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How to attract corporate clients to a gift business?

Clare Lancaster - Friday, June 04, 2010

Michelle says

I have an online gift business and would like to know the best ways to approach and/or attract corporate clients looking for gifts for their customers/clients/staff? Any suggestions welcome!

Can you help? Leave your comment below.

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Aprill Allen commented on 17-Jul-2010 11:49 AM

I think you need to network with Human Resources people. These are the departments in the corporate sector that handle the gift purchasing.
There are H.R. groups on LinkedIn. Perhaps stalk those for conversations where you could inject some relevant and helpful info.

Olwen Anderson commented on 17-Jun-2010 08:09 PM

Hi Michelle

I'd get my face out there at as many networking events as possible, start a blog and ezine for gift-challenged corporate staff about how to manage the etiquette of gift-giving. Keep in touch with everyone so you're 'front of mind', really easy with social media techniques as Vicki suggested. I think sometimes people aren't sure what's appropriate in gift giving and would appreciate guidance.

Best of luck with your business! Let us know how you go!

Regards, Olwen :-)

Michelle Anderson commented on 07-Jun-2010 11:11 AM

Thanks for that great advice Vicki - I have actually just signed up to my local business womens' networking group - out of my comfort zone but you have to do what you have to do!!

Will work on your other suggestions - thanks.

vicki sauvage commented on 04-Jun-2010 08:22 PM

Hi Michelle,
I am not sure what city you live in but these are some things I would suggest
1. Make sure you register your business with your Govt Small business centre
2. Get an idea of what physical networking opportunities in you local area and get along to some of the meetings.
3. Donate some prizes to local charities / fund raisers so you get your name out there
4. Do the SEO things and become active in Social Media circles

Just a few things off the top of my head.
Vicki

Startup requires recommendation for services

Clare Lancaster - Saturday, May 08, 2010

Emma asks

I am in the process of establishing my business, I was wondering if anyone could help me with some recommendations?

I am looking for:
* Aussie manufacturer / cut & sew service
* Fabric wholesaler
* Website development, design & logo design
* A printer - to get business cards, clothing labels, flyers etc.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Dealing with negativity

Clare Lancaster - Friday, May 07, 2010

Nicki says

I attended my first ever networking event recently and received some negativity towards my business idea from an attendee. It was only one person out of a large group, but I walked away from the event questioning everything.

I'd like to know how others deal with these types of people, and generally how to deal with those negative comments within yourself?

Can you help? Leave a comment below.

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Amanda commented on 12-May-2010 09:14 PM

Humour.....get rid of them with humour...."I need your business card so every time I have a nano second of doubt that I should just quit, I can ring you for validation....pffft." Turn and walk away.
Or "Oh I wish I'd spoken to you before I allowed positivity into my life....pfft...." and walk off.
Or "Gee, you need to write a book with your valuable outlook on other people's business concepts..."How to be rude without even trying for DUMMIES".
In essence what I would like to give you to think about above everything else is that people come into your life for a reason. Look long and hard at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself honestly was that person mirroring any negative thoughts that you might be harbouring in the back of your mind. How did you react when they spoke the way they did? Did you get defensive, or did you just allow them their opinion and then moved on? Positivity and passion will always out-succeed negativity - you just have to make sure it's not your negativity too. :-) Cheers Amanda

Jo - Living Savvy commented on 09-May-2010 08:40 PM

Nikki,
Not everyone is going to be positive – most likely they are not your audience or customer. I encourage you to shift your focus from the one negative person you encountered to the other people in the room. You can't please everyone and you don't want to in business. This is a great article by Rebecca Leigh that talks of connecting with your true audience http://smartfreshwriting.com/business-core-target-audience/

Olwen Anderson commented on 07-May-2010 06:44 PM

Me? A bit of both, so I agree with Alison and Cheyanne's points.

In my experience, leaders in their field don't usually provide negative feedback without offering assistance as well (unless they're an insecure competitor). So usually its about them, not about you.

About negative comments within myself? I run it all past my business coach, who helps me discern what's negative self talk, and what thoughts are intuitive warning flags.

Alison Dias-Laverty commented on 07-May-2010 01:03 PM

I think that when other people are negative towards you or your ideas, its more about how insecure they feel. What you said could have awaken them to think about what they are not doing and then they take it out on you.

