Parties?

[lskkjk]

I have just started a jewelry business and have had a few parties. But... got no new leads on any new parties. Now what? How do you get any more parties? Any and all suggestions would be great. I have already used up the friends and family resource haha.
Thanks

[Tazerplayer]

I have joined a few networking groups in my area and I just did a big vendor event. I also have been hanging fliers anywhere that will left me. I leave my business card everywhere. You can see if you can leave a catalog in the teachers lounge. Host a party at place that will let you and put an add in the paper for it.
Try the site www.meetup.com

[jandamom]

Some ideas:

I agree with doing a vendor event. I'm in PA and we have a website pavendors.com which lists different vending opportunities by county. You can also find events on craiglist--search vendor events. Make getting contacts and bookings your focus by having a raffle where people have to provide their contact info and brief questionaire to enter. Usually there are goody bags handed out. Put more than your card in the goody bag-- include some sort of gift certificate if they book a party.

Start profiling people you casually know and meet. I know all the books tell us not to pre-judge but many of bang out heads against the wall trying to convince uninterested people that hosting a party is a great idea. Look around- who seems to LOVE jewelry-- she changes her jewelry to match her outfit, usually into other accessories, makeup, etc. Also who do you know who loves to throw parties. Make a list, Start approaching those ladies. even though you don't know them well. Make sure to get their contact info and follow up with them if they seem interested.

Wear your jewelry whenever you go out and have a 20 second response (which suggests booking a party) ready if someone compliments you.

Send postcards to your neighbors-- either invite them to an Open House or have a gift certificate for booking a party.

Hang flyers or supplemental catalogs. Leave them places you go-- doctor, in supermarket cart, etc.

Join a group or engage in other fun activities to meet new people and always be ready to talk about you business.

Once you get going, make sure to book parties at your parties. Experiment with booking games.

Good luck.

[lskkjk]

Thank you so much for your replies. This helps a lot!!

[Tazerplayer]

Glad to help!

[sparklegirl]

I recommend going online and check out www.teamup,com. There you can find local groups in your area based on interest (party plan, jewelry, etc). Here in Virginia, they have lunch together, get discounts at the nail place with 5 or more and other events where we have a lot of fun. You can meet lots of people this way. Good luck.

[Tazerplayer]

I went to teamup.com and it is a calendar???

[sparklegirl]

I apologize. Its supposed to read Do something, Learn something, Share something, Change something - Meetup It;s a great place to start.

[lskkjk]

I guess I didn't understand cuz what I pulled up was also a calendar?? teamup.com ???

[omahamom]

I think it was meant to say meetup.com

I have found some great networking groups in my area through that site.

Good luck!