Another Fan Poem

A client wrote this poem for us today. We thought it was so cute that we had to pass it along...

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Roses are Red & Violets are Blue
A gift basket from M.R. Designs is created just for you!

Who do you know in the Camelback Corridor?
It is there that Jenifer Anseth is looking for more...

More of what, you say?
For introductions to the Admin Assistants are they!

For they order the gifts to send to their clients, KAPOW!
M.R. Designs & Gifts is the WOW Factor Delivered... WOW!

by Maren Ettesvold
Independent Distributor of SendOutCards.com

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Thanks Maren!

Don't Hate Me Because I Tweet

It happened again today.

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In a regular conversation with a regular person on a regular day, I happened to mention a regular something-or-other that I read on Twitter. Then it happened...again..."I HATE TWITTER!"

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This used to shock me. I'm a pretty easy-going person that gets along with everyone, so honestly, the first two or three times a person burst out to my face "I hate Twitter!" I was a little taken aback. Not anymore. But to tell you the truth, it's getting a little annoying.

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I blame, among other "what I had for lunch" nonsense generating hype, the telecom commercial where the dad is tweeting to his son who is standing right next to him on the patio, "I'm sitting on the patio." If this is the only definition of Twitter that some people know, then yes, it's not that useful...but hate-worthy? (By the way...you know who DOES care if you had a Starbucks coffee this morning on your way to work and they forgot the extra foam? @Starbucks, that's who...and believe me, they are right on top of their brand.)

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"Seriously?" I say. "You hate Twitter? You HATE Twitter?"

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I politely ask, "Do you hate Twitter because...
Communication is happening through it?
Small businesses are growing because of it?
Unedited global news is being transmitted through it?
Customer service reps can interact directly with upset (or happy) clients?
Businesses have direct access to their target market?
And SO much more..."

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"Do you hate Email, IM, Blogging, RSS feeds, Newsletters, Direct Mail (all of which Twitter does, with a power boost)? While we're at it, do you hate TV, Newspapers or Radio? How about the telephone. Do you hate the telephone?"

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Noooo.

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Then I ask "WHY do you hate Twitter?" The response is usually something along the lines of "Um, I think it's stupid. It's just a waste of time." TRANSLATION: "I don't get it."
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It's fine if you don't GET Twitter. Although I don't think one really needs a Master's degree in Marketing to understand that if you have something to say, something to sell, something to promote, something to ask or something to give - you should be on Twitter. But is Twitter - that which is fundamentally, and most simply, a communication tool - really worthy of ones hatred; or as I heard said once...the sign of the coming Armageddon? Was there this much hostility towards the telephone receiver? Someone will need to enlighten me on that subject.
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I will usually then say something like... "Did you know that the only news out of Iran during the elections was through Twitter because the Iranian government jammed all other outlets?" Or, "Did you know that our first news and photos of the Hudson River airplane crash was through Twitter? And don't get me started on the Mumbai terror attacks." Or, "Do you want to widen your readership/client base, drive traffic to your blog/website, network with your target market, find new members for your organization in your area with a single #hashtag, or talk to people who are looking for your product RIGHT NOW?" *breath*
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At this point, I'll usually see some softening of the muscles in the neck and shoulders of the Twitter-Hater, their head will cock slightly to one side, and some of the redness will begin to recede from their face, while an imaginary light bulb starts to flicker above their head.

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To bring it closer to home I'll give concrete examples...like how I've been interviewed for a upcoming book because of Twitter. How I put a new gift basket on my website and sold 3 of them in 5 minutes because of one tweet. How my fruit gift basket sales have increased because of a blog and it's Twitter promotion. How I've found local suppliers through Twitter referrals. How I track click-thrus from Twitter to my blog and website - even to specific products. How I'm working to establish myself as the Arizona Gift Basket Expert. How I was able to help over 200 people in two days who asked "When is Father's Day anyway?" How I got to have a Tweet Up with Shaq. How once, for however brief a moment it was, Ashton Kutcher was actually following me. And really, there is so much more...
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By this time, the Twitter-Hater will usually say one of three things..."Hmm, I can kinda understand it now, but it's not for me." Which is fine! Or, "That's pretty cool, I never thought of it like that before." Which is good!! Or, "My mind is flying in all different directions. I can totally see how this can help my business. Will you help me get started?" Which is great!!!

