Tanya423
- 18
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
This thread discusses strategies for overcoming the January slump in bookings for Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions for generating leads and securing shows during a slow period.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a lack of bookings in January after a slow December and seeks advice on how to attract customers.
- Another participant shares an extensive list of 118 strategies for obtaining bookings, including hosting open houses, utilizing local advertising, and leveraging personal networks.
- One participant appreciates the list of strategies and thanks the contributor for their advice.
- A different participant notes that they cannot take credit for the list, mentioning they found it during a previous search.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for generating bookings, with no clear consensus on which methods are most successful.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects the challenges faced by newer consultants in building a customer base and finding effective ways to increase bookings during traditionally slow months.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for creative ideas to boost their bookings during slow periods may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant.
heat123
Silver Member
- 6,922
Try any of these.... or try an open house or last chance show for d/c items:
118 WAYS TO GET BOOKINGS
1. Send a catalog to a co-worker or friend who has moved.
2. Send a catalog to reps from other party plans and ask to exchange shows.
3. Post a catalog in the teacher's lounge at your child's school.
4. Post a catalog in the employee's lunch room.
5. Hold an open house.
6. Have a booth at a church bazaar.
7. Advertise in your alumni newsletter and/or local newspaper.
8. Give a catalog to the receptionist in your doctor's or dentist's office.
9. Include a current catalog or flyer with your local bill payments.
10. Put a current catalog and sample in your neighbor's door.
11. Always carry business cards and catalogs with you to hand out.
12. Ask ALL your friends to have a show.
13. Advertise in the church bulletin.
14. Host an office party.
15. Host a Brunch.
16. Have your family wear Pampered Chef T-shirts.
17. Mail out catalogs with a wish list and order form.
18. Host your own show.
19. Host a fundraiser for your favorite charity.
20. Host a show before, during or after a PTA meeting.
21. Get a list from the Welcome Wagon to find newcomers in the area.
22. Set up a display at craft fairs.
23. Participate in a school fundraiser.
24. Have your husband or significant other promote products at work.
25. Wear a "Do You Pamper Yourself?" button.
26. Wear your charm holder and logo pins out in public.
27. Hold a Valentine's, Mother's Day, or Christmas Shopping Show for men.
28. Offer guests a Secret Santa Wish List.
29. Set up a temporary display in a mall.
30. Put a "FREE Products! Ask Me How!" button on your purse.
31. Ask past Hostesses to talk about their FREE products.
32. Hold an Opportunity Night nearby.
33. Mention Host Benefits at least 3 times per show.
34. Showcase higher priced items and remind guests they can get it half off.
35. Mention how much an "average" Host receives FREE!
36. At the beginning of the show, mention the Host goal.
37. Share upcoming specials at all shows with all guests.
38. Tell your Host how much she saved by having a show.
39. Encourage frequent customers to regularly plan shows.
40. Encourage Hosts to rebook themselves in the next 3 months.
41. Treat Hosts to a special "Hosts Appreciation Tea".
42. Encourage relatives to have a show.
43. Call your realtor with suggestions for "New Home Packages".
44. Offer to do a theme show demo/class for a local women's group.
45. Ask everyone for referrals.
46. Follow up on all referral leads on Door Prize Slips.
47. Offer a Birthday or Anniversary Club.
48. Offer a Bridal Registry.
49. Promote Pampered Chef Bridal Shower Parties.
50. Create a binder to showcase different theme show parties to choose from.
51. Create a visual for the Host Program by playing "Stack the Host".
52. Be friendly and enthusiastic.
53. Take the pieces that you LOVE to your shows!
54. Follow through on EVERY booking lead.
55. Ask, Ask, Ask.
56. Ask every guest at every show for 3 referrals.
57. Use open-ended questions to uncover objections.
58. Use products at home then share your ideas at shows.
59. Read sales, self-improvement and positive thinking books.
60. Call at least 2 potential Hosts EVERY night.
61. Dream and imagine the possibilities!
62. Set goals and review them constantly. Post where you can see them.
63. Ask friends to help you get started or to reach a certain goal.
64. Goal yourself for "x" number of shows each month.
65. Copy Host Specials and mail to past hostesses and interested clients.
66. Use postcards and newsletters to continue to spark interest.
67. Follow up phone calls to interested guests. Ask them to have a show.
68. Call all hostesses who postponed or never had their party as planned.
69. Have the Host tell why she decided to have a show.
70. Give products as gifts or donations.
71. Don't be shy talking about your products or your business.
72. Smile when talking on the telephone.
73. Make regular customer service calls to replenish products.
74. Review orders from past shows and call customers with large orders.
75. Be prepared to answer questions about your work.
76.Write down names of people who "owe you a favor", then follow up.
