Struggling to Get July Shows? Learn How I Got 17 Guests But No Bookings

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants in securing bookings after hosting shows with high attendance. Participants share their personal experiences regarding guest engagement, sales performance, and the dynamics of larger gatherings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, reported having 17 guests at a show but struggled to secure bookings, receiving only a few maybes.
  • Another participant noted that larger shows may lead to fewer bookings, suggesting a potential correlation between attendance size and booking success.
  • Several users mentioned that personal connections with guests can be harder to establish in larger groups, which may impact booking rates.
  • One participant shared that their sales were over $500 despite not receiving any bookings, highlighting the unpredictability of guest interest.
  • Another participant recounted a contrasting experience where a show with fewer attendees resulted in multiple bookings, suggesting that audience demographics may play a role.
  • One participant expressed curiosity about the effectiveness of different hostess coaching strategies and their impact on bookings.
  • Several users discussed various tactics they plan to try in future shows to improve booking rates, such as offering more personalized interactions and adjusting presentation styles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the relationship between show size and booking success, with some participants agreeing that larger shows may complicate the booking process, while others share contrasting experiences. No clear consensus emerges on the best strategies for securing bookings.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences from various shows, indicating that factors such as location and audience demographics may influence outcomes. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences rather than a unified approach to booking strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants seeking insights into the challenges of booking shows after high-attendance events may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own practices.

amy07
amy07
Messages
2,785
My show this afternoon had 17 guests, yeah!!:D :D And I asked everyone about hosting a show, and not one person committed to a date! UGHHHH:( :( I did get 3 maybes, and 1 show for after the new products come out from an outside order - she's the past host that the current booked from so I know it will hold, but man, that hurt to have that many people at a show, and not one to book!! I am struggling to get July shows!:o
Sales were good & I got one recruit lead. I'll try to follow up with the outside orders to get shows booked, but any other suggestions? I have 2 shows left for the month and 1 catty to close out, but so far only 1 show booked for July:o
 
i'm curious with that many people how much where the sales if you dont mind me asking,
and did u do anything different for your hostess coaching?
tia
 
Sometimes that happens. It seems to me that the larger the show, the less likely people are to book. Don't know why, and I may be wrong. It's just something that sticks in my head.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Heather - here's the funny part - not all the guests bought!! And those who did combined orders to even save on the shipping charge - it was a weird. Right now, the sales are over $500. This girl will work to get more outside orders, she knows how to do the "party thing". Host coaching this hosts was horrible! I could never get her on the phone, so it was alot of emails, but like I said she knows how much the outside orders can add up and she really does a great job of understanding how to over-invite. Honestly, I don't know if this played a part in not getting bookings, but her house is HUGE. I think some people felt that they "didn't have enough room". I tried working doing deck parties, express shows, and everything else, but just couldn't get the "yes". I think some people came just to see the house!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
raebates said:
Sometimes that happens. It seems to me that the larger the show, the less likely people are to book. Don't know why, and I may be wrong. It's just something that sticks in my head.
Click to expand...

I agree Rae - and honestly I think it is because of me!! :o I feel like I just can't get that time to make the "connection" as much with a larger group.
 
Yeah, that's another problem. When you've got 15-20 people to talk to, you can't spend as much time with each.
 
Amy
$500 is good !
and i agree with rae my biggest show for sales also my largest group about 12 people not one booking!
did you find it hard to keep them focused?
 
Having a large group certainly has its pluses and minuses. I do best when I have a show of about 10-15. Much more than that is crazy!
 
I don't know what to think about all of this. We host coach to get high attendance, promote high priced items to get high sales, and then we can't get people to book? My sales have been averaging $550 apprx., but I'm not getting bookings. I've had 8-16 people at each show (mostly 8-9). I'm reading a couple of books, mentioned on a different thread, Build it Big and Presentations for Profits. I'm learning a lot about what I should/could be doing to increase bookings, but I need some shows to test out the things I'm reading about. Some things I'm reading are: Offer rather than ask (tell what you have to offer by telling what's in it for them and giving open dates rather than asking if someone would like to have a show), use (booking) stickers on everything, shorter presentation, less work for host (send out postcards, make reminder calls, bring food mostly prepared so you're not depending on the hostess to have anything ready), offer different times of day and night so people don't think the times of the shows are set in stone, etc... Can't wait to try some of this out at my future shows.
 
