How do you handle staying in touch with hosts while you're out of town?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread explores various strategies for staying in touch with hosts and guests while consultants are out of town, particularly during events like the National Conference. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions regarding communication methods, incentives for hosts, and handling product information before official releases.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests using postcards that are pre-addressed and stamped to maintain contact with hosts while away.
  • Another participant shares their experience of bringing a digital camera to email pictures of new products to hosts when possible.
  • Several users mention the importance of not revealing new product information before the official release date, expressing concern about potential issues if information leaks prematurely.
  • One participant discusses their practice of withholding new mini catalogs until after shows to avoid rescheduling by hosts eager for new products.
  • Another participant notes that they send out mini catalogs and host packets to keep hosts engaged and excited about upcoming products.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the timing and methods of sharing product information and catalogs, with no clear consensus emerging on the best approach to maintain host engagement while away.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of consultants navigating communication and marketing strategies during events, emphasizing personal practices rather than official guidelines.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on maintaining host relationships while traveling may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

T
Trish1953
Silver Member
Messages
494
Do you have a list or suggestions you use while you are out of town and trying to stay in touch with guests, hosts, etc.? Do you offer any incentives to hosts who do Catalog Shows while you are away? Unfortunately, I don't have a laptop to take but, some hotels have "public-access" ones. Is that true of the Chicago Hilton? We're doing to bring our digital camera so that, when we are able to, I can email pictures of the new products to my hosts, etc. As I understand they will have a good consultant incentive program, how do you let your folks know there will be something like that available to them? (Like a teaser to get them committed!) Will it be some sort of new Fall product?

Thanks for your help. I'm a first-time National convention.:cool:

Trish
Wave 1
At the Hilton
 
You could take some postcards already address, stamped and with a mesage on them and then mail them from conference. This way your host will know where you are and that you are thinking of them. They will then be eager to hear from you when you get home to know all about your trip. You will be so energized and that energy just might roll over to them.
 
Trish1953 said:
Do you have a list or suggestions you use while you are out of town and trying to stay in touch with guests, hosts, etc.? Do you offer any incentives to hosts who do Catalog Shows while you are away? Unfortunately, I don't have a laptop to take but, some hotels have "public-access" ones. Is that true of the Chicago Hilton? We're doing to bring our digital camera so that, when we are able to, I can email pictures of the new products to my hosts, etc. As I understand they will have a good consultant incentive program, how do you let your folks know there will be something like that available to them? (Like a teaser to get them committed!) Will it be some sort of new Fall product?

Thanks for your help. I'm a first-time National convention.:cool:

Trish
Wave 1
At the Hilton
Click to expand...

We are not supposed to let people know what the new products are until they are released on Sept 1st. Imagine being one of the consultants in Wave 3 running into a PC customer who says "Hey - I hear you guys are coming out with ____ in the fall" before I even arrive at Wave 3?? That would really stink.
 
dannyzmom said:
We are not supposed to let people know what the new products are until they are released on Sept 1st. Imagine being one of the consultants in Wave 3 running into a PC customer who says "Hey - I hear you guys are coming out with ____ in the fall" before I even arrive at Wave 3?? That would really stink.
Click to expand...


I have only been a consultant for least then a year so I am not sure what I am about to type is totally correct. When I received my super starter kit in August I was told to hand out the new catalogs and the mini catalogs as soon as I got them and then when the new spring/summer catalogs and mini catalogs are out I was told again to hand them out or even mail to customers as soon as I get them. No one told me that I couldn't tell anyone before September 1 and March 1.

:confused: If I have been telling people too soon let me know. I don't want to do anything that would anger HO:eek:
 
You CAN give out the new catalogs once all the sessions of National Conference are over. The change over kits, director product kits and products earned in the sell-a-thon are shipped the end of July. (Those attending National Conference can purchase the new products mini catalogs, invitations and recipe cards - everyone else can order them the end of July)

Once National Conference is over the only thing you have to worry about is that hosts might want to reschedule for the new season once they know the new things coming out.

Here's what I do to avoid that: I do not give them the new mini catalogs until AFTER their show. At the show I tease the guests with hints about the new products coming out and I tell them that I would be glad to give them the new catalog when they book their September show.

I remind the host that her guests will be able to order the things that are going to be discontinued so they will want to have that opportunity. I also tell her that she can hold a follow-up catalog show in September if she wants - then she can double dip on the Monthly host special and get an extra discount on her order too.

I send the mini catalog out to anyone who is sitting on the fence about booking a show and others. I send the September host packets out to all booked shows on the first of August. They are always excited to be among the first to see what's new!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stay in touch with my hosts while I'm out of town?

You can use various communication tools such as email, text messaging, or social media to keep in touch with your hosts. Setting up automated messages or reminders can also help maintain communication while you’re away.

Should I schedule check-ins before I leave?

Yes, scheduling check-ins before you leave is a great way to ensure that your hosts feel supported. You can set specific dates and times for follow-ups or send them a message letting them know when you’ll be available to respond.

What tools can I use to manage my host communications remotely?

Utilizing apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or even project management tools like Trello can help you manage communications. You can also use email scheduling tools to send out messages at specific times while you’re away.

How do I ensure my hosts have everything they need while I'm gone?

Before you leave, provide your hosts with all necessary information, including resources, FAQs, and contact details for any team members who can assist them in your absence. This way, they’ll have support even when you’re not available.

What if a host has an urgent question while I'm out of town?

If a host has an urgent question, make sure they know how to reach someone else on your team or provide them with a list of FAQs that might address their concerns. You can also set up an auto-response for your messages indicating when you’ll be back and who to contact in the meantime.

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