Gift Biz Unwrapped

Gift Biz Unwrapped Podcast Resource List Inspired! Daily Planner

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Tips & Talk 107 – The Truth (Illusion) About Growing Your Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

This desire to stretch for more and more has been ingrained in us over the decades. The thinking that bigger is better. You were exhilarated when you made your first sale. And from there the focus was on getting another sale … and then another one. And when that happens, then you start thinking about how you can grow even faster and bigger. Always looking for that next level. Think back to why you started your handmade business. It’s because you love the act of making. Doing more of that and seeing others enjoy your products is a beautiful vision. Reality is slightly different however, and by thinking ahead about how you’ll manage the changes (or to what level you want your business to evolve) can keep it a business you love.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

414 – A New Look at User Generated Content with Lauren Schwartz

Sue Monhait — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Do you know what user-generated content is and how can it help you in your handmade business? User-generated content deserves more attention because understanding and utilizing this content creation strategy can help you more easily create customer communications and add depth and variety to the messages you send out. The beauty is, user-generated content can be used in all touchpoints from social media posts, to email content and even what you include on your website. To be honest, I entered into this discussion with the idea that we were talking about one thing, and Lauren expanded the topic by defining User Generated Content in a much broader way. So, you’re getting both what I expected to cover and more! Lauren is a thought leader in producing profitable creative strategies for eCommerce brands and a design professional with over 15 years of experience within the digital space. Lauren's passion lies in generating top-performing ad creatives. She’s personally led the creative strategy for top brands such as Love Wellness, Needed, Kate Farms, and AutoBrush. When not working with clients, Lauren teaches others her profitable creative methodology, focusing on Direct to Consumer Advertising, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She’s also spread her knowledge as an AdWorld Conference speaker for the last 3 years.

Ideas For User-Generated Content

In this episode, you'll hear ...

What Auser-generated content is all about.
The easiest way to connect with your audience.
How to make your videos sound natural instead of scripted.
Tips for working with content creators.
The value of planning and strategy vs posting on the fly.
Which platform to focus on.
How your content strategy can contribute to business growth.
And lots more!

Listen to this fascinating conversation to hear all the ideas for user-generated content that can help build your handmade product business!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topics Directory

Lauren's Contact Links

Inspired! Daily Planner Start with Confidence

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 106 – A Different Way to Look at Your Competition

Sue Monhait — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Competition is not something you need to fear. There are actually advantages to being in a well-known and established industry. I explain why and how to look at your competition differently. The emotion and feeling of discomfort comes up when you don’t have a plan to tackle competitive situations. Here’s why competition is a good thing and what you can do to be the star when in the midst of all the others.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

413 – Email Marketing Strategies to Increase Sales with Laura and Adam of Pink Leopard

Sue Monhait — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

By now, you've probably noticed the uptick in people talking about the importance of email marketing. That's because (dare I say it?) email is even more important than social media! In fact, email is your key to predictable and growing monthly sales. It’s one thing to understand the importance of email in theory but another to know how to use it to your advantage in your business. Thankfully, today’s guests are going to shed light on this with concrete direction on the “what” and “how." Plus - my huge pet peeve - Laura and Adam answer the question about whether you should sell in each and every email you send. I’ll tell you the answer right now … No … and Yes! Laura and Adam founded and have co-directed Pink Leopard, an eCommerce growth acceleration agency, for the last 8 years. They're driven and passionate about getting under the skin of eCommerce businesses, helping them grow to 7 & 8 figures. Laura also has her own eCommerce store. She understands every aspect of running a successful online store since she’s been in the trenches with her clients. Laura and Adam focus on sharing their knowledge on how to grow via paid ads and email marketing. As a thought leader in creating advertising strategies for eCommerce brands, Adam takes time to understand the individual requirements and direction of each business to be able to make custom recommendations for their clients. Together they are passionate about building a people-focused agency that attracts, retains, and cultivates the best talent to ensure client satisfaction.

Email Marketing Strategies To Increase Sales

In this episode, you'll learn ...

How to grow your email list.
4 communication flows you should have in place.
Where to find ideas for email content.
What to do after your email is sent.
How to map out a 6 or 12-month email calendar.
The key to client retention.
How to get people to sign up for your list.
What to do before every campaign.
And yes - even more.

Listen to this full conversation to get email marketing strategies that increase sales so you can get started right away!

Resources Mentioned

Laura & Adam's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin (Laura) |Linkedin (Adam)

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 105 – The Power of Being Likeable

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Being likeable. Sometimes that’s all you need to make a sale. And if you describe yourself as an introvert, this is a reason to push past this self-limiting label. Because you have no chance of being likeable if someone doesn’t have the ability to get to know you. 95% of buying decisions are made based on emotion. Neuroscience confirms it. Given this, why do we focus so much on talking about all the specifics of our products if we haven’t even been asked? Why not just be friendly and welcoming when you meet someone in your booth for the first time? That takes a lot of pressure off, doesn’t it? Remember that going to craft shows is a form of entertainment for those attending. Let’s talk about how to use this to your advantage.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode Reference Center Inspired! Daily Planner CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

412 – Looking for an Upgraded Alternative to Etsy? with Jon Lincoln of goimagine

Sue Monhait — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

If you're looking for your first (or new) home for your eCommerce website - you need to tune in, because this episode is just for you! Today we’re talking about a new eCommerce platform ONLY for handmade creators that offers options not available anywhere else. I say they’re new but they have solid experience under their belt from the last two years of startup and growth. So, what should pique your interest? First, Jon is serious about keeping this marketplace only for true handmade creators. Nobody slips in who’s producing from a factory or justifies “handmade” when in truth it isn’t. The goimagine Marketplace is affordable, provides you direct access and ownership of your customers’ contact information, and promises to stay focused on makers! Almost too good to be true, right? Well, I’ll one up even what I’ve said here. You know you should have a website of your own, too – perhaps in addition to another outside-owned eCommerce site like Etsy or Amazon? One with your own domain name, smooth setup and control, and reliable functionality? Goimagine has the solution for this too. All in one place. Jon Lincoln is the founder of goimagine, the handmade marketplace that’s donating 100% of profits to help children in need. This new marketplace concept is following in the footsteps of other great companies such as Newman's Own and Patagonia by building philanthropy into the fabric of the business. Since launching in 2020, goimagine has attracted thousands of makers & artists throughout the United States supporting their mission to create a more caring economy through handmade. This year, goimagine is adopting a shared ownership model where the vendors on the marketplace are given ownership in the company including voting rights and board representation. It’s with the support of the maker community that goimagine continues to grow and they feel it’s only right the makers are given a ‘seat at the table’ when decisions are being made.

Discover This Alternative To Etsy

The healthy way to grow your business.
What is actually the true power of a marketplace?
The thing you must know about your customers.
How to differentiate yourself from other brands.
The secrets to supporting and marketing your product.
What you need to have in mind when you look at places where to sell.
Why it's so important to have your own URL.
And tons more!

**You need to listen to this full conversation and hear all about this intriguing alternative to Etsy PLUS get tips and insights for selling online!**

Resources Mentioned

Jon's Contact Links

Inspired! Daily Planner Start with Confidence

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 104 – A Discussion on Large versus Small Craft Shows

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0600

We are so lucky in our industry of handmade to have what feels like endless options for face-to face-selling. Today let’s talk about the size of a show and how that can affect your success. You may initially thing that larger shows will bring greater results but that’s not always the case. Both large and small shows are worth considering. Testing is always the only way to know if a show will work for you … but there are things to consider to slant the odds in your favor.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Podcasts about Craft Show Booth Tips

Tips & Talk 8 - Craft Show Convo 3 Tips & Talk 9 - Craft Show Convo 4 238 - How to Maximize Sales at Shows 353 - You Think You've Tried Everything

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

411 – 150 Craft Shows in 3 Years! with Grant and Jennifer Anderson

Sue Monhait — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

This week's show is pretty exciting. As you saw from the title, my guests have participated in 150 in-person shows over just the past 3 years! Given that level of activity, you know they have a ton of experience and a wealth of insights to share. You'll also hear about their unexpected start in business, how they merged into a husband and wife business team, and what they expect in the future. This conversation is jam-packed with great stories to learn from and what can happen if you just start and pave the way forward from there. Grant and Jennifer Anderson are a husband and wife team out of Brownsburg, IN and the owners of Uptown Common. Jennifer started Uptown Common in late 2019 selling macrame products including plant hangers and wall hangings. Grant began adding leather goods to the business booth early in 2020 and shortly after that, they also started selling plants so customers could complete their plant hanger entirely in their shop. Uptown Common travels around the Midwest to artisan markets. To date, they’ve done nearly 150 markets! Grant and Jennifer also hosted their own artisan market for the first time last year which was an exciting undertaking. They leveraged their significant experience as vendors as well as the relationships with other vendors they’ve built since 2019 to make the show one that will continue in 2023 and beyond.

Tips From Craft Show Pros

In this episode, you'll hear ...

The value in just starting and going from there.
What you can learn about being a vendor by visiting craft shows as a shopper
How to really know if a show was a success for you or not.
Being flexible and why you need to watch trends to stay relevant.
How to make connections with your customers.
Which is more important? The big grand thing that you do well or the little daily tasks?
How to get your big break.
The key to keeping your products high quality.
And so much more!

Tune in now to get tons of valuable tips from craft show pros that you can use for your handmade product business!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topic Directory

Grant & Jennifer's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 103 – Increase Your Confidence and Enthusiasm

Sue Monhait — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Do you underestimate confidence and enthusiasm? I realize these are two entirely separate things, but they do go hand in hand in your business and can seriously impact your progress and the success you’ll see in the long run. Let’s define each of these first - so we’re on the same page in terms of what I’m talking about. Then I’ll go into how they affect your business and what you can do to leverage each characteristic for your benefit.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Network Ninja Inspired! Daily Planner Start with Confidence Program CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

410 – Start Your Handmade Business from Scratch with Robin Lee Adams

Sue Monhait — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

I met Robin at the Chicago One of a Kind Show. She captured my attention for a couple of reasons. Her display drew me in and made me curious about her product. It’s a combination of two other products merged into one. I got just enough information to know I wanted her on the show. That’s how I like to do this when considering a guest I don’t already know. That way our conversation here is genuine. I need to know enough to ensure they’d be a good example for you and it goes from there. Robin has a fabulous business development story to share. If you’re just starting out, you’ll pick up excellent tips and ideas to incorporate into your plans. And for established business owners, there’s a lot here for you too – to reinforce what you’re already doing or to serve as a reminder of best practices. Robin Lee Essentials was born out of Robin’s desire to create her own line of handcrafted ceramic jewelry when she struggled to find pieces that were both functional and elegant. As an extension of that, Robin believes that people should be able to elevate their everyday outfits while incorporating the benefits of essential oils into their lives. To fill both these goals, Robin Lee Essentials offers pieces that are timeless, intentional, and with an artfully polished aesthetic on the diffuser jewelry style.

Start Your Handmade Business - From Scratch!

The easy way to market yourself when you're just starting out
One thing you MUST do before you go all out
How to market to the right customers - and what happens when you don't
Why building relationships in your business is one of the most important things you can do
The crucial thing you MUST understand about your product.
And lots more!

Listen to this engaging conversation to hear how to start your handmade business the right way!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers
Use coupon code PODCAST at Robin's shop for 10% off your order

Robin's Contact Links

Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 102 – Are You Doing This Backwards?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

It makes sense that for most things in life it’s best if you start at the very beginning, except when it comes to one very important part of your business - the messaging you use to sell your products. In this case, you want to flip the script. It's the old features/benefit story. Describing your product in this way gives them all the specifics to choose and place an order. But they may not be interested in that just yet. Here’s what’s missing with this approach.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

409 – Bath Bombs and a Million Dollar Amazon Business with Ashley Kinkead

Sue Monhait — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Today we're talking about how to start an Amazon business - or maybe collaborate with one to sell more of your handmade products. I like to present you with all sorts of options for starting a business of your own. And while we focus mostly on traditional handmade product selling, there are other ways of going about this. It’s all about what you want out of your business and how it fits overall into your full life. So, today we’re going to dig into a business model that’s a spinoff of handmade. If you don’t have a lot of available time, are physically limited, or simply don’t want to make your product yourself, this is a consideration for you. One that can bring in some big money too. Ashley is one of the premiere and rare women in the Amazon seller and eCommerce space. She’s personally sold over $2 million on Amazon.com. And no other woman has worked with more 6, 7, and 8-figure Amazon sellers than Ashley. She took the earnings from her Amazon bath bomb business to found Private Label Mastery in 2017. Her unique “FOTON” method helps Amazon sellers launch their products fast and profitably in 60 days or less. Ashley is also the host of the podcast Private Label Mastery and the author of Million Dollar e-Com Secrets.

Start (Or Collaborate With) An Amazon Business

In this episode, you'll hear ...

Ashley's 5-step system to launch a product on Amazon
No space or interest in "making?" Here's your solution.
How to private label a product through collaboration with other Amazon sellers.
Using what you learn from Amazon with other products.
Unique opportunities for your products.
How to nurture your product to success.
Finding the right products to sell.
How to connect with customers outside of Amazon.
And so many more insights!

Tune into this compelling conversation to hear how you can start an Amazon business yourself or collaborate with one to make more sales!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topics Directory

Ashley's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 101 – Stop Posing!

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

What do you do when a camera points your way? Probably the same as most people. Do you find yourself totally changing your behavior? It’s like now you have to be “on,” and you analyze and adjust so you’re captured in the best way. While all these tricks make for great photos that show your best self and ones you don’t shy away from, they’re not the best ones for your business. What is natural for you to do when a camera is pointed your way, may send your potential customers in the opposite direction.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Inspired! Daily Planner CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

408 – Yes! You Can Be Successful Opening a Retail Shop Today with Jessie Williams

Sue Monhait — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Maybe you're heard that brick-and-mortar retail shopping is dead. Don't believe it! Retail is still an option. The dream is not lost. Today you’ll hear from Jessie, a very successful owner of three shops. She started scrappy and took advantage of growth opportunities as they presented themselves. You’ll learn about the behind-the-scenes things a store owner faces, and also how eCommerce fits into her overall plan. If you’ve ever thought about opening a bakery or retail store, this one’s for you. Jessie Williams is the founder of Edge of Urge, which specializes in the success and discovery of emerging designers. Offering a valuable retail space to other local designers, her business model has acted as a launch pad for like-minded, risk-taking, passionate designers, creators, and artists since 2002. And that’s not all Jessie is also the founder of Unlikely Professionals. Just like Edge of Urge, Unlikely Professionals is built on the mantra of making something from nothing. This space speaks to anyone who believes in their vision to stand proud no matter what the profession. Think: Unisexy general store vibes with apparel, craft beer, and natural wines. Jessie is a mom, designer, and mentor. And describes herself as a dreamer and tender-hearted.

Opening A Retail Shop

In this episode, you'll hear about ...

Why it's okay NOT to know everything before you start.
What to look for in a location for your business.
The advantages of retail vs. online shopping.
How to capture the customers’ interest.
Why it's so important to be present at the store.
The secret to knowing what your customers want.
Building a team.
Plus so much more!

Tune in now to hear how Yes! You Can Be Successful Opening a Retail Shop Today!

Jessie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 100 – I Had No Idea …

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Regardless of what you make, there’s a skill that you’ve had to perfect. There are certain critical production points or special additions you include that make your creations extra special. There are cooling times, temperature levels, material quality specs, and interesting tools of the trade. Showing these things to your customers, things they’d never have the ability to know or see otherwise, adds to their perspective of the value of your products. And this added value doesn’t cost you more in materials or production time either. You’re already doing it. It’s just that your audience doesn’t know about it. It’s well worth your while to tell them.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

407 – A Brave and Unconventional Path To An Award Winning Tea Company With Jenny Tse

Sue Monhait — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

The way Jenny got into her business is fascinating … not a traditional path by any means. As you listen to her story, notice how she encounters decision points along the way and leaps into the opportunities that present themselves. Scary? Yes, by her own admission. But also, exciting and with each win, she gains more and more confidence in herself. She says she tests herself by entering into situations to “make myself the most uncomfortable possible.” Along the way, she hits cultural obstacles and an identity crisis. She loses her job and travels to a foreign land in pursuit of her dream - all without the support of her family. But that’s of course not where the story ends. You’ll also hear why she quadrupled her prices AND one very opportunistic way she built recognition for herself and her brand. Jenny's unusual journey to success will inspire you and teach you so much about how to build a thriving business! Born in Hong Kong and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Jenny is the founder and owner of Sipping Streams Tea Company. She’s a certified tea specialist and her expertise shows. Sipping Streams has won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the North American Tea Championships and 2nd at the Global Tea Championships. Sipping Streams has also been featured in Fresh Cup Magazine, Edible Alaska, and NPR. Jenny is the best-selling author of The Essence of Tea and the host of The Essence of Tea podcast. And that’s not all! This past summer, Sipping Streams Tea Company started an experimental tea farm in Alaska using geothermal heat.

An Unconventional Path To Building A Business

In this episode, you'll learn ...

The importance of following your passion.
How to challenge yourself to grow outside of your comfort zone.
Innovative ways to promote your product and establish credibility.
Keys to creating an amazing experience for your customers.
Creative ways to educate people about your product.
And much more!

Tune in now to hear this inspiring and unconventional path to business success!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Merchandise Shop

Jenny's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 99 – How Will It Fail? And I’m Not Talking About Your Business …

Sue Monhait — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

How will it fail? At first glance, you may think I’m referring to the success of your business. Actually, I’m not. I’m talking about your product. And now you’re saying, “Not MY product!” I make it myself with quality materials not to mention my top-notch professional creation skills. Hold tight. I know all this is true. But your product can fail because of things that are completely out of your control. Here’s what I mean and what to do about it.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

406 – It’s National Bakers Crafters Makers Day!

Sue Monhait — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Today (January 21) is National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. A time to recognize, uplift, and celebrate YOU! (And, by the way, that means ALL handmade makers whether it’s a hobby or you’ve turned what you make into a small business.) It's been 3 years since I established this official national day. Each year, we do something a little bit different to celebrate. Whether you've participated before or this is your first one. Either way, I'm thrilled you're joining us! And I want to tell you about everything that's available to you in relation to this special day of honoring you.

It's National Bakers Crafters Makers Day

Tune into this short episode to hear about ...

Free gifts and resources for you
Why "Handmade Heals The World?"
How your creations make the world a better place (and so much more!)
What other makers say about why they love their business so much and the value their products provide to customers (bet you'll recognize yourself in the words!)
And more!

You are amazing for sharing your skills with us through what you make. I lift my glass in recognition and honor of you. Happy National Bakers Crafters Makers Day!

It's National Bakers Crafters Makers Day! Listen to this episode now and join the celebration.

Makers Who Participated in the Content

Podcasts and Pages for NBCMD

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 98 – How to Celebrate National Bakers Crafters Makers Day

Sue Monhait — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

National Bakers-Crafters-Makers Day celebrates ALL handmade creators of the world! Being a maker yourself, you know that what you create originates in your soul. It’s very existence requires your imagination, passion and skill. And when you present your creation, the final result provides happiness for both you and the person who receives and uses your handmade products. This act of providing happiness is something the whole world needs - especially right now. National Bakers Crafters Makers Day is meant to honor both those who have turned their handmade craft into a business and also those who enjoy it as a hobby. Towards that end, please join me in recognizing and uplifting the makers in our lives this week. Here some ways you can do this.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

National Day Archives - National Bakers Crafters Makers Day National Bakers Crafters Makers Day Celebration Page CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

405 – How to Increase Customer Retention with Kerri McDonald

Sue Monhait — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Here's possibly the most important thing you can do to grow your business. Learn how to retain customers who have already purchased from you so they buy again. Of course, some customers will drop off, month to month, or be one-time purchasers. But the strategy you'll hear about today can STOP that constant search for new customers every month! Kerri dove head-first into e-commerce over four years ago, driving her first brand to eight-figure status as Director of Marketing in less than three years. Ready for a new challenge, Kerri co-founded The Greenhouse with her partner in 2020. Centered on e-commerce, email, and SMS marketing, The Greenhouse has quickly grown into an agency where clients take root and flourish, generating over $10 million in revenue for its brands in the first year. When not growing brands, Kerri inspires others by sharing her own multifaceted story. From major career changes, and rebounding from a business failure to co-found a thriving business, Kerri helps others craft a fulfilling, unique path in life that defies limits.

How To Increase Customer Retention

The mindset you need for marketing your business.
Why retaining as many customers as possible is so powerful.
How to understand your customers and the type of problems you help them solve.
Specific steps you can take to get started from scratch - no matter how small your biz!
The best tools for customer retention.
And lots more!

Tune in now to hear how you can build sustainable growth in your business with simple customer retention techniques!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Kerri's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 97 – But Do You Really Need It?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Here’s a thought to keep in mind as you go about upgrading your business processes in the months ahead. It will make you smarter with your decisions and save you time and money because it prevents you from piling up unnecessary costs without realizing it. Skill and feature creep happens when you add new things in various areas of your business either that never get used or duplicate what you already have. By consciously recognizing the potential for this to happen, you’re more likely to make wiser choices which keep you away from snap decisions that add to your expenses. Here are some scenarios where this can occur and what to do to get back in line.

Mentioned in this Episode

Inspired! Daily Planner Should You Purchase that Online Course? 6 Steps to Getting the Most of Your Online Course CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

404 – Identify, Create and Bring a New Product to Market with Kristina Schlegel of Make Bake

Sue Monhait — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

My guest Kristina identified a need in the market (a “pain point” if you will) that inspired an idea for a product that could fill the gap. In this episode, she shares her journey to identify, create, and bring this new product to market. Including all the ups, downs, pivots, and even what's coming up in the future. I'm so excited for you to listen to this one. I'll bet it's even a product you'll want to try! Kristina is a creative product & marketing strategist with over 20 years of creating category-defining products and customer experiences that deliver strategic, measurable growth for businesses. She’s worked with Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Kids, and Sephora among many others. She left her corporate life in Silicon Valley to attend the New School of Cooking. In 2019, Kristina founded Make Bake, a CPG baking & food craft brand. Her patent-pending edible sugar sticker system created an entirely new product category and is a game changer for busy parents baking at home and professional bakers alike. Make Bake edible vegan food & baking decoration stickers are sold in more than 150 independent retailers in the US & abroad.

Identify, Create & Bring A New Product To Market

You'll hear ...

About Kristina's innovative product idea.
How she validated her concept.
The entire product development process.
Why iteration is so important.
A natural impulse we all have when we come up with an idea you should actually ignore!
Why starting your business while still working a day job is a great idea.
The crucial difference between market research and comparing your products to others.
Tips to get wholesale accounts at trade shows.
And tons more!

Listen to this conversation for the exact tips you need to hear to turn your handmade product ideas into actual products for sale!

Resources Mentioned

Kristina's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 96 – Goals Only Work if You Do THIS

Sue Monhait — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Getting your dreams on paper makes them more likely to come true. Setting intentions is the direct path to manifesting what you want. Journaling, creating a vision board or closing your eyes and imagining yourself achieving what you’ve set out to do are various actions to take as you let your dreams swirl around in your mind. All of these are worthwhile activities to bring your desires into reality. But there’s more to it than that and this is where our wishes for what could be remain just that - dreams. Here's how to truly make your dreams turn into reality.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Inspired! Daily Planner Free Video - 5 Not So Obvious Mistakes When Starting A Handmade Business CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

403 – What Will the Chapters of Your Life Be in 2023? with Jen Hardy

Sue Monhait — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wished you could somehow redo your life without all the challenges that you had to overcome? The reality is, even if we wish for it, nobody signed an agreement with us that all our days will be smooth and happy. Not one person on earth gets that luxury (although some lives are easier than others, no doubt). Today, we're talking about why we shouldn't wish away the challenges of our life. Why? Because that’s how we got to where we are today. Instead, let's learn ways to manage and cope with life’s struggles before they appear on our doorstep. So, whether you’re in a position to support someone else or you need it for yourself, after today's show you’ll have a new perspective. Plus, suggestions on how to work through the darker days when they do appear. Jen is the host of the Hardy Mom Podcast and is also an author, speaker, coach, disability advocate, and military spouse. This homeschooling mom of 7 calls herself a collector of eclectic diseases and a mystifier of physicians. Jen uses her experience with chronic illness to help others on what can be a very challenging journey.

Dealing With Life's Challenges

What to do when you're feeling down or bad to release its power over you.
How to set goals that help make things better.
The importance of getting help when you need it.
Why you must allow yourself to grieve your losses.
How to help others who are struggling.
What to do when life and death situations occur.
Plus more tips to help you get a handle during difficult times.

Listen to this important episode now for strength and inspiration to deal with life's challenges throughout all the chapters of your life!

Jen's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 95 – Are You Being a Responsible Guardian of Your Business?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Starting a business is often compared to having another child. You’re responsible for its vitality and the one who sets the vision, plans the strategy and has the final vote on all the decisions. The life of your business is in your hands. Have you ever thought about it this way? And along with that, are you treating your business as a responsible guardian? Just as you do everything (in your control) to ensure your son or daughter doesn’t go off track, you should be doing the same for your company. Here are several areas to give attention to with guardian thinking in mind. A checkup, if you will, to add to the stability of your business so it has a solid future ahead.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

402 – How to Live a More Enriched and Peaceful Life with Teresa McCloy

Sue Monhait — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It's Christmas Eve! And I always love to give you something extra special for the holidays. In years past, we've had some Christmas stories from author Heidi Swain, an explanation for holiday traditions that might surprise you, a popular Christmas poem (revised by yours truly) to reflect small handmade businesses, and some other fun spins for the holidays, as well. Check out my list of favorites below if you'd like to go back and take a listen. This year, I decided to do something that's still entertaining but with the spin of providing you with hope for a new way of living in the upcoming year. This could be one of the best gifts you could give yourself to enrich yourself in the days to come. Teresa calls herself a recovering workaholic who was addicted to all the latest apps, software, and best-selling books on productivity. Today, she’s passionate about helping others assess their habits and execute a process to take their everyday, ordinary life to something extraordinary through REALIFE™ Being, Action, Time, and Living. Teresa is the creator of the REALIFE Process®, a company that helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants develop and diversify their businesses through certification, content, coaching, and community to grow their impact and increase their income.

Living A More Enriched & Peaceful Life

What is the REALIFE Process®?
4 components of the process and what they mean.
Identifying the things that truly matter to you and how to focus on them.
Integrating your true values into your daily activities.
The importance of rest and what that really means.
Making sure the important things get the attention they need without burning you out.
A simple challenge to get you started!
Finding extraordinary moments in ordinary days.
And so many more insights on how to live a more peaceful and enriched life!

Tune in now to discover how you can enjoy more peace and live a more enriched life in the coming year!

Resources Mentioned

247 - Learn Something New About Yourself
Do What Matters book by Teresa McCloy

Sue's Favorite Holiday-Themed Episodes

Teresa's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 94 – Ignore the “What If’s”

Sue Monhait — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I have a story for you about a friend I met years ago through the Chamber of Commerce. You’ll be as surprised as I was when I tell you. After this event I'm going to share with you, Alan could have kept looking back and wondering what his life would have been like if he’d made a different choice. Did he? Nope! Alan demonstrates 3 solid life lessons based on his experience and where he is today. Good things for us all to reflect on and learning to take into our futures.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

401 – Influencer Marketing – Word of Mouth at Scale with Yash Chavan

Sue Monhait — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I'm sure you've seen an influencer on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube share a product, and then their fans all rush out and buy it. Imagine how that would feel if it were YOUR product being shared! That's what today's episode is all about - how you can multiply the power of word of mouth by working with an established influencer. Yash is the founder of SARAL - a tool for eCommerce brands that makes finding, managing, and monetizing influencers simple. He's an engineer by training, but a marketer at heart. After working various sales jobs, Yash started a marketing agency where he scaled with many brands and software companies to over $1M in annual revenue. Over the last couple of years, Yash has been focused on the world of influencer-driven marketing and has worked with over 5000 influencers. He created and perfected a 6-step-system that any brand can apply to start and scale a successful influencer program.

Word Of Mouth At Scale With Influencer Marketing

In this episode, you'll learn ...

What Influencer Marketing is all about
How this type of marketing is different from other marketing techniques
Finding the right influencers to work with for your business
How many influencers should you partner with?
A simple 6 step process to get started
Plus lots more ideas to start scaling word of mouth through influencer marketing

Tune in now to hear all the tips & tricks and start scaling your word of mouth through influencer marketing!

Resources Mentioned

Ep 137 - 5 Steps To Merry & Bright Holiday Sales

Yash's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 93 – How Best to Listen to THIS Podcast

Sue Monhait — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Whether you are a first time listener or have been with me from the very beginning, the amount of content here can be overwhelming. How do you find an episode you heard a while back and now want to revisit? Or what if you’re after a specific topic that didn’t apply when it first aired but now makes sense to integrate into your business plan? I've got solutions to both of these situations for you. Which lead me to thinking, about how you can get the most out of listening to my podcast overall. Tune in for the details.

Mentioned in this Episode

Podcasts by Main Episode Topic Search Podcasts by Keyword CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

400 – How to Attend Trade Shows to Get Wholesale Accounts with Jim Cermak

Sue Monhait — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Would you love to get your products into local or regional shops and boutiques? Or do you dream of bigger wholesale opportunities? Either way, exhibiting at a trade show brings you face-to-face with buyers who are looking for new brands to feature in their stores. But what's involved? How do trade shows actually work? Jim is here to answer these questions. Jim Cermak is a trade show trainer and consultant who helps businesses make more money at their shows and events. He’s also the host of the Trade Show University podcast where he and expert guests help exhibitors and show planners get better results. Jim understands the investment of money, time, and resources is huge and we need to make these shows work!

How To Attend Trade Shows To Get Wholesale Accounts

Here's what you'll learn in this episode ...

The biggest mistakes small businesses make around trade shows
One crucial goal you must track when attending a trade show
The key to knowing what people need and what they’re looking for
How to make connections that actually help you land new wholesale accounts
What to do to make attending trade shows a positive and successful experience
How to choose the right shows for your business
The importance of pricing for wholesale vs. direct-to-consumer
And lots more!

Listen to this positive and upbeat conversation to learn how to attend trade shows and get wholesale accounts for your handmade products!

Resources Mentioned

Jim's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 92 – How to Negotiate with Customers

Sue Monhait — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Negotiating is a valuable skill to have. It’s made strongest when you think about and plan for it ahead of time. By having strategies and pre thought through actions in your back pocket, you won’t give away the house or feel taken advantage of. Instead, you can lead the conversation, offer options that fit the situation and stay in control - cool, confident and collected. You’ll find yourself negotiating mostly around 3 things. Price, Freebies or Add-ons and Returns. Let’s talk about options to handle each one.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

399 – Is Wholesale the Right Sales Strategy for Your Handmade Products? with Katie Hunt

Sue Monhait — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever considered how wholesale can fit into your current business plan? Today's show is going to help you decide if selling wholesale is the right choice for your handmade business. You may think it isn't right for you, but once you listen to this show - you might discover it's not as out of your reach as you thought! Katie Hunt is the founder of Proof to Product, a podcast host, business strategist, and community builder for product-based business owners. She brings experience, education, and a love of learning into her programs. She has over 20 years of experience teaching innovative business development and marketing strategies. Her strengths lie in connecting people and bringing ideas to life – brainstorming, making a plan, and executing.

Is Wholesale The Right Sales Strategy For You?

In this episode, you'll hear ...

One weird question to help you decide if wholesale is for you ... or not!
The important differences between selling direct to consumers and selling wholesale
How to know if your products are right for wholesale
The key things you must consider before diving into wholesale
How to balance selling direct to consumers and wholesale if you want to do both
What you need to know about wholesale pricing vs consumer pricing
A simple way to dip your toe into selling wholesale if you're not sure
Plus tons more helpful information!

