Ansuya Puri’s Post

THE MILK TRAY MAN You know the one…the ad from the 70s, 80s, 90s, where the chap’s dressed from head-to-toe in black, and going to extraordinary lengths to make sure his chocolates are always delivered on time and in pristine condition to the lucky recipient. “All because the lady loves 🍫…” n’all that. This December - although I’ll not be dressed head-to-toe in black, nor styling it out whilst jumping through windows and climbing up the side of buildings - I’ll yet again be crisscrossing the countryside, making sure all of our Truffle & Thyme Christmas hampers are safely delivered, yes, you guessed it…on time and in pristine condition 😉! Last December I did the same, and the year before that, and the year before that - this will be Christmas no.5 doing it like this in fact. Instinctively, you might well wonder why I don’t use a courier? It’s not that I don’t want to; when the volume of sales dictates it, I’ll be the first person to pick up the phone to Darren Moore from Dash Couriers. The way I see it is that if I CAN do it myself, then I WILL do it. Maybe this December might be the tipping point for me and Truffle & Thyme, but that’s growth, which is a good thing thing. However, it won’t mean I’ll stop delivering myself; I’ll still be out there chewing up the miles, but hopefully leaving the extras to be taken care of by Darren and his team. So, if you’re looking for some delicious team or client gifts this December, personally hand-delivered, then look no further. I’ll quite literally go the extra mile for you. “All because….” it’s Christmas! https://lnkd.in/ec2ED-ZS

☑ Mini tambourines ☑ Mouse traps ☑ Dutch oven ☑ A specific craft beer ☑ This t-shirt What do these all have in common? This year, I made the effort to begin my Christmas shopping list planning EARLY...like in January. I was frustrated with trying to find the perfect gifts and getting into Nov-Dec without any good ideas. So, I made the conscious effort to pay more attention to conversations with these individuals - their wants, interests, hobbies, passions - and started a list on my phone to capture ideas throughout the year. The items listed above and this t-shirt are some of the ideas on my list for this Christmas. Why did I share this? Because this is how WE SHOULD ALL BE LISTENING TO OUR CUSTOMERS...whether you already have their business and are engaged in ongoing discussions - or you are simply in prospecting mode and developing relationships for long-term. When we REALLY LISTEN and pay attention through conversations, research, meeting feedback, or their social posts...it can provide VALUABLE INSIGHT into their needs and wants. This is insight that can DIFFERENTIATE you from your competition, as well as help in providing a great CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE for them. #fridayfeels #listen #customerexperience #sales #MRL #customerinsights #differentiationstrategies #salescoaching

🤎 My Favorite Black Friday, Thoughtful Friday, Shop Small Friday, List... What are your favorite Black Friday finds this year? Here are some of my favorites that bring joy and make an impact: 1️⃣ Rancho Gordo Heirloom beans + family traditions = magic (I hear you laughing already)! One of our Christmas Eve traditions is a classic cassoulet, paired with a day in the snow—skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and Candlelight service. Rancho Gordo's beans bring this dish (and our table) to life. Steve Sando, the founder, is a former jazz DJ and web designer who turned a passion for food into a movement to revive heirloom beans. Passionate people inspire me. Supporting small businesses like this is such a win! 🫘 📖 Recipe Inspiration Here: https://lnkd.in/gfhDbEED 2️⃣ Bombas Socks When I say these socks will change your life, I mean it. Whether you’re hiking, golfing, running, or fully embracing your inner couch potato Bombas has you covered. Plus, for every pair purchased, one is donated to someone in need. Who knew socks could be so impactful? 🛍 Shop Bombas.com 3️⃣ Quince Affordable luxury that doesn’t come at the expense of workers or the planet? Yes, please! Quince partners only with factories that prioritize safety and equitable wages. From cashmere to cookware, they have something for everyone—and it’s all beautifully made. 🛒 Explore Quince Black Friday Deals https://lnkd.in/gr8aU93g 4️⃣ For the Thinkers For the critical thinker in your life, IRA Chaleff’s new book To Stop a Tyrant is a must-read. It explores the power of political followers to challenge toxic leaders—no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. Thought-provoking and timely. 📘 Check It Out on Amazon 💡 Or my #1 favorite - skip the shopping altogether—donate the money and plan an experience gift with the people you cherish. Memories last longer than things anyway! What are your favorite Black Friday finds this year? I’d love to hear! 🛍✨ hashtag #ShopSmall hashtag #ThoughtfulFriday hashtag #EcoFriendlyLiving hashtag #BlackFriday PS: This post was formatted by AI. The original version had about 10 more emojis. 🤣

