Packing Tips for Business Travelers

There was once a time when I traveled by airplane with a heavy load. I'd add gift basket items in my large suitcase and place my clothes in a smaller one. I think back and still can't believe what I went through.

My load is much lighter thanks to my decision to ship items ahead of time. In addition, travel's not what it used to be. Ask any business traveler. It's a necessity more than fun.

Instead of four bags, I now carry two, and they both come onboard the plane with me so that I bypass the luggage merry-go-round and go straight to my transportation. Here's what keeps my load light for an average 3-4 day trip.

1. Two pairs of pants and tops that match each other are all that's required for most trips.

2. I bring workout clothes to exercise at hotel facilities. When rolled, the clothes fit inside of my sneakers. It's a great use of space.

3. Large-sized toiletries fit in a sleeve with pre-designated pockets which I place in an upright position in the smaller bag. The toiletries required for inspection are placed in the FAA-approved plastic bag, which is kept in an outer luggage pocket for easy reach.

4. All electronics are added to the smaller carry-on case.

5. Jewelry is placed in a pouch within the smaller bag and worn after passing through the detector. No more taking it off while trying to watch my shoes, bags, ticket, and passport.

If something doesn't fit into either piece of luggage, it stays at home or in the office.

I'll put my rules to the test as I travel to speaking engagements in Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Walk First, Then Run

Many new business owners wish to go from zero to 60 in one day. Their plan is to start a business in the morning and make a wad of cash by day's end.

Wouldn't it be grand if this actually happened? But just think: if that were the norm, there would be so many barriers to entering your chosen business that you'd never get started.

It's wonderful to create a idea in your mind, decide what steps to take to make it a reality, and transfer the plan onto paper before moving forward. That's what smart entrepreneurs learn on the SoloBusinessMarketing.com Web site and blog. It's the blueprint I followed in 1990, and today I'm reaping the rewards of many seeds sown and lessons learned throughout the years.

Remember one thing as you start your journey: nothing turns to gold overnight. It will take perserverance and dedication to create a successful enterprise and lifestyle. Every step will be worthwhile, whether you get lucky or suffer missteps. Both will occur; there's no way around it.

Right now you're at point A, and you can see point B directly in front of you. Walk steadily towards your destination, because if you run, you'll suffer more setbacks than you'll encounter at a manageable pace. Success is waiting for you, and it's worth the effort.

Visit Solo Business Marketing and the Gift Basket Business Web site and blog for more tips on creating a successful business.

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.