Get Expert Advice: Dealing with a Host Not Responding for Your Upcoming Show

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges faced by a consultant regarding a host who is unresponsive in the lead-up to an upcoming show. Participants share their experiences and suggestions on how to handle the situation, expressing various viewpoints on communication and planning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about a host who has not chosen a recipe and is difficult to contact, leading to anxiety about the show.
  • Another participant suggests sending an email with recipe options and a deadline for a response, indicating a default choice if no reply is received.
  • Several users mention that the host may be overwhelmed with personal matters and recommend patience before canceling the show.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully reaching the host's husband for assistance, highlighting the importance of communication.
  • Another participant notes that if the host is unresponsive, the consultant should prepare to proceed with the default recipe regardless of the host's participation.
  • Some participants discuss the idea of sending reminders or postcards to encourage the host to engage, while others express concern about the effectiveness of such methods.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of bringing a simple recipe to demonstrate in case the host does not provide food.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to take with the unresponsive host, with some participants advocating for proactive communication while others suggest waiting to see if the host responds. No clear consensus emerges on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for dealing with similar situations, reflecting a range of emotions from anxiety to understanding of the host's potential circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing challenges with unresponsive hosts may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their own situations.

M
marciem
Messages
13
Hey all I need some advice

I have a show booked on sun that I booked from a home trade show 3 months ago. We were in contact in the beginning, and again about 3 weeks ago- she has several guests who checked yes on e-invite. She told me 3 weeks ago that she was doing the sun run (a 10km run) on the same day. I asked her if she still wanted to do the show on that day she said yes. the problem is she has not chosen a recipe yet and I have been trying since last week to get a hold of her but I only have 1 phone number and the voicemail box is full- I have e-mailed her 3 times and got nothing back. When I talked to her 3 weeks ago she had changed the location from her house to a hall. Its a good 1 hour drive for me to get to this show- I do not want to show up and have no one there. I'm freakin out a bit!!!
 
marciem said:
Hey all I need some advice

I have a show booked on sun that I booked from a home trade show 3 months ago. We were in contact in the beginning, and again about 3 weeks ago- she has several guests who checked yes on e-invite. She told me 3 weeks ago that she was doing the sun run (a 10km run) on the same day. I asked her if she still wanted to do the show on that day she said yes. the problem is she has not chosen a recipe yet and I have been trying since last week to get a hold of her but I only have 1 phone number and the voicemail box is full- I have e-mailed her 3 times and got nothing back. When I talked to her 3 weeks ago she had changed the location from her house to a hall. Its a good 1 hour drive for me to get to this show- I do not want to show up and have no one there. I'm freakin out a bit!!!
Click to expand...

I would call her and leave a message saying something like "I have been trying to reach you to plan your show but have been unable to and have not her from you. So, unless I hear from you I will assume that you wish to cancel your booking". If she still wants the show, she'll get in touch.
 
Just keep trying. Give her the recipe options in an e-mail and say that if you don't hear from her by Fri morning that option x (what ever you choose) will be the one and here is the ingredient list.
 
As stressful as it is being in limbo, I wouldn't cancel yet. She could be overly busy and stressing with life stuff. The fact she sent out invites via your site and she has rsvps is a good sign. Is it possible there has been a family emergency?

I like Niki's suggestion regarding the recipe. If she is genuinely busy, she may appreciate an email with no more than three choices (designate one as the selection if you don't hear back from her).

good luck
 
leftymac said:
I would call her and leave a message saying something like "I have been trying to reach you to plan your show but have been unable to and have not her from you. So, unless I hear from you I will assume that you wish to cancel your booking". If she still wants the show, she'll get in touch.
Click to expand...
She can't leave her a message, because she already said that the lady's voice mail box is full. :):blushing:
 
I just found this in my files on my hard drive...seems it might be useful in this situation...
 

Attachments

Kitchen Diva said:
She can't leave her a message, because she already said that the lady's voice mail box is full. :):blushing:
Click to expand...

I never claimed to read things thoroughly! ;)
 
Tough situation, since you cannot actually leave her a message and who knows how often she checks her email. I would try to get a "call your guests" reminder post card and mention at the bottom that you haven't heard from her. If she's close and you get it in the mail today, she should get it tomorrow.
 
