It's not just what you say but HOW you say it.

Add some gourmet treats to your next proposal. Give your prospective client some "Food for Thought" in a basket with some treats to munch on while they consider your offer. We have helped sales professionals package pitches that get noticed.

Not only are you setting yourself apart from the competition, you are adding a nice, personal touch. This simple step can make a difference in winning over a prospect.

I recently received my license to be able to sell wine. I am now able to once again sample a large variety of vintages. My favorite rep brought me several bottles to taste & I found a few really interesting & affordable wines.

For a great label try Mad Housewife. The Merlot is quite nice. retails for around $9.99
http://www.madhousewifecellars.com/

Another wine with a cool label that is quite drinkable is Big Red Monster. Rob from 365 Corks gave this a 4 cork rating! also a $9.99 retail
http://www.365corks.com/2007/11/big-red-monster.html

The third wine I tried & love is GatoNegro Shiraz. This wine is from Chile and perhaps the best bargain - ever. At $3.99 current state minimum retail (in Ohio), this would be an excellent party wine!
http://www.cre8buzz.com/profiles/2730/galleries/18120/gallery_entries/40086

Elvis Week 2008
Elvis Week runs from Saturday, August 9 through Sunday, August 17 .
We found a few Elvis items in our inventory & are posting here in honor of the King!

The Love Me Tender tin sign is tagged at a mere $8.95, Cookbook " FIT FOR A KING" is priced at $7.99 and mug is a real deal at only $10.95. Unfortunately we only have one of each item.

We are getting in Jailhouse Rock Merlot in later today & I will post a picture and information.

http://www.elvisweek.com/events/default.aspx

To help encourage/coax a few book reviews out of fellow Buzzers, we have created a few "interesting" prize packages:
http://www.cre8buzz.com/profiles/2730/galleries/18117/gallery_entries

The majority of our Adult books are posted on our website:
http://www.basketsbybonnie.com/showcategory.php4?key=17

I have used the publisher's descriptions and photos to help customers choose books for gifts. I thought it might be helpful as well as help make our blog interesting to have some personal book reports.

The books are primarily used in our "Road to Recovery" baskets to help pass the time while bed-ridden. The type of information needed is

1. What - How would you classify the book you are reporting on, what is the basic 411? Tell us a little something about the book that isn't found on the book jacket or publisher review.


2. Who - Who would like this book. (age, sex, personality)


3. Why - Why you would recommend this book.

We would like to start posting reviews as soon as possible. One per week, up to 5 reviews total. Prize packages are on a first done / first awarded basis.
We will post your Blog name or how you want your review to be credited and link to your blog if you wish. We will need your shipping information but promise to keep your true identity private.

If you are interested in participating, let us know which book you plan to review in the comment section to avoid duplications. Please pick from the new books that recently arrived. So far MileHi Dad has claimed "The Double Agents" to review.
http://www.cre8buzz.com/profiles/2730/blogs/18114/blog_entries/37344

A business blog has been much tougher for me to write and maintain than my personal blog. I can not be as spontaneous and take the same risks for fear of alienating customers or being off-message. I was off to a good start when I realized something was missing - READERS! Self doubt started leaking in. What if I am spending time on my business blog that could be better spent on other parts of the business?

I asked my friends on Linked-In for their opinion of business blogs. Did they read them? What were their expectations? I found that my business friends are short on time. If they did read a blog, it was not usually a business related one. They were more likely to read Political or humor blogs that took risks, were updated frequently and entertained.

I also noticed the Business side of the Buzz is not as active as the personal (People) side. I was starting to get discouraged.

But today I was given hope! I had a new customer place an order for a co-worker condolence. She found me on the internet last night. In addition to perusing my website, she took time to read my blog. She especially enjoyed my story about the request for a basket full of breath fresheners.

Turns out our website was compared with two other competing ones and won out because of our blog. The customer could see that we care about our clients. This is just what I needed to hear! A blog can make a difference!