http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com News and Notes for Gift Basket Professionals Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:13:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/03/09/does-your-gift-basket-business-include-a-web-site/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/02/27/save-on-freight-costs-for-your-gift-basket-business/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/02/20/effective-training-for-gift-basket-designers/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/02/12/gift-baskets-to-celebrate-national-holidays/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/02/07/direct-mail-does-it-work-for-gift-basket-businesses/ Well gift basket business owners: if you weren't able to get to San Francisco for the Fancy Food Show, January 17th - 19th, you can still read about new products in the marketplace and expected food trends for 2010. For those of you who have never attended, the Winter Fancy ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/02/01/food-trends-for-2010-what-can-gift-basket-retailers-learn/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/01/27/get-feedback-about-your-business-blog/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/01/23/the-best-convention-for-gift-basket-professionals/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/01/17/are-gift-basket-professionals-loyal-to-their-customers/ 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 ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2010/01/07/teach-your-customers-how-to-order-gift-baskets/