🤎 My Favorite Black Friday, Thoughtful Friday, Shop Small Friday, List... What are your favorite Black Friday finds this year? Here are some of my favorites that bring joy and make an impact: 1️⃣ Rancho Gordo Heirloom beans + family traditions = magic (I hear you laughing already)! One of our Christmas Eve traditions is a classic cassoulet, paired with a day in the snow—skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and Christmas Eve Candlelight service. Rancho Gordo's beans bring this dish (and our table) to life. Steve Sando, the founder, is a former jazz DJ and web designer who turned a passion for food into a movement to revive heirloom beans. Passionate people inspire me. Supporting small businesses like this is such a win! 🫘 📖 Recipe Inspiration Here: https://lnkd.in/gfhDbEED 2️⃣ Bombas Socks When I say these socks will change your life, I mean it. Whether you’re hiking, golfing, running, or fully embracing your inner couch potato Bombas has you covered. Plus, for every pair purchased, one is donated to someone in need. Who knew socks could be so impactful? 🛍 Shop Bombas.com 3️⃣ Quince Affordable luxury that doesn’t come at the expense of workers or the planet? Yes, please! Quince partners only with factories that prioritize safety and equitable wages. From cashmere to cookware, they have something for everyone—and it’s all beautifully made. 🛒 Explore Quince Black Friday Deals https://lnkd.in/gr8aU93g 4️⃣ For the Thinkers For the critical thinker in your life, IRA Chaleff’s new book To Stop a Tyrant is a must-read. It explores the power of political followers to challenge toxic leaders—no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. Thought-provoking and timely. 📘 Check It Out on Amazon 💡 Or my #1 favorite - skip the shopping altogether—donate the money and plan an experience gift with the people you cherish. Memories last longer than things anyway! What are your favorite Black Friday finds this year? I’d love to hear! 🛍✨ #ShopSmall #ThoughtfulFriday #EcoFriendlyLiving #BlackFriday PS: This post was formatted by AI. The original version had about 10 more emojis. 🤣

Is it too early? I bet you think it's too early!! Don't worry, we don't have the Christmas decorations up just yet at Upperlands Coffee Company; but we are putting the word out if you want any commercial orders for Christmas now is the time to think about placing an order. Coffee makes a popular employee or customer gift for the festive season, either as a standalone gift or a fab addition to a Christmas hamper, especially when it is the freshest, local, hand-roasted coffee. Please get in touch to discuss options

How One Turkey Boosted Sales and Brought in New Customers A Christmas Turkey in July Picture this: a restaurant, a turkey, and a Christmas tree—in the middle of July. Strange, right? But this was the scene at Whisky Corner, part of a plan to create a compelling photo, connect with an audience, and boost business. And it worked—big time. Turning a Turkey into a Star When Whisky Corner asked me to photograph a British Christmas turkey, I had questions. What makes it unique? How is it different from a Thanksgiving bird? The restaurant manager just wanted me to take the picture. But understanding the audience and goals makes all the difference. Once I knew the vision, I could make it happen. I’m not just a photographer; I’m a visual storyteller. If I can make people feel something, they will take action. Behind the Scenes of the Summer Spectacle It was July, and we needed a Christmas setup. Step one? Find a Christmas tree—in summer. I tracked down a tree with ornaments and brought it into the restaurant. You should've seen the customers' faces—priceless! The chef prepared the turkey perfectly—crisp skin, aromatic herbs—and we arranged fruits for a festive feel. My goal was to guide the viewer's eyes over the golden skin to the chef's hands slicing a delicious piece. I wanted anyone who saw this photo to feel holiday warmth and coziness. How Nostalgia Filled Tables After getting the shot, I suggested targeting Brits spending Christmas abroad. Imagine being far from home and seeing an ad for a Christmas dinner that looks just like Mum’s. Wouldn’t you stop by for a taste of home? The campaign was a hit. The ad reached people who missed the traditions of home. They felt the nostalgia and booked tables. It wasn't just a picture—it was a feeling. The bookings rolled in, and people couldn’t resist seeing if the turkey tasted as good as it looked. (Spoiler: it did.) Why Visuals Matter This wasn’t just about a turkey. It was about creating an emotional connection—selling not just a meal, but a memory. The right visuals make people stop, feel, and act. If you’re ready to elevate your brand with visuals that tell a story, let’s talk. It’s your story brought to life, one frame at a time.

