Ugh! Just Got Home From Show...

[AJPratt]

OK... Not many will get this, unless you're in the biz. So, my show is at my neighbor's across the street at 6:30pm. I figure the last time she had a show people got there early and I was still setting up. So this year, I went over at 5:15 just to set up and I would go back over in a little bit. Well, sure enough, as I am walking over, these two women show up. Please don't get me wrong, I love my customers BUT... they were going through my stuff and moving it around and walking around with it. They had the little dog on my table. They were just clueless about food handling. I was trying to be polite but all I could think of was when was the last time you washed your figgan hands??? As I lay an item down, they moved it to look at it, they set their drinks on my table. UGH! I felt I had a strong open, but the guys were behind me talking and people were getting distracted. I completely blanked with all of the stuff I memorized from Belinda. I looked at my index cards and was able to get back on track, but I think I need to better plan my outline. It was soo hot in there and I was so sweaty. One woman left her drink on my table, behind my computer, and I didn't even know it, but I moved my computer, I spilled it all over my neighbor. AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT! I forgot to APCS the apples until the demo started... I doubled the recipe and had people help me and we had to fdo all 12 with people sitting there watching, and I tried to fill the time bt I felt like an idiot. And the guy had a tough time with the APCS... so that didn't go over very well.

QUESTION 1: So, how do you collect yourself mentally after you get thrown off? Like in the very beginning like I did?

Anyway, the show is at $620, with more orders to come, I have one lady I have to call about a show... she left early. One who will do one, once she paints her foyer, whenever that is... There were about 14 people there and it was mayhem! I completely forgot about Got It Love It. I was counting on several bookings.

QUESTION 2: How do you handle a large crowd? With games or whatever?

I did get a lot of compliments, but felt they were just being nice.

Thanks for reading this long one!

 

[tlennhoff]

I've found when thrown that taking a minute or two to collect myself before going on helps. A few deap breaths go a long way. A quick mental regroup of "well tonight is not going to go as planned and that is ok" helps.

 

[Swirl]

OMGosh Anne this very thing happened to me on Saturday!!! There were people all over the place, the show did not start on time with people in and out for the first 30 mins of the show and I felt frazzled. I don't do index cards but I should after this. I would like to know also how do you get yourself back together and back on track??? I didn't go over half the stuff I had planned and by the end I was just glad I hadn't had a melt down. My show is only at $300 so kudos to your sales so far. I've never had a show like this before and I never want one again, so any advice is well appreciated.

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I have had a few shows like this too. I just try to do the best I can & get it over with! I usually have poor bookings at these shows too. Maybe if you know in advance the crowd will be loud, have it be an interactive show or something. It is supposed to be a party, so I guess you can't really yell at the people to shut up & sit down (although I'd LOVE to be able to do that for some people!).

 

[jrstephens]

That Director in the post about doing shows at Cluster would have a field day with their food handling!!!

You must have recovered well to have that total and so many follow-ups to do!

 

[dherrera]

I did a Garden Show there was 80 plus the hubands so it was real big! they were talking and carrying on BUT! my host help me. she told them to stop talking and to watch me .. and when they would talk she would say lady please........ so she was a big help to me. and she help me with my demo. so I had over 100 guest and sole over 1200 that nite! it was great! so I think the host sould help also.

 

[its_me_susan]

I have had a few shows like this too. I just try to do the best I can & get it over with! I usually have poor bookings at these shows too. Maybe if you know in advance the crowd will be loud, have it be an interactive show or something. It is supposed to be a party, so I guess you can't really yell at the people to shut up & sit down (although I'd LOVE to be able to do that for some people!).

I just go with it. If they seem more interested in being together, I say that "for those interested" I'm going to prepare the recipe here. If you want to watch please come sit up close. If I mess up, my embarassment propels my. Can be quite funny. I don't tend tyo be a game player but I will play the ticket game. good luck

 

[lisacb77]

Kudos to you Anne for making it through! Mine last Friday was like that, I just almost lost it. If it wasn't for my friend helping me with the dough that wouldn't stretch, I don't know what I would have done.

