pamela
- 41
I Have My First Cooking Show in 2 Months Tonight.....and There Are
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The first cooking show was held with 15-20 confirmed guests, but only 13 attended. Sales totaled $264 with two bookings for later dates. The host, Sherri, faced challenges as one guest became upset during the presentation, triggered by a personal loss related to the consultant's materials. Additionally, two guests left without ordering and mentioned supporting a competing consultant. Despite the difficulties, the consultant remained positive, noting the host's determination to follow up with no-shows and expressing optimism for future events, including a kids' cooking camp. Overall, the experience highlighted the unpredictability of hosting and the importance of adaptability in direct sales.
PampMomof3
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imported_iteachurkid
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ChefLisa
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BethCooks4U
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pamperedlinda
Gold Member
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imported_iteachurkid
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pamela
- 41
OK~you guys asked for this!
First, let me say that my Host, Sherri, was very excited and was really looking forward to a "girls night out" as her kids are at her Mom's in WV. She had expected her guests to stay well past the show and visit. She had 20 CONFIRMED guests coming.
Sales are at $264 and 2 bookings-one for August and one for September.
13 guests came (the other 7 were MIA) and as we did introductions, I asked everyone to tell me how they knew Sherri and what the one food item is that people ask them to bring to functions. Most people were saying "our boys played ball together" or "we go to church together"....one lady is always asked to bring her chicken salad to functions. The lady following the chicken salad lady says "Sherri used to go to church with us" (her friend was sitting next to her) and then under her breath she says "until we started sacrificing chikens" :bugeye: I tried to make a joke of it and said "oh, chickens for Pam's chicken salad?" and the guest rolls her eyes and says "nevermind".........
We proceed into the kitchen and everyone gets in on the action of cutting and chopping and slicing, except the 2 friends....they stand in the corner and talk, not very quietly, to each other as if they haven't seen one another for years. I tried to engage them in the dessert and FINALLY told them that we couldn't eat it until it was finished, so SOMEONE needed to come slice strawberries!
OK~now we all go into the living room and as they eat, I talk about the specials, bookings and the opportunity. Sherri had told me before any of her guests arrived that one of her friends husband passed away in March and that this would be the first function Melinda was coming to. Melinda was a trooper through the whole show...until I started to talk about the opportunity. Part of what I do is hold up a bag with goodies in it that represent why I am still with PC after 8 years...well, the bag is from my former employer...a local hospital corporation....the one Melinda's husband died at! :cry: This triggers tears for hers and she flees to the bathroom as do the 4 or 5 friends that know her situation! As soon as I go to set up at my laptop, they all leave! No orders, no explanation to me, but they did tell Sherri and then zipped out the front door.
Oh, and the 2 chatty friends....they came, talked, ate and then did not order and on their way out tell Sherri, "a man at our church is starting with PC and is having an open house next week. We are going to that and ordering from him to support his new business. I hope you aren't offended."
:grumpy: ARE YOU SERIOUS???????
Poor Sherri was a mess, so I stayed with her until about 10:15-she lives just around the corner from me anyway, and I just couldn't leave her so upset. She was furious at the 2 chatty folks for being so rude, and she was upset that Melinda was so upset. I was upset because it was my bag that set Melinda off....oh, the drama.
She is determined to get to at least $500 and was already devising an email to send to the folks that did RSVP they were coming and then didn't show up as well as a different one to the people that left with Melinda!
remember, you asked me to tell you how it went!
First, let me say that my Host, Sherri, was very excited and was really looking forward to a "girls night out" as her kids are at her Mom's in WV. She had expected her guests to stay well past the show and visit. She had 20 CONFIRMED guests coming.
Sales are at $264 and 2 bookings-one for August and one for September.
13 guests came (the other 7 were MIA) and as we did introductions, I asked everyone to tell me how they knew Sherri and what the one food item is that people ask them to bring to functions. Most people were saying "our boys played ball together" or "we go to church together"....one lady is always asked to bring her chicken salad to functions. The lady following the chicken salad lady says "Sherri used to go to church with us" (her friend was sitting next to her) and then under her breath she says "until we started sacrificing chikens" :bugeye: I tried to make a joke of it and said "oh, chickens for Pam's chicken salad?" and the guest rolls her eyes and says "nevermind".........
We proceed into the kitchen and everyone gets in on the action of cutting and chopping and slicing, except the 2 friends....they stand in the corner and talk, not very quietly, to each other as if they haven't seen one another for years. I tried to engage them in the dessert and FINALLY told them that we couldn't eat it until it was finished, so SOMEONE needed to come slice strawberries!
