Perfect Party planning
Party planning is the most popular form of direct sales, and is a great way of combining a job and a social life!  So here’s 16 great tips to make the perfect party!

 ...one

Often, parties take place in private homes, but community centres, sports halls and schools can also be effective venues.

two

There are no hard and fast rules for running a perfect party, and some things may depend on the product, venue or audience, but here are a few tips that will help you get started.

three

Evening parties tend to be most productive, with possible exceptions being Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The most convenient time for most people to attend is between 7.30 pm and 9.00 pm, but if you are selling to a specific customer, for example at a school, an earlier time may be more appropriate.

four

If you are responsible for setting up the room, arrange chairs in a circle and place refreshments and nibbles close by. If you are selling at the home of a hostess, speak to her beforehand to make sure of the details, and if she is happy to offer snacks. Always carry emergency supplies just in case.

five

Make sure the room temperature is comfortable, and not too hot or too cold, unless you are selling jumpers!

six

Don't forget it's a social event too.  Allow guests at least ten minutes to mingle and chat before the selling begins. Try not to just deliver a hackneyed sales 'lecture'- tailor your content to your customers and encourage audience participation.

seven

Don't have television, radio, pets or children playing in the background, if at all possible.  Keep all distractions to a minimum. 

eight

Work to an agenda, including starting and finishing times and have an idea of the order you want to accomplish your major tasks. Things you will probably need to cover include demonstrating, selling, taking orders, recruiting hosts, and so on. 

nine

Practice your presentation beforehand, and rehearse your timings. Remember you may speak faster when nervous. Factor in the size of your venue- if it is a large room you will need to speak louder, and if there are a large number of guests, you may need to spend longer demonstrating, and taking orders at the end.

ten

As a rough guide, allow about 20 minutes for demonstrating the goods and follow up with 15 minutes or so for guests to get a closer look or discuss their purchases with friends.  Many people will be too shy to ask questions during your presentation, so you need to make sure you are available afterwards to help them.

eleven

Place order forms in a convenient spot and announce the time when guests should place their orders with the host, or with you. Answer any questions people have and recommend complementary products or special offers.

twelve

Mingle with guests but don't be too pushy. Not every conversation need be focussed purely on selling.  A good way to get to know your audience is to ask them wear name tags and make sure your name is noticeable too. 

thirteen

If your product lends itself to games or fun demonstrations, do it. A memorable party will not only generate more sales at the time, but is far more likely to generate future parties and sales.

fourteen

Remember, people prefer to buy from people they like. Try to remain calm and focussed but approachable at all times. You may not like all your guests, but don't let them know!

fifteen

At the end of the party, make a big thing of presenting the host with her gift and inviting her, publicly, to the next party to receive her cash award, or other incentive.  Hand out leaflets or business cards to guests indicating when your next party will be and how they might apply to host parties themselves.

sixteen

Above all, be enthusiastic!  If you show you are enjoying yourself, this will reveal itself in the way you demonstrate your goods and, in turn, will mean increased profits for you. 

Have a great time!