Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?
Posted by Becky Briggs on 2/2/2012
Where do you get your inspiration from?
As an entrepreneur I find inspiration comes in many forms. Operating a gift and basket business like Ourgiftbiz.com requires great design and I have just returned from the New York Gift Show which is a rush of color, great artists, new designs, innovative gifts, new contacts and of course all the latest trends. It is a cornucopia of the best of the best. What intrigues me is finding new companies to build relationships with. It is really satisfying to be able to meet the artists who are creating great designs. Here are just a couple we will be doing business with in 2012…
 After 25 years creating luxury accessories for international fashion brands, Michelle Hatch is delighted to introduce her unique collection of luxurious accessories for the home. Armed with a keen eye for details, she refined and cultivated her talent during 15 years living in Italy. This proved to be a great asset while designing for Donna Karan, Salvatore Ferragamo and Judith Leiber. For the debut of her eponymous home collection, Michelle has created distinctive embellishments on pillows using a palette of metal nailheads and Swarovski elements. As light hits the strategically placed crystals, pattern details are highlighted giving a rich sense of added dimension. Michelle’s passion for elevating and transforming simple materials to luxurious heights is reflected in her choice of fabrics, colors and materials. Her mission to create something extraordinary to accessorize your life originates back to her years of collaboration with Italy’s most gifted craftsmen.The Michelle Hatch collection features patterns for your home in the city, at the beach, or in the country. In addition to the rich assortment she offers, she also allows designers and retailers to customize a pattern, color or detail to fit their client’s needs. Either way, one is ensured that their Michelle Hatch accessory will integrate an original slice of ingenuity seamlessly into their home.
Nate Ricketts lives in San Diego where he and his small design team work to create the latest trends in coastal decor. To own one of Nate's creations is to own a genuinely unique work of art. "It is the wonders of nature that make these furnishings truly resonate with something inside each of us," claims Nate. "I simply bring all these elements together to create a functioning piece of art to enchant your home environment."
I am lucky that my business challenges me to always stretch in multiple ways. Not only from the business aspect like marketing, vendor and client relationships, streamlining processes etc., but staying close to great design, quality products and the inspiration which comes from loving what I do and the people who make it all happen!
Cheers,
Becky
www.ourgiftbiz.com
 Fresh Starts vs New Year’s Resolutions
Posted by Becky Briggs on 1/13/2012
I like Fresh Starts. I am not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions.
For me the issue is simple. Like many, I used to create my resolution list and 6 months into the year, much of the list was OBE (Over Taken by Events) - some in my control and some not. But nothing tied me to the outcome.
With Fresh Starts we do not have judgments around the terminology (Resolutions). We haven’t failed because it is new every year. It is not a list we create similar to last year, but a new fresh start list for this year. The other part of this I like is I put intention into the new list. Intentions are great. This word has only existed in my vocabulary for a decade or so; prior to that, I was unfamiliar with it. Now I use it when I think about action items, to do lists, communication/discussion strategies, meetings, interactions and yes Fresh Starts, etc.
Intentions allow me to be successful with Fresh Start lists. Another way to look at this is in order for an item to be on the Fresh Start list there must be a thought process around intentions first. If I am going to make a list in January I must think about my intentions and why I care about this and what a good outcome will be and how I figure out it will be successful. It is a thought process I go through which helps me determine why something is on the Fresh Start list. This does not need to be a grand production - just an activity that lets me be very clear about my life, my business and my interactions
It is worth exploring. It ties together the mind and the heart and helps ignite passion
in all that I do. And by the way, it keeps the flame burning.
What is a good gift for your secretary?
Posted by Becky Briggs on 12/15/2011
What is a good gift for your secretary?
It is not always easy to find a good gift for your secretary, but to make it simple consider the following:
1-What does she/he like?
2-What are her/his favorite colors?
3-What does she/he enjoy doing?
4-How does she/he relax?
5-What is her/his favorite music?
6-Where does she/he like to eat?
Great gifts are ones that often show the recipient what you know about them. And that you listen and understand their likes and dislikes and that you have kept a mental note of what they enjoy.
When you combine one or more of these you will hit a home run. Do this quick analysis to make it easy when you shop. Remember presentation is key to pulling it all together. The gift needs to be beautifully presented and a hand written note with your sentiment makes it a lasting memorable gift!
Are you ready for the Holidays?
Posted by Becky Briggs on 12/9/2011
Are you ready for the gift-giving season?
