HOW WILL YOU SUCCEED IN 2009?

In 1995, after lackluster holiday sales, I vowed to turn my business around and decided to promote gift baskets on cable television in front of millions of viewers. That goal led me to numerous airings on The Food Network and New York morning shows. The result – thousands more dollars in sales over the previous year.

Wednesday’s newsletter encourages you to also dream big, revealing five tips from gift basket designers who share how they plan to increase sales in 2009 in hopes that their ideas will help you to develop a success strategy. You’ll also find a link to the first five tips, doubling your options.

ELEGANT EASTERN DESIGNS

Gift baskets made in the United States dominate worldwide attention, so it’s always terrific to see designs made in other countries. These beautiful gifts extend our collective creativity and provide new ways to construct masterpieces, usually without investing in additional products or supplies.

Click here for a link to a gift basket made in Seoul, Korea, and my thoughts on it and where you can buy supplies.

TIME TO CALL A COURIER

Businesses in all industries are re-grouping, looking at ways to increase sales or at least keep sales at last year’s pace. This is good news for you if you’ve been unable to find a dependable and affordable delivery service.

Use this article, written early last year, as a guide to locate a courier that’s ready to work with you, ending long delivery trips so you can concentrate on business.

© 2008-2010 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is the world's expert on the gift basket industry, professional speaker, and author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business: Solutions You Can Use Today. Visit GiftBasketBusiness.com for DVDs, CDs, reports, tips, and more to learn, grow, and profit with gift baskets.

Read these related articles:

1. Welcome to the Gift Baskets Newsletter
2. Multiple Sales, Selling Tips, Finding Customers
3. Local Baskets, Business Solutions and Organization Tips

CHARITY STARTS AT HOME

One year, I donated gift bags for a secretaries’ luncheon, thinking it would increase sales. It was a total bust and also a good lesson. My next donation included a ticket to the exclusive event. Boy, did my sales take off from meeting movers and shakers.

Wednesday’s newsletter shares insights on when to donate and when to say “no.” These tips are imperative if organizations frequently contact you.

A CONTEST WITH CASH AND MORE

A luxury gift basket kit, a set of resource materials, and cash are prizes in this gift basket contest. And it’s so easy to enter! Click here for prize information, deadline, and other details.

A SIMPLE WAY TO SHIP

I was nervous the first time I packed a gift basket for shipping to another state. Were you? One gift basket designer wants to know how it’s done, and I provide a quick tutorial at Ask The Gift Basket Expert. Does my response resemble your technique?

© 2008-2010 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is the world's expert on the gift basket industry, professional speaker, and author of How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, The Gift Basket Design Book, and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business: Solutions You Can Use Today. Visit GiftBasketBusiness.com for DVDs, CDs, reports, tips, and more to learn, grow, and profit with gift baskets.

Read these related articles:

1. Contest Cash, Business Cards, Spring Ribbon
2. Make Sure You Earn What You’re Worth
3. Will Insurance Problems Hinder Your Holiday?