Superfood Tasting Parties (Susan Thompson Version)

We would like to give special thanks to Susan Thompson for sharing her thoughts, ideas and successes with us in this article. We will continue to update this as needed. So, print it out and . . . . . . . . HAVE A PARTY!

Part I

(with special thanks to Cindy Bertrand for the original concept)

This is what I did at my 2nd Tasting Party:

(1) Send out lots of invitations!

Only a percentage of them will be able to come for one reason or another. (For my second Tasting Party, I sent out 40 invitations and 6 people came, all were prospects. 2 have signed up so far, 2 are still being followed, 1 told me today she's going to "sign up any minute now!" 1 has no money).

Inviting lots of people insures at least a few guests, so you feel less rejection, concentrating on and celebrating about the ones that say "yes"!

A few will request to come to your next Tasting Party!

Ask the others "Does this sound like something you would like to come to if I have another one?" This is how you know who is interested -- who to invite next time! You've already started your next mailing list!

(2) Party Preparation

Recipe cards (for each guest) for the food you decide to serve (all recipes include algae)

Intro. Pack Video

Sample bottles of all products (for demo), use open bottles so they can see what the powder and caps look like.

Refreshments on pretty dishes, on the coffee table:

2 different Smoothie Drinks: I use Smoothie powder and I use Go Green

1 dip with organic chips and/or veggies.

BG Bars cut into bite size pieces.

Make bars of cookies with Simplexity ingredients.

Small paper cups (2 oz. size) small plates and napkins

Packet for each guest: product brochure, order guide & form with your name & ID #. Have Intro Packs ready for those wanting more detailed info.

Books: (J. Robbins good), pamphlets about enzymes, Q10, Acidophilus, etc.

Other foods such as broccoli sprouts (you point out that these are in our Go Green, etc), tofu refrigerated and Mori-Nu)

(3) The Party:

10:00 - 10:10 (10 min.)

Greet guests, chat about their interests, how you know them, etc. (social time)

10:10 - 10:20: (10 min.)

Introduce the tasting portion by acknowledging that one interest we all have in common is that we are all interested in health, that's why they came. Then announce that we are now we are going to try the refreshments! (The ingredients are a secret until after most people have tried the refreshments. Assure guests that they don't have to try everything, but all refreshments taste normal even if some don't look normal! I have them help themselves, so no one is put on the spot. I mention that one smoothie has a chocolate flavor. Most will try everything, guessing what they are made of.

10:20- 10:45: (25 min.)

Then go through the recipes, one at a time, reviewing all the ingredients. Bring out the points listed on Essentials flyer (4 problems/solutions): importance of organic food, good water, super foods such as sprouts (1 T broccoli sprouts = 1 whole head of broccoli and we have sprouts in our Go Green, etc.!), and algae, etc. Let everyone contribute what they know about these points, thus acting as your, and each other's second voice! This part is like a really interesting discussion; you are the moderator, making sure that everyone has a chance to participate, adding the above points, mentioning here and there about how the algae answers the problems in many ways. If you see someone nod in agreement, ask them to contribute. Appreciate that everyone has some healthy eating habits. Hold up books and refer to product sheets etc. Make it visual!

Do a few sentence summary / solutions of what has been discussed, before starting the video tape. I say something like: "Just to summarize, we have found that the 4 major challenges involving our health are these . . . . This ties all info together, especially for those very new to these concepts.

10:45- 11:05 (20 min.)

Show the first 16 minutes (the product portion) of the Intro. Pack Video. As the video runs, hold up the bottles of the four main products as they are introduced on the video. (Do NOT pass them around at this point because it will distract people from watching the video.) Stop the video in various predetermined places to make additional comments. For sure, stop at the picture of the algae and explain how big it is (about 1/4 inch long, like a blade of grass). I stop at Daryl on the stage, to briefly tell about why/how he started harvesting algae. I stop it at Dan O’Brien to tell he was raised in Klamath, eats that algae and won the Olympic Decathlon Gold Medal. At the CT Solution Projects - I tell that distributors start these projects, and emphasize that the algae is such a power food that it only takes a small amount to make a difference.