Finally - truly understand if wholesale is the right sales strategy for your business!

Resources Mentioned

Is Wholesale Right For You? course
Tango browser app
ep 387 Here’s Your Entrance into Wholesale
GBU Topic Directory
Inspired! Daily Planner
GBU Merch Shop

Katie's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 91 – Expect THIS to Happen

Sue Monhait — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Expect this to happen after you start. And you’re not alone, it happens to everyone. What am I talking about?

Heidi who started making wedding accessories and now sells holiday ornaments and diy kits boutiques.

Sheila who started a gift basket business out of her house and now owns a building that includes a home goods retail shop in addition to her gifting business.

Amy who began selling marshmallows directly to consumers only to find wholesale was really where it’s at for her.

The truth is, you really have no idea where the path will lead when you get started.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

398 – The StartUp Story of Little Rebels with Marjorie Spitalnik

Sue Monhait — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how the dolls you see on store shelves come to be? Today you're going to hear the details behind the story of Little Rebels dolls, how MJ (short for Marjorie) came up with the idea, and everything it took to get to where she is today. Particularly impressive is the detail that MJ put into the look of the dolls and how she committed BIG time to a large retailer, literally inventing a program on the fly while keeping her fingers crossed that it could actually be done. Marjorie is a Latin American entrepreneur and founder of Little Rebels with more than 15 years of experience in advertising and communications. Inspired by her daughter, Marjorie decided to go after her dreams of empowering women and kids about great women that shaped the world. Little Rebels is an educational platform created to empower and inspire girls. Playfully and interactively, it teaches stories through plushies, media, and technology.

The StartUp Story Of Little Rebels

In this episode, you'll hear ...

How MJ came up with the idea for Little Rebels dolls
The initial vision and how it developed over time
First steps in the creation process
One crucial element of your product that you must optimize
How it's possible to create a business even when you don't know how to do everything
MJ's best tips for new business owners
and so much more you can learn from!

Tune in to this fascinating conversation to discover how to go from clever idea to successful business!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Merch Shop

Marjorie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 90 – My Happy List and Why It’s Important

Sue Monhait — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Why am I sharing my favorite daily life things with you? Because I want you to think about yours! I found that once I wrote down this list, I gained even more pleasure in all the activities. I’d say to myself, this is one of the things on my list. How fortunate am I right this minute to be doing what I love? It’s really true that the small things bring the most happiness. The things that make up our day to day minutes as we pass through time. By recognizing what these are for you, you’ll find ways to fit them in more often and appreciate them even more.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Hello Fresh Wentworth Puzzles Nautilus Puzzles Oura Ring Embark DNA Test Inspired Daily! Planner CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

397 – Talk about the Most Creative Art Technique! with Stephanie McDairmant

Sue Monhait — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode, hear an extraordinary story of business development and discover what may be the most creative art technique you've ever heard of! Stephanie's discovery of a unique talent after a long season of caregiving helped bring her out of deep depression and has given her a new career and purpose. She is a self-taught artist and the owner of Canary Artwork, having invented what she’s coined the "Ruach Technique," which uses her breath and acrylic paint to create bold abstracts Along with the world's most supportive husband, she sells her paintings at high-end art fairs and galleries, but the most important work she does is to spread the word that art heals and hope is real.

Discover This Unique, Creative Art Technique

In this episode, you'll hear ...

Stephanie's unique technique for making art (and how she created it)
How a friend virtually pushed Stephanie into business
About the surprising affirmation of her products' appeal that she received right at the beginning
The heartful underlying mission behind Stephanie's art
Tips to bust through mental blocks and free your creativity
Business building tips you can apply to your own biz
and so much more!

Tune in now to discover this new creative art technique plus how you can free your own creativity and see what you're truly capable of!

Resources Mentioned

Stephanie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 89 – It Only Takes 5 Minutes to Make a Major Impact

Sue Monhait — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What would it be like if you could own a spot in someone’s mind where, whenever they thought of you, it brought up warm positive feelings. Wouldn’t it be something if you could have this effect on the people you interact with each day in your business? Imagine what it could do for your sales!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

396 – Find the Words to Spice Up your Brand with Lucy Bedewi

Sue Monhait — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Whether talking or typing, do you use the same words over and over again? I definitely catch myself doing this. They're not bad words but they've become boring with overuse even though they're authentic and heartfelt. The truth is - we can all do better to bring more spice to our messaging. And that's what my guest is here to help us with today! Lucy is a personality-driven copywriter and owner of My Write Hand Woman who specializes in crafting copy for businesses that want to make a mark online. She says, “Your copy is the salesperson who works for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you got that amount of work out of a person -- welp, that would be illegal.” Lucy has worked with a variety of companies, ranging from growing solopreneurs to multi-million dollar brands. Her signature skill? She uses the client’s brand voice and zesty humor to help them stand out online, create a fun brand presence, and scale much faster.

Find The Words To Spice Up Your Brand

Listen to this energetic conversation to discover ...

The important difference between Copy and Content.
What is your Brand Voice? And why it matters.
A simple trick to figure out the unique voice of YOUR brand
Understanding your ideal customer's voice (and why you should)
How to know if your message is resonating with your audience or not
Common mistakes to avoid
What is a Word Wall (and why you need one)?
and so much more!

Tune in to this high-vibe conversation to find the right words to spice up YOUR brand and write killer product descriptions that will help you make more sales!

Resources Mentioned

Lucy's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 88 – How Many Customers Do You Need?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

How many customers you really need to reach your sales goals? Knowing this can help guide your sales activities and reduce the overwhelm that comes with ambiguity - not knowing where you’ll find people to buy your products and leaving things up to chance. This number is also the basis for gaining confidence because you understand and can put in place various ways to get the number of customers you need. As an added bonus, it also may prompt you to relook at your pricing, production, staffing and even materials. My goal here is to help you figure out your own unique customer number.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

395 – Can I Be On Both Shopify And Etsy? With Heidi Wicks

Sue Monhait — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Do you wonder whether to use Etsy or Shopify for your handmade business? Guess what? You don't have to choose - you can do both! My guest today shares how she has set up both platforms for her business and is also looking into selling wholesale. Heidi is the owner and designer of all the products offered at Bark Beetle Niceties. She started out with bridal & flower girl accessories and later began making holiday ornaments. These ornaments quickly became her best sellers and it’s now the focus of her business. She also creates kits so that her craftier customers can make their own. Heidi says she’s happiest when thinking creative thoughts and using her hands to make those thoughts into products. And she’s very lucky because this is now her job!

Can I Be On Both Shopify & Etsy?

How selling on both Shopify and Etsy can work together for handmade business success
The advantages of attending wholesale tradeshows
How to decide which products to focus on to grow your business
Heidi's advice to new makers just starting a business
and so much more!

Tune in to this uplifting conversation to learn the answer to 'Can I be on both Shopify and Etsy?' Plus, why attending wholesale tradeshows can be a game-changer for your biz!

Resources Mentioned

Heidi's Contact Links

Website | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 87 – Do You Know About Touchpoints?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder why experts recommend so many different ways to get the word out about your business? Can’t you just sell at craft shows and call it a day? Yes, of course you can. As the owner of your business you can do anything you want. But this isn’t how the most successful brands behave. They utilize different methods of reaching out to customers and integrate them together to form an even more powerful approach to communicating and attracting customers. Here’s why.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

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394 – A New Way to Get First Time Customers to Buy Again with Monica Sharma-Patnekar

Sue Monhait — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Did you know it costs 5x more to convert a new customer than to get additional orders from a past buyer?

And if you can get just 5% of your first-time customers to buy again, it can increase your profits anywhere from 25-95%.

These stats say it all - it definitely pays to learn how to turn first-time customers into repeat buyers!

On the show today, you’ll hear about a strategy you most likely haven't heard of before. And best of all - it doesn't cost any money, just your time!

Monica is a digital brand, marketing & strategy professional with 17 years of experience building global brands. She’s worked across multiple business sectors, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Additionally, she’s been hired by Google to coach their premium partners who work with eCommerce businesses.

Monica is Dutch by birth and Indian by heritage. Global by choice & education. A creative thinker. A dancer. A chai fanatic. A mom of 2 girls.

How To Get First-Time Customers To Buy Again

The difference between your Ideal Customer and your Real Customer (and why it's important)
Step by step, how to turn customers into loyal fans who buy more and tell their friends about your products, too!
How to know what your customers really want
The 4 questions you need to ask your customers
The secret to building customer loyalty
How to get stories from your customers
The key to attracting people who resonate with your product or services.
How to build an irresistible brand that empathizes, inspires, and captivates your customers
Your 3 action steps so you can put all this to work in your biz right now!
and lots more!

Tune into this full episode for the scoop on how to get your first-time customers to buy again and again!

Resources Mentioned

Monica's Contact Links

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Thank you so much! Sue

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Tips & Talk 86 – 6 Tips to UP Your Email Game

Sue Monhait — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

There’s more to this email thing than just sending them out regularly. If you haven’t gotten started with email yet, wait no longer. You’re leaving money on the table. Struggling with what to say in your emails? I’ve got you covered there in my Tips & Talk episode #83. Today let’s take email marketing up a notch. I’m going beyond the basics to help you put even more power into your email efforts. Here are 6 ways to up-level your email game.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

393 – BOOST – Pricing for Retail and Wholesale with Gail Berardo

Sue Monhait — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you ever think about what you'll do after you retire? Because (especially if you work a nine-to-five for someone else), that day will eventually come. Today, I talk with Gail Berardo of EveMichael Designs. Gail has been in business for a while at this point, working it around her full-time job. But now that she’s retired, she has more time to build upon what she’s already very successfully started. Her idea of developing a brand on the side with the intent of retiring into something she loves is a perfect way to approach things. So in this Boost, let's focus on how to do just that!

Get Your Pricing For Retail And Wholesale Right

Up until now, wholesale has been Gail’s sales strategy, which she will continue to pursue. But she’d also like to add direct-to-consumer sales into the mix. She wants to get out and interact with people! We dive deep into all the gritty details needed to properly price her products to support these goals plus lots more.

Here's what we cover in this Boost:

(What's a Boost, you ask? See details below)

A detailed discussion about pricing and all the elements that must be included
Setting up properly for retail AND wholesale
How to position pricing so it fits with your intended lifestyle
and more!

Tune into this conversation to hear how to finally get your pricing for retail and wholesale right!

Would you like a Boost for YOUR business?

Sign up here to schedule your own Free Boost coaching call!

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 85 – The Very First Question Every Time Should Be …

Sue Monhait — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

This one tip will save you an enormous amount of time and your sanity. It will give purpose to your efforts or help you catch yourself if your intended actions aren’t even necessary. This should happen very time you’re about to embark on a new project regardless of its size. It could be huge, like starting your business or small like adding a new social media platform or deciding on a craft show to attend. Listen in to hear what the question is and why it’s so important that it can change everything.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

The Inspired! Daily Planner CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

392 – BASH – Hashtags – Use Them Or Not?

Sue Monhait — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Hashtags. A topic that has been surrounded by a lot of confusion. And if you think you’ve got it all down pat, let me put out there that what you knew to be true even two years ago has all changed today. Ah! The joys of social media. Not to worry. Answers to your hashtag questions and more coming your way right now!

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: The Latest Scoop On Hashtags

In this BASH, we cover:

What are hashtags?
Why use them?
Where to use them?
What’s the right number of hashtags to use?
How do I figure out which ones are the best for my biz?
and more!

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask in the Facebook Group.

3. Business Showcases

Listen to the full episode to hear about discounts, collaboration opportunities, and more!

Anita Housman - The Hershey Gifting Company
Brigit Salys - Sunny Stowaways

Listen to this episode to get the lowdown on how to use hashtags for your handmade product business now!

Resources mentioned:

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here. A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, learn new things, it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 84 – How I Started My First Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

My goal in sharing my business startup experience is to get you thinking about what you do or want to do in a whole new way. I share 5 significant things for you to ponder: 1. You don’t need to wait for anyone’s permission to start your business 2. Before you start, think of what you want in a business and consider multiple options before making a final decision. The first thought may not be it! 3. The easiest way to get your first sales are at in-person events. 4. Think about your past experiences and how they may add value to what you’re doing today. 5. Your business may morph into something else over time. Allow room in your brain for that expansion. Each of us is an original and applying that to your business makes your company truly one of a kind! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

391 – Everything About Subscription Programs with Brandon Amoroso of Electriq

Sue Monhait — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

One of the things I love about when the season begins to change is you always know what to expect and how to prepare for what's coming next. But what if you could be more predictable with your business, too? Especially when it comes to sales. Imagine your projections being targeted plans instead of hopeful guesses. Sounds good, right? Well, getting you to this point is exactly what we’re talking about today. Specifically, how to set up subscription programs to build in repeat business. So that rather than being left up to chance if a customer will buy again, you can be in control with sales that are more predictable (and can multiply). Brandon is the founder and CEO of Electriq, a company that scales brands with profitable e-commerce models built from innovative proprietary methods. And today, we talk all about subscription models. Brandon will share with us his experience with the difference between subscription and non-subscription brands, how to get people to join and what companies often get wrong with loyalty programs. Brandon is the perfect person to hear from for this topic because he focuses on strategies that increase customer lifetime value by creating best-in-class consumer experiences which can be naturally built into the subscription model.

Build In Repeat Sales With Subscription Programs

Tune into this conversation packed with actionable tips to discover:

How to funnel customers into a subscription program where people make repeat purchases.
What NOT to do when it comes to subscriptions.
The key to re-engaging with customers after their first purchase.
Keeping customers engaged with their subscriptions to develop higher lifetime values.
Ideas to provide value for subscribers beyond just money off on the order.
How to make sure the right people get the right communications (i.e., you don’t want one-time customers to receive emails or texts for those in subscription and vice versa).
And tons more!

Listen to this value-packed episode now to learn how to build in repeat business through subscription programs for your business!

Brandon's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 83 – What Do I Say in My Newsletters?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Email serves a different role in your business than your website, blog posts or even social. Its goal is to keep you top of mind with customers to deepen the connection leading to repeat purchases. It’s also a tool to stay in touch with those who find you online or meet you in person. You want to keep communicating with them for a future first purchase. In this episode, I give you 5 overall categories of email topics with examples to get your mind rolling - plus an action plan to put it all in play. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

390 – BOOST – How to Sell Products through Your Website with Wendy Duckett

Sue Monhait — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today's topic is one that haunts many a product maker trying to find traction online. That is, after spending so much time and effort getting a website up and functioning, there's no activity and therefore no sales coming from the site. So, if this is a struggle for you, you're in luck! Because we go into detail on how to change the situation and swing your website results in your favor.

How To Sell Products Through Your Website

(What's a Boost, you ask? See details below) Today, I talk with Wendy Duckett of Mystic Moon Soapworks. Her business is relatively new, but she has made great strides already. I'm impressed that she started out just as a recommend - by validating her product idea to make sure there are people out there who will buy it. But even though her website is up and looking good, she's not getting the results she hoped for.

In this Boost, we cover:

Why having your own website is the gold standard
Should you change the platform your website is built with?
Website navigation best practices
The importance of what shows "above the fold"
How to drive more traffic to your website
Ways to encourage shopping on your site
How to start collecting visitor emails for your email list
and more!

Tune into this whole conversation to hear all the tips and best practices on how to sell products through your website!

Would you like a Boost for YOUR business? Sign up here to schedule your own Free on-air Boost coaching call!

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward. Sign up for your free Gift Biz Boost here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 82 – How to Find Good Blog Topics

Sue Monhait — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What should you write about in your blog when you’re a maker and sell your handmade products? Your blog should compliment your business goals in some way. Attract new customers, inform, educate, answer FAQ’s or share other information your reader will find valuable. Plus, the most important part … it should be SEO friendly. All this ultimately leads a potential customer to trust you and see you as an expert that they’d want to buy from. For current customers, it reinforces their smart decision of past purchases and reminds them of you when it’s time to buy again. Let’s talk about how to find topics that will achieve these goals so your blog works for you 24/7 to grow your business. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

389 – BASH – How to Handle Product Donation Requests

Sue Monhait — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

By nature of being a product-based business owner, you WILL be approached to donate to an event or cause at some point. It’s inevitable. And while I know in your heart that you’d like to give to everyone ... as a business owner, you need to balance these requests with sound business choices. In today's show, we dive into this topic so you know whether you should or shouldn't donate when asked.

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: How To Handle Requests for Product Donations

In this BASH, we cover:

How do you decide whether to donate?
What can you expect as a return to your business from your donation?
Everything you need to consider when calculating the worth of your donation.
Ways to sway the results in your favor.
Specific action steps to take when you receive a donation request.

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask in the Facebook Group.

3. Business Showcases

Listen to the full episode to hear about discounts, collaboration opportunities, and more!

Amanda Bond - That Crafty Golden
Anita Housman - The Hershey Gifting Company
Cassie - Cassie's Country Cupboard
Isheka Barrett - Extra Fashizz Merchantile
Lex Anne Stroh - Fountains by the Sea
Lili - Every Lilea Thing

Tune in now to learn how to make product donation requests work for your business plus how to know when to say no!

Resources mentioned:

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 81 – Why NOW is the Time

Sue Monhait — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Let’s talk about why now is the most opportune time to get moving on your business. If you’re just starting – it’s the moment to flip that switch on. And if you’ve stalled out or pressed pause for whatever reason - it’s time to reignite that forward momentum.

Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t delay. Some of these situations are fleeting and if you don’t take advantage of them they’ll pass you by.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Start with Confidence Course

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

388 – Tech for Digital Retail: eCommerce and Social Commerce with Christine Russo

Sue Monhait — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Let's talk about technology as it applies to retail. Now, that might lead you to think brick and mortar. But while that’s true, this conversation spins around to digital retail, as well. Because here's the truth. In today’s world? Selling both online and in person brings the most strength to your handmade business. So, tune into this conversation to hear all about tech for eCommerce and discover many resources, best practices, and ideas to enhance your sales. Christine and the Retail Creative and Consulting Agency sit at the intersection of information and innovation, serving the industry of retailers and retail technology. She runs Connected Retail and produces short-form videos about the technology used in the retail industry. Her Founder’s Interviews have become well known for authentic reporting and information and are growing into a global go-to resource. Christine helps retailers solve major pain points, understand and use new technical solutions, and digitize their brick-and-mortar locations.

Talking Tech for eCommerce

Listen to this casual back-and-forth conversation to learn:

What to focus on to ensure the right results in your business
Why technology is actually easier for small businesses than big ones
How to find solutions for the tech-related things you're terrible at or mistakes you've made in the past
Other ways to promote your products beyond just your website
Why authenticity in your social media lives is so important
The importance of having confidence in your ability to engage with people about your product
And lots more!

Tune in now to discover how tech for eCommerce can be easy and make running your business easier!

Resources Mentioned

Christine's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 80 – 10 Things I LOVE about Canva

Sue Monhait — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

By now I’m sure you recognize how very important your product photos are. On Etsy for example, where you’re up against many others who sell handmade products similar to yours, a photo will be the differentiating factor in choosing who gets the sale. This extends to stopping the scroll and getting visibility on social media sites too. All told, images and graphics are of "make or break" importance. In the past, having high quality photos was an investment both in time and money. You either hired a professional photographer or purchased your own high quality camera. That required a level of skill in photography not to mention editing software knowledge or hiring a graphic artist. The continual upgrades of mobile phone cameras has come to the rescue. Now there’s no excuse for not capturing great images of your products since your phone can do the trick. And on the software side - things have changed too. Enter Canva. If you’ve never used Canva before, perk up your ears because “gamechanger” is the word that comes to my mind! This one tool can dramatically affect your work day and the quality of your brand overall. Here are 10 reasons why.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Canva The Template Tribe CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

387 – Here’s Your Entrance into Wholesale (Even as a Young Handmade Small Business) with Amber Christian

Sue Monhait — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today, we’re talking wholesale but in a way that’s different from any discussions we’ve had before. This one is going to open your eyes to new possibilities for your business. You may have thought your business is too new or small to consider this selling option. But not necessarily so! In fact, what you’ll learn in this episode is a way to get your business into the wholesale arena with guidance and structure specially designed for you – the smaller handmade product maker specifically. Because the holidays are approaching so quickly, I bumped this interview up to get this information into your hands in time for you to take action on it for this holiday season. Huge potential awaits. So without further delay, let’s dive in! Amber Christian is the new owner of both Stockabl and Handmade Seller magazine. She comes from a technology background, having spent over 20 years implementing technology solutions. Given that, she brings her finance, supply chain, and technology insights and expertise to our handmade product community. In fact, her career has been spent bridging the gap between different industries and functions and she sees lots of potential within the whole landscape of handmade. She's told by many she has an innate ability to make boring topics pretty fun!

How To Get Started With Wholesale

Listen to the full episode to discover:

How to establish your retail presence
When is the right time to get into wholesale?
The essential basics you need to nail before you try wholesale
The right type of business that supports wholesale pricing
How to educate the retailer on selling your products
Which products are right for wholesale?
The importance of making things easy for retailers
And lots more!

Tune in now to learn exactly how you can get started with wholesale now - even if your business is new or small!

Resources Mentioned

Amber's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 79 – On Being Second

Sue Monhait — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

My favorite number is 2. You’d think it would be number 1, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to be at the top, in the lead, “the winner” if you will? But there are some definite advantages to being second. And no matter how big you get, there will always be times when you don’t hold the top spot. In this episode I give you my insight into pros and cons in each of these positions. And, the next time you see someone progressing ahead of you, I want you to reposition your thinking and open your mind to the benefits of being second. Seeing a fellow maker succeed proves that it’s possible for you too. It’s evidence that there’s a path to that level. While your road does not, and actually should not, mimic someone else’s, you can take clues from their actions to spark ideas for your own forward progress. Seeing others do things that you’ve been afraid to do can spark action in you and open up your mind’s eye to a whole new level of opportunity you never dared believe is possible. I’m here to tell you it is possible and being number 2 provides the motivation for you to get there. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

386 – Use Subconscious Secrets to Reset Your Self Limiting Beliefs with Khrisna Avalon

Sue Monhait — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Are you doing all the hard work and employing all sorts of strategies but still not seeing results? It may be that you’re subconsciously putting up barriers that don’t allow for change to happen. This week’s show focuses on personal development – addressing things that are part of your “being” that might be creating roadblocks to what you’re trying to achieve. Is your mind open enough to consider this to be possible? As Krishna explains the role our subconscious plays, you'll learn what you can do easily throughout your day to affect change. If you feel you’ve tried everything but aren’t making progress. Listen extra hard to this episode. It may just hold the key. Krishna is a Subconscious Transformational Guide, Life Coach, and Licensed and Credentialed Acupuncturist who has worked with over 24K clients during her 18 years in practice. Krishna’s work helps people expand their subconscious beliefs from what is limiting or self-sabotaging. Her clients walk away feeling empowered as the creators of their own lives. She’s here today to talk with us about how crucial subconscious transformation is to career and life overall, and who can benefit from it.

Uncovering Your Self-Limiting Beliefs

Tune into this episode to learn:

The differences between conscious, UNconscious, and SUBconscious.
What does "holding space" really mean?
How your subconscious is the powerhouse with the capacity to create the life you truly want.
Steps you can take to reroute your mind toward the life you desire or away from something that's stressful or traumatic.
The importance of repetition, intention, and practice.
How to reinforce the new beliefs you create.
And lots more!

Listen to this enlightening episode to discover how you can reset your own self-limiting beliefs!

Resources Mentioned

Podcast Episode Directory (best viewed on desktop)

Khrisna's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 78 -10 Things I Learned as a Chicago Bears NFL Cheerleader

Sue Monhait — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

This cheerleading thing probably comes as no surprise if you’ve been hanging out with me for a while. I’m an eternal optimist. I love to cheer people on. I’m okay with attention and I love football. I’ve thought about sharing this NFL cheerleading experience with you for a while. As I reflect on my journey there, I realize so much of what I experienced and learned applies to being a small business owner too. I’m going to drop the lessons here but listening to the show will give it context and better understanding.

Learning 1 – To accomplish anything you need to put yourself out there. Take the chance.
Learning 2 – Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have the passion to invest a major portion of your life to it.
Learning 3 – Don’t force your passion onto someone else if it doesn’t resonate with them.
Learning 4 – Jump on opportunities when they spring up.
Learning 5 – It’s truly who you know at various points along the way.
Learning 6 – Work through setbacks and swallow your pride if you have to in pursuit of your goals.
Learning 7 – The work doesn’t end when an achievement is reached.
Learning 8 – Don’t ever get overly confident of your position or expect the same results time after time. They aren’t guaranteed.
Learning 9 – Observe the roles you naturally gravitate to. You may discover new potential.
Learning 10 – The value is in the journey, it’s not discovered only when you reach your destination.

Here’s to you stretching. You may be surprised how far you can go! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

385 – How Your Behaviors Affect Your Mental Health with Renee Reisch

Sue Monhait — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today’s show is really important because it contains a serious and potential life-transforming message. It’s a discussion on how your lifestyle and the behaviors you’ve adopted into your being affect your health and the way you show up in your world. I’ll go so far as to say how they affect your potential for success, too. Not just business success but overall fulfillment of the goals you have for your life. A dramatic statement? Yes! Because the true story you’re about to hear is just that. If you've been taking care of everyone else but you – this show is a must-listen. And if you know someone else in your life doing the same, please share this with them. It’s that important. Years after being released from her 25-year corporate position, Renee realized she needed to do something with the gift of getting her voice back to serve others. Today, Renee is a best-selling author, speaker, and transformational/women's empowerment coach. She has discovered a method that helps you release the stories that no longer serve you, so you can rewrite those that do.

The Link Between Your Behaviors & Mental Health

In this episode, you'll hear:

Details of the immediate hard-stop Renee experienced in her life and how it happened
The impact that physically losing her voice (and not knowing if she'd ever get it back) had on her entire life
What she discovered about herself when her life was forced to be put on hold.
How, little by little, she found her way back and is now living a much richer life all around.
The crucial connection between our inner voice and outer voice
And so much more!

Listen to this powerful conversation to discover how Renee overcame her own self-sabotage and what to do to make sure you never have to!

Resources Mentioned

Renee's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 77 – What Kind of a Maker Are You?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

If you think about your approach to product development, where do you fall? Do you stick with what’s standard and proven or do you venture off and test new things just to see what happens? While there’s nothing wrong with either approach, I’m going to suggest that the greater opportunity for your business lies in going past the tried and true and expanding to create something truly new and unique. The trick is to do something your audience wants or needs. Or something that solves a common problem people can easily relate to. And you might say, there’s really nothing else that can be done with soaps or candles. That all the stitches and uses for knitted items have been created. Or that every single flavor and variation of chocolate is already out there. And I’ll challenge you on that. In this episode I explain why and give you examples that will get you looking at your product in an entirely different way. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

384 – BASH – The How, What and When for Hiring Help

Sue Monhait — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

You know what successful business owners say when I ask what they'd do differently if they were starting again? Hire help sooner. Are you surprised? For some reason, we get it in our minds that hiring an employee is reserved only for those who have grown to a certain level. But the truth is - delaying this move can actually hold you back and limit your potential. So, that's what today's training is all about - the how, what, and when of getting some support for your business so you don't have to do *everything* yourself. Here's the thing - the holidays are coming soon, so this might be the perfect time for you to broaden your thinking of what's possible!

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: the How, What & When Of Hiring Help

In this BASH, I dive into the details you need to know about hiring help for your handmade business, including:

Deciding which tasks to delegate
Defining the jobs in your business
Tips for employee interaction
Learning how to let go
What you can learn from your employees
Where to find employee candidates
Best practices for making your first hires

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask it in the Facebook Group.

3. Business Showcases

Listen to the full episode to hear about discounts, collaboration opportunities, and more!

Listen to this free training to discover how you CAN get help in your handmade business and so much more!

Resources mentioned:

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 76 – My Month Off of Social Media

Sue Monhait — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I took a month off social media in July. This wasn’t my intent but it proved to be an enlightening experience. You may be thinking my account got hacked or closed. Nope. Worse. Tragedy happened in my life. I wasn’t in a headspace for social media at all. Hard stop. In fact, I was off for a little over a month. I didn’t care if I lost followers. I didn’t care if the algorithm dinged me about consistency. It just didn’t matter. (More details in the podcast.) I’m using my situation because let’s face it. Life presents us all with drama, illness, loss … and at some point we need to get back up and keep living. But to get to that point, it’s important to focus on you and your recovery, going through the stages of grief – whatever it is for you. And it could be good times too. You want time to be all in for your wedding or the birth of a baby. What I’m trying to say here is life comes first and sometimes as a business owner, we forget that. In this episode I cover what I learned in this time off social. I think it may help for when you feel the need to do the same. Resources Mentioned Smarter Queue CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

383 – BOOST – 3 Website Tweaks to Consider for Added Visibility with Gloria King

Sue Monhait — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What’s a Boost?

Yay! You've found the very first episode of my brand new podcast format - the Gift Biz Boost. A Boost is your chance to listen in while I address a current issue faced by one of your fellow handmade makers. Too often we stall in one area of our business where, if we can just get past the block, it will open the path to new business growth. That’s what this is all about – to give a boost and clear the way for the next big move. And at the end of the show, I’ll tell you how you can sign up for your own Gift Biz Boost!

What's In This Boost?

Today, we talk with Gloria King of King’s Gift Baskets. She’s been in business for a while. But, as can happen in life, things have changed and her business needs to change along with it. In this Boost, we cover:

Where Gloria's business is now and what she needs help with
Identifying the specific customers she'd like to focus on
Specific ideas for her website to increase visibility and attract those ideal customers
3 concrete tips to boost Gloria forward <-- Listen in to hear what they are!

Ready to experience the very first boost? Tune into this full conversation to hear all the tips that will work for your business, too!

How would you like a Boost for YOUR business?

Sign up here to schedule your own Free on-air Boost coaching call!

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussion a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

Tips & Talk 75 – All About Naming Your Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today I’m going to give you a number of things to consider while you’re brainstorming the name for your business. But I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t remind you that this is NOT the first thing you should do when thinking about starting your business. The very first thing when considering starting your business is to validate your product. Once you’ve confirmed there’s a market for what you sell, then it’s time to decide on the name and register it officially. But, how do you decide on a name? There may be a name you’ve been thinking about all along or you may be starting fresh by brainstorming all the possibilities. Your business name is an important consideration but can also be a stalling point. I’ve seen too many people spend weeks if not months with their business on hold because they can’t decide on the perfect name. My intent here is to help you along with making a great choice. Or, if you’re wondering if the name you currently have could use a refresh – stay to the end to hear a story about just that. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

382 – Is it Time to Close Down Your Business? with Arin Wensley

Sue Monhait — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What if you start your own business, selling a product you’ve always loved making as a hobby, but now you find it’s not what you expected? 👎 Maybe it takes way more time than you thought it would ... 👎 Perhaps you've realized the activities involved in running a business don’t make you happy ... 👎 You might even be losing money month over month ... 👎 Or it could be that it just doesn't fit into your life anymore. Whatever it is, you've realized it’s making you flat-out miserable. So, let's talk about what to do if this happens to you. Arin Wensley is the former co-owner and creator of Hopping Creations Candles, which was established in August 2018. Originally, she and her husband sold candles at farmers' markets and art fairs eventually expanding to selling online, through consignments and opening a small shop in the back of their home. In late 2021, Arin decided to close her shop and shut down her business. After careful consideration, she realized she no longer had the passion to create candles and that Hopping Creations Candles overall no longer matched her life goals. Today, Arin is a busy mom and wife looking towards her next adventure of returning to work as a substitute teacher and planning a second children’s book.

Is It Time To Close Down Your Business?

In this episode, we talk about Arin's entire journey from starting her business, building it up, and the eventual decision to close it down. And there is so much you can learn from this journey, such as:

How she got her business going
The steps she took to build it into a successful business
The importance of being open to change
Evaluating what’s most important to you at every stage of your business and life
Aligning your goals with what makes you happy
Important steps to closing a business the right way
And much more!