OK~now we all go into the living room and as they eat, I talk about the specials, bookings and the opportunity. Sherri had told me before any of her guests arrived that one of her friends husband passed away in March and that this would be the first function Melinda was coming to. Melinda was a trooper through the whole show...until I started to talk about the opportunity. Part of what I do is hold up a bag with goodies in it that represent why I am still with PC after 8 years...well, the bag is from my former employer...a local hospital corporation....the one Melinda's husband died at! :cry: This triggers tears for hers and she flees to the bathroom as do the 4 or 5 friends that know her situation! As soon as I go to set up at my laptop, they all leave! No orders, no explanation to me, but they did tell Sherri and then zipped out the front door.
Oh, and the 2 chatty friends....they came, talked, ate and then did not order and on their way out tell Sherri, "a man at our church is starting with PC and is having an open house next week. We are going to that and ordering from him to support his new business. I hope you aren't offended."
:grumpy: ARE YOU SERIOUS???????Poor Sherri was a mess, so I stayed with her until about 10:15-she lives just around the corner from me anyway, and I just couldn't leave her so upset. She was furious at the 2 chatty folks for being so rude, and she was upset that Melinda was so upset. I was upset because it was my bag that set Melinda off....oh, the drama.
She is determined to get to at least $500 and was already devising an email to send to the folks that did RSVP they were coming and then didn't show up as well as a different one to the people that left with Melinda!
remember, you asked me to tell you how it went!
Koolotus
- 860
For Flips sake , Meg!
((HUGS))
Like we tell our new girls, you never have another first show again!
(unless, of course you take a couple of months off!)
Good for you that you got to bookings out of that mess.
Sounds like some of her guests came with some issues.
Such is life, your next show will be way better!
((HUGS))
Like we tell our new girls, you never have another first show again!
(unless, of course you take a couple of months off!)
Good for you that you got to bookings out of that mess.
Sounds like some of her guests came with some issues.
Such is life, your next show will be way better!
pamela
- 41
Koolotus said:
that is putting it mildly!
I am OK about all of this....I am happy my Host is in a new place than she was when they all left, and I am glad for the bookings. There was only lady there that was a former consultant and she had nothing but good things to say about how I handled all of this.
Today is a new day~I have the "Kids Cooking Camp" amd hope that the moms of the 2 kids coming will see the need for them to host a show or become a consultant once they see what fun their kids have had!
ChefLisa
- 851
pamperedlinda
Gold Member
- 10,156
..."a man at our church is starting with PC and is having an open house next week. We are going to that and ordering from him to support his new business. I hope you aren't offended."...
That was just beyond rude! What were they doing, spying on your technique so they could go back and report to him? Rude, honey! (I tell all my friends if they are invited to go to 'other' PC parties that they go and support their friends and make a nice purchase. However, if they book a show with the other consultant I will hurt them
)
So sorry it didn't go better than expected for you. Glad your host was feeling better before you left. Hopefuly these same witchy women will not show up at either of the shows who booked off of your host and I hope that the woman who got upset at the site of your bag is feeling better today. You had no way of knowing and I'm sure she knows that too.
Hugs!
That was just beyond rude! What were they doing, spying on your technique so they could go back and report to him? Rude, honey! (I tell all my friends if they are invited to go to 'other' PC parties that they go and support their friends and make a nice purchase. However, if they book a show with the other consultant I will hurt them
) So sorry it didn't go better than expected for you. Glad your host was feeling better before you left. Hopefuly these same witchy women will not show up at either of the shows who booked off of your host and I hope that the woman who got upset at the site of your bag is feeling better today. You had no way of knowing and I'm sure she knows that too.
Hugs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do to prepare for my first cooking show?
Start by familiarizing yourself with the Pampered Chef products you'll be showcasing. Create a detailed plan for the show, including recipes, product demonstrations, and any special promotions. Practice your presentation to ensure you feel confident and comfortable. Additionally, consider setting up a checklist of items you need to bring, such as tools, ingredients, and order forms.
How can I engage my guests during the cooking show?
Engagement is key to a successful cooking show. Encourage guests to ask questions and share their own cooking experiences. You can also involve them by assigning simple tasks, such as chopping vegetables or mixing ingredients. Make sure to maintain a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor to keep the energy high throughout the event.
What recipes are best for a first cooking show?
Choose recipes that are simple, quick, and showcase Pampered Chef products effectively. Dishes that can be prepared in about 30 minutes or less are ideal. Consider options like a one-pan meal, a quick appetizer, or a dessert that allows for interactive elements, such as assembling or decorating. This keeps the audience engaged and demonstrates the ease of using Pampered Chef tools.
How do I handle questions about pricing and products?
Be prepared to discuss pricing and product details confidently. Familiarize yourself with the current catalog and any promotions. If a guest asks a question you don't know the answer to, it's perfectly fine to say you'll find out and follow up later. Transparency and honesty build trust with your guests.
What should I do after the cooking show?
After the show, follow up with your guests by sending thank-you notes or emails. Include a recap of the show, any special offers, and a link to your online store. Encourage them to reach out if they have any questions or need assistance with their orders. This follow-up can help solidify relationships and lead to future sales or bookings.
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