What can I do to make my first show a success?

[IAmChefJ]

I'm so nervous! My first show is tonight, and I've had a crazy day already. I'd hoped to watch the training DVD one more time, but I don't think I"m going to be able to. Just going on a wing and a prayer!

It's a small show - expecting 6 people - from a good friend, and I'll know several of the guests. I'm just planning to be up front that this is my first show and they're my guinea pigs.

I am demoing the 3 cheese garden pizza (using pre-shredded cheese!) and bringing the chocolate truffle things that we will garnish on site showing the food chopper (nuts) and decorator bottles (icing).

Wish me luck!!!!

 

[twinkie10]

Good luck... you'll do great! Remind them it's your first show and then you can relax!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I agree with Twinkie...it's your first show- just relax and have fun and make jokes about yourself. If you are too uptight about making a mistake others won't have a good time.

I don't condone this type of action, but maybe a glass of wine would help with the nerves?

 

[Kitchen2u]

B - R - E - A - T - H - E . . . . . . I - N - H - A - L - E . . . . . . E -X - H - A - L - E

There's one guarantee ~ you WILL survive!

You only have your 1st party . . . ONCE!

Tell them it's your 1st show ~

Ask for help from the guests ~

Ask them how THEY USE the products ~

Get them up there with you ~ let THEM make the recipe!

DON'T FORGET TO ASK FOR BOOKINGS!!!

You'll be great ~ Congratulations on your "step off" party! Make sure you come back to this thread and let us know how it went!

 

[IAmChefJ]

Well I'm glad it's over! But it went fine. I wasn't fabulous by any stretch of the imagination... but I survived.

5 guests... 2 outside orders... but get this... FOUR Bookings! 2 for June, 2 for July. Woo hoo!

 

[janetupnorth]

Great jobs - bookings are the key to the business so consider that 1st show a WONDERFUL SUCCESS!

 

[Kitchen2u]

AWESOME job ! ! ! That's incredible . . . FOUR bookings! You've got NOTHING to worry about ~ you definitely know how to get the bookings!

 

[PamperedTre]

Oh my gosh, if I get one booking on my first show, I'll be elated. Congrats!

 

[lockhartkitchen]

My secret is to use language that assumes everyone wants a show. I say "When you have your cooking show, Cindy will the first to place an order because she'll get to take advantage of our host booking benefit"

I make my shows real. Sometimes I forget ingredients. What host said, "I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that does that. You make a show so much fun." "I'm the pampered chef not the perfect chef." my favorite phrase. I ask everyone about booking and always mention that a cooking show may not be everyone's thing, but getting free product is, so if you would like free product I'd be glad to give you some catalogs that you can share with friends as a catalog show.

I'm prepared to help with objections/obstacles. Small kitchen, not many friends, etc. These can be turned around in their favor, especially with summer coming up, outside shows help with space issues. I have been booking 3-4 a show.