How Do I Revive My Inactive Business in a Small Town?

[daviscookin]

I have been pretty lax in my business since moving and recently got notified that I am about to go inactive. I have contemplated getting out of the business but really want to give it a true shot. Does anyone have any advice on how to get my name out there and get some shows booked? I live in a small town with mostly elderly (don't cook) people and should probably look into surrounding towns. Did try a town fair but it had little attendence and I didn't get the bookings I wanted or any for that matter. Any advice out there?

 

[ChefTLD]

Try whatever worksThis may sound terrible, but sit down with a pad and paper, and think of who would attend if you were planning a wedding or a funeral. Most people think "Oh, I don't know enough people to contact" or feel overwhelmed with their list of 100. But, if you put it into the "life event" context, you'd be shocked to see how many family, friends, and acquaintances you have --- and EVERY ONE OF THEM is a potential customer. Moreover, if you talk to any one of them, and they aren't currently interested in hosting or ordering at this time, offer them some kind of incentive for ANY and ALL referrals ! Cause they all have wedding/funeral lists too !

After you're done with that, turn to a new page in that pad of paper, and think of all of the places you have patronized in the past week - or if you haven't been out much, go as far as the past month. THESE places should be all of the places that you are leaving catalogs, business cards, and flyers ! Include health care providers, day cares, grocery stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, ANYPLACE with a waiting room... there are PLENTY of places !

Just don't give up - business is out there, but you have to look for it, it won't just fall into your lap. You truly do reap what you sow, but with the Pampered Chef, that is a WIN/WIN EVERY TIME ! 'Cause being a PC consultant ROCKS !

 

[gourmetizzy]

Don't give up the boat!Dear Moved & Miserable!,
I've been there, done that! Too many times to count. But, most recently I moved to an area where there are lots of younger families ("great stuff, but too expensive... don't cook much... just starting out"...etc.) plus a couple of well established consultants. As I found out quickly, loyalty runs deep in this area, and I was feeling 'the tresspasser'. Needless to say, it was 3 months before I booked a local show... and that was because a neighbor actually felt sorry for me. Needless to say, I didn't turn the pity party down. In fact, I worked it as well as I could. Met many of the neighbors, and received several "I'd love to book a show, but after the summer's over" leads. I won't lie and tell you that I wasn't disappointed, I was. I had expected the standard 1 - 3 bookings/show that I'd had prior to moving. But, when the dust settled & I could see clearly again, I realized that I was sowing the seeds for the next season of products. I continued working my business in my old neighborhoods (each over 1 1/2 hours away), catalogue shows nation-wide (thanks to referrals), and every time I'd go to thebank, grocery store, school functions, etc, I always handed out my business card (if not a catalogue too). I'd introduce myself & hand out a card. "Oh, you do pampered chef?" was the immediate response... It has led to dozens of conversations and future contacts. Then, 6 months after I moved, one of those contacts broke a stone. An old one that needed replacing. She was going to 'add it to a show', but when I asked her if she wouldn't rather get it for free, she said "Absolutely!" She booked a show. Not only did I replace that show with a booking, but booked a total of 3 from that one local show. Needless to say, it's been hard, but definitely do-able!
The bottom line is don't give up the boat! You can do it, it just takes a bit of creativity. Know that you'll reap what you sow now, it takes about 90 days for it to start.
As far as older folks in the community, I've sold lots and lots of tools that are great for people with arthritis/tendonitis... the jar opener, can opener, ice cream scooper, generations II (professional is a bit heavy for the elderly), even the i-slice are popular. I myelsf have bilateral CTS and find these tools fabulous.... they end up selling themselves.
Another final piece of advice is: find yourself a Hospitality Director. It's a lot easier to go through these changes if you have the support of others.
Good luck and know that you're not alone.
Isabel Hershey
IKC & Future Director

 

[pchefsharron]

Hi this is my 3rd time around, each time I get frustrated (life circumstances...)I seem to go into shut down mode- not really doing what I know is really necessary. The past week I have been "Starting over" Using the fall specials (found on this website) shrink to fit postcard size. I have mailed out over 40 so far. NOW I must follow-up with them. In my not wanting to be a "Pampered Pest" I neglected to do that before. In my calling I've been told "Oh I didn't know we had a consultant here" . I have been here 3 years trying to get my business going Also with the e-mail addresses I have I sent out a Christmas in July e-mail. And another (mary kay cons.) forwarded it to her contacts and Praise the LORD I got a catalog show lead. I have also made flyers to hang out all over to let them know they have a consultant in thier neighborhood(found also here). Hint use a post it note flag(?) with your return address label with info on it so they can take it with them on the bottom of flyer. Keep talking to everyone- you'll catch on. Sometimes it takes awhile.

 

[Shawnna]

catalog toteHey everyone, I remember several people wanting to purchase the tote bag with the clear catalog pocket on the front. I was going over the Fall paperwork order form and we can now order it. It costs $15.00. The item number is 9612.

Shawnna

 

[luvs2sellit]

Wow!! Thanks. I really wanted one of those and I have been checking ebay quit often to try and catch one.
Laura

 

[daviscookin]

Want to thank pcchefsharron, gourmetizzy & cheftld for your responses all very helpful and inspiring. I just got the new fall kit today and showed my husband all of the new products... and his response was to ask how I was going to sell it. You gave me a lot of great ideas & inspiration. I'm going to give it an honest try this time around and get out there! Also have to check out all of the great materials from this site. Thanks to all!

 

[ChefTLD]

Been thereYou're WELCOME !!
I've been there, frustrated, wondering how to make it happen, but then I realize that I have all the tools I need, an amazing company to represent, a LOVE for the products, and now, all the resources and inspiration I can handle on this website !!
Keep us posted on your progress - and tell EVERYONE you see about what you do !