New WAHM - need some advice on getting hosts

[earthyamber]

Hi! I recently joined Barefoot Books. I really like it and I have my launch party planned and I am doing a booth at a homeschool convention next month. So, I am happy about that. I also post online. I signed up almost 2 weeks ago and just got a new team member.

However, I do not have any friends or family in the area. How can I get hosts for parties? I am willing to travel up to 2 hours away. How do you get hosts when you first started? I am kinda shy (working on that) and I hate to feel pushy or anything. I really want to succeed though! Since Barefoot Books is such a new and small company, I am the only rep on my side of the state. So, I can grow alot. I just don't know the best way to do that!

Also, does anyone do free raffles at daycares, gyms, stores, etc? If so, how did you approach them?

[berkeleyp]

I am contemplating barefoot books myself so I'm subbing

[marisa]

Hello!
First, I mean this in the most warm, sincere way: Get over feeling pushy. :-)

If you are listening to your customers, and have their needs at heart, you can't be pushy. Find out in conversation what kinds of topics that other parents' children are into. You can suggest titles "Oh, there is a book I bet your child would love..." In order to survive in sales, you have to believe enough in your business that you can project it confidently. If you sound wishy washy, people definitely pick up on it. There's a great training here about closing and how you can trigger objections just by the way you talk abotu your business.
http://www.workathomeprofitzone.com/...losing-part-1/

I think you might have to sign up to be a free member, but her stuff is worth it.

Good luck to you!

[earthyamber]

Thanks Marisa! I will have to check that out

[RollerCoasterMama]

A different company, but there was a book vendor at my office in the fall. I work for a big corporation with a huge building (~6000 people on site!). We have a little convenience store next to the cafeteria. One of the convenience store employees met this book vendor somewhere and set up for the lady to set up a couple of tables in the store. Word quickly spread throughout the building that "Kids books for sale at the store!!". She did VERY well that day.

So, it might be worth while branching out of the normal booths and hosted parties.

(I'm horrible at feeling "pushy" too!!)

[mommyem]

Hi earthyamber,
I just signed up to be a stallholder last night, so I'd love an update on how you're doing!