I just recently I attended the 4th annual Colorado Entrepreneurship Marketplace in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I wanted to share my experience with other entrepreneurs and encourage them to attend next year’s event. This is the second Marketplace that I have attended and I am so excited to put to use the valuable the Marketplace information that I took away.
About 70 presenters took part in the two-day event. Workshop blocks centered on finance, marketing and community development tracks. People from all over the state came to share information with entrepreneurs. I was very honored to have been asked to come speak on some of the work I have done regarding an Eastern Colorado Healthcare grant as well as doing a full workshop on marketing approaches. In addition to myself, Michelle Staley of Busy Breathers Oxygen backpacks, also of Morgan County attended as an entrepreneur and as a presenter to discuss her accomplishments with getting her backpacks into retail giant, Walgreens.
As an attendee, I learned about financing options trends from the Small Business Administration, as well as information on Cash flows, marketing budgeting and got to know many other entrepreneurs and their businesses. The major focus however, was on social and digital media. Mikal Belicove, a writer for Entrepreneur Magazine gave two workshops and was a keynote speaker. He share specific information on using Facebook for business development. He also shared information on QR codes, and the importance of developing a solid business model. I was particularly impressed when he took time to sit with me and discuss my businesses one-on-one. He gave me specific tips on how I can improve my own online marketing strategies.
Furthermore, I can not put a value on the networking value that I gained. From making new friends and finding mentors, to gaining potential business partnerships and bringing home qualified leads, the networking was not only beneficial to my business, but it was fun! Entrepreneurs are so innovative, passionate and full of good ideas and I was reminded of that repeatedly during the two days I spent with them.
On a final note, I thank and commend the Colorado Rural Development Council for their diligence and support in making sure that the Marketplace is held each year. It takes a dedicated board of volunteers and the passion of the Marketplace Director, Michelle Alcott to make this large statewide event happen, in terms of logistics and fundraising. I thank each one of them for the opportunity this affords me to learn and the opportunity to share my knowledge and encourage others. I would suggest any entrepreneurs who are reading this to plan to attend the Marketplace next year. It will be in October, with the location to be determined.
Lorrie Boyer, owner of the Colorado Agriculture News Network and Basket Designs
www.coagnews.com and www.basketdesignsplus.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Soft Skills- The Key To Networking Success
I recently attended a workshop that was supposed to teach people about marketing and in particular the art of networking. Although, the gentlemen, who introduced himself as a "Business Coach”, had some good overall tips and general information, he completely skipped over what I consider to be the most important part of networking and that is "Soft Skills."
Soft Skills are the non-tangible things that people pick up upon when engaging in conversation or when interacting with others in a networking setting. Soft skills are important because they are what people will remember about you and your business. People remember how they feel when they have new experiences and the includes meeting new people and using your business products and/or services.
The way that you talk to people- tone, voice fluctuation, voice volume, language, vocabulary and articulation are soft skills needed to be an effective communicator. Soft skills include the way you smile, if you are sincere in what you are talking about and how you talk about a topic. Effective soft skills include a real smile, without being giggly or over-the-top. Proper soft skills will gain attention without you trying to gain it. They also include eye contact, not getting in someone's space, but yet being close enough to them that you can hear them clearly and showing them non-verbally that you care about what they have to say. You can also master the art of soft skills by having decent breath, not having food in your in your teeth, making sure your makeup (for women) is not clumping and having well manicured hair. Soft skills include having a warm demeanor, but not being flirty or cocky. You should make mental notes about people to help you remember them. For me, sometimes it’s a question about their hobbies or family and other times it is if they are wearing something out of the ordinary or have a body feature that is memorable.
When engaged with more than one person, be sure to acknowledge with eye contact all those in the circle that you are engaged in. Step over and make room for someone entering your discussion group. If someone interrupts you or the person you are talking to, lift your hand with a quick gesture to show them that you heard them, but are not able to turn your immediate attention upon them. Do not rock or sway. Don't lean or push no matter how much your feet may hurt.
If you are sitting be sure to use proper table manners. Lean into the person you are talking with, but not so close you get squirted or squirt someone else with food and/or beverage if you have it or saliva.
Soft skills means remembering their name by the end of the conversation and repeating or saying their name as you wrap up engagement. If they made it clear to use their first name, then use it. "It was nice to meet you Frank, I will send you more information this week"- for example. If you were not given that permission, call them Mr. or Ms. or even Doctor if that is how they are introduced to you. You can even ask them for their preference, which is a sign of respect. Asking for more information is good, if done without being a "stalker."
