Ok I Think I Have Tried Everything!

[pampered1224]

I went door to door in several neighborhoods including my own, I called everyone I have phone numbers for and I just can not get bookings! Yes, I did the pamper a business thing too. I am out of ideas and umph. Worst is I lost my mojo as well as my confidence! I just do not know what to try any more. And I have looked at flea markets and other things but the cost is more than I can do. I am at a loss. Any really out there ideas that have worked for you? Thanks in advance.

 

[doughmama]

Fall open house? I took last year's season best recipes and made a few, invited everyone I could think of and raffled off some of the free items but kept some for myself. I also offered extra raffle tickets for anyone hosting their own parties.cookie swap?? everyone bring 5 dozen cookies, you make a p chef recipe with them and then exchange cookies. less expensive than an open house. I did this which kept me active for last December.cooking classes? making apple pies for Thanksgiving? everyone pays up front for materials and gets to keep the deep dish stone filled with a pie ready to bake.
haven't tried it yet but think it would be fun. could also do that with any other items that you like to use.hang in there. sure others have some better ideas too.

 

[Sheila]

I just moved to a new military base who is NOT home-based business friendly. I could work lots of booths in Okinawa, but NONE here. No one wants to let the home-based businesses play, they call Japanese vendors and/or on-base non-profit groups to come play. We are not allowed to go door to door & solicit either. So it's been a bit slow starting my business here.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a neighbor flag me down outside because she saw the PC Logo & personal info on the back window of my van. She said her friend saw it & got excited, so she wanted to get a business card for her friend. I gave her one, but heard nothing out of it until tonight when I walked outside & the friend chased me down! She was over visiting & was about to leave when I happened to walk outside to leave. She started with just wanting to order products, but not host a show. I handed her a catalog & asked if she wanted to be on my monthly e-mail newsletter. She said yes. While she was waiting for me to pull out the contact forms, she said "I should just host a show! I could get more that way, right?" Um, YES you can!!! She booked a show for Oct 16!

In Okinawa I had someone chase me down for a catalog, I asked if she wanted to sign up for my monthly newslettter & she said yes. While she was standing at my car filling out the contact form, she decided to book a Catalog Show. When she was closing that show, she said her guests were mad that she didn't do a Cooking Show, so a couple of months later she held a $1,400 Cooking Show! A booking off that show was another 2 months later ... with a guest who signed as a recruit!

The only other instance that I can remember someone mentioning my logo was a customer who called saying that she "forgot" she needed to order some stuff until she saw my my van driving down the road. She tried to catch me but couldn't, so she decided to call in her order. I, of course, explained it was hubby in my van driving so fast! LOL

I don't get a whole bunch of leads off my van, but so far, it's been worth the cost of the stickers! I have one on my van & had one on his car. When he got rid of the car & bought a van, I bought a new sticker for it so he can advertise for me again.

Merrill no longer has them, so I went to eBay & bought the business card holders with the spring loaded lid. I have one on the back widow of each van now so customers who walk by my parked car can grab a business card.

I just bought bigger holders (same concept) but big enough for the mini catalogs! They are about to go on the back of the van as well! Now potential customers will be able to grab a mini-catalog when my vehicle is unattended.

 

[gailz2]

John, you can get through this. Here's an idea. Send a letter to ALL of your past hosts. Offer to them, as your sincere appreciation for them being a past host, the opportunity to have a free show with you in November. You could supply all the ingredients for the show. You can limit how many of these by your availability. You not only get the bookings, but also earn free spring products! Just an idea.I also use the side car window stickers and have people stop me in parking lots, at yard sales, and at stop signs for catalogs and to book parties.

 

[cookingwithdawn]

Sheila
how do you search on ebay for those mini catalog holders.
Dawn

 

[pampered1224]

I have the sticker on the window and have had it for about 5 years. ONE inquiry. I carry my tote, two inquiries and each time I did get their info. No parties though and not even an order. I feel funny doing an open house because I could not afford to even buy a few of the new products to show off. Minis and more catalogs are also out because of cost. I have a catalog party in the works but guess what? It has been since Sept 4th and she only has about $90 in orders so... I simply can not figure out what is happening and how to turn it around.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

Have you tried running a special on your facebook page? That may work.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Hey John,

Sorry you've been having a rough time finding that mojo....it's there and it will pop back up!

What about walking the mall or plaza and handing out recipe cards or HWC flyers. Ask to do a cooking show for a girl scout troop for a badge.

And this is a bit out there, but what about doing a survey at a mall or where there's a line -

Have you heard of PC?
Have you been to a cooking show?
How long ago?
Would you be interested in hearing the host and guest specials?
Would you be interested in receiving a recipe newsletter?
Do you know anyone who might?

 

[cookingwithlove]

Call every guest and past host. When I call the guests I say, "hi Mary this is Wendy Love we met at Suzy's house 2 years ago, I was The Pampered chef Consultant. Mary, I know when I saw you last you were not interested in hosting a party, but we have some really great hostess specials this month, can I tell you about them?" This worked for me. I did this every night for 1 month and booked my calendar solid.

