Getting Business and Bookings When You Know No One.
- Thread starter ShelbyMichalek
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread centers around a participant's upcoming move to Gulfport, MS, and their desire to establish a Pampered Chef business in a new area where they have no existing connections. Participants share various strategies and personal experiences related to building a business in unfamiliar locations.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses the need for advice on starting a business in a new area where they know no one.
- Another participant suggests being proactive by carrying catalogs and engaging with people in the community to promote the business.
- Several users mention the importance of networking through local clubs and groups, including spouse organizations and community events.
- One participant shares their experience of struggling to gain bookings despite participating in local events.
- Another participant offers to connect the original poster with family members who might be interested in hosting a cooking show.
- Some participants discuss the challenges of using certain software and share alternatives for document access.
- One participant warns against leaving flyers or catalogs on base, citing potential consequences.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of certain promotional strategies, with some participants sharing positive experiences while others express challenges in gaining bookings.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects the experiences of individuals relocating due to military assignments, highlighting the unique challenges faced by consultants in establishing their businesses in new communities.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants who are moving to new areas and seeking advice on how to build their business connections and customer base may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.
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ShelbyMichalek said:
Oh, trust me. When I talk to them on Skype, their main interest is how the kids are doing. We've never even talked Pampered Chef. I've never even asked either one of them if they were interested in buying anything or asked either of them to host a catalog show. We are prohibited from using the military mail for business purposes, so I can't even send host packets to people in the states. I'm restricted to doing catalog shows with people who are here on the island with me.
I'll be in Texas in May, and I think they are going to be there the weekend that I'm doing Cooking Shows. My MIL is attending, so I'll have the aunts tag along too to introduce them to the products and let them know that they can hold a show in their own town too!
Obviously, I'm not going to be able to go from Japan (or Dallas) to Ocean Springs to do a show, so I don't mind helping you if I can. I truly believe "what goes around, comes around" and the whole "pay it forward" mentality. I have 2 of my friends here on Okinawa who have contacted their friends in my new duty station in Atsugi and are getting me some shows established to help me get my business up & off the ground there. So I really don't mind trying to do the same for someone else! Plus, military wives have to stick together! LOL
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Sheila said:.....I'll be in Texas in May, and I think they are going to be there the weekend that I'm doing Cooking Shows. My MIL is attending, so I'll have the aunts tag along too to introduce them to the products and let them know that they can hold a show in their own town too!
Obviously, I'm not going to be able to go from Japan (or Dallas) to Ocean Springs to do a show, so I don't mind helping you if I can. I truly believe "what goes around, comes around" and the whole "pay it forward" mentality. I have 2 of my friends here on Okinawa who have contacted their friends in my new duty station in Atsugi and are getting me some shows established to help me get my business up & off the ground there. So I really don't mind trying to do the same for someone else! Plus, military wives have to stick together! LOL
I guess that makes a whole lot of sense!! Thanks! Sure, you can refer them to me, that would be great!
You're right, and I've actually been helped so much by the wife of a retired Master Sergeant that I really hope I can be as much help to others one day and she (and YOU) are to me.
I'll be moving into Gulfport on April 17th-18th and I'll be there until at least the end of June. (beyond that...not sure!)
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* ad in local paper (got me at least two bookings a month and a recruit!)
* talk PC everywhere I go
*ask businesses if you can put information out. (Bridal boutiques, etc.)
* non-profit organizations that may need fundraisers (I offered to teach a class once a month to a local woman's shelter. From there, they had me do a fundraiser)
* Habitat For Humanity, etc. there are many organizations that groups are traveling in the summer and need a fundraiser
*I talked to the cashier's at stores and handed out my literature.
*definitely ask friends if they have referrals for your new area.
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1) Emailed spouses club, got a "maybe" answer on a fundraiser and a couple possible bookings!
2) Made up a list of newspapers to contact.
3) Checked out craigslist for used furniture (that we'll need) and I got the great idea that I could give business cards and info to the people we buy furniture from!
4) Started looking over resumes for babysitters in that area (via craigslist) and also thought...hey I could add a few more people to my LO100 that way!!
Next plans of action
1) Try very hard to write up a press release (Dave's idea) despite my extreme lack of journalism skills.
2) Contact a cluster in that area to see about hospitality.
3) Call my friend Deb who lives around here but grew up in Biloxi, MS (I didn't know this until a couple weeks ago!) and ask for referrals for her mom and sister who still live there!
Can't do this until I get there:
4) Pamper at least 1 business a week.
Any other good ideas?
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Get a decal on your car/van/whatever you drive. I have been stopped a number of times at the store and gas station. Have mini catalogs on you at all times. Or recipe cards.
Talk to the office people at your dentist, dr, etc. about hosting a show in the office or on their own. If no interest ask if they can put cards or a flyer in the break room.
Don't rule out catalog shows. If you moved and are not getting the shows you want, contact the people you know all over the country and ask them to do a catalog show for you to help you stay active. Contact everyone in your email contacts too.
Put flyers around your neighborhood or do a "launch" at your new place. Great way to meet the neighbors and have your first show.
Mother's Day is coming up so maybe the men you know will be interested in getting something for the wife that way?
Placemats at local diners. Newspaper. Postings at the grocery or library.
That's off the top of my head. Hope something will help you!
Janis
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I sold Tupperware many years ago, at the NCO club, and did great! Try joining every club you can, on and off base, and market to those people.
Gigi
Retired Master Sergeant
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start building my network for Pampered Chef if I don't know anyone?
Start by leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to connect with potential customers. Join local community groups, participate in discussions, and share your passion for cooking and the products. Attend local events or fairs where you can meet new people and introduce them to Pampered Chef.
What strategies can I use to find potential hosts for my parties?
Consider offering incentives for hosting a party, such as discounts or free products. Reach out to friends of friends or ask your current customers for referrals. You can also host online cooking demonstrations or virtual parties to attract a wider audience and showcase the products.
How can I effectively market my Pampered Chef business without a personal network?
Utilize online advertising through social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Create engaging content that highlights your products, such as cooking tips, recipes, and product demonstrations. Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers who can help promote your business to their followers.
What are some ways to build relationships with potential customers?
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly. Offer value through cooking tips, recipe ideas, and product knowledge. Consider hosting free workshops or cooking classes to create a community feel and establish trust with potential customers.
How can I overcome the fear of reaching out to strangers for bookings?
Start by changing your mindset; view it as sharing something valuable rather than selling. Practice your pitch and focus on the benefits of hosting a party or trying the products. Remember that many people appreciate the opportunity to learn about new cooking tools and techniques, so approach conversations with enthusiasm and confidence.
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