How Do I Book Live Shows in a New Area?

[alabama pc cons.]

So, as I have written a couple times before, I am new to the area I live in.. We just moved here in August of this year, and I don't know anyone... I am not a shy person by no means but when it comes to asking a complete stranger to book a show, I freeze... Like, I just can't do it... My sales are o.k., I have almost $1100 in sales this month... But, with the exception of a couple catalog shows, I have nothing else planned... People tell me to ask at doctor's offices, pharmacies, and such, but what do I do??? Just ask? That sounds simple, but I can't bring myself to do it...
We live only 15 minutes away from Tuscaloosa, AL, where the University of Alabama is, and it is a huge city... I know there is tons of potential business there, but I don't know how to go about getting it... Please help if you have been in this situation or you have some helpful ideas for me.... Any and all advice will be appreciated very much.... Thanks

 

[lesliec]

I would work on just getting your name out there. Not in the same position, but we've all been new, and not known where to go. My big break came from the daugher of a lady who couldn't even come to the show (one of my good friend's show). She was the one that got me out of my circle and really got my business going. What I am doing this week is making the chex/popcorn mix inside the cover of the catalog. I am then putting a handfull in a celophane Christmas bag, tying it with ribbon and tying a business card on. I am going to my son's school (and others- as many as I can make and handle until Christmas). I will drop off enough for all of the teachers and also a couple of catalogs for the teacher workroom/break area. I may put a sticky for some sort of discount or promotion (free season's best cookbook w/ each online order.....). I could do it as a "pamper a business" type thing, but honestly, don't have the time or energy right now. My experience is, the more people that know, the more likely you are to get orders and have someone contact you about hosting.
It's hard, and can be discouraging, but the good thing is that it is the holiday season, and there are more opportunities to pamper and get out there and meet people.

 

[alabama pc cons.]

Thank you Leslie... I could do that as well... Where we live the elementary, middle, and high schools are in three seperate locations and we have a child in each school... I could make some and take to each school and leave some catalogs at each one... On each bag, I could attach a business card.... That is great advice, thanks alot...

 

[lesliec]

Oh, and I shopped around for the celophane bags (we are really on a TIGHT budget). The best deal I found was at Wal-Mart. They had a few different ones in different areas of the Christmas section, but the ones I bought were 20 bags for $1 (5 cents each!!!!!).

 

[DeannaK1022]

Dollar stores have those cello bags too. Mostly 20 for $1 sometimes 25/$1. d