Toot Your Own Horn

To be successful folks must know you exist. How can you get the word out that you're in business and ready to serve your customers?

When his circus came to town, famous showman P.T. Barnum didn't just quietly ease into town. He staged a parade with elephants and all the performers in full costumes right down Main Street USA. You may be too shy to march down the center of town, but if you want to succeed, you must toot your own horn. Here are some ways.

• When you donate a gift basket to a charitable event, ask to be the presenter. Use this visibility to meet the organizers, pass out cards, and seek paying business from the group.
  
• Show up at an event featuring a notable person or dignitary and ask to have your picture taken with them. Take your own photographer and send the photo with a caption to your local newspaper. Something like, "Susie Shred of Confetti Baskets greets Cheryl Superstar at a recent showing of Cheryl's artwork at the Hollywood Museum."
  




• Send one of your dazzling gift baskets to a radio or TV personality for one of the lesser known celebrations like National Weatherperson's Day. You may get free publicity when they announce their gift to their audience.
  
  
• Include a brochure, coupon or incentive in the envelope with each invoice.
  
  
• Send press releases to your local newspqper when you receive any honor, recognition or create an unusual theme.
  
  
• Have your slogan imprinted on t-shirts or on your van. Now you have a moving ad.

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus at Fullerton College, educational consultant, gift basket expert, writer and professional motivational speaker. From her websites, blogs and newsletters she motivates small business owners and gift retailers with sales-generating ideas, marketing tips, design ideas and business success strategies. She is mother of four and grandmother of three. When she's not traveling she enjoys her home in Anaheim, CA.