E-Commerce : How to Have Your Own Online Party - E-commerce Resources

Summary : Online parties can be a successful and fun way to build your E-business.

Online parties can be a successful and fun E-commerce solution. They increase online sales and market your services to new clients at the same time. These parties are similar to home parties except that you do not have to pay a small fortune for refreshments and snacks! The additional benefit is that whether your run a brick and mortar operation or an E-business, online parties can still be part of your overall Internet marketing strategy.

Organization, Controlling Cost, and Promotion

You can have your party in a free or low cost chat room or via email. Be sure to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere for your guests. For this reason, we recommend using a chat room.

You can either recruit someone to host the party for you or you can be the host. There is also something called 'Mystery Host Party'. This is where you draw or randomly select a guest to be the 'Mystery Host' and receive the host benefits.

You will need to schedule your party. We have found that during the week is best, unless it is winter. Then weekends can be a good time also. Give yourself plenty of time to plan and send out invitations.

Plan your specials. You definitely want to have some items on special. If possible, select items that tie in with your theme, if you have one. Give a 25% discount on certain items, but make sure you leave enough profit as well. You could also offer a small free gift with all orders over a set total cost, for example.

When it is time to send out the invites, email groups and message boards can be a great place to start. Send out the invitations, making sure to respect group or board guidelines in your post . Also invite friends, neighbors, co-workers. Let everyone know they can bring a guest or two, or however many you like.

Getting Started

Have each guest introduce themselves and tell (type) a little about themselves. This will help bring the guests together. It is important to build some sort of relaxed connection before bringing in the E-commerce aspect of the party. The better job you do here, the more receptive people will be to your product and services.

You also want to make sure you have some fun and interesting games to play. This helps people relax and feel connected, and can be a subtle business promotion tool. Of course, for each game you will need prizes. Below are some popular choices:

• Scavenger Hunt - make a list of several items and instruct your guests to find them on your site.
• Word Scramble - Pick about 10 words from your site and see who can get them all in the least amount of time. Let your guests know the words come from your site/business.
• Trivia Questions - Write up a list of questions about your site/business.

There are many more fun, exciting games to play at your party! Make up your own if you like as well.

The E-Commerce Part : Presenting Products

You, of course, will also want to spend some time presenting your products. If you offer home decor items, share some tips and ideas on home decorating with your products. If you offer aromatherapy items, explain the benefits of your products. Make your presentation fun, informative and relaxed. Encourage online sales by letting the guests ask questions, and always be clear and candid with your answers. The amount of comfort you build at your party determines how successful this Internet marketing venture is for you.

The idea here is to relax, have fun, show your items and make new contacts/customers. If your guests have a good time and enjoy themselves, they will be sure to attend your next party or contact you for additional products! Online parties are a sure-fire Internet marketing strategy.

© Terri Seymour of www.seymourproducts.com

About the author : Terri Seymour offers a no-cost, non-MLM home business opportunity at http://www.seymourproducts.com