Did I Do Something Wrong at My First Bridal Show?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience at their first bridal show, where they felt uncertain about why potential bookings were directed to another consultant. The conversation explores feelings of disappointment, personal reflections, and various perspectives on the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed feeling hurt and confused after learning that potential bookings from her bridal show were going to another consultant.
  • Another participant shared their view that the host's inquiry was rude and suggested that feelings can be hurt in such situations.
  • Several users mentioned that loyalty to a known consultant might explain why attendees chose to book elsewhere, rather than any shortcomings in the participant's performance.
  • One participant noted that the high sales at the show indicated a successful demonstration, implying that the participant likely did well.
  • Another participant emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and learning from the experience, despite the disappointment.
  • Some participants discussed the potential influence of incentives offered by the other consultant as a factor in the decision-making of the attendees.
  • One user suggested that the situation might not involve any malice, encouraging a positive outlook on the experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the reasons behind the attendees' choices, with some attributing it to personal loyalty while others suggest external factors like incentives. No clear consensus emerges regarding the motivations of the attendees.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and emotions related to the challenges of booking shows and managing relationships within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants in the consultant community who have faced similar challenges in booking shows or dealing with competition may find the shared experiences and perspectives relevant.

S
Soozeeq
Messages
95
I did a bridal show a couple of weeks ago and it was a great show - or so I thought. I have only done a few shows and that was my first bridal show. So, I get a call from the host who had some questions. One of her questions was as follows....

There are some people that want to book show but with a different consultant, do we have to work that out on our own? - Okay I was stunned and kind of hurt and I just said - uh yeah.

I got this show because another consultant wasn't available. When I told my director what happened, she thinks that maybe the other consultant offered them some fabulous incentive to book with her. I just don't know what to think. I do know that it had been a while since I did a show and I was probably a bit rusty and then I was really nervous as there were 20+ people there. That was a first for me. It was a $1000 show (another first for me).

I just don't know what to think. I told my director that I almost called her in tears. I didn't think I did a bad job. I sort of want to ask the host if I did something that made them want to book elsewhere but I won't do that. I need a pick me up! The McFlurry just didn't do it! :(

Susan
 
Oh, Susan ... how awful for you.

{{{{{{{{{Susan}}}}}}}}} This is really the best I can offer at this moment. Words just don't seem adequate.
 
{{{hugs}}} Poor you, I really think that she shouldn't have called you and asked. I think that it was really rude on her part. I'm bold myself and would have come out and asked why, but thats just me.

Just continue on with what your doing, sometimes we run into these situations and feelings are hurt. Your director might have been right about the incentives though cause your show did have great sales!! Sorry I couldn't be of more help:rolleyes:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Thanks for the hug! I just can't figure it out. My director really thinks that this consultant had something to do with it. The consultant is a director. I guess she has a reputation of doing things like that. The whole thing has really dropped my excitement a few pegs. I am not going to let it stop me. I went to our team meeting today and I asked to go observe my director's show so that I can get some new ideas. I am also going to retake the online classes and some teleclasses. I don't want this to stop me from growing my business.


Susan
 
mean people suck!
 
Soozeeq said:
Thanks for the hug! I just can't figure it out. My director really thinks that this consultant had something to do with it. The consultant is a director. I guess she has a reputation of doing things like that. The whole thing has really dropped my excitement a few pegs. I am not going to let it stop me. I went to our team meeting today and I asked to go observe my director's show so that I can get some new ideas. I am also going to retake the online classes and some teleclasses. I don't want this to stop me from growing my business.

Susan
Click to expand...

That a girl don't let it bring you down!!:) :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I really want to quit my banking job. I can't let this stop me. It hurts, yes, but I am a big girl, (pulling up my big girl panties) and I can learn from this and use it to make me stronger and better. I want to be a director but not that kind of director!

and yes, mean people suck! It is too bad that people feel they have to stomp on others to get ahead. Hmmm, I thought we were in this business to help people reach their goals. Maybe she got lost in the translation of that one!
 
Don't feel bad Susan ~ sometimes people want to be loyal to their consultant. It's nothing against you ~ it could be they've been doing shows with the other consultant for years.

Ginny
 
Familiar peopleUnfortunately people sometimes like to book their shows with people they know. You probably did a wonderful job and with a $1,000 show, it is obvious you did. They wouldn't have bought so much stuff if you didn't explain everything right and give them a great demo.
I'm sure they just wanted to have the shows with someone they knew who sold PC. I honestly wouldn't expect to get bookings from a show I filled in for a fellow PC chef if I knew they were her friends, family, contacts, etc.

Debbie :D
 
Actually... that's a good point... mean people still suck, but maybe there isn't a mean person in this story. Nice way to make us think positively...
 
DebbieSAChef said:
Unfortunately people sometimes like to book their shows with people they know. You probably did a wonderful job and with a $1,000 show, it is obvious you did. They wouldn't have bought so much stuff if you didn't explain everything right and give them a great demo.
I'm sure they just wanted to have the shows with someone they knew who sold PC. I honestly wouldn't expect to get bookings from a show I filled in for a fellow PC chef if I knew they were her friends, family, contacts, etc.

Debbie :D
Click to expand...

HEY... welcome back!!! Enjoying normal food again?
 