11:05 - 11:15 (10 min.)

After showing the video, tell the importance of the Acidophilus and Enzymes as support products, what to look for when they purchase them, and why you buy yours from Simplexity.

11:15 - 11:30 (15 min.)

Pass out the Packets, quickly show the 4 main products in the brochure, then turn to the order guide and tell them that if they "really want to do it up right and get a good start", you recommend getting .... Have them follow along on their brochures and order guides. Tell them you can help them order by doing a 3-way call with them so they can give their information directly to the company, or they can order themselves. But, you want them to be sure to call you if they do order so you can work with them to get the very best result. Mention any special offers i.e. Featured product of the month, product offers for new enrollees, etc. Keep it simple!

11:30-11:35 (5 min.)

Answer questions and offer to lend books, pamphlets

11:35-11:40 (5 min.)

Run the last part of the video (business opportunity) for those who are interested. Most will be interested in the products first).

Know that you have done a good turn in the world and that is enough!

Enjoy yourself and being with others; have a GOOD TIME! Be congruent by walking your talk; model what you teach. Be enthusiastically interested and speak sincerely from your heart. You do not have to be an expert, but do know and share how you have benefited through the algae. Emphasize health as a PROCESS.

Part II

(Message sent to one-a-week list—after Tasting Party #2--Jan. 27)

Hello fellow hope & health spreaders!

Just signed up 2 people this week! Here is how it happened. I had a Tasting Party on Wednesday, 6 guests in attendance. Ended it by giving everyone an all product brochure, along with an order guide and form with my DS# on it, telling them to call me if they order so I can help them get the best results. Well, one called in her own order; I did a 3-way with the other one. 3 more of the attendees are on the verge!

Here are a few things I learned:

1. I need to invite LOTS of people because only a % of those will actually come. Inviting lots cuts down on feelings of rejection, because then I have several coming instead of 1 or none! (It took 50 invitations to have 6 come, that's 12%!)

2. Just by sending out invites, I can find out who's interested. Sometimes they RSVP saying, "sounds interesting, I wish I could come" or I would ask them "Are you interested in this? Would you like me to let you know if I have another one?" This way I am already developing my invitation list for my NEXT Tasting Party!

3. One of the attendees I met at the office supply store, the 3-foot rule is still alive!

Hope this helps you in some way. Go team! Trust, speak from your heart, forward Ho!

:) Susan Thompson

Tasting Party #3--Feb. 18

(Message sent to one-a-week list—after Tasting Party #3--Feb. 18, 1999)

Hello!

Thank you for encouraging us to tell what we've been doing out here! Had my 3rd Tasting Party last Tuesday and it was a success. Why?

1. It was SO MUCH FUN!! (for everyone)

2. Sent/gave out LOTS OF INVITIATIONS (50). From that, total of 6 guests came. 1 last minute cancellation. 2 no shows. 10 prospects couldn't but want to stay on invite list (motivation for planning the next one!)

3. GUESTS OUTNUMBERED DISTRIBUTORS: 2 were upline, 2 algae eaters who had dropped off, 1 prospect, 1 consumer (my yoga instructor who knows a lot of miscellaneous info about whole food nutrition).

4. I APPRECIATE THE RESULTS: 1 will reinstate, 1 former algae eater wants to try something new, the prospect is very interested and wanted more info. And . . . my yoga instructor said to me "I think that I could do this! It really sells itself. :)" Evidently he saw the ease and fun. I said to him "Sure you could! We could do it together! :)" He wants to do the business! = 2 very happy upline!

5. WE EDIFIED THE PARTY, AND EACH OTHER: Next day: the "last minute cancellation" asked about the party; I told her how FUN it was--that my yoga instructor shared SO MANY INTERESTING things! (Now she REALLY wants to come to the NEXT one!) Then . . . 2 days later, guess what?! I found out my yoga instructor has already been telling friends about MY very fun Tasting Party. He's already edifying ME to interest HIS friends, just as I edified HIM to interest MY friends! What a happy accident!

