| If you've ever worked for a large company, you | | | | computer to discover the service-with-a-smile |
| know that some of the best times are had while | | | | Mom and Pop shop equivalent of the downtown |
| noshing on gourmet gifts of appreciation from | | | | bakery with the aroma of warm rolls wafting out; |
| your vendors. Nothing like a Harry and David's | | | | the local orchard where you can get a sumptious |
| basket filled with succulent pears, fine cheeses, | | | | homemade fruit pie to go, or that quaint little |
| dainty little shortbread cookies, and tiny jars of | | | | corner candy shop that dips their own chocolates. |
| wild fruit preserves, to ensure that yes... the | | | | Got a client in mind whom you'd love to express |
| contract will be extended for yet another year. | | | | your thanks with a tasty token of appreciation? |
| Or how about a sake-induced buzz around the | | | | No, you can't buy them dinner at one of the local |
| hibachi table with your cubicle mates... sushi works | | | | hot spots if they're across the country... but it's |
| of art making the rounds as cleavers and hunks | | | | easy enough to send them food by mail. Make |
| of filet mignon dance in the air. It's these joyous, | | | | your gourmet selection at any one of the fine |
| food-filled moments that tell us, yes... we're going | | | | online establishments bearing gifts of real, fresh |
| with the same printing company for the 12th year | | | | food. Place your order via online shopping cart and |
| in a row. So dig in and drink up... life is good and | | | | have your edible gift delivered within one to two |
| we love our service providers! | | | | weeks. |
| Great customer care brings long-term business, | | | | Imagine how delighted your client will be to open |
| but the way to your clients' hearts is through | | | | the surprise parcel and uncover a delectable gift |
| their stomachs. Edible gifts offer comfort, relieve | | | | of freshly baked cookies, crisp crackers and |
| stress and smooth things over nicely when | | | | zesty spreads... gourmet cheese, fine wine, or any |
| negotiations suddenly go sour. They also fix | | | | number of other ingestible delights that can be |
| seemingly unsolvable problems. I recall a time | | | | ordered on the web with little to no fanfare. And |
| when my former boss stormed into the creative | | | | the best part is, most online own food business |
| director's office and unloaded a mile-long laundry | | | | owners frequently offer reduced rates on their |
| list of complaints... only to return later with a large | | | | products if you express interest in bulk ordering |
| tray of bakery cookies that had been sent to | | | | from them on a regular basis. |
| ease our disgruntled souls. Did we hurl the cookie | | | | Millions of creative online entrepreneurs offer |
| peace offering to the floor, stomp our feet | | | | unique food gifts that speak of handcrafted |
| defiantly and hand in our resignation letters? | | | | ingenuity, quality ingredients and sleek packaging |
| No. We ate the cookies, licked our fingers and | | | | that will reflect your professionalism. Put your |
| went back to work. | | | | gift-giving responsibility in their loving care and it's |
| The gourmet food gift is a very powerful | | | | almost as good as saying to your customers, "I |
| business tool indeed. If it wasn't, there woudn't be | | | | prepared this delicious food for you with my own |
| a space on your tax form where you can write | | | | two hands." |
| off meal expenses. But what do you do when | | | | Yes, an edible conversation piece will keep you in |
| you're a small start-up, and Omaha Steaks, | | | | the mind of your best clients for sure. In a world |
| Godiva Chocolates and Williams-Sonoma bottled | | | | where high-speed connections rule the day and |
| creations are a wee bit beyond your price range? | | | | common courtesy has gone the way of the 50 |
| Well, you might consider one of the many online | | | | cent cup of coffee... isn't it nice to know that you |
| gourmet gift providers who offer the | | | | can still count on gourmet gifts to foster positive |
| convenience of internet shopping plus the quality, | | | | client relations? |
| freshness, and personalized service that only a | | | | Copyright 2006 Vermont Shortbread Company. |
| fellow small biz owner can promise. | | | | All rights reserved. This article supplied by |
| Indeed, virtual consultants and gourmet | | | | Copywriting and Marketing Services. |
| gift-seekers need only look as far as their | | | | |