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

[linojackie]

My open house didn't work so well, so this is my plan B. I sent out about 15 letters and got no response so I am going to follow up with them today. If they don't show interest...I guess I'll pick out 15 more and ask them!

 

[grainsmommy]

This is great! I was going to count on my 2 friends parties' for referrals and wasn't sure if I'd get any or not, but this gives me another way to really get out there and get business of my own! Thanks

 

[heat123]

That's great Heather!

Thanks Lacy! I have a bunch of left over SS cattys, so my plan is to print up that letter and put them to use with my leftovers before months end and run around like a mad woman giving them out! I guess I better get on it, I only have next week!

 

[ChefJWarren]

I did the letter thing and no response. I know, I know, I know..... I need to call and follow up. Well, I just couldn't get up the nerve! I've worked in private business before and couldn't stand people who were trying to sell me something!

Well, I finally got up the nerve to call my bank (credit union). I go in there periodically and feel I have connected with one lady in there. Turns out shes the branch manager. I get her name and card from the teller the other day - she was busy at the time. I called yesterday and had to leave a message on her voice mail. Well, I left this fumbled message because I hadn't really planned on her not answering! I think, "I wouldn't call me back after listening to that!".

She called back! I explained again who I was and felt that I had connected with her and she had always been very friendly. I offer to Pamper the bank and explain how it works. Well, she says, "You know one of our tellers is getting married and I'll talk to her about a PC bridal shower". Great!!! She said she would talk to her coworkers about the show, but would definitely mention the shower and call me back tomorrow.

Whew!!! I am so relieved and excited! Now I have the courage!

 

[kaseydee]

I am just getting my letters ready to mail tonight & had an idea. I printed labels on bright pink that say "Call me before Sept. 6th for a Special FREE Gift!". Maybe this will help with the response. I'm thinking give them a SB.

 

[DandyG03]

Oh I love this idea, good thinking there Nicki!! TFS the letter you sent out too!!

 

[ChefEileen]

I am just getting my letters ready to mail tonight & had an idea. I printed labels on bright pink that say "Call me before Sept. 6th for a Special FREE Gift!". Maybe this will help with the response. I'm thinking give them a SB.

Kasey;

This is probably a silly question, but which SB are you giving them. The S/S or the F/W.

 

[kaseydee]

Eileen

Good question. It will probably be the F/W because I might not have enough S/S to spare. I am trying to keep a collection of SB's for other specials. Plus, I sent a F/W mini catalog with all of my letters so that would be the same season so I guess for sure the F/W SB. The mailman just picked up all my envelops w/the bright pink stickers so I can't wait to see if I get calls. I know most would not call us which is why so many are now doing follow up calls. Once my "call before date" passes I will call those I haven't heard from. I will post on this thread how the response is for me.

 

[linojackie]

Ok, I picked up the phone to follow up and realized this was a lot harder than I expected. In fact, I was so ready for rejection, that when I spoke to one lady, she said "I remember seeing something like that, but to be honest, I don't think I read it" What I heard was "to be honest, I don't think I'd rather"...So I said "well thank you very much" and hung up. It was only after I put the phone down I realized what a bonehead I was! She must think I'm a total weirdo!

 

[linojackie]

HA! Just got a call back from one of my follow up calls and they said OK! Sending some books their way tomorrow. WOOO HOOO!


Ok, so now I need to know if I should put a letter in there or something explaining how it works? I have dropped off a packet at this place before last Christmas and didn't get a single order!

 

[ChefGwendolyn]

Thanks Nicki!!!

 

[Hathery]

Wow, I can't wait to try this idea!! Thank you!

 

[rbergwrightchef]

EXCELLENT IDEA!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

 

[carolynsh52]

Thanks for the idea. I will try it.

 

[Humble Beginnings]

Well I slacked off on the follow up BUT I received a call today from one of my letters. There's a spa that does a Lady's Night out and they invited me to participate. I can bring an appetizer to present and will be one of the first presenting. Not sure how this is going to work, I'm going to follow up with her closer to the event scheduled for October 17th!!

 

[Pampered Pam]

I just finished tweeking the letter for my business and will print out and send out today. My business is in need of a major JUMP START!!! Hoping this helps. I added an incentive of an additional gift for anyone that books a show and I like the idea of placing a sticker on the letter with a "call back by" date.
Thanks for all the great suggestions.