Susan,
Don't feel bad - I am sure it wasn't you! Be happy with the $1000 show - WOW that is great. Just keep talking to people and booking shows. Don't let this stop you - Go for that Directorship!!! You can do it - and we will see you go across stage next NC. Yeah!!! Bye the way thanks for hanging out with me on the Home Office Tour.
 
Yes!!Yes I am and it has been great! Although I can't go overboard. I have been keeping a water bottle next to me at all times. It should help me shed those baby pounds and keep me hydrated while I nurse my little one.

Debbie :D

Ok didn't mean to hijack, back to the original thread!! LOL
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Thanks everyone. I hadn't thought about it like that. I think I will choose to look at it that way. NOW on to becoming a DIRECTOR - who's with me?

Hey Chris! No no - thank you for hangin' with me. I enjoyed conference. I won't miss it ever again.
 
That's the right attitude! 3-2-1 and you can be Director in no time!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Yep - attitude is everything. I think I need to make that a sign in my office!
 
DebbieSAChef stole my thunder :), but my guess is that they have a close friend who is a consultant. The person who talked to you could have used much more tact, but don't take it personally. You obviously did a great job. Just keep up the good work.
 
Look yourself in the mirror, Tell yourself: The BOARD of directors has just met, and has agreed to give YOU a GIANT RAISE. It becomes effective just as soon as YOU DO!

Be a big girl and swallow your pride, call her back and ask the host who they wanted to book with instead. Ask why with the "I'm just curious, why did they want to work with Barbara?". You will learn a lot. Take the high road. Go ahead and call Barbara and give her the leads - You will feel SO GOOD because you took the high road, and you may learn something too. If you find anything wrong, shady, or unethical in what she did, tell your director and call the Home Office and speak to a supervisor in business services. Don't take it out on her or on the guests...let the Home Office or her exec upline deal with it...that's THEIR job.

Treat it like a business, not --sorry to be blunt-- a pajama party. You will increase in honesty, trust, experience, and customer service. It will come back to you tenfold! Is it hard, Yes! Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely yes. Who gets hurt - only you if you don't call. What have you got to lose? You already have these folks going to someone else maybe - but maybe not. And you'll never know unless you find out yourself. Good luck.
 
Hi Susan,

I just wanted to chime in that this really could have nothing to do with you, but as Scott says, why not ask? I have a very loyal host, Kari - she will go to other shows (she even calls me to ask what she should order!), but she ALWAYS books with me (she was my first bridal shower and has become a good friend since we first met); she lets the consultant know right away, though, so as to not offend her/him. This could be the same situation, especially since you were filling in for a consultant.

Good luck!
 
I filled in for a fellow consultant one time and told the people attending, I know that you all are used to her. If any of you wants to book a show with her let me know so I can let her know. For those of you who do not know her and are interested in booking a show, please let me know and I would be happy to help you out to have a successful fun show.

I agree, ask them - it is better to not assume. It may be akward though so think about how you word it. If it really is an incentive that this person offered, maybe it is one that you can do as well?!

GL
 
When I have had to fill in for a show, I have always discussed with the other consultant how we are going to handle bookings because in my eyes, I would not even have that show if it wasn't for her. So I have found it best to work out how those things are going to be handled before going into the show.
 
I am so sorry that happened to you (((((((HUGS)))))))).... unfortunally it does happen... I have had it happen to me as well.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
Well I never talked to that consultant. The host called me. I guess the other consultant wasn't available so someone else gave her my name and my work number. That is okay, I will just know how to handle bookings should this arise in the future. Thanks for the ideas.

Susan
 
I wouldn't feel bad. I know that I have customers that will only have parties with me. Some of them even know that if they book at their friends party they can choose any consultant to host a show. If they are that loyal to the other consultant you might be happier letting her do the show. It is always difficult to fill someone else's shoes. Just mark them as a booking for your host so that she can get the booking benefit and maybe you can convert her to being your customer for life!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I felt unprepared for my first bridal show?

Feeling unprepared is common for first-time exhibitors. Take a moment to reflect on what specific aspects made you feel this way. Consider creating a checklist for future events, including product knowledge, display setup, and customer engagement strategies. Practice your pitch and familiarize yourself with your products to build confidence for next time.

Did I make a mistake by not engaging with every guest at the show?

It's impossible to engage with every guest at a busy show, and that's okay! Focus on quality interactions rather than quantity. If you missed some opportunities, think about how you can improve your approach next time, such as using icebreakers or offering incentives for guests to stop by your booth.

How can I tell if my sales were affected by my performance at the bridal show?

Evaluate your sales numbers compared to your goals and previous events. If sales were lower than expected, consider factors like booth location, product selection, and your level of engagement. Gathering feedback from attendees can also provide insights into what worked and what didn’t, helping you adjust your strategy for future shows.

What if I didn't have enough product samples at the show?

Not having enough samples can limit customer interaction and sales. For future shows, plan your inventory carefully based on expected attendance and past experiences. Consider offering digital resources or catalogs as alternatives to physical samples, and ensure you have a method for taking orders if you run out of stock during the event.

Is it normal to feel disappointed after my first bridal show?

Yes, it's completely normal to feel disappointed, especially if your expectations were high. Use this experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Remember that every event is a chance to grow, and with each show, you'll gain more experience and confidence in your direct sales approach.

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