Many of us aren't ready. But don't despair. Think about your list and what really makes sense based on your budget and your knowledge of the recipient. Look for holiday gifts that will set you apart from the rest. Combine what you know and how you feel about the recipient and make sure your gift creates a lasting memory. If you are unclear about how to move forward, call in the experts. That often seals the deal without hassle or headache. At Our Gift Biz, we know how to simplify this for you. Give us a call and see how we can help. Sometimes a custom gift is the answer to your dilemma. It won't break the budget and it will create that meaningful memory you are looking for! Call 301-762-1225 and find out how we can simplify gift-giving for you this season. You will be glad you did!
Giving and Receiving
Posted by Becky Briggs on 11/21/2011
Last year I started working with a life coach and it has been an incredible experience for me. I have learned a lot about myself, my life and my world. I have transformed, grown and developed in ways I could never have imagined. We worked on issues I have had difficulty with for years. Last week we talked about giving and receiving. And what a gift it is.
As I reflect on this upcoming holiday, I have so much to be grateful for. I count my many blessings and know my heart is full. I have the support of incredible family and friends. They help keep me balanced and feeling loved. And now I am learning the gift of giving and receiving to myself and for myself. I am so happy to have discovered this gift and so grateful to John Dulworth www.johndulworth.com for helping me recognize how beautiful this gift is. I am grateful, inspired and very blessed! Thank you John!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Seasonal Frenzy
Posted by Becky Briggs on 10/26/2011
Why do we get so overwhelmed during the holiday
season? Basically it is simple. We think
we have more to do than we have hours in the day. For some of us that is true.
To make this year different, let’s figure out how
to enjoy this year.
·
Make a list of those receiving holiday cards.
·
Make a list of those receiving gifts.
·
Set your budget.
·
Set your time line.
·
Set time to enjoy your family and friends.
Determine if you can send your cards early this
year. Can you combine Thanksgiving and December holidays with one card and get
them mailed by November 14th?
This can help, but may not be feasible for some. If this doesn’t work try mailing holiday
cards by November 30th. This way
yours are the first to arrive and it is off your list.
Our Gift Biz has an easy way to help with sending
cards. Call us to find out how this
works. It is an on-line service that
does the addressing, stamping and mailing, and a real card is sent and received
thru the mail. It can really help save
time, energy and money.
If gifts are a big struggle for you, think about
how a gift service can help eliminate hours of shopping, wrapping and sending…
Call Our Gift Biz 301-762-1225 to find out how we
can simplify this entire process for you.
We are experts at lifting this heavy burden from
your shoulders. We know how time- consuming the holidays are. And how to put the joy back into the
season!!!
We are offering a discount this year for early
shoppers. If you order and ship in the
month of November, we will give you 10% off.
Think about this. Get the buying
and sending frenzy out of the way and enjoy the holidays.
Complete Sense of Gratitude
Posted by Becky Briggs on 9/6/2011
Are you ready to celebrate fall…and all that comes with it. Like cooler weather, mums, raking leaves and preparing for a new season. There is so much going on and so much to be thankful for, as we say goodbye to summer and greet the beginning of the school year and the changing of the season. The issue here is sometimes we don’t stop. We simply move into fall as if we have too much to do and it all must be done right now; without giving ourselves a moment to realize the beauty of the seasons.
How are you staying connected
Posted by Becky Briggs on 8/3/2011
Sometimes it feels tough and overwhelming to stay on top of all items on our things to do list, especially as it pertains to staying in touch with our clients.
It is okay to occasionally feel this way, but the trick is to quickly have a solution to solve the feeling of overwhelm.
Three areas to look at
DC attracts one of my favorites …The Fancy Food Show
Posted by Becky Briggs on 7/11/2011
180,000 specialty food and beverage vendors and 2400 exhibitors from 80 countries around the world converge under one roof to show us, the 25,000 buyers what is new, award-winning, and special about their products. It's like the world's fair, but it's the FANCY FOOD SHOW!
The Art of Business Referrals
Posted by Becky Briggs on 6/22/2011
I had the pleasure of attending a Brian Buffini conference a few months ago. His unique approach helps his clients stay focuses on a creating a foundational business plan, including a budget and a referral based program with firm goals and accountablility. He stressed that the key is being consistent, following the plan and taking action daily.
How do you celebrate Father’s Day?
Posted by Becky Briggs on 6/9/2011
Dad’s special day is the third Sunday in June. Shower him with gifts he wouldn’t buy for himself. Even
if you are grown and gone and have kids of your own, let him know how important he is to you. And
remember Grandpa also.