 

[cherylsam]

I started my business a year ago just to get free product but with finances today I'm just now having to actually work this as a business. I am so glad I read this!!!

Thanks so much for that letter! I'm going to start my business off with it.

:chef:

Cheryl

 

[esavvymom]

You guys may have already figured this out, but I'm doing some other research, and realized that my area Chamber of Commerce site will list all the businesses in my area in their search tool. It provides address/phone, and a contact name. This is a great tool to look for in your area, versus just getting in the car and doing things the hard way.
When I start doing this (probably after the holidays- since I'll be out all of December due to our big trip to Walt Disney World:cheerleader: ), I will hand-deliver as many as possible, but having this information will be a great time saver!!

 

[linojackie]

I am not having the best of luck with this. I call to confirm dropoff of the dessert and get a "no thanks", message left with no response or please call back later. I've done 4 now and gotten $60 in orders.

 

[Ginny Hagerty]

That is a great idea. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[Hathery]

I am not having the best of luck with this. I call to confirm dropoff of the dessert and get a "no thanks", message left with no response or please call back later. I've done 4 now and gotten $60 in orders.

Have you figured out any other ways to improve it? I fear I might encounter the same thing if I try it...

 

[jenniwest04]

I love this! Thank you soo much for posting the idea and letter! Perhaps this will help the small business lag I'm experiencing from our local economy!

 

[avelissar]

Has anyone offered provide a free lunch/dinner in return for collecting orders? Most of these places should have microwaves. You could do a quick demonstration (deep covered baker) in the microwave. I would think this would inspire the staff to start off their show to a good start. Perhaps, instead of doing it at the beginning, have the demonstration halfway through.

Has anyone tried this? Or have thoughts on it? Am I making an incorrect assumption, that places should have microwaves?

Thanks!

Avelissar

 

[Yakmama]

Has anyone offered provide a free lunch/dinner in return for collecting orders? Most of these places should have microwaves. You could do a quick demonstration (deep covered baker) in the microwave. I would think this would inspire the staff to start off their show to a good start. Perhaps, instead of doing it at the beginning, have the demonstration halfway through.

Has anyone tried this? Or have thoughts on it? Am I making an incorrect assumption, that places should have microwaves?

Thanks!

Avelissar

I called several businesses and the whole thing was a HUGE bust. No one was interested- everyone thought I was a sales person and most hung up on me before I even finished what I was saying.
Maybe if I visited in person- it would have been better- but I have my two babies with me during work hours- so it is almost impossible that way.

 

[Bren706]

Today, I decided to revisit this again, and get over my nervousness about approaching the businesses. I had approached a couple businesses at the beginning of the thread. 1 was not interested, the other had one employee book a show, which turned into a catty show, which then the host went MIA.

Today, I visited 3 salons. One of them already has a consultant, and I left hostess kits at the other two.:thumbup: Out of those two, I am not sure about 1 of them. The person was a little busy, and asked me to leave the kit on the counter. (She had also not familiar with PC). I will go back next week to check the progress!!

 

[cookingmom]

I just stumbled onto the Pampering Businesses thread and I'm excited to try it my area in East TN. I have a question about the host benefits - who gets the free and half-price items? Who chooses the half-price items? Sorry if I'm sounding technical, I just don't want to mess up a good thing.

I'm pretty much re-starting my business after a disheartening year of low orders, and giving Mystery Host Shows to stay active b/c I wasn't getting any bookings. I've got a few new contacts now, and I'm learning all I can to keep going. I really love PC products and I think the company is the greatest.

Anita

 

[TeresaG]

What a wonderful idea.

 

[BigJohn]

Out of curiosity, who has tried a different type of business other than salons, I will do that, but am looking for other avenues. Which of these would work? Insurance agencies, doctor's offices, nursing homes, flower shops, gyms? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ughubug]

My insurance person called to leave me a message and when I called back she asked ME about PC...clearly I haven't talked myself up enough

 

[SeeMe4PC]

Thank you for reviving this thread - It takes everything I have just to get through the NEW posts much less the old ones. THe DH complains about how late I stay on reading these posts...

I have been also been trying to think of a way to get my name out there and this is PERFECT! I am comfortable doing this and am doing it TODAY! I am so excited!

I took Scott's version - changed the pictures for the current season, just a few format/wording changes and added a footer that I have on my business cards. I hope it helps someone...

Have a wonderful holiday season!