Getting Bookings W/O Friends & Family to Start?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses strategies for a new Pampered Chef consultant to secure bookings without relying on friends and family. Participants share personal experiences and various approaches to building a customer base, particularly for those who are new to the business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests utilizing campus connections and co-workers as potential leads for bookings.
  • Another participant shares their experience of wearing Pampered Chef logowear to attract conversations and potential customers.
  • Several users mention the effectiveness of participating in local fairs or networking events to gain exposure and bookings.
  • One participant recounts their success in "pampering a business" and suggests bringing treats and catalogs to establish connections.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of reaching out to college friends for support in starting out.
  • One participant shares their strategy of leaving recipe cards in grocery stores to promote their business.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods to secure bookings without a personal network, with no clear consensus emerging on a single effective strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences as relatively new consultants, often around the same age, and discuss the challenges of starting a business without a strong local support system.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants looking for creative ways to build their customer base and secure bookings without relying on friends and family may find this discussion helpful.

I
its_me_susan
Messages
2,049
I have a serious recruit, just out of college.... she lives here, her family is 3 hours away. She is 22 - most everyone she knows is young and poor. Her family is NOT being supportive at all. I've been giving her all the ideas I can. I love this ABC document. I gave her the list of 100. Does anyone have any other documents they can share?

:)
 
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Was she involved in any groups on campus in college? That might be a source. What about co-workers at her new job? Does she belong to a church or anything else in your community?

If nothing else, maybe encourage her to go to Chamber after hours and other networking events to meet people. That may bring some leads. Oh, and wear a PC pin everywhere. SO many ppl I don't know talk to me when I wear mine!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
lisacb77 said:
Was she involved in any groups on campus in college? That might be a source. What about co-workers at her new job? Does she belong to a church or anything else in your community?

If nothing else, maybe encourage her to go to Chamber after hours and other networking events to meet people. That may bring some leads. Oh, and wear a PC pin everywhere. SO many ppl I don't know talk to me when I wear mine!
Click to expand...

Lisa,
What kind of pin do you have?

I've given her those suggestions... she is new at her current job and doesn't feel she knows anyone, and since she is hoping to leave that job, isn't comfortable. If I could get her a few potential bookings I know she would sign and do will (and she wants to do 3 shows aweek minimum). I just need to help her get started without friends and family...

Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Susan :)
 
Encourage her to wear PC logowear everywhere...and the quickest way to get some bookings from strangers is to do a booth at a fair. That's where my first long line of shows came from.
 
Susan, I have the logo ones (rectangle) from Nancy's. I also have a round one that says "I heart PC" that the Advanced Director in my upline gave me when I observed her show.

Oh, and if she's planning to leave the job, maybe she can announce PC when she leaves! You know how when you send an email to co-workers and contacts to let them know where you are going...she could say "I got an opportunity at X, and I will also be concentrating on growing my Pampered Chef business." I know I plan to do that if I ever leave my job! I am the same way, really don't talk about it at work b/c don't know how it would be viewed. It's not a conflict but we are having a leadership change so all is shaky right now anyway.
 
I was in the same boat as your potential recruit. I am 22, just moved back to MN after a decade and no outside job when I signed. I lucked out in having a few family members here to host 2 of my first shows. What I have been doing for the other ones is getting myself out there talking to people. It has been hard, but worth it to expand my customer base. I would totally suggest getting some college friends to help her start out. I went to college in TX and one of my friends down there did a catalog show for me my 2nd month, totally an easy way. I would also suggest having a catalog out in your cart while shopping... People will just sort of glance over and I use that as my launch point about PC. A PC friend of mine takes recipe cards, stamps her info on them and leaves them in the grocery store in the area that you would find one of the ingredients (i.e. crecent rolls, chocolate chips, etc...). Let her know that there are other people out there who have been where she is and have made the leap and soared. I would be glad to chat with her if she wants any additional advice... [email protected]... good luck!
 
Alison, where did you go to school in TX?? Just curious. P.S. You have a great web site...gave this newbie here some great ideas!
 
I went to TCU (Texas Christian University for all those non-Texans out there). Some of the website credit must go to a director in my upline cluster, as she taught a PC.biz workship at conference. Feel free to copy anything you want from my site!
 
