With warm, sunny days approaching, now is the time to take full advantage of the fabulous weather to increase your bookings, sales and sponsoring efforts.
In order to do that, spend some time each day building your May and June calendars because the bookings derived from these parties will make for a very prosperous summer.
Creating summer business should be the primary focus during May. Book and hold as many shows as possible! I'm sure you'll all agree that it's much easier to obtain bookings from live shows than to rely on cold calling. And since this can be a busy time for many people, encourage your hosts to book within a two-week timeframe, which will ensure strong, solid bookings.
To enhance these bookings, there are many things you can do to fill your summer calendars:
1. Use theme shows. Encourage “summer fun” themes. People enjoy something different, and theme shows really boost attendance. Check out our info-graphic for theme ideas!
2. Focus on upcoming holidays. Think Father's Day, graduations, bridal showers and weddings. And there are always birthdays, housewarmings and anniversaries to remember. Use bright summer colors on your display and festive visual aids to suggest upcoming gift-giving opportunities.
3. Use special packaging themes. Create attractive baskets combining some of your hot new items with an “old favorite” or two. Wrap it up with bright cellophane and top with ribbon and streamers.
4. Hold “multiple hostess” or “group” parties at a local restaurant, pizza parlor, church hall, clubhouse, hotel or gymnasium. Select a theme, i.e., Bingo Night, Christmas in July, summer closeout sale or new product launch. Your hostesses can relax because all they need to do is invite their guests (decorative flyers can be sent to guests), bring a platter of cookies (or furnish hors d'oeuvres, pizza or desserts) and enjoy the show!
5. Organize a “sidewalk sale” or “one-stop shopping show” with other direct sellers. Everyone invites his/her own hosts, customers and clients, and brings her own card table, supplies, etc. This is an easy way to create some additional summer sales, and it creates an excellent opportunity for networking as well. These events are very successful, as attendance is always high, due to the variety of goods being offered.
6. Have a garage sale. Display some of your products on a separate table, along with flyers and upcoming specials, new products, etc. As people are browsing at your used household items, you can share information about your company products and programs. Great way to network!
7. Have a show while you're on vacation! If you're visiting out-of-town friends, plan to schedule a show while you are there. The date can be determined in advance and invitations sent before you arrive. Bring along your products and supplies, and enjoy the show! Your friends will enjoy the chance to see your products firsthand, and who knows? You may even recruit someone while you are there.
8. Rent a booth at a local festival or fair. Summertime takes on a festive carnival-like atmosphere, as local balloon festivals, art shows, church bazaars and craft fairs spring up everywhere. Set up a simple but eye-catching display, offer a special prize and have passers-by fill out door prize slips to register. Check local newspapers and Facebook Groups to learn about dates and locations of upcoming fairs.
9. Have a summer open house at your own home. Offer prizes for bringing a guest, booking a party, etc. Or set up your display at your hair or nail salon or local health spa. You'll be surprised at how many new business leads you will generate!
Plant the seeds that will grow your business! Take advantage of the longer daylight hours to build your businesses, and with just a little creativity, you will have the most productive summer ever!
