Struggling with Hosting Cooking Shows? Any Tips for More Bookings?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses challenges faced by participants in securing bookings for cooking shows, with some expressing a preference for catalog shows. Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to hosting and booking shows, highlighting both the difficulties and successes encountered.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions struggling to secure cooking show bookings and feeling down about the preference for catalog shows.
  • Another participant suggests offering incentives to encourage hosts to choose cooking shows over catalog shows.
  • Several participants share experiences where hosts initially opted for catalog shows but later switched to cooking shows after positive experiences.
  • One participant notes that catalog shows can yield high sales, depending on the host's effort and coaching.
  • Another participant expresses enjoyment in hosting catalog shows, finding them less work while still being profitable.
  • One participant shares that their highest catalog show sales were comparable to their cooking show sales, indicating variability in success.
  • Another participant emphasizes that any type of show can be beneficial for business, regardless of format.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of cooking shows versus catalog shows, with some participants expressing a clear preference for one format over the other, while others acknowledge the potential success of both types.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights based on their individual hosting and booking journeys, reflecting a range of outcomes and strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on booking strategies and experiences related to hosting cooking and catalog shows may find this discussion relevant.

M
milkangel
Messages
713
i have just had a lady cancell for a show in march but insted she wants a catalog show in feb maby. i really have bad luck at getting any one to host a cooking show lately seems to want to more catalog show insted. getting a little down. my recurter is in the same town and know the same people. ant ideas to get more bookings?
 
You could offer incentives. Especially the ones who are already willing to do catalog shows, try to turn them around. Talk about how much fun it is to gather their friends together, focus on them. Make it sound worthwhile for them to open up their home! There are lots of ideas on this site for finding bookings of course the biggest one is to go out there and talk about PC. Sometimes they fall into our laps but not the majority of them. Once you get a good show schedule going it will be easier to maintain. Bookings snowball- but you have to make sure to ask everyone.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
thank you so much it really helps. there are times that we get down about something but we need to remember to keep our heads up im time of trouble.
 
Definitely! Have faith in yourself! Just get yourself in front of people and it will work to your benefit! Good Luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thank you!!!
 
I had someone who booked a cooking show before the cooking show she was invited to even occurred, but the day of the show she said she wanted to just do a catalog show. Luckily, there were other people at the show who booked, and she had such a great time at the party that she switched back to a cooking show.

My point? If you got her booking from another show, perhaps you could remind them why your original host booked, and/or encourage her to call that prior host (who is likely a good friend of hers) and talk to them about why they chose a cooking show over a catalog. They'll listen to their friends!

Also, remind her that she will likely get lower sales from a catalog show, and lower sales means less free products for her!

You could also offer to buy the food for her, which would give her an instant free $15 in product that she'd never get with a catalog show!

One last thought...make sure she understands the booking benefit, and that she'll likely get at least one booking if she has a cooking show (at least the odds are greatly increased over a catalog show), which would mean another great deal for her!

Hope that helps!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
i just got off the phone with that lady and she is still holding a cooking show that day but at 10:00 am for a brunch
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
i said that people are more likley to buy when they can see the product and try them out too. and that she would not get any in free if it only reaches 150in sales
 
Catalog shows can be great too. I have a lot that are higher than my average cooking show! It all depends on the host though and it sometimes takes more host coaching. It's harder to get bookings, but it definitely is possible. If they really want to do a catalog show, just really stress the awesome upcoming specials! I also do a sheet for each catalog with them listed and stress there too that the host would get the host special too. Good luck! It sometimes takes awhile to get going, but keep going and you'll get going. I was one of those that thought...how am I going to find bookings? I didn't know anyone other than family! (HUGE family, but not a lot of hosts!). Now I rarely do shows for family, just a couple per year and I have customers pass people onto me.
 
I have had some great catalog shows too! You need to coach them up for the high sales! I love it when a catalog show comes along, it is less work for me to earn the money! HA!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
i have some good catalog shows in nov when i first started. but now it seems not to be a s good
 
Jules711 said:
Catalog shows can be great too. I have a lot that are higher than my average cooking show! It all depends on the host though and it sometimes takes more host coaching. It's harder to get bookings, but it definitely is possible. If they really want to do a catalog show, just really stress the awesome upcoming specials! I also do a sheet for each catalog with them listed and stress there too that the host would get the host special too. Good luck! It sometimes takes awhile to get going, but keep going and you'll get going. I was one of those that thought...how am I going to find bookings? I didn't know anyone other than family! (HUGE family, but not a lot of hosts!). Now I rarely do shows for family, just a couple per year and I have customers pass people onto me.
Click to expand...

You're so right! I hope I didn't sound as if I was discouraging catalog shows, because they really can be awesome. Sometimes it's nice not to have to deal with going to their house for a show. I had a catalog show that was almost $600, and my highest show so far is only $607, so it was a good one for me!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
my highest catalog show was over 300 and highest cooking was over 400
 
Don't worry about the rescheduling to a catalog show. I had this happen recently and then out of the blue (3 months after her catty show), she called me and wanted to host a bridal show for her daughter.

My view is a "show is a show" and any type of show is good for your business and can lead to your next HUGE show or recruit.
 
My point of view on catalog shows is it's up to how much effort the host wants to put into it. I've had flopped catalog show and good catalogs shows but I've had the same with kitchen shows too. I've had catalogs show at $700-800 and my best one was at $1100. But the host and the catalog do all the work. I do feel better when I can actually do a kitchen show, because I get to answer any questions about the products or point out good tips that may lean someone into buying something.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to promote my cooking shows?

To effectively promote your cooking shows, utilize social media platforms to share engaging content, such as recipes and cooking tips. Create event pages on Facebook and invite friends and family. Consider offering incentives or discounts for guests who bring a friend. Additionally, use email marketing to reach out to your contacts and remind them about upcoming shows.

How can I make my cooking shows more engaging for guests?

To make your cooking shows more engaging, involve your guests in the cooking process by assigning them tasks or asking for their input on recipes. Incorporate fun themes or challenges, and encourage interaction through Q&A sessions. Providing samples of the food prepared can also enhance the experience and keep guests interested.

What should I do if I’m not getting enough bookings for my shows?

If you're struggling with bookings, reassess your approach to marketing and outreach. Consider reaching out to past hosts for referrals or testimonials. Networking with other consultants and attending local events can also help you connect with potential hosts. Additionally, evaluate your scheduling and try to offer shows at different times to accommodate more guests.

How can I encourage guests to book their own cooking shows?

Encourage guests to book their own cooking shows by highlighting the benefits they can receive, such as free products or discounts. Share success stories from previous hosts to inspire them. You can also offer a special incentive for guests who book a show during your event, such as a small gift or a discount on their next purchase.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when hosting cooking shows?

Common mistakes to avoid include not being prepared with enough materials or ingredients, failing to engage with guests, and not following up after the show. Ensure you have a clear plan for the event, practice your presentation, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Following up with guests after the show can also help maintain interest and lead to future bookings.

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