|
Hostess Coaching
We all know that our job success is
largely dependent upon the success of our Hostesses. Coaching is vital in
achieving this! This page contains volumes of compiled experiences on a
variety of subjects. Your ideas and input from your company are welcome!
HOSTESS PACKETS
ef
When I'm asking someone to do a
show, I NEVER say you get THIS if you book a show. I say your, "Your
friend, (her name), will get the opportunity to select a hostess booking
gift when any two of you book a show today. It is the best compliment I can
receive when you invite me into your home to do a show for you and your
friends."
ef
Our Directorship newsletter had some terrific ideas that I have been
using for the past few months.
The title is "Hostess
Packets They'll Want To Take Home".
1. Make them look
irresistible!
2. Put them in
pretty gift bags with coordinating tags and tissue for the season.
3. Enclose a bag of
microwave popcorn with "Let's Get Your Show Popping".
4. Attach a packet
of flower seeds (Morning Glory) with "Your Home Show will be a Blooming
Success".
5. A packet of dip
mix (or brownie mix and 2 lemon-aid packets) with "A {Company} Home
Show & Your Friends ~ A Perfect Mix".
(This is my personal favorite)
6. A votive candle
wrapped in cellophane tied off with a ribbon with "Brighten Your Home
with a {Company} Home Show"
ef
I started using clear bags so they can SEE how
pretty my Hostess Packets are. I place them in a large basket. I figure why just have two packets.
So, I usually have 4 or more. Guests usually ask me about the packets
before the show even starts and by the end they are gone. When they ask me
about the packets I say, "Everything to have a Successful {Company} Show is in this packet!"
I get the clear bags from
Nashville Wraps. Their phone number is 1-800-547-9727 and their website is
at www.nashvillewraps.com
They are called 9" X 15" Clear Door Knob Bags - 1 mil FLAT
(stock # CP9D). They come 1000 to a box for approx. $40. I order for my
whole branch and we divided them up.
ef
I have used the cute little bags to put the Hostess
Packets in and have found that people don't book a show because of the cute
packaging. I have gone back to the envelopes provided for that purpose by
the company. They are flat, easy to carry and don't get all banged up
like the bags. In them I put 2 {Catalogs}, 2 current flyers, the Hostess
Helper Tip Sheet, 30 invitations and "A Tale of Two Hostesses" (see
this page).
After the show I will call and confirm the date that we had set and just
"touch base". Then I send a letter along with 30 peel and
stick labels that have the party info on it so the hostess doesn't have to
fill in the invitations. In this mailing I also include the "10
easy steps to a $1,000 show", and a form I made for taking outside
orders. Then, 2-3 days before the show I call the Hostess and check on
#'s and prod her to make some phone calls if necessary. After the show I
send a thank you along with the copies of her customer orders and info showing
how much she as a Hostess saved with her order.. When the show ships, I call the hostess
and let her know it is on it's way, how many boxes are coming and when she
should expect it. About a week later I call the hostess to make sure
everything has arrived in proper order. Counting the initial contact at
the first show, I have 8 contacts with each hostess in a wave including both
in the mail and on the phone and I feel it works very well. I have very
informed and great hostesses and I hope someday to have them on my team as
recruits.
ef
I tried to use gift bags, but found they were always tipping over and too
heavy for the bag, but they looked so cute! Now I am using folders that I
decorate with a basket stamp and stickers. I always put in at least 3
catalogs, 3 flyers, 5 order forms with tax and shipping rates written in, 30
postcards (not stamped) and info about giving a party - A tale of 2 hostesses,
Tip Sheet, How to have a $1000 party. Also the outside order
envelope, and some recruiting info. Then I wrap it with a pretty ribbon or raffia.
ef
I was using clear cello bags for recruit folders and cello bags decorated
with balloons for hostess folders decorated with a nice curly ribbon bow and
a postcard I made on the computer that says "Come Join The Party"
(recruit)
or "Congratulations! You're on your way to earning free {Company}
products." These look great in a basket
decorated with
star garland.
ef
The cello bags are nice but a tad cumbersome -- especially always trying to
find a spot for a decorated basket in the hostess' home. I was
recently at Office Max and found these clear and clear-colored "InnDura
UltraColor Envelopes" by Smead. They are top loading and have one of
those
wrap around string closure "thingies" and have a one inch capacity.