Listen to this important conversation so you'll know - is it time to close down your business?

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Arin's Contact Links

Facebook | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 74 – What’s Your One Burning Question?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What if you could jump on the phone with me for a quick 10-minute conversation? Now you can. Ask my opinion of a website platform you’re considering. Want thoughts about how to get stronger results from an upcoming craft show? Or maybe it’s an overall strategy discussion. Whatever’s on your mind. The second I learned about this new program, I saw the beauty of how it can help me serve you in a whole new way. It provides an opportunity for us to connect - just you and me - in an easy and convenient way – and not at standard one-on-one coaching prices either. Listen in to hear all about it. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

381 – BASH – Your Own Website or Etsy? Pros and Cons

Sue Monhait — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Which is better for a handmade product business - your own website or Etsy? The truth is, there are pros and cons to each. So in this episode, we dive into the differences between having a store on Etsy versus creating your own website. After that brief training, we feature Showcases from other handmade product makers just like you. And guess what? The previous BASH resulted in new wholesale order placement and individual product sales for the attendees. So it's safe to say that participating in a BASH will definitely help your visibility and sales! Why not join us at the next BASH and enjoy some of that for yourself?

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: Your Own Website vs Etsy - Pros & Cons

In this BASH, we compare a website you build yourself vs. an Etsy shop to consider:

ease of setup
training materials available
visibility
audience make-up
competition
business growth potential
and costs of acquiring a sale.

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask it in the Facebook Group.

3. Showcases

Attendees share new collaborations, upcoming events, and even discount promo codes.< Tune in to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Listen to this FREE training now to learn how to use features vs benefits for your handmade products - and don't miss the attendee discount codes!

Resources Mentioned:

Join us at the next BASH! Save your seat here.
Content for Makers
Gift Biz Unwrapped Merchandise Shop

Want to be part of the next BASH Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 73 – Do You Know About Your Untapped Powers?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I know for a fact that you have special powers you aren’t using. If you tap into them, they’ll make you and your business more personal, memorable and shareable. The best thing about these powers of yours is that you don’t need to act like someone you’re not. You don’t to invent scenarios you think your customers will like or project anything that feels uncomfortable or staged. Doesn’t that sound freeing and too good to be true? Guess what? It’s not. You already have these powers but you don’t see them as such. And since you don’t recognize them, you’re letting them lie dormant with untapped potential. That changes right now! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

380 – Flipping His Primary Focus from Rabbi to Jewelry Maker with Doug Heifetz of Lost & Forged

Sue Monhait — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Life can take interesting turns. And sometimes, we end up in a completely different place than we thought we would. Today's guest is a perfect example. Although he started out as a professional rabbi, he now is a full-time jewelry maker! And you're going to love hearing his journey because it is such a perfect case study on starting and growing a handmade product business! Doug creates his artwork to celebrate surprising transformations and to make upcycling irresistible. Through his small studio operation, Lost & Forged, he offers a wide range of original jewelry, accessories, Judaica items, and decor pieces, all made by hand from antique silverware and other reclaimed metal objects. He began his artistic work in 2015. Since then, Doug has shipped his pieces to buyers in dozens of countries overseas and all 50 US states. Doug lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with his two children. He was the full-time rabbi of a local synagogue for 11 years but shifted his main professional focus to his artwork in 2017.

The Journey From Rabbi to Jewelry Maker

In this episode, you'll hear a perfect case study of starting and growing a handmade business:

Identifying the products you will sell
Validating an audience for your products
The importance of blogging for sales and search visibility
How your blog and email list can work together
Selling online and at shows
A super clever way to get email list signups at shows
Plus lots more!

Tune in now to hear how to start and grow your unique handmade product business!

Resources Mentioned

Save 20% on one of Doug's spoon rings with code UNWRAPPED (expires July 31, 2022)
See Doug's unique mobile craft booth for shows
Gift Biz Unwrapped Topics Directory
Gift Biz Unwrapped Merch Shop

Doug's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 72 – The Difference Between Marketing and Promotion and Why You Should Care

Sue Monhait — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Many think marketing and promoting are the same thing and they use them interchangeably. Here’s where you can get lost in it all. Lots of time and money spent on these activities knowing it’s important for your business but seeing little in results. The purpose is blurry at best. What should you be doing to bring in the sales? How do you know if you should keep going with one thing or put more emphasis on another? Let’s clear this up so you can be more focused and purposeful in the time you do spend on these two strategies and understand the intent behind each one.

See Details and Order Content for Makers

CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

379 – BASH – The Difference Between Features and Benefits

Sue Monhait — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you know the difference between features vs benefits? These words are often used interchangeably when in reality they relay different types of information and should be used for separate purposes. In this BASH Party, we cover features and benefits completely. And when we're done? You'll be able to apply this newfound knowledge directly to your business. After the training, we get into Showcases from other handmade product makers just like you. They’ll share some information about their business and you have the opportunity to see how others present themselves and also get to support others through the discounts they offer or collaborations they’re seeking. The last BASH resulted in some new wholesale orders and individual product sales. And Yes! You can be part of a BASH, too. See the link below to save your seat for a future BASH party.

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: 4 Reasons Your Products Aren't Selling

One crucial thing that sets you apart and increases sales
Specific product display mistakes that create confusion and stop shoppers from buying
What to do MORE of and LESS of to get more sales
The big mistake you might make when talking about your business

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask it in the Facebook Group.

3. Showcases

Attendees share new collaborations, upcoming events, and even discount promo codes.< Tune in to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Listen to this FREE training now to learn how to use features vs benefits for your handmade products - and don't miss the attendee discount codes!

Resources Mentioned:

Only 2 more BASHES this summer! Save your seat here.
Content for Makers
Gift Biz Unwrapped Merchandise Shop

Want to be part of the next BASH Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 71 – Personal Reflections on the Highland Park, IL Mass Shooting

Sue Monhait — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

You hear about these events on the news, see the horror and sympathize with those involved. You may even know someone affected by a violent event and reach out to help, or offer financial support. There’s anger, frustration and lots of conversation asking “How we can allow these things to continue to happen? This is not the American way and it needs to stop."

It may leave you stunned, heartbroken, and unsettled for some time. But be honest – deep down – even though you say it could happen anywhere and to anyone, you never really think it will happen to you.

Me too. Until last week. You see Highland Park is my hometown. In this episode I share with you my experience around this event (no gory details I promise). Yet amongst all this horror and feeling guilty about not being able to do more in that moment, I recognized something wonderful happening too.

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

378 – All About Being a Guest on a Podcast with Noemi and Gabor of Podcast Connections

Sue Monhait — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What's the big deal about being a guest on a podcast? It turns out, there are a lot of reasons why it's a good idea for business growth. My guests today help us answer the question - could podcast guesting be in your future? Noemi and Gabor are the owners of the Podcast Connections … a husband and wife team who have been working together for 13 years. They help entrepreneurs and business owners connect with podcast hosts to share their knowledge with the appropriate listening audiences. Gabor is dedicated to helping experts grow their business with interviews while Noemi applies her online marketing expertise and skills in content creation and organization.

Why Be A Guest On A Podcast?

In this episode, you'll discover:

How podcast guesting benefits you and your business
Finding & selecting the right podcasts to be a guest on
How to prepare for your guest appearance
Tips & tricks for being a great guest
What you can expect from guesting
Why you should be a podcast guest before your starting your own show
and so much more!

Tune in now to learn all about being a guest on a podcast in this fascinating episode!

Resources Mentioned

Noemi and Gabor's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 70 – This Drives Me Crazy and Isn’t Good for You Either!

Sue Monhait — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It makes me crazy every time I encounter it – and it’s a lot! There are two reasons this frustrates me so much. First, I’m stopped in my tracks from being able to move forward at all and second, so are you! All attempts at making connections and progress with this strategy in your business are halted. Hard stop! What am I talking about? Instagram accounts that are set on private. If this is you and you want to keep an account private – by all means do so. But not if you’re interacting with people in any business capacity. I’ll give you the resolution to this in a minute. But first, why does this bother me so much and what’s the harm? Let’s talk. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

377 – 3 Free Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website with Kerrie Fitzgerald

Sue Monhait — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you know how to drive traffic to your website? Because unless you get people to your website where your products are displayed - complete with a description and buy button - there’s no chance for a sale. You can run ads of course. But that comes with lots of time learning, creating, and testing. Not to mention the financial investment. So, why not try free methods first? Let's talk about ways to attract customers to your website organically. Kerrie Fitzgerald is the founder of Kerrie Fitzgerald LLC which is an eCommerce and product business consulting & educational agency. As a digital marketing expert, Kerrie helps eCommerce businesses create “wildly in demand” brands that their customers are obsessed with. Her unique framework is based in organic marketing that brings in consistent sales and traffic without focusing a dime on ads. After starting her first high-end pet eCommerce business, The Dapper Dog Box in 2016, she grew the business to multi 6 figures of revenue in two years without funding, staff, or support. She sold the business in 2019 but during that time she was featured in Buzzfeed, Forbes, and Mariah Carey’s Christmas. She is a proud boy & dog mom, hot sauce and coffee lover, an east coast transplant living in Seattle, and the host of The 6 Figure Product Business Podcast.

How To Drive Traffic To Your Website For Free

In this episode, you'll hear:

3 organic ways to drive traffic to your website
Choosing which social channel to focus on
How to use blogging to boost your SEO and attract more traffic
How great customer experience can lead to more sales
and lots more!

Ready to drive traffic to your website? Tune In to this value-packed episode now to learn how to do it!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Kerrie's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 69 – Are You in Control of Your Business?

Sue Monhait — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Are you in control of your business? The answer to this, as the owner of your business, is always yes. You are the one at the top, making decisions that affect your outcomes. You are also the one in control if you decide to relinquish control. And this is something I really want you to get. Yes, you’re going to do things that don’t work out. Being in control doesn’t mean you’re always right. But it does mean you take responsibility for all of it. The good, the bad and what action you take moving forward. You are always the one in control of your business. We’ll get into details of what maybe should change for you and I’ll give you examples in the show today too. Acknowledging this can be a game-changer! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

376 – BASH – 4 Reasons Why Your Products Aren’t Selling

Sue Monhait — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you wonder why your products aren't selling? It’s so discouraging. You put so much time into the creation of your products, setting up the display for a show, or getting your website just right. Then - it’s go-time and the nightmare happens ... no or low sales. In this episode, you'll learn 4 things to review that may be producing these results. And the best part is … they’re fixable. Keep going!

What's In This Bash?

1. Free Training: 4 Reasons Your Products Aren't Selling

One crucial thing that sets you apart and increases sales
Specific product display mistakes that create confusion and stop shoppers from buying
What to do MORE of and LESS of to get more sales
The big mistake you might make when talking about your business

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask it in the Facebook Group.

3. Showcases

Attendees share new collaborations, upcoming events, and even discount promo codes.< Tune in to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Listen to this FREE training to learn the 4 reasons why your products aren't selling and what to do about it. Plus much more!

Resources Mentioned:

Want to be part of the next BASH Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 68 – 7 Business Best Practices You Should Know

Sue Monhait — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

A few weeks back I was at a podcasting conference called Podfest. Seriously one of the best events I’ve ever attended in terms of learning timely and relevant new things and meeting the most incredible people. How does this apply to you? You're not a podcaster (most likely) but, I see applications that most definitely apply as a handmade product maker. If you aren't doing them already, adding them in will strengthen your business and thereby improve your results. Hold out for the last one - it's a doosy and one I didn't know before. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

375 – Thoughtful, Generous and Personal Selling with Kat McCoy of Best Kept Jewelry Concierge

Sue Monhait — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Does your selling experience help you create raving fans? Or does it push people away? Today, we’re talking about selling - but in a different way than we ever have before. Kat provides an upscale concierge experience and although high-end jewelry plays a role, it’s the service she provides that is her standout business asset. The customer experience you provide can set you apart too. Kat is the owner of Best Kept Jewelry Concierge. She helps clients source the perfect piece of jewelry for milestone occasions including engagements, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Kat works with the nation's top designers, diamond dealers, wholesalers, jewelers, and collectors to find unique options for her clients. She was inspired to start this business because she believes that a thoughtfully selected piece of jewelry is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give or receive.

How To Uplevel Your Selling Experience

In this episode, you’ll hear:

great tips on confidently presenting the value of your products as it relates to your price
setting customer expectations
the value of a high-touch moment
and the mindset of radical generosity and abundance as it relates to selling

Tune in now to hear exactly how you can uplevel your selling experience AND set yourself apart in the market!

Resources Mentioned

Kat's Contact Links

Website | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 67 – How a Blog Grows Your Product Based Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Maybe you’re like most … defaulting to the idea that blogs aren’t meant for your handmade product-based business. My aim in this episode is to help you see this differently by sharing 5 Ways a blog can benefit and grow your business. Am I here to convince you to start a blog tomorrow? No. But I want you to understand the many ways a blog can be an asset and then you can make your own decision from there. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

374 – BASH – How to Start Your Email List

Sue Monhait — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today we're talking about how to start an email list for your business. Now, more than ever, it's important to put email marketing into place. I know it can seem daunting but when you know the steps to getting started, you'll see it's not that difficult at all. The subject of email marketing has been coming up more and more. More attention is being given to this than ever, everywhere I look! Social media is changing and people are wondering what's going on. Email marketing is becoming known as the platform where you have the most stability. That's what we talk about in this episode - specifically how to start your own email marketing program.

What's In This Bash Party?

Free Training on How To Start An Email List:
- why email marketing is so important & how it adds value to your business
- how to start an email list for your business
- plus tips on what NOT to do
Q&A on the topic with Bash attendees
Showcases - attendees share new collaborations, upcoming events, and even discount promo codes. << Listen now to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Tune in to this FREE training to learn how to start an email list AND hear about new promotions and exciting announcements!

Resources Mentioned:

Interested in being part of the next Bash Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 66 – The Wrong Way to Start a Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It’s easy to start a business. What’s hard is to stay in business! There are a variety of reasons why businesses fail at such a high rate. And of course, nobody takes actions intentionally that will set them back. But that’s exactly what’s happening to most business startups. In the end, their initial actions never gave them a fair chance of survival right from the start. When you first learn about a new business in town, you hear the name, perhaps see their logo, take a look at the products they offer, things like that – right? These are the first things intuitively you would put in place for your new business because they are the things you know and see about a business from an outsider perspective. Yet there is a critical step that should be taken before doing any of these things. It’s missed because people just don’t know. And it’s this most-important first step that, when not taken, leads to many many handmade product businesses closing down. Let’s get into the details of what to do first so your business is set up for success.

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunity!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

373 – How And Why To Get Your Product Sustainability Score With Austin Simms of Dayrize

Sue Monhait — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever given thought to how sustainable your products are? Of course, you talk about the benefits of your products for your customers, like containing only healthy or all-natural ingredients – but how about what they do to support the environment? These are two different things and they don’t automatically go hand in hand. In this episode, you’ll hear things you may never have considered in regard to the various ways a product can affect our world. Austin shares with us 5 different dimensions of product impact. There’s no doubt this is a hot topic no matter where you fall on the global warming discussion. So being informed is just smart. And using it to strengthen your business AND do the earth some good is even better. After 20+ years spent working at major corporations like Nike, Philips and Brooks Running, Austin had a desire to use his skills to address climate change. Austin believes that putting the power in consumers’ hands is important to make real change. He recognizes that the first thing that consumers need is access to information to make better decisions. That’s why he co-founded Dayrize in 2019; to make impact assessment transparent for businesses and consumers. Austin believes commerce and sustainability are linked, and business needs to be

How & Why To Get Your Product Sustainability Score

In this fascinating conversation, we discuss:

How Austin identified this need in the market and created his startup
Balancing incorporating customer feedback while staying true to your values & principles
The 5 dimensions of product sustainability (including things you never thought of!)
Busting myths about sustainability <-- Listen to the full episode for these surprises!
The importance of allowing consumers to make better-informed decisions by providing more information about your product
Visibility opportunities associated with a sustainability score
How to get started to get your product sustainability score
Plus lots more!

Tune in now to discover the benefits of getting sustainability scores for your handmade products + how to get started!

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 65 – What To Do About Your Lurkers

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0600

People come in your shop or show booth, pick things up, chat for a while and don’t buy. Or your Facebook page has hundreds or even thousands of followers, many who contribute by posting and commenting but they never support you through sales or take part in your special promotions. Or there’s a lot of traffic to your website but conversions to purchases are few. What should you do about your lurkers? Here’s my answer - everything and nothing. I explain in the show today. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

372 – BASH – What REALLY is Social Media’s Role in Your Business?

Sue Monhait — Sat, 28 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today’s topic couldn’t be more timely with all the questions, concerns, and what seems like daily changes happening in the social media landscape.

👉 Are you spending a lot of time on social media tasks because you’re clear on specifically what it can do for your business? 👉 Or are you doing it because everyone else is?

It’s time to break through all the social media hype and determine exactly where social media should fit into your business and the purpose it serves. It’s not the same for everyone and I may just surprise and give you some peace around social media and its role.

What's In This Bash Party?

LEARN how social media fits into your handmade product business promotional plan and what to post based on your stage of business.
HEAR Q&A on this training with Bash attendees
DISCOVER attendees share their upcoming events, unique collaborations, and discount promo codes! << Tune in to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Tune in now to finally get clear on social media's role in your business, how to make it work for you, and hear the Q&A. Plus, hear the attendees' promotions and upcoming events!

Resources Mentioned:

Join Me At The NextBash Party!

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and save your spot now. Don't delay - spaces are limited!

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 64 – 5 Craft Show Tips You’ve Never Heard Before

Sue Monhait — Wed, 25 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Craft shows can be the lifeblood of a handmade product business. It’s the easiest way to find and interact with people, get feedback on your products and the most immediate way to bring in sales. PLUS – no shipping time or delivery costs! We’re not going to talk about the basics of participating in a show today. Instead I’m addressing some “higher level” points about exhibiting. It’s this extra style and subtle adjustments that can have a huge impact on your results. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

371 – Collaborating to Host Your Own Handmade Craft Show with Gloria Brown of Ahh-Land Woman Herbals

Sue Monhait — Sat, 21 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to host a craft show? Turns out, it's all about collaboration. Gloria's journey is a perfect illustration of how a business evolves. She’s also been an “early adapter” to the world of collaboration. In her case, she found a partner and created Wellness Fairs – in-person craft-type shows. I think this may spark an idea for you too! Gloria is the owner of Ahh-Land Woman Herbals. The name was inspired by her Caribbean roots. And it’s also representative of the all-natural, organic ingredients used in her handcrafted skincare products, that will have you saying “Ahh” when you use them. Her products, made from organic skincare oils, are free from harsh chemicals, with a special focus on products for mature or sensitive, or troubled skin. Gloria received her herbal certification from Trinity College of Natural Healing, her herbal medicine certification from Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, and her aromatherapist certification through the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. I’d say she definitely has the training to back up her product expertise!

How To Host A Craft Show + So Much More

While discussing collaboration and how to host a craft show, we also cover:

The evolution of business and finding your sweet spot
Transitioning from brick & mortar to online business
Why your budget is so critical
The importance of a clear niche
Building credibility with your customers
The amazing opportunities you can only get from participating in shows
and so much more!

Tune in now to learn how Gloria evolved her business into something she loves + how to host a craft show of your own!

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 63 – Is THIS Your Season for Change?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

The same holidays roll around each season of every year - Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving. Because you’ve done this before, perhaps many times, are you continuing with the same ole, same ole promotions? And is that the best you can do? Repeating what you’ve done in the past may or may not be the most lucrative and beneficial for growing your sales even though it’s the easiest plan. Is it possible that your customers are growing tired of seeing the same messaging and offers? Did your plan last year even work? Or is it old, tired and a repeat of what everyone else is doing? Here’s what to do instead. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

370 – BASH – Money Mistakes in Your Handmade Product Business

Sue Monhait — Sat, 14 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Let’s talk about areas in your business where you may be spending money on things that aren’t benefiting you. You may not have considered that various stages of business require different investments. When you understand what will best serve you at each stage of your growth, you achieve a couple of things:

First, you don't use up available dollars in a scattered way – wasting money if you will.
Instead, you spend money in areas that will truly help you grow your handmade business based on where you are in the development and growth cycle.

What's In This Bash Party?

Free Training on money mistakes commonly made at the different stages of a handmade business. This training builds directly on the training in Bash #1 the 5 Gift Biz Growth Stages.
Q&A with Bash attendees
Showcases - attendees share their upcoming events, unique collaborations, and discount promo codes! << Tune in to grab these deals + get ideas for your own business!

Listen to this Bash episode now to discover the money mistakes you may be making - and what to do instead. Plus, our attendees' best promotions and upcoming events!

Resources Mentioned:

Interested in being part of the next Bash Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 62 – Accidental Opportunities

Sue Monhait — Wed, 11 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It’s going to be a radical thought but I want you to open your mind to consider how some accidents can open the door to new opportunity. It’s so easy to get set in our ways and see things only from the perspective we have always had. Or the trained expectation of what an outcome should be – until it doesn’t happen that way. Here’s the twist. It’s possible that this accident you’ve encountered, could present a new way of thinking that was invisible to you up until now. It doesn’t mean your past processes aren’t still to be followed. But, when encountering an accident in your business, what new idea does this prompt? It’s a mindset switch for sure. And may be a playground for new possibilities. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

369 – Quizzes for Product Based Businesses? You Bet! with Gen Furukawa of Prehook

Sue Monhait — Sat, 07 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

We’ve got a fun topic on deck today – quizzes for your business! And I don't mean just a lead magnet quiz. You see quizzes all around – but honestly, I never really thought about it for a product-based business before. I’m not talking about quizzes where you find out what animal most represents your personality or what your hidden name is based on a birth month or day. Those are fun and all … but not for business.

More Than Just A Lead Magnet Quiz

We focus on how quizzes can be used to:

Provide a personalized customer experience that leads to more sales
Generate leads (aka a lead magnet quiz) & market your business
Increase customer order values
Build engagement and interaction with your customers
Create customer curiosity and satisfaction
And much more

We also dive into how to get started with a quiz, what questions to ask, and tons more! My guest Gen is the Co-Founder of Prehook, a leading quiz platform for Shopify merchants. Prehook helps hundreds of high-growth Shopify merchants sell more, accelerate list growth, and capture zero-party data with quizzes. He also hosts the eCommerce marketing podcast called Cart Overflow, where he shares what the best brand operators, agencies, and tech platforms are doing to grow their eCommerce revenues. Gen has been in eCommerce for more than 10 years. Prior to Prehook, Gen was part of the founding team and lead marketing at Jungle Scout, the leading software for Amazon sellers.

Listen now to hear how you can use a quiz to grow your handmade business far above and beyond just a lead magnet quiz!

Resources Mentioned

Join us at the next Gift Biz Bash for free training + visibility!
Quiz examples and use cases
Tips & Talk #61 - Put The Brakes On Selling

Gen's Contact Links

Website | Twitter| Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 61 – Put the Brakes on Selling

Sue Monhait — Wed, 04 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like you’re putting way too much energy into convincing customers to buy when you compare that to the return you’re seeing for all your efforts? Is it possible you’re trying SO HARD to get sales that what you’re actually doing is pushing them away? Perhaps it’s time to try a new approach. If what you’re doing now isn’t producing results, doing more and more of the same thing is like grinding your gears. You dig a deep hole versus making any forward progress. If you’re in this position, I bet this is how you’re selling. Your message to potential customers goes something like this: “Listen to me. I have this awesome product. It’s only $25. Buy it here.” Here’s how to change this out for something that works. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

368 – BASH – The 5 Gift Biz Growth Stages

Sue Monhait — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Understanding the 5 Gift Biz Growth Stages will be a huge source of insight into where you are in your business journey and why you might be struggling right now as you try and grow.

You'll easily identify which stage you're in as I describe each one. The magic here is that you'll also learn exactly what steps to take to move from one stage to another.

No more chasing shiny objects or trying to do "all the things" at one time! Easy does it, step by step, from one stage to another. You get to take a deep breath and enjoy the process versus feeling like you're always behind.

What's In This Bash Party?

Free training on the 5 Gift Biz Growth Stages plus action steps you can take for each to help you grow
Q&A with Bash attendees
Showcases - attendees share their upcoming events, unique collaborations, and discount promo codes! << Tune in to grab these deals!

Listen to this Bash episode now to learn the 5 Gift Biz Growth Stages and hear all the Showcases!

Resources Mentioned:

Interested in being part of the next Bash Party?

See upcoming Gift Biz Bash parties and grab your spot today! Don't delay - spaces are limited.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Thank you so much! Sue

Tips & Talk 60 – 4 Steps to Turn “No” into “Yes”

Sue Monhait — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

“No” feels terrible. It’s a rejection. And who likes to be rejected? Most likely your reaction to the word “no” is to shut down. You feel defeat with whatever possibilities the “no” shut out. And to protect yourself, you give up on the person who made you feel bad and you move on to other people or activities. What if I told you there’s a way to use this “no” to your advantage? There is! Here’s how to settle down your emotions so responses to selling your products doesn’t feel like such a rollercoaster. And then – what to do in these situations that could turn a permanent “no” to a future “yes” as a strategy to grow your sales.

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunity!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

367 – Reigniting Your Handmade Business Passion with Amy Feierman of Weed Patch Studio

Sue Monhait — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Amy had a solid Amazon business. It was growing and expanding, as is the dream for all our businesses. But guess what? She didn’t enjoy it anymore. Nothing was wrong, it just didn’t light her up like it once did. So – time for a change. That’s what this episode is all about - reigniting your handmade business passion. And what we can learn from the journey Amy took to discover what was next for her. Spoiler alert! It wasn’t a smooth jump from one thing to another. But it was definitely worth it. Her passion and energy is back! We get into:

How Amy started and scaled two successful businesses in e-commerce over 10 years
The transition out of both businesses in search of something new.
Pivoting to something that brings you joy and allows you to bring out your talent
How to know if this kind of change and transformation is right for you.

Listen in to hear what gets her out of bed in the morning now and Amy's new life as a furniture artist, thrift-a-holic & mom of two.

Resources Mentioned

Amy's Contact Links

Website | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 59 – When is it Okay to Procrastinate?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Would you categorize yourself as a procrastinator? When I think about people I know, I can see how they do lean one way or another. On the extremes, there’s the excessive planner. Someone who has everything buttoned up way before a due date. And then there’s the “get it done at the last minute” style. I fall fully on the plan-ahead side. I like to eliminate as many surprises and rush jobs as possible. But of course, we come in all shapes and sizes as they say. I’m not saying one is better than another. However, there are definite times when, not only is it okay, but you should ignore your natural tendencies and do things differently. We talk about how to know which way to go in today's show.

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunity!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

366 – Be Better Prepared For Tax Season Next Year with Danielle Hayden

Sue Monhait — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What if you didn't have to dread tax season? Unfortunately, putting on a blindfold doesn't help. But the small business tax prep tips in this episode absolutely will. I get it. Right after that deadline passes, you want to forget about taxes until it comes around again next year. But the reality is - it’s going to show up again whether you like it or not. So why not be prepared and make the process as easy and smooth as you can?

Small Business Tax Prep Tips For Handmade Products

Our expert today walks us through the steps you can implement now so that your tax filing experience is less painful next time. We cover ...

Who should be part of your financial team (+ why they're so important!)
Specific actions to take every month
Common mistakes to avoid
The best tools to use for
Tips to reduce taxes as you become more profitable
How to take the dread out of tax prep

Whether you’re a newbie in business or a seasoned pro, I think you’ll pick up a tip or two to ensure tax filing sanity next time around.

Tune in now for small business tax prep tips that will make tax time so much easier!

Danielle Hayden is a reformed corporate CFO who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending more than 10 years in the boardroom, Danielle is now in her sweet spot as the CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, education, and as the author of the Profit Planner book series. When Danielle isn’t crunching numbers on her clients’ behalf or crafting the next iteration of the Profit Planner, you can find her hanging with her two kids as she inspires them to lead their fullest lives and doing almost every fitness-related activity ranging from Spartan races to pilates. There are so many tips to help make small business tax prep for your handmade product business easier. Listen now to get them all.

Resources Mentioned

Join the next Gift Biz Bash - Free!
Ep 361 - How your business income should impact your personal life
QuickBooks software
Genius Scan app (for scanning receipts)

Danielle's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 58 – Workshops: A Way to Scale Your Handmade Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Makers of all sorts are leaning into this up and coming sales strategy because it provides a solution to one of the biggest challenges you have as a handmade creator – limited production time. Even if you hire people to help you in certain facets of your business, there is a ceiling to how much you can make without taking the leap to factory production – which I know is a major turnoff to most of you. Enter in this perfect solution. One that allows you to scale your business while retaining and actually enhancing, your position as an expert in your field. I’m talking about offering workshops. Guided trainings where the result is the attendee learns the techniques and completes a project using their newfound skill. We’re going to go deeper into ways you can do this here. But first let’s address the obvious advantage. You teach a class one-to-many in a live face-to-face setting or even more online where your attendee count is unlimited. There is no cap on your earning potential as there is when selling your physical handmade products.

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunity!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

365 – Pinterest Interest Targeting, Idea Pins and Promoted Pins with Cali Waege

Sue Monhait — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0600

Today we're covering 3 specific Pinterest strategies you can use right now to market your handmade products. We dive into Interest Targeting, Idea Pins, and Promoted Pins. And true to form, Cali has some amazing Ninja tips coming your away with regard to these features - and Pinterest overall. Cali is a Pinterest Marketing Strategist and owner of The Halcyon Hive - a marketing agency that helps female-led creative businesses leverage Pinterest as a powerful marketing platform. She'll help you grow your business by getting new subscribers, sales, and leads through an optimized Pinterest funnel. Consider this Part 2 – an extension of sorts from Episode #354 that aired in January of this year. In this prior podcast, Cali gave us a current look at the Pinterest platform and the role it can play for your business – very different from social media platforms. I encourage you to go back and listen to that. But as we were talking, it became clear there were other enhanced opportunities offered on Pinterest that needed more time to do them justice. So that’s what we’re going to get into here. A Pinterest 2.0 if you will.

How Pinterest Is Different From Other Platforms

What sets Pinterest apart from other social media platforms is that it's a search and discovery tool.
The platform has evolved to be able to provide a full-funnel solution. There are more shopping opportunities on Pinterest. More businesses are uploading their catalog so people can go from this search and discovery and inspiration phase all the way to the final checkout.
Pinterest looks at the content that you're saving and interacting with and will adapt to that. And this is where the algorithm comes in. You're constantly seeing what you're interested in. Pinterest is tagging our account, boards, and pins with interests.

Pinterest Strategies For Handmade Business

Pinterest Interest Targeting:

Use keywords that people would be searching,
Start by creating boards using the interest words <-- listen for all the details on this
If you right-click on a board or pin and open it in an incognito tab (a private browser), it will actually show you the interests that it's being tagged to. <-- PRO TRICK!

Listen to this full conversation for tons more tips & tricks on using Pinterest!

Pinterest Idea Pins:

Ideal pins are the newest pin format and they are taking over Pinterest.
Create Idea pins that inspire people to take action. Some of the things you can create
- step-by-step guides
- DIY projects
- recipes
- recorded videos
Features unique to Idea pins:
- Customize fonts, colors, music - similar to Instagram stories
- If your products are on Pinterest, you can tag them
- Tag other accounts
- You can tag up to 10 Topics (aka Interests) - use all 10
- A bit longer than regular pins (Canva has the templates)
- Cannot be scheduled via Tailwind
- No links - Ideal pins are not clickable (but when people engage with them, they will see more of your other content so definitely worth your time)
Because they're new, Pinterest wants to feature Idea pins. That means they will get more engagement and impressions in a shorter period of time right now.
Sprinkle idea pins throughout your pins once or twice a week to give your account a boost.
Include a call to action at the end of your Ideal pin even though there's no link.
Add your idea pins to your relevant interest-targeted board.
Break videos up into smaller bites (around 30 seconds per video "page")
Save time by repurposing IG stories and reels as Pinterest Idea pins
Check trends.pinterest.com to find keywords that are trending on Pinterest. If you know what people are searching for, it'll help get more views on your pin.
Pinterest offers support for targeting and advertising setup.

