Feeling Down? Tips for Booking More Shows

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Discussion Overview

This thread features participants sharing their experiences and challenges related to booking shows as Pampered Chef consultants. Many express feelings of frustration and seek advice on improving their booking rates, while others share personal strategies and anecdotes about their efforts to secure shows.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses difficulty in securing bookings despite making calls and promoting host benefits.
  • Another participant shares similar feelings of discouragement when comparing their booking success to others in their cluster.
  • Several users mention the idea of sending newsletters to highlight specials and engage potential hosts.
  • One participant discusses a strategy involving asking guests to pick a date and pencil it in, suggesting follow-up calls to confirm.
  • Another participant shares a game they use at shows to generate interest in hosting, which involves pricing strategies for products.
  • One participant recounts a successful experience asking for orders while at an unrelated appointment, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone.
  • Several participants note the challenge of asking for bookings and the emotional toll it can take, while encouraging each other to persist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus on the best approach. Participants share a range of personal experiences and suggestions without a unified agreement on specific methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily consultants sharing personal experiences and strategies related to their individual challenges in booking shows. The discussion reflects a supportive community atmosphere where members encourage each other to try different approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges in booking shows may find the shared experiences and strategies helpful as they navigate their own business practices.

P
pckimboyers
Messages
151
:( Here it is.... I've done 2 shows already this month and I have one "maybe" from one of them to do a show... it seems that everytime I get a yes--it turns into a "I'm really busy", or they don't return my call--and they never seems to want to commit that evening of the show because they have to check their calendar. I offer pick a date pick a product, talk up the host program--I'm in my ss3 and had a horrible june, I'm having a good july but no shows yet for Aug. I'm thinking maybe I'm just not good at this......it really is hard to see all my other cluster members having all these bookings and me struggling to get a few! I call, I ask, I leave boxes!! Ahhhh! I'm just really having a hard time with this! I needed to vent, but please, any tips would be greatly appreciated!
 
You know, unfortunatley, I have the same darn trouble! I go to my hospitality meetings and all of them are doing really well and I just get so depressed I want to cry. I call people, I talk up the host benefits during the shows, when I have them, and I still don't get shows. I just started sending out monthly newsletters highlighting the monthly specials, guest specials, highlight a product of my choice and offer some food facts from the cooking show teachings in consultant news. I hope that will work for at least some orders if not shows. Good luck and if you have any luck with anything, pass it on!

Cheryl Mackey
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
It's good to know that I'm not the only one having trouble. I need to start the newsletter...do you do it over e-mail or do actually mail them out? I'm trying to use my paycheck towards my credit card debt as much as possible so I don't have a lot of money to do lots of extras......Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one!
 
When you ask them to pick a date, let them know you will pencil it in (that's an important word) until they can check their calendar. Then arrange to call them the next day.

It's not always easy to get bookings and you don't have to give something extra away. Be sure you know the host program inside and out. A little game I've used at the end of my show goes like this:

Ask everyone to turn their survey slip over so they can write on the back.
Tell them to write down 5 products that they want to purchase. They need to know what it's called and how much it costs. To speed people along, give a prize (Twixt Clip?) to the one who's finished first. When everyone (most) are ready have them do the following:
1) Cross out the price on the two most expensive items and write 1/2 that price next to it.
2) With the remaining 3 products, cross out $90 worth and write free next to them
3) Write 25% off next to any remaining items.

I always tell them that this is not a math or spelling test so they needn't worry. Also, these figures are based on a $500 show average. If your average is better (or worse), adjust the numbers accordingly. Finally, tell them that this is what happens for one of your average Hosts. They get two 1/2-price choices, $90 worth of free product and 25% off of anything else they purchase.

Now you’ve had one last chance to create interest in hosting AND you can start a wish list for each guest (if they don’t purchase everything they listed).

One thing I learned at conference that I’m going to try to implement at my shows? Have more fun!!! I hope you will do the same.
 
ChefJeanine,

Great idea...I will try this!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Wow! That is an excellent idea! I will def. do that at my next show! I practice what I'm going to say, then when I get there it's like I go blank or something.... then I'm so involved in trying to remember everything that maybe I lack the enthusiasm I need to have.....I've done about 8 kitchen shows--do you guys tell the specials towards the end or the beginning... I've tried both, but not showing one is better than the other......
 
ask everyoneOne thing to do is ask everyone. I was at the eye doctor's today picking up contacts and said to the woman helping me...." I have a quick question. I am trying to get my business off the ground. I sell pampered chef. Would you be interested in passing around a couple of catalogs and taking orders?" She said sure. I told her I would be back on the 28th to collect the orders and I would bring a desert for the office to share. She was excited about it.
If I had not stepped out of my comfort zone and asked, I would not have gotten that show so just ask everyone. What is the worst they can say?
 
