`Can we talk?”
“Let’s talk.”
“Talk among yourselves.”
These catch phrases capture the popularity of talk, a format that has marched triumphantly across radio and television dials.
Taking talk home, TFH Marketing of University Park has introduced “Sip, Snack, Socialize and Shop,” an in-home talk-party that features informal discussions and commercials as well as refreshments.
“The program is basically profit-motivated,” said Mary Truss of University Park, sole proprietor of TFH Marketing and creator of “SSSS.”
TFH is a direct-marketing company offering a wide variety of items, including artwork and personal safety and grooming products. Truss developed “SSSS” to sell products and introduce ideas to others.
“If I see a product that I think has the potential to sell, I will purchase it in bulk and then resell it during the talk show,” Truss said.
TFH also acts as an agent for entrepreneurs who need help marketing their products. The cost of the service can run from 20 to 50 percent of their take, a fee negotiated with each client.
“I am from the old Tupperware era, and home parties provide a good medium to present new products,” Truss said.
Truss’ party format is a forum for guests to discuss issues that affect them and their families, make new friends and shop. The program, which premiered in May, features predetermined topics to be discussed by the guests.
At a recent gathering, guests shared tips on how to be safe, including getting involved with the local police department and other community organizations; they talked about how vulnerable they feel when on the street or traveling alone in a car. They also discussed the school system, politics and corporate America and how they’d like to see these entities work together to improve communities and schools.
“It was really rather informal; people just started talking about issues that were important to them,” said Brenda Mitchell of University Park, who attended a recent gathering. “Any time you get people together, they begin to discuss issues naturally.”
“When Mary approached me with the idea, I said, `Girl, that is a good idea,’ ” said Mildred Morgan, 41, who attended the first program and hosted the second at her home in University Park.
“I love to entertain, and I love people,” said Morgan, who as hostess provided the snacks, venue and guests.
Some products available through TFH are a variety of pepper sprays, with or without a key ring ($9.95 to $12.95); a personal alarm system that raises a ruckus at the push of a button ($4); portable air sanitizers ($2.95 to $9.95); and a variety of personal hygiene products and gift baskets.
Brenda Mitchell of University Park picked up some items during the party at Morgan’s house, which attracted eight guests. Mitchell said she would definitely recommend that others attend or host a party.
“It was a good way to meet new people and learn new things,” she added.
“The food was good, but I liked the conversation best,” Mitchell said.
Recent topics have included “What Is Really Going on in School,” “Parental Rights,” “Raising Children” and “University Park: The Best-Kept Secret in the South Suburbs.”
The premier program, also held in University Park, featured a presentation by 59-year-old Lula Fulson of Robbins, author of “Memoirs of a Widow,” about her experience being widowed while still relatively young.
“A friend suggested that I write down my joys and sorrows to help get rid of the pain and loneliness I was feeling,” Fulson said.
She started keeping a journal, joined a support group and later self-published the book, which she markets through speaking engagements, word-of-mouth and direct marketing. It sells for $10.95.
“The women were very empathetic and accepting,” Fulson said. “A group like this would have been very helpful to me in the beginning.”
“Memoirs of a Widow” deals with such issues as loneliness, self-esteem, dating and more, said Fulson, who sold two copies during the “commercial break” at Morgan’s home, including one to the hostess.
“Because of that book, my husband and I looked more seriously into writing a will, something that would protect our family and children in the event that one of us passes,” Morgan said. “I walked away a little wiser. Every person brings a different experience and knowledge that makes us all (better informed).”
But hosting a party has other perks too. TFH offers a free house cleaning after the party, courtesy of TFH Residential and Commercial Cleaning Service Inc., a company Truss started with her husband in 1981.
“I was doing monogrammed T-shirts at craft shows at the time, but I saw a need for a quality cleaning service in the south suburbs and I wanted to fill that need,” Truss said.
The cleaning service provides free house cleaning to the hostess of a party with sales that total $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate for residential cleaning for a party that grosses $500, in addition to other booking gifts.
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For information on marketing a product, hosting a party or upcoming dates, contact Truss at 708-534-1232.