Finally, before I walk away, I leave a person with a quick, natural, passive touch to the shoulder or a hand shake. This leaves a good and lasting impression. It leaves them feeling special and makes you more approachable for future engagement with them. It also shows a sense of caring, partnership, trust and sense of compassion. They will feel special and that feeling will stay with them. By the way, a good solid handshake (for women especially) represents a multitude of things including dignity, respectfulness, confidence, sincerity and again is a memorable mark for people when it comes to networking.
I will even add to the networking experience by writing a factoid down on their business card in front of them. This shows that you are making an effort to care about them, their business and that you want to share information back-and-forth. It also aids you in retaining information about them. I like to ask questions, but not too many and not too aggressively. Natural, professional behavior is a skill that takes work and experience, the best thing to do is to start practicing some of these tips out on family and friends.
Networking is not for shy people, however it can teach someone to not be as shy. If a person has passion for their service or product, it seems to me that the shyness would be overcome. (I am not shy though, so I don't know what it is like.) I have found it successful to not expect or wait for introductions, and do it myself as needed. I am always quick to compliment, quick to listen and slow to talk. I want to know and care about others and know that in the end, my turn for pitching will come and if it does not, that is OK, sometimes it is better to be a blessing and help someone else without something in return.
"Soft Skills 101" is what really sells your business because in the end people do business with people and decisions are many times made on how people feel when they experience you as the person behind the business. Therefore, you want them to remember you in a positive, professional, human way.
Lorrie Boyer is owner of Basket Designs Gift Baskets. Gift Baskets are Appreciation Marketing at its best! www.basketdesignsplus.com and www.basketsonline.com. 1-877-842-3843
Soft Skills are the non-tangible things that people pick up upon when engaging in conversation or when interacting with others in a networking setting. Soft skills are important because they are what people will remember about you and your business. People remember how they feel when they have new experiences and the includes meeting new people and using your business products and/or services.
The way that you talk to people- tone, voice fluctuation, voice volume, language, vocabulary and articulation are soft skills needed to be an effective communicator. Soft skills include the way you smile, if you are sincere in what you are talking about and how you talk about a topic. Effective soft skills include a real smile, without being giggly or over-the-top. Proper soft skills will gain attention without you trying to gain it. They also include eye contact, not getting in someone's space, but yet being close enough to them that you can hear them clearly and showing them non-verbally that you care about what they have to say. You can also master the art of soft skills by having decent breath, not having food in your in your teeth, making sure your makeup (for women) is not clumping and having well manicured hair. Soft skills include having a warm demeanor, but not being flirty or cocky. You should make mental notes about people to help you remember them. For me, sometimes it’s a question about their hobbies or family and other times it is if they are wearing something out of the ordinary or have a body feature that is memorable.
When engaged with more than one person, be sure to acknowledge with eye contact all those in the circle that you are engaged in. Step over and make room for someone entering your discussion group. If someone interrupts you or the person you are talking to, lift your hand with a quick gesture to show them that you heard them, but are not able to turn your immediate attention upon them. Do not rock or sway. Don't lean or push no matter how much your feet may hurt.
If you are sitting be sure to use proper table manners. Lean into the person you are talking with, but not so close you get squirted or squirt someone else with food and/or beverage if you have it or saliva.
Soft skills means remembering their name by the end of the conversation and repeating or saying their name as you wrap up engagement. If they made it clear to use their first name, then use it. "It was nice to meet you Frank, I will send you more information this week"- for example. If you were not given that permission, call them Mr. or Ms. or even Doctor if that is how they are introduced to you. You can even ask them for their preference, which is a sign of respect. Asking for more information is good, if done without being a "stalker."
Finally, before I walk away, I leave a person with a quick, natural, passive touch to the shoulder or a hand shake. This leaves a good and lasting impression. It leaves them feeling special and makes you more approachable for future engagement with them. It also shows a sense of caring, partnership, trust and sense of compassion. They will feel special and that feeling will stay with them. By the way, a good solid handshake (for women especially) represents a multitude of things including dignity, respectfulness, confidence, sincerity and again is a memorable mark for people when it comes to networking.
I will even add to the networking experience by writing a factoid down on their business card in front of them. This shows that you are making an effort to care about them, their business and that you want to share information back-and-forth. It also aids you in retaining information about them. I like to ask questions, but not too many and not too aggressively. Natural, professional behavior is a skill that takes work and experience, the best thing to do is to start practicing some of these tips out on family and friends.
