Getting Guests to Help With Cooking Show

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various strategies participants use to encourage guest involvement during cooking shows. Participants share their experiences and techniques for making the shows more interactive, as well as the challenges they face with guest participation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration that guests often prefer to watch rather than participate, leading to a lack of engagement during the cooking demonstration.
  • Another participant shares a technique of using cards for guests to select products, which encourages them to come forward and demonstrate.
  • One participant mentions incorporating a ticket game to incentivize guest participation during the demo.
  • Another participant describes announcing at the start that the show will be interactive, which has led to increased involvement from guests.
  • One participant discusses using a "volun-told" method by drawing names from a bowl to encourage participation.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having guests wash their hands and gather around to actively participate in the cooking process.
  • One participant notes that they pass around items for guests to try, which helps maintain engagement even in larger groups.
  • Another participant describes using slips of paper with steps of the recipe to involve guests in the cooking process.
  • One participant mentions humorously encouraging guests to cook if they want to eat, which has led to more interactive experiences.
  • Another participant shares using an apron as a way to pass responsibility among guests for different steps in the recipe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various methods to encourage participation, with no clear consensus on a single best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from their cooking shows, highlighting the diversity of approaches and the varying levels of guest engagement.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas to enhance guest participation during cooking demonstrations may find these shared experiences valuable.

When I first started doing interactive, it was really hard to get folks up and participating. I've tweaked and tweaked and here is what works for me.As we're starting, I ask "how many have been to a friend's house for dinner" (everyone raises their hands). "And usually the first place you'll go is....(they answer the kitchen)...and usually one of the first things you say is....(they answer "what can I do to help"--most of the time anyway). So what we're going to do is just like that...a bunch of friends gathering and helping to make a meal" If I have someone who really resists participating, I'll have them read the recipe and keep us on track.Then, to make sure everyone gets a "chance" to participate, I'll have laid out the main tools I want to make sure we use and talk about and ask everyone to pick a tool they think looks interesting or they've always wanted to try. Then when the step that involves that tool comes up, it's their turn. So far, I haven't had any complaints about interactive shows and people are buying (or putting on their wish lists or hosting to get) the items they're trying. I'm ALWAYS using the Mandoline and DCB...they're some of my best booking tools.
 
OK. I am not the conversation police. Why would I stop them from having a good time? Having a good time is far more important then talking PC the entire time. If they feel good and are enjoying themselves, why would I stop them? I was invited to my friends PartyLite party when he first decided to sign. His recruiter talked AT US for over an hour about products. I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE as Rosanne Rosannadanna would have said! I promised myself then and there I would NEVER do that at my parties ever again. HOWEVER, I DO have this little trick. It was spontaneous at first and didn't really realize what it accomplished but I have made it seem that way since I figured it but... When I or we are doing the recipes and I decide to, I will pop out of the kitchen with a tool and simply say something, Oh you gotta see this, Carolyn was just using whatever and mentioned... Yes, it does put them back on track and you see how many people start looking for "it" in the catalog! If you make it ICKY they will remember that! If you make it FUN and NOT A CHORE TO BE THERE, they will remember that even more! I have 4 bookings from one party! I have more from several others. Oh and I figured htis out last November and have only had 4 actual parties since. I have over 9 parties on my bookings running into June. They ALL have penciled in dates, they ALL asked me to do the same type pf party for them. Be as laid back as you would want to be if you were attending a party. A cocktail party or backyard BBQ, not a PUSHY SALES SHOW! All the guests will follow suite and love ya for it! I have said this many times before in posts out here when someone says, the guests are not having fun or my host didn't ask me to do another party for her. Or nobody booked! I have always had more than two bookings per party! So all I can say is stop focusing so much on the SHOW AND TELL and let them have some fun! We are a great product. Our products really can sell themselves if you let them. The guests will do the rest of the selling themselves! I am not kidding! I mean really, do you want to come to a PartyLite party so I can show you the difference? YAWN!
 
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I just tried this in my show yesterday. I simply asked my host during our last call if she would like an interactive or a demo. So when I got to that part in the show I simply told the guests that per host request we will be having an interactive show and what that means for them is everyone go and wash their hands as everyone will have a hand in helping to make our recipe. I reassured them that I would be right there beside them to help them. I asked who liked to be in charge and through the laughs we found one and she was our recipe reader/ telling the others around the table what to do. We drew names that they had wrote when they arrived and as the host pulled them they came up and did their part. They LOVED it! I have to say... ME TOO! I've just celebrated my 1yr. anniversary with PC and this was my most favorite show thus far. I haven't closed yet but have 3 bookings with pos. 3 more before we close. Only 2 checked NO on TYFJU slip and one of those used to be a PC CS! The other 1 just had a party with me 2 wks. ago. I did alot of things different this show and had great success. I know it's not for everyone so I will offer it to the host from now on and let them make the decision being that they know their friends better than I do. But I appreciate all the comments regarding this, it has definetly helped my business!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I encourage my guests to participate in the cooking show?

Encouraging participation can be as simple as creating an inviting atmosphere. Start by explaining the benefits of getting involved, such as learning new cooking techniques and trying delicious recipes. You can also assign specific tasks to guests, like chopping vegetables or stirring sauces, to make them feel included and engaged.

What types of tasks can I assign to my guests during the cooking show?

There are many tasks you can assign to guests, such as measuring ingredients, mixing batter, or assembling dishes. You can also have them set the table or prepare garnishes. Make sure the tasks are simple and fun, so everyone feels comfortable participating.

How do I handle guests who are shy or reluctant to help?

For shy guests, try to create a supportive environment by encouraging them gently. You can start by asking them to help with a simple task or pair them with a more outgoing guest. Highlight their contributions and show appreciation to build their confidence and encourage further involvement.

Can I use incentives to motivate guests to participate?

Absolutely! Offering small incentives, such as a raffle for a Pampered Chef product or a discount on their next purchase, can motivate guests to participate. You can also provide a fun prize for the guest who helps the most during the show, which can create a friendly competition.

What should I do if a guest is not interested in cooking?

If a guest is not interested in cooking, respect their choice and find other ways to engage them. You can involve them in the discussion by asking for their opinions on recipes or cooking techniques. They can also help with setting up or cleaning up, ensuring they still feel included in the event.

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