THE PLAN

Come to mine, you said. I’ll throw a party, you said. Few utterances have the power to induce a month of solid panic quite like these. Nobody wants to throw the party no one shows up to. Helen Moon, CEO and founder of EWL – the un-networking club – reveals how to get people through the door

START EARLY

You want to invite people about six weeks before. It’s far enough in advance that most people will still be free, without being so early that you seem desperate. Keep it brief: date, locations, rough timings and dress code.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

It used to be all about Facebook, but if this is all you’re using to invite people, you risk some not seeing it. Individual Whatsapp messages will take longer, but, as you’re contacting them directly, they’ll feel more compelled to reply. If they don’t use Whatsapp, try Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat – invite them the way you think they’d like to be invited.

CREATE A BUZZ

Held back some juicy details? Good. Now it’s time to tease your guests. Offer an update every couple of weeks, revealing a few more details. Treat it like storytelling. It will keep your party front of mind and keep them on their toes.

CHILL

Someone can’t make it? Fine. People have lives and un-get-out-able plans. People are also flaky. Don’t take it personally. Focus your attention on those who are coming and move on.