Tips for Personalizing a Gift

Shari Cabra is one of my special clients. She creates personalized gifts for people across the country. Here she explains ways you can personalize a gift to show someone how much you care.

Enjoy!

Debra



SHOW YOU CARE WITH A PERSONALIZED GIFT
by Shari Cabra

There's nothing that says, "I care about you," more than a personalized gift. Often one-of-a-kind objects, personalized gifts are usually cherished forever and many times handed down from generation to generation.

Today there are dozens of personalized gifts available, everything from the simple, inexpensive coffee mug to the more sophisticated sterling-silver letter opener.

The next time you're choosing a gift for someone special in your life, show how much you care by personalizing it. There are several ways to do that.

1. Have the Gift Engraved. Adding an engraved date, initial or name gives the gift your personal touch and makes it more meaningful to the receiver. Pen and pencil sets, letter openers, watches or pendants can be easily engraved. Or, choose an item that is already monogrammed with the receiver's first or last initial.

2. Help Design the Gift. Add a part of yourself to a personalized gift by participating in its design. Working with a jeweler to create a unique piece of jewelry or simply selecting the ornaments for a charm bracelet will add your special touch.

3. Select Something You know The Recipient Wants or Needs. Having a quilt made in colors to match a nursery for a new baby, or ordering a frame with the bride and groom's names on it is not only personal but practical in a special way.

4. Choose a Gift You Know Will Become a Personal Favorite. How do you know what will become a personal favorite? By being familiar with the kinds of items your friend or family members loves, collects, wishes for, etc. Select a gift similar to items he or she already has or choose a gift that can be added to an existing collection.

5. Choose a Gift That Will Complement the Receiver's Home's Decor. Personalized gifts are available in so many styles. Whether your special friend's home is decorated in modern contemporary or country style, a gift can be found to fit that decor.

Imagine the thrill your special someone will feel when presented with a unique and personalized gift. You've selected the perfect present because you care.


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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Come Try a Little Taste of Heaven



I hope you'll stop by Booth #304 at the Kansas City Gift Show this weekend and try a little taste of heaven from the Three Angels Gourmet Co. You might even win this GREAT prize -

A GREAT Big Heavenly Gourmet Gift Basket
(A $75.00 value!)

Just think of the GREAT ways you could use this basket of goodies -

As a drawing for your next open house or store event...OR...

You could sample all the goodies to your customers to create excitement about these wonderful products...OR...

You could give the basket to your #1 customer to show your appreciation...OR...

You could reward an employee for much hard work...OR...

You could just keep this GREAT basket for yourself!


Here are just a few of the delicious products that will be included in our GREAT Gourmet Gift Basket:


(Heavenly Jam Bars)


(Raspberry Brownies - the mix comes with a packet of sliced almonds for the top of the brownies)

So, don't miss your chance to win this GREAT Gourmet Gift Basket.

See you at the Show!

Debra

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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Watch Slides from Created by Shari - A Clever Way to Wear a Watch

If you didn't attend the January Kansas City Gift Show then you missed Shari Cabra's newest product, the Watch Slide. This watch, which looks like an ornate pendant, hangs upside down from the end of a silver-plated spoon handle. It resembles an attractive accessory rather than a functional watch.

The watch faces on this new item are available in four different shapes: round, oval, square and rectangular. Each is embellished with assorted bobbles and charms. Each Watch Slide is unique since they are all created from a variety of silverware patterns.

Each slide comes with a simple black suede cord. However, for a more elegant look, a silver chain can be used instead of the cord, making it easy for you to cross sell silver chains with this new product.

Note: The watch slide hangs upside down when worn, making it convenient to check the time when lifting the watch to look at the face.


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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Memorial Day


Tomb of the Unknown Soldier


Families all across the country will be enjoying picnics together this afternoon. But we should all remember what this day is really for.

Join the National Moment of Remembrance today by observing one minute of silence and reflection at 3:00 p.m. (your local time) to honor those who died in service to our Nation.

Have a blessed day.

Debra

Small Business Tip

From time to time, I'd like to provide readers with some small business tips. A few months ago, I formed a co-op with several of the business owners that I rep for. Read this article by freelance writer (and owner of Three Angels Gourmet Co.), Suzanne Lieurance, to find out if a business co-op might be right for you too.

