Turn Every Meeting into a Marketing Opportunity
My meeting yesterday with a financial adviser was time well spent.
We discussed how the current economy makes it a wise time to consider investing in financial products that were not advantageous to my goals in past years.
She also advised me to start planning for long-term care and other concerns that will help me preserve my assets. These topics are crucial to understand today, even if they make your head spin.
My adviser and I capitalize on our mutual relationship. We’re both winners because we talk about more than business, but the casual conversation leads to a more-profitable business for each of us.
The same type of relationship with your own service providers will build your gift basket business in more ways than you envision.
This is the type of networking I hope you are practicing as often as possible so that you build strong connections with people who know other people who will do business with you today and tomorrow.
These three tips will build your sales faster with people you know than going to a meeting and announcing that you sell gift baskets.
Too many of these meetings are similar to cold calls, and you know how chilly the reception can be when strangers don’t have long-term interest in your success.
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Time to Order New Business Cards?
Making a great, first impression is still a professional standard, so why in 2009 are people handing out business cards with pocket lint, smudges, and cross outs? It’s unacceptable when new cards and card cases are accessible and affordable.
I have four types of business cards, each ready for distribution to a person who qualifies to receive a specific one.
For example, if you cater to accountants, real estate agents, and technology firms, it’s acceptable to order three types of business cards to distribute to those industry participants.
You’ll invest a maximum of $30, including shipping, to reach 750 individuals, and your card may land in another person’s hands as a referral, multiplying your efforts.
I not only have multiple cards, I also keep multiple business card cases filled with my cards in a purse or briefcase.
When retrieved, the case become an immediate conversation starter because it’s colorful or adorned with jewels.
Take a look at your cards and consider an update. Your business longevity is worth it.
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Who’s Telling You Not to Start a Gift Basket Business?
When you’re excited about selling gift baskets, you feel like telling the world. But some people in the world won’t be happy with your decision.
I told an uncle about my choice to make gift baskets. He bombarded me with questions. I happily answered him with responses that proved I’d done my homework, but it didn’t matter. He thought my decision was, for lack of another way of saying it, a crock.
How would you feel if a friend or family member tried to stop you from making gift baskets? Would their harsh words deflate you, or would you take their words with a grain of salt and move forward with your plans?
I address this issue in the first chapter of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business because most of us have felt the sting of strong opinions coming from people who are closest to us. They don’t believe you will be successful. They say you won’t make it, that this will be another failed attempt at running a business.
How can you proceed if your spirit is deflated?
1. Stop sharing your plans with naysayers.
2. Research the rewards and challenges of participating in the gift basket business so that you’re ready for just about anything.
3. Keep working at your day job until revenues match your employment income for at least nine months.
4. Consistently market your business to clients through online and offline methods to grow your following.
5. Surround yourself with entrepreneurs who support and understand your beliefs.
6. Share your concerns here and at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.
Had I listened to my uncle, I would not have grown my revenue year after year, stopped working for someone else, marketed my gift baskets on television and cable shows, or developed the Gift Basket Business site and blog (what you’re reading here) where I share ideas and information with you.
Most of all, the books How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business and The Gift Basket Design Book would not be available to guide you and thousands of other designers in the right direction.
Listen to your inner spirit. If gift baskets are your passion, let no one’s words take you off course. Keep people who understand business ownership and management in your corner. They are the ones who will bombard you with good guidance.
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Where are Gift Basket Support Groups?
Many gift basket groups have started and ended during my 18 years in the industry. The reason for the disbanding varies.
Few groups thrive today. The ones I’m familiar with are listed on the groups’ page, and there’s a good chance that others exist but aren’t added here.
There are alternatives if you’re looking for local support but no specialized gift basket group meets in your area. Look for:
I meet with a friend each month at a tea shop to talk about goals, triumphs, and dilemmas. We accomplish more in our one-on-one meetings than we’ve ever attained at the noisy lunches coordinated by established organizations.
I’m not saying that there’s something wrong with other groups, but sometimes, two people who listen to and support each other have more power to create dynamic businesses than what’s possible through big, non-specific groups.
What’s been your experience attending gift basket groups or support groups in general?
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Gift Basket Books
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Welcome, from Shirley George Frazier
