If you're a direct seller working in the party plan profession, you quite literally "party for a living.
" That seems easy enough, right? You just get someone to host a party for you, you show up on the designated night with your products, you do a presentation, and people buy from you and book their own parties.
It's not brain surgery.
So if that's the case, how come I hear from so many people who aren't succeeding with this model? I think it's because they're not clear about the formula for creating a successful home party experience for their host and guests.
Just like with everything, there's a right way and a wrong way to do a home party.
So I thought I'd share my own formula with you here.
It's actually pretty simple:

• Phase #1: Connect and Engage - This is one of the most important concepts I teach.
  If you spend the first ten to fifteen minutes of your party learning about your guests, you'll not only have a more successful presentation, but at the end of the evening you'll know valuable information about them that might support you in encouraging them to book a party or learn more about joining your team.
  The key to this phase? BE CURIOUS AND LISTEN! Make it your goal to get out of yourself and learn about them.
  
• Phase #2: Party and Educate (in equal parts!) - Once you step into your presentation, it's crucial that you focus on not just your products and your agenda for the evening, but also on why your guests are there.
  Namely, to HAVE FUN.
  If you're making me sit quietly with my hands in my lap while you educate me about your company and products, that doesn't exactly feel like a party to me.
  It feels more like night school!The key to this phase? If you're having fun, your guests will be having fun, so LOOSEN UP and focus on finding ways to inject fun into your presentation.
  
• Phase #3: Shop and Sell - This comes at the end of the evening, once everyone has had an amazing experience, interacted with you and your products, and things are winding down.
  Being intentional as you step into the shopping portion of your party is crucial.
  Let everyone know what's going to happen next and what your role will be (as in "I'll be coming around to help you place your order.
  My goal is to be sure you choose exactly the right products for your needs.
  ").
  The key to this phase? Give the host a job so she doesn't inadvertently sabotage your party by changing the focus (as in "Come upstairs and see my new curtains" or "Look at these pictures of my daughter's wedding.
  ").
  I did this by telling the guests the host's job was to sit and pick out her free shopping items.
  

So, there you have it.
My "easy as 1,2,3" formula for a successful party experience for both you and your guests.
And what do you think? Did I miss anything? Add your "phases" below.
I'd love to read them.
Oh, and just in case you're wondering about more specific tools for implementing these three phases, you'll find them on my most popular product "Designing an Amazing Party Experience" audio program.
It's part of our "Buy one, get one 1/2 off" sale this week in celebration of our anniversary month.
Check that out here.