Every week I receive calls and email from new gift basket designers or gift retailers wanting to add gift baskets to their store or service. When I suggest classes, consultation or educational materials, many of them are deterred by the time and cost involved. That’s too bad. There is tremendous value in investing in your training and skill development.

Let’s face it. You could learn all the gift basket techniques, trends and sources on your own without spending your money. But there’s no way you can gather all this without spending a disproportionate amount of time–years, even decades, not to mention the ups and downs of trial and error.

It has taken me 18 years to get to this level. Each expert who shares information with you represents many years of training, experience, and practice. There will still be a learning curve, but you can make that trip smoother and shorter by going to the people and resources who have already succeeded at the goals you now pursue.

To grow a successful gift basket business you will need to master not only design skills, but business and marketing skills as well.

It’s always a good idea to start with as many free sources as possible, but don’t neglect to invest in pay services and products that will help you reach your goals faster. This week I will share many sources available to help you grow your business and increase your profits.

Let’s begin with the two premier gift basket websites in the world.

Check out this list to see my entire list of sites.

GiftBasketBusinessWorld.com, my main website, offers your first steps to finding sources and resources for products, techniques, and business tips for growing a successful and profitable business. When the information exceeded 400 pages, it was too much for one website.I created spin-off websites that focused on specific aspects of the business such as starting a website, specific product wholesalers, design specifics, and more.  In addition, I publish a weekly newsletter, Gift Basket Business World Newsletter and a blog Gift Basket Business World Blog to give you current and timely information on trends and changes in the gift industry.

GiftBasketBusiness.com is the main website of Shirley George Frazier, well known for the best selling books How to Start a Home Based Gift Basket Business and The Gift Basket Design Book. Sharing her 19 years of experience, Shirley offers not only gift basket design tips, sources and resources, but  also a wealth of business information from writing effective business letters to how to get customers and more.  In addition, Shirley publishes a twice weekly newsletter and an informative blog. Like me, Shirley also created specific websites to better meet your needs.

Visit here to see Shirley’s entire family of websites.

In addition to maintaining our websites, newsletters and blogs, Shirley and I have both taught classes at major tradeshows and produced DVDs, audio CDs, product directories and many other quality products to help you reach your goals. Take time to explore the many sites, services and products we have created for you.

Take advantage of the decades of help we offer and you’ll see your business succeed and prosper.

Tune in tomorrow for more sources to help you grow your business.