That's awesome, Melissa! Way to go for stepping out of that comfort zone! That's great. I like the way you worded it!:)
 
I always say this: They can't say YES if you don't ASK!!

It is a leap for lots of us, but the more you ASK, the more you'll hear YES! (Ok, the more you'll hear "no" too, but you get really used to it! Make it a game and see how long it takes you to get 100 "no"s!)
 
I am going to actually mail them to people who have ordered from me this year and a few from last year. Tangible mail is harder to ignore than e-mail! Will keep my fingers crossed for you and me both!

Cheryl Mackey
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Asking and stepping out is def. the hardest thing for me....I guess that's what I need to get over. I'll do it! I will start a game with myself--I will get on the phone today and then tomorrow(when it's easier to go back out into the heat:) ) I will ask at least 3 people---I've got to get past this or my business will flop! Thanks for the encouragement! That's what I needed! I need you guys to push me and say get out there and do it!!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Thanks Cheryl, that's a good idea--I'll do that too!
 
I'm there with you on the bookings thing...I made the list and got out of my comfort zone and called, sent letters with very little "sure I'll have a show". The gals at our meetings talk about all the shows and recruits they are having. It just doesnt' happen for me either. You just have to keep plugging away and try the great ideas the other consultants give and something will eventually click for you. These gals & guys on this site are incredible!! This site is the best!!
 
It could use some fixing, but these are just my notes in the order I took them, I just typed them up last night from conference, I have typed 2 of my classes up so far, and am still working on the rest in free time, so if it makes sense I will be happy to have helped someone else, lol.
 

Attachments

I have a friend who has recently became a Real Estate salesperson. I called her on Sunday evening to see if I could pin down a date for her show. She was at the fair here in town, working, where she will be all week, he said. He and I talked a bit about things, and that she is just about ready to sell her first house (it's been I think 4 months).
He told me that she gets frustrated........she puts a LOT Of effort in to it and things weren't happening. He is an encourager, so he always picks her up and tells her to persevere, that it's in God's timing.

They have sunk a lot of money in to this. School, advertising, joining the organization that you have to join (I think that was $700 up front, she said).

We have to get the 'nos' everyone. And we have to play the numbers.

I think in PC that our numbers are better averages than others, but we still have to get those nos.

I talked to a lady last night that wants to book off my mom's show, which was in February, so the 6 months is nearly up. So I'm really wanting to persuade her to book in August. Even though I want to be with my husband in August, for a big bash in Arkansas for the contractors of the company we're leased to.
but I want to earn the new products free........

But this lady is very shy, or something, you can barely hear her on the phone. The first time I called her, I thought she didn't like me calling, so I was taken aback a bit. But I asked my mom, and she said, no she always sounds like that (you can barely hear her over the phone).

I just kept talking to her, bringing her out of herself. She had all kinds of excuses. Still don't have a date, she has to check with her sister to see when she can do it.

Keep at it. Get the nos, have FUN, get into a new circle of people. You can do it!
(Sorry this got so long)
I love this site too! It's great and I think it can be a very vital tool to getting my business going stronger and stronger.

Kris
 
Kris,
Where in Arkansas is your bash going to be?
 
Jennifer, Thank you for posting your notes. They are very helpful to me, as it was my first time at conference, and I could not go everywhere. I am finding these notes helpful, and I am passing them on to my recruits, so you are helping me train my team also. Thanks again
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Thank you Kris! I love reading the responses and any stories or anything at all keeps me motivated and not wanting to give up because trust me, there have been times I've wanted to give up---if I didn't have my website and put so much time and money into it already-- I def. would have given up by now. Forward on!:)
 
Like any business, there will be ups and downs with the Pampered Chef.

My former Director (my recruiter promoted) has been a Consultant for at least 16 years (she's a Senior Director with a four digit Consultant Number). She always told us to hang in there when times are slow because if you wait, business will pick-up again. After five years in the business, I know she is correct. There are still times where I feel like I'm treading water (or worse). But this is MY business and I'm in it for the long haul. I understand what can happen in my life if I just keep doing the things (selling, booking, recruiting) that make this business a success.
 
pckimboyers said:
:( Here it is.... I've done 2 shows already this month and I have one "maybe" from one of them to do a show... it seems that everytime I get a yes--it turns into a "I'm really busy", or they don't return my call--and they never seems to want to commit that evening of the show because they have to check their calendar. I offer pick a date pick a product, talk up the host program--I'm in my ss3 and had a horrible june, I'm having a good july but no shows yet for Aug. I'm thinking maybe I'm just not good at this......it really is hard to see all my other cluster members having all these bookings and me struggling to get a few! I call, I ask, I leave boxes!! Ahhhh! I'm just really having a hard time with this! I needed to vent, but please, any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

I would suggest taking the Responding to Objections teleclass so that you are ready with an appropriate response when they say they are too busy or whatever. It's really helpful.
 
