Gourmet Teas & Coffee

Do you need to get back in the swing of things with your business after the holidays and not sure where to begin?

Are you feeling stuck on what to do or where to do it?

Well, the first thing I would tell most of you is to get networking! Jump right up from your desk, bring a stack of business cards and attend some events pertinent to your business right off the bat. This is the best way to generate new leads and new contacts; just do it, don’t think about it. This might be tough or uncomfortable and you might want to ‘ease’ your way back into those circles, but don’t do it. Otherwise it could take you up to three months to get back on track.

Get networking now to chamber events, trade or association meetings, business events or expos – anything where your target market will be. Afterwards, you’ll be forced to follow up and the whole marketing cycle begins again!

Follow up you say? What’s that? Well, in my experience only about 5% of small business people do this on a regular basis, however it can be the single most effective way to attract and retain new business and referrals. What are you waiting for? No one is going to do your networking or your follow up for you.

To effectively follow up with new prospects, new contacts or anyone in general you can do any or all of the following:

1. Mail a handwritten note with your business card

“It was great to meet you, let’s get together for coffee to see how we might be able to work together. When are you available next week?”

2. Send a personal email

“It was great to meet you, this is what I do now tell me what it is that you do so that we might be able to refer business to each other.”

3. Make a phone call to say

“It was great to meet you, how could we help refer business to each other?”

Not only do you need to follow up with these people within 48 hours of meeting them, but you need to follow up again and again and again. Find new approaches each time, ask them questions, ask them for coffee, mail them a list of your services, drop off a promotional item and your brochure or email them an article you read that you thought they might be interested in.

Persistence is the key. If a lead is really warm to hot, you will want to follow up or contact them at least four times. If they turn you down at all or tell you no, keep trying different angles, kill them with kindness, refer a potential client to them, show them you give without expecting to receive. Most of the time, with persistence, you can win the sale or meeting.

Now, I can hear some of you thinking, “Ok, the follow up isn’t the problem, it’s the actual networking, talking to people I don’t know in a big crowd.”

Well, what I say to that is get over it!

Take some public speaking courses, do a lot of practicing in front of the mirror or a friend, or you can even join Toastmasters or a business referral organization which will help you fine tune your 10, 30 or 60 second commercial. If all else fails or none of this appeals to you, too bad, do it anyway.

Let’s face it, running your own business is tough, you don’t always get to do the things you like to do, sometimes you have to do the things you don’t like to do – so get used to it and fake it ’til you make it.

The trick to networking for those who are shy or who don’t like crowds or small talk is to ask a lot of questions and ask for other people’s business cards. Don’t worry about talking about yourself or passing out your cards, just worry about the other person and getting their card. Ask them lots of questions about them, their life, their business, their target market, what kind of referrals they like to receive, etc. Because you can always follow up later and send them your card and info!

An important thing to remember when networking is to make sure you wear a clear, professional nametag so when you’re busy talking about other people and what they do at these events, they can still read your name, business and what you do on your shirt so in case they are interested in what you do, they will ask.

So, now that you’ve started networking, doing your follow up and the leads and referrals might be starting to trickle in, what else is there? How are you marketing your business? Do you have a written marketing plan that you refer to and update on a regular basis? If not, write one. There are free seminars offered in most cities by the SBA or other Business Centers who are there to be a resource to small business owners or of course that’s something I can help you with too in my 1-On-1 Marketing Planning Meeting.

For those of you who really need some alone time to rejuvenate and prepare to get back to business, try a weekend retreat for yourself. Go away from your home and your office for 2 days, stay over night if you can in a hotel or spa retreat to gather your thoughts and plan the coming year.

During this retreat, you will want to write down every idea or creative thought that comes into your head. Then you want to plot out on a big calendar any annual events, promotions, sales or focuses for your business. Along with those, you will want to outline timelines or deadlines for needed tasks or items in order to accomplish those such as book a hotel conference room for the client appreciation event and order and send invitations. Plot those on the calendar too allowing ample time to accomplish each item. Don’t forget to add in your personal vacations and family time too – you have to do this to keep balance in your life for sure but if you don’t calendar it right off the bat, that time gets eaten up doesn’t it??

