Booking Tips

Phone Calls

Call everyone you can think of. Start with past hostesses, then move on to client order forms, and then old guest lists.

One of the things you can use with past Hostesses is "anniversary shows". Call her up and let her know that it's coming up on her 6 month or 1 year anniversary of her last show with you. If she will book another show with you by (date), you will bring her a very special gift! With the order forms, I usually say something like: "Hi, this is ___ with ____. We met at Suzie's show last month. I know that at that time, you were not able to book a show with me, but I'm in a contest right now, and I really need your help. I only have a couple of minutes, but I was wondering if I could tell you about this month's Hostess Special?" Then explain the special, and ask her if there's any reason she couldn't hold her show within the next 3 weeks. If she seems hesitant, Tell her that because you want to win my contest, you will bring her a special gift the night of her show. If she just isn't interested, ask her if she knows someone who might be interested in about $200 in free lingerie, and tell her when her friend books, I'll bring her a referral gift the night of that show (that way she HAS to attend).

When calling the people from a guest list who were unable to attend, I say: "Hi this is _____with _____. You were recently invited to a show that I did with Suzie. I'm so sorry to have missed you that night, but..." Then go into the same thing about being in a contest and telling her what she can get for being a Hostess with me, then try to set the date. Saying that you are in a contest really works. Even if you aren't, it's not really lying. You ARE in a contest. A contest with yourself, to get your datebook filled.

Flyers

Have a flyer made up about you and your company and leave it in paper boxes (not mail boxes that is illegal) on any road that you happen to be traveling on. Also leave books in doctors offices , laundry mats. rest stops, vets, any where there are people. Also tape them on the inside stall doors of all public restroom. (captive audience for a while).

Some more ideas!

1. The telephone is your friend , use it. Make at least 5 calls per day for bookings and recruits. Do this faithfully and assure yourself of a full datebook.
2. Prospect List. Every designer should keep a folder containing a basic prospect list beginning with everyone you know. Remember, even if you do not consider the person a potential hostess or recruit, she can be a source for referrals or a booking hostess.
3. A walk-in or Open House. To acquaint neighbors and your community with your product, send invitations to friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, etc. Give brochures to the newspaper person, put notices up in the supermarkets(ask the interested person to call) Advertise that here will be refreshments and a chance to see your product.
4. Mystery Hostess Party. The designer has a party in her own home and awards the hostess credits to the guests. The credits can be divided up or given in different ways. For instance name goes in for each $25 bought.
5. Trade Shows, Fairs, Expo's , Events. Check local activities and reserve well in advance. Consult your up-line on methods and set ups.
6. Advertising. Newspapers and penny-savers.
7. Referral or Booking Hostess. Offer a gift or booking benefit to the person who refers you to a source for new bookings or a recruit. Gift to be given when booking is held, or new recruit starts.
8. Brochures. Distribute your catalog or mini brochure at dentists, doctors office, or anywhere you do business.
9. Business referrals. Real Estate offices, model homes, flower shops. any business exchange advertising and verbal referrals.
10. Bridal Registry?Bridal Showers. For the bride where the guests may purchase gifts.
11. Couples Party. a fun way to have a party for couples.
12. Show on the Go. Booking In a Basket. Excellent for office. Place several small items in a basket and one larger one. When an order of $30 is placed the customer can select a small gift. When all the gifts are gone, the hostess gets to open the bigger gift. (suggested 10 gifts=$300 show)
13. Delivery Day Special- Offer the hostess, at the time of the party delivery, a special gift from you when she picks up a booking or two as she delivers he guests items.
14. Door prize slips- These are a tremendous source of future bookings, fute sales, and future prospects. Refer to them when you want to increase your business.
15. Offer the hostess an additional gift when she re-books herself within three months. You may want to offer her an extra incentive for holding three show with in a year.
16. Enclose a mini book and business card with your check when paying bills. Who opens the mail , usually women. When we get our bills we have to look at all their promotions to find the bill or return envelope. Tuck your statement and check in your material-They'll have to look through your promotions.

Cold Contacts

For cold contacts I usually leave monthly flyers on cars and bathrooms at stores like TARGET, WAL-MART, K-MART. Catalogs go to business owners, doctors offices and get passed when people see my car signs. Also, I have a pull-tab sign that make copies of and try to post 20-50 a week in laundry rooms, club houses, bathroom doors, anywhere there is space. My most effective way of meeting someone new is to do events. I goto Sam's Club once a month for their Business Expo and get great leads there. Also, I've done flea-markets, community events, and will sponsor my own women's expo this fall. If you can't find an event you like start your own! ~~~Kelly Fitpatrick
TUPPERWARE

Never Tke "No" personally. If they don't want the opportunty right now, it doesn't mean never.
Jess Middleton
Customer Party Designs

I have been listening to the Belinda Ellsworth tapes (from http://www.stepintosuccess.com ) and she says to always know your schedule so when you talk to people (even at the store or mall!) you can say "I have an opening on the 23rd, can I come do a demonstration for you?" That way you offer them a date right then, get a commitment, and it's more likely to "stick" vs when you say "Let me go home and look at my schedule and I'll give you a call to set the date". Makes sense to me!! Karen
Independent Story Teller Distributor http://www.funfelt.com <---Check it out! Looking for a family-friendly home business? I love what I do!! You can too!

Have you got a great booking idea? Email me and share with your fellow partyplanners!