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Now, if you still don't get it, don't want to get it and wish you never heard the word "Twitter" before, that's ok. But please, let's bring the hostility towards Twitter and those who do benefit from this medium down from the rafters. K?
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The Return of a Classic

“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy.” ~ Albert Einstein

History shows us that fruit gifts were frequently used to show appreciation, worthiness, and generosity and were enjoyed by kings and everyday folks alike. Today, when a health-conscious lifestyle is so important for many, the delicious fruit gift basket has, once again, jumped to the forefront of popularity because it is so versatile and can be given at almost any time or any occasion. Get Well fruit baskets are a wonderful choice for those recovering from surgery or an ailment. Consider a gourmet fruit gift basket as the perfect gift on the occasion of a Sympathy or Bereavement...fresh fruit gift baskets are perfect for single or multiple recipients as the fruit can be enjoyed immediately, refrigerated for future use, or easily shared.
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“Sorrow is a fruit. God does not make it grow on limbs too weak to bear it.” ~ Victor Hugo
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Traditionally a fruit gift basket would include fresh, seasonal, hand-selected fruit with the amount of fruit provided being proportionate to the number of recipients and/or the numbers of days to be enjoyed. Our hand-picked and delicious fruit baskets pair well with gourmet foods, chocolates, crackers & cheese, wine & cheese, or even green or blooming plants to create a unique arrangement perfect for celebrating an Anniversary, Birthday or corporate Thank You. Our gourmet fresh fruit gift baskets are available only for hand-delivery within the Phoenix Metro area in order to ensure the freshest fruit possible; we do not ship fruit.

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“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.” ~ Aristotle

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Here are some creative custom ideas for fruit gift baskets: Wouldn't it be fun to send a harvest basket overflowing with various fresh apples and cinnamon sticks for a unique Thanksgiving gift? How about a basket full of fresh fruit AND vegetables! We've created many absolutely beautiful "Garden Delite" baskets featuring farmer's market-fresh carrots, squashes, apples, oranges, tomatoes, herbs, etc. etc. Add a baguette and local-made preserves and...well, you get the picture!

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“This donut has purple in the middle, purple is a fruit.” – Homer Simpson

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The Fresh Fruit Gift Basket is certainly a thoughtful and much appreciated gift that has truly stood the test of time. Let M.R. Designs & Gifts create a fresh fruit gift basket that is just right for your next gift giving occasion!

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“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” Henry David Thoreau

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New M.R. Designs & Gifts FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

We know what you're saying to yourself right now...
"Finally! What took them so long? I've been waiting for this M.R. Designs & Gifts facebook Fan Page for just about forever now! What were they thinking by keeping me waiting so long?"

At last, your wait is over!

Go, right now, to our facebook Fan Page and...well, become a fan. Of course, you will need a facebook account to do this; so if you don't already have a facebook account, you will need to sign up for one.

And, to thank you all for your patience, the FIRST 100 FANS on the M.R. Designs & Gifts facebook Fan Page will be put into a random drawing for a $50 CREDIT good towards the purchase of any M.R. Designs & Gifts gift basket of their choice! (see notes below)

Need to send a client "Thank You"? Best friend's birthday is coming up? Just want some of our Arizona-made pamper products to treat yourself? Yep, you guessed it, Winner's choice!

Thanks! Oh, and please tell your friends. ;o)

notes: No purchase necessary to enter. Once the M.R. Designs & Gifts fan page reaches 100 fans, one (1) winner will be randomly drawn from all fans (excluding fan page admin/owner). There is a 1 in 99 chance of winning. Winner will be notified via email. Winner's $50 CREDIT can only be applied towards purchase, has no cash value and no cash back will be given. Credit balance, if any, may be retained and applied to future purchases. Winner's $50 CREDIT may apply towards gift basket purchase, any applicable tax and freight. Gift basket can be either for local Phoenix Metro hand delivery (within our hand delivery zones) or nationwide Ground shipping. Winner is responsible for any fees associated with his/her order that exceeds the $50 CREDIT. Credit does not expire. All other applicable M.R. Designs & Gifts stated policies apply (http://www.mrdesignsandgifts.com/Policies/)

Father's Day - June 21, 2009

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. ~Bill Cosby

Whatever the reasons may ultimately be, a lot of confusion exists around the celebration of "DAD" on Father's Day.

