Why Do Friends Sometimes Fail to Support Our New Business Ventures?

[PoseyMom]

When I first decided to be a PC consultant, one of my friends on the base said she would do my first cooking show. So it would be low- stress plus I know she has a handful of friends that would come and order (5-6) so it would be a good starting show as well, i figured. Well now I called her to see if we could schedule her show and she hasn't returned my calls. This is totally weird. I'm totally unhappy about it, because I don't know too many people on this base anymore as most of the people I know have moved! I'm so disappointed.

 

[jdavis]

Look up mystery host show in the search box, and host your own show, you can invite everyone you do know and hand out fliers to people you don't know and post fliers all over the place.

 

[PoseyMom]

oops.... i dont think you understand how few people that i know at this point! lol.... I think we're topping out at three and they all just came to my show When we relocate in October, I'll definitely be doing a mystery host show. I just don't think it will work very well this month.

 

[jdavis]

Maybe ask them to pass out fliers for you. Is there a community building that you could use either for free or rent? Just put up fliers all around, and put up fliers on peoples doors to invite your neighbors. Just throwing ideas out for you. Maybe there is something in there. Have you thought of your friends from afar doing catty shows for you? That is another option to keep you going.

 

[PoseyMom]

All ideas appreciated! I'm asking everyone that I know from afar to do catty shows. So far I have four booked. As soon as I get my kit with the catalogs, I'll be able to get those going. I'll definitely be putting up flyers today or tomorrow. Just need to get them printed on the 'puter. Mostly I just need to qualify by the end of September so I can get the knives!!!

Maybe ask them to pass out fliers for you. Is there a community building that you could use either for free or rent? Just put up fliers all around, and put up fliers on peoples doors to invite your neighbors. Just throwing ideas out for you. Maybe there is something in there. Have you thought of your friends from afar doing catty shows for you? That is another option to keep you going.

 

[dannyzmom]

Something very important to know, and I am sure your recruiter or director addressed it with you already - but while catalog shows are great fillers, they are usually dead ends and generally don't get you any bookings. At this stage you need to be working on bookings.

 

[PoseyMom]

I'm trying to get bookings. But I also don't have a lot of time, since we are moving overseas somewhere's around October 10. I'm working on it though.

 

[AJPratt]

Is there a phone list of some sort that you can use to call or mail out info? Does your husband have any buddies that their wives might be willing to help you out. I can't imagine your alone in your situation. I'm sure there are a lot of other spouses who feel the same way. I think its tough!

 

[PoseyMom]

No, I'm sure I'm not alone! I'm feeling a little discouraged today, but I know I'll be able to qualify by the end of September. My hubby said he would ask at work. I think it will be easier when my kit gets here and I can send him with some catalogs to send home with the guys he knows. Then I can follow up. Any other suggestions for getting more bookings right now? Knowing I only have bout 5-6 weeks.

 

[AJPratt]

I think you're doing a good job cnsidering you have a short amount of time left there. Is there anyone on your email list that can refer you to someone? Also, go into the FILES section and type in the word book. There are always some good ideas there.

 

[tlennhoff]

You might ask a few of your friends/family that live out-of-area to do a catalog show for you. Play up the stoneware special. If you go into the file section you'll find lots about the stoneware specials. The websites (if you have one) also now has an option for people to look through the catalog online which is a format that I am sure many people will really like.

 

[Paige Dixon]

When you talk to people about doing shows, let them know that they need to throw it together quickly. If they seem squeamish, point out that when you invite your friend to the mall, you don't ask her two weeks ahead of time. Same thing here. Really, you could book a show for tomorrow night, or three for this weekend. They may even like to call/email everyone and not have to deal with mailing invitations.