Overcoming January Booking Struggles: Tips and Tricks to Start the Year Strong

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges and strategies related to booking shows in January, with participants sharing their personal experiences and insights on overcoming these difficulties. Many express concerns about low booking rates post-holidays and discuss various approaches to encourage potential hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, notes difficulty in booking January shows due to tight budgets after the holidays.
  • Another participant shares their experience of explaining the January PLUS bonus to potential hosts to encourage bookings.
  • Several users mention that potential hosts often express doubt about reaching the minimum order amount needed for a successful show.
  • One participant describes a contest with their director to book more shows, highlighting the competitive nature of booking in January.
  • Another participant shares a strategy of using gift certificates as a way to encourage bookings during the holiday season.
  • One consultant mentions having multiple bookings for January and the importance of maintaining enthusiasm among hosts.
  • Another participant discusses the effectiveness of sending reminders and incentives to keep hosts engaged leading up to their shows.
  • One participant describes a successful booking blitz call that resulted in multiple shows being booked for January.
  • Several users express the idea of promoting January specials to potential hosts to increase interest.
  • One participant suggests offering a prize for the highest show to motivate hosts, sharing their personal success with this approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies to secure January bookings, with some participants finding success while others continue to face challenges. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences and strategies, reflecting the varied nature of their bookings and the impact of seasonal factors on their business.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights on booking strategies during challenging months, particularly January.

krzymomof4
krzymomof4
Silver Member
Messages
1,682
Anyone else having trouble booking January? I alway seem to have trouble with January for some reason. I only had 1 show in Jan of this year. No one wants to book Jan for the same reasons. Too tight after the holidays. They all want to skip to Feb. which is good for my Feb, but sucky for a good start to the new year.
Am I alone?
 
This is what I am saying... "I totally understand... let me explain how it works and then you can decide if you still want Feb. In Jan we have the Jan PLUS bonus which means more free product for you!!!! Plus our stoneware is 20% off so your guests will definitely want that. Then when someone at your show schedules a show of their own in Feb, you'll get two items 60% off as the past host it's so much better for you to host in Jan because you'll get BOTH! AND when two people book for Feb, you'll get 4 items 60% off!"
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
When I mention the plus bonus, they say...After the holiday's I bet I can't get $300 worth of orders. It just isn't worth it. What do you have open for Feb.
 
krzymomof4 said:
When I mention the plus bonus, they say...After the holiday's I bet I can't get $300 worth of orders. It just isn't worth it. What do you have open for Feb.
Click to expand...

Not to be discouraging, but maybe it's better that they book for February then. I have found that when hosts have this mindset they are impossible to host coach. They don't get any enthusiasm across to their guests and the show does end up being a flop.

The only advice I have for you for January is to keep calling. You are bound to hit someone who wants it!
 
I am hearing the same thing tonight. My director and I are having a contest tonight to see which one of us can book more for Jan. She's winning she booked 1 on top of the 5 she already had booked and I have booked 0 but I had 2 booked before tonight. Everyone is saying it's to tight already and they have more gifts to buy. I have suggested to those people that they order a gift certificate from me for their hard to buy friends and family. One lady is going to get back to me cuz her son wants to buy some soneware in Jan.
 
How does your Dec look? If you've got the schedule to get in front of more people, you're bound to get another Jan booking using Colleen's words. (Thanks for sharing, Colleen. I may be using these words as well!)

I've got 4 cooking shows in Dec and one booking so far for Jan so I'm hoping to get bookings for Jan at my Dec shows. I think I"ll lie to my future hosts and tell them that Feb's specials are unknown so far since Leadership is just around the corner. They'll never know the difference.... :)
I'm hoping to get a good start to the new year and get my bonus points for the incentive trip. I lost the cruise AGAIN!!! grrrr......
 
I have six bookings for January, and I have at least two more people needing to give me dates. Everyone really wants the extra $50. My trouble is that I can get one month booked really full, and then everyone wants to book at least two months out. I had a very busy September, then a 3 show October, then a full November, one show in December, and now a full January. I'm really hoping my February will start filling up.
 
I have 4 for January, but nothing at all for December. NO ONE wants to take time out of their busy holiday schedule. I have one multi vendor open house next Sunday and that's it for the month.
 
With January, I explain to people that:
  • If we get the word out about your party, the Christmas money they get either as a gift or a return could purchase that stone they really want.

  • That I can help them think of enough people to ask where they will have an excellent chance to get at least a $500 party.

  • People are ready to get out and socialize. They have had to spend most of the holidays with relatives and they are ready to re-connect with friends. Also, that can be emphasized on their invitation.

  • Think of a fun theme show together...fuzzy slippers, Margarita party, Super Bowl party ideas

  • Stay in touch with January hosts. I will be sending out their guest lists soon so they can add names that are on their Christmas card list. Add an incentive to have the list back to you soon after Christmas. I find once I get the list back, the show rarely falls through unless an emergency arises

  • Send them a recipe one week, a Season's Greetings the next week, send them a reminder to let relatives and friends seen over the holidays that they are having a party and keep sending little things that are perks and get them excited about their upcoming party

I let people know that I have had a $1,000 for the last 2 Januarys so it IS possible!! I also keep a VERY positive and confident (not over confident) attitude about getting them a good show in January. I have a new team member who has booked 6 parties...her excitement is coming through in her e-mail...imagine what it is in person.
 
