One of the most frustrating things about building a direct sales business are those inevitable...CANCELLATIONS or postponements! You know what I'm talking about, that last minute phone call from your hostess, the one that goes like this, "I'm sorry, I just couldn't get anybody to come...I'm gonna need to cancel". We've all been there, and if you haven't yet...you will. It doesn't feel good when it happens, but there are ways you can help lessen the amount of cancellations you get.

First, let me ask you a few questions; How much do you "coach" your hostess once she agrees to host a party or show for you? Do you assume your hostess knows what to do in order to assure a successful turn out for her party? Well, if you are like most black women building a direct sales business, you are probably just excited that someone said YES, and agreed to put a show or party on your calendar! I want you to know it takes more then excitement and a YES from your hostess to have a successful show. You should never assume she knows what to do or say to her prospective guests, it's important to TELL her what to say when she invites her guest. Since you are the expert on your products or services, be sure to share with your hostess a few great things about your products, points that she should mention to her guests during the invite. For example, if you offer skin care that helps brighten the skin and evens out skin tone...tell your hostess to share that "extra" information with her guests. If your products are the best selling in your industry and are offered on sale at the party...tell her to share that information. Even better, if your hostess is already a customer and loves your products or services, make sure she tells her guest how awesome your company and products are with a personal testimony!!!  Of course, it is important for her to mention the free giveaways and all the benefits of attending.

The truth is that your hostess wants to be a success, if she feels like the party will be a failure she will probably cancel. So, give her the ammunition to succeed...tell her what to tell her guests!

Next, make sure you give your hostess a specific date for her to get you a guest list and phone numbers.
This will encourage her to "act now" and not wait until the last minute for inviting. Once you get the list, it is good to follow up with the guests. Call each one of them and introduce yourself. Let them know you are excited about meeting them and that you want to make sure they are attending. This is a proven way to encourage attendance. Invited guests DO like to hear from the "expert" conducting the party.

These are just a few suggestions, I hope I've encouraged you to take the extra minutes to coach your hostess and call your hostess' guest list. It will make a difference in how many parties are cancelled and how many are actually a success!!