For me, I get negativity all the time and I've learned that we know ourselves better than anyone else. Don't allow negative remarks from someone whom you just met hinder you from succeeding. Shower yourself with positive people who can help you grow rather than someone who hinders you. Remember you create your own opportunities in life, why let others ruin it.

Clare Lancaster commented on 07-May-2010 12:49 PM

@larzshinobi on Twitter suggested reading this article by Tim Ferriss http://mashable.com/2010/04/29/deal-with-haters-tim-ferriss/

Anonymous commented on 07-May-2010 12:43 PM

it's hard not to take the negativity personally, isn't it. one way that i do it, is to exit the conversation as quickly/politely as possible, then reflect on what they were saying later. i divide their comments, and aspects of their comments into two categories:
- technical proficiency
- artistic proficiency.
are their comments addressing the technical aspects of your idea? or are they being negative about your artistic vision/inspiration?

if it is the former, then there may be validity in their remarks, and yeah, if they can back up their negativity with evidence, then great, you might be able to learn from them.

if it is the latter, and they are attacking your artistic inspiration then that is crossing the line. no-one can criticise your artistic vision, because only you have analysed it, meditated on it, etc, and seen its beauty/marketability/validity.

if it is such that they are criticising your art, then i would be tempted to dismiss the negativity and not to take it personally. To take strength from the idea that their negativity is more a statement about them as people (the statement would be that they are not very sensitive to others' feelings). the art in your business concept is the essence of it. to try and destroy that is cruel.

Cheyanne commented on 07-May-2010 12:18 PM

Hi Nicki,

Thinking about your question in a few ways, so stay with me :)

Were the negative comments about your biz idea made from someone who may be a compeditor? (could be jealous?) Would you class the person as a "whingey whiney" type? (they usually oppose any idea!)

If the comments were made from a "leader" in their field that can back up their comments, I'd ask them out to coffee/pay them for thir time & talk further with them about the negative comments made. This will give you insight into their own experience, and could help you (and your ideas) in the future.

I have a very small group of business friends that I run "ideas" & things through with, they have had huge success in their industries. Playing devils advocate with them gives me a wider view, and different take or angle on my ideas. I don't take advise from people who are not were I'd like to be.

Don't let one person take you down, follow them up & find out more, otherwise take their words as fuel to your success fire :)

Cheyanne www.cheyanne.com.au

Leona Skene commented on 07-May-2010 12:04 PM

Behaviour and attitude are the hardest things to both understand and change. If there is nothing constructive you can take from your interaction with them - as in you walked away with nothing of value from your dealing with that person, then you can safely ignore it.

People get themselves into a habit of being negative. The psychological reward they receive for their negativity may be that they can blame external factors for anything that goes wrong (ie- excuse making) or they feel better when being negative about others. They might not even realise it. The secret is knowing that their negativity is something to do with them - and not you or your business.

As my mother says whenever I am having a whinge..."onwards & upwards". :)

Help! I Need Advice About Government Grants for Small Business

Clare Lancaster - Thursday, April 15, 2010

Kath from shieldmaidenmedia.tv says

I am putting together podcasts for use by high school & university students featuring successful women, particularly those who work in non traditional roles.

I've been told by some that there is grant money out there to help me with start up expenses.

Do you have any suggestions? The people at Grant Finder told me that I would probably need to concentrate on private businesses/philanthropists.

Can you help? Leave a comment below.

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What's Involved in Starting a New Business?

Clare Lancaster - Friday, April 09, 2010

Madeleine says

I want to start my own business but am unsure where to begin.

I have registered the business name and url, however am a little overwhelmed and not sure where to go from here.

Can you recommend a good business mentor or suggest my next steps? Thanking you in advance!

Can you help? Leave your comment below.

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How did you get the word out about your new product?

Clare Lancaster - Thursday, April 08, 2010

Karen asks

Has anyone brought a new product to market and succeeded?

I would really like to know what you did. I have a new product that I have designed and I have no idea what to do next?

Do you have any advice? Leave your comment below.

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Personal Women in Business Stories Needed

Clare Lancaster - Monday, March 22, 2010

Kim says

I am working full time but looking to take the plunge into my own business. I'm also doing a Master of Communication and have chosen women who start up their own business as a major assignment topic. I was wondering if there are any women out there who would be willing to tell their story/be interviewed and share the highs and lows, challenges and pitfalls etc of starting up your own business?

