How can I increase my bookings for cooking shows?

[ivy5683]

I'm sinking in cooking shows, all I have for August is 3 PYB shows. I am having so much trouble getting bookings. I'm following up on leads and making my phone calls, emails, letters, carrying my PC stuff... any ideas?
I thought of printing up some 'Free Cooking Show Coupons' and leaving them at my pediatrician's office... thoughts?

I need some ideas... I'm sinking fast.

 

[raebates]

Have you gone through your list of 100 recently? Anyone you talked to over a few months ago who responded, "Not now," is a possibility. Things may have changed--especially with school starting up.ETA: You might also think about offering a short open house type show. I find that busy people like the idea of not having to stay for a "whole show." I do these by bringing something already prepared, setting up products for people to see and try (a couple of work stations with something like a Food Chopper and some nuts works well), and then having a place for people to place their orders. I'm in the room to answer questions, but I don't do a demo or presentation of any kind. These have proven to be very successful for me, and they're really appealing to crowds that are 1) busy and 2) familiar with PC.

 

[legacypc46]

Promote the cookware special like crazy! Don't worry about whether you are getting bookings...worry about whether people are missing out on this incredible opportunity.

(I know that's easier said than done, but the change in focus can make a difference.)

 

[raebates]

Excellent point!Also, be sure to look at your wording. I've heard so many consultants talk about "having a party for me." You aren't asking for a favor. You're offering them an opportunity. "I'd love for you to have a chance to earn . . . " is much more appealing.

 

[pampered.chris]

Very true!! The wording is so important. If they think it is all about you, you will score no bookings real fast. If they think wow, I can get all of that?! They will be marching to your doorstep...well maybe not, but it would be nice!!

 

[PCJGarrett]

Hi, I just moved from Eustis and know how hard it was to keep my business there. Just some thoughts, go to smaller stores or gyms and ask the owner if you can set out a table outside and they will get either the host benefit for the month and or $15.00 per each booking. You could also try asking doc offices if you can do a 15 minute lunch presentation and they can invite friends to come over and they would have lunch on you for letting you share your business with them.

I feel for you cause I have been there and I know its tough! Hang in there!

Jackie

 

[PCJGarrett]

Also, have you tried a "booking tree" at your shows. You can either have Gift Cert. that they can use at their shows or envelopes with a picture of two items in which they can pick if they host a show. (they would get the item at their show.) I put the names of categories on the outside so if they know that they would like the paring knifes, that they might be in the "kitchenware" category. I try to find things under 10.00. Hope this might help too. I find that if I can give people an insinuative for hosting other than just what they get for hosting, people like to host and get a small thing free!

 

[hmolah]

I'm in the same boat - and about to lose my business. I've struggled with it ever since we relocated to Georgia. But, one thing I'm going to try to do is another open house. I scheduled one for June - and it didn't work out at all. So, I'm going to try again - and this time I'm going to advertise a fall preview/open house. I've met another direct sales gal that sells different products than I and she's new here too, but has a lot more contacts than I. She's going to help me with it and so I'm hoping for a better turn out! Also, there is a bazaar that I'm getting involved with in September that I hope will get my name out there and get me some bookings. I'm only putting up $25 for it, so I'm not out a whole lot if it doesn't go through. I plan to advertise the fall products, raffle for a free item, take orders, and most importantly BOOK SHOWS! I've only been able to do catalog and online parties - which are not a great way to get new business! I've shared my experience in hopes that you might be able to take these ideas and apply them to your life somehow!

Good luck.

 

[ChefGwendolyn]

Thanks for the information Heather.

I'm having the same problem you are, because I work in a small office, and don't know a lot of people.

I did do a fundraiser for my son's daycare, and it flopped (only $163 in sales)

I'm starting to get frustrated, but I know if I work on it, things will change, I just need to get out of my comfort zone!

 

[linojackie]

I'm in the same boat - and about to lose my business. I've struggled with it ever since we relocated to Georgia...

Sorry to hijack, but I just have to say this reminded me of the song "Why, Georgia, why" by John Mayer.

Ok, back OT!

 

[ivy5683]

Thanks for all the info! I'm actually glad I didn't have anything booked, we just spent a week with our 1 year old in the hospital with a terrible stomach virus that he has now given to all of us. Had I had anything scheduled it would surely have been cancelled.
I have one show booked for October as it is and I had someone ask me for a catalog as we were bringing our little boy home last night, she pulled in behind me after seeing my magnets. Don't know if she'll host or just order but it's better than nothing. We are taking a vacation next week so I'll just throw myself back into things after that.