Jewelry designer Emily Armenta, who sells her designs in stores like Neiman Marcus, wanted to make sure key retailers scheduled a time to stop by her booth at a big trade show. So instead of phoning them, as many rivals do, the owner of Houston's Armenta Collection sent them a series of love notes, one with a recording of romantic Spanish music and another asking for a "date" at the show. Total cost: about $2,500. The 60-employee company walked away with orders from 15 new retail stores.
NEXT: 3. Get really crazy
