Best of all, when I talk to some of my fellow franchisees, they are signing new Sponsors, too.  As the economy picks up, I think that businesses are looking for new and different ways to reach potential customers.  The tight grip they’ve held around their advertising and marketing dollars is starting to loosen. With all the hype about social media, I think Housewarmers is right there.  It’s hard to get more social than face-to-face.  I think it’s human nature to want eye-to-eye contact and we certainly fullfill that when we welcome someone at their door.  I love the surprised, delighted looks I get when I say, “No, there is no catch…it’s really a gift.  And it’s for you!”

I titled this entry “The Heart of the Matter” because that’s what Gift Bag delivery is.  When you are standing on the doorstep and welcoming someone new, it’s the result of your efforts every other day on the job.  It’s the personal connection where the magic happens.  We hear so much buzz about social networking these days, but Housewarmers relies on the earliest form of social networking: simple human contact – something we all crave.  What you do might be as important as helping that person find something they really need for their life in their new home.  Or it might be just as simple as a delightful way to brighten their day. Either way, that’s a pretty good thing.