SOS: My Open For Business Show Has No Guests!

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences related to hosting an Open For Business show, particularly focusing on the challenges of guest attendance and strategies for managing low turnout. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for improving engagement and bookings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over a lack of guests at their Open For Business show despite extensive invitations sent to various contacts.
  • Another participant suggests contacting invited guests to remind them about the show and to inquire about hosting their own shows.
  • One participant shares their experience of turning a disappointing turnout into a catalog show, finding enjoyment in cooking with their child instead.
  • Several users mention the importance of multiple invitations and follow-ups to ensure attendance, with one participant noting that a single eVite may not be sufficient.
  • Another participant reflects on their own early experiences with low attendance and emphasizes perseverance in the business despite initial setbacks.
  • One participant shares their recent launch experience, noting that while turnout was low, they secured bookings and outside orders, maintaining a positive outlook.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of invitation strategies, with some participants emphasizing the need for multiple follow-ups while others focus on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to ensure guest attendance.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes from their experiences as Pampered Chef consultants, highlighting the variability in outcomes from hosting shows and the emotional responses to those experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating the challenges of hosting shows and seeking insights from others' experiences may find this discussion relevant.

pinkunicorn
pinkunicorn
Messages
19
Ok. So my Open For Business show was supposed to start at 1:00 today. It is now 1:30 and there is no one here but me and my daughter! :cry:

I invited everyone from my daughter's preschool, my son's teachers, my husband's co-workers (I can't do mine caz they kinda frown on their employees working other jobs), and the ladies from my HOG club.

I also sent out emails to people who don't live around here.

So far, I have $120 in outside orders, but no party. I'm kinda frustrated. I was hoping this party would give me sales and get my booking calendar started.

Now what?:confused:
 
Call everyone you invited. Have a plan of what to say. Tell them you're getting ready to close your show and didn't want them to miss out on ordering. Ask them if they would be interested in helping you start your business by hosting a show of their own, too. Also, ask them if they know anyone who would be interested in hosting a show.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I just texted my AD and she told me the same thing. Just turn it into a catalog show.

So my daughter and I are enjoying making the Molten Chocolate Mini Cakes ourselves & making lemonade out of my lemons! :)
 
Turn it in as a kitchen show though. You bought the ingredients. Just clarifying, in case.
 
Inviting means contacting at least 2 times and probably 3. A single eVite doesn't cut it. Did you call all these people? It is up to you to be certain they will show up, not just that they know it is happening.
 
Did they tell you they were coming? Did you call to remind them?Sorry it turned out to be a bummer!
 
What did you do to invite them? What words did you use?
 
When you call to follow up, add a comment like "I know it's crazy busy this time of year and I wanted to help get your Christmas shopping down easily. If you can't think of booking a show until the new year, that's okay. Just keep me in mind and I'll call you in a few weeks to set a date or tell you more."I find that I get so consumed with holiday events, I can't think beyond Dec. 25. Guests are just the same. So give them the out that they need and give yourself an excuse to contact them when they can think clearly. Good luck.
 
I'm sorry you didn't have anyone show up. Takes me back to my first year in the business - nobody came to my open house either:(! My family felt worse then I did because they saw all the work I put into it. I haven't had the guts to try doing one again, but as you can see I am still in the business (over 5 years later) and I have never gone inactive.

You have the right attitude and the advice others have given you is great.
 
I had my "launch" open house yesterday - I sent out 50 invites via mail and 50 invites via email. I did reminder calls and reminder emails. I have 4 people show up, one of them my mom. I had a few outside orders too. I didn't do quite as well as I had hoped, but I did get 2 definite bookings and I have one more potential booking (she's waiting until she moves into her new place). Disappointed but NOT discouraged. Hanging in there!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I called everyone and am getting outside orders. So far I'm just over $200 in outside orders. Yay!

As for bookings, well, that's going slooooowwwwly, but I do have one for next month already, and that's one more than I had when I first got on the phone! :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if no guests RSVP for my Open For Business show?

If you find that no guests have RSVP'd, consider reaching out personally to friends, family, and acquaintances. A personal touch can encourage them to attend. Additionally, you can offer incentives such as a small giveaway or a fun cooking demonstration to entice guests.

How can I promote my Open For Business show effectively?

Promote your show through various channels such as social media, email, and text messages. Create engaging posts that highlight the benefits of attending, such as exclusive discounts or new product demonstrations. Utilize event pages on platforms like Facebook to create buzz and remind potential guests as the date approaches.

What if I have a small guest list for my show?

A small guest list can still lead to a successful show. Focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and consider inviting a few more people last minute. You can also ask your guests to bring a friend, which can help increase attendance and create a more dynamic environment.

How can I make my Open For Business show more appealing?

To make your show more appealing, consider incorporating interactive elements such as cooking demonstrations, games, or tastings. Highlight any special promotions or new products that will be showcased. Providing refreshments can also create a more inviting atmosphere and encourage guests to stay longer.

What should I do if I still have no guests on the day of the show?

If you find yourself with no guests on the day of the show, don't be discouraged. Use this time to practice your presentation skills, review product knowledge, or even host a virtual show instead. You can also consider rescheduling and reaching out to your network for feedback on how to improve attendance next time.

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