Make it Great

Okay so I got to “talk”to Shannon who works in the party plan industry and I could tell from her answers, that she is ball of energy! I can see why she is in the party plan industry!

Enjoy! 

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

I am a stay at home mom with two small children.  I needed to get out once in a while and talk to adults!

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

The party plan industry is so successful , in my opinion, because you completely have control over your time. No one tells you how much or how little you have to put into it.  Also….people love getting together with friends…..and in the technology age…..where we tend to call or email……people dont have as much quality time with friends and family anymore.  With party planning….it gives your hostesses an excuse to have people over and socialize while earning FREE STUFF!

 3. How do you book parties? How do you advertise your business? 

 SAMPLING!!!

I use one on one consultations, local events, and area hospitals (new moms) to advertise and find potential hostesses.  I also book parties from parties.  I do a lot of promo material…..business cards…sample packs…..fliers.  I put them anywhere that would be applicable to  my business or where they would be noticed by a lot of people.

4. 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?

 I personally do not find it difficult, because I wanted to go out and meet new people…..Plus in my business, our product is very hands on….so just selling online or in a catalog…..we’re just another jar on a page….. at the partys though I can really show people what makes us special!

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

Promoting myself.  Thankfully this area is not saturated with consultants in my field…..but on the other hand….not many people have heard about our products either…..so my biggest challenge is getting in the door….once im in…..its great!

6. How has owning a party pan business changed you as a woman? (Specifically party plan aspect)

Public speaking……goodbye shyness!!

Professional appearance…..When you look nice…you feel nice….and it gives you a confidence that carries over onto the days youre cleaning your stove in sweat pants!  Because once you become a diva….it stays with you…..

Time out of the house……it has helped me to be calmer and more together while at home.  I’m a better mom because I am doing something for me once or twice a week!  Most people dont think of going to work as time for yourself….but for me…it truly is.

Financial gain……having the extra money to take care of things i need in my life has helped me relax a little.  I’m not so worried about the little things anymore….because I know that not only will there be enough now…..there will be extra!

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

I really promote our hostess program…..let them know the benefits of having a party vs just placing an order with us.  I approach people with promo material or samples in hand….and then just ask for their opinion.  You can book or recruit ANYWHERE.  It is easiest with the people you see all the time…..store clerks, receptionists, other moms, school events, church….the list keeps going.

8. What type of themes do you use for your parties? How do you come up with fresh party ideas?

 It really depends on the hostess….if she has a certain flair about her….or she enjoys doing certain things with her friends….work with it…..

some of the themes we have used…..super bowl widows party (party plan divas idea)…..pedi-party (learn to use your current products in new ways)……mystery hostess party…..I am getting ready to have an open house for the ladies in my neighborhood….(Broad meadow ladies night out)I am going to walk around the neighborhood passing out fliers and invite them to a show at my home…..and offer a spectacular door prize!

 9. What are some tips for someone just starting out?

Organization, confidence, record keeping, etc.   Check out vista print.  They have so many things that will help you get your business together….professional business cards and a rubber stamp are a MUST.  Have a filing system.  Start a folder for each hostess….and keep her show info together….so you arent searching for little pieces of paper all over the office/house.  Keep your outlook POSITIVE.  Sell products you truly believe in….so that way when you dont have confidence in yourself….you can at least be confident in the product.  This is your garden….plant seeds(make contacts)…..water them (follow up)…..watch them grow (Throw some awesome parties!)

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

I usually take between 1 and 2 hrs for the show….it depends on how the guest react.  If they have a lot of questions I make time to answer them.

-Introductions

-Thank the hostess ( make a BIG deal out of giving her a gift! make it special)

-Break the ice ( play some games, relax your guests, talk about yourself and your business)

-Promo (talk about the benefits of hosting/business opp)

-Demo (show products, demonstrate items)

-Q&A (let guests informally talk about what THEY want to know)

-Wind it up…..remind them again about the 3 opportunities they have…..customer…hostess…business….thank everyone….

-Take orders (while refreshments are being served….offer one on one info to the guests as they place orders.)

-Closing (make a big deal of the show sales total….tell them what all your hostess earned that night……tell them how much money you made off this show…..encourage them to get a piece of the action!)

11. 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?

Our company offers an excellent mentoring program…..I have several mentors.  It helps because….even though you are independent….you arent alone.  There are still people there to answer questions for you.  Getting in on conference calls and training really helps you to stay on top of whats IN in the business….it keeps you at the top of your game.  They are also a great sounding board when youre having a bad month…..it helps to keep things grounded….so you CAN keep the positive attitude!

  

Shannon Neal

L’Bri Pure And Natual

www.shannon1677.lbri.com

Thanks Shannon!