(Even If They’re Nervous, Unsure, or Say “I’ve Never Done Anything Like This”)
When someone says yes to hosting for the first time, they’re not just offering their space—they’re trusting you.
They’re trusting that it won’t be awkward.
That people will show up.
That they won’t be left to figure it out on their own.
And if you want that person to say yes again—or even better, bring others in—you have to earn that trust. That means making their first experience simple, clear, and supported.
A Real Story from Our Work
We had one host who almost said no from the start. She told us, “I love the mission, but I’ve never done anything like this.”
She wasn’t worried about money or space. Her hesitation came down to one thing: confidence.
So we stepped in with a plan:
- We paired her with a mentor—someone who had hosted before and could answer her questions directly.
- We gave her a detailed toolkit that walked through every step—what to say, how to set up, how to follow up.
- We checked in regularly so she never felt like she was doing it alone.
She ended up running one of our most successful salons.
And now? She’s one of our strongest advocates. She talks to new hosts. She shares her story. She’s proud of what she did—and even more proud of what it helped accomplish.
She didn’t need convincing.
She needed support.
That’s the shift.
A supported host is a happy host.
And a happy host is a repeat host.
Here’s exactly how to make that happen.
Step 1: Give Them a Simple Plan
New hosts don’t need a bunch of options. They need clear steps and zero guesswork.
At a minimum, give them:
- A one-page checklist:
What to do 2 weeks out, 1 week out, and the day of. - Sample invites:
Texts, emails, and phone scripts they can copy and send. - A Host Guide:
Easy-to-follow materials with talking points and discussion questions.
Do not assume they’ll figure it out. Spell it out, and they’ll show up more confidently.
Step 2: Pair Them With a Mentor Host
This is what turned things around for our hesitant host. We didn’t just give her information—we gave her a real person to lean on.
What that looks like:
- A host who’s done it before (doesn’t have to be perfect—just willing to talk)
- A phone or video intro to build connection
- Clear availability: “You can text me if you get stuck or nervous”
That one connection makes the difference between “I hope I can do this” and “I’ve got this.”
Step 3: Check In Along the Way
One of the worst things you can do is drop off after someone says yes.
Here’s a sample timeline to follow:
- 3 weeks before: “Got your date locked in?”
- 2 weeks before: “Need help with your invite list?”
- 1 week before: “Do you have everything you need?”
- Day before: “You’re ready. I believe in you.”
Quick texts or voice notes are enough. But do not go silent. Their confidence depends on consistent support.
Step 4: Follow Up After the Salon
This is where the real relationship gets built. After their first event:
- Call them. Don’t just email.
- Ask what went well and what felt tricky.
- Thank them directly.
- Share the impact:
“Here’s how many guests came, what they gave, and how it helps the mission.”
And ask the key question:
“Would you ever consider hosting again?”
This is when they’re most energized. Don’t let that moment pass.
Step 5: Invite Them Into the Bigger Picture
If the first hosting experience felt good, now’s the time to show them how they fit into the movement.
Try this:
- Invite them to help recruit another host.
- Feature their quote in your next newsletter.
- Send updates that show what salons collectively made possible.
(Example: “Together, our hosts raised $18,000 last quarter for community scholarships.”)
When people see that they belong to something bigger—they want to stay in it.
Final Word
If someone says, “I’ve never done anything like this before,” that’s your cue.
That’s not rejection—it’s your opportunity to walk with them.
Just like we did with the host in our video who almost passed. She just needed a mentor, a toolkit, and a few check-ins. That’s it. And now she’s helping others do the same.
So look at your last salon. Who did a great job? Who showed potential?
Reach out.
Offer real support.
And don’t stop at “thank you.”
That’s how you build leaders.
That’s how you build a movement.
Want to make your next host feel fully prepared?
Grab the free Salon Series Toolkit—it includes the exact checklists, invite templates, and outreach scripts we use with first-time hosts. Everything mentioned in this blog is in there.
Download it here and start setting your hosts up for success.