I attended an online party a couple months ago for a home decorating company. The party was about 1 hour in length. I found this a great way to purchase the things I wanted, earn a few free items and get some home decorating tips all at the same time. If you are involved with a company that allows online parties (be sure to check with your company), here are a few tips for holding a successful party:
- Find a website that offers party rooms. I have started a list here: http://wahm-business.momswithaspine.com/online-vendor-events/. Or you can search in Google for “online vendor fair” and you will get a number of results. Some offer free services, while others charge a small fee. Be sure to check out what each one offers. The Expo Connector is a good place to start. They offer you a table space (your own web page) and various chat times.
- Choose a time that you think would be convenient for most of your potential clients. Think about having a chat during the day (good for stay at home moms) AND at night (good for working moms).
- Let your clients know ahead of time what you will be offering at the online party. It is not enough just to let them buy products – offer incentives. For example, at the party I attended I received $100 party bucks for placing an order before the online party started, $50 party bucks for placing an order during the party, and $50 party bucks for attending. After the hostess told us her specials and other information about a few of the products, she gave us time to order and then she had a fun auction. She auctioned off small items from her inventory. It was fun and free since all the guests arrived with at least $50 party bucks!
- Make it fun!! Offer party bucks, have online games, drawings and giveaways. Let the party goers chat for awhile and ask questions.
- If your company offers hostess benefits you can either let one of your clients host the party and invite extra friends, or have a Mystery Hostess Party. Let everyone who attends the party receive one free ticket and then a free ticket for every $25 dollars in product order. Hold a drawing at the end of the party and that person receives all the hostess benefits!
- Follow-up with your clients after the party. Let them know when their product will arrive and that you were glad they attended. Ask them if they would like to host an online party in the future. Also let them know if you have any other parties planned.