Need Advice About a Show...sort of Personal

[missyciccolella]

Let me give some background...a former fundraiser host emailed me and needed to schedule a fundraiser for her son's power lifting team. She needed to book in close (less the 2 weeks) so they money could be delivered before mid-May. Her previous fundraiser was a disaster...she had the PC fundraiser and then a jewelry show with a friend a few hours later (not to my knowledge). Bottom line, the sales were about $300 for the fundraiser, no bookings, no recruit leads and I felt like the only reason people purchases was to support the cause (a neighborhood girl's medical expenses) and could have cared less about being there...it was a very tough/rough crowd.
Fast Forward to today...in hindsight I know I should have not agreed to this...she needed to do it on a Sunday (don't do Sundays but decided to make an exception), she has no orders from online or from anyone passing the catalog, and has only 2 people semi-confirmed to come 1 hour late. I'm going back and forth on what to do...I've done the host coaching like I do with all my hosts (who seem to do just fine), and she doesn't seem to be getting any feedback from the other parents about interest in doing this type of fundraiser. (She won't pick up the phone to call anyone or to find out if they are coming).
I did tell her that I can't stay all day...my demos are about 50 minutes, so I would be wrapped up in 90 minutes and leaving.
Ok, my husband is deployed, since this popped up so soon, my babysitter can't make it, and I have to load up the kids and take them (she is ok with that & and my kids will behave), she also lives about 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic (we live south of DC), and I know I'll show up and be feeding the teenage boys and not making sales...
My question after this long rant is what would you do? Do you go, and hope for the best or do you call and cancel? I'm so on the fence...

 

[Crystal Patton]

I would go, you just never know what will come of it.

Case in point: I had a show yesterday, the Host had moved it 3 times, finally got me her guest list of 12 people last Thursday (I didn't send invites, but I did make calls) AND she only had one confirmed guest coming. I went anyway. We ended up with 7 guests, the sales were really small (she needs another $50 just so I can submit). BUT I booked 3 shows and her Mom wants to sign.
You just never know - go and do your best so you won't question your choice later.

 

[missyciccolella]

I would go, you just never know what will come of it.

Case in point: I had a show yesterday, the Host had moved it 3 times, finally got me her guest list of 12 people last Thursday (I didn't send invites, but I did make calls) AND she only had one confirmed guest coming. I went anyway. We ended up with 7 guests, the sales were really small (she needs another $50 just so I can submit). BUT I booked 3 shows and her Mom wants to sign.
You just never know - go and do your best so you won't question your choice later.

I hear you on the guests showing up...I'm not having faith like you though. This is the repeat of last time, and I thought with better host coaching she might get the idea. I know she is not interested in signing...we've had that discussion already as I suggested this would be a great kick off show for her.

Thanks, and I'm slowly getting ready for this.

 

[Crystal Patton]

I hear you on the guests showing up...I'm not having faith like you though. This is the repeat of last time, and I thought with better host coaching she might get the idea. I know she is not interested in signing...we've had that discussion already as I suggested this would be a great kick off show for her.

Thanks, and I'm slowly getting ready for this.

Good Luck!!

 

[missyciccolella]

Ok, here is the update...got ready and psyched myself up. Said it was going to be great regardless of what happened.
No one showed, no orders. I'm frustrated/mad, but know I did everything I could on my end and I showed up. I didn't mean to sound flaky (b/c I'm not and have never thought of backing out on a show - EVER), but I've had a lot on me (no excuse) and wasn't feel the love of my job this morning. I just needed a kick pants to remind this isn't about me...THANK YOU Crystal!

 

[candiejayne]

You did what you could, don't beat yourself up over it. It was HER fundraiser and she either did not do her job as host, or it just wasn't meant to be.

 

[Crystal Patton]

Ok, here is the update...got ready and psyched myself up. Said it was going to be great regardless of what happened.
No one showed, no orders. I'm frustrated/mad, but know I did everything I could on my end and I showed up. I didn't mean to sound flaky (b/c I'm not and have never thought of backing out on a show - EVER), but I've had a lot on me (no excuse) and wasn't feel the love of my job this morning. I just needed a kick pants to remind this isn't about me...THANK YOU Crystal!

I'm soo glad you went, but I'm sorry it didn't work out. Bless and release!

Oh, and your welcome! Good job!