Setting Up Your Party Host

Three Steps for Setting Up Your New Host

Let’s look at where the relationship with your new host begins; at the party from which she books her party. She’s experienced you as a representative for the current host, and you goal before she leaves is to have her commit to you as her host and to be sure she’s clear about what you’ll expect from your partnership with her and what you’ll provide for her.

You want to communicate three requirements:

1.    Set a show date within 30 days from that night  if at all possible

2.    Assign the task of completing the guest list and offer an incentive to get it done.

3.    Schedule a date within one week (either over the phone or in person) to pick up the list & postage & plan the party.

Your language around these three steps is very important.  The biggest mistake most representatives make at this point in their relationship with their hosts is not taking control. When you own your power and simply tell them what the plan is instead of asking them for their cooperation, they respect you at a whole different level and your partnership begins.

The language is what creates the partnership that will get you the results you want. The more confident and enthusiastic you are, the more she’ll take these requirements seriously.

Here is a sample script you may want to use:

“Linda, I want to thank you for scheduling a Personal Protection Party for me and (tonight’s host) Barb.  I’m so excited to have YOU as one of my upcoming hosts.  Our goal is a fun and educational night out with your friends.

I want to be clear about how you receive all  the hostess gifts I talked about earlier and how Barb receives credit for your booking.  All it’s going to take is three easy steps.

First, set your show date within 30 days of today.  In a moment I’ll show you the dates I have available.

Second, I’m sending you home with a blank guest list.  I have a great invitation to send to all your guests. I’ve included 30 blank mailing labels and all I need is a list of at least 25 names and  addresses with a first class  postage stamp for each  within one week.  If you don’t have time to go to the post office, you can just pay me for the postage and I’ll take care of that for you, too.

Begin by calling all your guests to invite them to a fun, relaxed Damsel In Defense Show.  Ask them for their addresses so we can mail them an invitation with a ticket for a special drawing.  If you’d like to invite more than the required 25, great! 

Third, we’ll set up a time you and I can connect within this next week for a cup of coffee. (if it’s not possible to meet in person, set up a phone time with her).  At that time, I’ll collect your list and together we’ll plan a fun experience with your friends.  (If she’s doing her coaching over the phone, offer her a self addressed stamped envelope and ask her to get you her labels by that time).”

And isn't it true that in order for her to get “all the goodies,” she has to have a successful show, and in order to have a successful show, she has to work with you to create it? Of course! This language just sets her up for success by ensuring that she’s completing the guest list in a timely fashion and you’re getting the invitations mailed out for her.

What we know is invitations increase attendance.  You want the list back.  And you don’t want to pay postage. Be creative here. And, again, the language supports you. Just matter-o-factly say,  “I’ll just need to get your list and a first class stamp for each name – or if you’re too busy, you can write me a check and I’ll go to the post office for you!”

From Julie Ann Jones