Word-of-mouth marketing is something we all do – all the time. And while I prefer to stick to sharing authentic testimonies with my family and friends, I can always be persuaded to “share some love” with a larger circle of friends if it won’t cost me anything. In fact, some of my most favorite companies have been the “sponsors” of several gatherings this past year at my home via the House Party website. Here’s how it works:

Sign up. By visiting the House Party website, you can easily enter all your info to get on board for future parties. Their privacy policy is pretty tight. I have never been spammed as a result of joining.

Pick a party. Would you like to share Gerber’s newest baby food? Are you looking to give your buddies a test drive in your Ford? Perhaps you dig that newest Cartoon Network show and want to have a preview party of the new season? It can all happen, but only by an early application. View all the available parties, and choose the ones you would be most interested in hosting. By signing up for the pre-invitations, you can be alerted new parties as they open.

Apply. Once you found a party you like (Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate, anyone?) answer the quick application questions, and wait to be accepted. Usually only 10,000 people are picked as party hosts, so don’t expect to be accepted to every party you apply for.

Plan Your Party. Once you hear that you have been chosen to host the party, you are ready to plan. The website offers email invitations, a blog, places for photos and video, and frequent updates on the party details. Choose to have your party on the national party dates, or pick ones that fit your own unique schedule.

Have Fun! When your prize package gets to you (and they are usually worth $100 or more) you can share the goodies with your guests, and you will be all set to have a great time. Past party packages have included food, gifts, prizes, games, coupons and exclusive promotional gear from companies that I love! There was no need to sell anything or try to get guests to sign up for anything. We just kicked back, enjoyed the swag, and let the products speak for themselves!

Resourceful guests that I know of have used the parties as ways to reach out to their community, and there is plenty of opportunity to share the love! (The last Gerber party provided party hosts with several cases of baby food, which went over very well at local daycares, shelters, and schools!)

The concept behind House Party is brilliant: Get people talking about your product in a natural setting in their homes, and give them enough gear to do it eagerly! I don’t know about you, but I’m in. If it’s a product that I love anyway, it’s a cheap way to get my crew together and enjoy some fun products. Check out House Party’s website for all the current events – you might find there’s a party just waiting to happen!