This teamwork stuff is SO NEAT! Go for it, you have EVERYTHING to GAIN!

:) Susan Thompson

P.S. I recommend small groups to insure that everyone has a chance to share what they know (especially guests, even if it's only a little). Be careful when mixing former algae eaters with prospects, of course.

Remember: the fact that someone drops off the program is NOT a reflection of the value of what we have here! :):):)

TASTING PARTY #4--Mar. 18

This one was very interesting! I could have gotten down in the mouth since only 2 prospects showed, but after looking at the stats, I am encouraged:

Sent out about 55 invites. 15 couldn't come, want to come to the next. Attendees: 2 prospects (neighbor who I have been following for a couple years wanted more info, and a new acquaintance who wanted more info to read) and 1 CT distributor (Peggy Ko). 3 people cancelled at the last minute due to illness and house repairs.

Looks like one trend is that my mailing list is lengthening, which should be no surprise since it is more challenging to get people out to a gathering with their busy schedules! I am now gathering the courage to possibly give some of them one-on-ones.

Love, Susan :)

TASTING PARTY--May 4

Susan, mucho thanks for your posting and  work on the algae party concept.  It was much appreciated.  I felt  confident to host my first party with my limited preparation time given that  I had such thorough notes available--especially recipes. The party was a  great success- two sign ups and one new eater buying retail.  Plus more in  depth exposure and commmitment to three consumers.  And everybody had a  blast including me. I feel confident to host more and see the potential and what a great way to encourage business builders.   Thanks again.  

Maria Cook, Independent Cell Tech Distributor

Part III

Click here for a page with all the Super Blue Green Recipes that we currently have available on this site.

Part IV

I always suggest keeping expense to bare bones. The Tasting Party can be done very cheaply; thus, it is more duplicable and has a "homier" feeling!

Cost depends on many factors such as:

1. Size of Group. I like a small group of guests, maybe 6-10, so everyone can be included in the discussion.

2. Number/Portion of Refreshments. My philosophy: this is truly a TASTING Party. I explain that portions are small because by the time they eat a little of everything, they are getting a significant amount of algae! Therefore the cost can be very minimal. Usually people take just 2-4 organic chips, so one bag will do several Tasting Parties if you put leftovers in plasticware afterwards. 1/2 dip recipe is plenty for 10 people, believe me!

3. Do you mail or give out your invitations? If you snail mail your invitations, postage can be the biggest expense, especially because you want to send out a lot of invites (at least 50 to get 6-10 coming). Handing them out is cheaper, though sometimes they get lost in the shuffle on the way home! E-mail is most cost effective, but be sure to send out early enough for those once-a-month readers, and make sure your most promising prospects have their e-mail up and working!

4. Invitation/recipe card expense. You have the cost of invitation envelopes + photocopy on colored paper. I think that multicolored ink & card stock, jacks up expense unnecessarily, decreases duplicabilty and personal feeling. The recipes I run off on colored paper cut to size of recipe card. I have found invitations to be more effective than flyers, maybe because they appear more personal.

5. Paper goods vs. dishes. I use pretty salad plates I can wash; this saves on cost of paper plates and allows me to get away with cheap napkins! Better for the environment too--walk your talk!) Then just buy small cups.

6. Brochures, order guides. You would have handed these out anyway, but for 10 people = $4.50, or just run them off on your computer printer.

