How Can I Secure Weeknight Bookings?

[dannyzmom]

Hey gang - my weekends are booked through September but I can't scrounge up a weeknight booking for the life of me. What are some good words to use to get people interested in hosting on a weeknight?

 

[Chef_2_Four]

Beats me!! Good luck though! I have one in July on a Thursday and I only said I could do that because I'm on summer vacation until Aug! This will be my first time. Hope you get them!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Maybe offer Express Shows - or offer an "After Work" party.....or if you are available during the day - offer Lunch Time Office Parties!

In July I have 2 daytime shows scheduled - one w/ a SAHM, and one w/ a Teacher.

 

[chefjeanine]

Carolyn,

If that's all you have available, that's when people will book. For the most part I avoid weekends (only work Sundays for Bridal Showers and open up the occassional Saturday). I had one friend who only worked Mondays. She became a Director on that schedule.

Perhaps you could say something like "now that it's summer and the kids don't have to be in bed for school the next day, weeknights are a good time to get together with your friends."

 

[Jules711]

I encourage weeknight shows b/c many people have very busy weekends in the summer so they are likely to have better turnouts on a Thursday or Friday night. Want earlier in the week? Start weekend early by partying with me. Just steer them towards a weeknight. If they want a show and your weekends are booked, they'll choose what you have. For some it just can't work, but for the others just make it sounds like the better choice.

 

[JAE]

I think I've only ever done one or two weekend shows (that was back when I sold PC the first time). Most people around here have their kids in every sport known to man and play on the weekends OR they have boats or cottages or extended family with those things and are gone on weekends. I would like to get some Saturday brunch shows. Just offer up weeknights. Maybe because your shows are on weekends the guests assume you only do weekends. Help them "think out of the box". I think I need to offer weekends because everyone probably assumes shows need to be on weeknights because it's a weeknight when they are attending the show.

 

[DebbieJ]

I'm with you Carolyn. Weekends booked into August. Trying to get more weeknights.

At one of my last shows, I told the crowd that I only did shows on MWF (the show was on a Fri). I got a Weds night booking that way!

 

[JAE]

Way to be in charge of your business!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I think I've only ever done one or two weekend shows (that was back when I sold PC the first time). Most people around here have their kids in every sport known to man and play on the weekends OR they have boats or cottages or extended family with those things and are gone on weekends. I would like to get some Saturday brunch shows. Just offer up weeknights. Maybe because your shows are on weekends the guests assume you only do weekends. Help them "think out of the box". I think I need to offer weekends because everyone probably assumes shows need to be on weeknights because it's a weeknight when they are attending the show.

Wow - isn't that the truth! I can't believe how many people's lives are centered around little league and AYSO! And Hockey in the summer?


The only weekend shows I do are Sat. Brunch Shows - and I only do 2 of those a month during the summer - that's all I open up on my calendar - first come first served basis....Sats are booked thru Aug. now!

 

[JAE]

Good for you. I can't wait to learn what you're doing right and put it into practice for myself.

 

[chefjeanine]

The only weekend shows I do are Sat. Brunch Shows - and I only do 2 of those a month during the summer - that's all I open up on my calendar - first come first served basis

That's how I run Saturdays too. When someone asks for a Saturday I tell them that I start my Saturday shows at 11:00.

I tell people I work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings with an occasional Saturday morning show.

It seems like every time I allow someone to dictate my schedule and book on a day/time I don't normally offer, I end up disappointed. Then I'm mad at myself for giving in to their demands.

 

[pamperedpals]

I only do shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. I have had people ask for a Saturday, but I explain to them that is the only family day I have during the week.

Typically, my Fridays are the first to go, then Thursday and finally Wednesday. I agree that you need to dictate your show schedule and not the guest's.

 

[kaceyleigh2]

I tell people "I like to do shows on Wednesdays and Fridays, but I can be flexible." People tend to pick those days. I've actually only had 1 person pick a Saturday (it's coming up in July) and it's for a friend so I don't mind.

 

[chefann]

I've found that people tend to book for the same day of the week as the show they booked from. So if you have a weekend show and want it to be a weeknight, tell the guests that, "This is my last weekend show, due to family commitments. But I'd love to do a show for you on a Tuesday!"

 

[MomToEli]

I'm new so I'm certainly no expert. 5 of my 8 shows so far have been weeknight shows. All I say is ... which would work better for you? Thurs the 21, Tues the 19, or Tues the 12?

If they want a weekend, they have to ask for it special. I often say, can't do it that day - have this or that with my family.

 

[beepampered]

I present it as a Ladies Night Out.

 

[Chefgirl2]

Hi Girl,
Last year is the first time I ever said no to weekends. I had all time high June-Aug ever! This year I booked knowing the weekends would fold. I am surprised because Friday night shows have been awesome, and...all three weekend shows unsurprisingly have cancelled.
We are`in charge. You can do this!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

That's how I run Saturdays too. When someone asks for a Saturday I tell them that I start my Saturday shows at 11:00.

I tell people I work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings with an occasional Saturday morning show.

It seems like every time I allow someone to dictate my schedule and book on a day/time I don't normally offer, I end up disappointed. Then I'm mad at myself for giving in to their demands.

Jeanine - that is EXACTLY my schedule and speil - and I also have the same experience when I let someone else dictate the schedule!