Listen to all Cali's tips so you can jump on Idea pins now while they're hot!

Pinterest Promoted Pins (aka Advertising):

Before you start advertising on Pinterest, make sure your account is optimized.
Awareness campaigns are pins to get out there in front of new audiences to just discover your name and your brand <- Tune in for more details on this!
Consideration campaign is optimized to get people to click on your pins. It’s getting your pins out in front of people who are more likely to click on it. It will lead them to your website or to the link that you're promoting to. <- Listen for tons more info on this!
A conversion campaign is going to target people who are more likely to convert.
Install Pinterest tags on your website BEFORE you begin to set up or run ads.
Listen in for tons more tips on advertising on Pinterest

Listen to the full episode to get all the Pinterest strategies you can put to work for your handmade business today!

Resources Mentioned

Cali's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 57 – Overcoming the “Not Easy” Parts

Sue Monhait — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

“Not easy” times can happen at any stage in your handmade product business journey – it’s not only reserved for newbies. And I’m here today to reset your thinking when you’re working through rough patches. These are times to be celebrated! They actually offer you great opportunity. I’m not going to give you the pep talk here about how you can overcome everything – even tho you can. I’m also not going to get all strategic giving you steps to get past these “not easy” times. That’s not the point of this episode. The point is for you to think differently about what these challenges offer you AND why they are a great thing.

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunity!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, go through the link above. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

364 – Making The Pivot From A Consumer To Wholesale Customer Focus With Amy Trout Hughes

Sue Monhait — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What does pivoting in business really mean? It's all about responding to market changes and what you want your business to be. Marshmallow MBA has taken its share of twists and turns. That’s something to remember as you’re starting out. You won’t “land it” right out of the gate. It takes experimentation and adjustments based on what your market shows you to get it right. For Amy, it was narrowing in on the ideal customer, adjusting products to fit their needs, and rebranding so it all aligns. Amy’s career path to the confectionery industry is as non-traditional as the handcrafted marshmallows coming out of the MarshmallowMBA kitchens. After a 20+ career as a government consultant, Amy founded MarshmallowMBA in 2016 (more about that in episode 80). MarshmallowMBA is a woman-owned small business handcrafting gourmet marshmallows in more than a hundred flavors for retail and wholesale customers. Its products are available in 28 states across the US and Canada through more than 150 independent retailers and its e-commerce shop. Amy continually seeks to push the boundaries of candy beyond its identity as a snack food. In July 2021, the Bee Kind marshmallow collection (a lifestyle confection based on locally sourced honey and natural herbs) earned MarshmallowMBA the Best Innovation Award from Retail Confectioners International.

Growth Insights From Pivoting In Business

Pay attention to what the market needs and adjust your product line as needed.
Focus on your strategy and the product.
Show up in different places or portals to test where your product will sell more.
Don't waste time or money on a trademark until you KNOW there’s a market for your product.
Sometimes less is more - reducing the number of flavors helped us sell more.
Your brand should reflect the quality of your product.
Be open to change, especially with rebranding.
Consider different packaging options (make sure it reflects your brand colors)
Who do you WANT your customers to be? Do what will attract those people.
Your logo should fit your future vision for your business.
If you decide to join a wholesale portal (such as Faire), understand the specifications for photos and information so you get the best results.
Adjust pricing if you list on an online wholesale portal so you don't take a loss. <-- IMPORTANT TIP - tune in to get all the details!
Consider offering seasonal product lines and offer pre-ordering to accommodate customers.

So many insights about growing and pivoting a business in this episode. Listen in to hear them all!

Resources Mentioned

Amy's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 56 – At What Point Do You Turn Pro?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

At what point in your business do you turn from a hobbyist to a pro? And why does this even matter? In today’s show I give an example of a maker’s journey, at what point they become a specialist (or pro) and most importantly, what actions to take to incorporate this into your business for added visibility and sales. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

363 – Messages From Her – A Product Creation Story with Rachael McKee

Sue Monhait — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to approach product creation? In this episode, you'll hear how my guest Rachael went from idea all the way to finished product and promotion. And there's so much to learn from her story. We all know how much strength and power women possess. It's all around us yet we often diminish that trait when it comes to ourselves. Rachael is on a mission to change that through the creation of a product that reinforces, for each of us, that we too have these traits and can do great things within our world. It's called 'Messages From Her' and you'll hear what it is and the full product creation story from initial idea through development and promotion to the upcoming event of being able to see it in real life. Rachael is a Colorado-based writer, designer, and entrepreneur who holds a BA in Communication Design and Ethical Business. She has used these skills to help solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies develop ethical business strategies, improve design and presentation, and increase clarity, market placement, & profits. She is currently launching her first book and card deck called, Messages From Her.

A Product Creation Story You'll Be Inspired By

There are so many doubts that you can have in the creative process. Just stay true to your creativity.
Be inspired and empowered by learning about the lives of women who made a difference in the world.
Role models are really powerful. Looking up to people who we admire and learning from them is so healthy
Celebrate the women in your life for what they've done because they're also showing you what's really possible.
Come up with ideas and bring them to life. Bring that creative project into the world.
If you plan to work with a factory overseas for product development, consistency of communication is very important. Consider the following:
- How are they communicating with you?
- Do they respond within a reasonable amount of time?
- Are they excited about the work?
Work with people who have amazing customer service and are excited to make the product with you.
Find a factory that feels like they're partnering with you in moving your project forward.
Test projects are a great idea to help you evaluate if it’s a fit to hire people to work with you. <-- Pro tip!
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform. You've made something that you love and you show it to people who may contribute to your campaign. In exchange, they usually get your product for that contribution, and their money goes towards bringing the first production run of your product to life.
Empower people in the process of bringing your project to life

There's so much more about Rachael's product creation story in this episode. Listen to the full conversation to hear it all!

Resources Mentioned

Save your seat for the first Gift Biz Bash (April 7, 2022)
Upwork.com - Rachael's recommended source to find good freelancers
Kickstarter.com - crowdfunding platform
Gift Biz Unwrapped Merch Shop

Rachael's Contact Links

Website | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 55 – Are You Missing this Critical Selling Skill?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode I give you 5 tips to get your listening skills up to par. Listening is a skill that seems so elementary but is often completely ignored. The next time you’re engaged in a conversation, observe your own behavior to check in on your listening skills. Sure, you may be hearing what someone says, but are you really listening? Unfortunately, what often happens is we’re so busy figuring out what we want to say next that we miss subtle cues that, if not taken into account in your response, affect the entire interaction. Not listening leaves the person talking feeling misunderstood and not valued. If this is a potential customer, you just lost the sale. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

362 – The Path from Crickets to 10,000 Etsy Sales with Naa Ardua Flohic

Sue Monhait — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What's the trick of how to go from idea to business? My guest today shares her business journey that illustrates what it takes to make that happen. Naa Ardua helps crafters learn how to use digital art to make handmade craft projects for their families and friends. While living in France as an ex-pat mom, she started making digital illustrations as a way to use her artistic skills and be creative every day. She saw that she could reach people with her art and help fellow artists, crafters, and small businesses with their projects. So she started creating SVG designs and selling them online. She now has over 10,000 sales in her Etsy shop. All of while still working a 9-to-5 job. Now she runs her business as a full-time mompreneur, doing school pick-ups and drop-offs and running a household from abroad.

How To Go From Idea To Business One Step At A Time

Be your own biggest cheerleader.
Take action. Take the steps little by little even if it seems impossible at the beginning. <-- So powerful!
Put yourself out there.
There are times when we need a little bit of help, so reach out to different people.
Have the right products that people wanted to buy and learn how to get them in front of your ideal audience.
Listen to feedback from potential customers.
Learn how different platforms work and see which one fits for you.
Know what your customers want to hear and how you can help them.
Pinterest is a great way to get traffic to your shop or blog.
With the idea pins on Pinterest, you can link affiliate links to them. You get followers with them, which actually lead people to come back to your main Pinterest page. It gets you more visibility that way.

Tune in for so much more about how to go from idea to business!

Resources Mentioned

What are Pinterest Idea Pins?

Naa Ardua's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 54 – Supercharge Your Productivity

Sue Monhait — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

The key to super charge your productivity lies in one simple 5-letter word.

L-I-S-T-S!

I bet you’ve heard the term Operating Procedures. In essence, each Operating Procedure is a list of documented activities to perform any function within your business. They are particularly beneficial if a task is repetitive. That way you don’t have to remember all the steps and in what order. Just follow the list.

Imagine how useful it can be when you bring on employees. They can follow the same system you’ve already created. Easy and a great way to minimize errors too!

Mentioned in this show is the FREE VIDEO training on productivity that is part of the Inspired! Daily Planner process. You can apply this to any planner you currently use or even start with a blank journal!

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

361 – How Your Business Income Should Impact Your Personal Life with Erinn Bridgman

Sue Monhait — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Lack of a financial mindset is a very common block experienced by small business owners like us. And usually, nobody wants to talk about it - even though it can make or break the business. Well, buckle up because that's the topic of today's show. You may gain some insight into yourself as we dive into the 5 reasons we tend to avoid numbers – our business financials that is. And that leads us to another big topic this is usually left out of financial conversations; how your business numbers transfer over to affect your personal life. Obviously, there’s the income you make from your business for living expenses … but it’s more than that. Taking control and planning out your complete financial strategy, no matter how large or small the numbers are you are working with, can enrich your life more than you can even imagine. As a money management and mindset coach, Erinn empowers female entrepreneurs to design a business that is not just profitable but actually grows their personal wealth. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Erinn cut her chops by scaling her photography business to over six figures in under two years, affording her the capital to begin funding the real estate empire she and her husband now run. Ever passionate about supporting women as they uncover their own potential and earning power, Erinn works with female business owners to not just scale their business but to use it as a means for building personal wealth. When she’s not working with clients or finding her next investment property, Erinn can likely be found vacationing around the world and spending quality time with friends, her husband and daughter, Ava.

Strengthening Your Financial Mindset

Get really clear on the pricing of your products. Your hourly rate isn't just about making the product. It's also the materials and all the work you do to make, market, and sell the product.
Do not underprice yourself. Put the right price tag on your time.
If it feels weird to make money from something you love doing, remember - isn't that the point?
Understand your money journey. Ditch the scarcity mindset. Develop your worth around money. Be confident to raise your rate.
Be conscious and strategic in making your business impact your personal life.
Understand your numbers. Create projections and analyze your numbers. Have strategic ways to allocate money to increase profitability and revenue. Figure out how to pay yourself a consistent salary. <-- Tune in for more on this important topic!
Part of knowing your numbers is knowing your tax numbers. Know exactly how much you need to set aside for taxes.
Have a spreadsheet to input your revenue and your expenses. That would make it easy to see how much you have for profit. Revenue minus expenses equal your profit.
You need to be the CFO of your personal life, not just your business.
Understand your money goals and how your money will be used.
Have six different bank accounts for personal and for business. One of those is your tax account. Every month based on the profitability of your company, set aside that money right away into your tax business account.

5 Different Areas To Create Long-Term Goals

Pay down debt
Create bigger savings
Generosity
Investment
Lifestyle improvement.

5 Reasons We Avoid Numbers

"Not a numbers person"
Afraid
Toxic relationship with numbers
Think it doesn’t really matter
Don't have the correct tools.

Listen to the full episode for so much more about taking control of your financial mindset!

Resources Mentioned

Free Wealthy Woman Checklist
Money IQ Quiz

Erinn's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | YouTube

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 53 – Fleeting Moments – A Way to Spice Up Your Maker Biz

Sue Monhait — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today we’re talking about the value of a fleeting moment how it’s a strategic way to create anticipation and desire for your products. Instead of having the same offerings month after month (except for holiday designs – that’s obvious) why not strategically plan limited time offers into your business? CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

360 – A Maker Whose Mission Goes Beyond the Product with Jennifer St. John of Marnie and Michael

Sue Monhait — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Running a for-profit business with a social cause isn't for everyone. But if the idea resonates with you, this show will give you some things to think about. Get ready to hear a story about a maker whose deep-seated impact goes way beyond her product. You’re going to hear Jennifer’s business development story and how and why she’s incorporated a health initiative overlay to a level I’ve not seen before. We get into the difference between truly integrating a social entity into the mission of your business versus raising money for a cause you hold dear. Both are important, of course, but different. Being true to yourself and your life, and taking your reality to help change someone else’s experience now. And even better, using your handmade product as the pathway to do so. Jennifer had always wanted to create a successful creative business. And she’s done just that! Within the last five years, she’s married her love of art and design with a social give-back business model to launch MARNIE & MICHAEL. Jennifer and her team design and make leather bags and accessories with 15% of profits going towards their own mental health initiation.

Building A For-Profit Business With A Social Cause

If you want to have a cause for your business, there has to be a very strong personal reason why you're choosing that social entity or that social cause.
When your reasons are personal, your story will resonate with your audience.
Be vulnerable especially if it's a subject you're passionate about and is going to be a big part of your brand. It's important to be open and transparent about your experience.
Understand your product is not for everyone. Find your market, niche, and community and focus on that sweet spot.
It’s impossible to grow the company if everything is made by you. You need people to produce the product. It's still a handmade product, even if it's not YOU making it. <-- Super important to understand this!
Get a full picture of who you may be hiring. Have a try-out time to see you you’re a fit. Bring in people who are so eager to learn and open to the whole process.
The WHY is more important to the business than the product. The messaging of what we represent, what we stand for, and what we do is crucial.
At least 60-70% of our sales come to us because of our cause.
The amount we donate is included in our pricing upfront so that it's a clear-cut action.
Our business plan includes brick & mortar, direct to consumer, and wholesale.
Hiring can be tough. Referrals from people you trust or other business owners in your area often work out best.
Make sure your hiring vetting process is tight. Don't skip checking references. Do a testing period before fully hiring.

Listen to the full conversation for more inspiration and tips about building a for-profit business with social cause!

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk #2 - 4 Time-Saving Strategies To Curate Social Media Pictures
Content for Makers

Jennifer's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 52 – How Good is Your Customer Service? Really?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I heard something a long time ago, during my corporate days, and it’s one of those statements that holds true over time. “Don’t tell people you have great customer service, show them.” It’s too easy to talk about a level of care and service you offer your customers. Let’s face it, everyone does that. But actually following through on it is where the majority of businesses fail. They talk one thing and do another. It’s surprising because having top-notch customer service, in the majority of cases, doesn’t add to the costs of running a business. Going the extra mile and adding in special touches is more a matter of planning and implementing a process than anything else. Most businesses pay very little attention to this. So why should you? Repeat business – that’s why. I want you to think about your customer service? Not what you say but what you’re really doing? I break this review into 2 categories. That’s what we talk about in today’s show. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

359 – Building Your Website? Listen to this First with Chase Clymer

Sue Monhait — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

If you've ever wondered, "Do I need a website for my small business?" - today's show is for you. Your website is the headquarters of your business – even if you don’t have a brick-and-mortar shop. It’s the cog off of which everything else for your business connects and expands. It wasn’t like this in years past. But now, an online presence is essential. And make no mistake about it – your own website is what you should strive for. It's great to have a shop on Etsy or sell through Amazon. But long term, you want your own self-controlled site for the most stable business structure. So, today we’re talking in depth about websites. Including the most important first question to answer before you even go one step further. Chase Clymer is the Co-founder at Electric Eye where he and his team create Shopify-powered sales machines from strategic design, development, and marketing decisions. He’s also the host of Honest eCommerce, a weekly podcast that provides online store owners with honest, actionable advice to increase their sales and grow their business.

The Answer To, "Do I Need A Website For My Small Business?"

The biggest eCommerce challenge is finding product/market fit. Just opening a shop does not mean you have a viable business.
Find out if the market wants to buy your product. Your product must solve your ideal customer's problem or fulfill their desire.
Validating your product is crucial. Until you confirm that strangers will give you money for your product you have not validated your product.
You have a business when that product is selling and paying your bills.
The market share you could get from selling a validated product online is massive.
If your goal is to increase your sales on your home base, you need to make a reason for people to go to your website.
It’s easier when your product resonates with your audience.
Keep your navigation simple. The only things on the topline navigation should be the things that make you money.
If your site doesn't allow me to get to the product I need as fast as I want to, I'll go to another website.
Performance is crucial. The faster your website is, the higher your conversion rate is.
Use an off-the-shelf theme for Shopify unless you're making $1m or more. Once you pass that milestone, it will be worth the investment for a custom theme.
Don't trust themes that aren't on the Shopify theme store!

Listen to the full conversation for more answers to do I need a website for my small business!

More Ideas To Market Your Handmade Product Business

Explore other avenues for marketing. Don't have all your eggs in one basket.
Utilize other marketplaces (like Etsy and Amazon) to make more sales plus drive traffic to your website.
Market to your customer in a way that they want to hear from you.
Sending text messages is more personal and it's also noticeable. Keep the frequency lower on SMS vs email. <- Tune in to get much more detail on text marketing!
Automations are crucial in eCommerce so you can send your custom-tailored messages specific to their unique customer journey.
People are curious about who makes the products. Your about page should tell your story and why you're unique.
Get the word out about your product. Get it in front of more people in a way that's scalable.
Getting a potential customer’s email or phone number is valuable to a business. You have to communicate with them.

Listen to the episode to get all the ideas about marketing your handmade product business!

Resources Mentioned

Last chance to Apply for Makers MBA (closes end of day Feb 26)
Join the waitlist for the next Makers MBA session

Chase's Contact Links

Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Podcast

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 51 – Here’s the Key You’ve Been Looking For

Sue Monhait — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

In my messy “catch all” drawer, guess what I found? A key. But … a key to what? Usually, I have an identifier of some sort. Not this time. So now what do I do? If I knew what the key went with, it would be really valuable. But holding it in its current state - without knowing where it goes, it’s useless. That struck me as such a powerful thing. In my hand was this single key that, with one important piece of information, could easily open the right door/box/treasure chest. Simple, done within seconds, and without another thought because access with the key is so effortless. But if you reach a door and don’t have the key, you’re stuck and can’t go any further. Or you have to waste a lot of time looking for the key, calling a locksmith or breaking down the door. Something easy that usually requires very little thought, turns into a big chore. All because of one little key. This is what happens in business too. I see women every day working so hard – trying to open doors without having the right key – and getting discouraged because sales aren’t coming in and they can’t understand why. They’re missing the keys – that’s why! If the idea of starting a business by selling your handmade products has been on your mind for a while - now would be a great time to take action! The attraction for handmade products along with the focus on supporting small business is at an all time high! Makers MBA gives you step by step guidance and support to start your handmade business and provides all the keys to growing a business where currently sales are less than you’d like. Think of this program as a lifetime resource on “how to” and “what’s next” for every stage of your business. Once you’re in, you have access forever including all updates and enhancements to the trainings. It doesn’t provide just one missing key. It’s an entire chain of the keys you need to open all the doors at every stage as your business opens, grows and adjusts to current times. This year I’m doing things completely differently in terms of offering the program. The content is all the same, but the timing, the pricing and the rollout are all different. AND it’s FAST – so if you think this may be for you, go HERE to read through the details. You can also reach out to me at sue@suemonhait.com if you have questions or would like to talk about your specific situation and if it’s a fit. But as I said, act fast. The doors close in just a few days – Feb 26 to be exact. No time to waste or you’ll miss it. Makers MBA – what you need to get your handmade products out to the world, and make money at it too. I’m offering you the only key you need. Will you accept it and open the door to your future?Join my FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community where you’ll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you’d like to do me a huge favor – please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

358 – Starting Over at 50 THIS Time Your Way with Jennifer Arthurton

Sue Monhait — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Thinking about starting over at 50 as an entrepreneur or anything else? It's actually more and more common but nobody talks about it. So, let's talk about it. Because as women who’ve reached middle age, we have so much to offer to others and ourselves. Midlife is a time when we analyze how we want to live the second half of our lives. AND decide what’s really important. It's an opportunity to release the expectations that in the past we felt we needed to live up to and now do things for ourselves. Whether that means starting a second career or picking up a past interest or new activity you’ve always wondered about. In this episode, we talk about how now is your time! How to reconnect with ourselves and get re-introduced to our passions. You’ll also hear about the concept of No Zero Days and the details of this very important stage in our life – the Maven Years. And whether you’ve reached your Maven Years yet or not, this is one of the most powerful episodes I’ve ever created to serve you. It can empower you if you’re at this point, or prepare you if it’s in your future. As women, regardless of our life stage, we can stand tall and proud. Jennifer Arthurton is the creator and founder of Old Chicks Know Sh*t, a community designed to inspire and support midlife women in chasing their dreams and creating their kick-ass next chapter. Jennifer is an empowerment coach, podcast host, writer, and speaker. Having made her own midlife course correction, she is a passionate advocate of the inherent power and knowledge that women possess at a time when they often feel overlooked and doubt themselves most.

Starting Over At 50 As An Entrepreneur (Or Anything Else)

No Zero Days = Take the tiniest possible step every day that will take you in the direction you want. Little steps add up to massive things.
Spend some time going inwards. Get connected with yourself.
Be intentional and focus on your authentic beliefs.
Figure out what’s important to you and what legacy you want to leave.
Never fall into that trap of questioning your value in the world.
Carve time out for yourself. Spend time doing something you love.
Your purpose is to find joy and excitement.
Help others step into their power.
Do whatever you want or need to do to feel good about yourself and connect with yourself.
Stand in the fact that you are a strong, vibrant, smart, kick-ass woman. Ground yourself in that and don't take on what comes in from the outside world.

Listen to the full conversation for so much more about how to change your mindset about aging and starting over at 50 as an entrepreneur or anything else!

Maven Years:

Maven = An expert with knowledge and wisdom to share.
The Maven Years are the 30-40 years between the end of the "motherhood" phase before you reach the "crone" stage.
We have knowledge. We have wisdom. But we're still young enough to use that to actually change the world.
Mavenhood is about coming back to yourself, coming back to your truest nature. And figuring out what you want to do. What legacy do you want to leave? What's the mark you want to leave behind? It's really a mindset switch.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to change the way you think of who you are and what you're capable of!

Resources Mentioned

Join the Makers MBA Waitlist
Connected! 2022 Social Media Scheduler

Jennifer's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 50 – Dare to Listen? You’re Full of BS!

Sue Monhait — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Let me cut to the chase. I’m not a betting girl but if I was, I think I’d win this wager. I’m placing my bet that YOU are full of BS. And not only that. I’m here to convince you that you should be showing that you’re full of BS to your community too. I’ve got you totally confused right now. Yes? I heard this BS statement from Ally Love … my favorite Peloton spin instructor. The reason I connect with her is she’s grounded in her thinking, clearly loves and seeks out the fun in life, has morals that align with mine … and tells it like it is. When she told me (and my virtual spin class) that we were full of BS, my first instinct was to say – not me. I mean I know others who are but I don’t see it in myself. As we continued spinning and Ally continued talking, I spun faster – breathed harder and when I was done – stood prouder – because she convinced me that I AM full of BS. And that’s what I’d like to pass on to you right now. I want you to believe that you are also, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head, full of BS. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

357 – Why NOW is the Time to Get Your Pricing in Line with Racheal Cook

Sue Monhait — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you struggle with how much should you price your product? It's a question we all struggle with. If you’re not sure if you’re pricing your product properly … or already know you aren’t but haven’t reset your prices (which of course means higher) - then you definitely want to stick around and listen closely today. We cover is why NOW is the perfect time to get your pricing in line. And you'll learn how to get this done and off your “I know I need to do this list” once and for all. We cover other business growth points too. Think back … you started your business for freedom and flexibility, right? Can you say you have that now? My guess is not. I think this is the biggest myth about running your own business. The reality for most is that the opposite happens and we have less freedom and are tied down to our business if we’re not careful. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way. Racheal is on a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty for women. Over the last 10 years, she’s helped thousands of female entrepreneurs design predictably profitable businesses without the hustle and burnout that doing “all the things” inevitably provokes. Her passion is supporting savvy, soulful women as they implement the strategy, systems, and support structure that will uncomplicate their business so they can work less and live more.

How Much Should You Price Your Product?

In the product world - profit margin is really important.
The #1 pricing mistake product-based business owners make is not building your own labor and time into the price. <-- Listen in for more details on this!
Be very aware of how long it takes for each individual product to be produced and then give the dollar amount to that. Then, if you hire someone else, it's already built into the price.
Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Really think about what they value the most and focus on that. <-- Tune in for more on this!
Once you determine what your correct price should be, it may take a little time to shift to it. There are a few ways to do it:
- Most people make this a much bigger deal than it is. For most, you can just change the price on your website or catalog and 98% of your customers won't say anything.
- To reward loyal customers, give them an opportunity to buy before you raise the price. These sales often go very well and result in a good bump in revenue.
- If you need to increase the price by 30%-50%, you can slowly stair-step the price up over time rather than doing it all at once.
Remember - most people who buy handmade items are NOT super price sensitive. So, the people who comment on price or ask for discounts are not your ideal client. Focus on people who value the time, energy, and craftsmanship that goes into creating handmade products. <-- Pro tip!
Other pricing issues to consider. If you offer free shipping, that comes off the top of your price. Eliminating free shipping will instantly increase the price you charge.
If you haven't raised your price at least 10% since last year, you're losing money due to the cost of inflation.
Internally, look at your cost of goods. Can you reduce the cost per item by purchasing supplies in bulk? Or finding alternative materials that cost less?
Now may be the right time to raise your price because prices are going up everywhere.

Listen to the whole conversation for more about how much should you price your product!

How To Get Time Back As A Handmade Business Owner

Step into the CEO role. Be the boss of your business.
Be more intentional in designing your business.
Know where to focus your time and energy. Then evaluate what you can delegate to claim back time you can use to grow your business.
Anything you do over and over again is an opportunity to document it and create systems (e.g., answering customer service emails, etc.).
Even if it only takes you a few minutes to respond to an email, it can take hours out of your day. Build those email templates so it’s easier to bring somebody on for your team.
If you are making handmade products, know when you need to get support. Let your team manage inventory and shipping.
You can expand your capacity to sell more as you train people in the production of your product. Product quality can be maintained by proper systems in place.

How To Market Your Handmade Business For Growth

Find a way to fall in love with marketing and sales. That is where your growth will come from at the end of the day.
Spend more time on marketing and sales activities each week to stimulate growth.
You are the asset of your brand. Remember the story behind why you started this business or why you created this product.
Don't focus on what’s trendy and popular. Stay focused on where your people spend time.
Figure out how people search for a product like yours.
If you have something that is search-specific, there are so many opportunities to get out in front of your ideal customer. <-- Lots more detail on this in the episode!
When things are changing - look ahead and focus on the opportunities ahead rather than being scared of the change.

Listen to the full episode for so much more on how to determine how much to charge for a product and grow your business!

Resources Mentioned

Racheal's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 49 – Simplify Your Life – STOP Making Decisions!

Sue Monhait — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like your life has become way too complicated? There are so many decisions to make, issues to consider, chores to get done, activities and doctor appointments to schedule AND all the tasks associated with your business. As adults we make 35,000 decisions a day! Couple this with Decision Fatigue - per psychiatrist Dr. MacLean “the idea that after making many decisions, your ability to make more and more decisions over the course of a day becomes worse.” So, we’ve got lots of decisions to make each day and the quality of our choices goes down as the day advances. How can you use this information to serve you best for both your personal and business dealings? That’s what we cover in today’s show. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

356 – Unseen Possibilities for a Creative Career with AnnMarie Mattila of American Cake Decorating Magazine

Sue Monhait — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Do you ever wonder how people get ideas for the creative business or career they have today? In this case – how did my guest today go from thinking she’d be a professional ballet dancer and end up as a writer, editor, and recipe developer in the baking industry? It definitely wasn’t a straight line. Nor are most journeys. But in AnnMarie's story, I think you’ll be inspired and maybe even see parallels to the twists and turns you’re taking … and be motivated by the potential of where your path will lead you. Here’s a fabulous example of how you can extend your love of a handmade product above and beyond making and selling. I’m talking about applying the skills and knowledge you’ve developed with a handmade skill and using it for a career in the same industry - but from another angle. AnnMarie is the Managing Editor at American Cake Decorating Magazine. She’s also a pastry chef and food content creator focused on the sweet side of life: baking! After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, she spent more than a decade as a freelance baker and cake decorator before returning to school to focus on media. She earned her master’s degree in food studies from New York University and began her writing career with Pastry Arts Magazine. She is a cofounder, an editor, and a recipe developer for Pastry at Home, as well as a freelance writer for other food media outlets as well.

Ideas For Creative Business & Careers

Take the journey to hone in on who you really are.
Accept the risk of putting yourself out there so people can accept who you are.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping your side hustle a side hustle. It’s also okay to make your side hustle a full-time career.
Don’t stop learning. It opens new opportunities for growth and success.
Take classes to improve your skills. There’s always something new things that you can learn out there.
Sometimes you just need to look at the people in your life for help.
Stay motivated to constantly search for what’s next that would make you fulfilled in life.
Pick out one thing that is worth pursuing.

Resources Mentioned

Free classes at HandmadeHealsTheWorld.com
Connected! 2022 Social Media Scheduler

AnnMarie's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 48 – A Heart-to-Heart About Your Competition

Sue Monhait — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today let’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about competition. Yes, this breath-stopping, gut-wrenching topic. None of us get a pass from experiencing our physical and emotional responses when the subject of a competitor comes up. Just like others, you probably compare the quality and prices of your products, your social media following counts, and the many other unconfirmed stories you make up about all the ways they are more skilled, knowledgeable, or personable than you are. Listen in for the 3 choices you have when it comes to competition and your handmade product business. Then I give you 3 ways to insulate your business from a competitive action by planning ahead and having a strategy in place to deal with it. Bonus – this plan strengthens your business overall and helps you attract customers too! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

355 – A New Selling Style for 2022 that Actually Works with Jeremy Miner

Sue Monhait — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

What is the most dreaded - but most important - activity in your business? Most of us would say, selling. Wouldn't it be great if that could just go away rather than constantly worrying about how to make more sales? Well, it can in a way. Obviously, you need to show your products so people can buy them. But guess what? The act of selling can be transitioned into an enjoyable activity that brings forth a purchase. Today, you’re going to hear why your current actions don't work – even though you put in hours and hours of effort. Plus, how to switch it up so acquiring new customers aligns with natural human behavior. You're about to learn how to make it all so much more comfortable so your sales come in easier than you could ever believe. Jeremy is the Chairman of 7th Level, a top-ranked global sales training company. As Jeremy says,

“The single most effective way to sell anything to anyone in 2021, is to be a problem finder and a problem solver... NOT a product pusher.

Jeremy’s unique brand of sales training pioneers the use of behavioral science and human psychology. He is the host of the podcast, Closers are Losers, and is co-author of a new book, The New Model of Selling to an Unsellable Generation.

How To Make More Sales In 2022

People who are successful commit to learning the right skills that will make them successful. Nobody is just born with the ability to succeed.
If you don't develop the right communication skills with your potential customers, you're never going to get to where you want to be. Learn advanced skills that work with human behavior. That will get your prospects chasing you down wanting to do business with you because they view you as the expert in your field.
ABD of selling → Always Be Disarming. Because the moment your prospect feels you're just trying to sell them, they emotionally shut down. Be more calm and relaxed.
Ask the right questions
- That actually triggers their brain to become curious, where they want to engage with and open up to you because you might have something that's very important to them.
- Commitment questions that get them to commit to taking the next steps to purchase what you're offering to solve their problems.
Never sell to the need of the prospect. You have to sell to what the real problems are.
Help them see the problem they have and where they are now compared to where they want to be. When you do, they'll view you as the expert and see you as the one who's going to get them the results they desire. And they will gladly pay way more money for what you sell.
Don't be a product pusher. Become a problem finder and problem solver. That means asking the right questions at the right time to get the prospect to see the root cause of the problem and how the problem is actually affecting them.
People buy from people who they feel can get them the best results. They buy through emotion more than logic.