It is all strange to me too! Last month I had a show with like 13-15 people or so. (Lost track as they kept coming and going). Not one booking from the show and I had people asking a lot of questions and one person even told me how glad she came tonight because she really didn't know how to use her stone. Surprise with that many people I didn't get a booking but it was a $800 show!

However, had a show last weekend and had I think 14 people showed up and some combined their orders and not everyone ordered either. I also had about 4-5 people who spent less than $25. some were even just about $10 or so. The show was only about $400 but I got 5 bookings on my calendar!!! 3 for July and 2 for August!

Much different area though. The first show was in a I guess richer area and the second show was in a lower income area.

I was very surprised with the turn out though. Both hosts told me about 10 people may be showing up so I expected 7 or so. Was pleasantly surprised with double that attendance!
 
That does stink! I had a show like that in Feb. It was my highest show and largest. 14 people were there and not one single person wanted to book a show. I didn't even get any maybes! I have been getting bookings at the smaller shows. Weird! Anyway I hope June and July picks up for you!
 
The bigger shows are harder to book from, but one thing that I have found that really helps with getting bookings, is to greet people when they come in, introduce yourself, learn their names, and call people by name during the show, and make eye contact with them! - Be interested in them, ask them questions about themselves.....ask for their opinions etc.....people are much more inclined to book a show if they have made a personal connection with you - and this is what is so often missing when there is a large show.

Along with that - and I know it is difficult to do - make sure you are speaking with them one-on-one when you take their order. I do the "3 pile" system, and take my orders in another room, or at least away from the fray. I set up 3 piles -
1st pile - Booking Info & Host Packets
2nd pile - Recruiting Info
3rd pile - Recipe Cards

So my speil goes something like this:
"Kathy, thanks so much for being a part of the party tonight - i appreciated your comments about your stoneware! Sometimes people think I'm just talking like that because it's my job, so I love it when others brag it up too!
Did you have fun tonight? Great! Did you get everything you wanted?
No? Well, then, were you one of the ones who was interested in having your own show and getting some of what you wanted for free?
(wait for her response and then get more info if needed)
Okay - and were you interested in some info for you or a friend about doing what I do? (Wait for response)

Your total for the evening is $$........Thanks again for coming, I enjoyed meeting you(.....and I'll be calling you about your show...etc......)
Here is the recipe for the demo that we did this evening - please take one!!"
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategies can I use to increase my guest count for July shows?

To increase your guest count, consider leveraging social media platforms to promote your shows, offering incentives for guests to bring friends, and utilizing themed events that resonate with your audience. Additionally, personal invitations and follow-ups can significantly boost attendance.

How can I convert guests into bookings after a show?

To convert guests into bookings, engage them during the show by highlighting the benefits of hosting their own event. Follow up with personalized messages thanking them for attending and offering exclusive host rewards. Creating a sense of urgency by promoting limited-time offers can also encourage bookings.

What are some common reasons for not getting bookings despite having a good guest turnout?

Common reasons for not securing bookings may include guests feeling overwhelmed by the information presented, lack of interest in hosting, or not having a clear understanding of the benefits of hosting a show. Additionally, if the follow-up is not timely or personalized, it may lead to missed opportunities.

How can I improve my follow-up process with guests after the show?

To improve your follow-up process, create a system to track guest interactions and schedule follow-ups within 24-48 hours after the show. Personalize your messages by referencing specific conversations or interests shared during the event. Consider sending a thank-you note along with a special offer for hosting.

What types of events can I host to attract more guests in July?

In July, consider hosting summer-themed events such as BBQ parties, picnic gatherings, or cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal ingredients. Collaborating with local businesses or offering a fun, interactive experience can also draw in more guests and create a buzz around your shows.

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