Baskets of Change and Thanks
How do you plan to bring the 2008 business year to a close? The way you end sets the tone for how you’ll build success in 2009.
Here are a few ideas for ending the year on a high note.
Clean up cluttered corners. Where are the pesky areas within your workspace, the areas that make you cringe each time you must rummage through a pile to find what you want? Try to organize that area today.
I took my own advice this past Monday, inspired by the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover and cleaned a messy floor pile. No wonder I couldn’t find my best pair of scissors!
Create a binder system to house important information. Binders are good office buddies that compile financial, competitive, and marketing data. The main focus before starting is that you must commit to binder management rather than putting them on a shelf and never opening them.
I have four binders - the three mentioned earlier and one for brainstorming.
Write your own success chart. You’ve overcome many challenges and are deservedly proud of that. Why not flaunt your success on paper in an area where you’ll see and be inspired by it everyday?
My success chart is posted on the side of a printer, which is next to my computer. I can’t miss the list, and it acts as a great foundation to build new success. Try it for yourself.
Most of all, be thankful for your accomplishments so that you duplicate what worked again and again, and remember the problems only as a part of business you vow not to repeat.
I’m very thankful to all of you who visit the GiftBasketBusiness.com family of sites, share comments, and consider us as your silent business partner.
What’s your biggest success for 2008?
Do You Promote Your Business Anniversary?
You often make wedding and retirement gift baskets to celebrate special occasions in other people’s lives.
What about your own business anniversary, the day or month that commemorates when you opened your doors and began sharing your creative talent?
Is that celebrated with clients who made this day possible?
This weekend I read a delightful story in TheDailyJournal.com about a gift basket retailer who just celebrated her first year in business by inviting clients to the party.
The article provides a small sketch of this chocolates and champagne event and also mentions that the owner spiced up the celebration with a gift basket giveaway. A photo of the owner and winner holding the gift basket are included in the story’s right column.
How to get press coverage for your events is explained in Getting Your Name in the News.
Organizing a party to celebrate your business anniversary benefits you in three ways. It:
1. Brings attention to your firm (this retailer received press coverage).
2. Shows client appreciation (how many businesses that you patronize have invited you to an anniversary party?).
3. Keeps your gift baskets firmly planted in clients’ minds (multiple sales, referral business, etc.).
This event might be catered by a neighboring deli or, if you’re on a budget, can be successful by serving snacks and drinks, as the above story proves.
How would you promote your gift basket business anniversary if you don’t own a retail store? I have ideas but would love to hear from those of you who’ve pulled this event together outside of your home-based workspace.
Jail Time Threatened for Selling Wine Baskets
At first I thought this article about retailers under the threat of six months’ jail time for adding liquor to gift baskets was based in the U.S.
Then I saw the story is about Bangkok, Thailand merchants. Still, it’s an interesting story because it’s about our industry.
The fine shown for this offense, “up to 10,000 baht,” is the equivalent of $288.60 U.S. dollars.
I’ve yet to see a story about alcohol basket arrests in North America, but that doesn’t mean one hasn’t been published somewhere. There’s simply too much to lose, and at the same time, everything to gain when non-alcoholic alternatives are added.
Last year I discussed alcohol at Ask The Gift Basket Expert, and there were lots of comments from many of you.
Now that the holidays have passed, you’ll certainly see wonderful beverages and syrups at the upcoming trade shows. Aside from that, your mission is to check your inventory levels now to determine what you’ll buy and which products are must haves, maybes, and considerations.
I plan to return to posting trade show reports, as shown in this section, but this time they’ll be part of a special site I’ll launch early next month.
Did you learn anything about your customers this holiday season, whether about alcohol preferences or overall design appeal, that will extend your success in 2009?
Prepare for Deliveries Before You Go
Leave it on the porch.
Take it to a neighbor.
Cross your fingers and hope they get it.
Do these delivery scenarios sound familiar?
They do if you’re not planning the drop-off as eagerly as you determine the gift basket’s cost.
The holidays have everyone on a long, tight schedule. You know it’s true because your life is hectic now, too, so in order for the entire gift basket sale to go smoothly, it’s wise to determine every delivery ahead of time.
How do you start? Your order form can include an area where you ask the customer about the place where the gift basket will be delivered.
The more you know about the area and person who’s receiving the gift, the better you’re prepared for a smooth delivery.
I often ask the customer for the recipient’s telephone number and call before traveling. I tell the recipient who I am and that I’m delivering a package and want to ensure that they’ll be at the office or home.
I’m usually asked who the package is from, and I certainly understand the question in this security-conscious era. I tell who it’s from but ask them, in my most-humbling voice, not to let the gift giver know that they know it’s arriving. They’re happy to keep the secret.
This procedure is also necessary if a courier is handling deliveries. In fact, it’s mandatory when you decide to outsource this procedure.
What’s your delivery nightmare story? I know you have one.
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