Posted by Tastefully Simple on January 11, 2021
A little over a year ago, I was a busy first-time mom of a toddler, working a full-time job. I was hungry for a chance to get out of the house and interact with other moms – with the added benefit of contributing to our family’s savings. Since I have loved Tastefully Simple products for many years, I decided to become a consultant. My business offers the benefits of allowing me to throw parties, be social, earn some extra money and gain a boost of self-confidence.
The social aspect of Tastefully Simple parties is a big draw for me. I love working with hosts to design a menu, plan a tasting and try all the wonderful flavors that Tastefully Simple products offer. I also enjoy using social media to reach clients who are a little further away.
From the beginning, I structured my business to do both in-home tasting parties and online parties. I schedule up to three in-person parties a month, supplemented by some Facebook parties and reorders from loyal clients.
With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, my business model had to adapt. I have done a lot more Zoom parties, where I provide the guests with samples before the party. During the party, guests are encouraged to show what they made and what they loved about it.
While the pandemic took a toll on in-person parties, it did present some new opportunities. I did a lot of outreach to small businesses about the amazing gifts Tastefully Simple has to offer and encouraged them to purchase them for their employees to recognize the hard work they have put in this year. Since companies were not spending money on holiday parties this year, they decided to invest the money into gifts for their staffs.
The pandemic has also allowed me a lot of time to provide client care. I made many phone calls to reintroduce myself to clients who had previously ordered from me, and was able to ramp up some additional sales.
My client base tends to be those in my local community and hosts and guests who have partied with me in the past. I have been able to expand my network through social media and asking friends to share my page. Just a few shares has gotten my name out a little further and it continues to grow. I sometimes offer incentives for anyone who can get me additional referrals. It is all about making those connections!
I always offer new clients a free sample to try, and send a hand-written thank you note to those who place an order, including some ideas to use the products. A little kindness goes a long way.
Tastefully Simple has become a family business. My two-year-old Loves to help me empty the boxes of new products or pack bags for porch drops. My husband is always my taste-tester, and often comes up with his own ideas for how to use Tastefully Simple products. With the money I earn from Tastefully Simple we have been able to pay off some debt and have started a substantial savings account for my son. My family is incredibly supportive and continues to give me new ideas on how to gain and retain clients and find new sales prospects, and for that I am blessed.
I tell my clients that Tastefully Simple has been an amazing experience for me. It has provided me some financial freedom, the ability to meet new people, be part of an amazing team, earn an amazing trip, and of course eat delicious, easy and healthy food. I always say, “Everyone eats. Why not make some money while they do?”
Abby Mason (NY)
Consultant
Interested in having more cash, flavor and fun like Abby? Find out more about starting your own Tastefully Simple business for as little as $49.