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Maria Opresnik commented on 31-Jul-2010 04:13 PM

Hi Kim, 2 1/2 years ago l started developing a ruler that makes pattern drafting a lot easier to achieve. The ruler called "The Pattern Drafter" is now finished and has been on sale through my website since June '10. If I can be of any help to you with not only running my own business but also inventing what I sell, I would be happy to help you.

Regards Maria

Melanie commented on 19-Jul-2010 08:44 PM

Hi Kim,

I'd be more than happy to chat; I've started http://customerunderground.com (with another woman too!). Also, you might be interested in http://headsoverheels.com.au/ which is a group supporting women starting high-growth businesses (we are one of their portfolio companies).

cheers,
Mel

lisa lynch commented on 10-Jul-2010 03:28 AM

Hi! I think u have chosen a very worthy subject- we need to get more young women motivated and educated in business(not to be one to pluck the feminist cord). I am a migrant from the uk (2006)and now own a business in a male dominated industry in WA, never even thought about running a business until the opotunity arose, have since learnt an awful lot about business and myself and without sounding corny! - the power of the female in business.... dont give up on the subject- send me an email if I can help I will good luck! lisa

tessa commented on 06-Jun-2010 03:24 PM

Hi - happy to help you. I have an online knowledge management business - www.intelligencebank.com. feel free to contact me. Tessa

Roslyn commented on 07-May-2010 03:13 PM

Hi Kim. Are you still looking for subject material? Thanks

Kath commented on 19-Apr-2010 03:09 PM

Hi Kim

I am in the process of starting an online business. I plan to blog about my progress (including ups and downs) also. I'm in the process of writing the business plan, and looking for grant money right now.

So, don't know if I'm far enough along for you, but happy for you to contact me.

Patty Kikos commented on 16-Apr-2010 12:38 PM

Hi Kim,

I've ben running 2 small businesses for the past 5 years and will actually be selling one of them in the very near future. Feel free to email me.

Megan commented on 26-Mar-2010 01:32 PM

Hi Kim,
I would like to provide some assistance if I can. My first business was in a traditionally male dominated environment and my current is in the fashion sector.
Drop me an email with your questions, as well as anything else I need.
Thank you, Megan.

Kayla commented on 26-Mar-2010 12:25 PM

Hi Kim,
Would love to help you. I started my business four years ago when I was 18. I since then have completed a bachelor of Communication in Advertising and Marketing. Being a young business owner I have learnt many things which have made me a better and stronger person. I own Inner Beauty Lingerie which is a lingerie boutique that specialises for the fuller figure. Please don't hesitate to contact me via email if you would like more info.
Kayla :)

Angie Hammond commented on 26-Mar-2010 11:31 AM

Hi Kim Id be more than happy to share my story with you.
I started my own Marketing Company 4 years ago after I saw a gap in the market for a company that outsources marketing help to small businesses.
I have 2 children under 2, I work from home and I employ other mums in business as well. Our business is growing rapidly - each year we seem to expand a little more.
We also have a networking arm to our business- www.businessconnector.com.au - because networking is KEY to growing a small business in QLD.
Why don't you give me a call or email me a set of questions that I will answer for you.
You may find a page on our website helpful - it is all about starting a new business and there are a few links on there that'll save yo some time in researching.
http://www.garnish.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=100&Itemid=124
We also have a free E book available on marketing for small businesses - its on the home page of the website www.garnish.com.au - feel free to use any of the info in it if you need to.
Good luck with the assignment.
Regards
Angie Hammond
Garnish Marketing

Desolie Page commented on 26-Mar-2010 11:16 AM

Hi Kim
That's a brilliant assignment topic, and I'm sure you'll be inundated with women wanting to tell their story. I was in my late fifties when I started my business, so faced huge learning curves after being a stay-at-home mum for the preceding twenty-something years.
So if you want a different perspective on your subject, I'd love to chat with you.
Desolie

Sha-mayne Chan commented on 26-Mar-2010 10:10 AM

Hi Kim
I've had own business (with another female business partner) for 7 years now. Been through startup, having children, staff, separation and still going! And loving it of course. Happy to help - feel free to contact me.