Networking is not for shy people, however it can teach someone to not be as shy. If a person has passion for their service or product, it seems to me that the shyness would be overcome. (I am not shy though, so I don't know what it is like.) I have found it successful to not expect or wait for introductions, and do it myself as needed. I am always quick to compliment, quick to listen and slow to talk. I want to know and care about others and know that in the end, my turn for pitching will come and if it does not, that is OK, sometimes it is better to be a blessing and help someone else without something in return.
"Soft Skills 101" is what really sells your business because in the end people do business with people and decisions are many times made on how people feel when they experience you as the person behind the business. Therefore, you want them to remember you in a positive, professional, human way.
Lorrie Boyer is owner of Basket Designs Gift Baskets. Gift Baskets are Appreciation Marketing at its best! www.basketdesignsplus.com and www.basketsonline.com. 1-877-842-3843
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Trade Shows
Trade Show marketing is effective when you use it to the best of your ability.
Trade shows are a great way to be visable and show off the products or services you have one-on-one. The key to trade shows, however is connecting with people. By being able to ask a couple of questions, you can identify with a person and make them feel special and shows that you really care about them. It is a way to show the person you are behind the product or service that you sell and promote. Furthermore, personal engagement creates trust and people will do business with companies that they trust and companies that they know where the product that they are spending money on comes from.
Another key to trade show marketing success is to offer an incentive to stop at your booth. Offer a prize drawing, freebies or food samples. It creates foot traffic and leaves an impression that only fuels top-of-the-mind (TOMA) awareness. So, the next time they need a gift or gift basket basket in my case, they will think of Basket Designs first.
Many vendors send our post cards or e-mails letting people know that they are going to be at a show and the message invites them to stop at the booth. If you have access to a mailing list, that is great to do, but many times, you don't know who is coming. If it is a repeat show and you gathered contact information from the year before, you can use those names to send invites to. However, if you don't know who is coming and it is a new show, then it is up to you and your booth to draw people to you.
Many times, those running a booth will sit behind the booth and they may or may not greet people. My success has been in standing, which shows respect and coming in front of the booth, which does away with any barrier and allows for more personable contact with potential customers.
And of course, the booth look and design. Booths must be professional, uncluttered, clean, inviting and have appropriate signage so that people can know who you are. They will create a visual snapshot of you, so make your booth be representative of your business. I use metallics and bold blacks and greens to signify my companies professional and elegant nature of designing gift baskets. I bring sample baskets and use different heights on the table to display them. I am very detailed and use ribbon and flowers to enhance the table, tablecloth and overall display designs. I also offer candy or mints as an extra touch to show my customers and potential customers that I want to earn their business.
Finally, follow-up. Gather information and follow up with e-mails or post cards thanking people for stopping by and sending information on specials, what you have coming in the future, etc. If they asked a question or had a special request, then be sure to follow up with information that you later gathered for them. Sometimes, people ask me about ideas and I don't have one until the next day, then I contact them with my idea- a great way to follow-up without a hard pitch sales call.
Trade shows have also allowed me to network with other business owners for product and marketing ideas. I have also been asked about business coaching and business building tips, which is a great way for me to promote my gift baskets, while helping others.
Lorrie Boyer, Owner
Basket Designs, LLC
http://www.basketdesignsplus.com/
1-877-842-3842
Trade shows are a great way to be visable and show off the products or services you have one-on-one. The key to trade shows, however is connecting with people. By being able to ask a couple of questions, you can identify with a person and make them feel special and shows that you really care about them. It is a way to show the person you are behind the product or service that you sell and promote. Furthermore, personal engagement creates trust and people will do business with companies that they trust and companies that they know where the product that they are spending money on comes from.
Another key to trade show marketing success is to offer an incentive to stop at your booth. Offer a prize drawing, freebies or food samples. It creates foot traffic and leaves an impression that only fuels top-of-the-mind (TOMA) awareness. So, the next time they need a gift or gift basket basket in my case, they will think of Basket Designs first.
Many vendors send our post cards or e-mails letting people know that they are going to be at a show and the message invites them to stop at the booth. If you have access to a mailing list, that is great to do, but many times, you don't know who is coming. If it is a repeat show and you gathered contact information from the year before, you can use those names to send invites to. However, if you don't know who is coming and it is a new show, then it is up to you and your booth to draw people to you.
Many times, those running a booth will sit behind the booth and they may or may not greet people. My success has been in standing, which shows respect and coming in front of the booth, which does away with any barrier and allows for more personable contact with potential customers.
