Never Underestimate the Value of Small Business

Today's post was inspired by a brief Twitter chat. I logged onto Twitter this morning and noticed this question from Social Media guru @chrisbrogan:

Chris Brogan ‏ @chrisbrogan

Why do people who choose their business and customers choose to serve clients with little/no money?

While it was hard to decipher the context behind this question, I felt compelled to answer with:

Baskets by Bonnie ‏ @basketsbybonnie

@chrisbrogan clients with little/no money can be a valid market if your business can be the best at filling their needs.

To which Chris responded:

Chris Brogan ‏ @chrisbrogan

@basketsbybonnie - er, um, but if they don't have much money, how do you survive?

My two-tweet answer:

Baskets by Bonnie ‏ @basketsbybonnie

@chrisbrogan It is possible to be profitable serving low-budget clients if you can effectively serve large numbers.

@chrisbrogan Also some clients can start small but over time become big. It depends on your business model. Don't under estimate small.

My visceral reaction to this question was as a small business owner. I remembered a situation with a vendor when I was just starting out in my business and I required extra time and expertise from my sales representative. Initially she was very helpful and then suddenly stopped communications. When I finally got hold of my sales rep, she apologized and explained her situation.

Apparently my sales person was told by the owner of the company to not waste any more time with me. Her boss had written me off as a bad prospect. She also confessed that she was not happy with her managers and was leaving soon for another job. As a result, I ended the relationship.I found a better company to replace this vendor. 

A few years later, as my business had grown, I was approached by a new sales person from my old vendor. There was nothing they could say to get me back as a customer. I have continued to do business with the better vendor for over 18 years.

There are rewards to providing your customers with great service, no matter what their size. In addition to becoming a good source for Testimonials, they tend to grow on with you!

My Funny Valentine

We aim to please and love when we get nice feedback from our customers. The following is a response from a new client that wanted to surprise (and embarrass) her boyfriend at work.

Thanks Bonnie! This looks great! He absolutely loved it and was rather embarrassed by the whole thing. haha!!

I will be using your services again and let my friends know about your company.

Thanks again for being so accommodating.

 We love our work and emails like this make it all the more rewarding. Keep those cards and emails coming!

Taste Test

Part of our responsibilities at Baskets by Bonnie is to test new products. We tested these dips right before lunch. The Roasted Eggplant & Pepper Hummus pairs nicely with the Sea Salt Pita Bites and the Artichoke Pesto is wonderful on the Three Cheese Panetini.

I could not stop "testing" and made this my lunch for the day!

Custom Solution: Herb Capital Basket

 Although we have a wide selection of gift options on our website, some situations call for a customized solution. This was the case for the Gahanna-Area Chamber of Commerce. They were in need of a gift basket for a conference that was representative of the city of Gahanna also known as the "Herb Capital of Ohio".

We were brought a cache of products such as herb-infused bath and body items  from the Herb Education Center and wine from WyandotteWinery to create an eye-catching basket. To help pull together this theme, we used a metal planter, added a book on Cooking with Herbs and Spices and a pair of canvas gardening gloves. The tulle wrap added a nice earthy-feel.

The result is a one-of-a-kind basket that showcases the city of Gahanna.

Be Mine!

"Valentine's Day: the holiday that reminds you that if you don't have a special someone, you're alone." from Lewis Black - The Huffington Post Valentine's Day is one of those awkward gift-giving holidays. Choosing the right gift can make or break a relationship. On this February 14th, we can provide a gift for every stage of romance. Choose from our website or we can CUSTOMIZE your gift to make it just right for your Valentine. Whether it's a new found love, a marriage proposal or a bitter breakup, Baskets by Bonnie can help you navigate this tricky terrain.

Be Mine...on Valentine's Day For relationships old and new...we have the perfect, sweet gift for you!

This Valentine's snack tin 
filled with sugary treats.
And a cute bean-filled animal
can not be beat.
Wrapped with love 
and a fuzzy-warm note, 
Tis a gift that will keep 
your relationship afloat.

Cute reuseable snack tin

And to all a great gift!

For Your Favorite Elf - Santa's got a brand new bag.... and we filled it with all of our favorite cookies and treats!

This clever felt gift bag adds a new twist to the standard cookies and milk left by the fireplace or tree.

A Delightful Santa Buffet

Let It Snow!

The weather outside will soon be frightful,
And we have baskets that are so delightful,
Visit our website for great gifts on the go,
Shop from home and Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Let it Snow...man!

When it begins to snow,

the Frosty Brigade is bound to show!

This cute Snowman Tower is four layers of treats to help melt away the winter blues:

• Top Hat is filled with Peppermint Candies
• His head is full of Mini-Chocolate Bars
• Middle layer is filled with instant hot drinks
• Bottom layer contains snacks to munch & dunk

This gift will dress up any fireplace, table or tree.