I can
slide my hostess and recruit folders right inside, still put a nice curly
ribbon bow if I want and some stickers (from Directly from the Heart,
which can actually go right on the folder since you can see thru the envelope -
they have some for candle shows, kitchen shows and basket shows) and they are quite portable. The envelopes are available in
clear,
blue, purple and green (the colors you can still see thru) and are $0.79 each.
ef My
upline started me on the habit of looking for creative
ways to package hostess packets. This is especially important for those
loyal hostesses that have been doing shows for a long time. I have found
it a challenge to try to come up with something cute that will
coordinate for the current campaign. For example, once I filled a small white bucket with metallic shred, 2 plastic
champagne glasses, 2 party horns, a bottle of champagne bubble bath
(cheap and easily found around the holidays), and all of the necessary
literature. Then I wrapped the bucket up in clear cellophane and tied it
with curling ribbon. It was inexpensive and adorable. You can let your
imagination run wild! A flower pot and silk flowers for the spring shows,
a sand bucket and bubbles for summer shows, a plastic trick
or treat pumpkin for the Fall campaigns, etc. I even found plastic Uncle
Sam's hats to use for promotions during that season! My main goal is to make it fun and
inspiring for the hostesses right from the start! It helps to pump me up
~for a new campaign as well!
ef
Wanted to share an idea. I take all the necessary paperwork (invitations,
catalogs, flyers, shipping charts etc) to my shows to give to anyone who books
a show from the hostess. I put it all in something appropriate for the
"season". Go to the Dollar store (which I call the $20. store
because I never get out of there without spending at least $20.) and pick up
plastic pumpkins or Christmas stockings. In the summer time you can get
beach buckets with a shovel attached to the handle.
BOOKINGS
ef
Using large homemade sale tags, put one that says FREE and one that says 50% OFF
in each of your show folders or lapboards. Ask each guest to introduce
themselves and then place their two tags on 2 different that they might like. After all have been introduced, talk about
the hostess program, mentioning the various products that have been
"marked" at half price or FREE!---A visual always works better for
getting the point across (And you can even follow up when the guests are
ordering to see if they would like to book a show to get those 2 items that they
have marked.
ef
This is how I was taught to do my booking products when I
signed up in 1995. This method is what has worked for her
for many years. Please remember, THIS IS JUST A SUGGESTION. Just one
of
many ideas on how to do your booking program, I hope. She ALWAYS lets her
Hosts know in advance, that this is how she administers the booking
program. This has helped her alleviate those people who book parties,
with no intention of ever having them, just to help out the Hostess.
What she did was to make up a "Booking Bonus" certificate on her
computer. Here is what she put on the certificate:
Date:______________
Congratulations, _________________
I am delighted to send you your Booking Bonus Certificate redeemable for
one {Company} Booking Product of your choice from the exclusive Booking
Collection. When the two individuals listed below booked shows from your
recent show, this entitled you to this certificate.
1)_______________ 2)______________
When both shows have been held, you may redeem your certificate. Your
Booking product will be ordered on the second show held. Please call me
to find out when the two booked shows will take place and to get more
details on how to redeem your certificate. Congratulations again!
*This certificate may only be redeemed after both shows have been held and
qualify as {Company} shows. ($125 in Guest Sales excluding S&H and tax
qualifies as a show.)
*If one or both of the above named individuals should NOT hold their
scheduled shows, you may elect to fill the slot with another name(s) to
ensure the redemption of your booking product.
*This certificate may only be redeemed through Betty Boop, Independent {Company} Consultant.
Please remember that this is just a suggestion.
HOSTESS
GIFT IDEAS ...
This
was posted by a lady named Sherry.....she said she got the idea from her
recruiter.
