Make it Great

I got to do an interview with Chris and she sells adult “things” (I don’t want to attract the wrong searches, LOL). As she said “At her parties there is never a dull moment!” 

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

I wanted to stay home after having my son, and several other WAH opportunities just didn’t work out for me, so I thought I’d give it one last shot and try the home party plan scene.

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 not only gives women (and some men too) the chance to work their own hours, be their own boss, and make great money at it, but also the hostesses for these parties get great rewards!  Who doesn’t love to get together with their friends and have a great time doing a little shopping and getting free and discounted products?

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

I book parties in a variety of ways.  The biggest way for me is bookings from other party guests.  I have some great booking games that really help out the hostess, so her guests are always willing to book to get their own rewards, as well as to help out their hostess.  I also do online advertising, hand out business cards, word of mouth (referrals), print advertising, etc.

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? 

No, not really.  Then again, I think it all depends on your market area too.  I’ve done other party plan businesses before with no results.  Well, bad results, I guess….lol!  Some areas are more popular for some party plans, while other areas may not be.  I also think that it’s easier for the fact that it’s a chance for hostesses to have a great time with their friends & family and the opportunity for free and discounted products, rather than just buying from a direct seller, which may not have such rewards.

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

  Well, sometimes home party plan businesses have a bad name.  What I mean by that is, some people think there are costs to hosting a party, they just don’t think they’re going to have the time, or they think the products are just going to be too expensive and no one will make any purchases if they do come to a party.

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

Oh my goodness, I’m much more open to discussing topics with complete strangers.  I’m more willing to approach someone I don’t even know and am thrilled that I can honestly offer them a great reason to have a party or to join my team.  I have such pride in what I do!

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

  I hand someone a business card and tell them what I do and tell them a little bit about the business.  I often listen to what I hear ladies talking about and relate their conversation to how a party could benefit them.  I’ll do this anywhere I am, whether it be at the store, the mall, a restaurant, wherever!  Wherever I am, someone or everyone is going to know what I do!

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

  I can do most any theme…..bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary, girls night in, holiday parties, you name it!  Many times I just listen to what the hostess has going on in her life and she’ll have an idea for a theme herself without even knowing it!

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

  Believe in yourself!  Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great businesses!  Don’t lose hope if your businesses starts out slow.  Give it some time and keep the enthusiasm.  Know your products and party plan!  The more you know, the more people will trust in you and turn to you as an “expert”.  Make a name for yourself.

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

  Wow, with my business, there really is no “typical” party!  Lol!  That’s what I love so much about it.  Every one is so much fun and you just never know what you’re going to hear or see!  I love it!  I’ll never get bored with it just for that reason.  However, to sum it up a little, I introduce myself, my background and the business and have everyone introduce themselves too with a game.  My parties are usually about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the size of the crowd, how many questions are asked, etc., and that includes a short break halfway through.  I speak about my products in a fun and informative way, pass them around for guests to see, touch, taste, hear, etc. and play a couple of games to keep everyone on their toes and very entertained!  Let me just say, there’s never a dull moment at my FYP parties!  Lol!

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?

  My mentor is my sponsor and director, Jen Hasseler.  She’s one of my driving forces.  I aim to be just as great, if not better (hee hee) than her.  As busy as she is, she always has time to help me and support me.  She knows when I have a party and cheers me on, even if it’s a quick text message when I’m actually AT a party!  A great sponsor/mentor is very important!  I’ve had other sponsors with other businesses and found that if the personalities just don’t match up, it’s not going to be helpful.  You need a great relationship with your sponsor.  If you’re not comfortable with that person, find someone who is willing to help you that you ARE comfortable with.  Choose who you sign up with carefully.  Make sure they’re there for you and not just the commissions they may be receiving from you.  They need to be supportive and helpful, not untouchable.  You should or will be in contact with this person sometimes on a daily basis, so make it an enjoyable relationship.

Chris Bowen

Website= At Home With Pleasure

Thanks Chris!