New Chef - How Do I Get Started?

[kjledford]

Hi There,

I actually have a family member who is selling too - so most of the family is out of the question. I'm now a stay at home mom, old co-workers were all guys and trust me - they don't know where their own kitchens are!

I've tried hosting a show - sent out 46 invites to neighbors (who I don't know) and 5 came (family members!). Only one purchased and that was a mercy purchase at $15!

So - say, no friends family or co-workers - but an eager beaver! What about booths etc? Or websales - I know the new web policy and that hurts because I'm quite web savvy =) I really want to turn in some good strong sales these first three months (afterwards too!)

I LOVE this website by the way! Lots of info and flyers, etc - you are all awesome! Very nice to see people helping each other!

Kristina

 

[heat123]

Definitely try local fairs! Try organization members (church, gym etc) if you belong to any, School affiliations with other parents or teachers etc, wear PC logo clothes or carry your PC tote bag where ever you go. Leave catalogs at Banks or Dr. offices or businesses if they allow it. Go door to door in your neighborhood and introduce your self and hand out catalogs or minis. I've heard car magnets work for advertising. Talk to everyone when you go out and about about starting your new PC biz and strike up interest in the new catalog, upcoming specials approach anyone (like grocery store clerks, store help etc.). Just ideas to get you going!

That's a tough one! I started my biz with the support of all my friends and family so I hope these suggestions help!?

 

[sarahmarie]

church groups? homeschool or school party? fund raisers for organizations or church groups?

 

[heat123]

Ps here is the document of 118 booking ideas!

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.

 

[gilliandanielle]

Great minds think alike Heather! I was just going to post that!

 

[vangogirl]

Hi Kristina. I understand what you're going through. I just moved to TX from NY a few months before starting PC. I didn't know anybody. I am also a stay at home mom. I just had a show where I put flyers in my neighbors doors. It basically said 'MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AT A PAMPERED CHEF PARTY'
I had about 6 neigbors come and 3 brought friends. Most of the people who came were also new to the area and basically came to meet others. It was actually pretty successful though, $460 sales, 1 definate and 1 possible booking, and 1 recruit(who I just signed and is also off to a great start). It's tough to find a starting point, but you will find yours and things will take off. I recommend listening to the cd 'booking strategies from the pros'. Ask your director if they have this and if you can borrow it. There are a lot of good ideas in there. Infact, I used one yesterday, I will let you know next week how it turned out. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[kjledford]

Thanks for all the great tips! To answer some questions about church groups or school groups - the other family member also goes to the same church =) So - I don't want to get into the "first served" fight! And my daughter is just 5 months old - no school groups yet!

I like the idea of putting flyers on doors - one thing though, my mother in law is pretty high up in a very popular make up company that hands out books (if you know who I mean!!) she is on salary and doesn't have to do much soliciting anymore - but I tried it out for her at one point... I hated it. I don't like people knocking on my door - so I hate doing it to others... flyers don't bother me as much - but I've been known to just throw away things in my door too!

I really like that long list of ideas though... I'm going to print it out and highlight things I would like to do... I am excited about this - I know its going to take effort - if only people would respond =) I am still in shock about my show - and quite embarrassed =(