This is our second interview. First one was from OLYART (Already 383 readers viewed that!!). This one is from Betsy Maniotis; owner of Betsy's Baskets. She talked with us about her business, Social media engagement of her business and some other things.
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| Betsy's Baskets |
FlowingEvents: How you started your Business?
I have 10 brothers and sisters, so I would make up gift baskets for them for holidays,
birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I used to transport their gifts in a large station wagon
with clear windows. People saw all the baskets in the station wagon, and they would
ask me if they were for sale. When I said no, they would ask me if I could make some
baskets for them to buy from me. From there, “Betsy’s Baskets” was started.
FlowingEvents: We are interested to know about your business, the Betsy’s Baskets?
Betsy's Baskets has handmade gourmet gift baskets for all occasions, as well as
promotional ideas for businesses and special events.
Betsy's Baskets specializes in custom gift baskets, bears, favors and decorative items
for both corporate and personal use. In business since April of 2000, Betsy is a
member of Who's Who for Business Executives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs, as well
as numerous networking groups. In addition, Betsy's Baskets contributes to numerous
charities supporting breast cancer research, autism, lymphoma, and special needs
charities that arise each year.
FlowingEvents: Tell us about your website? What should a business owner keep in mind while designing his website?
Our website is: www.betsysbaskets.com. While designing a website, the business
owner should make sure the site can be updated easily, and to be sure to update it
often. In addition, the owner should keep the site easy to use for their customers/
viewers.
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| Betsy's Baskets |
FlowingEvents: Tell us about your Betsy’s Baskets social media profiles? How many social site you are using for your biz? How you manage them all? And you think social media marketing is effective for your biz?
I use a Facebook Business Page and I belong to many Facebook Business Groups to
which I post updates often. I also use LinkedIn and Twitter to which information can
be posted simultaneously simply by putting a check mark in the box next to the
Twitter ‘BlueBird’ in the LinkedIn post box. In addition, I post to numerous LinkedIn
business groups. I also use Pinterest which can be posted simultaneously to Facebook.
StumbleUpon.com, Pinspire.com, Weheartit.com and Squidoo.com are others I can
recommend.
I believe social media marketing is very effective, and I receive good reviews from each
site.
FlowingEvents: What you usually do to increase your Fans in your Facebook page?
I “Like” other business Facebook pages for business owners that I meet while
networking. In turn, they usually “Like” my Facebook business page
FlowingEvents: Which Social site is more effective for your business? Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, Linkedin? Or any other?
I get the most product feedback from Facebook. However, I get more business-to business contacts from LinkedIn.
FlowingEvents: Give some Social Media marketing, Social Media engagement tips to new business owners?
The biggest social media marketing tip is to not post your prices in these groups, as
blatant sales tactics are frowned upon. However, you can post pictures of your work
with relation to charity events or holidays. Pertinent event information, original ideas
and attractive graphics/pictures can be engaging, and lead to people ‘liking’ and
‘sharing’ your posts.
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| Betsy's Baskets |
FlowingEvents: What is your future plan?
To be able to work with other small businesses to cross-market our products and
services.
FlowingEvents: Tell us any funny incident with your business?
Not so much funny, but a very sweet story:
Years ago, I had published an ad in a local paper about a special discount. A little girl
called and said she wanted to order a basket for her mother because her mother
hadn’t smiled much since she lost her work friends during 9/11. I was very touched by
the little girl’s reason, so I made a huge basket filled with gifts and goodies, and
delivered it myself at a time specified by the girl. She was so excited upon seeing the
basket, that the little girl asked me to stay for the surprise. When her mother walked
in the door, she was so surprised that she had tears of joy and a great, big smile for
her daughter with the beautiful heart.
FlowingEvents: What is your suggestions for new business starters? About business, about online marketing, about social media engagement etc..
Take things one step at a time, develop good relationships with other complimentary
businesses, keep strong customer relations and LISTEN to their input, be consistent in
your social media postings, and make sure your website reflects your current products
and services. But above all, be honest and reliable in your dealings with customers and
other businesses.
FlowingEvents: We know you are in a PR of a organization “Women on the move”..Tell something about this..
Women on the Move is an educational forum for women’s personal growth and
professional development. The group’s mission is to bring resources, talent, skills,
knowledge, and fun together in a unique socially engaging and sharing environment.
Our innovative professional, "Community" platform allows women to learn from expert
practitioners, explore new connections, and collaborative opportunities, while sharing
ideas and information based on their broad spectrum of experiences.
My duties as ‘Public Relations’ of the group is to see that the events are posted in as
many venues as possible, so the women can be aware and take advantage of what we
have to offer.
FlowingEvents: What you like to do in your Free time?
While I love travel, the outdoors, crafting and exploring new ideas, my FAVORITE way
to pass time is with my beautiful grand-daughter.
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| Originally-designed hatbox fiiled with assorted items |
FlowingEvents: Your favorite Five websites?
www.facebook.com
www.hgtv.com
www.pinterest.com
www.etsy.com
www.flowingevents.com
FlowingEvents: Five other business owners?
Teresa Ward of Teresa’s Family Cleaning
John A. Hill of John A. Hill Associates
Guy Malone of Metro Benefits Associates
David Gussin of 516/631 Ads
Yvonne & Howard Bisk of LI Entrepeneurs
FlowingEvents: Thanks Betsy for this nice discussion..:)
Thank you Too.
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| Surgeon bear with scrubs, tools & name badge. |
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