At that point I'd lost the group. So we hurried up, got it in the oven, I told them I wanted to tell them a few more things to give them a last chance to earn Pampered Poker points and my friend got me some punch! (Yes it was spiked but a small glass!).

I think we all have those times. You just have to hang tough!

 

[yummy4tummy]

Anne, you should know by now that EVERYONE has shows like this. You should count your lucky stars that you get bookings. I have had 3 show like this (my SIL is Filipino and 2 of her friends that booked shows from me) TOTAL MAYHEM! At the last show I just gave up....nobody was listening to me, complaining about $4 s/h, stacking orders on other people's order so they wouldn't have to pay s/h. Then having to quickly, quietly pack up and leave while the host held her rosary prayer ceremony (and that happened to me twice). This is the Reader's Digest version. I told my SIL if anyone booked a show from that one (which nobody did THANKFULLY), I would just show up with catalogs and order forms and let them go about their business. The funny thing is that these shows were actually amongst my highest ranking shows. Go figure!

As far as your games go...I wouldn't worry about it. If they are enjoying the get together and not paying attention then look at it this way...more door prizes for your shows to come.

 

[lacychef]

Anne, you must have recovered better than you thought; you have good sales & a couple bookings! I'd say it was a success
Those kind of shows are frustrating. Sometimes I think people just come to socialize & don't give a hoot about what I'm doing! Luckily I haven't had too many of these. If I get thrown off, I will just take a moment, maybe act like I'm checking my recipe. Or I'll ask people to start talking about their favorite products; to keep them talking, but to reverse the subject back to PC. Or, I'll say "maybe you were wondering why Susie Q invited you to the show today?" and then go into the host & booking benefits...
Let's hope your bookings you got won't be as crazy! Hopefully they'll add some different people to the mix that will tame the others down!

 

[Pampered_Princess]

Index Cards ( ? )oki have thought about using index cards but i was never sure about what to put on them do you do them roduct specifics or do you go by what clever lines you would like to say and like practicial uses ?
any help would be apperciated !

 

[ltkacz]

sometimes it just happensThat you are all out of control. Just pass it off, make a joke of it, and go on.

I will tell you this however. I have had numerous complements that I don't follow a "script" or use notes during my demo. Everyone has always told me that they like the fact that I'm laid back and not so worried about what my exact words will be with the show. I like the fact that people feel relaxed and at ease at my shows.

With that being said....I think there are many consultants that get upset that they have "lost control" of the crowd. My opionion is....who cares....if they are having fun, that's all that matters. And the bottom line is, you are not going to "force" someone to have a show. If they are having a good time, and you are laid back and easy going....then they will have a show if they are interested. Having an attentive audience isn't going to make or break your bookings...it's the "fun factor" that is.

As far as games go....I don't do them. I tried Queen of the shoppers a bunch of times, and it went over ok, but not great. So I decided.....no games. I'd rather make my show fun and easy going for my guests and hosts instead.

 

[Koolotus]

I agree with Liz, but then I usually just wing it. I want people to feel like I am having fun also. But I will tell you ann, when I start sweating around the collar, shows used to go downhill quick! I hate when I get over heated!!!
So, now if I feel like I am losing the crowd and I am starting to get frustrated I just sit, in the first empty space I can find and start chatting with whoever is there. Someone always starts looking for me and I just say You were all having so much fun I figured I would wait abit till you all were ready.
I also don't do a big demo. I will show or have the guests show 1 or 2 tools and will measure and do the lame stuff on my own when I fuirst get there. I also ALWAYS ask for help. ALWAYS.
I do play the ticket game. I tell them it is my one dumb game and to please come humor me and I promise I have good presents.
everone always gets something, even if it is just Candy!
Hope that helps.
***The one thing I try to remember that I heard way back when I first started is, it is about them. If they don't want to watch and listen. Oh well, have private conversations and do big mac calls. That will help your bookings too.***

