Get Help with Online Shows: Tips for Sending Packets to Participants

[mrssyvo]

I am trying to do 50 shows in 50 states in month of June (on-line shows that is) I am trying to get packets out to those who are participating, and I am at a loss of what to send. They are doing the majority of the show from my web-site, but they are also wanting a couple catalogs/order forms to collect orders in person. This is the first time I have done this with an emphasis on on-line shows, and I do not have any documents prepared to explain the process. Before I start in trying to create something, I thought I would check to see if anyone has anything on file.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

WOW! You have that many contacts in that many states? This is totally not something I could do!

I have done a lot of out of state catalog shows ... be aware that it can be kind of expensive postage-wise. The biggest one I sent like 10 catalogs and order forms ... it was a good show but not that great ... and I didn't care about getting the catalogs back because it was the end of the fall season. They woudln't fit in a flat rate envelope. Most of the time I've sent 3 or 4 to out of state people.

 

[linojackie]

I am trying to do 50 shows in 50 states in month of June...

I would be interested to know how you put that together. It sounds like a fun idea.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Great idea! Wish I knew someone in each state.

 

[mrssyvo]

At this time, I do not have all the states covered, but I am operating on FAITH!!!! I sent an E-mail out to everyone, asking for their help in getting contacts in states where I do not know anyone. They are trickling in, but even if I do not get all 50, it is something to work towards, and I am farther ahead than I was. I am not sending a lot of catalogs out, it is meant to be on-line shows, through the internet, but my brother and his wife live in South Carolina, and have some friends not on the internet yet, so he asked for a couple. I am looking for something that explains the on-line ordering process.

 

[mrssyvo]

Here is a copy of the E-mail I sent out

 

[stefani2]

Could you just send out the 'regular' host package information by email? OR could you just post a majority of the info on your PWS (under the NEWS section and title it 'FOR HOSTS ONLY') or something like that?

 

[AlowayFamily]

I am trying to do 50 shows in 50 states in month of June (on-line shows that is) I am trying to get packets out to those who are participating, and I am at a loss of what to send. They are doing the majority of the show from my web-site, but they are also wanting a couple catalogs/order forms to collect orders in person. This is the first time I have done this with an emphasis on on-line shows, and I do not have any documents prepared to explain the process. Before I start in trying to create something, I thought I would check to see if anyone has anything on file.

Check the files section for catalog show letters. I think I found a couple there last year. Obviously you will include the June OOF, June host and guest specials. What about a recruiting brochure or letter, maybe something to help them think of names.

I found the attached document on here yesterday, it is very helpful for website instructions. You could modify it to fit your needs.

Good luck!!

 

[lacychef]

Sue---that's an amazing idea! LOVE IT (is the idea up for stealing? I mean, borrowing?!)

 

[nikki70563]

this is a great idea what about putting something about recruiting on there you never know what could come out of this

 

[vwpamperedchef]

THat is a great idea. I hope you dont mind me borrowing it!

Best of luck to you! We should post our results later on!

I dont think packets are necessary. Everything including emailing the host the specials and order forms can be done thru email.

 

[AmieCream]

Can we borrow this? I really think this would be GREAT!!!I'm a army wife...I think we know people that know people in every state (and some countries)

 

[lacychef]

Sue, we're all dying to know if we can steal, LOL!
Maybe we should do a CS challenge, & see who can get shows from the most states....

 

[mrssyvo]

Feel free to steal away. Actually, I thought I got the idea here on Chef Success, but when I searched, I could not find it, so maybe I dreamt it. I moved a couple months ago, and am finding it slow going rebuilding my business, so this is to help me fill the gaps. I like the idea of a challenge. It might be the motivation we need to spread the word.

 

[lacychef]

I think it is such a fun idea; whoever thought of it!

 

[vwpamperedchef]

I havent had any luck yet. One reply "cannot commit to anything else". I feel like saying "why bother writing me". Oh well

DH got the email and said "Ill help: I'll be in MD, DC, NY, PA, NJ" over the next month!" I said "You dont count" lol.

I was just letting him know what I was up to. He's such a sweetie. Love him!

Good luck to the rest!

 

[erinyourpclady]

Thanks Sue for the FABULOUS idea!!
I bit too....
So far I have TX, NV and VA covered...only 47 more to go! LOL!!

 

[erinyourpclady]

Thanks Sue for the FABULOUS idea!!
I bit too....
So far I have TX, NV and VA covered...only 47 more to go! LOL!!

I got a PA and NC today.....45 to go! LOL!!

 

[pattikake]

How are you wording your email? Are you giving your customers a choice of which month? Or just doing this for the month of June? I'm thinking of adding this to my next newsletter..

 

[merego]

Wow!! That is a great idea, you go girl!!!!

 

[mrssyvo]

I am only doing it for June- Thus the 50 shows in 50 states in 1 month. I am struggling a bit getting more hostesses, but I am not giving up! I am doing it in June, to boost sales for Sale-A-thon.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Good for you! Here's hoping you get more referrals. Have you checked your Christmas card list or old schoolmates? This is a perfect excuse to get in touch with long lost friends.


Postage was mentioned so here's a tip:

When sending host packets put in only 3-4 even for catalog shows. Then tell your host to tell her guests to visit your website to see the catalog and, if they want to order right there, to just put their name in as host. (That avoids someone putting an outlet order on a show and you having to deal with that.)

Some hosts ask for extra catalogs and I will send them but I always try to encourage the website first. It's surprising how many will say "Oh! Never mind sending more then."

 

[fikibiff]

Wow, that's aggressive. I decided last fall, when someone booked a TX catalog show, that I wanted to do all 50 states by the end of 2009. So far I've done WI, TX, and a cooking show in FL when we went on vacation. I also have someone in IL that would like a cooking show. I will have to try to book 2 for that day, so it's worth the gas. I have also "volunteered" to let anyone fly me anywhere to do a cooking show, and I will generously provide the ingredients.

 

[fikibiff]

So, how many states did you get?

 

[Chef Kearns]

You know an Advanced Dir friend of mine did this in February (double points month). When she was planning it she had 37 states covered (or needed only that many). I thought that was amazing!

I hope you had a lot of success with this idea. I'll have to ask my friend how she did. She comes on this site so maybe she posted something about it in Jan/Feb.

 

[Flamingo]

Well did you get this done?????????????????????