Alison Dias-Laverty commented on 26-Mar-2010 09:48 AM

G'day Kim,
I started my business in August 2008, about 19 mths ago. I worked in the Corporate Sector for 20 years but am now following my passion with my own business. Please feel free to contact me if you feel I can help you with your project.

Debbie Alford commented on 26-Mar-2010 09:23 AM

Hi Kim,
I started my business 17mths ago. Had never been in business before - late starter. If you would like to contact me, feel free.

Danni commented on 24-Mar-2010 01:58 PM

Sure. Why not? You can contact me by email on prizzy07@dodo.com.au.

Is there a formula for identifying niche markets?

Clare Lancaster - Sunday, March 14, 2010

Leisa says

Marketing experts - is there a formula or guide to determining a niche market?

What do you think? Have you got any tips for identifying niche markets? Please share in the comments below.

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Did you build a business on the side while still working full time?

Clare Lancaster - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Clare says

A question I'm often asked is "How do I start building clients for my business while I'm still working full time elsewhere?"

Did you start your business while you were still employed? How did you manage it?

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Donna Ranauro commented on 29-Jun-2010 08:49 PM

Hi Clare,

I honestly couldn't believe that there are similar situations when starting a business as myself!

I was studying full-time, working part-time and setting up my business. I have currently deferred my degree till I am able to manage my other priorities but I assume once money is regularly coming in, you still work part-time.

I would love to hear other people's stories!

Chandell commented on 30-Mar-2010 11:27 AM

Yes, absolutely! First of all, you have to have effective goals in place and make sure that you know what you are going after before you start. There is a difference between 'busy being busy' and 'busy being productive'.

From there you will be able to effectively set simple time management systems and action plans to complete milestones toward your outcome.

In terms of exposure, the key is to get to as many networking functions that you can to tell people about what you do and start building a community of followers early.

Good Luck!

Chandell Labbozzetta

Vicki Sauvage commented on 10-Mar-2010 06:55 AM

I worked part time whilst building several businesses. I made a decision to quit my career of 30 years in 2004 to work full time in my Feng Shui and Design Business.

Since that decision I have been blessed with meeting the most amazing people and being taken to fascinating places either in pursuit of new studies or meeting new clients.

I so love it and know that this 'career' will walk with me to my grave.

Anonymous commented on 02-Mar-2010 10:16 AM

I think this is a really common scenario.

I freelanced throughout my career, but when I decided I wanted to start my own business I quit my full time job to work for the family business (something I vowed never to do). I also went down to 4 days a week until it was ready to launch my consultancy.

During that time of pre-launch I spent time on Twitter getting to know people in my industry and spent the better part of a year focusing solely on demonstrating my ability and building my reputation.

That's returned value to me now in terms of credibility and referrals but for that first year - it wasn't about the money at all.

I think "networking" is something you can do while you're still employed that will return value (and clients) to you when you're ready to launch.

Would love to hear other people's stories?

Creative call to action ideas needed for mailout

Clare Lancaster - Monday, February 22, 2010

Cristina says

I'm about to do a mailout to generate more clients for my bookkeeping business and I'm looking for suggestions on creative calls to action to get businesses to respond.

My last call to action was a mailout with an offer of reduced fees for local businesses.

What do you think? Leave your comments below

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Vicki Dwyer commented on 16-Jul-2010 12:21 PM

I have found it is not so much the "call to action" that will bring you more customers, it is how often they see you and your branding/product in their day-to-day lives. You don't always need a "call to action" - it starts to appear too desperate. A good example is a particular "carpet" seller who is always "overstocked" or "closing down". After too many of these "drastically reduced" promotions everyone knows it is a whole lot of the proverbial!

Look at some of the biggest companies and how they market themselves - Coca Cola, McDonalds, etc. They only ever promote what they sell, and very rarely (if ever) reduce prices etc. We just know about them because we always see them - billboards, print, television, radio. So follow their lead.

If your advertising budget is limited, stick to doing regular letterbox drops so that people are regularly reminded about your business - don't constantly bombard them with special offers. Then, every now and then, give them something different that makes them think they need to act now or miss out. They need to feel familiar with your brand to want to use it.

Good luck.