7. Other foods. I include other super foods, such as sprouts and soy products, to round out the discussion so it's less of a sales pitch. I point out that the algae is the COMPLETE superfood, though. Sprouts; grow them yourself or buy a small container for $1. Tofu; for display (educating), you eat it yourself afterwards! :)

SUMMARY: For 10 people, you can do it for $20-$40+, depending on how much you cut corners. Keep expenses down; the education you are providing is what's most valuable and what interests people the most. Take it from the heart and go for it! :) Susan

PART V

OTHER EXPERIENCES WITH ALGAE TASTING PARTIES

TASTING PARTY--May 5

Susan,
We had a Tasting Party at my downline's friends (very small house/apt.) last Mon. night.   She had only a two seater (very cute) couch. and one or two small chairs, and hardwood floors that most of the 12 people sat on.  We tasted and talked about the algae for awhile then we all went into her bedroom where the tv was to watch the video.    Half the crowd on the bed, half on the floor.  It was very cozy and oh so great.

They were all very receptive.  We'll see what happens.   They were mostly people from their massage school they are attending with some boyfriends and girlfriends.  A young crowd in their twenties, and very caring about the environment and people and their health.

Anyway, this just showed me that Tasting Parties are possible anywhere!  Not just big beautiful homes like yours, Susan.  No one thought twice about going into the bedroom to watch the video, it was a fun adventure!  At that moment, I got unstuffed  (as in stuffed shirt).  It was great to be around young open people! And now that I think about it,  it probably seemed less of a sales pitch there! Maybe, I'll try the bedroom approach at my house! Well, that's enough fun for this morning.  Have a great Day.  I love you!

Patty Stottlemeyer, Independent Cell Tech Distributor

TASTING PARTY--May 12

Hello All,
I have had 7 Tasting Parties since November. The results are rolling in as time goes by. So far, the Tasting Parties alone have yielded 6 sign-ups, 1 reinstate, and 2 consumers; 7 people say that they will sign up in the future.

The Parties are continuing to evolve: 1) Word is getting around--now a few people, who haven't been to a TP yet, are asking when I'm having the next one; 2) Consumers/Sign-ups are attending TP's again to ask questions and get more info (opportunity for further education!). Another neat feature is that the Tasting Party actually educates the future customer, so when you follow up with Sign-ups, most of it is just review/encouragement/celebration. By doing presentations and educating like this in a group setting, you have leveraged your time once again!

For those of you who know me, my style is definitely soft sell, so closing is not my strong suit, but Tasting Paries do work for me. Find what works for you; what is FUN for you. Our products and this opportunity are too precious to hide!

Take care, love, Susan Thompson

Tasting Party Stats, etc.

Here are stats so far from 9 Tasting Parties: 35 total attendees

                8 Sign-ups
                5 New Consumers
                1 Reinstate
                1 No Interest (no money)

Several of these 35 came more than once & subsequently reordered &/or tried a new product
                19 still following, 4 of which say will Sign Up soon

Reflections for success:

1. I have sent out so many new and repeat invites that I am now a walking advertizement; when people see me they either think of the Tasting Party they attended, or the one they missed! This is a no-brainer way of spreading the word.

2. A few people are starting to ask "When is your next Tasting Party?" Take a deep breath and tell them a date, this forces you to have another one! And already you have a willing guest, the one that asked!

3. A few people are starting to bring friends, referrals! I now tell people to bring friends, so they don't have to ask permission.

4. Guiding the Tasting Party discussion can be challenging. For instance, time ran out so I did not show the video or completely explain the specials. Therefore, the guests just jumped in and ordered products. The good thing about this was that the 2 guests became algae eaters (!), bypassing the step of taking literature home to "think about it". On the
other side, they did not sign up nor start on the program. This was a lesson in the need for prioritization. Next time I will show the video and explain the specials program first. Bottom line, though, this business IS working!

5. It is handy to have product on hand in the event that guests order retail. When they're ready, get it to them ASAP.

6. Invite guests to the next Tasting Party, explaining that there are new things at each one, then keep your promise. Record refreshments served, handouts passed out, list of attendees at each party, so you can tailor the next party to be new for the particular guests attending.

7. Experiment to develop good recipes. Different recipes each time encourages repeat attendance.

CONFIDENCE BUILDER:

Just before your guests arrive, read over the "Tasting Party Results" on the SFT Website. These are success stories get you thinking positively. Then turn on a little music and . . . Party!!!