77. Call the most familiar people first.
78. Spend time every day working on some aspect of your business.
79. Be willing to share the Opportunity with everyone.
80. Call anyone who has said "maybe" or "sometime".
81. Contact schools, churches, and women's groups for fundraisers.
82. Advertise in football or musical programs.
83. Leave your business cards on bulletin boards or in local businesses.
84. Talk about upcoming specials with everyone.
85. Keep a list of special requests. Notify guests when that product is on sale.
86. Suggest a Christmas show so guests can shop without leaving home.
87. Offer bonuses for booking a show on certain dates.
88. Offer Book Show options to those who work in office environments.
89. Give extra service and time to good customers to make repeat customers.
90. Carry a notepad to jot down names as you think of them.
91. Let guests keep a catalog on hand to show friends or pass around at work.
92. Contact men's groups (Kiwanis, Lion's, Rotary) to host a show.
93. Offer complimentary gift-wrapping on orders over a certain amount.
94. Mail recipe postcards using monthly specials to keep in touch.
95. Have a Booking Basket for Hosts with gifts for pre-arranged bookings.
96. Strive to have 21 shows up on your calendar.
97. Offer businesses an employee gift/incentive program. Write up as a show.
98. Do a Product Lottery.
99. Get leads from participating in trade shows or business expos.
100. Take pre-wrapped gift sets to male oriented business and take orders.
101. Tell everyone to tell their friends to get their kitchen products from you.
102. Let everyone know that it's your job to give away FREE products!
103. Take several beautiful but versatile pieces to your show to demo.
104. Let customers FEEL the quality of products in their own hands.
105. Make your daily 2+2 calls. Chart your progress.
106. Participate in Bridal Trade Shows for leads.
107. Take a PC recipe in a PC dish to every function you attend that has food.
108. Pass out recipes to guests for dishes demonstrated at your show.
109. Offer a special incentive for booking a show within 2 weeks.
110. Get guest lists from Hosts so you can contact guests after the show.
111. Surprise Bookings. Call guests and ask for bookings as surprise to Host.
112. Use car magnets on car to advertise business.
113. Encourage Host to ask everyone to book a show.
114. Have Host show friends what FREE Host Bonuses she is trying to earn.
115. Ask Host to invite those who need or want a job.
116. Make a "Mix-in-a-Bag" gift for the Host. Make a recipe that focuses on Monthly Guest or Host special.
117. Make a "Host Necklace". Use one inexpensive tool for EACH booking she obtains BEFORE her show date. Tie together with curly ribbon.
118. Booking Necklaces - String inexpensive door prize items on curly ribbon. Hang 6 around Host's neck. As guests arrive, let her explain that she needs to give them all away so she can win a special gift. She can only give them to her friends who will book a show for her. Those who decide to book first get first choice of which necklace they want. They wear around their neck so you can see who already wants a show.