Vicki Sauvage commented on 10-Mar-2010 07:08 AM

I know that all the advice above is the traditional way to 'sell' your services but I do think we should think outside the box.

I personally HATE calls to action and particularly those that look like a MACK truck.

How about something that they can use like a calendar with a call to your website to get 12 helpful hints for preparing your shoebox for your accountant or some such. Or start thinking about your tax refund now - would an extra $250 dollars in your bank account rather than sitting in the ATO's coffers be useful for you? etc etc etc

Mount the calendar so it can sit on the desk or mount on a magnet so it is front of mind every time they go to the fridge.

Don't discount your services - you are probably operating on a shoestring too.

Find a demographic that you want to target and design your 12 helpful hints around that target.

My son gave me an interesting calendar - it was sheets of paper, sitting into a cd case that flipped out at the back so that it was the base of a display case. You can turn the sheets over and have hint number 2 for February or such - post out a different sheet to different people so they want to get the other month's and maybe have them come by your office, or mail / email you the other sheets??? Etc. Vicki

Sally B commented on 09-Mar-2010 07:48 PM

Try something that you can use to up-sell your services.

"For the month of April I am offering a free bookkeeping audit for all clients."

Draw up a template for the audit (it could be a checklist) so you implement it efficiently. Give them the results, then also have the opportunity to say "look you are doing this really well, but your xxx could really improve with this service I provide".

Mardi commented on 09-Mar-2010 01:42 PM

A referral offer is a good one as well do generate new leads from existing clients. A bottle of wine or discount on next service.

Julie Nelson commented on 08-Mar-2010 10:20 PM

I am actually about to do a call to action myself. My thoughts are as above. Package deal, discount, possibly-a contest. Good luck x Julie Nelson

Aprill Allen commented on 03-Mar-2010 10:03 AM

Offers are great.

Discounts! Time limited! E.g. "10% off -March ONLY! Call today to find out how I can make YOUR life easier."

Also: consider putting together a service package with a flat fee. For only $250 you will get this, this *and* this. It's easy for them, uncomplicated for you (as long as you offer the right sort of services). People love that.

Good luck with your next promotion!

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Questions and Answers

I have an online gift business and would like to know the best ways to approach and/or attract corporate clients looking for gifts for their customers/clients/staff? Any suggestions welcome!

Comments

Post a Comment

I am in the process of establishing my business, I was wondering if anyone could help me with some recommendations?

I am looking for: * Aussie manufacturer / cut & sew service * Fabric wholesaler * Website development, design & logo design * A printer - to get business cards, clothing labels, flyers etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

Post a Comment

I attended my first ever networking event recently and received some negativity towards my business idea from an attendee. It was only one person out of a large group, but I walked away from the event questioning everything.

I'd like to know how others deal with these types of people, and generally how to deal with those negative comments within yourself?

Comments

Post a Comment

I am putting together podcasts for use by high school & university students featuring successful women, particularly those who work in non traditional roles.

I've been told by some that there is grant money out there to help me with start up expenses.

Do you have any suggestions? The people at Grant Finder told me that I would probably need to concentrate on private businesses/philanthropists.

Comments

Post a Comment

I want to start my own business but am unsure where to begin.

I have registered the business name and url, however am a little overwhelmed and not sure where to go from here.

Can you recommend a good business mentor or suggest my next steps? Thanking you in advance!

Comments

Post a Comment

Has anyone brought a new product to market and succeeded?

I would really like to know what you did. I have a new product that I have designed and I have no idea what to do next?

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments

Post a Comment

Marketing experts - is there a formula or guide to determining a niche market?

Comments

Post a Comment

A question I'm often asked is "How do I start building clients for my business while I'm still working full time elsewhere?" Did you start your business while you were still employed? How did you manage it?

Comments

Post a Comment

I'm about to do a mailout to generate more clients for my bookkeeping business and I'm looking for suggestions on creative calls to action to get businesses to respond.

My last call to action was a mailout with an offer of reduced fees for local businesses.

Comments

Post a Comment

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More Information

I am looking for:
* Aussie manufacturer / cut & sew service
* Fabric wholesaler
* Website development, design & logo design
* A printer - to get business cards, clothing labels, flyers etc.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A question I'm often asked is "How do I start building clients for my business while I'm still working full time elsewhere?"

Did you start your business while you were still employed? How did you manage it?