WAHM Forums

Hello,


I joineda party plan companyabout three weeks ago and I've been pretty excited about it (more so than I thought I'd be). I was only going to do this "for fun" but I've found a lot more motivation than I knew I had. smileys/smiley1.gif Anyway, I have a question about how you jumpstart your business? I've only got one party scheduled for a friend and I'm having a "business launch" the week before. Maybe it would be unreasonable to expect moresales/parties scheduledin only three weeks? But I've emailed over 100 friends w/ my new info and newwebsite... and out of 60 or so people that I invited to my business launch, I only have 6 "yeses" and 6 "maybes". Is that normal? If so, how do you generate more business once you feel you've tapped all your own friends and family? I'd appreciate any ideas.


Thanks!Edited by: aidansmama

How many of those have you called on the phone? I wouldn't rely only on e-mails. What about making it sound fun? Have a Girl's Night Out? What about a Chocolate theme? Foot soaks and chocolate...I'd be there....

You definitely have to pick up the phone and call those 60 people. Let them hear the excitement in your voice over your new business! Tell them what is in it for them... You will get a much better turnout if you call them!





Bev

Now that I've already sent out the evite, I suppose I could call the ones who either didn't respond or haven't "viewed" it yet. I'm SO much more an email person but I guess I'll need to change that. Oh well, I've been thinking that anyway (outside of business).


I do think I've made it sound fun... It's an Autumn themed sampling party with holiday treats and raffles for products (everyone gets a ticket for coming, extra tickets for ordering or scheduling a party). It's also a drop-in between 2 and 6 pm.


But to add a little to my previous question (what to do after you've tapped your circle of friends/family)... do you ever get to a point when it kinda "grows" on it's own - due to marketing and "friends of friends"?

Sheri, I am also with the same company, and we are not allowed to have any reference to the company when posting online- it would be considered online advertising. You may want to change your signature to something a little more subtle. There are several other consultants here on this board and I know the Home Office knows about this site and checks it frequently..... Good luck with your biz

Oh wow - thanks for letting me know! I knew we couldn't sell on ebay or advertise on Craigslist... but I didn't realize we couldn't reference it at all either!


Sheri

I really have to agree with everyone else. Email invites are not the way to go. When you start a new business you need tocall all of your friends. Let them know what you are doing. Let them hear the excitement in your voice. If they are unable to attend your show, you then have the opportunity to ask them if they would like to meet with you to see the products privatly, if they would like to book a party, or place an order. You just don't have that opportunity with an email.


I am NOT a phone person. But I am becoming one because I have to be. My hubby laughs at me. He knows h ow much I hate talking on the phone and has told me that this biz is good for me. It doesn't allow me to sit back in my comfort zone.


Best of Luck!
Marianne Hanson

Congratulations on your new business! It is so exciting to start something new! You will definitely want to be on the phone making calls to everyone that you sent emails to and I would also recommend calling them the day before as well just as a reminder! For those that are not able to make it, see if they can be a future booking for you! Personal contact is the best way to go. They will want to hear the excitement in your voice!

I am an e-mail person myself. I do agree with everyone about calling, but I dont think you should give up on e-mail either. Dont forget to add your link to your signature line- that way even if you are e-mailing about something else, you can still have a eye catching link they might want to try.


-Sandy


www.naturespaws.com/sandycastaneda (http://www.naturespaws.com/sandycastaneda)

Thank you, All! I can tell this will be a stretching opportunity for me.