Need More Business? Create a Co-op!
by Suzanne Lieurance

If you're the owner of a small business and have limited resources, use the power of numbers to obtain more customers or clients. Create an informal co-op.

Creating such a co-op is simple. First, make a list of other small business owners you know personally, trust, and respect. On your list, include some businesses that have products or services similar to yours and others that provide very different ones.

All of these small business owners probably have limited resources, too. Arrange a meeting with several of these owners and sit down together at a relaxing location (like a coffee shop or bookstore) to discuss how you could all benefit from an informal cooperative (co-op, for short).

For example, do you all attend trade shows for your businesses? Could you share a booth with one or two of these other small business owners to cut the cost of a booth? Do all of you have web sites for your companies? If so, it would be easy to create a blog for your co-op, with links to the web site of each co-op member. Then, each member could take a turn updating the blog, which should result in increased web site traffic (or at least more publicity or exposure) for each member.

Co-ops are also helpful when you would like to join professional organizations but can't afford the dues by yourself. Join as a co-op and you'll probably get membership benefits for at least several of your members. Join several different organizations so that each co-op member can enjoy membership in at least one organization of his or her choice.

Here are some examples of the types of businesses that would make good co-ops:

Car dealerships - car washes - auto parts stores

Childcare centers - children's bookstores - children's clothing stores

Graphic designers - freelance writers - small printing companies

Animal clinics - pet stores - pet grooming centers

Advertising agencies - specialty food stores - gift basket companies

Freelance writers - gift stores - day spas

Are you beginning to get some ideas?

Start thinking about creating a business co-op and you'll probably think of many other cost-saving and service-sharing ways to fit your particular needs.

Create an informal co-op, then sit back and watch your business grow.


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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
.....gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Don't Miss Daily Food Tips, Recipes, and Product Specials From The Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Are you reading the daily food tips at the Three Angels Gourmet Co. blog? Every day they offer tips for both wholesale and retail customers - plus daily product specials for wholesale customers ONLY. You can also receive their free ebook - 25 FABULOUS FOOD TIPS, RECIPES, AND IDEAS FOR EASY ENTERTAINING, just for joining their mailing list. Sign up at their blog.

Visit their blog for today's special which is their delicious Sugar Cookie Mix. You'll also find links to some easy recipes parents can make with their kids over the weekend.


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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Unique Bookmarks From "Created by Shari"

Planning to catch up on your reading this summer? Most people are, which is why jewelry artist Shari Cabra's unique bookmarks would make such welcome gifts this season.

One of Cabra's aims is to make use of every part of a piece of vintage silverware when she's using it to create a new product. "It's a shame not to use every portion of an exquisite piece of silverware, especially when it's sterling silver," says Shari.

Shari's bookmarks are new to her 2006 line. They are made from various patterns of silverware and embellished with assorted beads. Not only has Shari created a clever and practical item in each of these bookmarks, she has also created a beautiful piece of art that will be cherished forever.

Stop by my booth - #304 - at the Kansas City Gift Show in June (any time from Saturday June 3rd through Tuesday June 6th) and see Shari Carbra's new bookmarks. Once you do, I'm sure you'll want to have them available for your customers.


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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385

Register to Win a Gourmet Gift Basket from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.



The June Gift Show at the Kansas City Gift Mart is going to be an exciting event. Many of the companies taking part in this show will having drawings for some impressive prizes.

Three Angels Gourmet Co. will have a drawing. One lucky wholesale customer will win a gourmet gift basket filled with all sorts of "heavenly gourmet mixes" plus other unique gifts.

Come visit me at Booth #304 to see this gorgeous gift basket and learn more about delicious mixes from the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

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Debra Steiner
Beyond the Expected Marketing
...gifts for the discriminating buyer
Phone: 913-963-1733
Fax: 913-322-0385
Email me here

Win This One-of-a-Kind Sterling Silver Pendant

Stop by my booth - #304 - at the Kansas City Gift Show in June (any time from Saturday June 3rd through Tuesday June 6th) and you might just win this gorgeous Sterling Silver pendant.


