Overcoming Fear: How I Got 4 Bookings in One Night!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal experiences related to overcoming fear in making phone calls for bookings and organizing business paperwork. Participants share their successes, challenges, and methods for managing their business practices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their excitement about overcoming their fear of phone calls, resulting in four bookings after calling six people.
  • Another participant discusses their method of organizing show paperwork, using manila folders for each host and emphasizing that keeping receipt copies isn't necessary since they are available on P3.
  • Several users mention their strategies for filing receipts, with some using monthly folders and others opting for plastic envelopes to reduce paper waste.
  • One participant notes that they only keep the white copy of the sales receipt and shred the rest, finding it easier to manage.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to kickstart their business and asks for advice on how to ask for bookings over the phone.
  • One participant shares their plan to call individuals who have not previously expressed interest in booking, framing it as a way to help them receive free gifts for the holidays.
  • Some participants suggest tailoring the approach based on the relationship with the person being contacted, offering ideas for how to present the opportunity to different audiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to asking for bookings, with some participants supporting the idea of framing it as a way to help others while others express uncertainty about this method's effectiveness with acquaintances.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and organizational strategies among Pampered Chef consultants, highlighting the diversity of approaches to both booking shows and managing business paperwork.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on overcoming phone call anxiety and organizing their business paperwork may find the shared experiences and strategies helpful.

K
KCPChef
Messages
205
Hello! So I have been posting where I am SUPER SCARED of the phone! But my business was paying for it, so I decided to go for it last night and JUST CALL! I did and I called 6 people, left 2 voicemails and got 4 bookings! YIPPEE!!!!! I just had to tell everyone!

On another note, I am cleaning up and organizing my office. Once your shows close, do you keep all of the recipets and order froms or do you just keep it on PP3? Any recomendations would be helpful! I have show folders everywhere! Thanks so much!

Have a fabulous day! If you worried about making any calls- I promise that you can DO IT! If I can, so can you you :)
 
Personally, I create a manilla folder for each host. If I have any order form copies left, I put them inside it along with my "Host Form". Keeping receipt copies isn't necessary as they are on P3. The receipt copies I'm talking about are PC product/show receipts, not your expenses.
 
Last edited:
I typically have 12 folders in my filing cabinet with each month written on one. I file the receipts in whichever month's folder the show was held, and then I clean them out when I get back around to that month the next year. Hope this helps!
 
I do a folder for each month as well and write all the hostess names on the front of the folder. I paper clip each show together with the draw slips and receipts.
 
I have stopped the individual manilla folder for each show. I started cleaning out my files and realized how much paper I was wasting. Now I use plastic folders that are really envelopes so nothing falls out of them. At the show I can put the checks right in there. I once had a check get misplaced and wound up paying for a stop order because of that. I only keep the original order forms until I need to use the folder again. It is always more than the 30 days that PC will pay for returns of mistakes. If the customer hasn't figured out by then that their order is wrong...! I write the host name in dry erase marker so it can be erased.
 
Congratulations! (I somehow missed this post earlier.) I routinely purge those files. Once we're more than 30 days past the submission date, I rely on P3.
 
I've only kept the white copy of the sales receipt and then I shred everything else. I know the white copy is "supposed" to go the the guest, but I couldn't read the other copies very well so I switched it. Nobody really cares, lol. I staple those copies together and put the show # on the front. I have a shoe box for the drawing slips and put the show # they came from on them.

I imagine I will keep them for a year also, because it is nice to have contact info some place else besides your computer!

PS... congrats on all those bookings!!! I'm jealous!
 
Last edited:
Congrats, thats awesome!! We are just home from a week away and I really need to kick start my business. What did you say when you called? I have no problem making my customer care calls but havent figured out how to ask for bookings yet. I get so flustered.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Well those were people who had wanted to book a show, but never committed to book a show! Tonight, I am calling around for people that have not expressed an interest. I am going to tell them I have a goal- 10 bookings by November 1 (that way I can have $1000 for xmas shopping!) 10 shows x $100.00 Commission each!!! (That is my directors idea!) So I am going to ask them if they would help me reach my goal! They will receive a free gift for helping me! - I am not 100% sure what this is yet- might do some small products that I could really get rid of as an extra thank you!

