.png)
Bracelet workshops are tons of fun, and... can be tons of work. They can also be done very simply - (complete instructions can be found HERE). In order to maximize your efforts, there are a few things to consider. This post is specific to diffuser bracelets, but the considerations can be applied to any kind of make and take!
Why are you hosting this workshop?
There are two really good reasons to host a diffuser bracelet workshop/party. Both are important.
1. Retention. You have a team of members that you love and adore. Keeping them engaged, showing them gratitude, and creating a community is very important. Events and classes are good. However, there is something about sitting at a table and creating, that is different.
The conversation is free and easy. People can ask questions and share information in an informal setting that they would not ordinarily do in a class. They can share stories, laugh and learn from each other and they aren't really even aware it's happening. This business is built on relationships. Relationships take time. Creating together is a safe and comfortable way to build these precious relationships.
Sometimes it is good to steer the conversation. Ask some questions. It can be as simple as, "What oil do you like to wear on your diffuser jewelry?" Or what is the one product you will turn the car around and go back and get if you forget it? How long have you been using oils? So many directions to go. The fun part is I always learn when I ask questions. People feel valued and part of the community that is so important to build.
Often times, after someone enrolls, they don't come back to another class as they have already been to one. Creating and crafting is different. We are designed to create. We are social beings. This fills those needs.
Especially during the holiday season, this is a great way for people to get together and make bracelets to give as gifts. It would be a fun idea to also have sample bottles and an organza bag for each made bracelet so people are just ready to give those gifts. You can just create bracelets, or make them part of a larger make and take.
Retention is fairly easy. Just have fun and help people feel valued and wanted. The second reason is equally important, but requires more purposeful effort.
2. Recruiting. I have to be honest. I do not like the word recruiting. It feels like a hit list to me. But I'm not sure what better word to use. Basically, this means meeting more people and creating interest. Many people do not want to go to a class where they just sit and learn. They are just not there ... yet. They want to have fun and to socialize. They want to make cool things. This is where you need to get smart with the time you spend on these workshops. They can be very valuable, or a waste of time, depending on you.
I like to think of these workshops similar to the way I think of expos. You can have a table at many expos and vendor shows, but unless you are willing to do the work after the show, you are wasting your time. Here are some ideas to maximize your efforts.
Collect contact information. Have people sign in on a sheet and answer basic questions. One question that will help you make the best use of your time is "are you a Young Living member?" If the answer is yes, having them in your class is still a good thing. They can help with informal educating with the other attendees and with you! They help create excitement. But by knowing that they are already members, you won't take the time to contact them in the future when you are following up with people.
Teach a 10-minute mini class at the event (before you put out the beads, once people touch the beads, you have lost their attention). Who you are, why you are in front of them today, how to use oils, why quality matters, how to enroll, and which oils you love to put on your bracelet with emphasis on the starter kit oils should about cover it! Sometimes people will enroll just with this. They want oils and they are ready. Sometimes they need more.
During the workshop, you along with the help of the other attendees, will create interest causing people to want more information or more oily experiences. Be genuinely interested in them, even with the little time that you have and get to know them. Let them experience different oils. Let them hear oily stories from others. Create a desire to know more.
The more people that attend, the more important it is to have help. You will likely be busy helping to tie knots and answering questions about bracelets and beads. Having a team member at each table to have the oily conversations is a really good idea. If you have 25 people attending, and no help, you will likely miss out on opportunities to connect and create interest.
My suggestion is either limit your class size or get your team to help. Your leader is interested in your success. Even if they don't know the first thing about making bracelets, they know about oils. They can sit at the table, create and build relationships. If you have a builder on your team, invite them to help you, and sponsor new enrollments with them. It helps you and helps them. Win-Win.
Schedule a full intro class in the same town as the bracelet workshop for a near future date and hand out invites to that class. Just like an expo or vendor show, you may have just a few minutes with people. Your priorities are to make sure their experience/interaction with you is a good one and to get their contact information. Creating a situation where you have more time with them, whether a class or a one on one, is key to maximizing your efforts.
Read this next paragraph closely. A day or two after your workshop, take that sign in sheet and start doing the micro work. This is the work that grows your business. Reach out to these contacts. Actually. Pick up the phone and call them. Text them. Direct message them. Do not just assume that they will contact you cause they probably won't. If they don't answer, leave a message and tell them that you will call them later. Call them later. If you adamantly refuse to do the follow-up calls, you can still benefit from these workshops, just know that you are hosting the workshop for reason one, retention (caring for your existing members) not recruitment (adding to your team).
What do you say when you reach out? Start with "it was so great to meet you at the workshop last night! I just love these get togethers as I get to know new people. As we talked about last night, I am teaching a class on (insert class description here) and I think that you would really be interested. Would you be able to come?"
If you had a personal conversation with them and know a bit about them, make it personal. "I will be talking about some ways to help calm your household before bedtime" or "I will be talking about some oils that help with emotions." You get the picture. If they can't come, ask them if they would like you to call them when you schedule the next class. People are busy. Don't take it as a no not ever, but a no not now. Some people will not want to come to a class, but would like to meet for coffee and talk oils. Give them that option.
If the idea of hosting a diffuser workshop/party is good, but you don't know where to start, we have put together some kits that make 12, 20 or 100 bracelets. All the supplies are in there and you don't have to figure it out yourself. When we host workshops, we charge $10 per bracelet. With the kit we put together, your cost per bracelet is as little as $2. The extra helps pay for the facility, refreshments if you choose, and even leaves some extra. Cause extra is nice.
If you don't think you need 100 bracelets for your workshops, sneak on over HERE and see what you can do with the rest!
We think this bracelet making party is a great way to care for your member and find new members. The above considerations not only apply to bracelet parties, but any make and take you choose to host. Go above and beyond to make the most out of your efforts. You will be happy that you did.
Above all else, make sure people leave happy. They will remember how you made them feel. That matters.