"Angelique" a one-of-a-kind pendant

When you place an order for fine jewelry from "Created by Shari" you will be entered to win this (a $50.00 value) door prize - a one-of-a-kind pendant made by jewelry artist, Shari Cabra.

This pendant is an exquisite example of Shari's artistic ability. Angelique is the name Shari has chosen for this brilliant piece of jewelry which was created from an antique, sterling silver teaspoon. Look closely, you will see assorted charms, bobbles, and beads worked into the design. The pendant comes with a black, suede cord but the owner can also choose to wear the pendant suspended on any length of beautiful silver chain already on hand. The pendant itself can also be worn as a pin.

"Heavenly Gourmet Mixes"



You'll find "heavenly gourmet mixes" available right here on earth, thanks to another one of my clients - the Three Angels Gourmet Co. All of the company's unique recipes are thoroughly tested to insure peace of mind and heavenly taste. Each gourmet baking mix requires a minimum of added ingredients, usually just water and/or oil. These delightful mixes can be prepared in a matter of minutes, then popped into the oven ready to enjoy in no time.

Visit the Three Angels Gourmet Co. blog for daily wholesale specials, then call me at 913-963-1733 to place your order.

Sign up for the mailing list at Three Angels Gourmet Co. and you'll receive a free ebook, 25 Fabulous Food Tips, Recipes, and Ideas for Easy Entertaining.

Meet the Artist Behind "Created by Shari"

Created by Shari is one of the small businesses I’ve been happy to represent for the past several years. Here is a little background information about Shari.

Shari Cabra had been an artist and craftsperson for over 30 years when (in 2002) she decided to develop a unique line of wearable keepsakes from quality vintage silver tableware. At first, she centered her new line -Created by Shari- around the intricate and ever-popular angel pins.

Today, Cabra transforms expertly crafted silverware patterns of yesteryear into one-of-a kind new “wearable memories” for the neck, wrist, or finger. Her line is one of the most extensive of this type and includes bracelets, posey pins, leather-corded necklaces, earrings, and hanging ornaments. Letter openers, fork easels, and other useable works of art are also part of her offerings.

Cabra collects antique silverware from all over the world (some has come as far away as Japan) for her creations, and she is constantly adding new items to her line from her studio in Warsaw, Missouri. Depending on the silverware patterns and types of charms Cabra uses, her finished pieces range in style from the intricately decorated vintage Victorian to the more sleek and sophisticated contemporary.

The Created by Shari line is marketed to fine gift shops and jewelry stores across the United States by Beyond the Expected Marketing. Custom designs from family heirloom silverware are also available by contacting stores that carry Shari’s works of art.

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Contact me (Debra Steiner) at Beyond the Expected Marketing for more information about Shari's fine jewelry. Phone: 913-963-1733 or fax: 913-322-0385.

Hello, and welcome to my blog. My name is Debra Steiner and I'm a busy marketing rep in the midwest. Here I am at one of the Gift Shows at the Kansas City Gift Mart. The Three Angels Gourmet Co. is one of the businesses I represent.

Stop by my blog each day for updates, product specials, and announcements from many of the companies I represent.

Created by Shari Catalogue
Scroll down to see the many products offered in this jewelry line.

BRACELETS

#1 With Charm


#2 With Charm


#3 Earrings (With Sterling Silver Wires)


HOME ACCESSORIES

#4 Bookmark


#5 Fork Easel


#6 Letter Opener


#7 Napkin Rings

ORNAMENTS

#8 Ornament - Angel



#9 Ornaments(with charms)


KEY CHAINS

#10 Key Chain (bent)


#11 Key Chain (straight)


NECKLACES

#12 Black Cord with Slide


#13 "Neckwear" with Beading (16" or 18" Sterling Chain)


#14 "Neckwear" without beading (16" or 18" Sterling Chain)


#15 Omega (16" or 18")


#16 "Forkrock"


#17 Watch (With Black Suede Cord)


PINS

#18 Angel


# 20 Non-Angel With Charm


Posey

SLIDES


#23 angel


#24 Decorated


#26 Undecorated