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Anne, I feel your pain! I've been there - and I know I have a show in two weeks where I will be visiting that place named Chaos again! I totally wrote out my Opening and Closing, and have practiced & practiced them until they sound totally natural (not scripted) - I still take them w/ tho - just in case I have one of those times where I get totally thrown off track! And I know I will - I can't totally control the environment. A couple things I have done, and they aren't really games, just things to make the show fun - First, I throw out chocolate (I'll attach me opening script, so you can see how I do this!), and second, I do introductions while the demo recipe is in the oven/micro. They aren't really introductions tho' because I have been doing nametags and introducing myself to people when they arrive (I write their name on the tag - and wear one myself) So while the recipe is cooking - I have everyone tell me which PC product is their favorite , and one way they use it, and for those who are PC virgins - tell me which product you have seen tonight that you most want! The rules are - that a product can't be repeated, and that you can't mention the mini serv. spatula, the quik kut, or the citrus peeler! And if you give us a good tip - I'll throw you more chocolate!With all of that said - I think sometimes we just have to go with the flow.....I have actually had emails from guests at shows apologizing for others behavior at a show they attended! So, I think that those who want to listen, do (or try to) and realize that it's not your fault if some are rude and out of control!

 

[AJPratt]

oki have thought about using index cards but i was never sure about what to put on them do you do them roduct specifics or do you go by what clever lines you would like to say and like practicial uses ?
any help would be apperciated !

I never did use cards before, but I just recently bought the Belinda Ellsworth stuff and pretty much can recite it with ease, and its sounds pretty natural. I have the whole script on the cards, but some parts bolded, just in case I glance down and need a reminder of what the say next. For example:

OPENING: Hi, I’m Anne and I’m going to be your consultant today. Quick show of hands… How many of you have NEVER been to a PC cooking show before? Great! My company told me there weren’t that many Consultants in the area and I’m so glad to see that.

Let me tell you what ladies you are in for a special treat today. We’re gonna teach you how to bring fun back into your kitchen, we’re gonna teach you some great recipes you can make for your family in under 20 minutes, as a matter of fact, you’re gonna fall in love with so many of our wonderful products your biggest dilemma today is going to be which ones to choose and when you find yourself in that situation the very best way to take care of that is by having your own show and walking away with some of those items absolutely free. We find that half of the people in the audience wind up dating their own show. So with that, let’s take a moment to get acquainted.

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks for all of your great advice! I think the next time I do a show for her, I will just bring a recipe already done and set out some items.

The husband said that he was so surprised at how much better my demo is than the last time. When I did their show last year, I had only done about 6 shows. So, that was really nice.

Koolotus: You are right. I do feel that if they have a good time, than I have done my job, but I always feel bad that I didn't mention something that could have really benefitted someone.

Becky: Thanks for that! I feel like I keep trying to invent the wheel with my show outline, but I just don't feel like I quite have "the flow" quite right. I do have a show Sunday that I know won't be as crazy. Trying to do the Belinda Booking talk "with 7 or 8 friends, just like we have here..." was impossible. LOL

 

[tlennhoff]

Thank you both for the scripts.

Ann, maybe next year with this same group do a sip & dip that is more social and talk about the new products that have come out since last year?

 

[AJPratt]

That's a great idea... I don't think they need or want a real demo. Alll of them expect for 2 had been to shows before.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Wow

That's a great idea... I don't think they need or want a real demo. Alll of them expect for 2 had been to shows before.