Your client base is your most valuable marketing resource so keep adding to it, following up with everyone on it and work them for repeat business and referrals and you will succeed. If you keep reaching or spending money trying only to get new business and forgetting about the old contacts and clients you will most likely fail.

Now, get networking!

Katrina Sawa
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/quotjumpstart-your-business-right-now-get-more-clients-more-money-and-more-free-time-for-yourselfquot-372494.html

Anxiety or nervousness is a common brain and nervous disorder that many experience sometime or another. It is characterized by extreme panic and fear, uncontrolled and obsessive thoughts, nightmares and could even have symptoms like nausea, muscle tension, headaches(www.mitamins.com/disease/Headache.html) and stomachaches. A person could feel unconnected, dizzy, uncontrolled and suffer from palpations, chills and hot flushes.

There are several prescription drugs which are used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Lorazepam, alprazolam, and buspirone are often prescribed along with antidepressants. Sometimes hormonal secretion from the thyroid or adrenal glands cause nervousness and need specific treatment. Psychological counseling may also be useful in the treatment of nervousness.

Food and well-being have been associated with mood since ancient times. Carbohydrates are known to be good mood elevators. They act as mild tranquilizers through increasing serotonin which is a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. It is better to eat complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, whole wheat bread and pasta as they take longer to digest and thus one feels full for longer.

Vitamin B, especially B-6, also helps in the manufacture of serotonin in the brain. Supplements of Vitamin B6 have been used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Food rich in antioxidants together with essential fats help in improving energy levels and may relieve the feelings of anxiety. Dehydration may also add to anxiety and nervousness, so it is advisable to ensure a good fluid intake. Hot drinks may have a calming effect, but try avoid excess caffeine. Herbal teas and hot milky drinks may be especially helpful, especially before bed.

There is ongoing research regarding specific vitamins and minerals in the treatment of nervousness. Inositol, a cyclic polyalcohol, plays an important role as a second messenger in a cell. Though it is classified as a B vitamin, it is not really a vitamin as the human body can synthesize it. It has been used to help people suffering from panic attacks and relieves the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. A trial has shown that when it is supplemented with multivitamins, it can reduce anxiety or nervousness. It is found in many foods, especially those with high bran content. Magnesium has also proved to be an important reliever of anxiety and so may present another useful nutrient to supplement in the treatment of nervousness.

There are many herbs associated with the treatment of nerbvousness. Herbal chamomile tea is often used to combat insomnia(www.mitamins.com/disease/Insomnia.html) associated with anxiety attacks. Passion flower, bacopa and kava are also used in herbal tonics given to reduce anxiety. A drink made of the root of kava and used extensively in Polynesia is a well known relaxant. In one study when used for one week, it helped subjects to reduce both depression(www.mitamins.com/disease/Depression.html) and high anxiety levels and nervousness. These herbs must be taken under supervision as they could have other side effects.

Sometimes dieting though calorie reduction and using diet pills can contribute to anxiety disorder. Diets should be undertaken with care and it may be important to seek professional guidance. Reducing and perhaps even cutting out alcohol and coffee have shown remarkable improvement in the levels of anxiety for some people and generally assist with the treatment of nervousness.

Mitamins Team
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/calming-nervousness-with-diet-95470.html

I see coffee shops selling Brazilian coffee, Argentinian coffee, columbian coffee, etc etc etc. Does Chile make coffee? And if so, where have you seen it?

They do not on a global scale, it is not listed anywhere as an export. Maybe they grow it on a small scale and keep it within their country.
Hopefully there are some Chileans out there that can help us out.

coffees around the world. and when you walk in you see palm trees, chairs are coconut shaped, the vibrant colors and their coffee logo cups say paradise coffee with palm trees and a pink/blue beach. coffee from china, usa, hawaii, columbia, europe etc…so would u be more inclined to walk in starbucks or my coffee chain Paradise coffee?

