Getting Shows Started On Time: A Struggle!

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges and strategies related to starting shows on time within the Pampered Chef community. Participants share their personal experiences and various methods they have tried to encourage punctuality among guests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with guests arriving late and mentions trying an unconventional start time of 6:57 p.m. to encourage punctuality, but received negative feedback.
  • Another participant notes that an on-time drawing is a successful strategy used in their cluster, particularly for larger shows and meetings.
  • A different participant shares their approach of incentivizing timely arrivals by offering free shipping to the first guest and entering all on-time arrivals into a prize drawing.
  • One participant highlights their director's strict adherence to starting shows on time, regardless of the number of attendees, emphasizing respect for those who arrive punctually.
  • Another participant mentions that starting shows at 6:30 p.m. has worked well for them, resulting in guests arriving on time and allowing for an early finish.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for starting shows on time, with no clear consensus on a single best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and methods that have worked for them in their specific contexts, reflecting the diversity of practices within the community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on managing show start times and encouraging punctuality among guests may find the shared experiences relevant.

DebbieJ
DebbieJ
Messages
10,849
I am having a horrible time getting my shows started on time.

I tried putting 6:57 p.m. on the invites instead of 7 p.m.--so they'd remember the time--and I've gotten a lot of "people think it's dumb" kind of feedback. My show on Saturday started 45 mins late because people were trickling in and two ladies got lost. :eek:

I remember way back when--when I went to my first PC show--the consultant did an on time drawing. I think she gave something small (citrus peeler or QK knife).

Anyone else do this?
 
The on time drawing is a big thing with my cluster in Las Vegas and I know my director uses it all the time, especially with large shows and our cluster meetings. It works well for her and I think it's worth a try.
 
HEre is an ideaWhen I have a host who tells me that no one RSVP'd or not very many people did, I have her call them and tell them (or send an email) or even write it on the invites. First person to arrive gets FREE shipping. Also everyone who arrives before or on time is put into a drawing to win a prize!
Prizes can be something I have extra or something I use for door prizes, like bamboo tongs, Season's best, etc
Also you can mention to your hosts that out of respect for those who showed up on time, we should start when we said we would start, I mean I always allow like 10 min. sometimes. But no more than that. Get on with your intro, demo, and games!! I always do two demos, one is the big dish or appetizer the other is the dessert which is pretty much already done, and just requires a little decorating.
I try to talk about hosting and recruiting throughout the show so even late people can hear about that!
Debbie
 
I haven't been on time for a thing in years, but my director has tremendous success with starting EVERY show EXACTLY on time. Even if it is just herself and the hostess, she'll start making the recipe with the hostess's help. You know, it is a SHOW. The movie show doesn't wait for everyone to show up, it starts when it's scheduled to start. There's something to be said for respecting the time of the guests and host who were on time.

Also, my director arrives at the host's house Mon-Thurs at 6:00, starts the show at exactly 6:30, and she is always home with her dishes already washed before 9:00. My kifd would love it if I could master that kind of schedule.
 
I start my shows at 6:30pm now. It works out perfect, they are on time or there by 7pm and I am home by 9pm!
AM
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to start shows on time?

Starting shows on time is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire event. It shows respect for your guests' time and helps maintain a smooth flow of the presentation. Additionally, starting on time allows you to cover all planned activities without feeling rushed, ensuring that everyone has a positive experience.

What are some common reasons shows start late?

Shows often start late due to various factors such as late arrivals of guests, technical difficulties with equipment, or the host being unprepared. Other reasons may include last-minute changes in the agenda or delays in setting up the display area. Identifying these issues can help you plan better for future shows.

How can I encourage guests to arrive on time?

To encourage timely arrivals, communicate the start time clearly in your invitations and reminders. Consider sending out a reminder a day before the show, highlighting the importance of punctuality. You can also create a fun incentive, such as a small prize for the first few guests who arrive on time, to motivate them to be punctual.

What strategies can I use to keep the show on schedule?

To keep your show on schedule, create a detailed agenda and stick to it as closely as possible. Practice your presentation beforehand to gauge timing and make adjustments as necessary. Additionally, set a timer for each segment of your show to help you stay on track and be prepared to gently guide conversations back to the agenda if they drift off course.

What should I do if a show starts late despite my best efforts?

If a show starts late, remain calm and professional. Acknowledge the delay briefly, then focus on delivering the best experience possible for your guests. You may need to adjust your agenda on the fly, prioritizing key segments and being flexible with less critical parts of the show. Always maintain a positive attitude to keep the energy high.

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