And of course, the booth look and design. Booths must be professional, uncluttered, clean, inviting and have appropriate signage so that people can know who you are. They will create a visual snapshot of you, so make your booth be representative of your business. I use metallics and bold blacks and greens to signify my companies professional and elegant nature of designing gift baskets. I bring sample baskets and use different heights on the table to display them. I am very detailed and use ribbon and flowers to enhance the table, tablecloth and overall display designs. I also offer candy or mints as an extra touch to show my customers and potential customers that I want to earn their business.
Finally, follow-up. Gather information and follow up with e-mails or post cards thanking people for stopping by and sending information on specials, what you have coming in the future, etc. If they asked a question or had a special request, then be sure to follow up with information that you later gathered for them. Sometimes, people ask me about ideas and I don't have one until the next day, then I contact them with my idea- a great way to follow-up without a hard pitch sales call.
Trade shows have also allowed me to network with other business owners for product and marketing ideas. I have also been asked about business coaching and business building tips, which is a great way for me to promote my gift baskets, while helping others.
Lorrie Boyer, Owner
Basket Designs, LLC
http://www.basketdesignsplus.com/
1-877-842-3842
Monday, July 12, 2010
At Basket Designs Gift Baskets we have the ability to transform your thoughts and feelings into a unique, elegant gift basket. We pride ourselves in making sure that each basket contains only quality food and items. We use colors and products to design special gift baskets. In addition our bows are handmade and add that extra touch to each basket that goes out the door.
From romantic to fun, to saying "sorry" and "thank you" to any special event and occasion and to clean, elegant looking business gift, we are the experts in delivering special messages.
Basket Designs Gift Baskets can be shipped to anywhere in the United States and we also specialize in Colorado Exclusive Gift baskets. See us online for baskets with candles, bath robes, slippers, diffusers, books, CD's, recipe cards, stuffed animals, ceramic plates, mugs, wine, microbrews, and of course the best in gourmet foods for all tastes....we are the best value around!!!!
www.basketdesignsplus.com
1-877-842-3842
From romantic to fun, to saying "sorry" and "thank you" to any special event and occasion and to clean, elegant looking business gift, we are the experts in delivering special messages.
Basket Designs Gift Baskets can be shipped to anywhere in the United States and we also specialize in Colorado Exclusive Gift baskets. See us online for baskets with candles, bath robes, slippers, diffusers, books, CD's, recipe cards, stuffed animals, ceramic plates, mugs, wine, microbrews, and of course the best in gourmet foods for all tastes....we are the best value around!!!!
www.basketdesignsplus.com
1-877-842-3842
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Gift Baskets for Loss
The loss of an unborn or newborn child leaves a hole and emptiness that cannot be replaced...ever. It is private and personal. Each person deals with it differently, but everyone involved has to find a way to grieve.
Our gift baskets will never fill that void or sadness. They will not make the "pain go away." They are a small token of sentiment when words cannot say what you feel for the mom or family suffering the loss. Sending a gift basket is a much more personal way to send your prayers than flowers or plants. Our gift baskets will contain soothing, warm products for the mom who suffered the loss of a child. Warm vanilla, lavender or green tea lotion, bubble bath and body wash, a rose shaped body loofah, soothing tea and honey are some of the things that make up this special gift basket. You can also request a scripture book.
So, when its hard to find ways to express your thoughts when a mom suffers the loss of a baby, let us do it for you in a sincere, personal, special and thoughtful gift basket.
1-970-370-3381
We ship anywhere in the United States.
basketdesignsplus.com
Our gift baskets will never fill that void or sadness. They will not make the "pain go away." They are a small token of sentiment when words cannot say what you feel for the mom or family suffering the loss. Sending a gift basket is a much more personal way to send your prayers than flowers or plants. Our gift baskets will contain soothing, warm products for the mom who suffered the loss of a child. Warm vanilla, lavender or green tea lotion, bubble bath and body wash, a rose shaped body loofah, soothing tea and honey are some of the things that make up this special gift basket. You can also request a scripture book.
So, when its hard to find ways to express your thoughts when a mom suffers the loss of a baby, let us do it for you in a sincere, personal, special and thoughtful gift basket.
1-970-370-3381
We ship anywhere in the United States.
basketdesignsplus.com
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Customer Connections our Gift Basket Company Plan
Did you know that retaining one current customer averages five to seven times more profitable that going after a new customer. I would agree with that. At Basket Designs gift baskets, we pride ourselves in before, during and after the sale customer care. We want you to hang up the phone feeling good about your Gift Basket purchase. We want you to know that your sentinments, thoughts and emotions are in good, capable and caring hands.