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Great idea Wendy!

I'm also planning on pulling a report from anyone who bought a cookware piece (host or guest) and a DCB to see if they want in on the Oct special.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Hey boyfriend!

You know I love you and I hate to see you going through this. Here are some notes that I got from a former CS member (I don't know if she's still selling and I haven't seen her here for a while so I'm not mentioning her name). This is an excerpt from some advice she gave on Director CS a while back (when we were earning Mexico & Miami). It helped me. Maybe it will help you or even others. It's great advice!

***Not that I am an expert, but you asked.***

I hate to type, way easier talking
Anyhoo, First do you really want it?
If you do not truly want it and believe you will achieve it, nothing else will make a bit of difference.
Some days will suck and you have to have a vision of your results to get it going.
Once you've settled that, you need to figure out what ACTIONS will lead to results.
I scheduled a sampling event at my house. I knew I needed recruits to promote so recruiting was not optional. I think you would agree it is not optional for your goal either.
Then I printed my entire contact list, 2 years worth! You have more, buy extra ink, you'll need it!
Then I scheduled time with my family to be on the phone. I made calls for a set amount of time everyday! Phone calls are necessary. I started at A and did not pick and choose who I called. It is hard but you MUST NOT PICK AND CHOOSE!
You will waste valuble time and miss great connections.
I wrote out a script, more or less.
It is Cheryl's 4 goofy questions.
(side note* when I promoted we just happened to be going to a HO training in Binghampton, My AD "surprised" me with flowers and then asked me to speak...eek! Tracy Williams was there, I was terribly nervous and did not know what to say. The girls on my team that were there and sisters from my cluster blurted out when I told the group how I had promoted "4 goofy questions" I could have cried right there!*side note over)

Call everyone, tell them you are just calling to connect with your customers because of whatever reason and spend 2 or 3 miutes connecting. Then say "Well since I have you on the phone can I just take 2 minutes to ask you 4 goofy questions?"
1) Have you ever though about owning your own business?
2) Would you like to host a cooking or catalog show?
3) Can I put you on my email newsletter for recipes and specials every 6 weeks or so?
4)

Nope, no 4, I just wanted to leave my options open.
I asked everyone I called every question.
Pretty much all of them were happy to hear from me and those who weren't...oh, well.
I guess for 4 you could ask for referrals, I get tons of referrals, but secretly I think it is because I don't ask for them

Of course you would have appropriate conversations and do the follow up. You are a Director, you know how to get stuff done
Also, before you go to bed at night ask yourself if you have done enough today to get you closer to your goal. You will tell yourself the truth.Act accordingly.

 

[chefjeanine]

Hey boyfriend!

You know I love you and I hate to see you going through this. Here are some notes that I got from a former CS member (I don't know if she's still selling and I haven't seen her here for a while so I'm not mentioning her name). This is an excerpt from some advice she gave on Director CS a while back (when we were earning Mexico & Miami). It helped me. Maybe it will help you or even others. It's great advice!

Linda,

This is great stuff. Thanks for posting!

 

[debbie mc]

Linda,

This is great stuff. Thanks for posting!

Ditto! I liked your post, Linda!

Cheers,
D.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Hey there!

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and got a bleach stain on it. (and had smack talked about me when I wore it to a fair b/c I forgot my stupid apron!)

I can honestly say that I have only been active this summer because of fairs! My BIGGEST SHOW EVER was a fair referral! So get a booth at whatever craft fair is available this season.

Sometimes I do have to buy some product to keep myself active. Stuff happens. I re-sell it at these fairs.

And I love Linda's post also ... will have to give that some thought and steal it.

 

[jlautt]

Hey John,

Sorry you've been having a rough time finding that mojo....it's there and it will pop back up!

What about walking the mall or plaza and handing out recipe cards or HWC flyers. Ask to do a cooking show for a girl scout troop for a badge.

And this is a bit out there, but what about doing a survey at a mall or where there's a line -

Have you heard of PC?
Have you been to a cooking show?
How long ago?
Would you be interested in hearing the host and guest specials?
Would you be interested in receiving a recipe newsletter?
Do you know anyone who might?

That is awesome! Good idea!!!

 

[Jolie_Paradoxe]

Glad I could help. Be sure to update us if you venture out there and do it.

 

[pampered1224]

It is all great advice. Now I just have to decide if I want it. I mean figuratively I do, but literally is a whole different ball of wax. A combination of the post from Linda - LOVE YOU TOO!!! - and Julie's. I figured out the problem and it is a combination of not knowing some crucial details in my life. 1 when does my unemployment run out - answer - 11/27/2010; 2 what is keeping from me from getting a full time job; not a lack of trying but maybe a lack of direction. I decided to really look more closely at how much I need and how much I need to work - I only need $1200 a month; 3 - depression, again. Not having a job, something by which I have defined myself for well over 30 years, is gone. So now who am I? But your help has helped that! I know it sounds funny but when I get a boost from you all, I always feel much better. and 4, I lost my baby last week and that really did me in. My Cirrus. My 17 year old kitty had to be put down. I miss him terribly. So with this ammunition, I am going to do a few things as far as a full time job goes tomorrow but I will be looking more closely at my PC business as well. I love the survey Idea. I could even do that a grocery store or??? Who knows? Thanks everyone!

