Posts filed under 'Business Tips'
So why does your business need a web site? According to an article I recently read, we all need web sites because “websites work”. No matter what your business or profession, a website can generate business, promote goodwill among customers and prospects, and deliver strong marketing messages.”
Even if you’re not ready to sell your gift baskets on a web site, you can still set up a web site that will describe the products and services that you offer and methods that customers can use to get in touch with you. “The vast majority of business websites are still information and communication rather than purchase-oriented”. If you want to set up this type of site, read about 4 simple steps to take to set up your site.
If you’re ready to set up an e-commerce sight so that you can sell your gift baskets on-line, be sure to check out Web Sites: How to Create, Promote, and Profit On-Line” by Shirley George Frazier. Shirley is a “professional speaker and Internet entrepreneur with more than 25 profitable Web sites, shares quick and easy steps to create and market your online space.”
March 9th, 2010
You’ve designed the perfect gift basket! You’ve packed it carefully, and are ready to ship it to the lucky recipient. These days, the cost of freight requires that we charge our customers for these shipments. So what can you do to make sure that you are getting the best freight rates for your customers?
- Check out this blog: Freight Savings Tips. You’ll find weekly updates regarding all aspects of shipping.
- Did you know that USPS offers “same day” and “next day” pick up services? Go to USPS to learn more about pick-up options. You can also learn about the USPS Shipping Assistant®, “a free desktop computer program that combines all the functions you need to create a variety of barcoded USPS shipping labels”.
- Compare services offered by UPS and FedEx freight companies. Call your local offices and ask that a customer service representative come to your business to discuss their freight programs and services they offer. Depending on the number of packages you ship each day, you may be able to negotiate shipping discounts with one of these companies. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Last of all, control your own freight costs by looking for freight deals from your suppliers. Through March 19th, you can save up to $50 on your next shipment of gourmet food components from Apex Gift Foods. Go to Apex to get details about this special offer and learn more about Apex’s everyday, free shipping program.
February 27th, 2010
So you’re getting ready to hire a new designer….or a new delivery person….or a new bookkeeper. How do you create a training program that results in an employee who performs to your expectations?
Maggie Bayless, author of “Management’s Role in Effective Training”, suggests that training only works when both the trainer and the trainee have an investment in the outcome. Yes, it is your job to outline all the tasks and responsibilities that the new hire is expected to carry out. And yes, it is your job to assess whether your new hire has the skills needed and to teach him/her those skills if not. But it is also critical for you to communicate the importance of the training process to make sure that the new employee is aware of the outcomes that you expect.
To increase a new hire’s engagement in the training process, Bayless says that employers need to:
- “Provide context for the training”…make sure the person knows what will be covered and what he/she will be expected to do after training is completed.
- “Reinforce how the training supports the trainee’s success”…let the person know how he/she can get the most out of the training.
- “Help the trainee put the new learnings to good use”…provide immediate opportunities for the person to use the information learned and be prepared to give feedback.
Read the full article for more information about how to put an effective training program in place for all of your gift basket business employees.
February 20th, 2010
In addition to the popular national holidays that we traditionally celebrate, there are hundreds of organizations that celebrate their causes through a day or month of recognition. For example, you may not be aware that March is:
- American Red Cross Month
- Irish-American Heritage Month
- National Nutrition Month
- National Noodle Month
- National Peanut Month
- Women’s History Month
- Workplace Health and Safety Month
Any of these can serve as a basis for marketing your gift basket business.
And most of these have web sites that include information to support your promotional efforts.
For example, the American Red Cross offers a multitude of opportunities for Americans to donate time and money to many worthy causes. Have you ever checked in with your local Red Cross office to find out about their activities? Maybe you can arrange to have some percentage of your gift basket sales donated to the Red Cross? Your customers may appreciate this opportunity to have their gifts also be a “gift” for someone in need.
You might check out the National Irish-American Heritage Month web site and get some ideas about what local communities may do to celebrate. If you find that local organizations in your community are holding a parade or some type of special event, you may be able to promote your gift basket business by joining in the festivities. Donate a basket to giveaway or set up a booth on the parade route.
National Peanut Month or National Noodle Month provide opportunities for you to design and promote a special basket featuring those products. If you do more research on the web, you can find recipes that you can add to a “pasta” basket or “fun facts” that you can use to make your “peanut” basket unique. (Did you know that four of the top 10 candy bars manufactured in the USA contain peanuts or peanut butter…how about a peanut butter candy bar basket?)
Spend a little time on the web and use your imagination to learn about these “national holidays”. Then, create exclusive basket designs and unusual marketing opportunities to promote your gift basket business.
February 12th, 2010
Are you trying to attract a new customer base to your gift basket business? Think about using direct mail advertisements. I just read an article that suggested while we may believe that the younger generation is only interested in all things electronic, direct mail may still offer a good way to deliver a message to the younger generation about your gift basket business.
Read the full article “Reaching Younger Generations in the Mail” for author Ethan Boldt’s ideas. But here’s one interesting idea from the article that caught my eye: “According to Keith Goodman , vice president of corporate solutions for Modern Postcard, seniors and boomers are more receptive to the more traditional letter-type formats, while Gens X and Y are more receptive to postcard and other self-mailer formats.”
So if younger buyers may still be attracted to direct mail attempts, I started to think about sending postcard promotions. This led me to check out the United States Postal Service where I found a link to the “Premium Postcard.com”. USPS now provides a way for businesses to create and send postcards to promote products or special events. Check out this web site and find out about all the options that are available including a variety of postcard sizes, many different template designs, design and graphic services. You can use your own mailing list and buy new mailing lists. Be sure to look into this great service offered by USPS and use direct mail to attract many new customers to your business.
February 7th, 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
During the busy holiday season, it is especially important that you are talking frequently with employees and communicating, communicating, communicating! Everyone is busy, and it’s critical that you share information effectively. There’s no time for lengthy meetings when you are trying to get out holiday orders! This applies to conversations with an individual employee who may need to be redirected regarding some aspect of his/her work or to a whole group of employees who need to clear about tasks and goals for the upcoming week.
I read something in ManageSmarter.com on-line magazine that provides some good ideas about how to be thorough when having these conversations with employees. Read the full article entitled “Seven Tips for Effective 20 Minute Leadership Conversations”. The suggestions are straight forward and easy to implement.
- Have a plan.
- Keep it simple.
- Take care of relationships.
- Listen completely.
- State expectations clearly.
- Write it down.
- Follow up.
Take the time to read the article and you’ll be able to communicate with your employees in a way where everyone wins.
December 15th, 2009
Previous Posts