I will post to let you know how it goes :)
 
That might work with people you know well, like family, but I'm not too sure about aquaintances. I'd approach it from the other side myself... let them know how you could HELP THEM get free and discounted Christmas gifts (and a few for themselves too!).
 
Congrats on your own Booking Blitz! That's great!!
I agree with Jackie, that idea may work well with close friends and family, but I'm not so sure that would go over great with aquaintances, etc...
Spend some time thinking about each person you are about to contact and what would work best for them...
Know some stay at home moms??? tell her that you would love to come over one afternoon and teach her and her friends how to whip up some EASY kid-friendly recipes (6 grilled cheese sandwiches on the bar pan in oven, while making potato chowder in dcb in the microwave)
Working moms... ask how they would like to invite their friends over after work while you make them dinner while showing them how easy it is to make 30 min meals... help them "make the most" of their free time at home... (might be an esp good time now with the two "29 mins to dinner" cookbooks as the guest specials)
Keep up the great work! Let us know how the next step goes! :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategies did you use to overcome your fear of asking for bookings?

To overcome my fear, I focused on changing my mindset. I reminded myself that asking for bookings is a natural part of my business and that people appreciate the opportunity to host. I practiced my pitch in front of a mirror and with friends, which helped build my confidence. Additionally, I set small, achievable goals for myself to gradually increase my comfort level.

How did you approach potential hosts during your event?

I approached potential hosts by engaging them in conversation about their cooking habits and interests. I shared the benefits of hosting a Pampered Chef party, such as earning free products and having fun with friends. I made sure to listen to their needs and tailor my invitation to highlight what would appeal to them, making it feel personal and inviting.

What specific techniques did you use to secure four bookings in one night?

I used a combination of techniques, including offering exclusive incentives for booking that night, such as a discount on their first order or a free product for hosting. I also created a sense of urgency by highlighting limited-time offers and the fun of having a party with friends. Lastly, I followed up with individuals who showed interest but didn't commit right away, which helped seal the deal.

How did you handle rejection when asking for bookings?

Handling rejection is part of the process, and I learned not to take it personally. I viewed each "no" as an opportunity to learn and improve my approach. I thanked those who declined and asked if they knew anyone who might be interested, which often led to new connections. This helped me maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with fear in direct sales?

My advice would be to start small and practice regularly. Set achievable goals and celebrate your successes, no matter how minor they may seem. Surround yourself with supportive peers who can encourage you and share their experiences. Lastly, remember that every successful salesperson has faced fear at some point; it’s about pushing through and learning from each experience.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Struggling with Overcoming Fear of Making Phone Calls in My Business?
  • Humble Beginnings
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
2K
Humble Beginnings
How Can I Get More Bookings and Orders?
  • RMR1984
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
11
Views
4K
Deb Bixler
Overcoming Fear: How Conference Helped Push Me
  • Bill Faber
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
19
Views
3K
raebates
How Can I Increase my Bookings as a Consultant?
  • ValM2010
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
3K
Admin Greg
I Got Four Bookings! I Just Wanted to Share....
  • DMB75
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
DMB75
Still Having Issues Getting Bookings
  • MaggieChef13
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
5K
vsweet01
Show Last Night... No New Bookings From It
  • babywings76
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
13
Views
2K
pcchefjane
Secret to Getting Bookings: How I Accidentally Booked 3 More Shows!
  • ChefPaulaB
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
ChefPaulaB
Taking the Fear Out of Show Bookings: My Success Story
  • deanna_g
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
twinkie10
Can Bookings Bring Success to Your Business?
  • PCSarahjm
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
5
Views
2K
PCSarahjm
Back
Top