Making Gift Baskets is More Than a Hobby

Since 1990, it's been my honor to be part of the gift basket business. I've watched designers come and go, and I've also witnessed healthy growth in an industry that some consider as a hobby.

Gift baskets are a part-time venture for some, but for many, it's much more than that. When you speak to full-time business owners who earn revenues between $15,000 and $2 million and see the sparkle in their eyes as they talk about their passion, you quickly realize that making gift baskets is a calling.

Not everyone can take a collection of items and turn them into a masterpiece. That's what designers do every day.

I'll be speaking about gift baskets at trade shows throughout the U.S. You'll find the events listed on the classes page at GiftBasketBusiness.com. I hope to see you and learn how you turn your passion into a successful, income-producing lifestyle.

Refresh Your Goals by Starting Again

Earlier this year did you resolve to get something done, commit to continuing an old plan, or promise yourself to refocus on a personal or professional goal, but during the year found yourself drifting away from what you want to achieve?

It's okay. It happens to everyone. But there's a silver lining. Every day you awake, you're given a new chance to try again, to re-commit, to start over.

Just because successful people are only shown in a positive light doesn't mean they don't renew a plan or goal after a long hiatus.

This happens to me, too. It's been a while since I've updated my business mailing list to encourage individuals to return to my Web sites. It's also been four days since I've exercised. Both types of inactivity are quickly remedied, and I'll do so today.

First, I'll work on my mailing list. There are lots of people to add to it. I'll start with a small group and use a portion of each day to add more names. At the end of the week, I'll have a lot done. The same is true with exercising. I'm worth 30 minutes a day and plan to set aside that much time for me.

What do you wish to achieve, to start anew? Whatever it is, today's a wonderful day to re-commit to something that will make life easier, fulfill your goals, or make you happy. You're worth it.

Take Yourself on a Retreat

Life can be overwhelming, especially when you excel at doing your very best work personally and professionally.

I believe in giving yourself time off to refresh and re-energize. That's why I'm going south in a few weeks.

I was scheduled to speak at a business conference and had purchased my airline ticket. The conference is postponed. That caused a dilemma: should I stay in the office and keep working, losing out on the airline fee, or should I use the time as a personal retreat? I chose the latter.

This is the first time I'm going away for a dual reason: to brainstorm with myself about business, and to have fun after the morning's work. Many business owners don't take time to do this, and I can understand why. It seems as though you're cheating on yourself when, in fact, getting away is the best thing to do for you and the business's longevity.

I'll determine how to better serve gift basket designers and solo entrepreneurs working in other industries. I'll map my project schedule and get rid of plans that serve no purpose. After that, I'll have fun as I treat myself to a few days in a different atmosphere.

When I return, I'll be ready to move forward, building a better business and personal life. Consider this option for yourself. I know you won't regret it.

The Start of Something Great

So many friends and family members create wonderful spaces on the Web just like this, and now it's my turn.

I maintain other blogs, such as the Gift Basket Business blog, Solo Business Marketing blog, and Laughing Chow photography tips. Here, I plan to share ideas and inspiration to assist you in creating the successful life you envision.

I'll also tell you what's happening on my other sites and share great information that you can duplicate for fun or profit.