Want to Pamper Your Business and Get a Free Dessert? Try This New Approach!

[Bren706]

I began my "Pamper a Business" today by stopping at 3 locations. The first one was a new salon. Both the owner and the other stylist LOVE PC! The owner invited me to come back tomorrow and set up a table from 9-2. It sounds like there may be a Grand Opening, as she is also having Mary Kay, Shaklee, and another there as well! Not sure how much traffic will be there, but I am happy!!! (and I may be crazy, because I have a show tomorrow eve).

I also stopped at another salon, but they already have a consultant (a clustermate (director) that is hospitality). My third stop was a realtor's office. The secretary took the letter and catty to give to the realtor. I hope something comes of it.

 

[heather223]

Thanks for this great idea! I am going to send the letter and one catalog to 10 businesses this weekend and see how it goes.

I also wanted to share how I do my Gift Certificates. I do my own that have to be redeemed through me. I went on Vista print and used the standard size postcard and make it into a Gift Certificate. It is large and sturdy.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Ok, I didn't read this entire thread (it's so long - how wonderful to see so many positive responses), so if these issues have been addressed already, I apologize.

I sent out 20 of the letters about a week ago, and made a spreadsheet of all the businesses for follow-up. I just got off the phone after calling 16 of them (the reason I didn't call the other 4 will be in a separate post). I left messages for a few, and got 2 bookings!!! Woohoo! Especially excited about the realtor's office, because she wants me to do it in September, when everyone is back from vacation AND on a Tuesday, when they have their weekly sales meeting, so most, if not all, the sales staff will be there! She even said I can do a demonstration!

Anyway, a couple of the places I called said no because they do not allow soliciting. Another business (a daycare center) said they have to receive approval first from the corporate office. This makes me realize why it was such a good idea to call first, rather than just walk in with food I spent money to buy and time to prepare, if they were just going to turn me away.

By the way, of the 16 places, only one (happens to be one who said no) mentioned receiving the letter. I think I'll still send the letters, because then I don't completely feel like I'm cold calling, but if you sent letters and didn't hear back from anyone, I suggest you call. It's very likely the letter got 'lost in the shuffle' or just plain thrown out.

I'm also considering buying the dots stationery from Merrill, because it would really stand out!

Please pray for those two bookings (both in September - the second one is a bank), to be successful!

ETA - None of the businesses to whom I sent letters called me - but, I still have two bookings from following up!!

 

[chefmeg]

I am going to a local mall on Tuesday to "shop for leads" and I just had a light-bulb moment! I should go into each store and ask them if they want to be "pampered" as a business....this gives me the in I need to feel even half-way comfortable doing the "shopping" thing!!

 

[pampchefsarah]

Two of the businesses to whom I sent letters are restaurants, and two are apartment buildings. Before I called them, I realized the Pampering for these types of businesses might be a little different then other places. For example, how exactly do I tell an Italian restaurant I'm going to bring in either a dessert or an appetizer? Although, it would be interesting to bring our new Tiramisu Brownie Trifle!!

For the apartments, am I pampering just the staff, or tenants as well?

Any suggestions on wording, and how I would do the actual pampering?

For the businesses I did call, I said:
"Hello, my name is Sarah Rodriguez, and I'm an Independent Consultant for The Pampered Chef. I'm wondering if you'd be interested in having me come in and Pamper Your Business, by bringing in either a dessert or appetizer."

For those businesses for whom I left messages, I added my phone number (of course), and that I'd call back in a couple of days to follow-up if I didn't hear from them first.

 

[chefmeg]

Ok, I didn't read this entire thread (it's so long - how wonderful to see so many positive responses), so if these issues have been addressed already, I apologize.

I sent out 20 of the letters about a week ago, and made a spreadsheet of all the businesses for follow-up. I just got off the phone after calling 16 of them (the reason I didn't call the other 4 will be in a separate post). I left messages for a few, and got 2 bookings!!! Woohoo! Especially excited about the realtor's office, because she wants me to do it in September, when everyone is back from vacation AND on a Tuesday, when they have their weekly sales meeting, so most, if not all, the sales staff will be there! She even said I can do a demonstration!

Anyway, a couple of the places I called said no because they do not allow soliciting. Another business (a daycare center) said they have to receive approval first from the corporate office. This makes me realize why it was such a good idea to call first, rather than just walk in with food I spent money to buy and time to prepare, if they were just going to turn me away.

By the way, of the 16 places, only one (happens to be one who said no) mentioned receiving the letter. I think I'll still send the letters, because then I don't completely feel like I'm cold calling, but if you sent letters and didn't hear back from anyone, I suggest you call. It's very likely the letter got 'lost in the shuffle' or just plain thrown out.

