How Can I Successfully Kickstart My Business as a Single Mom?

[Mystik]

I have been a consultant for over 4 years now, and have done all of 40 shows, a lot of them my own. I want to really get my business off the ground and running now that I'm a single mom. My plan is to go gung-ho on it in September by contacting everyone I know and offering an incentive to past hosts if they rebook, something like an extra 10% off their order or something and a free product to new hosts. Because I recently moved into my own place I need to get that all situated, hence the September goal.

In the meantime, I don't want to just laze about all summer and risk being inactive too long. Does anyone have some suggestions to get a couple shows over the summer months, or ideas to get it really off and running in September?

I have the PC reusable shopping bags, going to start using them more. I know a few people I can send catalogs to who might be interested now, along with DYLAB flyers for the rest of the summer.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Don't wait until September to start booking shows! Remember two things:

What you do NOW affects your business 3 months from now, and
It only takes 1 show a month to stay active.

Try to have at least a couple of cooking shows a month for now, and maybe see if you can add a catalog show or two. From those cooking shows, start getting your bookings for the next few months. By July or August, I bet you find your September and October are already pretty full.

 

[Chefstover2]

What Sarah said...keep the 90 day rule in mind...What you do today affects your business 90 days from now.

My advice...get on the phone and make 3 contacts a day (in-person contacts count, too)...you won't regret it. Keep the focus on how you can help others and OFF how they can help you.

 

[cookingwithlove]

Try to find some fairs to have a booth at. I just did a small fair in the rain and wind (this IS Oregon) on Saturday and booked 3 shows and have 2 recruit leads. I also have a more that want shows "later". It is a great way to build your lead list. I have also found that most of them are not ready to book right away, so it might be a good way to get your fall booked. I have attached my drawing slip here. I call everyone, even the ones that were not interested. I just called on a bunch of leads from a Christmas fair and got a couple of books. If you have a sizeable lead list you do not feel "desperate" for that booking.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Wendy, you're so funny. If you've heard of The Pampered Chef, you must love it and want to either host a show or place an order (or, start your own business). If you haven't heard of it, you'll settle for winning a prize.

There's no "I'm not interested at all" option! Very clever.:thumbup::love: