Have a Party

 

A simple and easy way to learn self defense is to have a party. Hosting a self defense party is a great way to keep costs down and have fun at the same time.  A home self defense party works especially well with our concealed carry course, and other programs. Having a party makes learning self defense fun!

 

You can have a self defense party by inviting your friends, coworkers, family, and others to learn how to defend themselves. You might be saving the life of someone you invite to the party. You are also providing a valuable service and doing them a big favor.

 

Hosting a party helps keep the costs down for everyone.  The savings is then passed on to you and your friends. One of the best places to host your party is at your home, business, or place of employment.

 

Safety is Critical

 

A self defense party is very safe.  In fact, no ammunition is allowed in the training area. Even our instructors are not allowed to carry live ammunition into the training area.  Once we get to the shooting range, and are ready to fire, then we will break out the ammo.

 

If you host a small party with a couple of friends or family members, then most of this information on how to host a party might not apply to you. However, if you want to host a larger party, or host more than one party, the information here is really helpful. We have a bunch of tips and recommendations for making your party fun and successful.

 

If you want to be even more involved and take your parties to the next level, or even turn it into a small business, then please contact me.

 

Tips for Hosting a Successful Home Self Defense Party

 

There are several elements that will help make your self defense party a huge success.  You can simply invite a few close friends who are interested in self defense and have a laid back casual party. Or you can hold a larger event and create an atmosphere with Hors d'Oeuvres, appetizers, party snacks, and beverages and invite more people turning it into an exciting event. The type and size event that you plan will depend a lot on your personality, the time you want to devote, and how many contacts you have.  If you plan a larger event, you could make money.

 

If your party is small, you can keep it very simple. For a larger party, I will help you get it going and give you more assistance.

 

The party will also be planned according to the self defense course that will be taught. There's a difference between hosting a 3 to 5 hour concealed carry course versus a 2 day workshop. The plans will vary according to the length and complexity of the course. Remember we also customize our courses to meet your needs.

 

What Types of Parties are Available?

 

Our primary format is based on the in-home self defense party. Some members offer a mix and mingle, or meet and greet, type of party where everyone has time to chat and catch up on events. From there they go into the self defense course.

 

A self defense party can also be used as a fund raiser, open house, and even a catalog party.  Many of our parties are offered by women as are women only events. These parties have a feminine theme. Men also have parties and will often have them in an air conditioned garage or the back yard if it's fenced. If you make the party interesting it can also be a way to meet new people and make friends.

 

Obviously, a women's only party will be set up differently than a man's only, coed, or a seniors only party. Many of the differences are quit obvious.  For men, I have set up cigar party themes, chicken wing parties, and so forth. One caveat is that alcohol cannot be served at any of the parties until the self defense portion has concluded.

 

Ice-Breaker Games

 

If done right, ice-breakers can be a lot of fun and can help everyone relax and starting conversing. What's nice about ice-breakers they work well with almost any group of people, from close friends to new acquaintances.  They can also work for both men and women groups. One caution, if you do not impose a time limit or an end point, ice breakers can pull your group way off track and cut into the programs time.

 

How to Get More People to the Party

 

Getting people to your party is a multi-step process. First you have to invite them. If the party is just a group of friends, you can call, text, email, or be more formal and send an invitation.  The best method usually is to start a conversation and tell them what you want to do.

 

If you plan for a larger party or a fund raiser, then I will help you with fliers and promo material.

 

Once you have a group that wants to attend, it is smart to call everyone you invited the day before the party to remind them. Also a small deposit on the course can be useful. I have noticed that people who have no money in the pot, often just forget for convenience sake. It's no so much that they forgot, but often they have another choice or don't feel in the mood. People who put a small nonrefundable deposit, usually don't "forget." These people are also more serious and committed. Remember you are offering them a valuable service, that most of them really want. Also, this party could save their life.

 

Now there are times where people really do get busy and really do forget. So making some phone calls to remind them will obviously increase your party attendance. On larger parties, it's a good policy to send everyone a printed invitation and reminder, along with your phone call.

 

Hosting a Successful Self Defense Party

 

Prepare

 

Hosting a party doesn't mean long hours or a ton of work. I will help you organize the party and have everything set up before the guests arrive at your home. This helps get the party off to a good start and flow smoothly. That way there will be no waste of time or unusual glitches to contend with. A little preparation will help ensure that your guests enjoy the party.

 

As the instructor, I will also coach you prior to the party. In fact, I will check in with you about a week or so before the party. All the party preparation will help insure that your guest count will be higher and the experience much better.

 

At the Party:

 

Just relax, and be yourself. Smile and have fun. You are there to learn as well as host the party. If problems happen, its not the end of the world. OK, maybe the pizza you ordered does not arrive. Well just roll with the punches and make the best of it. Seldom is a problem as big of an issue to the guests as it is the host. Always keep a frame of reference, this party is first and foremost an educational experience that offers a valuable service to your guests. They know this and will not expect perfection.

 

As the host, it is important that you also keep the party from straying off track. During the instruction, we cannot have individuals going off on long tangents when asking questions.  Conversations while the instructor is teaching is also something you need to discourage.

 

Most parties flow very smoothly, and everyone usually cooperates in the process to make it a success. So as stated, relax, be yourself and have fun.

 

After the Party:

 

When the party is over find a way to thank your guests. This can usually be done with a short thank-you email, send them a text, or you can post a shout out to them on FaceBook. You need to show them your appreciation for their attendance and for being a friend. Do this in a timely manner and be brief. A short thank you that get sent, is better than a long drawn letter that you never finish or send.

 

Some Dos and Don't When Hosting a Self Defense Party

 

Give yourself permission to learn. Unless this is a business venture, most hosts are also students. So don't be over concerned with how the party is going to the extent that you stop paying attention to the seminar.

 

Be yourself, smile, and let your personality shine! If you are new at giving a self defense party, it might take some getting use to and you might be a little nervous. Just remember, I will be doing all the teaching and most of the entertaining to keep the ball rolling. So once again, sit back, relax and enjoy the party. The more you just be yourself and relax, the more relaxed your guests will be. Everyone will have a great time and learn a lot of vital information.

 

And finally, do the pre-planning step that I outline. Remember, I will be in contact with you and assist you in this process.