Hey Melissa......It's in Texarkana! Just a few miles south of you. LOL

There's a really great "agent" there (that's a broker......where we get loads out of when in that area...basically).
This guy puts on a HUGE appreciation party. Pays for everything.
And my hubby and I just came up with a great idea.

I need recruits in August.....(need a kitchen)........soooo I'm going to ask George (the broker) if I can do demos around there, not to sell necessarily but to show the others what we've got.......so when I give them a catalog they'll know what they're looking at. And who knows.....I could sign a few driver's wives.

Kris
 
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I used to have a 4 digit number
Dummy me.........lost my mojo.........couldn't find it.........quit.......missed everyone.............now I'm back.
I had like 4 something...I think.
Also dummy me.......cleaned out the basement a year and a half ago........threw away alllllllllllll my old PC customer records..........Dummy me........But I did find some numbers from another business we were in that I had written down some old host's numbers that I especially liked.

Kris
 
I think one thing to remember too is that a lot of people take vacations and stuff in the summer. Just keep at it. I just started SS2 and have 2 bookings for this month but only one that will count because the other is at the end of July and I can't get my host to budge on the closing date.

I run into the issue that for the last 2 out of 3 shows I had, they were pretty much the same people. Plus they have been small turnouts.

I am not worried though because Christmas is just around the corner and I think that is when I am really going to soar!
 
Kris, is that where you live in Texarkana, I have lots of family around that area. Parents are heading that way next weekend to visit for a week.
 
Pimp The Cookware, Baby!!!I also talk about the executive cookware for at least 5 minutes during my show, and PIMP IT!!! (not hard, since I absolutely adore my cookware!!!) I get them all excited about it, and then I tell them they can get it 50% off by hosting their own show. I would say 2/3 of my hosts book because of the cookware. I average 2-3 bookings per show because of this.

Also, to really demonstrate the cookware, I burn rice (I think I heard about it on selling product collections CD from paperwork supply--I don't really remember). Anyway--I put some rice on right when I arrive, and then I mark the time. I let it come to a boil, then turn it on low and let it cook all the way thru my show. Then, at the end of the show after I've really pumped the cookware up, we play a game--"How long have I burned the rice?" I dump the rice out into a bowl (it's NEVER burned!) and show the rice and the pan to everyone. I have the guests guess what time I put the rice on to cook. Closest person wins a prize. Then I always emphasis--do you realize that was 1.5 hours or 2 hours, or whatever time it was. People FLIP!!! I just did a show tonite that the host booked specifically to get the cookware.

I've told my recruits about this, and they have similar results!!

Keep on plugging! You'll hit your stride if you just keep trying...:p
 
Kris, is that where you live in Texarkana, I have lots of family around that area. Parents are heading that way next weekend to visit for a week.
Click to expand...

Hey Jennifer! No I don't live in Texarkana, but I also goofed...it's Arkadelphia...my bad! But hey that's a wee bit closer to your neck of the woods. :) :) My hubby is an over the road (Owner/Operator) truck driver so he's been there lots, and I've been there a little less than lots. :)
We live in Hilliard, Ohio.

Wow! Singergirl.......that's a neat idea!

Kris
 
I would love to try that rice burning, but I am totally petrified that it would be all stuck on with 15 people all losing their faith in everything I have said!! Maybe I'll try it at home a few times to build confidence!
 
Okay. Here it is. I haven't done a cooking show since end of February. Have done several catalog shows. Right now last month was less than $200 but just sold a $100 skillet to someone who saw my decal yesterday! Yeah! But no shows lined up. Doing a fair tomorrow in the 90+ degree heat, not looking forward to that. I live in a small town and am trying to get into the big city 30 miles north of here. I DON'T know how to get there. I want the business to succeed, but when you do everything you know to do and don't really know anybody in the big city, what the heck do you do? I am so discouraged right now and thinking that maybe this isn't going to work and that discourages me even more. I guess I just needed to vent or whatever. I really need to know how to get this going. The lady who recruited me two years ago made it out to be so easy and all I have ever done is struggle. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears.

cheryl Mackey
Cooking Pampered Style in Louisiana
 
Cheryl put on a friendly smile and talk talk talk tomorrow at the fair. Make your eyes light up and be genuinly interested in people. Make each person feel important. I know you'll do great!

Next, I think I'd go up on a Friday or a Saturday and hit the garage sales. Talk to people. Where there's a will there's a way!

Kris
 
Cheryl- could you put an ad in the local paper in the bigger city? That might generate a few bookings and get the ball rolling!
 
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