How Can I Book More Shows During the Slow Season?

[rubyladee]

Ok, I'm stressing. I started out really good and now my bookings are starting to cancel. I now have nothing for the remainder of Dec. and only 1 show for Jan. I have absloutely no idea how I should go about approaching people I don't even know about a show. What should I do?

 

[sillylittlechef]

Are they cancelling and rescheduling or just cancelling? Are they potentially hosts later maybe in the Spring? If it's a timing thing get them to pencil in a spring date. Try craft shows or fairs in your area. Host an open house at your house. In early Jan do an open house and offer free shipping and pass out flyers to your neighbors email all your past customers and hosts and invite them. Once you get them there showcase the host benefits and offer a small free gift for booking or offer fun theme shows. Cooking with kids, healthy cooking, weight watchers, Super bowl half time shows, There are some fun themes if your look in in files on this site. Good luck!

 

[pamperedgirl3]

Also find out if there are any bridal fairs in your area. Around here we always have several in January. That might get you some bookings.

 

[scottcooks]

Hi, RubylaDee...don't stress. Dec/January are some of the most difficult times for bookings. Weather, colds, family issues, unpredictability kind of go with the season.

Work with each hostess carefully, keeping upbeat and as positive as you can. Be sure to do great hostess coaching - be it live, phone calls, post cards, or some combination of the three. You can nudge your hosts along with reminders about everything they are going to get for free, but just know - some shows postpone, and some cancel alltogether.

The beauty of this business, is YOU decide how much you will work. Don't let a cancelled show mean you are 'unemployed for the week'. Book two shows close together, and you will still be OK if one cancels. The really successful people know, to have 4 shows in a month - book 6. To have 8 shows a month, book 10 or 11.

 

[pamperedgirl3]

Hi, RubylaDee...don't stress. Dec/January are some of the most difficult times for bookings. Weather, colds, family issues, unpredictability kind of go with the season.

Work with each hostess carefully, keeping upbeat and as positive as you can. Be sure to do great hostess coaching - be it live, phone calls, post cards, or some combination of the three. You can nudge your hosts along with reminders about everything they are going to get for free, but just know - some shows postpone, and some cancel alltogether.

The beauty of this business, is YOU decide how much you will work. Don't let a cancelled show mean you are 'unemployed for the week'. Book two shows close together, and you will still be OK if one cancels. The really successful people know, to have 4 shows in a month - book 6. To have 8 shows a month, book 10 or 11.

I agree. Do you make customer care calls on a regular basis? Call up some guests who have placed orders recently (or bought cookware or stoneware) and see how they are enjoying their products. Then mention how great the specials are in the next couple of months & would like be interested in hearing about them. If they say no, ask them if THEY know someone who might be interested. Maybe you'll get some referrals to call!

Good luck! Just know that even with a slump in the business that things can still pick up. I went into my first January last year thinking I had all these shows & every single one cancelled (well, one turned into a catalog show, but the others cancelled--not even rescheduled). Slowly I had one show, then two & now I have 6 booked for January this year. Take the rest of the month to enjoy your family/relax/prepare for holidays & then start working your business after the holidays.