How we treat you is how we do business. We treat you with kindness, compassion and professionalism. Weather you order one or fifty baskets at a time, we want you to feel comfortable recommending us to family, friends and business contacts. We want you to come back over and over because you know you will be taken care of quickly and because of our constant inventory turnaround, you will get something new and exciting each time. Every creation is different, we are not box store vendors. We are quality people with quality, gourmet products.
Why do people buy from us versus other Gift Basket outlets? Because of our service. Because of our quality products. Because of our reasonable prices. Because we are good, solid people who will do anything to meet your requests. We make it about you, not us!
Targeting, capturing and caring for our customers is our grand plan for success now and in the future. We measure this with repeat customers who are happy with Basket Designs.
Customer Connections will never take a back seat in our company.
We will ask questions and we will hear you!
How we treat you is how we do business. We treat you with kindness, compassion and professionalism. Weather you order one or fifty baskets at a time, we want you to feel comfortable recommending us to family, friends and business contacts. We want you to come back over and over because you know you will be taken care of quickly and because of our constant inventory turnaround, you will get something new and exciting each time. Every creation is different, we are not box store vendors. We are quality people with quality, gourmet products.
Why do people buy from us versus other Gift Basket outlets? Because of our service. Because of our quality products. Because of our reasonable prices. Because we are good, solid people who will do anything to meet your requests. We make it about you, not us!
Targeting, capturing and caring for our customers is our grand plan for success now and in the future. We measure this with repeat customers who are happy with Basket Designs.
Customer Connections will never take a back seat in our company.
We will ask questions and we will hear you!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Build Your Business or Reputation with Relationship Building Tools!
Basket Designs Gift Baskets can help you to build your business or relationship in the way that you want. As mentioned in previous post, people just want to feel good. They want to feel special and appreciated. So, why not step away from flowers and Wal-Mart candy and order a gourmet gift basket that is a gift that keeps on giving and is the same price. Our gift baskets are gorgeous and unique and are great for men, office groups and for kids. They can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and make for a pleasant surprise.
For business owners or managers, when people choose to spend money with you, especially large amounts, a nice way to Thank them and retain their business, as well as get them to spread the word about you is by sending a gourmet gift basket. Most business owners find it good business practice to send something for funerals, new babies, celebrations, promotions, etc...why not a gift basket! It's perfect and no fuss for the business- saving time and money.
Basket Designs Gift Baskets carries gourmet selections of chocolate, honey, snack mixes, coffee, tea, popcorn, sausage, cheese, crackers, trail mix, chips, salsa, jelly, taffy, lotions, shower gels, candles, diffusers, ceramic plates, baby blankets, bibs and baby lotions, rubber ducks and stuffed animals. We also have NASCA, football, Harley Davidson and Jerky gift baskets. We have numerous choices of gourmet, delicious foods and products. See us at http://www.basketdesignsplus.com/ and our sister website that specializes in Colorado Exclusive gift baskets at http://www.basketsonline.com/
1-877-842-3843- CALL TODAY! We also customize and ship anywhere with quick turnaround time!
.....Mother's Day is just around the corner....
__________________________________________________
For business owners or managers, when people choose to spend money with you, especially large amounts, a nice way to Thank them and retain their business, as well as get them to spread the word about you is by sending a gourmet gift basket. Most business owners find it good business practice to send something for funerals, new babies, celebrations, promotions, etc...why not a gift basket! It's perfect and no fuss for the business- saving time and money.
Basket Designs Gift Baskets carries gourmet selections of chocolate, honey, snack mixes, coffee, tea, popcorn, sausage, cheese, crackers, trail mix, chips, salsa, jelly, taffy, lotions, shower gels, candles, diffusers, ceramic plates, baby blankets, bibs and baby lotions, rubber ducks and stuffed animals. We also have NASCA, football, Harley Davidson and Jerky gift baskets. We have numerous choices of gourmet, delicious foods and products. See us at http://www.basketdesignsplus.com/ and our sister website that specializes in Colorado Exclusive gift baskets at http://www.basketsonline.com/
1-877-842-3843- CALL TODAY! We also customize and ship anywhere with quick turnaround time!
.....Mother's Day is just around the corner....
__________________________________________________
Birthdays, Anniversarys, Sympathy, New Baby, Thank You, Father's Day, Just Because, Congratulations, Get Well.....Business and Corporate...wine, micro brews, spa, men's childrens and more!
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