If you thought that you wouldn't be able host a party or launch an event due to limited promotion funds or resources then you are mistaken.
In the past we have had to rely on party planners, caterers and other contributors to help make events or parties a success. However, by using various online tools and applications, a web user can now very simply plan and execute everything via their PC and the Internet.
This week I will provide a guide on how to plan an event or party online. After you have organised your entire event from the comfort of your office chair all you have to do is turn up. Follow these three easy steps to quickly become an online 'party-planning-prodidgy'!
1. Go go social media!
By using two main social media networking tools you can do the following to invite guests to your party.
- Twitter for specialist promotion
If you are planning an event that is work related or even recreational then use Twitter to socially promote your event with geographical and specialist interests precision.
Search for lists or groups that contain hash tags (#) with your location and terms that relate to the type of event that you are holding e.g. If you want to hold a Star Wars appreciation party in Johannesburg, South Africa then look for lists with hash-tags like 'Johannesburg' and 'star wars' and include their hash tags in your post which will be seen by their followers.
Your tweet would then look something like this:
"Big networking #Florist event being held in #JHB on Thursday. Follow me to find out more!"
Not only will you achieve possible RSVP notes to your event but also an ever growing following which you will be able to use with ease to increase numbers to your event or party the next time you host a related event.
- Facebook for invites
Firstly, create a group on Facebook by following the instruction video below:
Go to the 'Groups' section of Facebook and find groups that could be related to your event. By advertising your event or party on an event that has already done the work in recruiting their fans or followers you can channel your invites to guaranteed to be interested people e.g. write a brief but colourful description of your event on the wall of a group with like-minded interests and keep coming back to that group with updates.
Include a link to a new Facebook group that you've made or event page so that trey can RSVP straight from your wall post.
Create an 'event' virtually on Facebook so you can start generating a guest list.
2. Digital diary
By using a digital diary you can access your event or part plans and scheduling notes at any PC with Internet access.
Suggestively, I advise the use of MSN's calender application which also has the added value of Web messenger capability so you can chat to fellow event or party planners that you may have on your chat list or colleagues or even attendees to your event that you may have added to your chat list. This way you can sign in once on your MSN web account and make changes to your calender, chat to your online contacts, surf the MSN archives for online shopping supplies for your event as well as email people that are involved in your planning.
The MSN calender has many 'easy-to-use' features like simple input functions, a 'to-do-list' that you can access and add to at any time, colourful graphics for colour coding different sets of information , multiple calender views and a very useful reminder-alert function that will send email alerts to your MSN inbox well in advance to remind you of any plans you have to make or party phase planning that you may have to execute.
3. Online plastic
For your event or party you are most likely going to need supplies like food, decorations and party packs. Why not use your credit card -responsibly of course- to shop online for all your requirements.
Online shopping has many advantages such as: price comparisons, virtual isle browsing, shopping in your own time and in your own time and delivery to your doorstep, look at the short video below and you will see how you can shop online safely.
Now that you have invited your guests, promoted your party, planned it with ease and shopped online all you have to do now is have a few friends help you fix up your venue and send out a few reminders via Twitter and Facebook before the big event or party that you plan on hosting!