I'm also considering buying the dots stationery from Merrill, because it would really stand out!

Please pray for those two bookings (both in September - the second one is a bank), to be successful!

ETA - None of the businesses to whom I sent letters called me - but, I still have two bookings from following up!!

oh, do tell!!!

 

[pampchefsarah]

I am going to a local mall on Tuesday to "shop for leads" and I just had a light-bulb moment! I should go into each store and ask them if they want to be "pampered" as a business....this gives me the in I need to feel even half-way comfortable doing the "shopping" thing!!

Hi Meg! How exactly do you 'shop for leads?' Do you just start talking to other shoppers?

I think going in and asking if the stores would be interested in being pampered is a great idea! Let us know how it goes.

 

[pampchefsarah]

oh, do tell!!!

Oop, we must have been typing at the same time. See the post about restaurants and apartment buildings.

 

[chefmeg]

I am still a little in the dark about all of the details for this, but here is what I understand it to be:
I go to the mall, taking with me recruiting and show info, and go from store to store to talk to the EMPLOYEES, not the customers in the stores! I just tell them I have information about a great opportunity, are they interested.

I am waiting for info from a friend as to the idea of "no soliciting" applies to talking to store employees! I just desperately need to reach more people than a show will aloow at this point to change things up in my business! I hope this works!

 

[Liquid Sky]

I am pampering my FIRST business on my first try!!!! My dentist office is on board! I will pick up all orders and drop off the dessert on Aug. 19th. :sing:

I also dropped a letter off at a salon I used to go to. I am going to follow up with them today.

I want to pamper 2 businesses a week :love:

 

[vmullenax]

I really like this idea. I am going to try it!

 

[vmullenax]

I really like this idea. I am going to try it!

 

[chefmoseley]

for those with publisher here is a postcard version of the letter to make it less expensive for you

 

[heather223]

Ok, I didn't read this entire thread (it's so long - how wonderful to see so many positive responses), so if these issues have been addressed already, I apologize.

I sent out 20 of the letters about a week ago, and made a spreadsheet of all the businesses for follow-up. I just got off the phone after calling 16 of them (the reason I didn't call the other 4 will be in a separate post). I left messages for a few, and got 2 bookings!!! Woohoo! Especially excited about the realtor's office, because she wants me to do it in September, when everyone is back from vacation AND on a Tuesday, when they have their weekly sales meeting, so most, if not all, the sales staff will be there! She even said I can do a demonstration!

Anyway, a couple of the places I called said no because they do not allow soliciting. Another business (a daycare center) said they have to receive approval first from the corporate office. This makes me realize why it was such a good idea to call first, rather than just walk in with food I spent money to buy and time to prepare, if they were just going to turn me away.

By the way, of the 16 places, only one (happens to be one who said no) mentioned receiving the letter. I think I'll still send the letters, because then I don't completely feel like I'm cold calling, but if you sent letters and didn't hear back from anyone, I suggest you call. It's very likely the letter got 'lost in the shuffle' or just plain thrown out.

I'm also considering buying the dots stationery from Merrill, because it would really stand out!

Please pray for those two bookings (both in September - the second one is a bank), to be successful!

ETA - None of the businesses to whom I sent letters called me - but, I still have two bookings from following up!!

What did you say when you called to follow up?

 

[ivy5683]

I just got my 3rd booking from my letters and I have another who's getting approval!
Do those follow up calls and at least they have a heads up when they receive the letter!

 

[pampchefsarah]

What did you say when you called to follow up?

"Hi, my name is Sarah Rodriguez, and I'm an Independent Consultant for The Pampered Chef. I'm just calling to see if you'd be interested in having me Pamper your business, by bringing in either a dessert or an appetizer." Remember to say it slooowwwlly and naturally. I tend to speak really fast when I have what I'm going to say memorized. Hearing a memorized script is as bad as receiving a form letter.

The first couple of calls, I mentioned bringing catalogs, but everyone seemed to understand the point of what I'm trying to do (thus, all those saying they don't allow solicitations), so I stopped. This makes it sound more like you really are trying to pamper them. When leaving voice mail messages, I also stated I would be calling back this week (which will be today), to follow-up. I think on those calls I'll say something like "I just started Pampering businesses in the area, and it has been a huge success so far. I'd hate for you to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful recipe, and earn some of our awesome new products."

 

[pampchefsarah]

I mailed out 15 more letters yesterday (8/7), and this time added the Aug-Oct flyer someone was amazingly kind enough to post in files (I used the one where the knives are sideways, so they don't look all squished).

