I Am Having a Problem With Hostesses Who Aren't Calling to Invite

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants regarding hostesses who do not actively invite guests to shows. Participants share their experiences and various strategies for improving attendance at events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with hostesses who fail to call guests after invitations are sent, noting low attendance at their shows.
  • Another participant shares their approach of having hosts send invitations themselves to ensure accountability for attendance.
  • One consultant mentions using a call reminder system, which has reportedly increased attendance at their shows.
  • Several participants discuss the effectiveness of using flyers with the host's return address to encourage guest engagement.
  • One participant mentions trying a new product brochure as part of their invitation strategy to boost attendance.
  • Some participants inquire about the use of Evite, sharing mixed experiences regarding its effectiveness compared to other methods.
  • Another participant notes that while Evite can be useful, they prefer the functionalities of their own website for managing invitations and orders.
  • One participant questions the necessity of Evite when similar services are available through their personal websites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various invitation methods, including personal calls, flyers, and digital invitations like Evite. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to ensure higher attendance.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies that have worked for them in their roles as consultants, reflecting a range of practices in managing hostess invitations and guest attendance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into managing hostess invitations and improving attendance at shows may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant.

M
mary64
Messages
13
I am having a problem with Hostesses who aren't calling to invite guests. I send the invitations for them but tell them it is only a reminder and they need to call and invite. At my last show, the hostess complained because a guest didn't get the invitation so didn't come. I assured her I sent to everyone on her list and it may have gotten lost. I sent out 39 invites and 4 people came!Anyone else have this problem? I told her more than once to call and remind but I don't think she even knew half the people she invited.
 
This is why I let the host send the invites - then it's on her if no one shows up, not on me. I tell them they need to contact their guests 3 times before the show - first, they need to call or speak to them in person and personally invite them; second, they need to send the invitation as a physical reminder (either the postcard or the email invitation through my website); third, they need to call and remind all of the guests who have RSVP'd "Yes" or who wanted to place an order within 3 days of the show.

The hosts who do this get the most attendance, so I really stress this with them during the first call (or, if I book them at a show, I explain this when I give them the host packet). This has worked well for me so far. I also tell them that 10-15 guests is what is common for a good show, and that to get there, they need to invite 30 - 40 people. I usually have one $1000 show per month, and it's usually from the hosts who follow all of these instructions. HTH!
 
I use the Postcalls.com system. I get their guests phone #s and type it into the system. Then I record a 60 second message reminding about hosts show, and what we will be making as well as any incentives along with my website addy.
I have a referral letter if you want me to send it to you. I think it was $35 for 500 calls to start through the referral system.
Since using it, I have had much higher attendance at my shows, and nobody can say they didnt get an invite or phone call.

It also lets you track the call to see who was a live connect, answering machine, or intercept.
 
Would you mind posting the postcall info?
thanks.
 
I do flyers in enveloped and put my host's return address on them for 2 reasons: 1. if it gets returned because of a bad address, she gets it and can see and 2. guests are more likely to open something from someone they know.

If a host isn't going to make the reminder calls, there really isn't much you can do. Hopefully your next host will be better!!!!
 
Sent a PM to you....
 
finley1991 said:
I do flyers in enveloped and put my host's return address on them for 2 reasons: 1. if it gets returned because of a bad address, she gets it and can see and 2. guests are more likely to open something from someone they know.

If a host isn't going to make the reminder calls, there really isn't much you can do. Hopefully your next host will be better!!!!
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of using the invitations in envelopes starting in the fall to see if attendance is better. Thanks for the idea to put the host's return address on there!
 
I'm adding one more thing... I am still going to do my flyer in the envelope and include the new product brochure. I'm going to try it for Sept and see how I like the results. :)
 
what new product brochure?
 
It's the mini catalog - available on supply order. It's sized to fit in a standard envelope, and has pics/descriptions of all the new products for the season.

A lot of people have great success using them as invites because it gets a catalog (albeit a miniature one) into guests' hands.
 
Has anyone had their host use "Evite". My host this week is using it. So far I am able to see who is coming and who is not. Plus when I responded I put a plug in that said, "I can't wait to meet everyone and if you're interested in your own show, call me". Anybody else had success or not success using Evite?
 
buzz26 said:
Has anyone had their host use "Evite". My host this week is using it. So far I am able to see who is coming and who is not. Plus when I responded I put a plug in that said, "I can't wait to meet everyone and if you're interested in your own show, call me".

Anybody else had success or not success using Evite?
Click to expand...
Are you talking about the web invites through our website? I always urge them to use it (or give me the emails and I will do it) but the majority do not. Of those that do use it most guests do not respond via the site but call the host (or wait for the host to call them). I have gotten out of town orders or not coming to the show orders from it many times though so I still think it's worth it - just don't think most people utilize this option to it's capabilities.
 
No, I'm talking about "EVite.com".
 
I have used "evite.com" when I have parties with other DS companies and they don't have the websites like we do (which is basically none of them that I've run across so far!). I had a Silpada party in April, and I invited over 40 people, and had 12 in attendance. I only mailed out 5 postcard invitations to people who don't use their email - everyone else was sent an "evite". My consultant liked it b/c she could see who was coming, and I liked it b/c it makes it easy to invite others, but I prefer our website's functions. Most of my hosts who use my website love that they can do their wish list on there, invite people, people can see the catalog and order directly from there, and so on. If you don't have a PWS, then evite.com is a good alternative, but overall, I think our websites are the best! JMO! :)
 
I don't see the need for Evite when we have the same service only better on our own PWSs?
 
dannyzmom said:
I don't see the need for Evite when we have the same service only better on our own PWSs?
Click to expand...
Yeah, and when they decline they are taken directly to the catalog ;)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my hostesses are not reaching out to invite guests?

It's important to communicate with your hostesses about the importance of inviting guests. Consider sending them a friendly reminder or offering tips on how to reach out effectively. You might also provide them with a sample invitation they can customize and send out.

How can I motivate my hostesses to invite more guests?

Incentivize your hostesses by offering rewards for reaching certain guest counts. You can create a tiered system where they earn prizes based on the number of guests they invite. Additionally, share success stories from previous hostesses to inspire them.

What if my hostesses feel uncomfortable inviting people?

Many people feel hesitant about inviting others. Offer to role-play or provide them with scripts to make the process easier. Encourage them to focus on the fun and benefits of the event, and remind them that most people appreciate being invited to social gatherings.

How can I help my hostesses create a guest list?

Assist your hostesses by brainstorming potential guests together. Encourage them to think of friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. You can also provide a worksheet or template to help them organize their thoughts and identify who they want to invite.

What strategies can I use to follow up with hostesses who aren't inviting guests?

Follow up with a supportive and understanding approach. Ask if they need help or resources to make the invitation process easier. Regular check-ins can help keep them accountable, and offering to assist them with invitations can also encourage them to take action.

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