Booking it!

Getting Bookings

As you're getting your business off the ground there are 2 main options for securing future bookings:

- Holding your own Launch Party

or

- Messaging friends and family and inviting them to host their own parties

These options are STILL available for those who have been working the business for a longer period of time, just in a different format:

- Hold your own party, mystery hostess party, new titles party, etc.

or

- Go through your friends list and invite friends and family to host (this may include past customers and past hostesses)

Blurbs you could use (PLEASE use your own words. It will be VERY obvious if you send a prepackaged blurb to your friends and family.)

Hi NAME! How are you? I was thinking about you, and I wanted to tell you about my new adventure! I love Usborne Books so much I decided to join so I can share them with you! They have amazing interactive and educational books for children ages baby through young adult! I am hosting a party on Facebook to launch my new career! I would LOVE to see you there so I can show you some books your family would absolutely love! The party is on X date at X time. Would you like an invite?

Hi NAME! How are you? I was thinking about you, and I wanted to tell you about my new passion! You already know how much the kids and I love to read- we love it so much I decided to join Usborne Books and More! If you aren't familiar with them, they have incredible books for babies through young adults that the kids really love! In my first 12 weeks I can offer DOUBLE FREE book rewards to me friends! I would love for you to be one of the first of my friends that gets these books for free! I have X date and X date available. Which one works for you? 

(Tweak blurbs for mystery hostess, new titles, etc.) 

Once you start booking parties, you'll find that the BEST place to book parties is AT a party! 

- Make it a goal to have at least 1 booking per party

- Always have a booking post

- Have a customer survey (See How-to Videos link to set up your own)

- JUST ASK! Ask your guests if they would like FREE books!

***SAMPLE PARTY BOOKING POST*** (Please use your own words)

Can't beat FREE! Just ask your lovely hostess: it's FAST, FUN, and EASY to host a party! And the best part- FREE BOOKS! Check out the pics in the comments: these were all sent to me by my hostesses last month! This could EASILY be you! Comment below by filling in the blank "I want to party in_______" and I'll give you a FREE shine-a-light of your choice at your party! 

You can recruit your hostess to help you get bookings. Offer her an incentive to get bookings FOR YOU! "Jessica, for every person that books a party from yours I'll give you $5 extra in FREE books! Do you have any friends that you think would be great at hosting?" 

Other places where you can get bookings:

Booths

Book Fairs

Baby Showers

Play Dates

Libraries

Pretty much anywhere: SPEAK UP! Remember, you are offering something great: fantastic books for FREE! 

What happens if someone CANCELS?

It happens. And sometimes it's unavoidable. Here are some tips:

- Try to reschedule

- Ask them for referrals. You did after all set aside the time in your calendar, maybe they can help you fill it!

- Don't get down. Move on :) 

What happens if you ask someone to host and they say NO?

- They aren't saying "no" to you, just to the opportunity to host. Don't take it personally.

- Try again in a few months! Sometimes it's just not a good time for people. Be sure to point out WHY now is a good time to host (new titles, back to school, hostess special, etc.)

- ASK WHY! (Really, it's ok to ask.) This will open the dialogue for you to try and overcome the objections they might have about hosting. Most often, people say "no" because they are afraid no one will come to their party, but you already know how to help her get people there!

FAQ

Q: Do you let guests know that their hostess needs bookings in order to claim her rewards?

A: In a word: yes. I tag the host in my booking post during her party and ask her which of her friends would be GREAT at hosting! I also mention to them that for everyone that books a party with me, their friend gets $5 extra in free books.

Q: How will Home Office know if there is a booking from the previous party or not?
A: In order pro -> page 2 you will need to fill in the information for the booking in order to claim your hostess rewards. You can see below that this party is in my name and a REBOOKED myself for the future to qualify for the monthly hostess special.

Q: Will it matter if the booking date is changed? 

A: No.

Q: What is the best way to get bookings from a booth?

A: Book them RIGHT THERE! Let them know that they can get these books for FREE by hosting a simple home or online party. Let them know your available dates, and ask them to host! Add them to Facebook then and there so you don't lose them. Alternatively, contact them the day after your event and try and secure a booking.

Q: Where do you find the monthly hostess specials?

A: Back Office Home -> Essentials -> Current Specials