Archive for September, 2007
« Previous EntriesWinning a Makeover Contest: Bane or Blessing?
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007Not long ago I encouraged my readers to enter contests as sources of free money, products or services. Winning these contests, however, brings to mind the caution: “Watch out what you wish for.”
Crile Carvey of Wyoming recently won a $25,000 office makeover sponsored by Microsoft and HP. Jeff Zbar questions from his blog Chief Home Officer whether [...]
Make Your Website Successful
Monday, September 24th, 2007If you don’t invest time in learning to properly set up and market your gift basket website, you are doomed to join the statistics of failed online businesses.
A first-time-ever conference and expo has been planned to help small, medium and large businesses enjoy online success by learning marketing strategies. Learn more here and attend if [...]
Tap into This Trend to Nail More Profits
Thursday, September 20th, 2007When homeowners in the United Kingdom need a plumber, electrician or other tradesperson they can get the woman’s touch. A company started by ex-investment banker Kerrie Keeling is made up of mostly women and offers not only repair services, but also advisement and classes for do-it-yourselfers.
As you create new themes consider offering designs for women [...]
Every Business Must Market
Monday, September 17th, 2007No matter where I travel in the world it’s apparent that successful businesses never miss the opportunity to market their products.
While vacationing in Venice, Italy recently I attended a glass-blowing demonstration of the famous Murano glass. As the glass blower showed his expertise that takes 20 years to master, a narrator explained the process stressing the [...]
Spot Trends for Your Gift Basket Business, Pt. 3
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007Spotting trends is a never-ending activity for retailers. Wherever you go, keep your eyes open for new ideas or clever way of doing things.
Tradeshows are a popular source for finding out what’s new in your industry. Learn where the tradeshows are located in your state here.
When you travel around the country and the world, observe [...]
Spot Trends for Your Gift Basket Business, Pt. 2
Monday, September 10th, 2007A great way to spot and keep up with trends is to visit websites that are on the cutting edge.
One such site is ThisNext where you can see what folks are recommending.
Another site, DailyCandy, announces hot new products and trends.
Subscribe to e-newsletters on sites that cater to retail, gift and small business trends. A few [...]
Spot Trends for Your Gift Basket Business, Pt. 1
Friday, September 7th, 2007Keeping up with the trends is important to keep fresh and exciting inventory.
One way to spot and keep up with trends is to read your daily newspaper, magazines and journals. Become a voracious reader, clip articles of interest, and make note of up and coming creations and events that affect your business.
There’s no need to [...]
Promote Your Gift Basket Business for Increased Profits
Thursday, September 6th, 2007No matter how great your gift basket designs, you won’t profit much if people don’t know you exist. A big budget is not necessary nor a guarantee of success, but actively keeping your name in front of potential clients is.
Cassandra Russell shared five ways to promote yourself in her blog, Cassandra Russell Design:
1. Personalized greeting [...]
Create Outside the Blahs
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007Holiday gift baskets are fun to make, but can get ho hum for you and your customers if you limit your selections to the typical red and green or gold and silver packaging and enhancements. To add dimension, life and fun to your array, consider offering designs outside the blahs.
Gifts that speak to the recipient’s [...]
Shine a Profitable Light on Your Gift Basket Business
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007Candles make great additions to your gift basket designs, and are more popular than ever.
This season you’ll find lanterns are trendy as holders for tealight, votive and even larger candles.
Part of the popularity of candles is that they play a central role in the ceremonies and traditions of many major celebrations. Candle lighting ceremonies are a key [...]