That's usually what happens to me in a big crowd. Only a few have not been to a show and I usually try to bring recipes already done from home for a large crowd and then just demo the products (slice potatoes with Ultimate Mandolin, chop onion with food chopper, squeeze garlic in the press, slice stuff with the knives, etc)
It can get crazy but I usually yell out that if they are paying attention they will be able to win some neat prizes. I usually play a game to make them find the products I am talking about in the catalog.
I will say "Ok now find the what page the Ultimate Mandolin is on!" And I use those 10 seconds to tell them a little about the 3 year warranty, it's dishwasher safe, and some uses for it.
The winner gets a hershey's kiss thrown at them and the winner has the most kisses. They get a prize.
I play another game related to the host benefits. I ask them to turn to page 47 and to answer my questions.
Question: "Ok let's say I want that Ultimate mandolin FREE! IT's $59.50 how much would I have to sell at my show to get it FREE?"
Answer: "$400
Question: "Ok how much would I have to sell at my show to get three half price items, and $140 in FREE stuff??"
Did you know that this month's host special is _____ for 60% off? This is a great time to book a show!!
I tell them to feel free to come and play with my products and then we serve some food. I tell them I am available for questions or to show them how everything works if they need me. I help serve and then I sit amongst them and hang out.
Considering all that happened Anne, you did a great job with those sales!! Keep up the good work!! Maybe we should bring a big can of Lysol and spray stuff when people touch it. You think they will get offended??? LOL LOL
Debbie

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks, Debbie! Those are great-- I should do those anyway!

There are just things that really, really bother me. The whole touching-my-products-before-I-use-them thing just kills me. If they are out on a coffee table on display, or I pass them around, or I'm done with them, they are fair game. My mom was a baker who did wedding cakes out of her home and cleanliness was not negotiable. I am talking hair nets going into the kitchen, touch your face, your clothes, the dog (or anything else), and then wash hands before touching food. I probably wash my hands a dozen times in the morning. Some may call me a germ-a-phobe, but's how I was raised.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Germ-a-phobe here also!!I am the same way. I secretly keep Lysol sanitizing wipes in my pocket and I wipe things off when people are done touching them.
If they make a remark or commnt about the fact they don't have germs or is that a hint? (which is usually done in a playful manner)
I tell them that I have to wipe down the products before I use them so I can be clean and ready to prepare their food or that local news team might come and raid my show and give me a very low score on my food preparation.
They usually laugh and don't get offended. I always wear gloves when I cook for people I don't know very well.
Close friends and family I don't use gloves. But I do not lick my fingers or wipe my nose or anything. YUCK!!

Debbie

 

[raebates]

10 years of 4-H foods taught me well. I also wash my hands frequently when preparing food, and I don't like people touching my tools before I make something. (Not much of an issue now that I do mostly "a walk through the catalog" shows.)

When I get to a show I wash my hands before unpacking, and I wash them again before setting out my food. People can think what they want, but cleanliness is not optional. Period.

 

[klsnyder]

What is a walk through the catalog show?? Do you make a recipe?

 

[angelkatey]

What is the Belinda Ellsworth stuff?

 

[lacychef]

What is the Belinda Ellsworth stuff?

THere's threads started about her.....try the one titled "success express", or step into success.
She is an awesome lady; she did a class at conference & is very motivational.

 

[lisacb77]

That's some good stuff Anne! I can't wait until it feels more natural!

 

[Pampered Laura]

Let me preface this by saying that I've never done a show w/out "technical difficulities". Around here, I'm known for it.
It's a huge joke at all of my shows with my "groupies" when they warn the "newbies"
not to sit in my "SPLASH ZONE".
LOL
Seriously.
I've knocked an entire can of melted frosting all over the host's kitchen floor, oven, microwave, and backsplash - in one fell swoop.

I've pulled an oven door right off it's hinges.

I've dumped an entire batch of sliced/cored/peeled apples right on to the floor.

I've put sugar in the Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss instead of salt.

