How Can I Book More Shows During the Busy Holiday Season?

[Suzy Englert]

I'm sure there are threads on this topic but I keep getting this response for not scheduling parties for November and December-and I still want to get more shows on my calendar! What are some good word choices to use? And I try to remember to deal with these objections during my show by saying how I'll help make this an easy show for you-by mailing the postcards, etc., etc.

Many thanks!
Suzy in Texas

 

[lt1jane]

I offer my house. Now, they don't have to clean or do anything except invite their frends. (I buy the food in this case, though I have asked the "host" to bring a couple of 2-liters of soda since I don't usually keep that in stock.) This works well when they tell me their house is too small also.

I love it because it's a lot less work for me. I set up a display, but I don't have to pack, unpack, cart dirty dishes, etc... Also, if I own it, they can see it. It only takes a few seconds to grab something out of my kitchen that I don't have on display.

 

[magentablue]

That's a great idea lt1jane. I wish I had a bigger house! I've never even had an open house because I can't imagine how I'd fit people in this tiny space!

 

[magentablue]

I should add that a good idea to say when someone is too busy is something like "I completely understand, this time of year gets a little hectic for all of us. But you might like to think about a catalog show."

 

[BethCooks4U]

"I understand but I'd hate for you to lose out on all the benefits because you thought it was more work than it is. Can I just go over what you'd have to do?" Then if they still feel they'd be too busy we talk about a possible future date. If the conversation has gotten that far they want to do it we just have to show them that it's not all that hard. I have had many people who have done both cooking and catalog shows that a catalog show is more work for them.

 

[punkie1019]

My director has turned me on to this idea to offer express parties. You would tell the potential host that you totally understand that thier time is limited and life gets hectic and that you are currently offering express shows for that exact reason. You tell them you will be in and out of thier house in 1 hour! You would need to have the recipe prepared up ahead of time. Be sure to thank the host/guests and introduce yourself and the recipe. Then they can shop while they eat and you can answer questions. Tailor it to your show outline just be sure to be out within that hour like you promised. I have not personally tried this yet but I think its great. Makes people feel like you really understand and value thier time and are offering some sort of special service to them.

 

[workingmaof3]

Let them know you understand they are busy, but remind them that a show will give them a chance to catch up with friends and family. Tell them you will pamper them for an evening of their busy life.

 

[vtolin]

I get this a lot too just starting. I've offered my house a couple times but they are from a town 20 min away so that doesn't usually work out but at least they appreciate the offer. That's when I put them up to a catalog party. Some like the idea of not having to do the whole hosting a party thing when they have a busy schedule.

 

[Suzy Englert]

Thank you all for the great tips-they are appreciated!
Suzy in Texas