What’s scarier than the budget announcement and Halloween combined? BOXED WINE. Here's why... It’s coming for you. It’ll creep into your fridge. It’ll sneak onto your sideboard. It’ll sidle up to that special bottle your rich friend brought to a dinner party you hosted (which you deliberately didn’t open because you wanted to save it for yourself) and whisper “not today, b*tch”. It’ll clamber up the supermarket shelves, knock a few eye-level bottles down to their demise, and insidiously make itself at home. It’ll barge its way past a snooty maitre d’, rip up seven pages of the wine list, and plaster the remaining pages with its ominous branding. It’ll put fancy sommeliers out of their jobs. It’ll storm climate controlled medieval cellars all over Europe and smash up ancient glass relics worth gazillions. It’ll weasel its way into the private members clubs of London, and cause so many resignations that all will close, and the remaining members will have to take up Padel. It’ll make you drink more! It’ll make you drink less! It’ll fill up your fridge until you have no space for alternative milks and you accidentally commit a micro-aggression towards your brother’s new girlfriend. It’ll leave so much extra space in your fridge that you stock up on seven variants on milk, all of which claim to work in tea, and once you’ve tried them all, you’ll forget how you like to make a brew and lose all sense of identity. It’ll destroy our heritage. It’ll make us greener - which you might think means more environmentally friendly, but it actually means MONSTROUS. I’m telling you – scary times. Best advice? Make friends with it now. If I were you, I’d want boxed wine on my side… #boxedwine #scary #halloween #budgetannouncement Laylo

🎄 Christmas Creep! Does Christmas come earlier every year? Or is it just the articles moaning about Christmas coming earlier every year that come earlier every year? Two key facts: – Supermarket premium mince pies, on average, were launched on September 2 this year. Back in 2018 it was Sept 22nd (figures from Assosia Ltd). – Sainsbury's Xmas advert never used to air until after Remembrance Day. This year is was released on November 1. This week's column for The Times on Christmas Creep and why it matters https://lnkd.in/ezevWkw4

I am going to say it louder for the people at the back. Because what is obvious for me might be a game-changer for you: 📣We take pre-orders!!📣 Below is a beautiful screenshot of our weekly schedule. We take bookings as far as 18 months in the future, and lock them in so that no amount of orders off the back of LinkedIn posts can jeopardise you getting your biscuits on time! This does NOT mean that we bake your biscuits and leave them on the shelves for months. Our biscuits do have a shelf-life of 10 weeks, but we are not set up to store boxes and boxes of biscuits. Plus we are foodies, and we know that a fresh biscuit tastes better than a month-old biscuit. When you pre-order, you secure your booking. We schedule it. Depending on the circumstances, you pay later, a deposit, or in full. When the dispatch day approaches, we bake your biscuits. We offer a timely dispatch guarantee, so unless Royal Mail is not playing ball you get your biscuits exactly when you want them. (We also tend to allow at least one extra day contingency because that is the bit we can control). So, it is NOT to early to order Christmas biscuits, wedding favours for 2025, or lock in a booking for a big even you are running next year! Get in touch with me and my team by emailing enquiries@thebiskery.com to discuss your future biscuit needs today. #preorder #eventplanning #christmas2024

Is October too early for Christmas meal occasions? As an ex Christmas Cookies Seller, I’d argue that the Christmas build up starts, well, pretty much now 🍪 On the other extreme, those non-Christmas lovers amongst us, aka Grinches, would argue that Christmas carols playing on the 24th of December is ‘too close’ to Christmas… 🎄 So, when do Aussie & Kiwi households actually start to get into the culinary Christmas spirit? Turns out, I’m a tad too keen when it comes to kicking things off. Looking at last Christmas through our Appetise data, we can see when households starting to hunt for Christmas related meal occasions. 🍗 Check out the graph below 👇🏼 As a brand, being able to see when Christmas meal occasions are starting to pop into shopper’s minds can be a huge unlock. Rather than activating too early (or too late), you can now get it just right. So, are you a ‘Christmas carols in September’ kind of person, or a 24th of December is ‘too close’ person? 🎅🏼 — For other thoughts on start up world, insights and the FMCG industry, give me a follow Matt Dawson