Gifts for my hostesses are homemade. For each in-home show, I make something
that goes along with the 'season' or works well with the basket for that month
or If I know exactly what the hostess is 'dreaming' of getting, I bake
something and display in that basket or pottery piece.
Example: daisy basket: I made Dirt Pudding and 'planted' a daisy bush in
it. (artificial, of course.) We shared the pudding as part of
refreshments...
Last week, my best friend wanted the pie products. I made
chocolate pies (from scratch) for her party. One was for her (as Thank you
gift) The other was for the "door prize' winner.
For a Bread {product}, I obviously make bread...actually homemade biscuits.
I give the hostess a dozen and make another dozen as the door prize gift.
Now that the Christmas merchandise is in the brochures, I have plans of
Christmas cookies, and I saw a new recipe in a Pampered Chef catalog for a
stuffing ring that looks like a wreath. It will look beautiful on a cake
dish or any of the plates for that matter. Guess what guys....I
LOVE to cook/bake!!! But I owe the idea of doing this to my recruiter. The
first show I ever attended this was the route she was taking for Hostess gifts
and I liked it. So ... I adopted it.
THE
HOSTESS MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Congratulations!
You’ve booked a {Company) home show!
You’re
getting FREE products. You
couldn’t say “No”!
Here’s
a tale of two hostesses, as you can see.
So
read on and decide which one you will be.
First
there was Mary, so proper was she¾
her
invitations written in calligraphy!
“I’ll
just invite ten. I don’t want
too many.
I’m
sure they’ll all come, so there will be plenty.”
Her
beautiful catalog sat at home on the table.
“Outside
orders? Oh, I wasn’t able.”
She
sat a buffet fit for a king,
but
forgot to give her guests a reminder ring.
The
night of the show her home looked just great.
So
she lit the candles and proceeded to wait.
Only
one guest arrived, the baskets to see.
“Why,”
Mary wondered, “does this happen to me?”
And
then there was Betty, so excited was she!
She
was planning on earning whatever she dreamed!
She
mailed forty invitations and then she told
more
people than her house could hold.
Friends
wanted to know what she was talking about.
So
she’d stop and pull her {Company} flyers out.
She
bragged on the {products, products and products}.
Outside
orders ¾
no problem. No Sir-ee!
She
phoned all her friends and said “Bring a guest.
Because
you know- {Company}’s the best!”
They
sat on her sofa; they sat on her floor;
they
sat in the chairs; they stood in the door!
The
house wasn’t perfect, but they had fun anyway.
They
learned all about {Company} that day!
The
numbers were added. Her hostess benefits were great!
Betty
says, “This was fun! Book your
show before it’s too late!”
1.
Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea and relax!
2.
Make a list of your family, friends and neighbors. Don’t decide for them if
they like baskets or pottery. INVITE EVERYONE!
3.
Set a goal... Make a wish list of what YOU would like from your show. Set your
goal high!
4.
You can choose the {list all of the terrific Hostess only products she/he could
get}with
a
$1,500 show! Stay focused on your GOAL!
5.
TELL me what your GOAL is!
6.
Send out all 50 invitations! Keep extra invitations in your purse and pass them
out to friends you bump into at the grocery store, the Post Office, work or your
children’s school!
7.
Try to have between 15 and 20 guests at your show. Keep in mind, approximately
1/3 of the guests you invite show up, so OVER INVITE!
8.
Share the CATALOG and Feature Flyer with anyone who can’t make it to your
show. ALL outside orders will ADD to the total of your show!
9.
Tell your friends what you are working toward. They will want to help you reach
your goal!
10.
Stay positive...WE CAN do this by working together!
Thank
you again, for having a show! I am looking forward to helping you earn FREE
products PLUS 1 item at 1/2 off. Let me know if you have any questions.
Your
Independent Sales Consultant:
COMMON
CONCERNS OF HOSTING A HOME SHOW ...
FEAR
THAT NO ONE WILL COME ...
From my
experience, hostesses who call their friends and family before sending
out their invitations almost always have a better turn out.
