Archive for January, 2010
I just read a blog post on BuildaBetterBlog.com that you may find of interest. Blogger Denise Wakeman is offering a free review of your blog. She guarantees that she’ll “find 3-5 things on your blog that can be improved so you get better results.” Go to BuildaBetterBlog.com to find out how your blog can be considered for a “quickie blogging hot-seat review”.
Denise is a blogging guru. Check out her web site for more information about her, and her experiences in the world of blogging. She’s an author, speaker, consultant and has been helping business professionals create successful blogs for over two decades. You can sign up for her free newsletter and get her “Build a Better Blog” emails. If you’re new to blogging, connect to her resources page for must-read articles about blogging.
I submitted this blog to be considered for her review. If you decide to submit your blog….good luck….and have fun!
January 27th, 2010
The National Gift Basket Professional Convention has merged with the Ultimate Gift Show for a bigger and better opportunity for 2010! The convention will be filled with over 15 hours of seminars, including a 3 hour, hands-out workshops. Attendees can visit with vendors at the Trade Show to see the newest, hottest products in the marketplace. Time is scheduled for “Discussion Groups” so that you can get answers from the experts. And networking opportunities will be unlimited.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JULY 23-25, 2010, CANTON, OHIO
Who should attend this extraordinary event?
- Retailers and Gift Providers
- Gift Basket Professionals
- Floral and Balloon Designers
- Hospital Gift Shop Managers
- Resort Gift Shop Managers
- Coffee Shop and Tea Shop Managers
- Garden Centers
- Wineries
- Event Planners
- Everyone who wants to take their business to a higher level!
Register today and take advantage of Early Bird Specials! Go to the Gift Basket Professional Convention or the Ultimate Gift Show web sites for full registration and travel details.
Representatives from Apex Gift Foods will be there to show you the best selection of gourmet products for the 2010 holiday season. Hope to see you there!
January 23rd, 2010
In the January, 2010 issue of Target Marketing, author Denny Hatch points out the internet, and social networking in particular, has made all businesses more vulnerable in terms of customer satisfaction. Nowadays, customers can voice their delight and displeasure with a particular company in an instant through Facebook and other social media web sites.I just heard a story on National Public Radio last week about something similar: ski resorts, that used to advertise about “great conditions on the slopes” have to now be very careful about their reports…anyone on the slopes can transmit real-time ski conditions to their friends and millions of others! If the “real experience” doesn’t match the advertisements, skiiers will stop showing up!
So what’s this have to do with loyalty? When we hear about “loyalty” in the business arena, we most often think about whether our customers are loyal to us. Recently, I overheard a business owner talk about how a long time customer had “left them” to buy a product for a nickel less from a competitor.
But according to Michael Schrage (Financial Times, May 1, 2007), maybe we shouldn’t be talking about whether our customers are loyal to us, but if we are loyal to them. Are we doing the best we can to offer the best value, product and price? Have we gone the extra mile to resolve a problem for a customer? Based upon research conducted by a hotel chain, it was found that “their most persuasive ‘word of mouth’ support comes more from individuals who have had an unpleasant problem happily resolved than those who simply enjoyed ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ service. The willingness and ability to see a difficult situation through to success despite cost and risk is what defines loyalty.”
So maybe we need to stop talking about how loyal our customers are to us and concentrate on what we can do to demonstrate our loyalty to them. Providing consistently good service (which includes such simple things as being polite and respectful), offering products at a fair price and taking care of problems in a timely, positive manner would be a great place for us to start.
January 17th, 2010
Although you may still be putting away your Christmas decorations, it’s time to start promoting your Valentines Day designs. If you’re accustomed to sending out emails or direct mailings that simply list your holiday promotions, think about a new twist.
Put together a checklist that will help your customer make choices about your basket designs. Point out the features of each basket, what products it includes and the type of person that might find it appealing. For example, a basket that includes an adorable bear might be appropriate for a younger person; a basket that includes a coffee mug might hit the spot for someone who works; a design that includes some spa products might be the perfect choice for a busy mom.
You can also share information about extra services that you offer: delivery and/or shipping options; special wrapping, cards, ribbons, balloons or other enhancements for a more “customized” basket. Think about offering cash discounts or a coupon for a discount on an Easter basket. Or team up with a local florist to include a some silk roses with your design.
Let your customers know that you’ll go the extra mile PLUS offer fabulous designs full of gourmet treats and goodies!
January 7th, 2010
