Make it Great

I asked quite a few people what it is like to be in the party plan business. I got some great and informative answers. I do have the option of doing parties with my business but never really ventured into that aspect of my business so reading this was informative even for me. I hope this can asnwer any questions you may have about the party plan industry. Okay, okay, I am finished rambling so here you go:

First is Willa Craft and she is with Tupperware.

1.       Why did you choose to join/start a home party plan business?

Willa answered: I honestly joined for the consultant discount.  I had a party for my sister-in-law and realized that I could really make some good money selling and having parties.  I planned my schedule to work around church, dance and my husbands work schedule.  It has been great!  I use this extra money to give my kids the extras (dance, gymnastics, scouts, and recently piano lessons)

2.       Can you tell us a bit about the party plan industry and why it is such a hot market to join?

Willa answered: The party plan industry is a hot market right now due to the recent lay offs we hear about all the time.  Its great for the new trend in Stay at Home and Work at Home Moms.  It is great way for Home Schooling Moms to make some extra money to contribute to the family income, without taking away from the family.  The best is flexible scheduling!  I work when I want and how much I want.  If I need extra money, I just do extra parties, it’s that simple! 

3.       How do you book parties?

Willa answered: I book most of my parties at parties.  I do make phone calls and have been successful in dating over the phone.  I also date parties just about anytime.  You have to talk about what you do.  Let others know that you have a product they want and need.  I carry items to give away and have information ready if they seem interested.  The key is to always be prepared!

4. How do you advertise your business? 

Willa answered: I stamp all catalogs with my number and website address.  I leave flyers and catalogs where I can.  I have a special bag that says “Ask me for a FREE catalog!”  I have booked parties just from that!  I try to carry some small free items to pass out to people.  I have gotten response from that as well.  I have a car sign and have placed adds in the local paper.  I send out marketing emails to former customers and hosts.  I have had booths at fairs and craft shows.  I have had shirts made with my company name and  I wear them while running errands.

5. Do you find party plan companies more difficult than other direct sells companies that don’t have a party plan? Yes or no and why?

Willa answered: I think the party plan is much easier because they get to see the product and hear what I have to say about it.  It is very different than just looking at a picture.  I can tell them all the ways they can use the product.  How to clean and care for it.  They can only put but so much in the catalog.  Not to mention that picture don’t always do it justice.

6. What are some challenges that you face in building your business?

Willa answered: You have to be creative and well seasoned around the holidays.  Keeping your business going and getting it rolling again around Christmas can sometimes be hard.  It can be done!  You just have to be a little creative.

7.  How has owning a party pan business changed you as a woman?

Willa answered: I have had to become more organized and creative.  I have learned to “read a group”, know when to tell a funny joke and stop to play a game.  I have a great sense of what my customers like and what they will think is a good deal.  I also enjoy helping others on my team.  I often come up with ideas and instead of keeping it to myself, I will email it to others. I have learned about time management as well.  Multi-tasking is my specialty.  I have learned to squeeze in things here and there to keep things running smoothly.

8. How do you approach people to book parties? What do you say? Where do you go?

Willa answered: I usually play a game at the parties.  I have envelopes with a slip of paper and let them know how the game works.  I make them an offer they can’t refuse.  I do not force anyone into parties.  It is their choice.  I may call someone and let them know about current specials and ask them would they like to have a party to get some free products.  I will even carry product with me.  Someone usually asks “Why do you have that _____” ?  I tell them I work for a company that wants me to give as many of these away as I can.  Would you like to have one?  Of course they say that they do.  I let them know if they have a party, they can get one for free. 

9.   What type of themes do you use for your parties?

Willa answered: I do theme parties by request.  I have cooked at my parties.  The host can request recipes to use.  I have had traditional parties as well as bingo parties.  They are always a big hit!  I love to do a Mystery Host party and split the host credits as the winnings!

10. How do you come up with fresh party ideas?

Willa answered: I have a great network of friends on my team!  We are always sharing ideas and brainstorming together.  Basically, I think about what I would find fun and exciting and give it a try.

11. What are some tips for someone just starting out? Organization, confidence, record keeping, etc.

Willa answered: Set up a filing system from the beginning.  Have folders for each party, note prizes, milage and supplies.  You will need this for taxes.  Have a separate account set up for your business.  You will see your money grow and it won’t mix up the family account.  Just transfer any money you may need when you need it. As far as confidence, I tell my girls just say what you know.  The customers don’t expect you to be perfect.  Just relax and have fun!

12.   Can you describe a typical party? How long it lasts, how long you talk, what the guests do, etc.

Willa answered: I  start a typical party with introductions and passing out tickets for a challenge sent on guest invitations.  They love this part.  I start with some sales specials and the featured buy.  I stop after 10 to 15 minutes and play a game.  I show some regular products and play another game (usually a recruiting game).  I have a few more things to add and play a dating game.  I pass out order forms and lead slips for everyone.  I party plan with those that have dated a party and take orders.  After the orders are taken, the tickets are used for a drawing for free products.  Anyone that doesn’t win a drawing get a small gift from me. (just because)  My parties are usually between 1 to 1 1/2 hours, not including set up and closing.

12.  Do you have a mentor? If so who? Why did you decide to get a mentor? How has it helped you? If not, how do you stay focused?

Willa answered: My mentor is my director!  She is awesome.  I email and talk with her weekly.  She is so energetic and positive.  She has monthly meetings and motivates us to do so much.  I have friends that I talk to alot.  We brain storm and share ideas.  They too are an important part of what I do.  Networking is very important to me. 

Thanks Willa Craft for helping us non-partying , no fun people out! I kid I kid! But thanks!

Check out Willa’s Tupperware website for more information: http://my2.tupperware.com/wcraft