Improve Sales & Bookings: Where Do I Begin?

[Michelle's Kitchen]

Where do I begin, I uncertain of how to improve my sales and bookings. I think they go hand in hand. This is where I had trouble when I first started with PC(years ago). I was running out of hosts (couldn't get out of the circle), which lead to me goin inactive. Months ago, I started back up with PC and since then I was able to be out of my circle (don't live near friends or family but they have have helped with catalog shows. I feel I have followed the book so to speak; open house (one booking), and first cooking show (one booking), giving hosts incentives to encourage friends and family to host, ask everyone/referrals during customer calls. I sure hope this all makes sense to you all. My boyfriend has taken catalogs to work (no luck), catalogs to the businesses nearby (waiting the status). I do have a show booked for March with one of the ladies I work with. I have participated in multi vendors (not successful).
Now, I don't know what to do. Revamp my list of 100?? Call past guests and promote new products (oh I came up with a new idea). I will accept any advice or suggestions... I am missing something.. As you can tell, I am inpatient(LOL).. Is it like if you build it, they will come!!! Thanks for reading.. Sorry for the lengthyness(misspelled)..

 

[chefann]

Call hosts from a year ago (or longer), to let them know that their past host discount is expiring, and ask them if they want to renew it.

 

[c00p]

Always calling your guests from old shows works too. And re-doing your list of 100 isn't a bad idea either. When I needed to restart my business a year ago, (because I had a baby and was nursing him and therefore didn't do a lot of shows at all) I simply sent out an email first asking people to help me. People like to help others typically. I told them that I was ready to get back to business and needed their help and of course, I offered little "carrots" to those that booked quickly, etc. Don't give up. The phone IS your friend!! Sending catalogs is ok, but you never actually get to talk to people that are looking at it. Remember: persistence prevails when all else fails!!!

 

[Jules711]

It sounds like you are doing a lot right. Trying to get your name to different places. Maybe make a recipe for your boyfriend's workplace. Can you actually go there? People may not even be noticing a catalog. If you bring a recipe have a card that says something like "Please taste test this new recipe for me and check out our new catalog (or retiring items if you do it this month). Thank you!" Have a little sheet that has questions or just one "Good/Not so Good" You could be a little silly depending on the recipe. That gets them involved maybe and THEN they might notice the PC catalog. Do it a few times even. Oh...and you might want to mention. I'm restarting my PC business and I'm really excited about the new recipes coming out. Also, don't be too frustrated when something like that doesn't work. It's also timing for them. If they aren't thinking they need something, then they don't buy. Oooh...you could have a sign up for the recipe. Ask for info (phone/email). Email is perfect b/c you can email the recipe. OR, if you have your website, then email them that it's on your website. Who knows they may look around.Good luck!!

 

[Amzipp]

I understand your frustration. I had a 3 month stint last year where I couldn't get a booking, order, NOTHING! It was very frustrating. I just kept at it like you are doing and eventually it picked up again. After having nothing from June-August, my September, October, November, and December all were $3000 months. I have found that stressing the host specials and all of the hostess benefits during my shows have really helped get more bookings. I also started sending a monthly e-newsletter that I send out with recipes, outlet items, and specials to my customer base, and I have generated a lot of sales with that!

Just keep trying

 

[Michelle's Kitchen]

Thank you all for your suggestions!!! I will implement them.. Thanks again..