Wacky Things That Happen at Our Shows...

[raebates]

I made Kitty Litter Cake every year my son was in elementary for him to take to his class for a birthday treat. He's 21 now, and his former classmates still introduce me to people as the lady who brought the Kitty Litter Cake.

I did a show once where one of the guests told me about the last show she had been to. When asked about the cleaning of an item she would say, "Oh, you just rinse it and put it away." She told them there was no need to use soap or anything since they cleaned up so easy.

I asked if she was talking about the stoneware. She said that the woman said this about everything--whisks, chopper, cookware, etc. She said she refused to eat anything at the show.

 

[PCJenni]

What is kitty litter cake?

 

[raebates]

It's a cake that looks like a box of kitty litter. It even has appropriately shaped Tootsie Rolls to add to the authenticity. I never had a kid refuse to eat it, but lots of adults just couldn't get past the way it looked.

 

[PCJenni]

What is the litter made of? Sounds totally funny!

 

[raebates]

It's half of a spice cake and half of a white cake crumbled together and mixed with vanilla pudding, with crushed sandwich cookies that have been tinted green. I don't have the recipe with me.

 

[chefkristin]

It's half of a spice cake and half of a white cake crumbled together and mixed with vanilla pudding, with crushed sandwich cookies that have been tinted green. I don't have the recipe with me.

Here it is even with a picture!!! EEWW!!!!

 

[raebates]

You can make "scratch marks" with a fork, too, for added realism.

 

[JAE]

Wacky Party problemI had a show once where people were talking and laughing so loud and so much I eventually had to stop my presentation. Even the people sitting right in front of me couldn't hear me speak because the ladies in the other room were being so loud. This was in 1999, and I really didn't know how to handle it except to say "Well, I'm done with my demonstration. If you have any questions feel free to ask." I started cleaning up and calculating orders. It ended up being over $1000, my best show, as far as sales go, ever! Now that I'm "older" (by 8 years) I think I would now handle it differently, but at the time I was naive and stunned by the behavior of those grown women.
If it ever happens to me again I think I would join into their conversation and start involving them with my demo. I've done enough subbing in all grades K-12 that I've learned how to calm a class through involvement. I think it would work on adults, too. I've also made sure that my demos aren't too long because I know when I get out of the house and go to a show, the last thing I want to do is be quiet and listen. I want to socialize and relate.

 

[chefann]

I had a show once where people were talking and laughing so loud and so much I eventually had to stop my presentation. Even the people sitting right in front of me couldn't hear me speak because the ladies in the other room were being so loud. This was in 1999, and I really didn't know how to handle it except to say "Well, I'm done with my demonstration. If you have any questions feel free to ask." I started cleaning up and calculating orders. It ended up being over $1000, my best show, as far as sales go, ever! Now that I'm "older" (by 8 years) I think I would now handle it differently, but at the time I was naive and stunned by the behavior of those grown women.
If it ever happens to me again I think I would join into their conversation and start involving them with my demo. I've done enough subbing in all grades K-12 that I've learned how to calm a class through involvement. I think it would work on adults, too. I've also made sure that my demos aren't too long because I know when I get out of the house and go to a show, the last thing I want to do is be quiet and listen. I want to socialize and relate.

Sounds like you have the right idea. At Conference last year, Belinda Ellsworth said that the reasons people host home shows changes, and we're currently in the "to socialize" part of the cycle. She recommended introducing yourself at the demo time, and let people know that you'll be starting the demo in 10 minutes to give them a couple minutes to catch up with each other. Then do your demo after the 10 minute social time. Keep the demo short, so they can get back to chatting.

 

[raebates]

I have a Yak & Snack party that I offer now. I bring a recipe already made. The first 15 to 20 minutes of the show is Yak Time, where the guests get a chance to visit. I spend no more than 20 minutes talking about the newest products and explaining the current and upcoming specials. Then everyone is back to yakking and snacking and placing orders. Quick, fun show--especially for a group that's pretty familiar with PC.

 

[Rebeccascabinet]

Two shows ago, I did the demo in about 20 minutes. $800 show!

 

[JAE]

Back in the late 1990's (I don't remember which year) after I went to conference I started talking less and talking about higher priced items and what you could do with them rather than all the features of each item. My show average jumped from the $300's to the $500's. So much more fun for me and the guests!