Gift Ideas For Mom

Use Mom's hobbies to inspire!

Shopping for mom is difficult. I am always coming up short on gift ideas for mom. They always seem to have everything they need. But as an event draws closer coming up with ideas for the perfect present becomes even more urgent.

To find ideas for mom that she will adore, pay attention to some of her hobbies.

Using hobbies as a source is a foolproof method of coming up with a present she will appreciate 1960's toys adore.

Moms that Scrapbook

Scrapbook supplies are a great gift idea. Moms are funny that way. After they spend an exhausting day with the kids, they tuck the little ones Garbage Pail Kids and then spend their "mom" time looking at pictures of their little cherubs. Photo albums, embellishments, fancy papers, stickers, even software are useful gift ideas for the scrapbooker.

The Bookworm

Does Mom hit the books before bedtime? A book or bookstore gift card is an excellent item for the bookish sort.

The Athlete

Or maybe you have a fit and trim mom. Sporting goods are a good choice. Anything from skis and skates to pilates mats and club memberships make the athletic mom smile.

Moms that Knit

Knitters and crocheters love yarns, needles, tote bags, and books.

Music Moms

If your mother loves music great gift ideas will include iTunes gift cards, portable music players and compact disc's.

Movie Moms

Some ideas for the movie buff are DVD's, subscriptions to Netflix, or passes to the local theater.

Armed with all of these gift ideas for mom, you won't show up empty handed!

Check out Gift Ideas for Mom for more inspiration.

Networking Strategy: Just Say No to Business Cards

People spend far too much time fussing over their business cards. One-sided or two, picture or no picture, what format, and 1956 Topps baseball cards list goes on. The fact is most business cards are thrown away and you need a better strategy to get what you really want for your time new clients.

Here's a simple strategy to increase sales and maximize your networking ROI. JUST SAY NO when someone asks for your business card. Stay with Nutty Mads I tested this strategy while conducting research for an article, "Business Networking Organizations - Should You Pay to Join?"

If you plan to join a networking group, like BNI for example, you first need to prepare a marketing plan and budget. Your costs are far greater than the joining fee. Marketing strategies such as the one below will help you close more clients and maximize your networking ROI.

I attended several group meetings as a guest. At one meeting, I introduced myself during the introduction session and handed out my business cards. Later that day I sent a follow up email to everyone at the meeting using email-tracking software. I tracked open rates, links, and the number of replies.

At a second meeting - same organization, different group about the same size as the first group - I introduced myself then the watchmen "I don't have any more business cards with me." The eyes rolled. Then I announced, "I'll send everyone an email with my contact info so you won't need to type it." The expressions quickly turned to smiles.

Before sending my contact info to the second group, I called the group member I felt was the most qualified prospect for my services (second marketing contact if you're counting). I asked him if he could send me his email list for the group, save me some time typing. He said sure. In return, I offered to buy him lunch, which he accepted.

I sent the same email to the second group. The open rates and clicks were significantly greater for the meeting where I didn't hand out business cards. I also received several reply emails from the second group - none from the first group. Why?

Several possibilities, but I think the main reason was the second group "expected" a communication from me (pseudo-permission to send the email to them). The first group had no expectations, fewer opened the email, and no one sent a reply email.

Also, not having business cards gave me a legitimate reason to call my best prospect in the group. BTW, after meeting this prospect for lunch I continued to build a relationship with him and he's now a client.

This strategy works, but you need to be diligent with the follow-up. Give it a shot and youll see a better return for your networking time.

By Greg Magnus, a strategic thinker, freelance writer, and owner of eoecho.com; a communications consulting firm that provides strategic marketing services. He can be reached via email or you can leave a comment on his Blog: http://www.eoecho.com/gregmagnus/ ~~ Strategic minds with knowledge, will travel. ~~