WAHM Forums

I was hoping that some of you experienced ladies could help me out with some ideas for how to book more parties. So far, in March I developed my presentation, called through my warm market, and booked 3 parties for April.Now, I am sort of at a stand-still. I have ideas for booking parties from the presentations, but I don't want to rely on that. 1 party isalready done, one is not until the 29th, and one rescheduled for the end of May.


Does anyone have any tricksup their sleeves for filling up my calendar? I'm pretty new so any current customers I have just ordered recently. Has anyone posted flyers locally looking for hosts?


Thanks!


CarrieEdited by: nhgirl

I was thinking I should offer a class on this. If you can get 5 people together, I'll offer a class on booking parties, scripts, and making the most of the party.


I do have a class on finding and maintaining customers.


Basically, the short version. Right now you need to be a detective. Be looking everywhere for opportunities to meet new customers and show them your biz: Craft shows, spring shows, fairs, school carnivals, anything you can find a way to fit into. You can also offer your services to others as a speaker.


Another great method is referrals.


Who do you know who needs an escape?


Best of luck!


Debbie

Craft shows, fairs, etc. are probably my first thoughts on this especially if you've called people. Then check back on those past receipts from since maybe January (unles you're brand new to the biz) and start making customer service calls. "how did you like the XXXXX you purchased at the party? was there anything else you'd like to have gotten? Then go from there. If those don't net anything. Then you might just have to wait until the parties to really get the bookings, but you also in the meantime want to make sure you ALWAYS have a catalog with you and your calendar and host packet in your car. That way you can strike up a conversation with the grocery clerk, bank teller, etc. and have something to show them. Ask if they mind if you get their number to call and get their opinion of the catalog. Most times people will say yes and then you can call and offer the benefits of the party if they did like the book.

I have to admit, I do my best booking at parties and have gotten so I don't really need to make the calls too much anymore away from parties. But those are my "back to basics" things that I do if I need to.

With my presentation parties, my goal is to turn around and book a date with someone who signs up there. The idea there being that things kind of naturally develop and I don't run out of bookings. Doesn't always work though. I've got a brochure out in the community that has a bit on the back about calling me to see when my next Wellness Workshop will be.


And I'm thinking about taking out an ad but I'm not sure how to word it just yet. The catch for me is, I don't want to do a presentation at someone's home unless they are already a customer, because the point of my presentation is to show our products as better than the grocery store brands, and it's not so good if someone has Dial or Tide on their counter! So I think what I need to do first is find a place I can book to have the presentation at, other than someone's home (including mine - it's too much work cleaning beforehand!!).

Thank you ladies!


Debbie, that would be a very successful class I think! I will have to take a closer look at your site and check things out, I know there is a need for great coaching.


I will definately look intodoing the various vendor fairs/shows/events, that must be a great way to get leads.


I have been reading through some of the archives and also found the flower approach. Has anyone here used that? You take 25 carnations or flower of your choice and go into an office building (or would probably work for other types of businesses). Hand each lady there a flower and say something to this effect "I am honoring business women in my community today. In addition to the flowers, I'm having a drawing this evening for free products. Just fill out this form and I will call you to let you know what you won!" You can then call the next day and set appointments to give out the free items or $5 off a product, product demo, etc whatever works for your company.


Thanks again, and I'd be happy to hear any more suggestions!


Carrie

i am also looking for booking ideas because I have totally tapped out my warm market. Also, there are no events coming up for a couple of months that I can get in on. Has anyone had success running a vendor fair?

Yes I would definately consider setting up a table at a large event to promote your business!