WAHM Forums

Just curious if you've found that other direct sales consultants are willing to swap shows with you. I'll be honest with you, I haven't wanted to do shows for other people because I'm just so busy scheduling my own shows. I had someone tell me that she'd do a show for me if I did one for her and I turned her down. Then I felt guilty and thought that maybe I should have! And then I thought that if I invite my friends and family to a show, I want them buying from me, not someone else http://www.mommyshelperonline.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif Okay, yes, I'm greedy! But I'm trying so hard to build my business!

How about you? Do you still have shows for other companies now that you are in direct sales?

Bev

Yes. I've found party swaps to be helpful in my business. Mostly in the networking with other DS'ers. I've found many more expos and other career opportunities by building up my network. And I'm also getting some great deals and free stuff! And every time people come to my home, they see a new AHA HomeWare and want to know how they can get it too. smileys/smiley2.gif I don't think it's hurting my business because I've already exhausted my circle of immediate friends and family. They've all done their shows for me and now I'm building my business by expanding the reach of those immediate folks. If I were just starting my business and was asking everyone to do a show for me to help get me started, then no, I wouldn't be doing swaps.

I have a different perspective on this.


My home, at this time, is in shambles. You have no idea of the work we have begun and how farrrrrrrrrr we have to go! It's a nightmare! So, I'm not interested in entertaining (at least, not for quite some time).


I think the idea of swapping parties is a fabulous one, but I had an experience recently that made me think twice about this. A woman I met, at one of my events, booked an event with me. I did her event and then she told me that she works for "XYZ" party plan company. We chatted for a bit (which was a pleasant conversation) and then she said, "So, since we're both in the party plan industry, you can now host a party for me!" I explained my situation, but she kept calling. I never avoided her calls and explained again, and again, and again, until she got really upset with me for, quote, "not being supportative of my fellow wahms."


smileys/smiley5.gif Huh? smileys/smiley5.gif


So, needless to say, a strange experience. The party swap idea is fabulous, but I think we should all understand that if we host a party with a fellow wahm, it does not "obligate" her to host one for us. This should be discussed beforehand and not "assumed".

i've done it and i've had consultants say they want to host for me and i'll reciprocate if I'm interested in their product and i haven't partied out my friends. For instance, i had a coffee party b/c i wanted products and then she did one for me.. what's hard is I can't ask my friends to keep coming to these all the time too! but it definitely can be helpful and positive

I don't do party swaps. I will tell someone, if she loves my products and wants to do a party, I'd be more then delighted. But I'm honest up front. I do one party a year, and it's only when it is something new that I want to introduce to my friends. The next one I do will be for The Traveling Vinyard as soon as it's in South Dakota.


If I do one, I don't ask them to do one in return. For my last party, it did end up swapping, but when I booked with her I told her that she did not have to do one unless she really was excited about free toys. She was, and I was excited to share her products with my friends. But I would have booked no matter what.


I've also noticed when I do parties for other consultants, they are horrible! They already feel they know how to do a party, and are uncouchable. smileys/smiley2.gifThey are also busy with their own biz, and not worried about getting people to their party with me. I'm the same way, my parties that I host don't get my full attention. And my friends are still my good customers and buy regularly from me, so I don't want to push it.


That's just my point of view.


I do however purchase from other work at home moms. And I also will host if it's one of my friends just starting. But I won't swap.


Debbie

i agree debbie.. I did the coffee one b/c i wanted to, and she i think hosted because she wanted to but also obligation, but I didn't ask her too! I get too stressed also b/c i want people to come and for it to be good for the consultant

A few years ago I did a party for someone who was in a beauty company. It went ok and that was that. A few months later she called and asked if I wanted to have a party. I told her I wasnt really into makeup, which is true. She then said "I figured since I had one for you, you would have one for me" I thought that was rude. I ended up having a party because my friends were interested in the product, but I thought that was a pushy way to go about it.

That's kinda similar to my experience, Shelly. I hear ya. I think the concept is great, but how it is handled can be a whole different story. If someone is looking to swap parties with someone, they need to discuss this upfront.


Furthermore, if someone (for whatever reason) is not able to host a party, that other consultant shouldn't take it personally. Just like we know when a guest at a party is not interested in booking, they're not saying no to "us" they're just saying no to the booking and there could be a whole list of different reasons why it's just not right for them at that time.

That said! Who wants to party swap? smileys/smiley2.gif


Sorry, couldn't resist.smileys/smiley36.gif


Debbie

LOL me me !! too bad i'm a DT consultant!

No, thank you.











Now, that's not"no, never" to you.........





That's "No, not right now."


smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley36.gifEdited by: Mellonie

no means next opportunity! i'm putting you down on my 100 No's document i need to complete for a promo we have LOL

smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley32.gif smileys/smiley36.gif smileys/smiley32.gif


I'm so glad we all have a good sense of humor!! But, in our real business world, you are absolutely right. A "NO" just brings us one step closer to a a "YES". So, we should celebrate the no's.

I don't party swap either for most of the reasons stated. I am full up with building my own business and raising my family - I could not give another show the attention it would deserve. Also, we live in a very small house and are busting at the seams. I just to do not have place or use for anything right now! BUT, a year from now, when my dh is teaching somewhere, and we buy a home, I will look at parties I want to do for my home and kitchen!


I have had a few people mention swapping, and I just tell them that I can't do it right now. Also, other consultants seem toonly fall into two categories as hostesses, they give it their ALL and pull out a great show, or else it is a sort of passive aggresive thing where theywant you toworkyour fingers to the bonefor a few orders. I want my hostesses to do a show because they LOVE my product - not because they feel indebted or want me to be indebted to them!