After watching a bowmaking demonstration at a gift basket convention many years ago, I excitedly rushed back to my studio to try the new techniques I had learned.

Or so I thought.

Little did I realize, until I was teaching the technique in a class years later, that I was doing a variation of what I had originally learned.

Has that happened to you? You put a new twist on a design or bowmaking technique that yields a slightly different and perhaps even better version of the original.

At an inventors audition at a development center, first place went to creators of a peanut butter and jelly gun. These inventors were motivated to find a better way or an improved gadget for something they already did.

Now you’re probably thinking, what does this have to do with gift baskets?

Lots.

Over the years, many new inventions have entered the gift basket industry: shrinkwrap bags, themed gift boxes with matching accessories, glue dots, printed cellophane and mesh netting. At the same time, designers have created clever ways to make designing, selling and even storing supplies easier.

One technique I like when using shrinkwrap bags, for example, is to place the empty basket in the shrink bag first, then build the design. That way I don’t have to risk toppling the contents when I lift the full basket to place it in the bag. I demonstrate this technique on my DVD, Basic Gift Basket Design.

What about you? What’s in your gift basket of tricks? You may have created a gadget, a substance, a technique or even a marketable product. Share how you’ve made the business of gift baskets easier.

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Learn the do’s and don’ts about making money from niche corporate sales. Listen as I share how I captured niche lucrative sales on a newly released audio CD, Make Money with Corporate Niche Sales. I spill insider secrets and reveal some mistakes I made so you can avoid them.
 
Place your order by June 1st and receive these bonuses:

•  a special report, “Corporate v.s. Consumer Sales”
• a sample letter of introduction
• a sample proposal
• a special report, “How to Successfully Target Niche Markets”, that includes things to consider, who to contact and suggested niche markets
   

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.