Vent and Share your Struggles: Starting a Business After College

[pampermejolene]

grrr..

Is anyone else having problems keeping bookings right now. I'm only in my fourth month of business, this is my first summer. Things are looking very bleak! I haven't had a cooking show since APRIL!! Catalog shows were sustaining me but now I have had 5 of those cancel for this month!
I'm so frustrated right now! I started this because I love PC and wanted some extra money. and I just graduated college and am having problems getting a full time job. I just don't know what to do!

I don't know if I'm even looking for advice, I just wanted to vent. BLEH!! Feel free to post back though.

 

[chefann]

Summer can be tough. The key is to host coach your tushie off, and realize that weekends, while GREAT in the fall, are usually bad in the summer. That's when people head out of town to camp or do things. You can also offer some summer-only themes and recipes to get bookings to stick: ice cream social, no-bake, pot luck favorites, etc.

 

[scottcooks]

Ditto. I've had good success when the host is motivated, knows she is going to get tons of free stuff; but, had some blow it off when they've only heard from me once.

 

[pamperedchefcharlotte]

I agree. Just look at things you can do during the week. Recipes that you can include children, and move them to brunch, lunch time. What would appeal to a bunch of moms, then taking their children some where we they wont have to cook for their children, maybe something the children can do the recipe. Good Luck and Never give up... I have been doing this for over 3 years and go through it every summer.

 

[PCJenni]

My June fell apart over the weekend....sigh... trying to reschedule.. but I know what to expect... disappointing nonetheless

 

[pampchefrhondab]

My summers have always been slow. I thinks some is the customers and some is me not working the business like I should.

 

[pampermejolene]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to hang in there. Hopefully whenever I do get a full time job that will open up my contacts too and I can get some shows with my new co-workers Thanks again for the support!