What’s the process to have your designs seen by many on a broadcast network? Here’s how to get your gift baskets on television.

You can do this

It seems so difficult to showcase your gift baskets on a local television show, right?

Yes, it’s difficult until you see a competitor showing off what they offer. That leads to more business going their way and not coming to you.

At that point you ask yourself, “How did she get that spot?” Let me share how it happened:

She asked.

I’ve talked about television appearances in the past, and because gift-giving occasions occur each month, it’s time for another look at this very-important marketing strategy.

Before we begin, make sure you read the definitive gift basket marketing guide.

Three main steps

Getting televised promotion is not easy, but it’s also not an Olympic hurdle.

• First, believe it will happen.
• Second, research your targeted station.
• Third, call and pitch why a segment with you is of interest to viewers.

Does that seem so hard to do?

Perhaps you’re afraid of hearing “no” as a response. It’s okay to get a negative answer. Learn from it.

You may not be stating what makes you interesting, or perhaps what you say isn’t timely for the season. Again, learn from it, and continue to promote yourself to different media. “Yes” will come.

Start by believing

My first time promoting was easier than I believed it would be. I aimed high when calling Food Network, and three months later, I was showing New Year’s gift baskets to 22 million viewers. That airing resulted in many calls and lots of orders.

One recent weekend in October, I appeared on the lifestyle segment on WTNH, a popular television station in Connecticut. How did I succeed?

• Timely subject matter. October is close to the prime holiday season.
• Connected with the host, who connected with her producer to get a “yes.”
• Willing to travel four hours round trip, partially in the dark to arrive before the 7:40 am broadcast. I can sleep later!

Here is the live segment. The host and I discussed gift baskets as though no camera recorded our conversation. We were buddies talking about gift making, and that made the presentation endearing. That’s what you want when you appear on television!

Position yourself for new invitations

Always be gracious before leaving the studio. I left a gift basket and additional goodies from other baskets on a table for the television crew to enjoy.

I also autographed The Gift Basket Design Book, for the host. Whatever you choose to give genuinely and generously will be remembered so you are invited to appear again.

You absolutely can promote your gift baskets on television just as I do. Need advice on how to position yourself? I’ll tell you all of my secrets in a quick phone call when you schedule an appointment through my help line. Don’t delay. Gift-giving occasions happen every month, and the last thing you want to see is your competitor taking your place on air.