118 WAYS TO GET BOOKINGS
1. Send a catalog to a co-worker or friend who has moved.
2. Send a catalog to reps from other party plans and ask to exchange shows.
3. Post a catalog in the teacher's lounge at your child's school.
4. Post a catalog in the employee's lunch room.
5. Hold an open house.
6. Have a booth at a church bazaar.
7. Advertise in your alumni newsletter and/or local newspaper.
8. Give a catalog to the receptionist in your doctor's or dentist's office.
9. Include a current catalog or flyer with your local bill payments.
10. Put a current catalog and sample in your neighbor's door.
11. Always carry business cards and catalogs with you to hand out.
12. Ask ALL your friends to have a show.
13. Advertise in the church bulletin.
14. Host an office party.
15. Host a Brunch.
16. Have your family wear Pampered Chef T-shirts.
17. Mail out catalogs with a wish list and order form.
18. Host your own show.
19. Host a fundraiser for your favorite charity.
20. Host a show before, during or after a PTA meeting.
21. Get a list from the Welcome Wagon to find newcomers in the area.
22. Set up a display at craft fairs.
23. Participate in a school fundraiser.
24. Have your husband or significant other promote products at work.
25. Wear a "Do You Pamper Yourself?" button.
26. Wear your charm holder and logo pins out in public.
27. Hold a Valentine's, Mother's Day, or Christmas Shopping Show for men.
28. Offer guests a Secret Santa Wish List.
29. Set up a temporary display in a mall.
30. Put a "FREE Products! Ask Me How!" button on your purse.
31. Ask past Hostesses to talk about their FREE products.
32. Hold an Opportunity Night nearby.
33. Mention Host Benefits at least 3 times per show.
34. Showcase higher priced items and remind guests they can get it half off.
35. Mention how much an "average" Host receives FREE!
36. At the beginning of the show, mention the Host goal.
37. Share upcoming specials at all shows with all guests.
38. Tell your Host how much she saved by having a show.
39. Encourage frequent customers to regularly plan shows.
40. Encourage Hosts to rebook themselves in the next 3 months.
41. Treat Hosts to a special "Hosts Appreciation Tea".
42. Encourage relatives to have a show.
43. Call your realtor with suggestions for "New Home Packages".
44. Offer to do a theme show demo/class for a local women's group.
45. Ask everyone for referrals.
46. Follow up on all referral leads on Door Prize Slips.
47. Offer a Birthday or Anniversary Club.
48. Offer a Bridal Registry.
49. Promote Pampered Chef Bridal Shower Parties.
50. Create a binder to showcase different theme show parties to choose from.
51. Create a visual for the Host Program by playing "Stack the Host".
52. Be friendly and enthusiastic.
53. Take the pieces that you LOVE to your shows!
54. Follow through on EVERY booking lead.
55. Ask, Ask, Ask.
56. Ask every guest at every show for 3 referrals.
57. Use open-ended questions to uncover objections.
58. Use products at home then share your ideas at shows.
59. Read sales, self-improvement and positive thinking books.
60. Call at least 2 potential Hosts EVERY night.
61. Dream and imagine the possibilities!
62. Set goals and review them constantly. Post where you can see them.
63. Ask friends to help you get started or to reach a certain goal.
64. Goal yourself for "x" number of shows each month.
65. Copy Host Specials and mail to past hostesses and interested clients.
66. Use postcards and newsletters to continue to spark interest.
67. Follow up phone calls to interested guests. Ask them to have a show.
68. Call all hostesses who postponed or never had their party as planned.
69. Have the Host tell why she decided to have a show.
70. Give products as gifts or donations.
71. Don't be shy talking about your products or your business.
72. Smile when talking on the telephone.
73. Make regular customer service calls to replenish products.
74. Review orders from past shows and call customers with large orders.
75. Be prepared to answer questions about your work.
76.Write down names of people who "owe you a favor", then follow up.
