I Didn't Know You Sold That!

I get this reaction a lot when I mention a new product to my clients so I decided to start a new blog topic dedicated to little-known products that I sell.

This week we take a look at food gifts. Most of my clients don't start thinking about food gifts until the holidays come around. I'm here to tell you that you can give food gifts all year long. I for one am a shameless chocoholic and if my boss wanted to give me a box of chocolate and it wasn't a special occasion, I would not refuse.

Here's some ideas to get you ready for the upcoming busy season. You'll want to start planning now for all of your employees so you don't get caught empty-handed. I start my sampling parties in August so schedule your sessions now.

Ideas That Will Get Your Foot in the Door!

Picture this. You're a struggling salesperson out pounding the pavement again. Today has been a particularly grueling day for you. Gatekeepers won't cooperate and give you the name of the decision maker. They don't care that your baby needs new shoes, your car needs tires and your wife is yelling at you to get a "real" job. So what's a salesperson to do?

Well, you can do the same old things that salespersons usually do or you can switch things up a bit. For example,most sales representatives leave their business cards with the receptionist and pray that he or she passes it along to the "head honcho." Why not leave the receptionist a gift that will motivate her to partner with you in your sales endeavors?

Take a look at these ideas I found especially for gatekeepers:

It's a mouse pad! No, wait- it's a calendar! Actually, it's a mouse pad/notepaper/and calendar. The receptionist will thank you. Just add your logo and contact information.

Next, try this one on for size. A desk calendar with your logo on the front and a tagline that's sure to make the receptionist chuckle on the back. Hint: tagline reads, "Every third salesperson is shot, and the second one just left!!!"

Stop by GetMoreROI.net for more ideas.

Involve Your Pet in the Green Lifestyle!

So you've decided to become a vegan and start living more green. Did you tell Fido about your plans yet? Maybe he'd like to join you on your green crusade. Here are a few jewels I found to help you get started.

First, we have a tee shirt for Fido made of organic cotton. Next in our lineup is an organic pet leash made of, what else, organic cotton. Finally, reward Fido for being a good sport with gourmet cream and honey dog treats. The best part is, Fido can eat guilt-free because these snacks are free of preservatives, salt, and sugar. A doggone good idea!

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

This ain't your Daddy's bag anymore! These bags give you the power to design your own tote. That's right. You pick the size. You pick the type of bag you want (grocery, tote, or messenger). You pick the colors. You decide which accessories to use and where. You can order as little as 50 pieces. A brand new experience, indeed.

Catch Spy Fever!

Ever dreamed of being a spy? Come on, who hasn't gotten caught up in a James Bond flick before? Well, now you can play a spy in real life with these state-of-the-art spy gadgets!

My favorite is this Wifi detecter that also detects hidden cameras. So, the next time you're trying to "lay low" take one of these babies with you.

No self-respecting secret agent would dare leave home without his or her spy pen, right? This pen uses invisible ink to highlight. See the ink by shining the light found on the opposite end. Pretty crafty, huh?

Next is the mother of all spy tools. Don't let the size fool you, gumshoes. This gem packs interchangeable laser lens, including a crosshair lens, seven stainless steel tool bits, and a pen clip. Sorta reminds me of something McGyver would use.

Finally, get ready for your next mission impossible by listening to a James Bond soundtrack. Your mission, should you choose to accept it__________. You know the rest. Go get 'em, tiger!