What if You Gave a Party and No One Came

                                                                                                        Zelda Benjamin

Explain the location
Online parties such as fb parties and events are a great way to bring together people with similar interests. It's important to explain that it's a come as you are party and no one has to leave the comfort of their home or their computer screen. So many of my co-workers  apologized the next day for not being able to attend because they were unsure of the location. It's a hard concept for some people to grasp. However, once you get the concept you'll become a real party girl.

Set a time limit
My party ran from 7PM to 10PM EST. The time is set when you create your event. Don't forget the different time zones.




Make it fun
My first party was to launch, Chocolate Couture. To engage my guests I asked them to bring their favorite chocolate recipe. I started the event with a recipe mentioned in the story. It didn't take long for everyone to add a link or picture of their signature or heirloom  chocolate recipe.

Party favors
Everyone loves a prize. Announce at the start of your party what you're going to give away and how often. Make sure the details are clear- US only or International. Remember people will come from all over. At my last event, I had a guest from the Netherlands. 
For the first hour, I gave away a DD gift card so a lucky winner could enjoy their favorite beverage with one of the recipes. The second hour, I offered a recipe box with all the recipes mentioned in my Love by Chocolate series. I announced the winners at the end of each hour. 



Invite people you know will come
My critique partners as usual came through for me. They not only came with chocolate recipes, they came bearing gifts. Each of them offered a copy of their books to randomly selected guest who posted on the event.

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you peace, love and chocolate.
Zelda