77. Call the most familiar people first.
78. Spend time every day working on some aspect of your business.
79. Be willing to share the Opportunity with everyone.
80. Call anyone who has said "maybe" or "sometime".
81. Contact schools, churches, and women's groups for fundraisers.
82. Advertise in football or musical programs.
83. Leave your business cards on bulletin boards or in local businesses.
84. Talk about upcoming specials with everyone.
85. Keep a list of special requests. Notify guests when that product is on sale.
86. Suggest a Christmas show so guests can shop without leaving home.
87. Offer bonuses for booking a show on certain dates.
88. Offer Book Show options to those who work in office environments.
89. Give extra service and time to good customers to make repeat customers.
90. Carry a notepad to jot down names as you think of them.
91. Let guests keep a catalog on hand to show friends or pass around at work.
92. Contact men's groups (Kiwanis, Lion's, Rotary) to host a show.
93. Offer complimentary gift-wrapping on orders over a certain amount.
94. Mail recipe postcards using monthly specials to keep in touch.
95. Have a Booking Basket for Hosts with gifts for pre-arranged bookings.
96. Strive to have 21 shows up on your calendar.
97. Offer businesses an employee gift/incentive program. Write up as a show.
98. Do a Product Lottery.
99. Get leads from participating in trade shows or business expos.
100. Take pre-wrapped gift sets to male oriented business and take orders.
101. Tell everyone to tell their friends to get their kitchen products from you.
102. Let everyone know that it's your job to give away FREE products!
103. Take several beautiful but versatile pieces to your show to demo.
104. Let customers FEEL the quality of products in their own hands.
105. Make your daily 2+2 calls. Chart your progress.
106. Participate in Bridal Trade Shows for leads.
107. Take a PC recipe in a PC dish to every function you attend that has food.
108. Pass out recipes to guests for dishes demonstrated at your show.
109. Offer a special incentive for booking a show within 2 weeks.
110. Get guest lists from Hosts so you can contact guests after the show.
111. Surprise Bookings. Call guests and ask for bookings as surprise to Host.
112. Use car magnets on car to advertise business.
113. Encourage Host to ask everyone to book a show.
114. Have Host show friends what FREE Host Bonuses she is trying to earn.
115. Ask Host to invite those who need or want a job.
116. Make a "Mix-in-a-Bag" gift for the Host. Make a recipe that focuses on Monthly Guest or Host special.
117. Make a "Host Necklace". Use one inexpensive tool for EACH booking she obtains BEFORE her show date. Tie together with curly ribbon.
118. Booking Necklaces - String inexpensive door prize items on curly ribbon. Hang 6 around Host's neck. As guests arrive, let her explain that she needs to give them all away so she can win a special gift. She can only give them to her friends who will book a show for her. Those who decide to book first get first choice of which necklace they want. They wear around their neck so you can see who already wants a show.
heat123
Silver Member
- 6,922
baychef
Silver Member
- 2,833
January SlumpGreat list! Also, make a promise to yourself that you will try to talk to or call 3 people a day about Pampered Chef. When I first started I remember someone asking me to imagine our business being like an old fashion water pump. To get water from the ground, people used to have to keep pushing on the pump handle. It took a lot of effort, was not enjoyable and it took quite a bit of work before the water finally started coming out. If you kept pumping, the water kept flowing and it was much easier to get water. Once you stopped pumping, naturally, the water stopped flowing. If you wanted water again, you would have to start the whole process over again.
Our business is just like the pump, once we keep working it, it will become easier to get the results we want. Every time we have a lapse, we need to work that much harder to get it going again.
Work with other consultants, your director, anyone it takes to help you get your business back on solid ground. I find that talking up the specials we have going makes it easier to be excited and that excitement will work on your hosts too.
Offer fun theme shows (this loop is FILLED with great ideas) I know Survivor is coming back on in February. (This won't help Jan, but maybe you can find another popular show people like and gather to watch). An idea that some have had good luck with is to host a Survivor theme show and have it end a little before the show comes on. Everyone can still see their favorite show and have fun at the same time. Click on searches on the threads and on the files...you will find a wealth of material to get people excited about having a party! Good luck!
Ann
Our business is just like the pump, once we keep working it, it will become easier to get the results we want. Every time we have a lapse, we need to work that much harder to get it going again.
Work with other consultants, your director, anyone it takes to help you get your business back on solid ground. I find that talking up the specials we have going makes it easier to be excited and that excitement will work on your hosts too.
Offer fun theme shows (this loop is FILLED with great ideas) I know Survivor is coming back on in February. (This won't help Jan, but maybe you can find another popular show people like and gather to watch). An idea that some have had good luck with is to host a Survivor theme show and have it end a little before the show comes on. Everyone can still see their favorite show and have fun at the same time. Click on searches on the threads and on the files...you will find a wealth of material to get people excited about having a party! Good luck!
Ann
Gina M
Gold Member
- 1,737
You could do a mystery host show - invite everyone you know and then give away the host benefits - I did this last year in February and had a $750 show and 4 people from that show ended up doing shows the following 6 months. I invited 35 people, 11 attended, and I had 8 outside orders. Then I drew 2 people's names and gave them each $70 in free product - they were thrilled. I also raffled off 5 additional products (nothing too expensive) and gave everyone who came a Season's Best. I'm going to do this every year in February to get the double points - I already have my guest list at 60 this year (and my house is small!!) - so I'm hoping for similar or better results. It was a lot of fun - I made some food ahead of time and did the chicken broccoli ring as my demo. It was nice doing it at my own house as well.
I don't know whether you have kids (I'm always handing out catalogs to my friends at my kid's school) - I also work out at Curves - so have met a lot of people through there as well. Wear PC clothing - it forces you sometimes to bring up your business as well. Good luck - everyone goes through slumps - I haven't done a show since the beginning of December and that was just a table set up at a grade school for Christmas orders. I only have one show for January 27th, 2 vendor opportunites and my mystery host show in Feb and one catalog show in March but yet I keep going on! Just keep asking everyone you know - you just never know who might say yes!