Yes ma'am. I've done it all.
And they still come back for more.
And... I *always* use my clutzy-ness as a recruiting sprinkle.
"see they let anyone do this job..."
"I begin each show by renewing my own employment contract with my boss...myself"
"Good thing The Pampered Chef covers my liability insurance for up to $1mil..."
"This is why I don't sell vacuum cleaners or wine or candles"

I know your post isnt' about you being clumsy... LOL but the point is the same. You can make a joke out of it, and they'll love you for it.
When things go WRONG, it turns out to usually be my best show for bookings/sales. I think it honestly relaxes people to see me royally screw up. I've had 13 recruits in 8.5 months, and I truly think it's because most of them think "if SHE can do this successfully, I KNOW I could..." LOL
Fine with me!

During my demos when I'm having ... "issues"... I'll tell 'em:
"this is a live cooking show, people. I gave my technical editors the night off, so you're gonna have to bear with me during our "commercial break". LOL
They get a kick out of it and usually comment about how "calm cool and collected" I am.
What they don't know won't hurt 'em, right?

 

[kristenskitchen]

I know this is going to sound weird, but I take my recruiter or my director with me to as many of my shows as possible. I started not too long after my recruiter and we are good friends so anytime she can come with me I bring her. I find that having that back-up there and support helps TREMENDOUSLY!! Plus I always seem to remember things better when she's sitting right there and I can kind of look at her and go, Oh, duh! Then she can help me with my orders and set up and take down too. Its awesome. We both help each other out. I go to her shows with her too. I honestly think that a two woman consultant team should be an option when signing up (versus both women having to sign a contract). I think it works great. Much less stressful for me. I mean, the pressure's there to remember things, but its a good pressure when someone that you know is the one responsible for it. Plus I love getting the feedback from her after a show. Maybe even if you couldn't have your recruiter or director go with you, you could find a friend that wouldn't mind tagging along. I ususally have two. My recruiter and my good friend that loves to go to my shows so she comes to everyone I have that she can make and just buys one or two things here and there. Its great!

~Kristen

 

[AJPratt]

Laura: WOW! That is a GREAT story! I do make it a point, if I'm extra clumsy in an evening to say, "If I goof up or do something stupid, go ahead and laugh, because no one laughs at me more than I do."

Kristen: I do have other cons who help me out and vice versa, but they weren't available. (sigh)

 

[raebates]

What is a walk through the catalog show?? Do you make a recipe?

I bring a recipe already made. The guests fill their plate before I start. My "demo" consists of going through the catalog page by page. (I lump the cookware pages together, the SA pages together, and the stoneware pages together, talking about the benefits of the groups instead of each page.)

As I go through we play the Have it! Love it! Got a question! Game. When I mention an item they love, the first person to yell, "Have it! Love it!" gets a candy. They then tell everyone what they love about that particular product. (I use dark Hershey kisses because few women can resist chocolate, and the antioxidents in the dark stuff are good for you.) They also get a candy if they ask a question. When we reach the end of the catalog the person with the most candies (or empty wrappers) gets a prize.

This works well for me for several reasons:

• Everyone has a chance to socialize before we get started. In most groups it cuts down on people talking during my demo. (Not always, but ususally.)
  
• Getting food in their tummies seems to help most of my customers concentrate. They're listening to what I say instead of thinking, "Looks good. When do we eat?"
  
• It gets most everyone involved. (BTW, this is one of the most common comments I receive.)
  
• I get a chance to touch on more products.
  
• They sell the products for me. Most of the people at my shows haven't laid eyes on me until that night. To them I'm just someone paid to sell the stuff. I have little credibility. However, when the woman sitting next to them, the woman they've known for 20 years, gone to church with, served on school committees with, etc., says she can't live without the micro-cooker, SHE'S got credibility.
  
• This has the potential to be a quicker show. I say potential because I sometimes get a group that insists on talking about pretty much every product on every page. ("Hey, you didn't mention the mini-whipper. It's the best thing I've ever found for making chocolate milk.") Thankfully, this doesn't happen often, and, when it does, the crowd doesn't seem to mind.

I still do the occasional traditional cooking show, but most of my hosts like this style.