Maximizing Your Business: Tips for Growing Your Team and Income

[DebbieJ]

Hey there,

The time has come where I either need to totally step up my biz or seek a job outside my home.

I'm looking for any and all ideas to essentially double my paycheck. I already do 6-8 shows a month and just achieved directorship in April. I need to do more shows AND grow my team.

Of course, the first step is to pick up the phone. And I will do that. Any ideas on what to say?

Any other tips, wisdom, encouragement, etc are welcome. I'm feeling really down about this right now.

 

[mhrivera]

Hi Deb! Congrats on your directorship! I don't have any good advice for you, because I am just stepping up my business from 1-2 shows a month to 6 in June and 3 in July (so far). I just wanted to give you some encouragement! I haven't been to conference yet (I'm in wave 3 too!), but I'm sure that will give you some great ideas and motivation! I just did a fair, and that really boosted my business. Good Luck!

 

[almondfarm]

Hi, Deb!
I just stepped up my PC this year after 4 years in business. The most important thing is to stay on the phone making those customer care calls, even when you get your calendar booked how you want it, keep calling or the calendar won't stay full for the next months.

I went from doing 1-2 shows (cooking/catalog) a month or every other month to now a goal of consistently 6-8 (cooking/catalog shows). Once I got my Feb. where I wanted it, I had stopped calling and then my may was back to 4 shows because I didn't keep working my business.

Best of Luck to you! It can be done!
Lynette

 

[Jules711]

I find that doing expos helps too, especially if I'm involved in organizing them. I recently met a consultant that has led to 6 shows since February!! It's a great way to branch out from the circles you already know.

 

[sharon66]

Save guestlistsHi this is one bit of advice I got from my director:
when u do a show for sum1 keep the guest list then if the host is interested in specific product, u can give them a call next year and when they are on host specials u can say " I know u where kinda interested in (wateva they r) and i hav saved your guestlist so u can invite every1 u had to your last show and then sum!" my director says this tip wrks lik a charm and has gotten a lot of members on her team that way. (lik me) I cant wait to use this, I just havnt done this long enough yet to use it effectively!
Good Luck

 

[pamperedbecky]

Hi Deb,
Sorry to hear you're feeling down about this at the moment. You can make it happen!! You're a very strong consultant and it's awesome that you're a new director. I would have to say that the phone is the number one biggest thing that can help you build your business. If it's possible (and it may be nuts for a while) try to double book your month beyond what you normally do. It will do wonders for your business. Of course, the first step is finding those bookings. Go back and contact some of your first show guests. Let them know you've grown a great business and you're looking to expand it some more. You appreciated their support and maybe see if they'd like to see the new products. If you have some mini-catalogs, stick them in the mail to them. They fit in a regular size envelope and with a small flyer in there, I think it's still a regular stamp. Let everyone know about the upcoming host specials. I know you'll want shows before August, but I think the August host special is absolutely amazing, so as a last resort pull that one out of your hat.

Ask for referrals! I need to get better about that myself. If someone has no interest in booking, ask if they can give you 3 names and contact info of people who like to cook, want to make cooking easier, like to get together with friends or who may be short on cash right now. ONe idea is to maybe do a drawing for the gracious customers and past hosts who DO give you referrals and give away something summer-related. Maybe say for the month of June you're really working on expanding your business and for every ____ amount of names they give you, they'll be entered in the drawing and the winner will be chosen at the end of June or something.

Just some thoughts off the top of my head. YOu can do it!!! I know you're also frequently doing booths and things like that from what I've read on here, so try to seek those out. I just did Riverfest in St. Charles this weekend and got about 17 booking leads and a couple recruit leads. I was VERY pleased with that outcome. So far I have one Cooking Show booking and one catalog show. I just left messages with most other people, so now it's a matter of tracking them down.

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Whew, sorry about that long post! Of course I thought of one other idea. Someone posted the phone number for a recorded call by Nancy Jo. Of course now I can't find it, but that may be a good thing to do if you haven't already. I think it talked more about getting bookings at shows, but it could easily apply to wording needed on the phone. If I find it, I'll post the link.....

 

[pamperedbecky]

Whew, sorry about that long post! Of course I thought of one other idea. Someone posted the phone number for a recorded call by Nancy Jo. Of course now I can't find it, but that may be a good thing to do if you haven't already. I think it talked more about getting bookings at shows, but it could easily apply to wording needed on the phone. If I find it, I'll post the link.....


Here's where it's discussed...
http://www.chefsuccess.com/showthread.php?t=21403&page=2&highlight=Nancy+Jo

 

[DebbieJ]

Thanks, Becky! Those are all great ideas!

I just reserved my spot a bridal fair for August and will be on the look out for what I can squeeze in yet in June and July as far as fairs go.

I also got on the phone today and booked an August catalog show, so I'm on my way!

 

[katie0128]

Read and reread and reread and reread and (you get the idea) the quote in your signature line EVERY DAY when you think that you need to quit. If you REALLY want this, I'm sure you'll make it work - after all you've done really well so far... you went to San Fran AND promoted to director in less than 2 years!!! Keep us updated or let us know when you need another "kick in the pants"!

 

[amy07]

Debbie, I know that you can fill your calendar the way you want. You have always given me such wonderful advice & suggestions.

Oh, and Becky, I think I'll take your suggestion on the mini catalogs too!