Cora,

Congratulations on taking the first step into entreprenuership - you started.

Tina is right mine your contacts first. That includes family, friends, vendors, dentist, doctors, lawyers, gardener, etc. Some of them may purchase your products for their businesses or refer you to someone who may be interested.

Research local companies to find out who the purchasing or procurement person is. This is especially for bigger companies like hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Networking at real estate or hotel events is a good opportunbity to introduce yourself and your company in a casual setting. Website is another good way to marketing your products as well as having a portfolio of completed baskets for satisfied customers.

Ask your real estate person who committed to using your service for referrals also I would suggest nailing down the number of baskets or length of time he is willing to commit in writing.

Public relations is another way to get the word out position yourself as an expert in gift giving for you local media outlets. One story angle could be that gift baskets are not just for women. Of course with Father's Day already passing you may want to hold on to this one for next year or for Veteran's Day in November.

Another story idea is unique gift basket ideas for the hard to please or the person who has everything.

You are on the right track just keep moving forward. Always ask current customers for testimonials and referrals. You may want to do sample baskets for your portfolio shots and then you can bring one to the meeting with potential business customers as a leave behind. Yes it is a little costly but may prove effective. Try it out on no more than five potentials and see what happens. Try different scenarios -leaving it behind and see if that was a deciding factor, just showing it as a "live" example of your work and taking it back with you. Either way they will see what you can do.

Keep us posted on your progress.