Archive for July, 2008
Marketing, marketing, marketing! As business owners, we hear that we should do this to make our businesses grow. But what does that mean? What do we really have to do? How much time will this take?
It’s sounds overwhelming, but if you consider marketing to be all the things you do to sell your products and services, it’s actually much simpler than you think.
I recently read an article written several years ago: 33 Tips for Marketing Success and I think the ideas that the author describes are still the way to go for the busy business owner. The author suggests that you do 3-5 of these activities every day and get into the habit of marketing. Some of these involve more work than others, but all are suggested as a way for you to keep thinking about how you can make your business better!
Here are some of my favorites:
- Write a hand-written thank you note to one of your customers.
- Ask your staff what your best selling gift basket was during the past month and get their thoughts about why customers chose that basket.
- Visit a competitor’s web site.
- Invite a customer in to look at some of your new design ideas.
- Visit your neighborhood businesses and look at how they display their products.
- Call your local newspaper and find out who writes articles about local businesses.
- Review your customer list and make sure that it’s up to date. Make notes about customers who you haven’t heard from in a while and make a personal phone call to remind them that you’re around.
To be a good marketer, you need to think creatively about your business and think about it every day! What are some of your successful marketing ideas?
July 30th, 2008
Although we are all concerned about the economy, it’s still important to plan now for your holiday line of gourmet baskets and gifts. It is more critical than ever to offer something unique to your customers. While gourmet treats are always appreciated, consumers are looking more and more for gift items that are keepsakes.
Apex Gift Foods is now offering a line of holiday table accessories, including placemats, coasters, napkins and rings and table runners. These exquisite items, in ivory satin and embroidered with red, jeweled poinsettias, will be a lovely accessory to add to your holiday gourmet designs. Go to Apex Gift Foods for more details about this exclusive line of holiday table accessories.
Keep your eyes peeled for gourmet gifts and accessories that will make your gourmet baskets stand out from the crowd. Your customers, who are sending gift baskets to their friends, families and business associates, want their gift to be meaningful and remembered. Try something new in your designs and you’ll find that customers will come back for more!
July 22nd, 2008
In a on-line newsletter that I receive, I read that “according to some estimates, spam increased over 150% in 2007 and represents nearly 70% of all email traffic.” When I first open my email in the morning, I take the time to delete the spam from my mailbox. On some mornings, this takes just a few minutes. On other mornings, I might have over 100 spam messages to delete. And it takes up way too much of time to delete!
If you want to know more about spam filters and how to reduce spam coming into your mailbox, read the full article: “Internet Tips & Traps: Stop the Resurgence of Spam”. One of the challenges in using spam filters is how to avoid filtering messages that you do want to receive.
You may be surprised to learn that one of the best ways to avoid spam is to DO NOTHING! What could be easier than that? You can also get a second email address for your private correspondence.
For more tips and information about all things “internet”, go to “Go Daddy Connections”.
July 15th, 2008
Do you have a university or college in your town? Young consumers are becoming an increasingly vital part of the marketplace and you might want to consider some gift baskets that cater specifically to this group.
Snacks, cookies, and candies are all time favorites for this age group. Why not create some moderately priced gifts and market these in local coffee shops, the university book store, video stores, and sporting goods stores? Advertise your business in the local college newspaper. Your small packages of nuts, candies, and cookies are the perfect size to toss in a backpack to take on a hiking or biking trip or to the library for some instant energy when studying.
Find out where the kids hang out and see if you can set up a small display. Include a coupon for a discount on their first purchase. Remind them that you can also send a gift to mom or dad for that “almost forgotten” special occasion.
July 6th, 2008
Looking for a new idea for creative gift baskets? Check out Moviegiftbaskets.net. The author has some great ideas for putting together baskets that include a DVD plus gourmet treats, gift cards and other items that are “educational and inspiring”.
Not only will you read about special gift basket themes for kids, coworkers and friends, you’ll find a list of popular movie titles and step by step instructions for building a movie gift basket.
Delight your clients with this new basket design. Ask them to tell you what types of movies the recipient prefers: comedies, action, drama, etc. Encourage your customers to offer suggestions about what to include in the basket. And don’t forget the popcorn!!
I think you’ll find this to be lucrative and fun! Go to Moviegiftbaskets.net for more information.
July 1st, 2008