Send him something special and a note that says “Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special
person to be a dad! Thanks for being the world’s best dad!!!”
ALOHA Hawaii...
Posted by Becky Briggs on 6/1/2011
How long has it been since you were pampered by friends in faraway places?
Lucky for me, my friends are in Seattle and Hawaii. It doesn’t get much better than this.
I am so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends… I am grateful each and every day. I don’t take
this for granted.
Thoughts about Mother's Day – 2011
Posted by Becky Briggs on 4/21/2011
Two years ago we lost our Mother to the ravaging disease of Diabetes and all the complications that accompany it. It is not just the passing of my Mother that makes me sad, but the fact that we did not celebrate life “hers and ours” often enough is my concern. My mother gave and taught me so much. She was an incredible human being.
I have been working with a life coach and spending time on Self-Care and what that means to me and how to be better at taking care of myself and enjoying life more. If my mother were still here, I would spend time with her being selfish, just the two of us, enjoying, exploring, being self-absorbed, finding balance and together celebrating life… hers and mine!
1st quarter of 2011 is almost over…
Posted by Becky Briggs on 3/21/2011
If you are a little stymied by the lack of new clients in your book of business ask yourself this? When is the last time you took a Business Pulse survey to see what your clients are really thinking about you. You may determine you are leaving money on the table by not staying in touch with your customers
Here is the good news. We have experts we can learn from and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Read on as I share ideas I learned from international coach Brian Buffini.
People will never forget how you made them feel…
Posted by Becky Briggs on 12/16/2010
People remember how you make them feel. I think this is so important for all of us to remember. It is so true.
If you take a minute and think back over the years, many times what really sticks in your mind is how a person made you feel. I strive to make people feel good. I seek to look at the positive things in life and think about the “glass being full, not half empty.” Meeting this goal has become a daily focus for me. We all have so much going on in our lives. Often too much… but for me, being positive is what I am all about. Though I am not perfect and occasionally I slip, (click below to read more)
Don't let the holiday hustle & bustle get you down.
Posted by Becky Briggs on 12/7/2010
As we are heading towards the end of the calendar year, many business owners are still deciding what to give to show appreciation, something that will be remembered and will express their utmost gratitude to their valued customers, clients and business partners. My best advice here is to keep it simple. Yes the “Kiss” concept works well at this stage of the game. Click "read more" below to find out how.
A Thank You Can Go a Long Way
Posted by Becky Briggs on 11/30/2010
In today's busy world, a job well-done is often overlooked or under recognized. Two simple words can go a really long way to improving performance and morale in the workplace. The words THANK YOU can: - Be a great pick-me-up to a worn out boss or supervisor
- Provide much-needed validation to an employee striving to do their best
- Turn a client into a raving fan
And the list goes on and on. Looking for opportunities to express thanks to those around us is also helpful in developing an attitude of gratitude in our own lives.
In my experience in the business world, I've found that sometimes a simple thank you works, and sometimes it's important to take things a step further.
This Holiday season, take a quantum leap…
Posted by Becky Briggs on 11/23/2010
As Thanksgiving and the rest of the Holidays are fast approaching, this is the time I like to take a few minutes and reflect on the last year. I find so many things I am grateful for. Like most of us, it is our family, our health, our friends, our businesses, and the wonderful special people and things in our lives that make us who we are for which we are so grateful and blessed. I have so much to be grateful for!
But for me, it is always a little more than this. It is the “something extra” that I do, that makes me feel good about the year and who I am and how I approach life. Click "read more" below for the rest of the story.
Paint a Happy Vision
Posted by Becky Briggs on 11/16/2010
It occurs to me that, when we get focused on the holidays, we often lose sight of what really will make us happy. When I (and perhaps you) get focused on our things to do list, that begins the real feeling of overwhelm and panic and how will it all get done…
Click here to find out about a simple strategy I'll be using this holiday season to find more JOY in the coming months.
A Bit of Wisdom for Corporate Gift Giving – Introducing Our Gift Biz
Posted by Becky Briggs on 11/5/2010
As a virgin blogger and one who wants to add value to the lives of my readers, I thought I would introduce myself and my company and tell you who we are, what we are about and the vision I have for our blog. Click here to read on.
My hope is that you will find this blog interesting, useful, valuable and fun. And that you will let me know your feedback, topics you would like me to discuss, and areas where you feel challenged with gift-giving and would like more info. Whether you are involved with a corporation, a company or are an individual who buys gifts, we want to hear from you.
Cheers,
Becky
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