In Party Plan, bookings are what keep you going. There are many things that you can do to gain new bookings and keep them going. It's as simple as saying - if you do not book, you do not do business.

Once you have gone through your family and friends where does that leave you? In front of everyone else!!

We hope you enjoy the following information about boosting your party plan bookings. These are all tried & tested and work well.

Gift Basket and Free Raffle

Do up a basket full of your products. Present it nicely and make up a free raffle booklet. Include in the booklet the person's Name, Address, Phone and Email address.  Include a selection of choices that the person entering can choose from for example,  I would like to receive further information about holding a demonstration or I would like to receive further information on specials and offers.

Place this basket in a high traffic area that will be sure to get people responding. This could include playgroup, childcare, hairdresser, school, beauty salon. Make sure your sign includes that it is 'FREE' to enter so that you get as many names as possible. After about 1 week collect the basket and you should have many new names to add to your list. These people are all potential hostesses. Draw the raffle, contact the winning person and then contact everyone else on your list and offer a special deal they cannot resist. 

Parking Pick

When you go out and about, take your business cards and put them in a clear sheet protector. Write 'Please Take One' and leave it on your window when you are parked. People who are interested, whether it be for a party or to buy something from you, will take one.

Swap Parties

This can work really well but you have to remember 'what you put in is what you get out of it'. Find another Party Plan consultant that sells something you may be interested in. Approach them and ask them to do a 'Party Swap'. That is, they have a party where you are hosting and they are hostess and then vice versa. This works well as you have a new audience, potential bookings and you know no matter what you have a guaranteed booking from them.

Host Yourself

When you first join, have a party yourself. Invite everyone you know and make something out of it. This can be great to get the nerves out of the way by presenting your first party to people you know - great practice. Again, the potential for bookings is huge. Offer a mystery hostess reward and even a door prize to get people involved. 

Referral Program

Generally in order for the hostess to receive their free gifts or incentives for having a party, they must get a certain amount of bookings (usually two).  If two people do not come forward to have another party, encourage your hostess to hold another one in a month or so. It's an easy booking and it is giving the hostess the opportunity to expand her wish list.

Go to the Library

If you are one to hire books, why not leave your card or a special offer in the books that you hire. Cards make great book marks and you never know who may be reading what you have read.

Add your Card

It is so, so simple but a lot of consultants do not do this. Simply, when delivering your orders, make sure you include your business card with the customer's order. Offer incentives for booking parties including the hostess rewards, etc.

Answering Machine ON

If you have an answering machine, ensure you include your name and company in the message. 'Hi you have called from . You would be surprised who picks up on this. It's been known for a telemarketer to actually leave a message regarding a product that was being sold.

VIP

Another idea is to get some key rings made which state the customer is a VIP, with '10% off all orders over $50' on the key ring, along with a picture of your party plan's most popular product and of course your name and number. Offer these as a gift to your hostess, presented in a nice organza bag. They are a great addition to anyone's key chain and you are never forgotten.

Fundraising

Help a charity, a local school, playgroup, childcare centre and offer a special on a product where when one is sold, a percentage will go to that charity or company. This will help brand your business and get you out there. People will remember the company and may want to know more about what you do, have a look at catalogues or even hold a party.

Letterbox Drops

Everyone does them and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. A good tip is to ensure you are delivering in a well established area. These people have more than likely been in their houses for some time therefore their bills and expenses are lower compared to a newer built area. They are more likely to have a good look at what you are selling. This is not to say that new areas are not good to drop pamphlets off to as newcomers to the area may also be looking at housewarming parties and ideas.

Theme

When you can, offer themed parties such as Birthdays, Hens Nights, Couple Nights, Girls Nights In, Baby Showers. This will broaden your audience. Shop Around.

Set up a stall at your local Shopping Centre

Try and team up with someone in your team or local area and run the stall together. Have baskets of your product set up for people to buy there and then. Also have a competition where you gather details and people can win something. Have a list where people can write their details down to have future newsletters and special offers sent to them. Again branding is important so have your business cards and catalogues available for people to take on the day. This will get you sales, bookings, contact and enquiries from potential and new customers.

*Tip - most companies prefer you to have liability insurance so ensure you check this directly with them. Also some Shopping Centres will charge you rent for the day.

Referral Program

Offer special incentives for people to refer you bookings and possible customers. Make a general rule that applies to everyone. As soon as they get you two bookings, offer them a discount off their next order or a special gift. Really this is people you know doing the work for you and it's so easy.

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