So much gold in this episode - tune in to hear it all!

Know The 3 Modes of Selling

Boiler Room Selling Era (the old way)
- The least persuasive method is when you tell people things or try to push them into doing something.
- When you talk about having the best product or services or talk bad about your competitors, your prospects actually trust you less.
- It's not very persuasive at all telling your story because nobody really cares about your story. People care the most about their own.
Consultative Selling
- Ask logical based questions to find out the needs of the client.
- But the downfall of this approach is only asking logical questions (surface-level questions) your prospects will also give you logical base answers in return. And people don’t buy on logic but emotion.
- Very little emotion is brought out by only asking logical, basic questions.
Dialogue (the new way)
- You're the most persuasive when you allow others to persuade themselves when you ask Neuro Emotional Persuasion Questions (NEPQ).
- Learn certain questions and techniques that work with human behavior that will get the prospect to want to open up to you, to want to engage with you and actually pull you in, rather than you pushing them.
- To do this, you have to learn specific skilled questions and when and how to ask them in a step-by-step structure that will get your prospects to sell and close themselves rather than you trying to do it.

An example of the right questions make more sales:

The scene - A customer has just come into your booth or shop.

You: Oh, hey! Are you out just looking around today? (instead of "can I help you?")
Customer: Yeah, I'm just looking
You: Okay. Do you know what you're looking for?

You've just sidestepped the automatic, knee-jerk reaction of "I'm just looking" and created a dialog. Listen to this fascinating conversation for more details on how to make more sales with this new way of selling!

Resources Mentioned

Connected! Social Media Scheduler
Sales Revolution Facebook Group - for free resources in this type of selling

Jeremy's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 47 – How to Scale Your Handmade Product Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Some makers are wonderfully content with a handmade business that balances nicely with the other priorities in their life. They get fulfillment and happiness in the process of making and never want to grow to the point where they can’t do that anymore. But, let’s say, you’ve decided “YES!” you want to grow your business to the next level. You’re close to or have already reached your limit. Maybe you’re delaying important tasks and even making errors, because you simply can’t keep up. Here are three paths to consider that will get you back on track and set you up to scale your business, bring in more revenue and get your handmade creations in the hands of more people. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

354 – Achieving Pinterest Success is Very Different from Facebook or Instagram with Cali Waege

Sue Monhait — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

I know you’ve been looking forward to more on this topic – Pinterest success! Today, you’re going to hear why Pinterest is still so valuable and how to get the most out of your pins. Including ways to attract the right people - your ideal customer. One thing I’m really enjoying about Pinterest is how very different it is from Facebook or Instagram. It didn’t start out that way, so if you haven’t had an update recently, you’ll find this really interesting. And honestly, it's so refreshing. Plus, how would you answer this question: “Are hashtags appropriate these days for my pins?” Yes or no? Are you sure? Let’s get into the show and find out if you’re right. Cali is the gal behind The Halcyon Hive and is a pin-tastic marketing guru. She helps service providers and product sellers increase traffic, client leads, and sales using Pinterest. It's time you stop crossing your fingers hoping that one of those many pins you posted will go viral and get you the traffic that everyone is talking about. Cali’s going to be our guide today to teach us the strategy and tactics to get those results.

How To Achieve Pinterest Success

Why bother with Pinterest for your small business?

Pinterest helps you get more eyes on your website, grow your email list, increase brand awareness, and even make more sales.

Understand how Pinterest is different from Facebook and Instagram.

Pinterest is a visual search engine, so it's more like Google than social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. People go to Pinterest to search, be inspired, and plan, not to socialize with others.
Don't worry about your follower count - it's much less important than getting your Pinterest SEO right.
Pinterest engagement is different from social platforms - it's about clicking, savings, and clicking through to the associated URL. Engagement is important because it tells Pinterest what your pin is about and who to show it to.

What to pin for Pinterest success?

Use Pinterest Trends to find currently trending search terms. <-- Listen to the convo for details about using Pinterest Trends!
Check your Pinterest Analytics to see which of your pins were most successful. Use them as inspiration for new pins.
Create 5-7 pins per destination post (e.g., blog post, product sales pages, etc.). Then check back in a few months to see which ones got the most activity for design and keyword inspiration.
Include subtle branding on your pins so they stand out from other people.
No need to repin other peoples' pins anymore. Focus on creating your own fresh content. If you don't have a lot of content to promote, then you can repin pins from other people to flesh out your boards until you have enough of your own.
Don't bother with hashtags anywhere in your Pinterest activity. They are no longer relevant. <-- PRO TIP - tune in for more detail!
It's okay to pin the same pin to different boards, but schedule some space between them. For example, pin it to the most relevant board first. Then a week or two later, pin it to another board.
Know what’s trending to help you plan out content and when to pin things. Look at pins high on these trends searches for design inspiration.

What to do if you change the focus of your Pinterest account?

Unless the link no longer works, just keep old pins. No need to delete anything as long as the destination is still valid. <-- Tune in for details on this!
Create new boards that fit your new focus with appropriate keywords. Put the vast majority of your pin creation focus on your new boards rather than old boards.
Convert personal boards to Secret to keep your account focused on your business.

How to start a new Pinterest account (or convert a personal one) for your business?

Create (or switch to) a business account in order to get Analytics and other benefits for your business. Audience insights will tell what level of interest your audience has in certain topics and categories.
Know who your ideal customer is. Is the audience you acquired on your personal Pinterest the target audience you want for your business? If it is, just convert your personal to a business account. But if it's not, create a new business account.
Start with 5-10 boards. Activity is more important than the number of boards. So only make boards you can consistently create content for.
Add content to your new boards as soon as possible. You want to fill your board with super relevant content so Pinterest knows what it's about.
Create content that will attract your ideal customers. Use search terms your ideal customers would use when creating your Board titles. <-- Listen in for examples!
Use Pinterest Trends to find keywords and phrases people are actually searching for. Then use them for your Board titles and Pin titles and descriptions.
It's good to have semi-overlapping boards and you can pin the same pin to those boards. <-- Listen to the full episode for more detail!
If you are selling products, you can create a Shop tab. <-- More details on this in the show!
Don't put a price on your Pin image so it remains evergreen even if the price changes. If you create a Shop tab, it will automatically pull in the correct, updated price.

What else can we do with Pinterest?

Explore Pinterest's new Widget feature
Join the Pinterest Business Community to possibly get featured on the Pinterest Featured tab.
Run ads with Pinterest

Listen to the full conversation for all Cali's great tips about how to achieve Pinterest success in 2022!

Resources Mentioned

Cali's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 46 – The Festivities Planned for National Bakers Crafters Makers Day

Sue Monhait — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It’s here! This is the week of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – on Friday the 21^st to be exact. The ONLY way you wouldn’t know about this already is if you’re brand new here because I’ve been talking about it and there have been activities to participate in all month long. Things like submitting your handmade memories, sharing how your handmade products provide good to others, access to done for you social media posts and stickers - so you can be part of promoting the day, downloading my free gift and more! It’s all outlined, including what I’m talking about today over on the website page covering the event at www.handmadehealstheworld.com. See a full rundown of everything you can do for National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

353 – So You Think You’ve Tried Everything to Get People to Buy? with Matt and Layne of Obsessed With Markets

Sue Monhait — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Are you selling crafts at fairs? Or are you selling online only? I had the chance to talk with a married couple who are experts on selling at markets. Their story is so interesting because they both had this passion as they were growing up – and the combination of their experiences together is really powerful. You’ll see what I mean in a minute. But if you haven’t considered selling crafts at fairs and shows before, it’s something to consider for this year - it might change everything for you. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but even the experts in social media are now changing their messaging and talking a lot more about email and yes, face-to-face selling like what we’re focusing on today. Matt and Layne are husband and wife business partners who started Obsessed With Markets. Layne comes from a retail family so she grew up on the floor of large retail stores and experienced going to markets with her mom and dad. Matt is a welder/fitter by trade who has spent the bulk of his life making, sculpting, and fabricating anything he could get his hands on. His professional life before Obsessed was manufacturing and construction management. They spend their lives now helping makers and artisans understand what steps need to be taken to turn their creative passion into the job they want or the opportunity they want.

Selling Crafts At Fairs & Local Markets

Understand your customers and what their needs are. Learn how to sell to them properly without being pushy.
Know basic sales things. It'll change the entire dynamic of how you do things once you start to understand.
Understand why some products don't sell. Why isn't it selling? What have you missed? What are you not addressing? What skills can you give to get this product selling?
Look for the right type of help from people who have actually been in your shoes.
Learn face-to-face sales. That's what you need to focus on because so much becomes clear about what you're doing, why you're there, and what they want to hear.
Always consider what your market wants to hear from you. Do your research.
You don't have to know everything. Delegate tasks so you can prioritize things to grow your business.
Establish a relationship and ask the right questions.
Make sure you have a strong niche because that's going to be a big help with your business. It’s something that makes you stand out.

Business Building Insights

Address problems and issues very quickly. Follow up with solutions and answers.
You can learn how to do things that are difficult. Be willing to put yourself out there, to fail, and to feel embarrassed. Be open to all those things that go along with learning.
Look for the right kind of training and guidance when trying to grow your business.
Move towards what moves you and this will all work out. Believe in yourself and do what you love. Put your heart and soul into it.
When you do something you love, it just goes exponentially better.
So much of success comes from just believing in yourself in the first place.
Embrace failure - over and over. Throwing yourself into the fire is the only way you'll learn.
You were not made to know everything. Go educate yourself and be willing to outsource.
Even when you think you've tried everything - you haven't. Look around for new ideas and techniques to try.
Take a chance on yourself - get help, get training, don't give up.

Tune into this value-packed episode to get all the tips and insights about selling crafts at fairs and local markets - and more!

Resources Mentioned

Vendor Market Handguide
HandmadeHealsTheWorld.com - Celebrate National Bakers Crafters Makers Day with us!
Download your Free Affirmation Poster

Matt & Layne's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 45 – Why I Created National Bakers Crafters Makers Day

Sue Monhait — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

January is a big deal here at Gift Biz Unwrapped because this is the month of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. Today, I want to explain why I created the day in the first place and its significance. Making handmade products comes from the soul. It’s an investment of time and energy. The results are one of a kind and enrich our lives by surrounding us with beauty and individuality. They provide happiness for both the creator and its recipient – something our world needs and continually seeks … which is what led to our theme this year – Handmade Heals the World. As someone with a passion for handmade, I want you to stand proud behind your creations. Whether for a hobby or as a business, what you bring to our lives is so incredibly special and it’s something worth celebrating! To see all the ways you can join in the celebration of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day, click here. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

352 – Let’s Create Your Brand Story Right Now with Meredith Kallaher

Sue Monhait — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Today's show is about a very important topic that can truly change how you think about your business AND how others perceive you in relation to your business. We're talking about your brand story. Answer honestly here. Do you currently hesitate when asked about your business? Do you stumble over what to say or answer timidly with very little confidence? Why do we do that? I mean, you’re around your products every single day. You should stand proud and speak confidently about what you offer and its value. If you’re not, it’s probably because you’ve never formulated your brand story. Well, guess what? That’s what we’re going to do right now. My guest, Meredith, takes direction from the Brand Story master himself, Donald Miller, to walk you through the steps of how to formulate your story and then where to apply it in your business. What a relief! Never again do you need to be hesitant or timid about sharing your pride and joy. The products you create and the value they provide to those lucky enough to have them. Meredith works with new and seasoned business owners to find the right people who are a perfect fit for their products and services. She does this by helping her clients effectively communicate the value of what they offer through their brand story. Once that’s in place, it can be used on their website, in social media, and even in face-to-face conversations. Meredith believes all good copy starts with a story. And we are going to work on creating yours today!

How To Create Your Brand Story

Your brand story is the story of the value that you deliver to your customer.
Pick one group for your potential clients and work with them to see if it resonates.
Focus on how you empathize with the customer and what gives you authority. Whatever reason you feel confident in creating your craft gives you authority.
Whatever promise that you make to your customers, you would put it in your plan, too. The process and the promise.
When you sit down to write your brand story, think of the different ways you will be calling people to come buy from you.
Create a character transformation statement. That makes it easier when people ask what do you do. Speak with power and confidence because you're representing your business.
When making your about page, look at your brand story. It's all about the customer. They want to know about you to buy from their perspective.
Remember to talk about why you empathize with the customer or the product that you're making, what gives you authority and why they should feel comfortable buying from you.

Tune in to the full discussion to learn exactly how to create YOUR brand story and how to use it on your website and more!

7 Steps To Create Your Brand Story

Define your ideal customer and describe what they want.
Describe your ideal customer's problem that your product solves.
Meet the guide. Your ideal customer meets a guide (you). How do you relate to their problem and what makes you the authority?
Create a plan. What is the plan for buying from you? And what is the promise you make to your customer?
Call them to action. Identify the situations when your customers would buy from you. Think of all the different ways you can call your customers to buy from you.
What is the success you help them create?
What is the failure you help them avoid?

Listen to the full conversation for all the details on each step to create your brand story!

Resources Mentioned

HandmadeHealsTheWorld.com - learn more about National Bakers Crafters Makers Day!
MyStoryBrand.com

Meredith's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 44 – My Revelation as We Designed our Handmade Heals the World Logo

Sue Monhait — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

National Bakers Crafters Makers Day and is marked in the National Day Archives as celebrated on January 21. But we’ll be celebrating all month long and you’ll hear a lot more about it as we continue through the month. Today, I want to share with you the development of the theme and the corresponding logo we’re using for NBCMD this year. I think that my experience will give you ideas of how to move through this project if you’re either creating a logo for the first time or updating or completely replacing an existing logo. Now, I’ve done my fair share of logo development in the past. But this time I approached it differently by employing a professional artist. In the process, I learned something that made a huge impression on me that I’m excited to share with you. Plus I walk through the 5 Steps we took in professional image design creation. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

351 – How to Work Hard and Feel Great about Your Life with La’Vista Jones

Sue Monhait — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

Happy New Year 2022! I have a special show for you today, all about the future. In this episode, you'll hear ways to be happier and bring more joy to your days so you can create a new way of being in 2022. My guest La’Vista is the founder and CEO of 31 Marketplace, an agency that helps overworked solopreneurs do what they love without sacrificing themselves and experiencing burnout. She accomplishes this by blending systemization and self-care - topics that she and her guests speak candidly about on her podcast B.O.S.S. Talk. As a burnout survivor herself, La’Vista is leading a movement of entrepreneurs who want more from life than frazzled days and sleepless nights. Her unique approach of blending strategy, implementation, and holding space for moments to breathe helps each client cultivate their own culture of work-life balance.

How to Work Hard & Feel Great About Your Life

Make Self Care Consistent

Self-care is crucial because if you aren't in a good position to show up for yourself and your business, even systems you do have in place won't work because you're too exhausted to go through them properly.
Define for yourself what self-care actually means for you. Don't look at what others consider self-care and feel you have to do it that way or it will just put more stress on yourself.
Reconnect with the things that bring you joy. Identify what makes you happy? What lights your fire? Then figure out how to bring more of that into your day-to-day life. <-- Listen to the whole discussion to learn how to find what works for you!
Don't think of self-care as an item on your to-do list. It's about infusing it into your lifestyle.
Stay consistent with intentional self-care so you are replenishing yourself on a daily basis.
How to incorporate self-care:
1. Define what brings you joy
2. Identify how you can add more of that into your life
3. Be intentional about making it happen on a regular basis
4. Know what your love language is and find ways to leverage that to reinforce yourself in your business <-- Listen to the full convo for more on this!
Be consistent about taking care of yourself.

Create Efficient Systems

Automate things as much as possible. Leverage automation to make the systems in your business as efficient as they can be.
Documentation in any business is your best friend. It will help you scale that business. People you bring to the team will know what their role is and what they’ll be doing. It cuts down training time.
Automate collecting testimonials or feedback from your clients. It’s also increased social proof you can use out for your marketing,
Simple automation ideas to get you started:
1. Order emails such as receipts and follow-ups Hdo not need to be manually done each time. Use your email marketing system to automate these types of emails.
2. Offboarding a client - instead of writing a handwritten thank you note, use a service like Handwrytten.
3. Where else can you create systems to automate repetitive tasks to free up your time and brainpower for other things?
Celebrate the progress you make and just keep going. It's progress, not perfection.

Listen to the full conversation for so much more about how to work in a way to brings you joy and fulfillment instead of burning you out!

Resources Mentioned

La'Vista's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 43 – My Word for 2022

Sue Monhait — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Choosing a theme word that will direct your year. Have you heard of this concept before? It’s similar to the idea of identifying a major goal and then developing tasks and activities underneath that goal with the idea that, once completed – your goal will have been achieved. The difference with an annual word is it goes deeper. There’s usually an emotional element included in your word even though on the surface it looks very business-oriented. I also find selecting an annual word to be very clarifying and calming. It allows for reflection on your performance over the last year and opens up your mind to dream and project what you want in the future. Once you’ve chosen your word, it’s a beacon of sorts to walk towards and a filter to help prioritize all the things you could work on in your business versus what you should work on to get your desired results. I’ll tell you my 2022 word in a minute but first, let me share some of my prior years’ words. This may give you ideas as you consider what your word could be. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

350 – Storytelling and a Peek into the Life of Heidi Swain, a Simon & Schuster Bestselling Author

Sue Monhait — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Today's show is a bit special ... because it goes live on Christmas day! So I'm doing something a little different with this episode. There are no promotions and only a little bit of learning. How can I not when we have such an expert with us today? Just like last year, Heidi shares an excerpt from her latest book. As well as some behind-the-scenes of her life as an author, her holiday traditions, and even some storytelling tips you can use for your business. Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi acquired a degree in literature and flirted briefly with a newspaper career, before plucking up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously. A lover of vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes feel-good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. Her debut novel, The Cherry Tree Café was published in July 2015. And since then she has had a further twelve books published, becoming a Sunday Times Bestseller in 2017. Heidi is currently celebrating the release of her 2021 festive title, Underneath the Christmas Tree, and writing The Summer Fair which will be published next spring.

Storytelling Tips From A Published Author

When it comes to writing and storytelling, make it personal.
Let people know about the inspiration behind a product that makes it authentic. That will resonate with your audience.
Don't ignore the senses. If you've got something that smells good or feels good, that's something you really want to highlight.
Add those little details that make things all the more appealing and inviting.
Inspiration can come from anywhere.
Scribble ideas that come to mind that are going to work in different settings.

Listen to the full conversation for storytelling tips, a reading from Heidi's latest book, plus a glimpse into her life as an author!

Resources Mentioned

Heidi's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 42 – “… When All Through the Store …”

Sue Monhait — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Enjoy my rendition of an old Christmas classic - revised to fit our handmade business community. Enjoy and listen closely, you'll hear some priceless lessons that Amanda, our shop owner, learns from Jolly Old St. Nick. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

349 – Integrating Our Love of Stories into Your Brand with Chloë Thomas

Sue Monhait — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

These days, "storytelling" is a buzzword online. But you may wonder what it's really all about. If so, stick around, because today we're diving into what is storytelling for business. We’re always searching for ways to stand out and be recognized. Particularly when there are probably thousands of others who make a product similar to yours. Here’s a secret … most people approach the visibility issue the wrong way. They try to make their product “better" or price it lower. But that's not the way to go. After all, what does "better" even mean? What people consider better will be different for each person. So how do you pin down better? It’s a stab in the dark and will resonate with some and not others. And dropping your price? That’s diminishing your product quality and skill and ultimately leads to a very sad financial situation. Nope – "better" and lower-priced aren’t the answers. But storytelling? It's a different strategy entirely and can be a real differentiator for you.

So, what is storytelling in business, actually?

It’s a no-cost way to endear people to you. To deepen the connection between you and your customers and to give people stories they can pass on to “could-be” customers they know. Think of the season we’re in right now. Holiday stories get told and retold. I bet you have a favorite or two that you read or a movie you watch year after year. It brings back wonderful memories, it’s emotional and meaningful. Now I’m not suggesting you make a holiday story of your business. But you can incorporate the feelings that stories bring, into your brand. When you do this, you become share-worthy and more people discover you. And the more people know about you, the more people buy. So, let's dive into how you can become a storytelling business. That's where my guest, Chloë, comes in. She's a storytelling expert and has been in eCommerce since 2003, meaning there’s barely a part of the eCommerce landscape she’s not involved with. From the start, Chloë’s been solving eCommerce marketing problems. Tiny problems such as where to spend your advertising dollars. And more sophisticated issues such as identifying how to adapt to big opportunities like emotional commerce and storytelling. Chloë is a bestselling Author, International Speaker, and host of the Award-winning eCommerce MasterPlan and Keep Optimising Podcasts. Both of these shows are regularly included in lists of the top eCommerce & marketing podcasts in the world. She’s also one of Scurri’s Top 30 eCommerce Influencers for 2021.

What is Storytelling in Business?

As consumer trends and consumer needs have changed, we all now need to take account of storytelling in our businesses. Because it's what consumers want to hear from us.
Why? Because consumers want more than just the features of your product.
Storytelling is about getting the humanity of your business, the story of your products, and the goodness of things you're already doing out in front of people.
It's how you answer your customers' questions about whether they want to buy from you.
Trust is essential for a successful business and storytelling is an important way to develop trust.
Using storytelling is a less 'salesy' way to communicate about your offerings.
Storytelling has its biggest impact early in the customer journey. The impact happens before the customer even interacts with your business.
Customers should be able to see what's going on in your brand, especially behind the scenes. That’s where storytelling comes into play. It helps people relate better to what you do and your product.

How to Use Storytelling In Your Business

Your customers want to know who they're buying from. They want to understand where the products come from. They want to feel an emotional connection to the product and to the business they're buying it from.
Storytelling isn't just in one place. It lives across your social media, on your About page, in your welcome email sequence. It exists in all those places, even on your Home page.
It's also a way to filter out people who don't care about the same things as you. <-- Tune in for the full explanation of this!
There are 2 parts to storytelling in business:
1. The "brand founder" key information you want to get across to someone who comes in for the first time.
2. And the dynamic storytelling part. Which is what's going on behind the scenes, the evolution stuff. <-- Listen for examples of this!
It's good to show challenges as well as successes. Share the humanity and reality behind things so people can relate to you.
Find the engagement level you're comfortable with in terms of what you're willing to share. Everyone will be different.
Test out what works for you, but when you test - commit to doing it right (find the hashtags, etc.)
With regards to your email communication, always have a link to find out more about your brand.
Reusing and recycling your content can be a great way of giving that storytelling piece more exposure (social post becomes blog post or vice versa, etc.)
Clever ideas will come up when you're busy with something else. Write down ideas whenever you have them so you always have something to pull from.
Don't use storytelling in everything. A good mix of sales and softer content is what leads to the greatest sales volume. <-- Pro tip!
3 steps to get started:
1. Create your foundational "Founder Story" (About page content). Who you are as the maker of your product and the founder of your business, how you got started, what your product is. Make it personable, not like a resume. Note: this will never be finished or perfect. Don't agonize over it. Publish it and tweak it every few months to reflect what you've learned or what has changed.
2. Use portions of the Founder Story to create social posts. Don't be afraid to repost every 6 months or so for new followers to see.
3. Share dynamic stories using all the examples in this podcast. Develop a storytelling mindset.

Listen to the full conversation to hear so many more examples of how to use storytelling in your business, what *not* to share, and specific steps to get started!

Resources Mentioned

ep 290 - An Email Marketing Plan – The Often Forgotten Powerhouse to Increase Sales
Inspired! Daily Planner - save 40% with coupon code SALE for a limited time!

Chloë's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 41 – It’s About Time!

Sue Monhait — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

How is it that some people get so much accomplished and others struggle to do one simple project? Obviously, there can be extenuating circumstances – like interruptions, emergencies or simply the lack of interest or desire to do whatever project you’re laboring over. But that doesn’t erase the fact that it needs to get done. It just so happens that one of my super powers is productivity. I know it’s one of my strengths, for real, because I’m classified as a “Follow-Through” on the Kolbe Personality Profile. Since I get asked a lot about how I accomplish so much, it might be helpful to share my secret strategy with you. It’s not supposed to be secret, in fact I’ve talked about it before in a couple of my longer podcast episodes. But it can easily get buried as a minor point within a bigger conversation. So today I thought I’d bring it front and center and specifically highlight what I believe to be my single most valuable method of managing through my days to get as much done as possible – even the things I don’t particularly enjoy. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

348 – Business Startup Made Easy with Paisley and Riley of Sweet Tooth Cakerie

Sue Monhait — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Did you ever think of starting a business - maybe a lemonade stand when you were little? I think it's almost a "rite of passage" as a kid - dipping a toe into making money yourself. Sometimes it sparks a dream for the future that unfortunately slips away as we start "adulting" and overthinking things. Today, you're hearing from two very young entrepreneurs who didn’t even know how to make their product before they decided to partner up and go into business. Hear how much fun Paisley and Riley are having as they create, discover, and grow their small business. It comes through in their voices how exciting it is to see what comes next and how eager they are to experiment and learn what works best. But make no mistake. There’s learning for us here, too. The girls take us through step by step how they decided on key elements of their plan ...

the name of the business
what products they’d offer
product validation to ensure they’d have sales
creating a plan for production and shipping
plus developing a website and a social media presence.

They even have a signature product already! Paisley and Riley are adorable 9-year-old entrepreneurs and co-owners of Sweet Tooth Cakerie. Two best friends sharing their deliciousness with the world. These Georgia girls met in kindergarten and on the soccer field and are still in the same class! It all started when Paisley told her mom she wanted to be either a dentist or a baker when she grew up. Her mom responded that she had to wait until she was a grown-up to be a dentist but could be a baker now. Paisley loved that idea and recruited Riley to be her partner. Riley shared with her parents she had an interest in becoming a better baker because loves it so much. That got the ball rolling. Riley's mom reached out to Paisley's mom and asked if she could help teach her, and Sweet Tooth Cakerie was born!

Lessons For All Of Us From Starting A Business As A Kid

You don’t need to have a lot of products to offer your customers right away.
Have people test your products and listen to their feedback to make improvements.
Planning is the key to getting to your final thing.
Be very flexible and assign responsibilities to each other.
Don't be afraid to step up and just try your best. If you have any ideas, just let them out.
If you want to have a business, don't be afraid to do it. Just do it.
Never give up even when things start to get hard.
Don't be afraid to ask for help because it's okay to ask for help. You don't always have to do every single thing on your own.

Resources Mentioned

Inspired! Daily Planner - save 40% with coupon code SALE for a limited time
Gift Biz Unwrapped Shop

Paisley and Riley's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 40 – Make Your Customer the Star!

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Making a customer feel special is where it’s at. Think about your experience from the customer end. Most of the time when you buy something, in a retail shop for sure but also online, it’s a one and done transaction. You make the purchase, get a thank you or a confirmation of the order being received … and that’s it. No further communication and if there is any – it’s probably a bounceback discount to place another order. Don’t get me wrong that additional discount is great – but it’s very sterile and transaction oriented. There’s no connection being formed between you and that business. Any sales after that are going to be initiated by you (the customer) IF you feel so great about the product that you want more, or you remember that company name when it’s time to buy a gift. Think now of yourself as a business owner - that’s leaving a lot up to chance. What if, you could control this interaction in a better way? How about changing the sale from being solely a business transaction into a warm friendly interaction that could lead down the road to a mutually supportive relationship? This is what you do when you make your customer the star. When you add an emotional layer to your customer interactions that make them feel seen, special and important. By prompting these feelings, your customers will move from purchasers to supporters and this leads to long term growth for your business. Let’s talk about how to do this. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

347 – Start a Business Selling Printables and Digital Downloads with Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures

Sue Monhait — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to start an Etsy printables shop? Wonder no more because in this episode we're diving into how to create a new revenue stream for your business with digital downloads. Selling printables and digital downloads is one business model that is very compatible with the life of a busy mom or fitting in a side gig. If you haven’t started your business yet, or are looking to expand on what you’re currently selling but not add to your backend shipping tasks, this may be the perfect option for you. It’s enticing, that’s for sure. Julie’s Etsy shop, The Swag Element, started as a side hustle and now earns her $1,000+ per month selling printable products for bachelorette parties, useful templates, and other digital downloads. Success speaks volumes and these Etsy results prompted another opportunity. While on maternity leave, Julie co-founded Gold City Ventures, which is a company that helps women start side hustles like hers selling printables and digital downloads on Etsy. Over 3,000 students have taken Julie’s E-Printables course with her top student earning over $150,000 on Etsy after starting the shop from scratch.

How To Start An Etsy Printables Shop

A digital download or printable is a digital file you make on your computer and your customer can download from Etsy without further action from you.
If you use Canva’s graphics or fonts, make sure you only use the ones that are okay for commercial use. <-- Pro tip!
Find avenues to drive traffic to your Etsy shop.
If printable fits with your existing business, it can be a profitable niche.
Make stuff people want to buy. You can make something beautiful but if it's not popular it won’t sell.
You don't need to be a great designer to create products that will sell.
Invest your time in a product that's going to be worth it. Use tools to help you see what's trending and get ideas of what to make for your target audience. Try these: <-- Pro tip!
- Google Trends
- Pinterest Trends
- eRank (Etsy tool)
- Ubersuggest (keyword research)
You can buy premade templates for commercial use, customize them and then sell them. This can be a quick and easy way to get some products up in your shop.
Rather than using the same free clip art everyone else has, buy clip art from other websites to make your stuff more unique.

Listen to the full conversation for all the tips & tricks on how to start an Etsy printables shop for your business!

Resources Mentioned

FREE eBook - The Seasonal Products Secret
Inspired! Daily Planner - Save 40% with coupon code SALE for a limited time!

Julie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 39 – Grab My Personal Holiday Gift Planner (FREE)

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Little did I know then but 12 years old, I created my first process. It was a system to run through each and every holiday season to ensure all gifts were purchased, wrapped and ready. This was prompted due to a disaster I share in the podcast. Over the years, it’s been perfected to include the more “adult” elements of gift giving and holiday planning. And it’s been a life-saver that I’d like to share it with you today. You may not think this is very business-related – as are most of the topics we cover here on the podcast … but it really is. I’m sure you’ve heard about the value of having processes and systems in your business so things run smoothly. Even if you haven’t, I bet you have them set up without even knowing it. When you make your products, you follow a certain step by step process. Same with filling orders and a number of other tasks you do that are necessary for your business to function properly. You may just not have them formalized and written down. When you have a structured process, projects become so much easier because you don’t have to rethink the steps, you only have to follow them. I have processes for lots of things in the business, from order processing, to blog writing and promoting, podcast creation and production, and of course, social media posting. So, you’re probably not surprised now when I tell you I have a process for holiday gift planning. And guess what? I want to share with you the Holiday Gifting Worksheet I created and use every year. It keeps me organized and sane when it comes to holiday presents. It’s totally free – my gift to you - and you can download your worksheet right here. No opt in or anything. The link sends you directly to the worksheet. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

346 – Why You Want a Micro-Weird Business with Denise Blasevick of S3 Agency

Sue Monhait — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

You've heard of branding and marketing and sales. But have you heard of micro-weirding? Well, buckle up because that's what we're diving into today. Have you ever stopped to think about how you decide where you’re going to spend your money? Yes, a special eye-catching graphic or creative reel may lead you to discover a new brand. But more than likely, this weekend you’re checking out the deals from companies you already know and support. How did that happen? How did they get on your favorite list? And even more importantly, how can you get on other people’s favorite list? It happens through a strategy called Micro-weirding. Spoiler alert – it is like concocting a potion that magnetically attracts sales. Yep – you definitely want to make your business Micro-Weird. Denise is CEO and co-founder of The S3 Agency, a creative agency specializing in Brand Elevation. She’s worked with clients like BMW of North America and Eight O'Clock Coffee. A self-proclaimed "battler of boring branding," Denise believes that differentiated brand positioning is critical to sustainable sales growth – because when marketing is rooted in this positioning, customers make decisions based on differentiation vs. lowest price. Denise is an inductee in the Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey and has won hundreds of awards for her creativity. Beyond agency life, she spends as much time traveling and experiencing the world with her husband and teenage son as possible.