I don’t drive. I order my coffee online from Boca Java — fun names, terrific graphics and the most delicious coffee I’ve found for home brewing.

The old owner of this coffee shop used to sell The Original Coffee Schop Smooth Coffee Candy. I have one package of the candy left that I found tucked away in a cupboard and it says it was imported exclusively by: The Foreign Candy Company, inc. There’s only an address, no phone number. I went to their website and it looks as if they dont sell these coffee candies anymore. The candy comes in 3 flavors: Mocha, House Blend, and Latte. I would like to find a candy similar to this if at all possible (some regulars have been asking for them).

Would any of you happen to know where I could order some coffee candy like this? And if not, do you have any suggestions for other candies I could sell here?

Ever had Coffee Nips??? Those are old as the hills…..My Gmother use to eat those all the time……

Christopher

They’re made by the company Pearson……….

Is there scientific proof that getting a cup of coffee from the coffee maker prior to the whole pot being brewed, messes up the flavor of the rest of the pot?
Impatiently Waiting….

This would be a fun experiment to do at the office on a slow day. Brew the pot of coffee and take samples throughout the brewing process, then do a blind taste test and you’ll have your answer.

My gut feeling is that although the extraction from each stage of brewing will be slightly different, the similarities will override any subtle differences that there may or may not be, and so there would be no negative effect of a "line jumper"

We received a Keurig Classic Model – B44 for Christmas. I just bought some tea & some coffee to try it out. After priming the system and making my first cup (i selected the mug) it only made 1c of tea! I then used a new K-cup and selected the cup and it only made 3/4c. Is this correct??? And do you have to use a new K-cup every time?! I

I have the B40 model and I have the choice of 8oz or 10oz. The actual fluid volume is less than 8 or 10 ounces by about .25oz. I use cream in my coffee so I use a 14oz mug for a 10oz brew. It works perfectly because it leaves enough room in the cup for cream and doesn’t over flow or spill as I’m walking around. I tried making a second cup of coffee from an extra bold K-cup and it was very weak.

to sell gourmet sweets ( chocolate, biscuits) and tea and coffee

Sweet Spot

Coffee Flor Rug by Surya This rug features a wonderful arrangement of flowers in coffee, tan, gold, coral, avocado, burgundy, clay, white, mint, moss, rose and blue gray. Taking its cue from timeless design elements, the Flor Collection from Surya Rugs brings updated elegance to your rooms. As the name suggests, rugs in the Flor Collection feature a fresh interpretation of floral themes, set against warm, inviting backgrounds. Step into a garden of butterflies and pink flowers on an earthy backdrop. Pick up a fresh arrangement of stylized flowers and paisley prints. Youll love how these rugs present the classic components of traditional rugs in a whole new way. Rugs from the Flor Collection are hand-hooked, and made of 100 percent wool. Available in larger sizes, round versions and scatter rugs, these durable rugs will become a perennial part of your dcor. SURYA rugs are durable, vibrant, and transform the blank canvas of a dull floor into a focal point sure to make a lasting impression. SURYA rugs are offered in traditional patterns and modern styles that will satisfy the tastes of every purchaser. Whether you want a machine made or hand crafted rug, SURYA makes the perfect rug that will luxuriously enhance your room. The SURYA rug line is available in many shapes and sizes so that you are sure to find a beautiful rug that fits your room and style. Designs from SURYA rugs have been covering floors for more than thirty years and provide timeless beauty that will enhance your room indefinitely. Brighten your room with a beautiful SURYA rug and bring your dcor to life.

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Beautiful full size 17 piece porcelain footed coffee/tea set with domed lid. The teapot, cream & sugar and saucers all have lovely heart shaped cut outs around the edges. The teapot will hold about 28 ounces. Cups will hold about 6 ounces. Set includes teapot, creamer, covered sugar bowl, six cups and six saucers. **CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR A LARGER VIEW

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