You might try calling your potential guests and say, "I'm thinking
about hosting a home show on Tuesday or Wednesday at (whatever
time and date) and was wondering if you would be able to come on one of those
dates?" If you find that the majority of people can come on
one of the dates, then send out your postcards as a reminder of the
date. However, if the majority of people cannot make it on either
date, then we can try another date. This is a VERY successful
technique. By asking them ahead of time, you are letting them know
(without saying it) that you would really like them to come and that it's
important to you.
You may have
attended a friend's home show who had a big turn-out. While it may have
been great for your friend, it can be intimidating for you when considering
hosting a show. Let me assure you that an average home show turnout is
typically between five and seven guests. Some of my best shows (and most
enjoyable) are those that only have 5 or 6 guests. Most people believe
that bigger is better, however, the amount of guests you have does not
always determine the success of your show (though it can be helpful!).
If you are worried you wont' have a big turn out, stop worrying. I've
done home shows with guests as many as 20 and as few as 2. No matter
what, we'll have fun! (You can always add outside orders to your home
show from people that aren't able to make it!)
I DON'T
KNOW ENOUGH PEOPLE TO INVITE ...
Another
common concern ... most people are shocked when they actually sit down and
compile their guest list as to how many names they are able to come up
with. Inside your hostess packet is a worksheet called "3
Minutes - 30 Contacts" which is a great tool for helping you with
your guest list. (For example ... can you think of 3 friends to
invite, 3 family members, 3 co-workers, 3 neighbors, etc.)
MY
HOUSE IS TO SMALL ...
If you feel
your home is to small to accommodate all my baskets and your guests, then we
can customize a show that's right for you. If your home is on the
smaller side, I can down-size my display and/or bring more of the smaller
baskets and less of the larger ones. If seating arrangements are a
problem, I have some folding chairs I would be happy to bring with me for your
guests to sit on.
I'M TO
BUSY TO HOST A SHOW ...
With today's
busy lifestyle, it seems like nobody has free time left to do the things they
enjoy. We all have good intentions of getting together with our friends,
but when it comes down to it, we just get caught up in our everyday lives, and
time slips by us. This is a GREAT reason to host a show ... so
you can visit with your friends you haven't seen in a while. Some people
are just waiting for some kind of invitation or some excuse to get together!
If you are
worried you don't have time to clean your house, let me assure you most people
aren't there to critique your cleaning abilities or the way you keep house; they
are there for the show and to see and visit with you. Besides,
with all my baskets there to distract them, they won't even notice -- Really!!
(On the other hand, some people look at hosting a home show as a wonderful
reason to give their house a "good cleaning" -- which is also a
great way to get your husband and/or kids to help out. "I'm
having people over and I need you to help me clean up the house!)
Another
option is for you to host your show at my house (I'll even provide
the refreshments!) - - all you have to do is show up with your invited
guests! An added benefit to hosting a show at my home is that your
guests can see my collection of baskets which sometimes helps people to see
the big picture.
By keeping
your show simple and inviting only a small group, we can be a little more
casual -- which will give us an opportunity to really get down and
"play" with my baskets! Refreshments can be as simple as a
plate of store bought cookies and a cup of coffee.
If you are on
a tight schedule, we can keep the show short -- just let me know how much time
we have to work with. If you need help addressing your invitations, I'd
be happy to do that for you if you provide me with a guest list. (I'll
even pay for the postage!)
I LIVE
TO FAR AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS ...
Again, you
can host your show at my house (if I live closer) or maybe you have a
friend or family member that wouldn't mind if you hosted the show at her home.
THEY
ARE TO EXPENSIVE (FOR BOTH ME AND MY FRIENDS...)
Cost is the BEST
reason to host a home show now! (Please see the catalog for an outline
of the Hostess Benefits
POSTCARDS
FOR BOOK SHOWS by Denise
Butterfield
I give my hostesses blank invitations or Company postcards and either they hand write each card out or I run labels
for them.
Something like this:
Hi {Company/Product} Lovers!
