Hosting My First Pampered Chef Show: Navigating Unresolved Issues

[Elaine]

Any suggestions?
I just started PC and I'm hosting my first show in 2 days. I just moved to the area and I don't know anyone, so I invited the parents in my son's class and 4 other people I just met.That's about 25 people. I don't know if I should even make anything or just talk about PC and serve something to drink. I made it clear on the invitation to call if you could not attend. So far I have not heard anything.

My stepmom also has a friend who is widely known throughout her community and I would like to ask her to host, but they have some unresolved issues. I know I could get a few bookings from my stepmoms friend, but my stepmom is not really open to giving me her number and I don't want to go behind her back. I feel like what happened with them has nothing to do with me.Am I wrong in thinking this?

 

[Happy Mom]

You need to call the people to remind them and ask if they are coming. I sent 60 invites to my June show, and only 10 showed up. Two cancelled the day of the show; one went home ill from the party before it really started.

People do NOT bother to RSVP anymore. I called and emailed everyone of them at least twice after the written invitation. Many said they would order something so I ran all over town delivering catalogs. Not one of these people-most were family and good friends-had to the courtesy to say "No"!

My Consultant made a donation to the local HS, but not one of my colleagues ordered any products. Go figure, I do not mind if someone says they cannot come, but please be honest so I don't waste time trying to get an order from someone who has no intention of buying anything.

I ened up with over a $900 SHOW with 3 bookings despite all the no shows. I received almost $300 worth of products, too.

 

[kitchenqueen]

I AGREE!! I don't know what it is about people these days and not RSVP'ing!! My mother ALWAYS made me and my brothers write thank you's before we could play with or use the gift given to us by anyone then we sent it immediately and to RSVP even if you have to decline the invitation because "that is rude"!! Anyway so I think I am so used to writing thank you's and RSVP'ing by now that it is almost second nature...which isn't bad I guess ! Planning a party or even a small get together can be a tough guessing game! It's good to know about how many to expect so you are prepared as a host. Anyone who has planned any kind of party should now this!! So definitely use the phone or encourage your host to use the phone and get guests excited about coming. You can say thay you need to know how much food to have prepared, or announce a game you are playing. If they decline don't be pushy, but be graceful and say that that your sorry they can' make it and they are more than welcome to place an outside order and if they had any questions abuot anything you'd be more than happy to help.

 

[kitchenqueen]

I'm sorry - I hit submit before I tried to answer your other question!

The situation between your step mom and her friend sounds like a sticky one. If it were me, I would give it alittle more time and ask your step mom again. It seems like there may be a grey area because the unresloved issues have nothing to do with you, but at the same time it is your step mom. That's a toughy! Maybe if you saw this woman in public somewhere and got to talking you could mention your new PC business and see what happens from that?? That way you didn't intentionally go behind your step mom's back to find out this woman's phone number, etc. Maybe try talking to your step mom about this and let her know that you understand how she may feel about her friend, but you are trying to start your PC business and need all the business and hosts you can get. Be open and honest and remind her that you don't know anyone in the town. Let us know what comes about and good luck! Try to stay positive! There are alot of different ways to get your name out there.

 

[PamperedGinger]

While you are getting your business up and going, you can still contact your old guests and hosts and get catalog shows going there.

Did anyone take the class at conference on moving your business? If you did, maybe posting the notes here might help.

 

[Elaine]

Thank you for the great advice. I will let you know what happens.