Thank you Archives - Personal Gift Basket

The Personal Gift Basket Co Goes to Market

July 31, 2023 by Lisa Paden

It’s been a busy and productive couple of weeks at The Personal Gift Basket Co. We are working on several fun and exciting things in the background that I can’t wait to share with you in the coming months. So stay tuned! I can share something exciting: recently, we attended the Atlanta Market, and I’m super excited about all the beautiful new gifts and food items we found there. We spent five jam-packed days meeting the vendors we’ve done business with for years. We also connected with new companies with unique products that fit our gifting brand. After the five days of shopping, my body felt like I had been in a boxing ring, but it was so worth it. Now that we are back, it’s time to create beautiful gift designs with our new inventory. So stay tuned!

In case you are unaware, the Atlanta Market is a wholesale shopping mecca in beautiful downtown Atlanta. The market draws buyers, like myself and others from all over the world, and is one of the largest wholesale trade markets in the US. The Atlanta Market is a hub for retailers and designers looking for the latest trends and products. The market spans three buildings, each building having over 15 floors of wholesale exhibitors.

The first day of the market is always the best. Everyone is excited to shop; the vendors are waiting and eager to make your shopping experience great. Many vendors have music, food, and beverages to enjoy while shopping. Music and lots of energy fill the atmosphere, creating lots of excitement and anticipation. We are excited to see, taste and smell what’s new this season. Everyone from small boutique owners to major retail chains is searching for unique, high-quality products to captivate their customers.

Because of all the walking, and the sheer size of the market, it can be overwhelming for some. This year, I noticed many more areas to sit and relax in-between shopping, which was a plus for me, and I took full advantage of it. There isn’t a comfortable shoe that has been made for the amount of walking and standing we do at the market. When I get back to your hotel room, I am pooped!

Aside from the products, cooking, decor design, and other classes are available to learn from some of the best in the field.

One of my favorite things I love is meeting new people from all over the world. I am constantly networking and building relationships with vendors and retailers throughout my time at the market. Building these relationships with the companies we do business with is a plus. Another fun thing is connecting with other buyers while on the shuttle back to the hotel or running into someone we met at the market while going out to dinner or site-seeing in Atlanta. We chat about what we bought that day or share tips or stores we may have missed. These memorable interactions sometimes result in collaboration and foster community among other professionals which is priceless.

I am looking forward to coming back in January.

Employee Appreciation Day – March 4th

February 22, 2022 by Lisa Paden

I’m a firm believer in making employees feel valued and appreciated. Whether they’re lucky enough to work from home or in the office, these are the people who make you look amazing, who help run the business like a well-oiled machine every day. There are many moments in an office setting to celebrate your employees, like work anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, and retirements, to name a few. These special moments are also wonderful ways to connect and show appreciation.

Whether you’re giving a little treat for a job well done or sending custom care packages for an upcoming sales trip, showing your staff they are valued and appreciated in a special way will go much further than a quick shoutout in the team meeting.

From your executive team to the admins, they all play a vital role. Employee recognition is great for employee satisfaction and healthy productivity in the workplace.

I know these past couple of years have been trying on big and small companies. Maintaining a dependable, loyal, hardworking staff has become harder than ever before, and this is more of a reason than any to celebrate the ones who have stuck it out, worked overtime, and been there through the tuff times.

Mark your calendars for Employee Appreciation Day on
Friday, March 4th, to celebrate your fantastic staff.

Are you looking to tweak your current employee gifting program or start a new one? We’d love to help; click here to contact us and schedule a time to chat.

Its All About The Relationship

January 20, 2021 by Lisa Paden

It is much more expensive to acquire a new client than it is to keep a current one. Satisfied clients result in loyalty, repeat business, and spreading your good name around town, resulting in referrals.

Below I share six simple ways to help you keep a happy client.

1. Share a Smile (even on the phone)

Corporate America taught me that a smile, even on the phone, is contagious. Most business today is done virtually, with zoom calls and conference calls, sometimes the camera is off, and all they hear is your voice. It’s said you can “hear” a smile; that’s because your tone of voice sounds cheerful when you’re smiling. One of the easiest ways to appear welcoming is to smile.

2. Thank your clients

Sincerely thank your clients. Make showing appreciation a regular part of your client’s relationship with you. Thanking your clients can look as simple as a handwritten note. Let your clients know you value and appreciate their business.

3. Listen and remember

Show your clients that you listen to their needs and feedback. Listening and acting on what you have heard is the key to client retention and loyalty. Remember and document important client dates, events, hobbies, and family names. Doing this shows you care.

4. Honesty is the best policy

It’s never fun to be the bearer of bad news, but your clients will trust and value your opinion if you always speak the truth. If you must give bad news, be prepared to offer possible solutions.

5. Give a gift that you know they’ll like

If you find out that a client is a fan of a local sports team, consider getting them tickets to a game. Perhaps they mentioned they like scotch or whiskey. Customizing gifts is a great way to show your clients you remember what they tell you.

6. Keep lines of communication open

Because we cannot see each other face-to-face as much as we would like, staying on top of communication is vital. Replying to client e-mails and returning calls in a timely manner. Keeping the client in the know as to what your company is doing, like a blog, newsletter, or other forms of social media, is an excellent way to stay connected.

Thank You! (Giving Back)

December 28, 2020 by Lisa Paden

When you purchase a gift basket from The Personal Gift Basket Co., not only do you express your appreciation for the recipient of your gift, but you may also save a life. That is because 10% of all proceeds is donated to The Child Center, a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), serving child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and children who witness violence.

The Personal Gift Basket Co. was founded in 2002 with a mission to create and deliver high-quality, artisan gifts along with exceptional customer service to every client, no matter the cost of the gift. Lisa Paden, owner of The Personal Gift Basket Co., certainly has a heart to give, both to individuals and to her community.

A recognized community leader in the St. Louis metro area, Paden says, “I have always admired what The Child Center stands for and the visible role they play in our community. It is a great honor and so rewarding to help them.”

Today we want to thank you for playing a part in healing, helping, and bringing hope to children through your gifting. We pray you have a Happy New Year! As you gear up for 2021, remember to visit ThePersonalGiftBasket.com for your Valentine’s gifts to continue to spread the love!