It’s a known fact that in the direct sales industry, if you don’t have reservations, you’re out of business. Most people who book a party plan presentation do so at the presentation. You should encourage people to book by giving them reasons throughout your demo. The easiest way to get bookings is to be “up” for your presentation. Here are some other ideas.

1. The main reasons people book is to have fun and learn something. Make your presentation fun and interesting.

2. Talk about your hostess plan at least three times during your presentation. This can be as simple as showing a product and saying, “You can get it for free by hosting a party.”

3. Offer an incentive, like low-priced but popular items, free just for reserving today. They get the item when they have their show.

4. It means a busy schedule, even if this is the last presentation on your calendar. Subconsciously, guests think, “If no one else wants to book with her, there must be something wrong.”

5. Train your hostess to get reservations for you. Offer her an incentive to have two outside reservations before she gets to your house.

6. Talk about the different types of presentations you do. If they don’t know you do bridal shows you will never book one.

7. Put on a show in a bag. If you need reservations, tell the guests that they are at the end of a special you are having. If they book tonight for next week you will bring dessert and paper products. All they have to do is invite the guests.

8. Have an inexpensive item to receive immediately if they book that night.

9. Offer a higher priced item free to the first person to book.

10. Ask your previous hostess, who is a guest at this show, if she remembers what she received at her show. She needs you to show her information with you because she won’t remember it. Don’t just say the items she received, actually put them together in one place. Then she gives the numbers. “Lisa received $250 worth of products, but because she was the hostess with ten guests shopping, she only paid $23.” She ends by saying, “Lisa, was it worth your time and effort to have a show?” I have never had a former hostess say no.

Use one, some or all of these ideas to fill your calendar. Happy booking!