I am having a {Company} book (or ghost) party!
I really want the new {tell 'em what you want to
earn} and I
need a $xxx party!
This month only the features are: (then list the
products available this month/campaign, etc. plus the $ amount of savings). I will call you in a few
days. I would like to close my show on ________. My Independent
{Company}
Consultant, {your name} takes credit cards, checks, and good ol' cash {or
whatever payment options there are}.
Talk to you soon!
And then when the hostess calls her friends and
family in about 3 days after mailing her postcards she asks them if they
got her postcard and if they would like to place an order. If they would
like a flyer the hostess either mails it or takes it to the customer. I
coach the hostess to ask each friend if they would also like to earn a 1/2
price item or free products by having their own show. Plus let
the friend know the hostess will also get a free basket if she gets 2
bookings.
If you have a great hostess and she really tries the
postcard idea it really increases the book show but it only works if the
hostess sends her cards. There are always those who no matter how much you
coach them they still do not follow through.
THOSE EXPENSIVE BASKETS!
I give this with my catalogs, thinking sometime the best defense
is a good offense. I also speak of this issue positively during
my presentation before someone has a chance to put a negative
spin on it. Dana
IT COST HOW MUCH??? OR THEY ARE SOOOO EXPENSIVE!!!
I can't tell you the number of times I have heard this!
Perhaps they are, but then again, perhaps not! Think of it this
way....
How much do you pay for a decent pair of shoes?
How long
do they last?
How much is a good dinner at a nice restaurant?
How long before you are hungry again?
How much do you pay for a haircut?
How long before you need another
haircut?
Did you know that. . .
{Your Company} baskets is a popular
"collectible"?
{Your Company} fabrics are made by companies like
{Company Name}?
{Your Company} products are made in the U.S.?
{Your Company} Wrought Iron is hand forged?
{Your Company} baskets are hand made?
As with most things in life, "we get what we pay for".
Just like fine pearls, you have to "wear" or use the {Your
Company}baskets to
give them their luster (from the oils in your skin).
A basket mellows the more you use it. It will also become softer
and smoother. {Your Company} baskets are a "working
collectible" -
they earn their keep! They are real workhorses! All baskets and
wood
accessories are made from hard-wood maple.
The baskets are woven with double splints and have reinforced bottoms
that are secured with steel tacks. You will never find a drop of glue
or a flimsy staple holding a {Your Company} basket together! Making
baskets is
an art, not a science. While a machine produces perfection, the
expert skill of a weaver and the natural beauty of wood produce character.
This character makes each {Your Company} Basket a one-of-a-kind collectible.
Enjoy!
OUTSIDE ORDER FORM(S)
RECORD OF OUTSIDE ORDERS
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Item Total
|
|
|
Shipping
|
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
Tax
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Longaberger®
Outside Order Form
Hostess
Name: __________________________________________
Name:
_________________________________________________
Address:
_______________________________________________
City,
State, Zip: __________________________________________
Phone:
______________________
E-mail: ____________________
□
Yes, I am interested in hosting a Longaberger Party; please call me!
□
Yes, I am interested in the Longaberger Business opportunity; please send me
information!
□
Yes, I would like to be on your mailing list!
□
Yes, I would like to hear about upcoming bus trips to Dresden. Ohio.
|
Qty
|
Item#
|
Description
|
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.5%
Shipping:
|
|
|
Tax:
|
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
□
Cash □
Check □
Visa/MasterCard/Discover
|
|
|
Card
#
|
Exp.
|
|
Signature:
|
Make
all Checks payable to: [consultant name]
[consultant name]
Independent
Longaberger® Consultant
{street
address}
{city/zip}
{phone}●{email}
Outside
Order Form
Guest
Name:_______________________________ Phone________________
Street
Address:___________________________________________________
City______________
State______________
Zip_____________________
Quantity
Item #
Description
Price
Amount
Total
Sales______________
10%
S&H_______________
Sub-total_______________
Tax
_______________
Grand Total_______________
| 
Join