How to build Contacts without the Web.

[Kestrel]

I work for a partyplan style company which does not allow me to advertise, discuss my business or sell my products on the internet or in forums such as this. (which means i can't even tell you which one here!) I have used other methods such as the local markets and fetes to get my stuff 'out there' and to gradually build a contacts list and customer base. I use email newsletters and snail mail to send out catalogues and newsletters but I need more ideas to spread the word without the internet. Any ideas??

[kathiemt]

Originally Posted by Kestrel

I work for a partyplan style company which does not allow me to advertise, discuss my business or sell my products on the internet or in forums such as this. (which means i can't even tell you which one here!) I have used other methods such as the local markets and fetes to get my stuff 'out there' and to gradually build a contacts list and customer base. I use email newsletters and snail mail to send out catalogues and newsletters but I need more ideas to spread the word without the internet. Any ideas??

Networking events? Find ones that would have your target audience. I'm guessing that women or mums might fit that model so you need to find business mums groups, mothers groups, working women groups and so on.

[Geoff Kelly]

Kestrel,

Consider a challenge faced by your primary targets - one that they really care about, and one that realtes to your industry and product. For example, if you were selling a variety of plastic containers and accesseries useful in the kitchen and around the home, then you might consider the challenges of storing various things so that they are protected (or preserved) and are keep down clutter.
Then develop a brief report, article, checklist that shows helpful ways to meet that challenge. Important, this would mostly be about ways to meet their challenge, not mentioning your product. This is not a product sheet, but a piece of genuine value to get people's attention and to raise your credibility as an expert.
The result is that you will have something different to attract them to you. You can letterdrop, email or snail mail this with good effect.
You could also go to forums (because you are not selling at this point) and offer your advice and resources such as this to people who are most interested, collecting their contact details to provide other resources and ultimately to make offers to from the list you will build.

Sorry to go so long, but I wanted you to undestand how this might work for you.

Best wishes

Geoff

[MissieK]

One big thing, and this is something I get a bit passionate about, is keep in regular contact with past hostesses! Do this and they will often rebook or continue to buy from you. It's amazing the number of party plan consultants who don't keep in contact.

There are ways around the internet thing too. For example, you could say you are a consultant for a children's book company and invite us to contact you for more information. This way you aren't mentioning the name, however we can get an idea of what you do.

Have stands at market nights & similar to grow your contacts.

HTH
Melissa

[Kestrel]

Thanks guys
Food for thought. I have already begun to look for networking groups in my area and found one just yesterday. I'm not sure how work like mine is viewed generally though - there seems to be a perception that it is not a 'real' business. Maybe i just need to be more confident.
Geoff - i take on board your idea and will think about how i can put it into action for my products. I don't sell plastic by the way - I sell greeting cards and related accessories. The company is from the UK but Australian arm is based in Sydney. It has taken off on Victoria and WA but seems to be struggling to expand here in NSW - I think there are organisations in Sydney particularly which have maybe given partyplan style businesses a bad name and made people very resistant. As the name is relatively unknown i have spent a lot of time just getting the product known which is a struggle without being able to use the media to its potential. I need to look outside the square i guess.

[MissieK]

There is a perception that party plan is not a "real" business. I think that is because a lot of consultants don't treat it as a business & they don't do things like go to networking events etc with other types of businesses.

Fundraising events/sales at kinders etc are also a good way to build your database & bookings.

Melissa

[nicnac]

Originally Posted by Kestrel

I work for a partyplan style company... I need more ideas to spread the word without the internet. Any ideas??

Hi there,
Have you thought about doing a fundraising demonstration for a school or community group? The people who come along to support the fundraiser will become contacts for you - maybe there could be an incentive with a benefit to the school/group for each attendee and/or party booked?

If you feel this idea would suit the restrictions you have maybe you could even advertise ``a fun and different way to raise money for your group'' in school newsletters etc?

Good luck with it.