her the mini with a "just thinking about you, thought might you'd like to see the new stuff" or something like that.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a host cancels their party due to a tragic circumstance?

If a host cancels their party due to a tragic circumstance, it's important to be understanding and compassionate. Reach out to the host to express your sympathy and offer your support. You can also discuss rescheduling the party for a later date when they feel ready, or offer to help them with any immediate needs they may have.

How can I support a host who has experienced a tragedy?

Supporting a host who has experienced a tragedy involves being empathetic and respectful of their situation. You can offer to listen if they want to talk, provide resources if appropriate, and give them space to grieve. Additionally, consider sending a thoughtful card or small gift to show you care.

Is it appropriate to ask the host if they want to reschedule their party?

Yes, it is appropriate to gently ask the host if they would like to reschedule their party, but do so only when you feel it is the right time. Make sure to approach the topic with sensitivity, allowing them to express their feelings and needs without pressure.

What if the host wants to cancel but has already sent invitations?

If the host wants to cancel but has already sent invitations, reassure them that it's okay to cancel and that their well-being is the priority. You can help them communicate the cancellation to their guests, either by sending a group message or offering to assist in any way they need.

How can I manage my business if a host cancels due to a tragic event?

Managing your business after a host cancellation due to a tragic event requires flexibility and understanding. Focus on maintaining relationships with your hosts and customers by offering support and being available for future parties. Consider using this time to engage with other potential hosts or customers, and keep your business activities positive and compassionate.

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