Whether our client is honoring their father, their step-father, uncle, brother, or even that special "father figure" in their life...if they are struggling, it typically all comes down to two questions: 1.) "When is Father's Day anyway?" and 2.) "What in the world do I get my dad for Father's Day?"


When is Father's Day?
Father's Day is celebrated woldwide on various dates throughout the year, although the majority of countries, including the U.S., celebrate Father's Day on the 3rd Sunday in June...

2009 - Sunday, June 21st
2010 - Sunday, June 20th
2011 - Sunday, June 19th
2012 - Sunday, June 17th

What to get Dad for Father's Day?
Don't stress. I think most dads would agree that the best gift of all would be the opportunity to spend time together. But if that is not possible, and if you've decided to purchase a gift for Father's Day, a little bit of planning goes a long way and ensures that you don't have to settle for last-minute "just" gifts (ie. "I'm just going to get him _____.")

Start by collecting a few facts:
A.) What does your dad like to do (favorite hobbies and activities)? Is he a sports nut, golfer, outdoor enthusiast, movie buff, biker, chocoholic?
B.) Has he dropped any hints lately (favorite new restaurant, broken tool, concert coming to town, etc.)
C.) What is your budget?

Now that you have a general theme, direction and budget...get creative! Remember, you don't have to "go big" or spend a lot of money to make a big impression; think Timing, Customization and Personalization.


unique gifts and gift baskets
Arizona Native * Arizona Company * Arizona Products

http://www.mrdesignsandgifts.com/
Studio: 602.266.5572

Hold On To The Clients You Have

-By Raymond "Chip" Lambert

Did you know that it is more expensive to acquire new clients than to service and take care of the ones that you already have? If you know your cost to acquire new clients (the cost to acquire the lead plus the value of the time you spend to convert that lead) you can easily see that making small investments in the relationships you already have can cost you much less and yield you much more, via relationship referrals, than simply getting caught in the transaction trap of constantly acquiring and losing clients. The Top 5 things you can do to set up a "Thank You" program:

1. Get to know your clients. Find out how they liked to be thanked. Find out their birthdays and anniversaries. Find out what is important to them. Then put a plan together to give it to them.

2. Research your options. There are all kinds of things you can do: send custom gift baskets, send cards, email drip campaigns, brownies, referral programs, etc. Spend some time and examine what you could be doing.

3. Systematize your choices. Will you do something monthly? Will you do something quarterly? Write it out and systematize it. There are lots of great programs out there that allow you to set it and forget it. It goes to work FOR you.

4. Make personal outreach calls. Personal touches far outweigh impersonal touches - so pick up the phone and talk with your customers. Find out how they are doing and help them be successful - even if they don't buy this time. It's hard for a competitor to replicate that kind of relationship.

5. Get on LinkedIn and Facebook and get connected to your customers. Increasingly, your customers are moving to online social networks.. They'll share a wealth of information that will help you better serve them and build the kind of relationships that last a lifetime.

It doesn't matter if you can't invest a sizeable sum in each client. Just make sure that it's less than or equal to your current cost of client acquisition. Doing something is better than doing nothing. So stop what you're doing, take 30 minutes to begin implementing something, and harvest the results for years to come.


Raymond Chip Lambert is a business development expert who works with professionals to leverage the relationships they already have. His clients experience dramatic increases in profitable business by implementing time tested strategies and leveraging new technologies. He can be reached by email at chip@network2networth.com or by phone 602-635-4541

A Client's Poem

We have the best clients in the world! Today we received a poem written by one of our clients named Amy Betancourt, licensed massage therapist with Integrative Body Work in Phoenix. We were so honored to receive such a cute, clever and thoughtful testimonial, that we asked Amy if we could publish the poem for all to see....

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Graduation, Father's Day,
Baby Showers, the 5th of May.
A special occasion or "just because" -
You'll be a GIVER like there never was.

Chocolate strawberries and coffee galore,
Wine & Champagne for the one you adore.
Bubble bath and cactus jelly,
Delicious sweets to fill your belly.

Give a custom basket to a client or friend
It's the most creative thing to send.
Look like a hero, the ultimate giver.
M.R. Designs & Gifts, The "WOW Factor" ~ Delivered!

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THANKS AMY!!