I am in that same position! I am 22 and all my friends are poor and living with their parents. I have had success "pampering a business" and a lot of people have asked me to come back every six months with new products. Even with no demo, you can bring in a treat and some catalogs and see what happens. Be sure to call first and set up a date and time so they don't think you are trying to poison them!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
dannyzmom said:
Encourage her to wear PC logowear everywhere...and the quickest way to get some bookings from strangers is to do a booth at a fair. That's where my first long line of shows came from.
Click to expand...

You are so right!
Thank you!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
lisacb77 said:
Susan, I have the logo ones (rectangle) from Nancy's. I also have a round one that says "I heart PC" that the Advanced Director in my upline gave me when I observed her show.

Oh, and if she's planning to leave the job, maybe she can announce PC when she leaves! You know how when you send an email to co-workers and contacts to let them know where you are going...she could say "I got an opportunity at X, and I will also be concentrating on growing my Pampered Chef business." I know I plan to do that if I ever leave my job! I am the same way, really don't talk about it at work b/c don't know how it would be viewed. It's not a conflict but we are having a leadership change so all is shaky right now anyway.
Click to expand...

Great ideas (thank you). But she is new there. Since she needs to pay rent without worry she is going to look for a job at a preschool - she wants to be an art teacher... will meet lots of people, etc.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
GourmetGirl said:
I was in the same boat as your potential recruit. I am 22, just moved back to MN after a decade and no outside job when I signed. I lucked out in having a few family members here to host 2 of my first shows. What I have been doing for the other ones is getting myself out there talking to people. It has been hard, but worth it to expand my customer base. I would totally suggest getting some college friends to help her start out. I went to college in TX and one of my friends down there did a catalog show for me my 2nd month, totally an easy way. I would also suggest having a catalog out in your cart while shopping... People will just sort of glance over and I use that as my launch point about PC. A PC friend of mine takes recipe cards, stamps her info on them and leaves them in the grocery store in the area that you would find one of the ingredients (i.e. crecent rolls, chocolate chips, etc...). Let her know that there are other people out there who have been where she is and have made the leap and soared. I would be glad to chat with her if she wants any additional advice... [email protected]... good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you Alison! I am copying your post and hope she will write you!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
gilliandanielle said:
I am in that same position! I am 22 and all my friends are poor and living with their parents. I have had success "pampering a business" and a lot of people have asked me to come back every six months with new products. Even with no demo, you can bring in a treat and some catalogs and see what happens. Be sure to call first and set up a date and time so they don't think you are trying to poison them!!
Click to expand...

Gillian, what are you saying when you first contact them? What kinds of things are you bringing them? Have you called first, or just shown up with your treats?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find potential customers outside of my immediate circle?

To find potential customers outside your friends and family, consider joining local community groups, attending fairs or markets, and participating in networking events. Utilize social media platforms to connect with local community members and engage in groups related to cooking, home goods, or direct sales. You can also offer free cooking demonstrations or workshops to attract new customers.

What strategies can I use to promote my Pampered Chef business?

Promote your Pampered Chef business by creating engaging content on social media, such as cooking tips, recipe videos, and product showcases. Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers to reach a wider audience. Additionally, consider running promotions or giveaways to entice new customers to try your products.

How can I leverage social media to get bookings?

Leverage social media by consistently posting about your products, sharing customer testimonials, and offering exclusive deals. Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to create events for virtual cooking parties. Engage with your audience through polls, Q&A sessions, and live cooking demonstrations to build interest and encourage bookings.

Are there any effective ways to network in my community?

Yes, effective networking can include attending local events, joining clubs or organizations related to cooking or home improvement, and volunteering for community projects. You can also host a cooking class or a Pampered Chef party at a community center to introduce your products to a broader audience.

What should I say when approaching strangers about my business?

When approaching strangers, be friendly and genuine. Start with a compliment or a conversation about cooking or kitchen tools. Then, introduce yourself and your business briefly, highlighting the benefits of Pampered Chef products. Offer to provide a sample or invite them to a cooking demonstration to showcase the products in action.

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