The very best of luck to you all as you share with others in the move toward health!

Love, Susan Thompson :)

July 13 - Hello All You Courageous Sharers!

Here's to let you know that a generic Tasting Party actually works! A mom just signed with a nice order so she and her children could start together . . wish I had known about the algae when my children were growing up!

Reflections on conquering fear: Before this last Tasting Party, I was really nervous. I was mixing up the smoothies when a distributor in my line happened to call. He pointed out that I was nervous because I was focusing on the future instead of the *now*. Yup, I was subconsciously fearful about the outcome; would the party be a success, would everyone have a good time, and yes, would a generic Tasting Party even be effective? Immediately I started focusing on how *fun* it was to so what I was doing *right then*: mixing up those smoothies . . . and things went great from then on . . .

Hope this helps you, and that you enjoy success in your business.

Love, Susan Thompson :)

Hello All,

Just had another Tasting Party yesterday (our 10th). One of the two guests left wanting to start herself and children on the algae. Another consumer ordered a bottle of Go Green on the spot. It was the most fun TP so far because it was so *generic*, yet people came away wanting to know more about the algae!

Here's how we did it:

1. I did *not* show the Intro pack video at all during the party. Instead I showed a segment of an old SBG TV video--about Drapeau riding throught the intestinal tract. They loved it!

2. As usual, all refreshments contained algae; the other ingredients were organic healthy foods such as sprouts, tofu, and I served smoothies containing Mazama Mix (includes grasses) and Smoothie mix (includes soy).                 

3. Everyone tasted to guess what was in them. As we went through the recipes, we talked about what the foods had in common: a) organic, b) living (enzymes intact), c) green (benefits of chlorophyl), d) very nutrient dense.

4. One guest naturally asked about the algae because she had never heard of it, so there was ample opportunity to describe its special features.

5. Algae being in each recipe, it was the common thread. I described it as our *foundational food*; the reasons we need the other foods are for calories, roughage and variety. For instance, you would
need to eat several different kinds of sprouts to get all nutrients, whereas the algae has them all.

6. A couple of my consumers were also present and naturally threw in algae stories that backed up the benefits, actually served as my second voice! Algae stories really add power.

7. At the end, I stated that the party was over, and for those who wanted to learn more specificially about algae, they could stay for a 15 minute video. Both guests stayed (!) for the Intro Pack video,
which I stopped periodically to make comments. :)

You know, we have such a special thing here. If we set it out so others can see it, and it practically shines! Be proud to being one of the ones who has taken the responsibility to offer it!

Here's wishing you all success!

Love,

:) Susan & Chuck Thompson

July 12

Greetings,

Just wanted to share my excitement about an algae party. Couldn't have the "Meeting in a box" on June 29th, conflict in schedule. I had been talking to a new distributor of 3 months about having an algae party. I decided to use the In & Out video and format of the meeting in a box. It was great!

We had 8 guests with myself and my first level distributor. We had 6 sign-ups (on her first level), 1 product order and one unable to commit financially but interested. It was such a great feeling. We served smoothie samples during the product portion of the video. I followed the product video with a brief review of the "4 challenges 4 solutions" leading into Special #1 as the best initial order. [Editor's note - Special #1 is no longer available, but you can substitute one of the Product Combinations or your suggestion of the best initial order. 1/02/03]

I handed out a copy of the Order Guide with the Specials on it and a some research information. People asked lots of questions and we were able to address everyone's individual needs.

I was talking with one of the sign-ups today and she invited us to come to her home for a gathering next Thursday. She had already told several people about it since attending our meeting. She is also opening a gallery, storefront in a nearby town and offered the space for future meetings. It all is just flowing. I am just getting to do what I love. Get in front of people and educate about their health and talk about the miracle of the algae.

I have decided to approach each of my local distributors about hosting a party to share the algae with friends and possibly offset the cost of their products. I have thought of this before but I just haven't done it. Join me in this venture. See how many we can schedule in the next few months!

Have a great day! Jeanne Barreira