SUMMER BOOKINGS
Why stay busy with shows during those relaxing summer months? The kids are off for the summer, so why can’t we kick back a little too? As Independent Distributors we are fortunate to be able to operate our business as we please, but if we slow down too much in the summer, it will have a significant impact on our prime selling season—the fall! Healthy home show activity in the summer will give you the momentum you need for a successful fall.
How to Book & Hold Summer Shows:
1) Line up your shows as early as possible! Don’t wait until June to set up your summer schedule. But don’t give up hope if it’s late in the season! Offer a great incentive, and you’ll increase your chances for some bookings only 2-3 weeks out!
2) Do everything in your power to schedule shows at your home shows when the
level of excitement is at its’ peak. Have your calendar open at check-out and
tell them you’d like to “reserve a date”, even if they need to check their calendar later. This way the hostess will get credit and you will have something reserved for them in your busy schedule. It’s okay if it’s tentative. Their level of commitment to holding a show is much greater if you pencil in a date.
3) During your presentation, tell them why summer is the “ultimate” time for a jewelry show. For example, “I absolutely love my summer shows. They are so relaxed and so much fun! Moms are eager for a night out if they’ve been home all day with the kids. A jewelry show is the perfect excuse for a summertime ladies night out!” (See page 2 for other reasons.)
4) Make it a priority to hostess coach your summer shows. Hostess coaching reduces postponements and builds anticipation for their upcoming show. Be sure to emphasize over-inviting and reaching $100 in advance sales. This will help ensure a great summer show! (Don’t forget the mini 1-on-1 when you hostess coach!)
5) Send your hostess a mini beach ball in the mail saying…’We will have a ball at your show’. This will build her excitement and she will be less likely to cancel.
6) Personally mail your summer invitations. This is an excellent way to control your calendar. It is a rare show that would postpone or cancel after the invitations are mailed.
7) Offer a 10% discount to customers for every guest they bring to the show, up to 40% total discount, or other “special gift” for anyone who brings a friend. This idea will help increase attendance at your summer shows.
8) Or you can offer a Free Gift for everyone who attends the show to help up the attendance. Your gift can be a polishing cloth or a coupon for $5 off their order. Sometimes incentive will help get the people there.
9) Do a fun theme show in the summer time and advertise it now. You can choose from Salsa and Sandals Fashion Fiesta, Hawaiian Luau or the Flip Flop Show.
10) Maximize every opportunity for bookings to build that springboard into the fall: Set up at craft shows, bridal shows, fairs & festivals. Dress the part when you’re in the public eye and always wear your Premier jewelry. (eye catching pieces!) Be prepared for any lifestyle booking opportunities (business cards, catalogs in car). Carry catalog packets in your pool bag! Offer to provide a fashion & accessorizing presentation at a professional business women’s group or other women’s organization. Be involved in activities where you can make contacts with other women.
REASONS TO BOOK A SUMMER SHOW:
(Some ideas taken from the “Nicholson Notes”)
1) Moms at home with their kids need a fun night out!
2) No homework, & fewer kid related activities complicating that fun night out!
3) Much easier to find a sitter in the summer. Teens aren’t as busy & can babysit later.
4) Daylight savings time makes it convenient to stay out later.
5) Summer is one of the most relaxing, enjoyable times of the year. Spirits are high & it’s a time when people enjoy getting together with friends & neighbors to socialize. A jewelry show is the perfect excuse!
6) New jewelry (free & half price!) to wear on your summer vacation!
7) The Luau or Sandals & Salsa theme is so cute and great for a girl’s night out!
8) Teachers have the summers off & are great summertime hostesses & guests!
9) Summer brides will be looking to complete their bridal ensembles & love the idea of receiving free jewelry for themselves & for their bridal party.
10) “You’ll want to be the first in your group to have a show after the new jewelry arrives in July!”
11) Although some will be vacationing, you’ll have higher attendance from those who are in
town. Why? Because of #’s 1-5 above!
REASONS TO SPONSOR IN THE SUMMER:
(taken from the “Nicholson Notes”)
1) The new Jeweler will be trained & ready for the fall, our BIGGEST season!
2) Slower pace; the new Jeweler doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
3) Great time for teachers to start their new Premier business.
4) Incorporate 1-on-1’s into your vacation. (Yeah! Love that write-off!)
5) Summer is a good time to stay focused on sponsoring as you meet new people.
6) You may have more time in your “home show” schedule, so why not schedule more 1-on-1’s!