Read “How to Make Headlines” in the July issue of The Gourmet Retailer magazine. Author Deborah Cassell presents many “easy to accomplish” suggestions for bringing your business to the public’s attention. Radio and TV may be the obvious PR choices, but Cassell warns that you must “communicate effectively and contact the media at the right time”. As Cassell notes: “just because you have a store, doesn’t mean you have a story”.

Other choices for “PR” include social media and business to business partnerships. Supporting local charities and participation in community events can also generate free publicity for your business as well as help those in need.

Read the full article for many specific examples of how gourmet retailers have taken advantage of opportunities for “good PR”.

Also, check out www.retailminded.com for more creative ways to let people know about your business.

Read the full article to learn how this concept of “free choice” applies to you and your business. Weinsweig says that we all make mindful choices every day, and that individuals feel freer and more fulfilled when they understand that they are always making choices. When our employees feel that they are being forced to do something, we often meet resistance. On the other hand, when they have an opportunity to “opt in or opt out”, they usually feel more invested in what needs to be done. The important point though is to make sure that they have clear understanding of the consequences of their choices.

Intrigued by these ideas? Read “It’s All About Free Choice” and think about how this might fit into your business.

An analysis of these findings indicated that “26% of these mobile advertisements were for consumer discretionary goods.”

Furthermore, “according to the Mojiva Mobile Audience Guide, 60% of mobile users click on mobile ads at least one a week”. Full report

Although advertising on mobile phones is still in it’s infancy, this topic may be something that you can  start investigating. Your gift basket business could be on the forefront of this new trend!

Check out The Future of Mobile Advertising for more information and perspectives on this subject.

Check with your Chamber of Commerce and find out what events are scheduled to take place in your community. Then, get involved. Most community festivals include opportunities for business owners to display their wares. Set up a booth and show your unique gift basket designs. If the booth rentals are expensive, share a booth with another business.  If the event will include any type of raffle,  submit one of your baskets as a prize. Be sure to take plenty of gourmet food samples to the event. Consider a small giveaway for everyone who stops at your booth and be sure that it includes all of your business information. You can even pass out coupons that could be used for future purposes.

Don’t pass up opportunities to showcase your unique designs and get to know potential customers!

Following are his 13 techniques. Read the full article to get learn how the author sees these working in his own business.

1. Program your giving.
2. Remember: Kindness is free.
3. Start with good service.
4. Think abundantly.
5. Have empathy.
6. Create more opportunity.
7. Be an active listener.
8. Give the benefit of the doubt.
9. Let everyone win.
10. Share information.
11. Give your time.
12. Be generous with yourself.
13. Share the credit.

First, most of the major gift shows include a gourmet marketplace: an area devoted to showcasing gourmet food products that you can use in your baskets. You’ll have an opportunity to see new products and talk with suppliers of those products you already include in your designs.

If you’re not already including gift items in your gourmet designs, you’ll see 1000’s of innovative products from premier manufacturers. Think about how you might add these products to your designs:

• Candles
• Photo frames
• Cookbooks
• Tableware such as napkins, coasters, & placemats
• Small cookware items including  decorative and practical utensils
• Plush
• Stationary
• Mugs & Small Ceramics

Most shows include educational events that offer “best practices” for any type of business. You could learn about internet marketing: building web sites, social media marketing blogging. You can get new ideas for merchandising, branding, and more. You’ll have opportunities to talk with others and share ideas.

This summer and fall, you can attend a gift in cities across the country. Some of the largest shows include:

• Dallas Gift Show, June 21 – 28
• Atlanta Gift Show, July 13 – 20
• Philadelphia Gift Show, July 24 – 27
• Las Vegas Gift Show, August 1 – 5
• San Francisco International Gift Show, August 6 – 9
• Seattle Gift Show, August 13 – 16
• New York International Gift Fair, August 13 – 18

You can also find regional shows on-line web sites:

• Great Rep
• Sullivan’s Gift Shows & Showrooms

I was just browsing through some of my old blog posts, and came across an article that I wrote about GBA: the Gift Basket Association. Since Debbie Quintana founded GBA in 2009, the organization has grown to over 500 members and includes many new resources that will benefit you and your gift basket business.

Visit the Gift Basket Association web site and learn the 12 reasons to join the organization. Join discussion forums, shop the Gift Basket Supply Marketplace and enjoy discounts from supplier members. Get unique ideas from Trends and Tips Magazine and if you’re so inclined: become a contributor! Learn how you can creatively use internet marketing to promote your business.

Join the Gift Basket Association and become part of a collaborative effort to “uplift the global gift basket industry in the spirit of support and collaboration”.

Do you include baby baskets in your line of gift basket designs? Are you looking for new products that will “wow” your customers? Look no further: the 9th annual ABC Kids Expo is being held September 23-26 in Louisville, KY. At this premier juvenile products show, you’ll see baby gifts, gear, and toys, as well as apparel, room decor, diapering accessories, plus lots of products for mom!

Dress up your line of baby designs with the hottest new products in the marketplace. For more information about the show and registration instructions, go to the ABC Kids Expo.

“The products showcased in the National Stationery Show include greeting cards, invitations, imprintables, giftwrap/ribbons, stationery, specialty party supplies and paper tableware, bridal accessories, customized/personalized products, in-store printing equipment, decorative home office products, luxury leather goods, writing instruments, paper-crafting supplies, frames, journals, calendars, specialty giftware, scrapbooking and back-to-school.” As you check out this global marketplace, featuring over 900 vendors, expect to find a wide variety of new products that to fire your imagination for your summer, fall and holiday gift basket creations.

For a preview of what to expect at the show, check out the online April issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Plus.  For show and registration details, go to Paper Power.