What do you do when you don't know anyone?

[rhiana]

Hey all,

It's been a while since I've been to the site, but I'm desperate and everyone here always gives great advice.
I just moved to Manteca, CA. Which if anyone has been there, you know it's a little bit of a small town. I also just signed up to be a Passion Party Consultant. Brilliant move on my part! I forgot that I don't know anyone here. It's a home party plan kind of thing like Tupperware except for they sell "Sensual Aids" How the heck am I supposed to get parties if I don't know anyone, these products are kind of a delicate subject!!
Does anyone have any suggestions for me as to how I could Network and Meet people? I'm used to being in a place where I know everyone. This is hard!

Rhi

[canadian gardener]

Can you back out of the comittment? Even taking a loss might be better than becoming labelled as the woman who sells that kind of stuff. Not saying it's bad, but just that there is an image and you are aware of it already and a bit unsure.

If people knew you first, and you are comfy with your image selling it, and the town knows you and the product is fairly mainline, then party plans can work but I'd be thinking it might make you a bit of a social outcast and that is the last thing a person needs starting off in a new town.

Dh and I have moved a lot, and first impressions really matter.

I prefer to get to know people socially and new comers trying to sell me stuff I tend to freeze out even if I'd otherwise like them.

I don't even do well with people I've known for years who sell stuff like Avon, tupperware, Mary Kay etc.

It's kind of putting you at a double disadvantage right off the bat.

People might avoid you just because they got to know that you sell stuff, and then double because of what it is.

My advice is get out while the going is good, and before you get labelled.

Get into some social groups, whether a volunteer organization like Habitat or feeding the homeless, or helping promote local artists. Local churches are good, as are mothers groups when you are trying to break into a community.

[canadian gardener]

and small towns are wonderful once you are accepted. The people can be a bit cautious at first, and believe me, no matter what you do, you will cause a fair bit of talk as they all decide what you are made of, and whether it's worth letting down the guard to let you into their inner circle.

It's human nature.

But it's also a plus. Once in, you are accepted with all your eccentricities and people can be very kind, and in your corner.

I remember the shock I got first living in a small town after years in the city.

One of my neighbors just saw the back door open (I was cleaning and putting boxes away after the move and wanted the sunshine and air) and plunked herself and a giant zucchini down and asked for coffee.

It was the start of a wonderful friendship.

That town used to have entire pages of the local paper on bridge scores and the local hockey team.

Wonderful place.

Congrats on the move, you'll love it there I'm sure. Just go slow on the sales of anything at the start. Once you are accepted, you could sell anything and they'll be loyal and buy from you but till you are in, you have to mind your p's and q's.

[rhiana]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice, but I don't want to back out!! I posted this in supplemental income because I know a lot of people here do home party plan type of businesses and I was hoping they might have advice on how they find people to have parties.
I'm not leary of the products, I joined Passion Parties because I believe that the products are great sensual aids for married and committed couples to improve their "sensual" lives. I just meant I wouldn't want to just bring up the products in the grocery store or something in case I offend someone.

Oh and thanks for the advice about small towns... I know I'll love it here, I already love the quiet and the lack of traffic and the cute little flea markets they have.

[Jerseygirl]

Are there colleges close by? Think sorority parties etc.
Maybe find a tasteful lingerie shop and leave a few cards there.
Look into bridal shops too, where there are brides to be, there are bridesmaids that are planning bachelorette parties and this can easily be incorporated into that idea. If there are hospitals, send a note to the nurses association offering extra gifts to someone wanting to host the party, a "women in business" asscociation also. I would reach out to any organization that advocates for that modern business woman. Good luck.--Kellie

[amysh]

Do you have kids? Can you enroll them in a regular class where you will be with other parents?

My kids (and DH) do tae kwan do, and I know LOTS of parents there, and have been invited to *many* parites: tupperware, Southern Living, something along the lines of a 'passion part', but I don't know if it was the same brand, candles, other party-type stuff.

You get to see the same people week after week and get to know a lot of them quite well, if the kids stick with it. Otherwise, you could join a class as an adult...

Good luck!