When my business first started, I knew it was possible to find business advisors to help me with generic information on marketing, competition, and funding, but who could possibly help me with the specific needs of creating and growing a gift basket business?

My first try at finding a business-specific mentor was through a New York-based organization that I believed had at least one option for me to speak with a person already in the business. I asked them point blank, “Does this person, at a minimum, have retail business experience?” to which the answer was “Yes.”

Who did they pair me with? A man in his 80s who advised me to buy jewelry and perfume as part of my inventory.

I’m not knocking this person’s age, but I have to give you his vitals to understand why this man recommended items that don’t sell in this market. His “Mad Men” frame of mind doesn’t work for gift baskets, so I walked out of that meeting shaking my head and vowing not to trust that organization’s mentor recommendation again.

Thinking back, the industry had no mentors at that time. The Internet wasn’t yet available, so there was no way to uncover gift basket-specific experts (which didn’t exist anyway).

Finding help today is still somewhat difficult because of one main reason: most gift basket designers are not willing to share the knowledge that makes you a competitor. You may not like that answer, but that’s the bottom line.

Thankfully, there are business experts who are more in tuned to today’s marketplace and are found:

• At libraries

My local facilities are often the place where one-to-one business meetings are held between mentors and new owners.

• Through small business development centers

Their staff has connections that will lead you to a person with the retail experience I couldn’t get years ago.

• In adult school classes

You’ll spend a few dollars and time (a night session or a few weeks) learning tips from a business person who’s been where you want to be.

I wanted my mentor to help me understand certain requirements that are still valuable today such as:

• What questions do I ask an accountant to qualify him/her to help me keep my finances updated and keep track of laws that affect my business?
• How can I quickly research and list all of the companies in my area that are buying candidates, and how do I approach them?
• What do I say to prospects during a meeting that will get them to say “yes” and place orders?

If finding a mentor is key to building your business, I’m offering 30-minute expert help sessions throughout August that will end nagging problems so that your business moves forward in the manner you envision.

This summer service is just $1 a minute, a hefty discount from the regular prices listed for one question ($47) and general consulting help (starting at $350/hour) at GiftBasketBusiness.com. Now’s your chance to get the advice you want without traveling – just make an appointment through the setster link below. We’ll talk by phone and get your business on track in time for the busy holiday season.

From the feedback I’ve received through surveys about this help line, it’s almost guaranteed that spaces through August 31 will fill quickly, so please, book your session today. Once booked, you can pay quickly by Email.

Your questions are welcomed through the comments section of this post so that you’re assured that your time and money are spent wisely.

Shirley George Frazier

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One of the long-time dilemmas with our businesses is the ability to hire help, especially when working in a home office or home-based workspace.

Because of the location, it may seem that one of the only sources for help is within our own families because we’re most comfortable with them in our homes versus someone we don’t know.

That’s true in some cases, and in others, family members can be negative about our businesses or more untrustworthy than a stranger. That’s a subject for a different blog post, so I’ll stop here talking that way about family.

My recent article on the Small Business Trends blog uncovers how two entrepreneurs found assistance so that their businesses blossomed (you’ll instantly know one of their names).

Although both examples aren’t gift basket specific, the article focuses on why finding help is critical to your success.

I’m considering hosting a teleseminar on this topic, but before I do, I’d like your help. If finding help is a problem that you’d like to solve before the year-end holidays, tell me your situation here so that I can reveal solutions in the upcoming seminar.

It’s easy for me to talk by phone, but unless the discussion allows you to finally remove this burden from your list, the call won’t be worth anything for you.

What’s your biggest problem or fear when it comes to hiring help?

Shirley George Frazier

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