I don't know whether you have kids (I'm always handing out catalogs to my friends at my kid's school) - I also work out at Curves - so have met a lot of people through there as well. Wear PC clothing - it forces you sometimes to bring up your business as well. Good luck - everyone goes through slumps - I haven't done a show since the beginning of December and that was just a table set up at a grade school for Christmas orders. I only have one show for January 27th, 2 vendor opportunites and my mystery host show in Feb and one catalog show in March but yet I keep going on! Just keep asking everyone you know - you just never know who might say yes!
pcchris
Silver Member
- 3,464
If you don't ask....I always tell my kids "If you don't ask, the answer is ALWAYS no". So, here I am wondering why my PC calendar is so empty. DUH!
SO, last night I got on the phone with my "goal" script, and wouldn't ya know it...got 3 bookings and one possible catalog show! 
Won't get any shows for sure if you don't ask!!! Don't be afraid of the word "no". If you don't ask, the answer is ALWAYS no! Don't give up...believe in yourself!
SO, last night I got on the phone with my "goal" script, and wouldn't ya know it...got 3 bookings and one possible catalog show! Won't get any shows for sure if you don't ask!!! Don't be afraid of the word "no". If you don't ask, the answer is ALWAYS no! Don't give up...believe in yourself!
CAmomCookin4U
- 482
Excellent quote chris. I'll be on the phone again in the a.m.pcchris said:I always tell my kids "If you don't ask, the answer is ALWAYS no". So, here I am wondering why my PC calendar is so empty. DUH!
I got one booking this morning but neeeeeeeeeeeeeed many more.
P.s. whats the goal script? Is it just your personal goals or ...
pcchris
Silver Member
- 3,464
I found my script in here somewhere...call and incorporate the following "I'm trying to reach a goal (whatevr your goal is ...cruise, London, whatever), and PC is offering double points for me in february. I REALLY want to earn the trip this year. It's also a double bonus for you, as you get to pick any 2 pieces of stoneware for 60% off if you host a show in February! I have the following dates available (give 2 or 3) Can I pencil you in on one of these dates?"
If you let people know what your goal is, they will be more likely to help you out! remember to SMILE when you're talking on the phone...makes a world of difference. Good luck!!
If you let people know what your goal is, they will be more likely to help you out! remember to SMILE when you're talking on the phone...makes a world of difference. Good luck!!
sillylittlechef
- 492
heat123
Silver Member
- 6,922
booking tree ideaone thing I had for an Oct show was a booking tree. I used an actual photo tree from Hallmark and then I bought those mini pumpkin totes and put an incentive prize if they booked a show... like FREE shipping on today's order, 10%OFF order, Free Cookbook, or FREE party in a bag! Two people chose to pick a pumpkin and both picked a FREE party! Their parties are set for next weekend so I am planning to have my "gift tree" out again. And I plan to use my tree at every show!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the January slump in direct sales?
The January slump refers to the period after the holiday season when sales typically decline. Many customers are recovering from holiday spending, and direct sellers may find it challenging to maintain momentum in their business. This is a common phenomenon in the direct sales industry.
How can I boost my sales during the January slump?
To boost sales during the January slump, consider hosting themed parties or promotions that cater to New Year's resolutions, such as healthy cooking or meal prep. Engaging with your customer base through social media and email newsletters can also help keep your products top of mind.
Should I change my marketing strategy for January?
Yes, adjusting your marketing strategy for January can be beneficial. Focus on promoting products that align with New Year themes, such as organization, healthy eating, or kitchen gadgets that simplify meal prep. Highlighting these products can attract customers looking to start the year off right.
How can I stay motivated during the January slump?
Staying motivated during the January slump can be challenging, but setting specific goals for the month can help. Surround yourself with supportive peers, participate in online training, and celebrate small wins to maintain enthusiasm. Remember, this period is temporary, and persistence pays off.
What are some creative ways to engage customers in January?
Engaging customers creatively can include hosting virtual cooking classes, offering exclusive discounts for loyal customers, or running a social media challenge related to cooking or meal planning. Encouraging customer interaction through contests or giveaways can also reignite interest in your products.
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