First Show Woes: How to Make it Great

[Jenelle]

I have my first show this Thursday for my sister. I've been trying to practice as much as possible, but with a full time job and part time job, and now pampered chef, it has become difficult at times. I'm getting a little worried I won't know what to do when I'm standing there on Thursday. I've been trying to practice in my head as I make different recipes what the names of the products are, and what is special about them. The problem is, I doubt I'll remember everything. Has anyone handed out cards for everyone to read when you use a certain product? I don't want it to be a lot of work for the guests, but I also don't want to have a lousy show. Any suggestions on first shows help! TIA

 

[janetupnorth]

Best advice is relax and have fun! I never show EVERYTHING at a show. If I forget something oh well...better luck next time...that's what makes shows different. Try to hit the main things and I talk about the tools I am using. ...just something little about each, not ALL the features. Then, I'll often talk through my TTA and what is in there and the pans I have with.

During introductions ask them what their favorite tool is...then you can talk about each one as they mention them.

Good luck!!!! Don't forget to have fun!

 

[stacywhitlow]

Just relax & go with the flow. I still forget things at my shows. I have thought about having guests read info about a certain product so they can sell it. Try it & let me know how it works. You will definitely have to tailor your shows to the crowd. That you can't practice unless you know all the guests ahead of time. I have had shows where I changed everything because it wouldn't have worked the other way.

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

Have it....Love itYou can play Have it, Love it with them. Tell them that when you pick up a tool to use if they have it to yell "Have it, Love it" if they own it and tell everyone what they like best about it. It involves the group and they can help you remember to talk about certain things. I've even had people yell "Want it!".

The best advice anyone can give you is to relax and have fun. If you forget something, don't stress about it. We all do! I've been doing this 9 years and I always leave a show saying, "Man, I should have said....".

For my first shows I made a cheat sheet with main points I wanted to talk about...the names of the products I was using (we've all forgotten the name of a product at one time or another!)....I even put the name of the host in case I had a brain freeze. Hopefully that won't happen to you since it's your sister!

 

[KellyTheChef]

Jenelle~

First off welcome to CS and congrats on starting your own business!

As for your first show...practice OUT LOUD as much as you can! Sounds like you are very busy, so even practice out loud in your car on the way to/from work. There is something about actually saying the words that helps you put them into your memory so you don't blank out at your show!

Also- feel free to use note cards to keep yourself on track! I STILL use them, especially if I change something about my show...just so I don't forget something! Your idea of having the guest read the benefits of different products is good...just keep what they are reading to a minimum...you know, streamline what they are saying to just "bullet points"

EVERYONE here had jitters and worried about flaking out at their first show, so don't worry so much. Soon your first show will be behind you and you won't ever feel that same level of nervousness again!! (I *still* get nervous before every show...just not so intense!)

 

[raebates]

I have one suggestion. Don't just practice in your head. Practice out loud. (People who have been here for a long time just rolled their eyes. They're getting tired of hearing me tell people this. ) Seriously. Practice out loud. It sounds weird, but because you're "hearing" it as well as thinking it, the words get planted in a different place in your brain. This makes it easier for you to remember them when you get nervous. And, trust me, we all get nervous to some degree. Practice for your pets, your family, a grouping of stuffed animals, your couch pillows, whatever.Once you get started, relax and have fun. I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job.