How To Use Micro-Weirding

Give people a reason to give you their email. Get that valuable connection through the value of what you offer. Customers want a personal connection with the person behind the brand.
Have a pillar of authenticity that’s relevant to your audience.
Don't always define yourself by price.
Branding isn't what you tell people. It's how you change their minds about what you sell.
Creating a differentiated brand will attract people willing to pay more and give you a competitive advantage. If you don't have a brand you're just a commodity (examples: Starbucks, Apple).
Communicate to people why you're different and better.
Find many ways to connect with your audience that are differentiating and meaningful for your sales.
If you make something many others make, differentiate by going ALL IN on something different and unexpected. It can be whatever you want as long as you're consistent with it. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for the full conversation on this!
There are so many ways to connect that aren't obvious but can be differentiating and meaningful.
Whatever your differentiation is, find as many ways to use it as possible. (example: the way you name your sizes or whatever).
Have one thing that people remember you for. Make the brand experience more meaningful.
ARE:
- A - How are you authentically differentiating yourself?
- R - How is that relevant to your target market?
- E - How can you execute on that?
Dig around on these 3 elements (ask your customers, etc.) to nail them down to identify your brand.
How do you execute on your differentiation? Look at the entire experience you create. Consider every single touchpoint.
What can you do beyond product, sale, next?
Makers have an enormous opportunity right now. People want to support small businesses right now rather than buy from big chains.
A brand is not a business. Getting a new logo won't do anything to transform your business.
Price your products based on what they are worth, not just what it cost you to make it. Your brand is a big part of that.
Make yourself more than a soap, more than a coffee, more than a sock.
Any kind of handcrafted item is already special - make sure you hone in on that.

Listen to the full conversation for many more insights and tips on micro-weirding.

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk 34 - Your Role In The Global Supply Chain Crisis
Gift Biz Unwrapped Shop
Inspired! Daily Planner - get it at 40% off with coupon code SALE for a limited time only!

Denise's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Welcome to the Gift Biz Unwrapped Podcast

Sue Monhait — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Gift Biz Unwrapped, the twice weekly show that brings you inspiration and direction on how to start and grow your handmade product business. I’m your host, Sue Monhait, CEO of Gift Biz Unwrapped where we offer all sorts of support materials over on the website of the same name. On Saturdays, I feature a guest who shares their experience and insights as a handmade product creator who is now monetizing their craft. Or I bring on a service provider who gives tips and strategies based on their area of expertise. I follow this up on Wednesday with a solo episode to cover topics you’re telling me are important in the world of handmade. I’m excited for you to join me in listening to these episodes and remember to tell your friends who would be interested in small product business development that they too can listen, for free in any podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify … even ask Alexa! You can also access the show on your computer from the website or our YouTube channel. Now go dive in and know that I’m here to support you in your handmade business journey.

Tips & Talk 38 – What About All the Social Media Changes ?!?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Way back in 1997, this new arena called social media arrived on the digital landscape. Since that time, social media has been a fast and active playground with new platforms emerging, others dying and still others growing and morphing into versions that barely look like their original selves. They rise and fall in popularity and target audiences change too. Think of what happened with Facebook - once being for the younger generations who have mostly now abandoned ship for Instagram. And still other social media formats get outright copied like Reels which of course rivals Tic Tok. And that’s not all. IG offers new features but only to certain accounts FB changes it’s page layout causing confusion that requires us to relearn the app Privacy issues are forcing significant changes Facebook and IG go dark for 6 hours – everyone panics Social media is pretty much synomyous with change. That’s a great thing for people who teach us how to use all the various platforms, but not so great when we’re trying to plan for our business visibility, promotional posts or when we want to run ads. So what’s the answer? Just give up – abandon social media entirely? My answer to this may surprise you. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

345 – A Pro Speaks Up about Networking, Mentorship and Publicity for Gift Business Growth with Lisa Paden of The Personal Gift Basket Co.

Sue Monhait — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

What are three strategies for business growth that many small businesses ignore? That's right - we're talking about networking, mentorship, and publicity. Today, I have the great fortune of talking with a proven professional in business development. You’re going to hear her story about starting the business as a side gig while working a 9-5 job and attending to four babies. So, for anyone out there who says it can’t be done … let’s rethink that! Lisa shares what her life was like then, how she grew and eventually left her corporate job, and how she continues to expand on her rock-solid gift business. Lisa is the Founder and CEO of The Personal Gift Basket Co., an artisan gifting business based in the St. Charles, MO area. Her company is recognized and praised for creating beautifully designed gifts for clients all over the world. Lisa’s been on several local television stations displaying her gift creations and speaking about the power and benefit of gifting. Her creative gift designs have also been featured in many local printed publications. Because of her passion and desire to see others in the gifting industry succeed, Lisa created The Gifting Coach that officially launched in the fall of 2019. Lisa lives in Wentzville Missouri with her amazing, supportive husband, she's the proud mama to four beautiful, grown children and one granddaughter, and her lovable chocolate labradoodle Milo.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Work on your own business just as hard as you would work for someone else.
Overcome your fears as they can cripple the growth of your business. Don't be afraid to succeed.
You have control of everything that you do.
Do things in order and in a way that will help your business and not hinder it.
Make sure your product is priced correctly and you're giving people a great product so they will come back and want again.
Think about and plan for what you will need when your business starts to grow before you are actually there. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for more on this topic.

Networking-Mentorship-Publicity Tips

Network in your community more than anything. When you are out there people get to recognize you.
Get comfortable being around people to share your story. Don't allow yourself to hide behind social media and not show your face.
Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help from someone who has been where you are.
Consider using LinkedIn. It can be a great place to build connections for your business.
Look for opportunities to be interviewed for TV or radio. It takes longer to set up your booth for a show than it does to be interviewed!
Always bring a small gift or examples of your product to interviews.

Listen to the full conversation for more networking, mentorship, and publicity tips and insights from Lisa!

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk Ep 34 - Your Role in the Global Shipping Crisis
Inspired! Daily Planner - save 40% off with code SALE for a limited time!

Lisa's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 37 – The Many Faces of Integrity for Personal and Business Growth

Sue Monhait — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

People with high integrity are known as being trustworthy, dependable and someone you can rely on. Living with integrity is important because it can determine the depth of your relationships and the success of your business. When you start showing up as I describe in this episode, you build your integrity muscle. Along with that comes the feeling of achievement and a boost to your self confidence. Not only does the world look brighter and more interesting, YOU are proving to yourself that you have the power to make things happen. Let’s dive deeper into a part of what integrity is and how it can affect your personal life and business results. Join my FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

344 – A Powerful Lesson We Can Take from Big Brand Strategies Maureen Mwangi of Startward Consulting

Sue Monhait — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Today we’re discussing emotional branding for small business. In the past, we’ve talked a lot about the visual aspect of your brand. The colors, your logo, signage - even your business name. Now, we’re approaching branding from a different angle. I’m sure you’ve heard Maya Angelou's quote about it not being what you say or what you do but how you make someone feel.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou

This softer branding characteristic is missed by many and can be the most powerful thing to get right to attract and retain - not just customers, but raving supportive fans. Maureen grew up in Kenya where entrepreneurship was not the norm. In fact, her mom and dad were the only entrepreneurs she knew. As a little girl, Maureen listened with fascination as they discussed their product strategies around the dinner table almost every night. As she got older, she became acutely aware of the financial freedom business ownership afforded her family, along with access to more opportunities. Maureen quickly learned that the secret to her parents’ business success was the reputable, trustworthy product-based brand they created. Armed with her Master’s Degree in Marketing, she quickly ascended to leadership and began to build some of America’s most beloved brands such as Lays, Chobani, and L’Oreal. Today, Maureen is the creator of Big Brand Academy, The Product Profit Lab, and Startward Consulting. She’s one of the most sought-after brand growth experts because of her unique track record for launching and scaling recognizable brands.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Focus on the why behind the reason somebody is having your product.
The best marketing strategy for any product-based business is word-of-mouth and referrals.
Your business should provide the solution for your customers’ problems.
Think bigger and have a vision of where your business should be in the next years. <-- Tune in for the full conversation on this!
Photography is really important in the e-commerce space. That could be the actual product shot, the actual product shot, or ways how to use the product.
Pick one social media platform and be an expert in that platform. Maximize the sales of that channel. Go where your target audience is.

Emotional Branding For Small Business

What is a brand: the emotional resonance your product and business provides to your customer.
Be the voice of your customer. Create a brand that is centered around your target audience.
Shift from a product mindset to a brand mindset. When you're building your business, build the brand first because branding is why people buy from you. Marketing is how people find you.
Personalize your brand. Provide good customer service and respond to people on time to let people know you're present.
Think about your customer. Who do you want to truly serve? How are you solving the problem they currently have?
Create messaging that people can connect with. That messaging of emotional connection is what will lead them to buy. Create a community that is magnetized by your messaging.
List three adjectives you want to be associated with your brand. <-- Pro Tip!
Always show up as the face of your brand. People want to interact with a human being.
Write descriptions in such a simple way that your customer will understand.
Instead of thinking about how to 10x your sales, make sure to 10x your visibility first.

Take Action Now:

Get clear on who your customer is, what their problem is, and how you solve it.
Write down 3 branding adjectives you want your business to be known by.

Listen to the full episode to hear how this all works with wholesale, e-commerce, and much more!

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk Ep 34 - Global Supply Chain Crisis
Inspired! Daily Planner - Use coupon code SALE to save 40% for a limited time!
Gift Biz Unwrapped Shop
Join us in the Facebook Group

Maureen's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 36 – Get Them to Buy Again

Sue Monhait — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

The way to truly grow a business is through repeat customer sales. Think about it. If every single month you had to start fresh to find and convert new prospects into sales – you’d be exerting tremendous amounts of energy just to stay at the same monthly revenue level.

By contrast, what if your business ran with this sales model. Month one you bring in 30 sales. The next month, let’s say 10% of your customers purchased again. You received the same number of new customer sales plus the 3 repeat sales … so now you have 33 sales for that month. If you repeat this over the course of a year you’d be bringing in 79 sales a month at the end of the year! And this would snowball and continue to grow over time.

Of course your numbers will vary from this example. You may be bringing in more or less than 30 sales a month. And your repeat customer number depends on your product - so it can also be more or less than 10%. Plus there are months when you do shows or other promotional events that bring in more sales. But the theory still works regardless of your numbers.

I’m sure you’ve heard the fact that it costs more (in time and money by the way) to convert a looker into a customer. 5x more for that matter! 5x!!! In addition to all these new customer acquisition efforts, to grow your business you should be building on the momentum you’ve started with your brand new customers too.

Here’s how to do that.

Join my FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you.

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Thank you so much! Sue

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Feel free to share!

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

343 – Are You Ready and Should You Even Consider Wholesale? with Emily Kerr-Finell of Wholesale in a Box

Sue Monhait — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Is selling handmade items wholesale a good idea for your business? It's not always the right fit. How do you know if it's for you? That's what we'll explore in this episode. Emily Kerr-Finell is the founder at Wholesale In a Box and One Mill School. A seasoned strategist, Emily has helped over 1,000 creative small business owners grow. Her fresh approach to business has been featured in The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Maker’s Summit. Emily walks us through figuring out if wholesale is right for you and your business.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Do the work that you love sustainably.
For you to thrive in business, it's crucial that what you have is unique and has a good story. Your product should be consistent, compelling, interesting, and exciting.
Be able to shift to marketing your products on online platforms so you can adapt to different circumstances.
Make way for a cohesive experience, regardless of whether somebody is interacting with you online or in person.
Part of being a successful marketer is sticking with the ideas that are already working.
It's okay to narrow down. Weed out products that are not consistent with what you're really trying to do. That will give the other things room to thrive. <-- Pro Tip!
Your product is the foundation. If you're trying to be all things to all people, people will be confused. Fewer items always mean more efficiency, fewer costs, and better profit. Having a line that is focused, powerful, potent, and vibrant is crucial.
Listen to your customers. What are the things that people rave about?

Selling Handmade Items Wholesale

The biggest barrier to selling wholesale is when store owners are confused about what you do. Focus and amplify on your bright spots. What do people love about your product? Highlight the things that make people's eyes light up.
You're NOT ready to go wholesale if:
- You do not have a product or a line (yet) that can compete nationwide. If your product is not unique compared to someone else doing a similar thing, you're not ready.<-- Tune in for the full discussion on what this means and how to differentiate yourself.
- Your packaging and photography are not beautiful and professional.
- You can't offer wholesale pricing at 50% or less than your retail price
- Everything you're doing now is working personally, energetically, and financially. If you love your business as it is - don't change it!
If you grow with independent brick-and-mortar shops, you grow one by one. It allows you to grow in more incremental ways. It allows you to more organically scale up your production process.
With any order you get from a marketplace, make sure you build an actual human relationship with the store owner.
Wholesale is a slow and steady long-term growth.

Listen to the whole conversation for all the tips for deciding whether selling handmade items wholesale is right for your business or not.

Resources Mentioned

Inspired! Daily Planner- 40% off for a limited time with code SALE
Tips & Talk ep 34 - Your Role in the Global Supply Chain Crisis
Gift Biz Unwrapped Shop

Emily's Contact Links

Website | Website |Facebook | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 35 – 3 Things to Do NOW

Sue Monhait — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600

You'll regret it if you don't get started now. All three of these things grow richer over time. So the longer you wait, the farther behind you'll be. Plus you're losing valuable assets your business can use to grow!

In this world of instant gratification, we've been conditioned to put things off ... because they can be obtained easily when you want them. It's not the case with what I'll be telling you today.

Consider yourself warned!

CONNECT with me here:

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

342 – Paying It Forward to New Handmade Product Entrepreneurs with Nicole Stevenson of Dear Handmade Life

Sue Monhait — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Every person's business journey is unique. But we can still learn from each other. Our guest today shares handmade business advice from lessons she's learned over her 20 years in the business. Nicole is the CEO and Creative Director of Dear Handmade Life. At 24. she turned her passion into a profession with her handcrafted clothing line called Random Nicole. She started selling at flea markets and backyard craft fairs and has grown it into a thriving, international wholesale business. Nicole's desire to help other creatives pursue their dream business and discover the joy of making led her away from her own handmade business and into teaching, consulting, and running her own workshop studio. This eventually led to co-founding Dear Handmade Life in 2007. Now, she connects, educates, and shortens the learning curve for other creatives by sharing what she's learned through the Dear Handmade Life events, blog, and podcast.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

The learning curves and even mistakes in your business development will contribute to your overall knowledge and learning experience in the future.
Challenges will not last forever. You will develop confidence and resilience each time you rise above them.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone.
You don’t have to post on all platforms. Just pick a platform and put out content you enjoy making.
Keep moving, keep pushing, look for your community and reach out for help.

Tune in to the full conversation to hear all of Nicole's handmade business advice!

Handmade Business Advice

Community over competition. Your connection with other people in your industry will help you progress and get more visibility to your customers.
When you first start, your "put yourself out there" muscle is small and weak. But the more you do it, the stronger that muscle gets.
"A rising tide lifts all ships" is especially true in the handmade world. Don't be afraid to collaborate and network with others in your industry. Everyone benefits when you do!
Find someone to whom you can delegate work so you have time to focus on more important matters.
Understand that everything in your business can be done by someone else.
Your goal should be for your to work FOR you instead of you working for your business. <-- Pro tip!
Find a mentor who will guide you in scaling and systems.
Look for your community and don't be afraid to reach out for help.

Resources Mentioned

2021 At Home Craft & Gift Show <-- Reserve your booth here

Nicole's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 34 – Your Role in the Global Supply Chain Crisis

Sue Monhait — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Unless something drastically changes, we’re headed for toilet paper hoarding again and worse yet – the holiday gifting season is in jeopardy due to the global supply chain crisis. I saw a post going around recently that reads, “The work of local artists is not sitting on cargo ships.” That’s exactly right! This is in sharp contrast with other product sellers who have their product produced through factories … particularly if it’s done overseas. Compounding the issue are labor shortages, the increase in shipping prices AND the slowdown of USPS, FedEx and UPS deliveries. It’s a perfect storm setting up roadblocks right in the path of Santa’s sleigh. Here’s where you come in. As a handmade product maker, you have a unique opportunity to help save the holidays. If you’re sitting on a decent supply of production inventory. By that I mean the elements you use to make your products, like yarn for your shawls, clay for your pottery or beads, wire and closures for your jewelry. Your product production is not affected by the supply chain crisis. All signs point to the fact that we’ll need your help to provide gifts that we can actually get to give for the holidays. Here’s what you should be doing right now to be of service to your customers while collecting your share (and in this environment even more than that) of holiday sales.

Determine your product scope.
Focus on producing your proven best sellers.
Get out to in person shows.
Promote the advantages of holiday handmade.
Contact your local media.
Bring the message to social media and through email.
Be fluid as the situation evolves.

Listen to the show for details under each of these steps. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

341 – A Subscription Box Business with a Mission Featuring Kesia Steele of Spotlight Box

Sue Monhait — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

I've got a special episode for this week, all about a business with a mission. I can't wait to share how this motivated entrepreneur saw an opportunity to help her community at large and jumped right in. Spotlight Box began in the summer of 2020 when many were becoming more aware of the social issues facing the Black community. People started asking questions:

“How can I support Black businesses?”
“What should I learn about Black history?”
“How do I begin to understand the many social issues facing the Black community?”

Kesia created Spotlight Box to provide us with a resource so we can feel more confident in our knowledge and appreciation for Black history. The Spotlight Box is a curated monthly subscription box filled with educational materials and products from entrepreneurs & brands owned by African Americans. It also provides a path so we can support Black-owned businesses.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Learn to put yourself in front of the camera. Be confident in putting yourself out there.
Be intentional about how you show up on social media and to your audience.
Let others know about and benefit from your product.
Be your own cheerleader. No one is going to know that you have that business or product unless you talk about it.
People like behind-the-scenes stuff, they like to see you in action with your products.
Show up on social media talking about your products. It will open up opportunities for growth once others get to discover what you do and collaborate or partner with you.
When you're going to go live on social, announce it a day or so before so people know you'll be there and as accountability for yourself.

Learning From This Business With A Mission

When you see the opportunity, don't wait. Jump on it and take action.
Think outside the box when it comes to niche - your theme can be unconventional and still hit the mark.
Consider creating a private Facebook group that supports your product and business with education and community. For example - Kesia provides a safe space in her group to discuss the issues around the Black community without worrying about saying the wrong thing.
What does your product do for your customer? Think about what your mission is, even if it's not obvious. Knowing your mission will motivate you.
Learn more about the things that scare you. It will help you get past your hesitation and dive in (such as going live on social media).
Some things you won't learn until you jump in and start doing the business. You can't learn everything from courses - some of it has to be hands-on.

Listen to this full conversation for all the discoveries and challenges Kesia has experienced while launching and growing this business with a mission!

Resources Mentioned

Kesia's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 33 – But Will They Buy?

Sue Monhait — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

The often unasked question. "Will my product sell?" As an experienced maker, all your creations are skillfully crafted and the model of perfection. But you want to know if it will be a top seller before you put in the time and money building up your inventory. So let's address the issue of how to determine if you have a sales winner. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

340 – All About Google Analytics for Small Business with Chris Mercer of Measurement Marketing

Sue Monhait — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Okay, creators - it's time to engage your left brain. Because today, we're talking about Google Analytics for small business. But don't worry, my guest today is a master at explaining things in an easy-to-understand way. Chris Mercer, the co-founder of Measurement Marketing, is a sought-after measurement marketing expert. He’s been helping marketers, marketing teams, and agencies plan out what’s important to measure in their marketing, build measurement systems (using Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics), create actionable dashboard reports, and finally use those reports to forecast and optimize their marketing results. Mercer has a knack for teaching and is known for his ability to simplify even the most complex ideas for his audience. He speaks at some of the top conferences in the industry such as Traffic & Conversion, Social Media Marketing World, and Content Jam.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Make sure that the conversation you're having is relevant to your users. And the only way to make sure that you're saying something that resonates with them and meets their expectation is if you get really good at listening.
The market will absolutely tell you if they like something or if they don't. You just have to get good at asking questions.
Get good enough to get going. Then come back and make it better later. Give yourself permission to be where you are no matter what.

All About Google Analytics For Small Business

The idea has nothing really to do about the numbers. It's the idea that we are measuring for a conversation.
Measurement marketing is about listening to your users. And then based on that feedback, adjust your marketing accordingly to keep that conversation going.
As a marketer, know what you can improve and change. Make sure the conversation goes in the direction that we want it to go in. The beauty of analytics is you go there with a specific purpose in mind.
Don't be afraid to start slow and easy. Like anything, it's a muscle you need to build.
- Cave Mode - just get started. It's okay if it's super basic - you have to start somewhere. The goal is to practice asking questions.
- Valley of Visibility - you've got some things set up, it's not perfect, but now you can start to improve.
- The Summit - you've built up your muscle and you understand the strategy and tools. Now you can see everything.

Framework to get started with Google Analytics

Start with this BEFORE you actually set anything up. First, you plan things out. Then you build things out. And then you act upon the stuff that you've built

Plan - Start with 3-5 questions you want to answer. What results do you want to measure? How did you get those results? Don't get overwhelmed with a million different questions - just pick a couple good enough to get started. Example: I want to measure how much I sold and how did I make those sales.
Build - What information do you need to collect to get these answers? What behaviors do you need to track to get the answers to your questions? Example: Your cart software provides the number of sales, average units, etc. Google Analytics shows you how people got to the cart.
Act - What actions will you take with the answers you collect?" Example: If I make 10 sales from my Pinterest campaign in a week, I'll scale up the ad. If I don't, I'll revamp the ad or try something different like Facebook ads.

Run through the process, make adjustments based on what you've learned, and go through it again. Every time you do it, you're strengthening your measurement muscle and honing in on the questions you need to ask to get actionable answers. Be sure to tune into this full conversation to hear Chris' explanations of how this all works!

Resources Mentioned

Free Toolbox Training

Mercer's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 32 – 4 Time Saving Strategies to Curate Social Media Pics

Sue Monhait — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

I think you'll agree that a lot of time is spent on social media. In some cases too much time and it takes away from doing other important projects that will advance your business. The balance is hard to find. Here are four strategies to make taking and resourcing social media photos less time consuming. Imagine having just the right photo at your fingertips without you having to drop everything to make that happen? Here's how! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

339 – 5 Fun and Effective Ways to Attract Sales with Sophy Lakshmanan of Miss Paper Craft

Sue Monhait — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

One thing every small business owner thinks about is how to attract sales. Today's guest shares 5 fun and effective ways she attracts sales to her handmade craft business in a fun way. Tune in to hear her tips and tricks. Sophy is the face behind Miss Paper Craft, a Paper Quilling store, making intricate jewelry, ornaments, and keepsake dolls. She paper quilled as a hobby when she lived in India, making gifts for friends and family. After moving to the US, she noticed that Paper Quilling wasn’t widely known here and saw this as an opportunity. She now shares the paper quilling experience through her jewelry, DIY craft kits, and online classes. Those of you who are regular listeners will remember Sophy from episode #313 which aired last April. A lot of opportunities have come her way in such a short time so I wanted to have her back on to share her newest exciting experiences.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Let people touch and feel the product before they buy because it will add more value to it.
Pop-up craft shows allow you to talk to a lot more people and have conversations.
Capture the moment when customers are happy with your product.
Engage in networking to get the word out about your business.
Find a place where you can sell your product even if you’re not there to sell it.
Switch things up in your displays to keep your product visible.
If you join a co-op, make sure you:
- Have a contract and terms and conditions in place before putting your products on display
- Sign in on behalf of your business and not as yourself.
- Stay in contact with the person managing the space to know what’s going and what’s not.
- Get feedback on how the product is moving and what the customers are saying.
- Promote and let people know that they can buy your product in this certain store.
Don't just wait for opportunities to come. Reach out for collaborations to be in front of more people who might be interested in your products.
When you're starting out, let people know what you’re doing in business. That will keep spreading the word out.

Tune in to the full conversation to hear all Sophy's tips & tricks!

How To Attract Sales - 5 Fun & Effective Ways

Participate in local in-person craft popups
Connect and network with other vendors
Join a local co-op/consignment retail space
Get featured on a local TV spot
Reach out to influencers

Resources Mentioned

Sophy's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 31 – How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group

Sue Monhait — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Masterminds. Perhaps you've invested in one before that included a professional moderator and was timebound - a few months or even a year. These is the traditional structure of a formal mastermind. I'm talking today about how you can create your own local mastermind group. It brings a level of support that will prove to be a powerful resource to move your business forward. And it's free! I've also created a blog covering all the points I bring up in the podcast. To read or print this out for your own mastermind development use, you can access it here. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

338 – Subscription Box Creation and Participation with Eric Musick of Louis and Léa

Sue Monhait — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0600

What does it really take to get into subscription box creation and participation - and succeed? Today's guest is sharing exactly how he does it. Eric is first and foremost a proud husband and father of five beautiful kids (four boys and one girl). But he's also the co-founder of Louis and Léa, a subscription box for expecting and new moms, filled with products made by small businesses and local makers. Eric is also the host of The Subscription Box Show. A podcast dedicated to the subscription industry. He interviews the world's top subscription box founders and industry-leading tools.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to do things you are not comfortable being a part of. Have new experiences that will activate the creative side of you.
There's enough business for everyone. You just have to separate yourself by doing different things.
Start by having the idea, do market research, study your competitors, and try to put together an email list.
Before putting too much money on a potential business, you want to make sure that it's validated and that your product or service is something people will want and pay for.
Figure out a way to still be competitive. Bring something new to the table. Get some excitement. Make it fun and attractive for people to sign up and have great free resources.
Plenty of business building tips in this conversation. Tune in to catch them all!

Subscription Box Creation and Participation Tips

The whole customer experience side of things is a huge part of subscription boxes. Once people sign up you want to make sure to give them lifetime value. There are many things other than the product that goes into a successful subscription box.
You must have a really good offer. Get creative on how to add as much value for the members because subscription box entrepreneurs want value, not just product.
If you want to be part of a subscription box, research and reach out to subscription companies that you think would be a fit. You can bypass all the gatekeepers and get a hold of the owners directly by looking into the about page and see who they are. <-- Tune in to get all the tips on how to do this!
Do not mass email. Make sure that your subject line is catchy to get the attention for a potential partnership.
If you're a small maker and you have an existing audience, use that first. Don't take family and friends advice too seriously especially if they're not your ideal customer.
Don't be too intimidated by paid ads. You don't need to spend a ton of money to get that creative piece of content into the hands of potential ideal customers.
Listen to the whole episode to get all Eric's tips for participating in subscription boxes!

Resources Mentioned

Subscription Box Podcast Show
Free 15 Minute Consult - contact Erick via email
10% discount on Subscription Box courses - contact Erick via email
15% discount off anything at Louis and Lea - use coupon code GiftBizUnwrapped

Eric's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 30 – First Steps to Creating Your Brand

Sue Monhait — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

This is the first activity most new business owners jump into - naming the business and then creating a logo and brand colors. That makes sense because it's what you see as a consumer and how you identify other businesses. So naturally it's what you gravitate to as the necessary starting point. Perfect. But don't spend too much time here. In this episode you'll get direction on the important first three steps to your branding and then where your focus should go next. It's the NEXT step that will get your business on track to bringing in sales. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

337 – Look : Pinterest Ads! with Laura Rike

Sue Monhait — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Please welcome Pinterest expert Laura Rike back to show us exactly how to run Pinterest ads that will help build your handmade business. As a Pinterest Strategist, Laura helps high-performing business owners & content creators implement content growth plans, outsource their visibility, and steadily grow their monthly revenue. All without tantrums over tech and trading sleep for success. She describes herself as a quirky, spunky, social butterfly who values open, honest relationships in every area of her life. She’s also the mother of two boys who are the center of everything. Ready to learn how to run Pinterest ads for your craft business? Let's dive in!

How To Run Pinterest Ads

Pinterest ads can be more direct than Facebook ads, for example, because it's all about behavior instead of general demographics.

Get Started With Pinterest Advertising

Make sure you have a business Pinterest account. You won't be able to do ads on the account if you don't have that setup.
For your first try at Pinterest Ads, set up a Brand Awareness campaign and just budget $5-$10 (total) for the campaign. It's a perfect way to get your feet wet.
Focus on psychographics such as what people search for and what they actively purchase to better target your audience.
Note that Pinterest's term for traffic is "Consideration." So when you see a "Consideration campaign," that means getting traffic. <-- Pro tip!
Your budget is entirely up to you and what you're comfortable spending. But if the ads seem to be working well, switch from Brand Awareness to Consideration (aka Traffic) to really see a return on your investment.
Think of Brand Awareness as Pinterest Ads 101. Once you've figured that out, you want to move to Consideration.

Moving To The Next Level With Pinterest Ads

Once you're in the consideration section, it will be focused on traffic. Try to get the most data within that first week because that will help tell Pinterest what works best and how to continue your ads from there.
Tune in to the full conversation to hear how much to spend when you get started with Consideration campaigns and how to scale up or down!
When you review the analytics of your campaign, focus on the clicks that go through to your content or destination URL rather than other metrics.
In a Consideration (traffic) campaign, you pay for each click to your site. In a Conversion campaign, you pay for the actual sales you make.
Your Consideration will help teach Pinterest who you are trying to reach, so you do that first before a Conversion campaign. <-- Don't miss this section - tons of detail about the difference between the two campaigns and how they work together, CRUCIAL to get it right!

Best Practices For Advertising On Pinterest

Start with 2 or 3 pin designs and see how they do against each other. Leave everything else the same:
- The targeting strategy is the same
- Keywords are the same
- Everything is the same - but the designs are different.
Always test and try different calls to action, different layouts, and different titles on the image to see what resonates the best with the audience you are targeting.
With targeting, in the beginning, you're going to have three different options. Choose from:
- reconnect with users - retarget people who have already interacted with your brand
- find new customers - new targeting, keywords, audience lists, act-alike audiences
- or choose your own
Targeting details include your keywords and interests. Set up one ad group to target 3 different interests. And then set up another ad group to target your keywords with no interests. <-- More detailed discussion on this when you tune in!
Pinterest recommends a minimum of 25 keywords. Laura suggests a minimum of 50-75.
Don't set up multiple ads with different products, targeting the same keywords, because then you're going to be competing against yourself. <-- Tune in for the details on how to do this right!
Test different interests if you're going to be doing different ad products.
Don't change anything until at least 14 days have passed. Let it do its thing so you have enough information.
If you pause a campaign for more than 30 days, duplicate the setup with a new ad rather than starting the same one up again.

Important - don't get overwhelmed with all the details here - start small, get comfortable with it, and go from there. Make sure you listen to this full episode to get all the step-by-step how-tos!

