Learn About Marketing From the Owner of Beautiful Baskets

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Learning from other small businesses can spark ideas and  potential opportunities that can help our brands and businesses grow.

Today we learn about marketing from Lisa Lange, owner of Beautiful Baskets and learn how she has grown her business.

1. Hi Lisa, can you tell us a little about yourself and your business

I’ve owned Beautiful Baskets for 3 years; prior to this I owned a food franchise.  Franchising was a great experience as it gave me many tools and taught me about the importance of systems.  My main customers are within the corporate market and I assist all kinds of businesses with the gift giving part of their client relationships – my corporate client base is diverse and I’m finding more businesses (of all sizes) are recognizing the importance in showing clients they are valued.

I have a strong customer service background not only as a retail business owner but also from working in the gaming area at the casino for 8 years and handling travel enquiries from potential visitors to Australia when I was at the Australian Tourist Commission overseas.

2. What have been the key reasons for the growth of your business?

Most of my growth is attributed to Networking and building solid relationships – this has led to increased referrals (very satisfying!).  Also not being afraid to approach people for their business; the worst that can happen is that they’ll say no!

3. How do you build and strengthen your customer relationships?

I maintain regular contact with my customers through newsletters and utilize social networking opportunities like Twitter and LinkedIn.  With regular clients I let them know of any new products or ideas in the market that I think would suit their requirements better than what we are currently doing.

4. What are the key marketing activities that have helped you grow your business and why?

• Prize Giveaways at functions I attend.  This comes from my marketing budget and gives potential customers an opportunity to see my products and put a face to Beautiful Baskets.
• Twitter.  Twitter has been a great way to keep in touch with my contacts and when used strategically has led to business opportunities and referrals.
• Networking. To create loyalty and a solid client base it’s important to touch base regularly.  Nothing beats face to face interaction when doing business.

5. Finally what are the 3 key lessons you have learnt about marketing and growing your business?

• To monitor where my business is coming from and concentrate more efforts in those areas (eg. which networking functions do I find most productive).
• You don’t have to spend a fortune to market your business.
• When networking don’t make it all about you.  Find out how you can assist other people in their business and try working from that angle.  You may meet someone who you think couldn’t possibly be interested in your products or services but you just never know who they will pass your details on to.

Lisa is the owner of Beautiful Baskets, delivering unique gift baskets, hampers, floral and balloon arrangements for all occasions, delivering throughtout Australia. You can follow Lisa on Twitter @BeautifulBasket