 

[Sheila]

Sheila
how do you search on ebay for those mini catalog holders.
Dawn

Correction ... Amazon, was where I went...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DD2BUI/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Oh boy! Lots of stress all at once.

I never made $1,200 even in my BEST month as a consultant, but that's at least in part b/c I've had a full time or "semi full time" job at all times.

I'm really sorry about your loss!

Somebody I know used to do a "recipe test" in grocery stores.

My soon to be ex director is fond of saying "everything you do now pays off ... in three months." Um, hello? If I wanted results in three months I'd go after them three months from now. I feel like Varuca Salt. "But I want it NOOOOWWWWW!"

 

[cookingwithlove]

My soon to be ex director is fond of saying "everything you do now pays off ... in three months." Um, hello? If I wanted results in three months I'd go after them three months from now. I feel like Varuca Salt. "But I want it NOOOOWWWWW!"

This is actually true and great advice. In this business what you do now will greatly impact your business in 3 months. That means if you work hard now to fill your calendar and call your leads, your calendar most likely will be filled in 3 months too. If instead, you decide to take the whole month off, well, your business will feel this too.

 

[wcsis]

This is actually true and great advice. In this business what you do now will greatly impact your business in 3 months. That means if you work hard now to fill your calendar and call your leads, your calendar most likely will be filled in 3 months too. If instead, you decide to take the whole month off, well, your business will feel this too.

I have been hearing this for the past year myself but now am beginning to see the big picture of the 'do now rewards in 3 months'. I had a booth at the county fair and made tons of contacts. All wanted to be contacted in '2 weeks' (understandable as school was starting 3 days after the fair ended, chaos in most homes the first week if anything like my own. Anyway, made the calls to the contacts 2nd week of Sept and my results are looking like this:

Booked show for Sept 24 (show is pending closure)
got TWO bookings from this one for Oct 19 and Oct 29
Booked a show for Oct 13
Booked a show for Oct 15
I still have about 5 others interested in booking in Oct and Nov. just trying to pin down dates on them.

I can clearly see how in the Dec/Jan time frame I may succeed in achieving my goal of 2 shows a week each month just from the two days I spent at the fair the last week of August.

I am saving the post about evaluating if you REALLY want it, might give me some insight about my own struggles with moving forward in timely fashion. (Just a side note I too work a full time job also and sometimes it's just tough to keep on going)

 

[AJPratt]

John, I am so sorry to hear about your kitty! That is heartbreaking.

Whenever I find I am in a slump I try to do some sort of fair. Even if I don't sell a ton or get a ton of bookings, I just feel better getting out and meeting people.

 

[shannon1110]

I was thinking about this all day. The one thing I came up with is going around to all the beauty salons in the area, also to the local "Curves" gym and explain that you are doing a fundraiser for Help Whip Cancer. Being that it is breast cancer awareness month, most places would be willing to have a small display of catalogs set up. Just print out the HWC flyer with the pink items for this month, set it up in a plastic stand, along with another typed out sheet explaining the fundraiser, that 20-25% goes to American Cancer Society... ladies at the beauty salon can even look thru catalogs while getting their hair done, etc... it would certainly give you a lot of advertising also. just an idea, one that i think i will now do too!

 

[pampered1224]

OK so I am sitting in my kitchen. It is over cast and I am thinking. I am thinking how great today is. I went to the Department of Work Force yesterday, signed up to do some stuff and to have someone contact me about training for free. He is not sure he can help but I made the step. He gave me some leads on schools that offer ONLY that training without having to do the Associate degree program for roughly $45,000. Like I can just go pick that off the tree out back! The certificate I need - the average cost is $350!!!! YEE HAAA! That I can do! I am getting info from two schools on this. Anyway, it also brought my mood back up yesterday when I got all your insights and advice. I created a new program for myself. I am rolling it out on October 11 and has nothing to do with PC. Sort of! It is called Dinners By John and yes, I use it on FaceBook but have neglected all that since early September what with the kitty being ill and my job hunting going astray. I did not find it very useful anyway. And too much work as well. Anyway, I am creating menus. 1 for each day of the week, charging $30 for dinner for 4. Handed out about 15 fliers to day. Will use them as "test" subjects. The key here, THEY ARE ALL PC RECIPES!!! When asked about the recipes I will tell them exactly where they came from, thus advertising PC. I got interrupted in a majorly good way! One of the schools called and I am going to talk to them on Monday and they may be able to help with the cost. AND I GOT TWO BOOKINGS FOR OCTOBER BEFORE THE 15TH!!!!!! YIPPY!!!!!!! I am going to have a great weekend! YOU ALL TOO!

 

[cookingwithdawn]

Wow, John, that sounds great!

 

[AJPratt]

That is awesome! Good for you, John!