Ooh, I like wadesgirl's idea... You could always just print up one of your emails and drop it in the mail today... Hopefully it will get there tomorrow or Saturday. And I agree with the three recipes and the one designated as the choice if you don't hear back. Good luck!
 
Yes, Yes snail mail. Be sure to be clear that you need to hear from her and what you will do if you can't get in touch with her. ex. I will assume that you would like to reschedule your show or --- I will be there at the appointed time. I don't recommend the second option.
 
brrrr... I don't like the tone of the "wanted" poster. Christie Northup says to get NAPEF - name, address, phone, email, fax to contact your hosts. This can be some of, why.The hostess surely has the intent to show, having used eVites. Just aim a particular recipe with a shopping list to her - then leave her options to call you to engage in 2 other alternative recipes. Tell her you need an RSVP number of guests in case you'll need to prepare a second food item b/c there are more than 12 people in attendance.Thank her profusely and work WITH her, not against her - she has not been unkind to you, just ovewhelmed with other life. Be professional, keep the high road. Definitely send her something if you have not yet, as well. I use Nancy's Artwork postcards (not sure what I'll use when they get used up!) and 2 host coaching calls. I also coach hosts when I give them a packet and balloons. I tell them if I see balloons, I'll give them a dollar off their order for each balloon - up to 10. If she's going to go to the trouble of outdoor balloons, folks are going to spot her house. If she spends $$ to helium-fill them, all the better; and you are still only reimbursing her $10.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Last night I got through on the phone her husband answered- I introduced myself, told him the situation and asked him to have her call me- No call today and the voicemail is still full so I can't leave a message. On my last e-mail I again asked her what recipe she wanted to do and outlined her responsibility as a host to provide the ingredients for the recipe. Because it is at a hall I asked if there was an oven or microwave. I asked her how the guest list was coming along and gave her some tips- standard host coaching stuff. Her reply to this e-mail was one sentence- the hall had an oven- again no mention of the recipe, no update on guests. I get the feeling she is trying to get out of providing the food. Like I said earlier I gave her the opportunity to reschedule because it seems like shes not into it. Is this normal?- I'm new to the business
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
oh and love the MIA host poster!
 
the one line response may indicate that she truly is extremely busy....and my guess is she hasn't really gotten around to choosing a recipe (and has no appreciation for the stress that puts on a consultant)...at this point, plan on making whatever you designated as the default recipe.

If you show up and there's no food, that was her choice. She has the right to be irresponsible, but not the right to make you feel bad about it.
 
I think if you are really worried there wont be any food, I would bring something to demo. A carrot, potato, cucumber. Or I always keep the ingrediants for the Turtle Fudge Skillet Cake on hand to bring for something like this, it is only 3 items so it is not that expensive and it is a great wow recipe. Also some hosts are like this, they don't want to be coached and they are hard to get ahold of sometimes they still have great parties, so good luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
the skillet cake sounds like a good idea thanks!
 
When is this show schedule for?
 
Marcie, how did your show go?

I was thinking of you as I watched all the Sun Runners trickle back into town after the run. Hope things went well!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my host is not responding to my messages?

If your host is not responding, try reaching out through different communication methods such as text, email, or a phone call. Sometimes a change in medium can prompt a response. Additionally, consider sending a friendly reminder about the upcoming show and expressing your excitement to work together.

How long should I wait before following up with a non-responsive host?

It's generally a good idea to wait about 3-5 days after your initial outreach before following up. This gives your host some time to respond while also keeping the show planning on track. If you still don't hear back after a couple of follow-ups, it may be time to consider alternative options.

What if my host is overwhelmed and doesn't know how to proceed?

Offer your support and guidance. Let your host know that it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and that you're there to help. Provide them with a simple checklist or outline of what needs to be done, and reassure them that you can take things step-by-step together.

How can I motivate a host who seems disinterested?

Try to reignite their enthusiasm by reminding them of the benefits of hosting, such as earning free products and discounts. Share success stories from previous hosts and highlight any exciting promotions or incentives that may be available. Personalizing the experience can also help them feel more invested.

What should I do if my host cancels the show due to lack of response?

If your host decides to cancel, respect their decision and offer to reschedule for a later date if they are still interested. Use this opportunity to ask for feedback on what might have caused the lack of engagement, which can help you improve your approach with future hosts.

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