Your Cooking Show Planning Guide

[cheflorraine]

A couple years ago I had 8 shows on my June calendar. I was doing a happy dance b/c I was sure I would make it to the highest level of free stuff. They ALL canceled or postponed! :cry::yuck: I had to make calls and give discounts just to get enough orders to stay active. I was stunned and knew I had to make a HUGE change. I started meeting my hosts is person, and my business made 180 degree turn. Meeting 1-to-1 makes all the difference, and a cup of coffee costs about the same as mailing the packet. (write off a latte -- YES!) I bet I have cut my cancel/postpones by 95%!

Sandi

Obviously your hosts don't mind taking the extra time to meet in person?? Do you meet with them once, and then do the rest of the follow-up by phone? On that in-person visit, do you go over the 'call 1' host coaching stuff?

 

[baychef]

A couple years ago I had 8 shows on my June calendar. I was doing a happy dance b/c I was sure I would make it to the highest level of free stuff. They ALL canceled or postponed! :cry::yuck: I had to make calls and give discounts just to get enough orders to stay active. I was stunned and knew I had to make a HUGE change. I started meeting my hosts is person, and my business made 180 degree turn. Meeting 1-to-1 makes all the difference, and a cup of coffee costs about the same as mailing the packet. (write off a latte -- YES!) I bet I have cut my cancel/postpones by 95%!Sandi

This is wonderful Sandi and it does make a difference. Between working full time and the long distance it is to everyone I can not do this very often. Keep up the great work!

 

[stephaniem4him]

Oh my gosh Sheila! Thank you so much for this post!! I just got out a red pen and did this to the planning guide for the host packet I was about to put today. Thank you for your optimistic and helpful post!

 

[CarsonCooks]

Obviously your hosts don't mind taking the extra time to meet in person?? Do you meet with them once, and then do the rest of the follow-up by phone? On that in-person visit, do you go over the 'call 1' host coaching stuff?

I try to always meet in person with the hosts - it shows them your genuine interest in helping them have a great show! I work full time and have two small kids and still am able to find time to work these in, I make it a priority. I typically will meet them at a local cafe for a quick lunch over my lunch break or after work for a quick cup of coffee. I've never had a host balk at this - they're usually really excited and hey, they get free food (which I then write off!) I don't typically spend more than 20-30 minutes with them and basically go through the host packet, what I need from them, and tips for how to have a great party. I also take the opportunity to find out a little more about the guests and see how I can personalize the show to the group (highlight baking items for bakers, drinking items for drinkers, etc) The hosts seem to really like this. I tell them all that the difference between a $600 show and a $1200 show is them - I come and do the same show but their excitement will carry through to their guests and make all the difference to their show outcomes. I do the rest of the host coaching over the phone. Hope this helps!

 

[ShelbyMichalek]

So it's an old thread but who doesn't like to resurrect one now and then?
I bought my red pen today and after marking up one of the planners I really think it looks SO much better then the way it is plain. Thanks for the tips Sheila!!

 

[pamperedchef88]

It works I have done this on two diffrent parties and so far they have been my biggest shows. Plus I have started to meet in person either for coffe or just to "drop off" the hosts packet by there house. Dropping it off allows me to see the set up of there house and know how to get there, plus I usually end up talking about all the great products and I have found that those products that I highlight are sold often through the outside orders cause the host got excited about it before the show, dont wait to sell till you get to the Show!