Resources Mentioned

Ep 319 - How to Capture the Power of Pinterest

Laura's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 29 – How to Manage Through a PR Crisis

Sue Monhait — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

You may never encounter a PR crisis. But if you do, response time and properly addressing the issue are key to upholding the reputation of your business and retaining your sales growth. Spoiler Alert: Sometimes it's best not to do anything. Find out step by step how to analyze the situation and determine if and what the right actions are so you can smoothly move through what is always an uncomfortable situation. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you automatically receive your new episodes right when they air - no waiting! Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

336 – Maximize Your Online Selling Options and Get More Sales with Springbot

Sue Monhait — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

There are so many online selling options these days, it can be overwhelming to keep track of it all. Socials, email marketing, blogging, advertising, and more. That's why today, we're looking at a way to manage all those moving parts in a single all-in-one platform. Springbot enables growing eCommerce businesses to manage their email marketing and paid advertising in a single platform. Georgia started at Springbot as an onboarding manager on the customer success side. In that role, she helped e-commerce businesses navigate the platform and consulted with them on marketing best practices. Today she’s a lead senior account manager, working closely with clients to ensure they are maximizing the features available to them on the Springbot platform. I learned about this program through one of my Makers MBA VIPs – shoutout to Shelia of Heavenly Treats 4 You. Once I researched Springbot, I knew I should bring this option to your attention, too. So here we go …

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Implement time-saving and cost-effective marketing tools into your marketing plan. Springbot provides an all-in-one place to manage your online activities.
Once you start to drive new people to your website, start collecting emails and sending automated emails to continue to engage them.
It’s important to have automated tools in place to help reach your audience and help them make a purchase
Focus on a healthy subscriber list.
Consider having a pop up on your site to trigger people to take an action
Your welcome email is your first introductory message to your consumer base. Keep it short and sweet. Include nice images in that email because people are more likely to click on that email and go back to your website
Your blog educates your customers and allows you to embed your products in the posts.
Social media is also a great way to drive new traffic to your website. You just have to be consistent.
Once you have a good amount of traffic, put retargeting features in place so everything is automated.

Tips For Maximizing Online Selling Options

Focus on building site traffic. Getting people to your website is the biggest part of the marketing funnel.
Never buy email addresses - it will cause more problems than it's worth.
Offer a prize or discount coupon to collect email addresses at in-person events. People are more likely to sign up if there is an incentive.
Always be upfront about collecting emails for marketing.
Recover lost sales by automating abandoned cart emails.
Use Springbot pre-written, SEO-optimized articles to publish blog posts on your site.
If you can't afford to advertise, blogging is your next best option.
Facebook & Instagram are usually the best options for e-commerce businesses
High-quality lifestyle images make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your ads
Put a lifestyle image front and center on your website before you show the individual product images
Tune in for all the tips on maximizing your online selling options to get more sales!

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk ep. 27 - Sales Channel Panel

Georgia's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 28 – Let’s Talk About Revenue Generating Tasks

Sue Monhait — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Not all tasks are created equal. As you know, it's easy to get distracted and without even knowing it, go down the social media rabbit hole - or any other number of daily activity "fillers" that don't produce results. Today I'm going to define and give examples of revenue producing tasks. We'll talk about why they're important and how to ensure you do some of these every day. It's in this way your energy and time spent in your business will bring in new customers and sales. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you automatically receive your new episodes right when they air - no waiting! Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

335 – Meet NBC’s “Making It” Master Maker Adam Kingman

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

I'm so excited to share this week's episode. My guest is Adam Kingman, the most recently titled Master Maker. It's fun to hear all about behind the scenes of the show, of course. But the goal of this interview is to help YOU be a winner, too. By taking away ideas and inspiration you can apply to your business. So, let's meet Adam, the winner from Season 3’s “Making It” show hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. Adam is an industrial designer and creative director from Lake Tahoe. Growing up, the mountains were his playground, influencing his stewardship of the planet and resourcefulness of craft. With recycled and retired materials, Adam is a modern-day MacGyver, using design thinking to create simple, intuitive solutions. Outside of work, Adam loves to write stories, direct short films, and explore the Sierras. Adam believes we’re all just kids at heart and imagination is our finest resource. His dream is to be a Disney Imagineer and someday a design professor.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Enjoy the process. Do things because you love it, regardless of the outcome.
Good design does not only satisfy function, it also makes you feel things. There has to be an element of surprise. There also has to be something emotive and there has to be a story.
Believe in yourself. There's no reason success can't come to anyone - including you. Believe in yourself enough to take the action and see what could happen.
Do not get in the way of your own opportunity. Ideas in your head are invitations, they're opportunities to create.
Share ideas you have because somebody might resonate with it

Creative Insights From The Master Maker

Everybody thinks so uniquely. Don’t dismiss your first idea. It's often just waiting to come out.
Write down everything you know to discover what you don't.
Start with what you know. You don't need to know every single detail to take that first step.
Trust your gut. If you have an idea you love, go for it!
We know what we love and that exists in our memories. So how can you pull from your memories to create something special?
Follow your vision even if you don't know how the end result will look.
Develop your "Brain Rolodex." All the things you are inspired by and the ideas you have are all in your Brain Rolodex. Get used to looking back to see if something you thought of will work with your current project.
Start with the emotion and then work backward.
Simple can be more than enough.
Being you is enough.

Resources Mentioned

Join the Facebook group to add your listing to The Buzz Book (free)

Adam's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | YouTube

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 27 – The Sales Channel Panel

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

The Sales Channel Panel is the strategy that is key to maintaining sales and managing through any crisis or unforseen selling challenge. It includes all the elements for getting visibility, communicating your messages and bringing in orders. In this episode I give an explanation of the strategy including all the elements and how it works. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you automatically receive your new episodes right when they air - no waiting! Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

334 – An Inside Peek at Growing a Handmade Product Business with Yuliya Wolf of Wolf Leathers

Sue Monhait — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Wondering how to start a handmade business that will fit into your life? Then you'll love today's episode because my guest shares how she figured out how to create a work studio at home, work with her spouse, and make it all fit into their lives. Yuliya is the owner and maker of Wolf Leathers alongside her husband, Ari. All of the leather used is the finest quality oil-tanned leather from Wisconsin. Working out of their farmhouse, Yuliya and Ari have converted several bedrooms into a work studio. This allows their entire product to be made out of our home. Yuliya believes everyone can express themselves in a unique way by embracing their imperfections. They represent this in their products by incorporating imperfections and brands from the leather into their work, giving each product extra uniqueness, just like each one of us.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Be genuine when selling. Avoid being pushy and aggressive.
Continue to create unique products that people haven't seen before to keep them interested in your products. Continue to make it something that people want.
Trust your intuition when you feel that something's right for your business.
Interacting with people and building relationships with them open opportunities for repeat customers.

How to Start a Handmade Business

Find out if people are really interested in your product before you take the plunge - attending a craft show is great for this.
Pay attention to how your customers respond to your price points. Are they shocked? Comfortable Delighted? Then you'll know where to adjust.
Have a variety of products to choose from.
Hone into your product specialty so you can set yourself apart from the rest.
See what the reaction people have towards your products so you can adjust to accommodate what they want.
Business is about your customers.
Tune in to hear more about how to start a handmade business and make it work with your family and life!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Yuliya's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Tips & Talk 26 – What NOT to Do with Your Logo

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Your logo is the front and center asset for your business. Most likely it includes the company name, special colors that define your vibe and an image that pulls it all together. You've given it a lot of thought and worked hard to make sure it's absolutely perfect. So now you want to show off your logo everywhere, right? Wrong! There are some do's and don'ts for where your logo should appear and that's what I address in this episode. You'll also find out all the places your logo should go and the one place it absolutely should NOT appear. Let's do this right. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

333 – From Firefighter to a Quilting Empire with Brandy Maslowski

Sue Monhait — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Ready for a feel-good journey full of twists and turns? I can't wait for you to meet today's guest, who transformed herself from a firefighter to a fiber and quilting business success story. Brandy is a quilt art teacher, speaker, judge, and author of Kristy’s Quilt. Her business Quilter on Fire explores the texture, color, and boundless possibilities of fabric with her passionate quilting community. Brandy travels the world to educate, speak and ignite creativity with the tagline 'More Joy, Less Overwhelm,' and hosts her weekly podcast sharing the stories of inspiring quilt professionals.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Take that one step forward especially if you're afraid because that fear probably means you're going in a direction that's really exciting.
Stay connected with your community and your audience in a way that really supports them.
What brings you the most joy is what you really need to do. Do what you love and just make a difference in that niche.
Find that thing that is in your zone. That one thing you love to do. And niche down into that.
You can be whatever you want to be, even if it's different from what others are doing. Ignore the naysayers and follow your heart.
Other people don't have a say in what you do or don't do. Stand up for yourself and pave your own path.
Have multiple ways to bring in income doing that one thing you want to do.
Break the rules and do what you love.

The Road To A Quilting Business Empire

Bring value in multiple different ways. Use your content in multiple different ways. You want it on your blog, podcast, and social media platforms.
Be consistent across all platforms so your business will be more visible to the public.
Put yourself out there on video. It opens opportunities for people to know more about what you do. You definitely want to get in front of them so that they're seeing the value you can share.
Layer on different ways to bring in income that are related to your core offering - i.e., patterns, affiliate products, teaching, membership programs, etc. Explore everything and see what works for you.

Resources Mentioned

Brandy's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 25 – Let’s Rank Your Confidence Level

Sue Monhait — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Certainly this varies from day to day and in different situations, but having a solid level of confidence overall is necessary in order to be a successful business owner. Small handmade product businesses in particular need a leader who projects confidence. You are the focal point as the maker right beside your fabulous products. Pulling from a talk by Lisa Paden at the Gift Designer's Conference, let's talk about 5 Traits of Low Confidence and how to address these obstacles to get the results you're seeking. Here are the traits we'll address:

Doubting your abilities
Feeling ilsolated
Running from challenges or taking risks
No self grace

Upgrade your ranking in these areas and you'll see an impact on your sales and happiness! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

332 – Expanding on “The Secret” with Law of Attraction Expert Bob Doyle

Sue Monhait — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Bob Doyle is best known for his contribution to the global phenomenon film and book “The Secret,” as a law of attraction expert. Boundless Living, Inc. has been in the business of helping people create lives they love using Law of Attraction principles and the science of Neuro Plasticity since 2002. Through online programs, speaking, training, and coaching programs for groups and individuals, Bob Doyle helps people get clarity on their vision and then shows them exactly what to do to make that vision a reality. He has been teaching these principles through programs, live events, podcasts, live streams, coaching, writing, and even virtual reality, since 1998. He is driven by his passion for creative self-expression and his work is heavily focused on helping people decide who they want to be and how they want to express themselves. Bob believes that all of this should be the MOST fun and creative endeavor we can ever undertake if we will only allow it to be so.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

It's never too late to become the person you might have been. You can get there.
There's nothing noble about playing small. We've got this limited amount of time here on the planet. We've got the brain waiting to be rewired.
Focus and get clarity in areas that you may not be looking at. It's about transformation from the inside out.

Secrets From A Law Of Attraction Expert

Make the law of attraction work with less effort by not being too attached to things you manifest.
Get your mind in the right place and take action every single day. Step up and be that person who is going to attract those things, and not the person wishing they could have it.
Be conscious of how you are wired, so you can make different choices.
We have the ability to create our lives by design.
Be intentional. Celebrate the discomfort because that’s essential for growth.
Know why you want to move on from where you are. Understand what you absolutely have to get rid of like your limiting beliefs.
Your brain can change. You can learn new things just by taking on any new task.
Be firm in where your expertise lies. You don't have to be awesome at everything, but own what you're great at.
As long as you own who you're being in every moment and don't apologize for who you're being in that moment, people will be attracted to you. They’ll be attracted to your authenticity.
We can choose who we want to be and become it.
Listen to the whole episode for the full, down-to-earth explanation of how it all works!

Resources Mentioned

Bob's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 24 – Competition! Now What?

Sue Monhait — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Oh no! A competitor encroaches into your "territory" and your first thought is that all is lost. They must be so much better than you - with a higher quality product at a lower price. Please press the pause button. Let's take the emotion down a level and talk logically about what to do in this situation. Because it's inevitable. We all encounter competitors on a regular basis. Everything will be just fine and I think some of my suggestions will surprise you! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

331 – Instagram for Beginners with Allison Scholes of Boss Lady in Sweatpants

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

For 4 weeks beginning next week, the podcast will be published on Saturday instead of Monday to hopefully be more convenient for listeners. After this test, I'll review and decide if the change stays or goes. Let me know what you think. Now, on with this week's episode.

Instagram can be a powerhouse of connection and traffic for your business. But if it just feels too complicated, today's episode is for you. We're breaking down the basics of Instagram for beginners so you can finally get started with this key social platform. Today, we are joined by Allison Scholes. And you're going to love the name of her company - are you ready? Boss Lady in Sweatpants. So perfect, right? Allison helps mompreneurs build their Instagram presence through coaching, creative copy, and content. On her podcast called Social Media for Mompreneurs she guides busy moms on how to build their brand online in just minutes a day. Even when those minutes are super hard to come by. Allison believes social media should be fun and easy, not daunting. With her sassy and fun personality, mixed with her creativity and love for sweatpants and coffee, she's able to deliver simple and creative tools that help Mompreneurs boost their business with confidence and ease.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

If you want to grow your brand, you have to be your authentic self.
Get crystal clear on why you're on Instagram (or any social media platform). It could be to build brand awareness, build community, or drive traffic to your website.
Stick with one Instagram account so it's so much easier to manage. Because YOU are the brand, not your products. <-- Listen to the full conversation for more detail on this.

Instagram for Beginners

Remember - Instagram is not a sales platform. It's a connection platform. <-- tune in for the full discussion on this.
Write your Instagram bio around your ideal audience. It should have three important parts:
- who you serve
- what is their main problem
- and what is your solution
Focus on a specific objective or goal for the next 60 to 90 days so your content can be very concrete. Build know like and trust.
Build brand awareness so you can expand your audience.
Create content categories (aka post types). Try:
- lifestyle posts
- behind the scenes
- tips and tutorials.
- show your process (people can relate with you when they see that)
- use photos of your product as backgrounds behind quotes
Map out your content monthly and weekly. Plan and schedule your content a week before so all you need the following week is to engage and be fully present on Instagram. <-- Tune in for details on how to create your schedule!
Forget what gurus say about how often to post. Do what works for you and feels good.
Show up on Instagram in a way that feels right and aligned with your business and your brand.
Start with one feature on Instagram (feed, stories, IGTV, or reels) because if you're not consistent with that, there's no way you're going to be consistent doing all the features on Instagram. Once you feel comfortable and consistent with one thing, then add another.
Focus on quality followers rather than quantity.
Pay attention to which post gave you the most reach or engagement in the last 30 days. You can repurpose it into something new.
Creating shareable content is a really great way to grow your account. They can be carousels, tips, tutorials, and infographics that people share and save.
The best way to make connections on Instagram is to show your face. Don't hide behind your brand.
Respond back to people engaging with your post to keep the conversations going.

Instagram Posting Challenge

Post a "Two truths and one lie" game on your Instagram as described in this episode. Make sure to tag both Allison (@allisonscholes) and myself (@giftbizunwrapped) so we can see and share!

Listen to the full episode to learn how to start and build an Instagram following that helps build your business.

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Allison's Contact Links

Website | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 23 – Fail at Failure

Sue Monhait — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

It often looks like brands you admire have had a smooth path to get the attention and business success they enjoy today. It's just not true. Every company goes through struggles, deadends, disappointing results and yes, failures to get to what you see today. But you don't see them because they don't share the backroom stories. That's where the illusion of perfection comes from ... and our misperception that these things don't happen to others. They do. In today's show, I emphasize this point and present steps you can take to eliminate the emotional attachment to "failures." The truth is, only by failing will you find the path to your successful profitable business. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

330 – Get Started Guide for your Email Marketing Process with Kate Doster

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

If you've been neglecting your email list for whatever reason, today's episode is for you! My guest shares the perfect get-started guide for your email marketing process so you can finally make it work for you. Kate is all about helping ethical entrepreneurs open the hearts and wallets of their small but mighty audiences thanks to fun email marketing. She believes you don’t need to bleed the alphabet or be a dirty rotten spam face to write emails that jolt your community into taking action, whether that's building a long-lasting relationship, buying directly from you, or checking out one of your affiliate partners. Kate is the host of the "Inbox Besties" podcast and creator of the Love Your List 2.0 email marketing mega-course.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Do the brave thing. When you default to always doing the thing that's a little bit braver, you're going to get results faster.
Build up your "brave" muscle by using it regularly. Start small and just get a little braver each time.

Get Started Guide For Your Email Marketing Process

Email marketing has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to get sales. Make sure to show up to your list.
To choose a system for email marketing, the biggest thing is to see which one works for your brain and your price level. <--Tune in for all of Kate's tips on this.
- Mailerlite has a good free starter plan
- Convertkit is built more for creatives
Add your own email to your email list and practice sending emails even if you don't have anyone else on there yet.
Create some incentives for people who want to get on your email list. Give people a reason to give you their email address. <--Get all Kate's tips on this in the audio!
Write a Welcome email for new subscribers and automate it so it goes out on autopilot whenever someone signs up.
Show up at least twice a month so people remember who you are and what you sell. It can be something really casual.
Talk about what your people want to hear about in your emails.
Think of your customers as best friends who love what you make just as much as you do. When you talk to them like a friend, everything starts opening up.
People WANT to be part of your special club.
Ask questions. Not everyone will reply back but it's a good way to build that personal relationship with your fans.
Include photos in your emails - especially behind the scenes of what you do.
Try a magazine-style newsletter. The top half of your newsletter is going to be those interesting bits where the relationship is built. And the bottom is where you can share things for sale.
Include your social media content in your email.
Don't have giant blocks of text in emails - because nobody reads that. If there are certain keywords you want to draw attention to, make them bold so your followers see them.
Pro Tip --> Don't freak out about your open rate (provided by your email provider) because a lot of mobile email opens do not register. Tune in for the full explanation.
Remember - it's a privilege to be on your email list!

So many more tips & advice in this episode than we can show here! Make sure to tune in and get them all.

Resources Mentioned

Kate's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 22 – Your Customer is Mad – Now What?

Sue Monhait — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

It's inevitable. If you run a business, no matter how buttoned up your services are, you'll encounter an angry customer. How you handle it is what will determine the future of your relationship. Here is what to do when your customer is made and the process to follow to not only turn the situation around, but make it play in your favor. What happens in the end? A happy customer! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

329 – Winners and Wisdom from the Small Business Blog Challenge

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Did you catch episode #321 a few months ago? Well, that show got a lot of attention! That episode gives a deeper dive into the details and benefits of blogging for your handmade business. At the end of that show, I presented a challenge to my listeners.

The Business Blog Challenge

The Challenge: Post a blog article dated after the airing of the episode and tag me over on Instagram. The first 10 people to do so would be the winners – including a prize. This was all spur of the moment and two things were running through my mind. First, maybe I should have only said 5 because would there even be 10 people to do this? I mean, it is a big challenge given blogging isn’t something typically connected with product sales. And second – what would the prize be? But I knew I could wing that. Much to my surprise, by the deadline date I had 8 people follow through. Which, I have to say, was completely impressive! And I decided the best prize I can give is to get more eyeballs on their businesses. Because after all, this is the big value of blogging – visibility to your business. And that visibility isn’t just for the day the article goes up, but ongoing. Evergreen content, if you will. Just like podcasts are. I also want to note, this is in complete contrast to social media posts. Because those - if you see them at all - are only organically visible for a few minutes to maybe a couple of hours.

Blog Challenge Winners

So, today I want to present to you each of the winners, their business, and the article that won them a spot on this show. Also, I’m going to share a little about the content in their articles because each one is so different and highlights a best practice or two. My hope is that this will motivate you to start blogging (again, listen to episode 321 to understand why). And if you’ve thought about it but aren’t sure what you’d write about, these examples will definitely get you inspired and your idea juices flowing.

8 Blog Challenge Winners

To my delight - 3 of these people decided to start a blog as a direct result of this challenge. That makes my heart so happy!

Business: Uniquely Made For More

Products: Handmade gift baskets Owner: Michelle James Blog Post: Is Gift-Giving Challenging? Highlights: Michelle chose to blog about one of the needs her business solves - ways to make your gifts memorable and significant to your recipients. In doing this, Michelle offers value to her readers beyond what her business offers. This is also an article she can link to in emails or social media posts on how to pick the perfect gift.

Business: Ahh-Land Woman Herbals

Products: Handcrafted plant-based remedies for health and home wellness and botanical, organic skincare. Owner: Gloria Brown Blog Post: What's the Tea? Highlights: Gloria's first article is a wonderful initial topic because she shares her personal journey to actually starting her blog. She writes as if it's a letter to a friend - very personable and casual. You'll see - she just draws you in. But she also sets expectations for her readers by explaining what we'll discover when we follow her articles. Gloria has laid the groundwork for so many topic options along a theme that relates to her products. Which, of course, she can link to text or photos within her blog.

Business: The Gunny And His Wife

Products: Modern, high-quality customized decor, accessories, & gifts. Owner: Lynda Stephens Blog Post: Not Ready? Start Anyway. Highlights: After hearing the Google search advantages of blogging, the value of adding content to your website overall, and of course, the visibility - Lynda decided to go for it. Her first post is short and sweet but it got her going. She decided to just set a timer and write. She calls this post raw and honest for that moment. Because she wasn't ready - but she started. Lynda's style is refreshing and fun and you get a true sense of her personality in these short posts, I can't wait to see what comes next.

Business: Ninn's Crochetworks

Products: Crocheted items, both wearable and home accessories. Owner: Lona Smith Blog Post: Summer Accessories Pattern Round-Up Highlights: While Lona doesn't have a website yet, she's currently selling on Instagram and hosts her blog on Blogspot. This can be integrated into her website at any time when it becomes available. Lona shares patterns she's discovered on her own search to accessorize her personal space. Roundups, lists, best of - all of these types of articles highlighting other businesses is a wonderful pay-it-forward strategy. It gets you attention with these brands. And in some cases, they'll share an article with their community, bringing attention back to you. Plus it helps your reader because you've done the work for them to find resources. By doing this, Lona positions herself as a go-t0 connection for crochet tips, resources, and advice.

Business: Artful Kreations

Products: Customized products of all sorts Owner: Margaret Esposito Kanakos Blog Post: Don't Worry About Those Gifts - I Got You! Highlights: Her article is a short, uplifting "I've come to your rescue" piece. She brings up all sorts of situations where a gift might be needed. Her continual phrase throughout the piece is, "I got you." She explains a challenge and says, "I got you." Something Margaret does so nicely in this article is present situations where her product can be a solution. Potential customers don't always come with a problem on their own, so she suggests it. Using her blog to make the connection between problems and her products as the solution is a great move.

Business: Kris The Creative

Products: Laster cutting Owner: Kristina Savasta Blog Post: Learning Your Local Market Highlights: Kris' article takes us through her back story of leaving a project management position to start her business. She walks us through her journey of understanding what her market wants, her offerings, and adjusting to the changes in the world of 2020. By sharing her experiences, Kris shows she can relate to life's opportunities, struggles, and shifts. Particularly for a customer who is a small business owner. Then, she presents what has been her ticket to getting sales and growing Kris The Creative. Kris has been thrilled to receive comments about what she wrote, which is sure to keep her motivated to keep going. <-- Tune in for an inspirational side story about Kris' business!

Business: Linden Square Co.

Products: Specialty Corporate Gifts Owner: Amanda Klingenberger Blog Post: Why Outsourcing Your Corporate Gifts Just Makes Sense Highlights: Amanda is a pro at taking strategic action. She's pivoted a couple of times to meet the demands of the market rather than sticking to her original idea. Her business might have looked very different today if she hadn't adjusted to these cues. The topic of her post speaks directly to her newly defined audience - corporate. The gorgeous photo on the post is perfect to attract the right customer. Amanda is spot on - you can instantly see that Linden Square stands for quality and style. Her post outlines the many steps a person would have to take to prepare a gift like the ones her company offers. With everything spelled out, it's pretty obvious that outsourcing the process is much more efficient and cost-effective than doing it onsite themselves. Amanda's first post is the perfect first step toward her goal of becoming a leader and authority in her industry.

Business: Cassie's Country Cupboard

Products: Pantry Items for Homecooked Food Owner: Cassie Menchhofer Blog Post: Keep Your Kitchen Cool Highlights: Cassie's article covers 7 ways to keep your kitchen cool and still get supper on the table. It's accompanied by the perfect image to get you in the mood for reading (or maybe eating, since she's showing her delicious fiesta roll-ups). In the article, she links to things she's referencing - sometimes to an outside resource, other times to her YouTube channel where she shares recipes, and occasionally directly to one of her products. All of these links provide SEO strength, of course. But none of them are salesy. They're helpful, which keeps the reader interested and involved. Another thing I love about this article is her final call-to-action to watch her Facebook and Instagram accounts where she'll be posting more tips. What a great way to stay connected with readers, build her social media following, and provide continuing value to her community. Cassie gets an extra shout-out because she was the first one to grab a spot in this challenge. 😊

Listen to the full episode to hear more about what you can learn from each article and how it will help these businesses going forward!

Resources Mentioned

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 21 – 8 Apps I Use in Biz Everyday

Sue Monhait — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

It's a struggle to make sure my businesses don't overtake my life. Can you relate? Finding tools or apps that help streamline projects has been the solution to providing me newfound time and balance. While I have many, these are the top 8 I use every single day. Tune in to hear how they are applied to projects and work with each other to bring even more efficiency to my days. Google Mail | Canva | Lastpass | Carbonite | Dropbox | SmarterQueue | Podcast App | Braintoss Here's where you can see all the recommended Tools and Apps I use in my business. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

328 – Algorithm Proof Your Business with Katie Wight

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

We all know keeping up with social media can be exhausting. But today's guest shares fresh insights on how to challenge social media best practices in order to create a sustainable social media strategy. Katie is the founder of KW Content, a content and social media marketing agency that develops and launches content and social media programs for purpose-driven brands. Strong Brand Social is the newest project that empowers small brands to develop their own high-performing marketing programs that are guaranteed to drive growth. Katie’s goal is to demystify the art of social media marketing to offer focus, efficiency, and measurable results to small business owners, brand directors, and social media marketers.

Challenge Social Media Best Practices

With social media, change is constant. Focus instead on what doesn't change. Put your customer at the center of your story and tell the right brand stories that they really want to hear.
Tie your content and social media publishing schedule to your business goals. Then measure results and optimize.
Create a content and social media strategy that's algorithm-proof. When you equip yourself with the proper knowledge to think for yourself, you can ignore the noise and get back time, clarity, and calm.
3 phases to build your content strategy:

1. Strategic:

- Who are you talking to?
- What are you saying and how is that going to look, feel, and sound?
- How do you want your brand to look? How do you connect?
- What do your customers really want from you?

2.Tactical:

- Do you want to do reels?
- How often do you want to post?
- What budget do you have to get your posts out there further?

3. Optimize:

- Push it to market.
- Let your community give you feedback in the form of engagement and results.
- Always be optimizing.

Align the 3 pillars of your content with your 3 most critical business goals:

1. Brand Awareness (50%)- aka demand generation. To sell, you need to increase demand.
2. Sales (30%) - include a call to action on these posts.
3. Loyalty (20%) - know, like, & trust stuff posts.

How to gauge the success of your pillar content:

1. Brand Awareness - Look for likes, comments, & shares.
2. Sales - Look for saves and clicks or buys.
3. Loyalty - Consider total interactions. Engagement of any kind is a step in the right direction.

Rethink the Know, Like, Trust model. The traditional KLT model is all about you. Find common ground to connect with your audience before you start introducing your products. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for this full discussion.
Know and understand your customers. It's mutual ground and common interest, where you're not asking them to buy anything. This type of content is the most social. <-- Pro tip!
Build interest in your content before focusing on interest in your products. The mutual ground provides value and establishes contact with your ideal customer.
Share content that your prospects in your community find interesting, new, different, entertaining, and educational. That's what will make them hit the little arrow and share it with their friends. It creates demand and awareness of who you are and what you’re selling.
You can publish one blog a month with a few different tips in it and repurpose that blog. Promote that same blog once a week for a whole month from different angles. <-- Pro tip!
The more simple you keep a social post, the better it's going to perform.
Tap into trending hashtags but make sure they aren't shadow-banned. If it's too time-consuming, consider promoting some posts instead.
Make sure you talk about the benefits of your products, not the features.
Anytime you talk about your product, include a call to action.
Find others with the same type of audience as you. Partner with them to bring value to their audience and introduce you to them.
Align your content to the customer journey to get in front of the right people at the right time.

So many insightful tips and tricks! Many more than can be conveyed in these bullet points. Listen in to get them all.

Resources Mentioned

Strong Social Brand Express freebie <-- use coupon code SBSFREE to get it free
Find any podcast with GiftBizUnwrapped.com/Search

Katie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 20 – Here’s Why You Aren’t Getting Sales on Your Website

Sue Monhait — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Getting people to come over to your website is one thing. But that's only the first step. Once they're on your site, how do you keep them there and direct them to the ultimate goal ... making a purchase? Here are 7 Barriers that may be lurking on your website preventing a sale from taking place. Most likely you aren't even aware of them and they can be corrected relatively easily. So let's fix your website and get sales coming in! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

327 – It Started with a Brick and Mortar Yarn Shop and a Vision with Shelley Brander of Knit Stars

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

We've all heard to "do what you love," but how does that work, exactly? Today's guest shares her story of how to follow your passion and succeed. Shelley is the author of Move the Needle, Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. This book has a singular goal: to inspire you to believe that you can pursue your passion and stick to it, even in the face of adversity. The book traces Shelley’s journey from leaving the successful advertising firm she founded with her husband to open a local yarn store. Along the way, Shelley shares stories from her life to show that you can pursue your life's passions - both personal and professional - no matter how quirky or impossible they may seem to everyone around you. Shelley’s Tulsa, Oklahoma-based luxury boutique storefront is the flagship of the Knit Stars/Loops brand. It's also where she hosts her Knit Stars MasterMasterclass Events - the most-attended online knitting festival in the world.

How to Follow Your Passion and Succeed

Pursue your life's passions.
Have realistic expectations and then craft the kind of experience you want to get from owning your business.
Stick with things and make things happen.
Start small. The tiniest step is the way to go, so take that first step.
When you have all the customers in one place, there’s an incredible lift in the energy in the store.
Collaborate with other people who have similar audiences to yours.
Have different ways to meet people where they are and give people resources for great inspiration and support.
Hire sooner and more often. That way, you can take off some tasks on your list and focus more on business growth (hiring doesn't have to mean expensive or full-time).
Get mentors in the areas that are not your strength.
In business, you want to be away from the red ocean and in the blue ocean. Look for ways to separate yourself uniquely from competitors. You always have to be innovating.
Lean into your greatest strength. Create a business that doesn't look like anyone else's business.
Find the mission underneath your business. You can have a bigger impact than you think.
Do whatever you're doing right now. It can go really big places and make a huge difference in the world.
When you land on your mission in life, everything else will be magnetized to you.
Tune in to learn more about how to follow your passion and succeed!

Resources Mentioned

Move the Needle book
Remarkable Retail book
Gift Biz Unwrapped Search <-- find exactly what you're looking for!

Shelley's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 19 – 3 Easy Ways to Get Customer Testimonials

Sue Monhait — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Customer testimonials can be the deciding factor that prompts someone to make the decision to buy. The fact that Amazon uses this strategy tells you it works. But getting people to give a testimonial is difficult ... for the buyer and the seller. Here are 3 easy ways to start capturing reviews and then how to use them to your advantage. The resource mentioned in this episode is Repuso CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

326 – A Classy Way to Nurture Customer Relationships with David Wachs of Handwrytten

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

How can you stand out from all the other businesses that do something similar? Today we're talking about nurturing customer relationships and how it can set you apart in the minds of your existing and potential customers. Handwrytten provides scalable robotic solutions that write your notes in pen and changes the way brands and people connect. Prior to Handwrytten, David founded Cellit, a leading mobile marketing platform servicing clients such as Abercrombie and Fitch and Walmart. Both Handwrytten and Cellit were on Inc. Magazine’s 500 list of fastest-growing companies. Today, David speaks on marketing technology, has been featured in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, and is a contributor to Inc. Magazine.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

If you want to start a company, now is the time.
Have confidence that you’ll be able to figure things out.
Don’t give up right away. In the game of entrepreneurship, you only lose when you leave the field.

