Fishing for Clients? Use the Right Bait

Tuesday June 3, 2008 • Leave a Comment 

catchofthedaylg.jpg

Issue 198

Successful fisherman have many techniques that they often share with buddies. As I listen to their enthusiastic accounts  I realize that going after corporate clients is much like fishing.

1. Decide what type of fish you want to catch.

Most gift basket designers have found that the corporate client is best. That includes not just decision makers in large corporations, but small to medium sized companies as well.

But you may want to mainly go after the general consumer. It’s your choice.

2. Go where your target fish gathers.

I’m no fisherman, but I wouldn’t expect to find fresh water fish in salt water.

Join the associations, clubs and networks where your type of client is active. Attend regularly and build relationships.

3. Use bait that your target will grab.

Companies use gift baskets to say thank you, to recover lost customers, to show appreciation, all aimed at increasing their business.

Gourmet food baskets are popular among corporate clients, while some lean toward non-food or themed designs. The best way to find out what your clients prefer, however, is to ask them.

Before going to a presentation, be sure you know the budget, occasion and preferred theme of your potential client. Design the sample basket in accordance with these considerations. 

4. Once you have them on the hook, reel them in quickly.

After your client has stated a preference, price point and delivery date, ask for the order. Note the details and prepare a contract or agreement.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for future fishing success.
                                     

                                       Related Articles and Posts
 Keep Your Gift Basket Business in Step with the Times
Which Comes First–The Customer or the Gift Basket?
Promote Your Gift Basket Business or Else

Whether you are just starting a website or wanting to improve an existing gift basket website, my free course will save you enormous time, money and aggravation.

Here’s what one gift basket designer had to say about the course

I loved all the information received in this course. Especially helpful was the last lesson, that gave several very tangible ideas and priceless information on a way to accurately track the visitors and traffic on my website. That piece of information alone made me so glad that I signed up for this course. Excellent!

Ready to dramatically improve your website? I’ve created a report Prescription for a Successful Gift Basket Website. Available as an instant download this one-of-a-kind report can help you make the choices and changes in your website that lead to success and increased profits.
===================
Please note: I have discontinued the website www.giftbasketbiztips.com
Continue to get information and resources from the other sites listed below.
 ===================
~The Shortest Distance Between You and Your Success~
 Main site www.giftbasketbusinessworld.com
 Articles, mags, books   www.thegiftbasketlibrary.com
 
~Free Help for You~
 
 What goes in themes www.easygiftbasketideas.com
 Step-by-step tutorials www.makegiftbasketsnow.com
 Ideas for retailers www.addgiftbaskets.com 
 

~Missed Newsletter Issues?~

Former newsletter issues www.giftbasketonlinenewsletter.com

Other Websites
www.smartbusinessmatters.com
www.craftideaworld.com
www.homebasedbusinessmatters.com
www.youreducationmatters.com
www.coloryourlifehappy.com 
=======================
PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint the tips from the Gift
Basket Business World Newsletter in your own print or electronic
newsletter. But please notify us where they will appear and include
the following paragraph at the bottom of the tips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright©2008 Flora Brown Associates. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted from “Gift Basket Business World Newsletter,” a free ezine
featuring tips, resources and tools that increase profits for gift basket retailers.
Subscribe at http://www.giftbasketbusinessworld.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~