I checked my e-mail a little while ago, and had a message from a realtor association which received one of my letters (alright, USPS, that was QUICK!). It's only a 2 person office, so they don't think having me come in and pamper the business would do me much good, but they are having a trade show next month, and invited me to register for a booth (and join the organization). So, while I realize this is a solicitation turn-about, they represent 700 realtors in the area, so this really could be a boost for my business!

By the way, all the letters I sent out yesterday went to real estate offices. Next week I'll send to banks. The week after that, maybe veterenarians. Also, I changed the greeting from "Dear Local Business Owner" to "Dear Local Merchant," since not everyone receiving the letter is going to be an actual owner.

 

[ChefEileen]

I mailed out 15 more letters yesterday (8/7), and this time added the Aug-Oct flyer someone was amazingly kind enough to post in files (I used the one where the knives are sideways, so they don't look all squished).

I checked my e-mail a little while ago, and had a message from a realtor association which received one of my letters (alright, USPS, that was QUICK!). It's only a 2 person office, so they don't think having me come in and pamper the business would do me much good, but they are having a trade show next month, and invited me to register for a booth (and join the organization). So, while I realize this is a solicitation turn-about, they represent 700 realtors in the area, so this really could be a boost for my business!

By the way, all the letters I sent out yesterday went to real estate offices. Next week I'll send to banks. The week after that, maybe veterenarians. Also, I changed the greeting from "Dear Local Business Owner" to "Dear Local Merchant," since not everyone receiving the letter is going to be an actual owner.

Sarah;

That is a great idea to change from Owner to Merchant, it covers all the bases

 

[Langrco]

where are the flyers for Aug-Oct listed in the files. I am going to try that with the mailings. Thanks

 

[Humble Beginnings]

where are the flyers for Aug-Oct listed in the files. I am going to try that with the mailings. Thanks

if you type August in files it will pop up

 

[Langrco]

I don't see one that has Aug - Oct.

 

[paigev71]

I have a dilemma. I mailed out some of these almost 2 weeks ago and did not get any calls. I would like to call and follow up, but I work during the day and that is the time hair and nail salons (who I sent the letters to) would be there. I could try on a Saturday but that is usually a busy time for those who would be in so I don't think they would appreciate the introduction. I could possibly go by each one on an evening or Saturday they might be open and introduce myself, ask them if they got my letter and at the very least I could ask if I could leave business cards and catalogs. Any suggestions?

 

[armywyf]

How about taking the list with you to work and plan to make just a couple of calls each day while on your lunch break.

 

[paigev71]

How about taking the list with you to work and plan to make just a couple of calls each day while on your lunch break.

I could try that but I only get a half hour for lunch so usually after I go to the restroom, take my turn with the microwave and eat, my time is generally up.

 

[heather223]

I could try that but I only get a half hour for lunch so usually after I go to the restroom, take my turn with the microwave and eat, my time is generally up.

Do you get any breaks during the day? I also work full time and only get 30 minutes for lunch and try to make a few calls each day. I understand how hard it can be. :chef:

 

[paigev71]

Do you get any breaks during the day? I also work full time and only get 30 minutes for lunch and try to make a few calls each day. I understand how hard it can be. :chef:

The biggest problem with my job is that even when you are at "lunch" someone still has to answer the phone. So if any of us is sitting at their desk, everyone just lets the phone ring and assumes you will get it. I would have to make everyone aware I am on MY time and will NOT be answering a phone except to make my own calls. I haven't worked out that strategy yet. It could happen. I just need to develop a plan. I have to go to Chicago Thursday and Friday though, so it might not even happen this week. ACK.

 

[Humble Beginnings]

I'm thinking of starting this, I have read the thread and am still trying to figure how this might work. I get sending the letter, I see some do call to follow up, (wondering what you say), then show up to pick up the orders with dessert. For the host benefits, how is this being handled? Let's say the order is only 200.00 or less than a show, what happens then? Ok, on the positive side, if the show is 500.00 do you take the benefits, breaking them up, and raffle them off to whoever ordered?

 

[lacychef]

OK, not sure why I hadn't read this before...but I like the twist on this! Has anyone else had good results?

 

[gbakes27]

I snet out my second batch of leters 8. I sent 12 the first time and only got two yeses ( I had to call everyone b/c no one called me) They both have to wait till the fall since one is remodeling her 'day spa' business and the other - an accounting firm with lots of ladies.. they all just either went to one a woman had from there or ordered from it. I hope these two pan out. I will call the others (realtors) in a week. They should get the letter tomorrow.

 

[K_Jurich]

Ok so I sent 5 letters out to locate salons. Now its just . . . wait. . . .
So who has gotten responses from this. Just curious? Is it working?