Never Worry About Booking Parties Again

The ability to consistently book more parties and find new party hosts for your direct sales business is the key to steady income and growth.Why? Because the more parties you hold, the more confident you become. The more confident you become, the better results you have. That includes increased sales, bookings, and new recruits. Simply put, practice makes perfect.

Parties work because they are the ultimate lead funnel. You find the Host and the Host introduces you to 8 -10 of her friends. Hello newbies! Before you know it, you’re in a whole new circle of people who actually want what you have to offer. That means you never have to ask friends and family again and now maybe they’ll stop avoid making eye contact with you. <wink>

Booking your calendar full is so important, it’s my topic for this entire month. If you’re in my Group Mentoring program, check our members-only Facebook Group for a booking blitz training replay, weekly action steps, and virtual “Book Your Calendar Full” Zoom class with guest speaker and direct sales expert, Gale Bates.

Set a Goal to Book More Parties

First, start with the end in mind. Decide how much you want to earn weekly and set a booking goal based on the income you want to earn vs. settling for what comes your way each month. Attach the income goal to something tangible (car, furniture, renovation project, private school, etc.). You might even want to cut out visuals and write down positive affirmations to help you shift your mindset from, “I’ve called everyone and no one will book,” to, “I am a party booking ninja.” Picture yourself kicking butt when you say that last part. And seriously, ‘everyone’ was probably two people who said no so you quit. Amirite?

Having a tangible goal will give you the motivation to book the parties you need to get there. And don’t forget to share your income goal with your family and support people. They’ll take your business more seriously when you treat it like a business and show ‘em the money.

Next, take action on these 9 booking ideas so you never have to worry about booking parties again.

1: Make A List

Why is now the absolute best month to Host a party? Make a list so you know exactly what to say to create a sense of urgency to date now. The list might include special host offers, trending holiday topics, being the first to see new products, staying more connected with friends, self-care or a refresh/makeover, or even the last chance to order existing products. Your belief, excitement, and enthusiasm about why now is the best time to par-tay is what will help you book more parties.

2: Don’t Make Booking Calls

You read that right. I’m going to drop a truth bomb and guess that you might not have followed-up with all the customers who’ve ordered from you. Which means that reaching out to book parties will not go well, and your message or text will probably be ignored. You’re not alone here. The lack of customer service is why most direct sellers avoid making booking calls. They feel guilty for not following up and now fear being perceived as ‘that pushy direct seller’. Hand in the air if that’s you (been there).

People say YES when they feel connected to you and you’ve built a strong relationship, so start there. The good news is, it’s way easier to make customer service calls because you don’t have to overcome all those ‘I feel pushy’ voices in your head. Stop making booking calls and come from a place of serving your customers’ needs. That’s all you have to do. When your customers want more, offer solutions to help them get what they want. Guess what the best solution is? Hosting a party! Or maybe joining. Explore the best solution for each customer and they’ll thank you for it.

3: Create FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

Say, “Everyone who picks a date today is in a special bonus drawing for ____! Are you thinking of a weekday or weekend?” When you get the answer, offer your next two available dates and get the party booked. Read my Killer Booking Script to get booking verbiage that helps you get a YES.

4 : Turn every NO into WDYKW (Who Do You Know Who…?)

The fear of rejection is what stops many from inviting friends and customers to host. Fear no more! Every time you hear the word no, simply say, “No problem. I’d love to spoil one of your friends with a shopping spree. Who do you know who would love to (insert with the problem you solve)?” Every no can lead you to a new customer, host, or recruiting lead. WDYKW turns every ‘no’ into the possibility of meeting someone new. How cool is that?

5: Give Away a Host Reward

This is a genius idea to create a lead funnel that helps you book more parties. Here’s how it works: use Google Forms or JotForm to create an entry form to win a product that is part of your host rewards. Create the desire for the product by ‘romancing’ it via Facebook LIVE or with a video how-to tip that solves a problem. Example: “This is the (product) everyone needs to (problem you solve) this summer!” Follow up with everyone who didn’t win and let them know the many ways they can still get the product. Hosting a party this month is one of those ways. Surprise!

If they are not interested in hosting a party of their own, invite them to a Mystery Host party so they can still have a chance to win when they shop. Note: Make sure you follow your company guidelines about creating your own giveaways, which might have to be shared privately in a Facebook Group or via text/email. But, wait. You could be a tease about all the awesome sauce happening in your Facebook Group and invite Facebook friends to request to join to partake. Now you’ve created both a Facebook Group lead funnel and booking lead funnel. Go you!

6: Focus on Multiple Bookings at Every Party

Forget doing a happy dance when one person books a party. That will not sustain or grow your business. 2 – 4 bookings from every party is what will help you grow. Coach your host for multiple bookings before, during, and after the party. Let guests know what your Host is going for. Friends tend to book more when they know it helps out their friend.

And here’s a quick tip that works: During your ‘day before the party’ coaching call, help your Host prepare for one of the realities of hosting. Guests who RSVP’d ‘yes’ will cancel the day of. This is true even for Facebook and Zoom parties, even though they can shop online (go figure). Your Host will feel less deflated, and be less likely to cancel or postpone if she/he knows cancellations happen at every party. It’s not her, it’s them.

Give her these words to say so she can turn day of party cancellations into new bookings, “I’m so sorry you can’t attend, but I have great news. My consultant, Lynn (you’ll love her), offered to bring the party to you! Whatcha think about hosting a party of your own so you can get all the goodies I’m receiving?” Imagine having 1 or 2 parties booked before you get the party started. That should always be your goal. Then book 2 more during the party, and coach your Host to go for one more before you close. And don’t forget to rebook the Host for her next party. Just keep booking more parties.

7: Take a Virtual Road Trip

Look at a map of where you can develop your business and decide to develop a new state, province or country. By new, I mean new for you and your team. Let customers and friends know you’re taking your party on the road (via Zoom or Facebook Parties) and ask for referrals in a specific area. Say, “Who do you know who lives in (area)? I’m developing (area) right now and have a special thank you gift for every referral you send my way. Does anyone come to mind?”

The best part? Customers and friends will realize you have a serious business that is growing and thriving! Don’t be surprised if they ask you about joining. I know this works because I’ve done it. I built a million dollar team in a new state which all came from one party with a family member. And that was before Facebook or Zoom.

8: Plan A Multi-host Party With Your Team

Why hold one party when you can hold 5, 10, or even 50 parties in one night with a multi-host party in a Facebook Group? There is strength in numbers and all those guests can fire up the engagement, interaction and results. Delegate party posts to team members and make sure ordering instructions are easy to follow so every host gets the proper credit. Never party without a lead form that includes the Consultant and Host name so you can help your team follow up with booking and recruiting leads.

9: Create A Customer Appreciation Event

This exclusive value-added event is a lead funnel that can be held via Zoom or in a Facebook Group. The key is to offer a prize drawing to customers who bring friends. The more friends who attend, the more chances to win the grand prize, and the more new people you get to connect with who can buy, book, or join your team.

Watch this replay to learn how it all works.

These 9 booking ideas for your direct sales business should help you book more parties and keep a full calendar all year long. Add in a booking blitz if you want to influence your team to book more parties, too.

Ok, what was your favorite idea? Tell me in the comments below.

Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?