What Could I Have Done Differently? (Long)

[linojackie]

My director is a fast talker and usually takes everything pre-prepared to toss together at the show, then she briefs them on the products, specials, biz opp, etc. However, she said when people aren't paying attention, she usually says or does something a little strange to catch their attention like say "now I'm going to open this can of cat food" or act like she's going to lick the spatula...and it catches people off guard so they pay attention.

I had a show once with over 25 guests and everyone was talking and laughing out loud (hopefully not at me) so I didn't get to cover any of the important stuff. I ended up getting about $170 in sales, but the host spent almost $200, so it wasn't a total bust. I did walk away thinking "what did I do wrong here", but the host explained to me that a lot of them just came to eat and weren't really interested in ordering anything. Wonderful!

 

[Mduran]

Isn't that crazy how people will go to a show with no intention of buying anything! Just stay home! I did a show once with 15 guests - my highest group ever at the time (I was so excited!), only 6 placed orders! I came to find out that everyone is really there because it is the host's birthday - she threw herself a party, told everyone that came not to worry about ordering anything! I guess she thought I was just the free entertainment & cook!

 

[linojackie]

Now, I must admit, when I attended my first PC show, I had absolutely no intention of buying anything But in my defense it was more because I didn't have any money. And everything was more expensive than I was used to paying for kitchen stuff. Luckily for me, I fell in love with everything in the catalog and decided the only way to get it was to sign up. And that's actually my story too! HA!

 

[chefmeg]

when I was a newbie, I had a show that I refer to as the "Margarita show from heLL"...it was in May, weather was GORGEOUS and the host was serving Margaritas on the deck....however, my presentation was inside! Before long, all but 3 people were outside drinking and I just let it go! I told the remaining ones they were getting free shipping because they were so patientfor having not run to the drinks and then I helped myself to a Margarita and finished the recipe. The show was over $800 and I believe it is because I didn't make any snide comments about them not listening to me. We have to try to remember it isn't about us! These people have taken THEIR time to come to a party and they should enjoy it! It should never reflect badly on a consultant, or host, if the guests lose it!

 

[cdnsue]

I had a similar show on Friday night. 14 girls, all ready to chat and have fun and not at all interested in listening to me. It was a Relay For Life fundraiser too.

Anyway, one of the girls shushed the others, and I said 'Oh, no, I want you ladies to have FUN...and not feel like you HAVE to listen'. Well, it turned out to be the best thing I could have said because most of them started listening and the show totals were $1137 with SEVEN bookings!! Not to mention 2 possible recruits.

I'm still very new but I find so far if I keep it light and airy - reading the crowd for clues, it seems to work well.

Course, my first show ever was a complete nightmare, (3 major personal crises the guests felt like sharing during my show ending in most of the group crying on and off), but I figure if I could get through that and not run away screaming, it will definitely get easier!

 

[vonfirmath]

Isn't that crazy how people will go to a show with no intention of buying anything! Just stay home! I did a show once with 15 guests - my highest group ever at the time (I was so excited!), only 6 placed orders! I came to find out that everyone is really there because it is the host's birthday - she threw herself a party, told everyone that came not to worry about ordering anything! I guess she thought I was just the free entertainment & cook!

Um. I have people tell me all the time "Just come to the show, it doesn't matter if you buy anything or not. We just want you there." -- The point of these parties, for the guests, is to get together with friends and have fun.

If all they wanted to do is order products, they'd go to the website and order it.

 

[zmom58]

With this business it's important to remember, the show is not about me, it's about my host and her friends that are there for her, not to see "The Deb Z. Show." I tell my guests to feel free to chat with their neighbors, I am not there to be their teacher and slap their hands. Most of the time they pay pretty good attention, but not always, oh well.
One gal mentioned saying "Now I am going to add the catfood to our recipe.."
so if you have interesting quick tips you will usually get someone's attention.
The ladies were really chatty at my show last night, so I picked up the Salad spinner and mentioned cleaning your bagged lettuce, they thought that was cool. Then I said you can even spin your sausage or ground beef to get out 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grease..., even the 93% beef, they couldn't believe that one. I should have mentioned "spin drying" your unmentionables! That would have gotten a laugh. It's just best to roll with the punches.
Another tip is to be genuinely concerned about what they are talking about, be a friend too, not just the "consultant." Have fun and learn from every show.
Deb