How Do You Make Them Be Quiet???

[pamperedcheermom]

There are different points of view on this subject but I guess I'm old fashioned..........when someone is talking to you, be quiet and listen. These demos don't take that long and I think people should have enough respect for the consultants to at least pay attention. If they insist on talking, they need to leave the room and do it. I would never tell my guests to "shut up" but it is annoying when I'm trying to talk about a recipe and 4 or 5 people are in their own little worlds and then one of them asks me later what ingredients I used. If they had been listening they would know!!
As for kids being at a show.....I had a show several years ago, before joining PC, and there were seven kids there. I have two kids myself and my husband has always taken them off with him when I had home shows. Those seven kids were so bad that the consultant had to stop the show and ask the moms to please (and she really emphasized "please") do something with their kids. I was so embarrased and ended up crying after everybody left. Most of the kids lived on my road and their dads or older siblings were home so it wasn't even necessary that they come. But the moms thought it would be "neat" to bring them.
I called this same consultant a year later to have her do a bridal shower for my neice and she flat refused. She said the last show at my house was her worse ever and she has never seen kids act like that and get away with it. I assured her that none of those kids were related to me and that they wouldn't be here. She finally agreed to do the show and it went well. But I was still sooooo embarrassed.

 

[Chef Endora]

I had a show like that last Sat. Lots of talking. I just continued on to whoever was listening. I usually allow a little time after they start to arrive for them to talk. I put on my apron then and kind of herd them to settle in for the demo....doesn't always work though.
Oh well, show is at $950+ so far so I guess I can't complain.

My worst one was the host that had collectibles in boxes along with a jillion stuffed animals lining the path in the living room. She obviously just made for me to walk through. Dust everywhere. Then her DH came out of a room wearing a little noisy pouch-purse type thing around his neck. He said the noise was from the flying squirrels in it. They sounded p***ed. Come to find out they were sugar gliders and he was "bonding with them"

The new thing seems to be when I just start my demo & someone will come up and ask me to give them their total because they have to leave Then while I do that, everyone starts talking again.

Any ideas?

 

[pamperedlinda]

Then her DH came out of a room wearing a little noisy pouch-purse type thing around his neck. He said the noise was from the flying squirrels in it. They sounded p***ed. Come to find out they were sugar gliders and he was "bonding with them"

I have no idea what this is.........

 

[its_me_susan]

I read something once (can't remember if it was here or someplace else) that it's better to let them socialize and have a good time than to be the "Nazi consultant" by insisting they be quiet and listen. That's a sure way to not be invited back. If there's someone in the crowd who is truly interested, they'll listen to you, and maybe tell the others to be quiet.

I agree ~ I have had guests tell me about the consultant w/control issues that took up so much of their time. When I first experienced the chattiness, I too, became really fustrated. But I now remind myself that this is a "party" and they all want to unwind a little too (especially after a work day or being home all day with little ones). Lately I let them talk while I finish setting up (I arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before shows now, because I find they are happier after having a little time first). Before I start I give them a heads up, to get their drinks or food. Then I start... if they are talking I let them know that I will let them know when something important is coming up that they won't want to miss... if it seems I just can't "recapture" them, I tell them I want to let them know what the upcoming specials are, and then I'll "release them" & to please enjoy themselves. I invite those that want to watch me complete my recipe to please come forward so they can hear me, that I'll be available to answer questions at check out.

*I* enjoyed myself more, and it is so great to just "release them" when they just aren't in the mood for a demo (to sit quietly and listen to me when they want so badly to be together).

 

[schel]

I have to say the time I just let it go and let them talk... I had a $900 dollar show!
I just involved those who wanted to be involved and answered questions when needed.
After the demo, got the recipe in the oven and started cleaning up. They all eventually came to me with their big $$ orders.
Then the host of one who was one talking, said I'm going to do this next year again it was a lot of fun!
So I think also that some just talk, talk, talk, just to talk. I really look forward to the interactive show, guess I already did one without knowing it!
Schel

 

[PChefMisty]

I'm the opposite!I have to say, that I kinda like it when they are talking! This gets some of the focus off me. I just had a show last night where the guests didn't know each other and were new to pampered chef. So, I couldn't use my "Who has this?" No one wanted to try anything out, they stood there looking at me...didn't answer any questions...ugh! I had the host doing lots of things...I think we had one guest try out the UM. It was a $500 party, so it was still a good one! I was so flustered though, that there were so many things that I forgot to mention...it just didn't flow well. Oh well, you never know what you are walking in to.