theSocializing at My Shows Is Getting Out of Hand -

[DebbieSAChef]

That's good!

Another "Anne" Yea! At one show, I gave the Host's Aunt a stainless bowl and a scraper. She banged on it when people got loud. She even went right next to them. It was hilarious!

I LOVE THAT!! LOL

I think sometimes people just need to be reminded that they need to respect others in the room. I sometimes can't help it myself and if I get into a good conversation, it seems the whole world around me disappears and I can talk and talk until I am told by my husband,
"It's time to go honey," or "It's time for bible study to start!"
I don't think anybody is offended when they are told to stay quiet for a while, when I do my demo. Everyone is very cooperative and even tell me "Oh sorry about that." I tell them don't worry about it, I promise that after you see all the wonderful tools and start to sit and sample this food, I won't interupt anymore!!
It works every time. Although I had a show once where the ladies were all men haters, who drank and drank and drank. Bashing and trashing their ex husbands, ex boyfriends and one night stands that never called back.
I was glad to get out of there and had to add this show to another friend's show to even have their stuff shipped at our discount shipping price.
Debbie

 

[pamperedbykathy]

When I move around, people take notice will stop talking. I like the candy game.

Kathy

 

[pamperedgirl3]

Since you don't have a problem with the socializing, but you don't want it to get out of hand (been there too, unfortunately!)--I like the idea of saying something similar to what Julie Weitz does that someone else mentioned earlier. Tell them at the beginning that you want them to have a good time & feel like they can chat, but please remember that several of us here came to learn new tips to take back to their kitchens. So to please be considerate of those who would like to hear me & keep the conversations on the quieter side until the demo is done.

That way they can still feel like they can chat, but that they should do it quietly until you're done. Then if they get loud, you can just remind them that some people are here to learn tips & they are having a hard time listening. But some people just don't get it & won't get it, no matter how much you mention it & probably STILL wouldn't get it if you hit them over the head with it! Good luck!

 

[MGG]

I taught high school chemistry in the inner city for 4 years and did some staff developements--adults are by far harder to control than high schoolers (even when I started at 22), but here is what I learned. The loudest most flamboyant person there is the cheerleader (helper if it were class). Judge from the beginning--depending on the interest taylor your intro. Don't demand silence--who would want that- they came to a show, a party not a class. If you want to do a class then book a cooking class. When someone is talking alot-load say OMG you would make an awesome consultant-you are soo outgoing. I am soo glad you came you're definately the life of the party aren't you (this must be delivered sincerely or it's threatening). She's flattered and now on your side. Give her what she wants-the spotlight. Say something like, Come here and help me chop this broccoli--you are going to love our food chopper. Once she does it and is flooded with attention ask her a leading question. She's more than eager to voice her opinion-in my experience EVERYONE is just waiting to say what they think about most everything (it's the egocentric nature in all of us). Next guest up--the person she was talking to this diffuses their conversation. The more guest interaction the more fun-just like chemistry class.

 

[Brandi2007]

I LOOOOOOVVVEE it when my shows are loud and rowdy! I have also noticed that these are some of my highest shows. Most often they are not only catching up with each other but looking through the catalogs as well. Converstaion usually begins and ends with a PC product! At shows like these the guests sold each other on the items!

 

[pchefkristin]

Not sure if anyone mentioned, as I didnt read through, but I always assign tasks.
I have a Town Crier ~ She is responsible to standing and shouting the news of the day (the Guest Special).
I have a Negativity police ~ She gets a whistle and gets to blow it as loud as she wants.
Also, a cheerleader ~ she gets a clapper and the pink bowls and caddy filled with kisses to hand out when someone says something wonderful about PC products.

Also, I think the biggest reason my guests generally dont get away from me too often is that I really over load them with fun facts and interesting tips. I am often told that I have a no pressure sales stance, but offer the most informative shows they have attended.... so I dig that!

If you are constantly loosing your people, maybe step out of the demonstrator role, and be more like one of the guests. Have fun, joke around, offer great tips, and people will be more willing to listen I think. Also backing up your cheerleader and actually throwing chocolate around the room yourself is a great way to keep people attention... nobody at my shows likes getting lopped upside the head with a piece of chocolate...hehe.

With Summer time coming...we hope... one of my favorite recipes is the Apple Berry Salsa. I did loads of research on the ingredients themselves and came out with some amazing information. Some of my favorite tips I learned though...
Kiwi is a natural meat tenderizer. If you cut it in half and rub it on a tough cut of meat, it will tenderize it. Also, Kiwi is fantastic for men with impotence problems... of course, you would want to take a different approach with the handling of the kiwi in that case. Can you imagine.. your DH saying, "Uh, honey... what are you doing down there with a kiwi fruit?!" Bwahahaha.

Good luck though.. I know you can get things turned around!

 

[clshirk]

I just had a loud show tonight- I think 13 people not counting the host and I. Anyhow, I just prefaced by saying, hey, introduce myself, etc etc, go over a few things, etc etc, let me say this, then you guys can chat. Then I'd make things, talk a little, some were chatting, some would ask me questions, etc. I didn't mind it one bit. For our area, it was a pretty good show too. I was really impressed with some of the purchases. I got 5 bookings from it too.

 

[pcchris]

I just had a loud show tonight- I think 13 people not counting the host and I. Anyhow, I just prefaced by saying, hey, introduce myself, etc etc, go over a few things, etc etc, let me say this, then you guys can chat. Then I'd make things, talk a little, some were chatting, some would ask me questions, etc. I didn't mind it one bit. For our area, it was a pretty good show too. I was really impressed with some of the purchases. I got 5 bookings from it too.

WOW! 5 bookings? That's fantastic!! Hope the show total was great too!