As usual, great advice, Ann :chef:
 
I love January's host special. What I have been telling my hosts is that, not only will they earn the extra FREE product, but since the stoneware is already discounted 20% and then they get to put it under their unlimited discount..they are able to get their stoneware for anywhere from 35%-50% off! They all have been getting really excited about that. And of course that they can get the Feb. host special (which is so great!) as well, when they get a friend to book in Feb. I did a booking blitz call last night. I called 8 people and to my surprise, by telling them that, I got 6 more shows booked. Right now I am sitting at 12 cooking and 2 catalog shows in Jan. Man, its gonna be a busy month!:eek: but im not complaining:D
 
I haven't even been mentioning the Feb. specials yet. I just want to get throught the shows this week and then all my kids school holiday stuff the next 2 weeks. Plus I need to start shopping. This is horrible I am always done by now & I haven't really started. Thinking into Jan. is as far as I am going right now. At this weeks shows I will hopefully get some bights for Jan. The show tonight there will be a newlywed so hopefully she will want to fill her kitchen and book a show.
 
Ok...am I missing somethingWhy not run a report for all of your stoneware buyers and call them up to say stoneware is on sale in January - great time to host. That's how I've been getting my bookings.
 
:love:
chefmeg said:
As usual, great advice, Ann :chef:
Click to expand...

Thanks, Meg, I love you:love: :chef: !!!!
Great ideas on here that I am going to "steal"!!! :angel: I would like a more full January than I have so I have to get my keester on the phone!!! I never thought of the obvious....calling the stoneware people (V8 moment!!) and also promoting the booking benefit of having a booking from a Feb. party too!! You ladies and gents ROCK!!!
 
baychef said:
:love:

Thanks, Meg, I love you:love: :chef: !!!!
Great ideas on here that I am going to "steal"!!! :angel: I would like a more full January than I have so I have to get my keester on the phone!!! I never thought of the obvious....calling the stoneware people (V8 moment!!) and also promoting the booking benefit of having a booking from a Feb. party too!! You ladies and gents ROCK!!!
Click to expand...


If that's the part of your anatomy that you're phoning with, I think I've figured out your booking problem. :p
 
Good one Rae!:p Maybe that's my problem too.
 
Here is another idea to get bookings for January. Tell your potential hosts that you will give a piece of cookware (12" skillet) to whoever has the highest show. This has really sparked an interest in my hosts when I have been making my 3-2-1 contacts. I have 6 shows so far for January. This is just a suggestion, I had some extra POR points and I got a (12" skillet). I hope you are able to get your bookings that you want. :chef:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective strategies to book more parties in January?

To book more parties in January, consider offering special promotions or discounts for hosts who book during this month. Utilize social media to share your January goals and encourage bookings. Additionally, reach out to previous hosts and customers to rekindle interest and remind them of the benefits of hosting a party.

How can I motivate my team to overcome January booking struggles?

Motivating your team can be achieved through regular communication and support. Host team meetings to share success stories and strategies that have worked for others. Consider implementing friendly competitions or incentives for bookings made in January to encourage participation and excitement.

What types of parties work best in January?

In January, consider hosting virtual parties or themed cooking classes that align with New Year resolutions, such as healthy cooking or meal prep. These topics can attract attendees who are looking to kickstart their year with healthier habits. Additionally, consider offering online workshops that showcase new products or seasonal recipes.

How can I leverage social media to increase January bookings?

Utilize social media platforms to share engaging content related to your products and the benefits of hosting a party. Create posts that highlight customer testimonials, showcase recipes, and promote any January specials. Encourage your followers to share their own experiences and tag you, which can help expand your reach and attract new hosts.

What should I do if I’m facing rejection when trying to book parties?

Rejection is a common part of direct sales. When faced with it, try to remain positive and learn from the experience. Ask for feedback on why someone may not be interested and use that information to refine your approach. Keep in mind that persistence is key; follow up with potential hosts after some time, as their circumstances may change.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Contact or Wait? How to Handle January Booking Leads
  • wadesgirl
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
16
Views
2K
Koolotus
Booking Blitz: Now or After New Year's?
  • lisacb77
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
lisacb77
How Can Pampered Chef Consultants Maximize Their December and January Bookings?
  • aried
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Director Share Your Best January/Feb Show and Booking Ideas
  • PCJenni
    • Recruiting and Team Leaders
Replies
8
Views
2K
pckelly
When Do You Start Sending Out January Booking Newsletters? I Know You
  • esavvymom
    • Pampered Chef Newsletters
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
3 Contacts a Day and the Phone Not so Scary
  • kcmckay
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
MHPampered
Boost Your Business in January: Cooking Show Tips & Tricks for Success
  • tinat51796
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Overcoming Phone Fear: Tips for Booking Success in the Event Industry
  • Kathytnt
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
9
Views
1K
tlennhoff
Director What's the Best Way to Boost January Sales and Earn Double Points in February?
  • pamperedbecky
    • Recruiting and Team Leaders
Replies
24
Views
3K
Sheila
Who's Working Their Business Tonight? Get a Good Start to the New Year!
  • PCMelissa
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
9
Views
2K
raebates
Back
Top