Nurturing Customer Relationships

With all the digital noise in the world (emails, texts, online messengers, and more), handwritten notes stand out as personal and unique.
Handwritten notes allow you to communicate at a personal level with your clients.
Decide which card you want to use. Figure out what you want to do with the card, what you want to write, and how you’re going to send it
How to use cards to nurture customer relationships:
- Tune in to hear more ideas!
- Thank you notes to new customers for choosing you over another business
- Welcome notes inside your product box or sent separately
- Anniversary of purchase notes (i.e., 6 months or a year after purchase)
- Suggest additional "you might like" products
- Win back customers after mistakes with a free gift and handwritten note
- Seasonal cards
Listen to the full conversation for all the tips!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

David Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 18 – Let Them Steal Your Stuff!

Sue Monhait — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

By keeping your business too close to your chest, you're limiting your ability to attract new customers, get new sales and expand your product line. Plus, it puts you in a position of management through paranoia. NOT a good feeling ever! I explain in today's show why this is not a good way to run your business and the only time it actually makes sense. Yes, there's always one exception to the rule. But OMG - once you truly get this, it's so freeing! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

325 – The Easy Way to Record Your First Product Biz Video with Holly Gillen

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Are you afraid to make videos for your business? If so, you're not alone. The whole idea makes so many of us squirm! Today's guest shares exactly how to be comfortable on camera so you can reap the benefits of video in your biz. Holly helps high-performing leading ladies save time on both sides of the camera by teaching them the skills they need to create not just video but Business Cinema™. And she knows what she’s talking about having worked on projects for the Sundance Channel, HBO, Sony Music, and Nick.com. She’s also been a camera operator, video producer, and editor. I think we’ve got the right gal! Holly creates videos with a plan, purpose, system, and strategy. Videos that move your business forward and have a bigger purpose.

How To Be Comfortable On Camera

Push past your fears and barriers. Love the creativity that videos allow you to have.
If you're just uncomfortable in front of the camera, dig into that a little bit deeper and find out what your real fear is. There's fear of being visible, there's fear of being vulnerable, there's fear of being judged.
It doesn't necessarily mean your face needs to be on camera. As creators, there's a lot of fun and interesting things you do with your hands that people want to see. Try overhead shots of your hands or a time-lapse video with a voiceover on it.
Make videos even if it feels uncomfortable until you push past that breaking point. Just pick up your camera, look at it, and hit record.
Find some natural light in your home and choose the time of day where you feel like you have the most energy. Feel free to make mistakes and learn from them.
After recording, watch it all again, and be super-objective. Then share it with a trusted friend who will give you objective feedback.
Write a full script, just a little outline, or some bullet points to keep you on target with what you want to say on videos.
You will have moments where you stumble. You just need to pause before you start the sentence again.
No one will ever be you. No one can ever do what you do the way that you do it. Don't be afraid to share because it is going to help attract your people to you.
Thriller, Filler, Spiller formula. <-- Pro Tip! Listen in for all the details on this.
- Thriller is the first captivating thing you say to your viewer to keep them watching. Try this formula: "I make ____ and it helps people ____."
- Filler is the value or whatever is the promise you make at the beginning of the video.
- Spiller is your call to action. What do you want the viewer to do next?
Don't get caught up in fancy editing. The point is to get your message across and let your audience get to know you.
Video ideas for product businesses:
- Intro video
- Behind the scenes of making your product
- Morning routine as you come into your studio
- Share your tools and how you use it
- On the fly videos like at a craft show
- Slow-mo video of putting your booth together
- Customer testimonials
- Your take on a hot trend in your industry
- Bust myths or have a controversial opinion
Where to use your videos:
- Embed in blog posts
- Send via newsletter
- On social platforms
Tune in for all the tips and tricks for how to be comfortable on video!

Resources

Holly's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 17 – What To Do with Your Online Biz While on Vacation

Sue Monhait — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Running your own business doesn't mean you can't enjoy all life has to offer. And part of that is taking time away for yourself, your family and your customers. Relaxing breaks away are rejuevenating and even allow for renewed creativity and excitement for your business. Here's how to do this without losing customers and sales. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

324 – Retail – Wholesale – Combo – Let’s Get Advice through 25+ Years in Business with Sue Burns of Baabaazuzu

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Sue started her craft 26 years ago due to a laundry error. Yes, you heard me right - a laundry error that reduced Sue's beloved sweaters to a pile of carnage. And since then, she's learned so many lessons in business as she found her own way. What would have brought most to tears, became a lightbulb moment for Sue. Blending her graphic design with her sewing skills, she refashioned the sweaters into new wearables and launched Baabaazuzu. The brand has grown to include hats, mittens, scarves, bags, and more for women and men, all made from post-consumer woolens. The past 25+ years have been a whirlwind of growth, excitement, challenges, and brilliant ideas that have tested her patience, as well as rewarded my efforts. Sue says she’s grateful for the learning curves that are part of the journey as an artist and entrepreneur.

LESSONS IN BUSINESS

Know if there’s a market for your product.
Stay open to changes in how and where you do business based on where the market and opportunities are.
Be available to your customers in different ways.
The quality of your product will make you stand out.
Your booth design is important as well as the accessibility to your product. Make people fall in love with what you do.
Don’t let anything scare you especially if you’re just starting out.
Learn from your customers as to which products resonate with them and apply that to your sales technique so you will know which product to sell.
Signage is important for people to know more about your brand and to spark their curiosity about what your products are.
Engage with customers. Demonstrate how your products work. It’s all about the customer’s experience.
See the value in the way you market and sell your products.
For wholesale business, deliver products on time.
Stay true to the product of what people know you for. Always make your product better.

Resources Mentioned

Sue's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 16 – Identify Your Most Productive Next Step for a Perfectly SCRIPTed Week

Sue Monhait — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Have those weeks where you're super busy but all that time and effort you put in doesn't transfer over to sales? True results come down to doing the right things to move the needle - not just lots of activity. Follow my 6 Step SCRIPT Method to identify what single goal you should focus on each week. One thing, the right thing, focused on each week will bring immediate progress and huge results over the course of a year. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

323 – How to Get Unstuck and Go After Your Dreams with Becca Ribbing

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Over the course of my business journey, I've learned the power of mindset. Get it right and you can conquer the world. But our own minds can also stop us in our tracks. Today's guest shares how to get unstuck by working through the mindset blocks that hold us back. Becca is on a mission to help people break out of the cycles of uncertainty and struggle that hold them back. She helps women who are going back and forth with the big, seemingly endless question of what to do next. They can stop going around in circles and finally figure out what they truly want and create the clarity and momentum they crave. Too many people find themselves stuck and unsure of their direction. Through her Clarity Journal and journaling prompts, Becca helps people become more honest with themselves. This moves them forward gently and empowers them to embrace their strengths while letting go of any negative self-talk that has held them back in the past.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

What's really necessary is to realize you are strong enough and you have the skills you need.
If one thing doesn’t work out, try something else.
"Fully going for it" doesn't have to equal money. It can just mean making a real commitment.
Learn from mentors who can guide you on what to do and improve.
To shift into business, you not only need a passion for what you do but also a passion for the business to succeed.
You need to love the business you create because if it's only about money, you'll jump ship when things get hard.
Know the true reality of the business you want to create. Does that resonate with you?
There's no one right answer that's perfect for everyone.
True self-care is setting up your life in a way that you don't hit those huge, combustible, stressful moments in the first place.
Tune in to the whole convo to hear more business-building insights.

How to Get Unstuck

Stuck and don’t know what to do next? Start by figuring out which of your options uses your greatest strength.
There is no decision that is 100% right or wrong. And no decision is irreversible. But indecision will keep you stalled in your tracks.
Be honest with yourself about what you want to do next and explore the options available.
We constantly make little decisions about how to move in the direction we think is best. But the more you have a really clear understanding of what that direction looks like, the more you can take concrete steps without going back and forth.
Get clear on your motivations, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
Keep picturing yourself building something up, brick by brick, to the point where it's beautiful and amazing.
Be very clear about what you want long term so you can make those decisions step by step. If you end up making a decision that turns out not to be great, you can easily pivot back into the stream of what you want.
Listen to the full conversation to get all the insights about how to get unstuck!

How Journaling Can Help Your Business

It's all about being truly open and honest with yourself.
Try this prompt for creators - "Who do you envy and what does that tell you about yourself?" When you explore what you envy, you can break down how they achieved what they did and learn from them. <-- Pro tip!
Journaling can help you look at ALL the options instead of focusing on one too soon.
Tune in to learn more about how journaling can help!

Resources Mentioned

Becca's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 15 – Is THIS Missing in Your “Brand?”

Sue Monhait — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

The word brand gets used very freely these days. Do you know what it actually means? Or what's truly included in your "brand?" You should. Because if you aren't doing this right, you may be putting up obstacles unconsciously that are driving people away! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

322 – Affiliate Marketing as an Additional Income Stream with Rick Magennis of Bear Cat Media

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Do you have more than one income stream in your business? Multiple streams of income are how we avoid the "feast or famine" cycle and create stable revenue for our business. Today, we're diving into using Affiliate marketing to create additional income streams for your handmade business. Rick has been in affiliate marketing for nearly a decade, primarily managing affiliate programs for brands. But he’s been an affiliate too, so he has a unique position with insight on both sides. He knows what it takes to get started in affiliate marketing and promote other people's products and services. Rick is joining us today to talk about how affiliate marketing could fit into your overall income strategy being a handmade product maker.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Prioritize what really makes a difference in your business and focus on that.
Make sure your product is validated and dialed in before you start working on less important things (like the perfect logo).

How to Create Additional Income Streams With Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a phenomenal way to make extra income from what you’re already doing.
You don't have to have a huge audience to be an affiliate. Even if you have a small audience, you can still do affiliate marketing.
List the products or programs you want to work with and reach out to the companies to see if they have an affiliate program.
Think beyond your own products. You can promote any kind of product that you are passionate about.
Promote things you have used and loved, whether it applies specifically to your business or not.
The purpose of affiliate marketing is to talk about things you've actually used and loved. If you don't know anything about it, it's difficult to promote well.
If you already have a website, add a page with the products and services along with the affiliate links so you get credit for the sale.
Know the benefits and features of what you're promoting.
Maximize your efforts by actively promoting to your email list and network. Don't only rely on your website links. <-- Pro tip!
Think outside the box - affiliate marketing allows you to be as creative in how you promote products as you can be.
You can also create an affiliate program to allow others to promote your own products. <-- Listen to get all the details on this!
Important - you must disclose that you'll receive a commission as an affiliate when you promote the links (whether on your website, in email, or whatever).
Tune in to get the whole story on creating additional income streams with affiliate marketing!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers
Affiliatly - to create your own affiliate program
Please review this podcast

Rick's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 14 – Facebook Business Pages vs Facebook Groups

Sue Monhait — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

It's time to answer the questions. Should you have a Facebook Business Page? What about Facebook Groups? Today we cover how these are different, the pros and cons of each and what my recommendation is for your handmade product business. I believe when we're done, your answers will be clear! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

321 – Why have a Blog as a Product Business? with Kate Kordsmeier

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

As a product business, you may think you don't need to bother with a blog. But there are a ton of benefits of blogging for business - and we're diving into this topic today. Kate is a recovering workaholic perfectionist who values relationships and wellness as much as strategy. She’s been a writer her entire life and for the past 11 years has made a living from her words…following her passions and interests first and always. She’s an old soul who loves to read, cook, listen to old music, do crossword puzzles, and sit with her friends and family in the beautiful outdoors surrounded by good food and drink. Kate empowers women with actionable advice and inspirational content to turn their purpose into profits with an online business that reclaims their joy, power, and freedom without sacrificing their health, self-care, relationships and family, sanity, and spirituality.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Remember you have a life to enjoy - not just a business to run. Slow down. Be present.
Create diverse revenue streams for a sustainable business so you are not relying on one earning method.

Benefits of Blogging for Business

All websites are blogs and all businesses need one.
Your blog is your home base. It helps people find you and get to know you.
Creating content online is the fastest way to show up in Google Search results. It brings more people to your website and helps you sell your products.
Blogging is a form of organic content marketing. It helps you get leads, sales, and build your email list.
There are 3 primary methods to monetize your blog: ads, affiliates, and sponsors. And of course, you can continue to sell your own products, too.
Multiple revenue streams can complement each other.
Blogging is a great marketing strategy that helps you become findable and increase your visibility which will increase your sales.
Tune into the full conversation to discover more benefits of blogging for business!

Blogging for Business Tips

WordPress.org (self-hosted) is recommended for your website, (not WordPress.com)
Your site should be self-hosted so you can have unlimited control over it.
Focus on blog posts that will get people towards your goals.
Have at least one image in every article to be visually appealing and break up blocks of text.
If you send an email to your list about a blog article, give them a teaser - they need a good reason to click through and read the post.
Video is huge in blogging right now. If you prefer to create videos or podcasts, do that and just create show notes as your blog posts.
Get lots more blogging for business tips in this episode.

Product Business Blog Post Ideas

Roundup posts about trends in your market
How-to posts for how to make what you make or use your products.
Posts about the materials used to make your products.
Get ideas from googling your topic and see what types of things come up.
Write blog posts that answer the questions you find when you google your topic.
Listen in for how blogging can help you sell your products.

Resources Mentioned

Gift Biz Breeze - Free Facebook group for handmade business owners
Content for Makers
Six-Figure Blog Academy
Yoast SEO plugin for WordPress

Kate's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LnkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 13 – How to Put Yourself in Luck’s Path

Sue Monhait — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Luck isn't as random as it might seem. You see people who appear to easily achieve succcess every step of the way. Let's talk about why this happens and what you can do to attract the same lucky streak. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

320 – The Signs that Lead to a Profitable Product Niche with Gail Zona of gJoolz

Sue Monhait — Mon, 31 May 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Niche, niche, niche! Everyone says to choose a niche. But how to find a profitable niche that works for your business? Today's guest shows us how. Gail is an artisan specializing in hand-crafted, personalized gifts. She works mostly with businesses that use gift-giving as part of their client retention program. Realtors, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, financial advisors, CPAs, and business/life coaches are her best clients. Gail got started in the gift business at age 10 when she made customized mice finger puppets for a local consignment shop. Fast forward after a career in high-tech to 13 years ago when she started making glass and sterling jewelry. That led to personalized jewelry which eventually led to her current gift business. She says that when she left her high-tech executive position 4 years ago, she didn’t look back. And it was a great move because she’s having a blast today!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Take those next steps. Keep figuring out what the next thing is because eventually, it will all work.
Do the show, record the results, and analyze what worked and what didn’t work.
Naturally sharing with friends and family what you’re up to opens opportunities for business.
Validate that your product will sell before you build a business around it.
The display is important because people want to experience touching your products.
Have a range of price points so people will have options for what they are comfortable buying.
Having high-priced things positions you as an expert in your field.
Have multiple avenues to build relationships with people.

How To Find A Profitable Niche

Create products that are different and unique so you are top of mind.
Focus your efforts on things that you love doing. Love what you do and make people happy.
Get ideas from your customers. Listen to what products they want.
At every show, write down notes about what sells to who and why, what you learned from speaking to your customers, etc.
Try different ways to sell - in person, at shows, online, via Zoom, and so on, and see what works best for you. You may find your niche in an unexpected place.
Be flexible - you never know where your next best-selling product or favorite customer will come from!
Tune in now to get all the signs to look for your profitable niche!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Gail's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 12 – All Website Platforms are NOT Created Equal

Sue Monhait — Thu, 27 May 2021 05:00:00 -0600

"What website platform should I use to create my website?" If this is your question, I suggest you ask a different one because all website platforms are not the same. In this episode I break down the three platform categories to help you narrow in on which one is right for you based on the results you're after. Yes - I know your goal on a website is to get sales. But here too, there are different types of sales to go after - doesn't make sense? Listen in - it will! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

319 – How to Capture the Power of Pinterest with Laura Rike

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 May 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Have you been wondering if Pinterest is really worth your time and effort? Today's guest shares all her Pinterest best practices so you can finally capture the power of Pinterest for your product business. As a Pinterest Strategist, Laura helps high-performing business owners & content creators implement content growth plans, outsource their visibility, and steadily grow their monthly revenue. All without tantrums over tech and trading sleep for success. She describes herself as a quirky, spunky, social butterfly who values open, honest relationships in every area of her life. She’s also the mother of two boys who are the center of everything.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't focus on the competition or feeling judged. Let your own personality shine.
Stay true to the audience coming to you. Keep your eyes focused on them rather than what your competition is doing.

Pinterest Best Practices

Pinterest should be considered a search feed platform like Google and YouTube. It is not a social media platform.
People go to Pinterest to search for a solution to a certain problem.
If you really want to reach a wider audience and bring in traffic and sales, take time to research more on the platform. What are people searching for?
Pin Hacking: See what type of designs, titles, and calls to action come on pins when you search for the type of product you offer. Then find a way to fill in the gaps those other companies are not filling.
A/B test your pins by trying two different designs or more for a single product and see which works better. Sometimes a gorgeous picture doesn't give the info a shopper needs to see.
Try different types of pins:
- Static images such as text-only, product images, or behind the scenes
- Video pins - short & sweet 20-second snippet. Great teasers and can link to products. Simple videos made on your phone are fine.
- Story pins (can't link but good for brand awareness and getting followers) - videos of how you make a product, show your process, show your store - use up to 5-7 images
Every pin should include a call to action to lead people to where they can purchase your product.
Pinterest is a redirection site - you search for something, and it redirects you to where you can purchase.
DON'T use link shorteners (they are marked as SPAM). Use the actual link. <-- Pro tip!
Be conversational and tell a story in your description, while including keywords. Tell readers in a nice polite way what you want them to do.
When posting the same product or article to different boards, the images and description should be different. The links can be the same but the post must be scheduled at different times (at least a week or more between pins). <-- Pro tip!
Focus more on making new pins. Editing old pins that aren't bringing in results is less likely to help.
It's better to pin consistently than to pin tons of pins the same day. <-- Pro tip!
Tune in for ALL the Pinterest best practices - including Hashtags, Pinterest ads vs Facebook ads & more!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Laura's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 11 – Take the Two Word Challenge with Me

Sue Monhait — Thu, 20 May 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Take the 2 Word Challenge! By eliminating these two words from your vocabulary, you'll become a stronger, more purposeful communicator and create an achievability mindset. People are more likely to listen to what you have to say and you'll be seen as more professional too. Are you taking me up on this challenge? Let me know by direct message over on Instagram @giftbizunwrapped. Let's do this! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

318 – Your Relationship with Money. Take a Seat on the Couch with Connie Vanderzanden

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 May 2021 02:00:00 -0600

What's your relationship with money? If you're like me, you know numbers are an important part of your business. But truthfully, you'd rather be working on something creative.Today's down-home honest girl chat all about things financial will help you feel a little bit more friendly toward your budget so you can start building a healthy relationship with money and numbers. Connie is a cash flow and business mentor. And even with her 35+ years of accounting experience, it didn't prepare her for the monster of a business she created. It had $50,000 in debt and she didn't pay herself for 6 years! So, what did she do? Connie crafted a solution with an easy system that worked to turn things around. Then she started sharing it with others. Now she works one on one with women entrepreneurs, blending the how-to with the mindset to create a healthy, long-lasting relationship with money. It's not about what your topline revenue is, it's what you do with it that matters. While a budget is the first step, you also have to look at what your natural style is with money and your subconscious beliefs. That way you can call those things out in the budget before they sidetrack your efforts. Connie is a true Oregonian born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she spends time with her husband of 35 years and their furbaby.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Create more innovation to be found in a wider spectrum.
Innovation and creativity are key as you overcome business challenges. There are lots of different options, we just have to be willing to be creative.
Create a plan for your business so you end up with what you actually want.
Figure out if you have an employee mindset. If you do, work on developing a more entrepreneurial mindset.

Build A Healthy Relationship With Money

Money is really here to support us. Numbers are your friend because they can help support your lifestyle.
Create a relationship with money according to your desire and goal.
Take a moment to pause, think, explore your own money habits and figure out what to do next.
To avoid going into debt:
- be sustainable and be profitable
- explore your costs
- know your value when you put a price on your goods
- and create some cash savings that will instantly make your business more sustainable
It's up to us as the maker to determine what price is good. That makes us sustainable so that we can show up and do it again and again and again.
Be intentional with how you set your prices. Remember your customer doesn't know what your overhead is. They just want the product. Make sure the price is sustainable so you can keep doing it! <-- Pro tip!
Invest for the future of the growth of your business. Make sure you cover your overhead costs PLUS some extra so you can cover unexpected costs and grow in the future.
Give your dollars a job. Create a business savings account name it so you know what its purpose is. Break it up into multiple accounts if you need to see what it's all for.
Intentionally pay yourself first and intentionally pay for taxes as money comes in. This creates a smaller bucket for operational costs and provides sustainability so you know whether you can grow or not. <-- Check out the Profit First book for more on this!
A financial plan is essential for any business. Like for any good adventure, we're going to need some type of road map. Figure out your good, better, best stages.
Use a calendar to remind you when charges are coming up. Evaluate whether you really need to spend on certain apps and tools. Pause spending if necessary. Stop paying for things that don't serve you anymore.
If you get into a position where you don't know what to do, bring in an outside person who can help you walk through your numbers unemotionally. Find someone you can talk things through with.
Changing the way you do business doesn't mean you have failed. It's just part of the evolution of your business.
Get creative! There are so many options for innovation today. Think outside the box when it comes to growing your business.
Tune in to the full conversation for lots more money and mindset tips!

Resources Mentioned

Connie's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 10 – The Magic of Giving and Getting

Sue Monhait — Thu, 13 May 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Today I present a new way to think about your product business. It's about the reciprocal exchange of giving and getting that exists with every exchange of product and money. By reframing your thinking along these lines, selling becomes easier and the relationship between maker and customer grows richer. Particularly with handmade product businesses, a relationship between the artisan and the recipient of a product powers repeat business. You're not only buying a beanie, you're supporting the quilter. You don't just love candles, you know the candle maker. And you're selecting that special birthday cake because you have a personal connection with the baker. These things enrich the lives of both the giver and the getter. It not only positions your business for growth, it makes the world a happier place. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

317 – The Smart Way to Brand Corporate Gifts with Chelsea Martin of Noms Bake Shop

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 May 2021 02:00:00 -0600

If you've ever wondered how to sell corporate gifts to companies, today's guest has some tips that will definitely help you out. Chelsea is the co-owner of Noms Bake Shop, the industry expert in the art of convenient corporate gifting that leaves a lasting impression. In a noisy world of email marketing and forgettable corporate tchotchkes, Chelsea and the Noms Bake Shop team provide a premium solution to corporate and personal gifting that delights clients and showcases their brands. Chelsea has extensive experience in marketing and real estate and is passionate about helping companies impress, retain and grow their customers and client base. She lives in Scottsdale Arizona with her husband Trevor and two dogs.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

When someone you don't know has a powerful response to your product, that's a great validation there’s a market for your product.
Create connections with potential clients by getting them to experience your product. Putting your product in front of them will do a lot of the selling.
Research as much as you can during product development so you can come up with effective strategies to scale your business. There will be investments to produce the quality of the product you are aiming for.
Find a way to stand out in your industry. Understand where your product fits in your niche and differentiate to create a unique product.

How To Sell Corporate Gifts To Companies

Don't send your logo-marked products to potential customers you have no relationship with. There's not much motivation for them to keep it.
Once you do have a relationship, your logo products will be more welcome. Make sure you're in the right place of the customer journey or are already connected. <-- Pro tip!
Events like trade shows are the perfect place for promotional logo products such as pens.
Guide your clients on the best ways to use or present your products.
For the gifting industry, It is important that your product arrives in amazing condition since it represents the brand of your client. The whole experience should be exciting for customers.
Deliver joy across the country. The goal of your product is to make a person’s day and connect with them.
Share value-based content on social media that your customers can use in their own business
Tune in to hear how Noms went from a small farmers market seller to a nationwide corporate gift powerhouse! Tons of amazing tips you can learn about building your own business

Chelsea's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 9 – Craft Show Convo Part 4 – Social Media’s Role in a Craft Show

Sue Monhait — Thu, 06 May 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Instead of thinking about craft shows as a stand alone sales generator. I want you to start considering all the tools in your arsenal and layering them on top of each other. That's what you do when you combine social media on top of craft shows, farmer's markets or church bazaars. Have you heard the saying, "The sum is greater than it's two parts?" That is what's at play here. You'll learn new ways to use social media throughout all the different phases of a show: When you're preparing, day of setup, just before opening, and during a craft show. You'll also discover creative applications for social media that strenghen your business reputation long after a show is over and things you can boost sales when things aren't going your way. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

316 – Baking Business Success from The Greatest Baker Finalist Roshell Ingraham

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 May 2021 02:00:00 -0600

If you've ever dreamed of creating a baking business empire (or any empire, for that matter), this episode is for you. Today’s guest is Roshell Ingraham. If you check her out on Instagram, right in her bio she starts with “It’s Yo Girl Ro.” And that pretty much sums up the spirit behind this powerhouse of a lady. The room lights up when she enters and her energy is contagious. Roshell is a well-known and popular baker, pastry artist, and confectioner. She serves as Head Instructor and CEO of Your Sweet Connections, a company that serves other bakers with the knowledge and techniques to develop their own baking businesses. She’s been featured in American Cake Decorating Magazine, seen on Tasty, and was a quarter-finalist in the Greatest Baker competition.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

In order to grow, you have to step outside the box.
Do what you do because you love doing it and not just for the money. Just be great at it.
Be you. Be unique. You can be like nobody else.
You can monetize your gifts by teaching what you know.
Always be on your A game. You never know who is watching and will notice you.

Roshell's Road To Baking Business Success

Consider being a brand ambassador. It's a great way to increase your visibility and create a new income stream.
You can have your own product line. Find a manufacturer or supplier that will produce or create that is fitting for your brand and company.
Collaborate with other business owners who have similar products as you do. You can have a portion of your shop in their location or create something completely new together.
Every market is different. Do your research on what works for your own market.
Don't guess - find out what people are into when trying to create your products.
Tune in for lots more ideas on how to build your business!

Roshell's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 8 – Craft Show Convo 3 – Overcoming Challenges During the Show

Sue Monhait — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0600

All is ready to go. You've registered for a show where attendees should be your perfect customer. And you've planned your booth display and strategically estimated and made products to sell. Now you get to "go live" and interact with customers in person. So exciting! But hold on ... It's time to talk about the challenges that can happen during a craft show. Some are completely unexpected and some may be your worst fears. But no need to worry because when you're prepared, you can handle anything. Let's go through the top three challenges that may appear during the show. Solutions are coming your way. Because when you know how to manage through these obstacles, you'll be confident in your actions and boldly move towards rewarding results. That means strong sales AND realizing how much fun craft shows, farmer's markets, church baazars, flea markets, (on and on) can be! Warning: Pen and paper may be required for this one. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

315 – Brain Hacks That Trigger Your Customer to Buy with Melina Palmer of The Brainy Business

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

One of the biggest challenges every business owner faces is how to get customers to buy. In today's show, we've got some incredible brain hacks and messaging techniques that help you make more sales - and I guarantee you've never heard these before! Melina is the founder and CEO of The Brainy Business, which provides behavioral economics consulting to businesses of all sizes from around the world. Her podcast, The Brainy Business: Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy, has downloads in over 160 countries and is used as a resource for teaching applied behavioral economics for many universities and businesses. Think about this …

Are you charging the right prices and are they nudging customers to buy? Are your brand’s nuances sending the right signals to your customer’s brain?

Melina teaches applied behavioral economics through the Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab and her first book, What Your Customer Wants (And Can’t Tell You), is scheduled for publication in May 2021.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Make it easy for customers to find what they want or they will get overwhelmed and go somewhere else.
Everything about your business should be relatable to your ideal customers right down to your logos, colors, and fonts.
Build positive experiences for your customers. Surprise and Delight moments can erase bad experiences.
Think of your Brand as a memory - a collection of the experiences people have with you.
Extend beyond that negative point so that at the end people are happier with their overall experience with you even if something that was a little bit bad happened.

How To Get Customers To Buy

Guide people to go in the right direction in the way you present information. It's called 'choice architecture.'
Choice is all about context. And the way it is presented makes a difference.
How you present something should be worded or framed in a way that resonates with your specific ideal customers.
The subconscious brain is very literal and will take big font equals big price. That goes together with small font equals small price.
Keep product titles simple and clear. If you use adjectives, keep it short and snappy.
Use images that demonstrate experiences in product descriptions and promotions so people can imagine how it will feel.
Think about what you want buyers to feel and use words that convey that feeling in your descriptions. <-- Pro tip! Watch Food Network shows and listen to how they describe a dish when they try it for great examples of how to do this.
99% of anything our brains do is done on a subconscious level. When you do videos or post images showcasing your products, share the sensory emotions you experience to activate a mirror experience in the brains of your viewers. <-- Listen in for exactly how this works!
Tune in for lots more fascinating tips about how to use the way our brains work to get more sales!

Resources Mentioned

Melina's Book - What Your Customer Wants And Can't Tell You

Melina's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 7 – Craft Show Convo Part 2 – Planning and Preparation

Sue Monhait — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0600

Selecting and registering for a craft show is a great start. Now we need to make sure you're prepared to get the best results possible. OR you may be sitting in the other camp, thinking of all the things that could go wrong ... so you never actually did sign up for that show. (Busted!) Let's go through the top three questions that arise as you prepare for a show. Solutions are coming your way. Because when you know how to manage through these obstacles, you'll be confident in your actions and boldly move toward rewarding results. That means strong sales AND realizing how much fun craft shows, farmer's markets, church baazars, flea markets, (on and on) can be! Warning: Pen and paper may be required for this one. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

314 – Things to Do Now to Sell Your Business Later with Chelsea Clarke

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Today, we're talking about how to sell your business - and some things you can do now to set yourself up for a profitable sale later. Because even if you just started a business, things do change over time and the day might come when you're ready to sell. Chelsea is a content monetization strategist and business broker. She helps investors acquire profitable online businesses while providing a way for content creators and small business owners to have gainful exits from those businesses. Chelsea founded BlogsForSale.co, a boutique brokerage and marketplace for buying and selling niche websites, eCommerce sites and media properties. She’s obsessed with the strategy behind growing an online business, from growth-hacking to funnels to creative monetization.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Enjoy the journey.
Focus on what you are doing, believe in your vision, and stay focused on that path.
Find and connect with the people who will become your customers and your community.
Collect email addresses. Focus on growing your list and building that relationship with your community through newsletters.

Thinking Ahead For How To Sell Your Business

Don't put your name on anything that you might want to sell down the road.
What really cool product (whether it's digital, or physical) can you create that doesn't rely on you being the one to be able to provide it?
Even when you first start building your business or are just coming up with a business idea, have an exit plan or even just an idea of an exit strategy, right from the start.
Be consistent about tracking your profit and loss. It's easy for the buyer to see where they might be able to fit in the business and what expenses they can expect.
Set up Google Analytics on your website right from day one. Every potential buyer will want to check the analytics to confirm you really are getting the traffic.
Common mistake: Don't slack off on your business when you put it up for sale. It's important to continue to actively run the business - make sales, drive traffic, etc.
Tune in for TONS more fascinating details and tips on selling a business!

Resources Mentioned

Chelsea's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 6 – Craft Show Convo Part 1 – Selection and Results

Sue Monhait — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Celebration Time! Craft shows are finally coming back and we're all ready to be together and have face-to-face (screenless) conversations again. Whether you've just started your business and are looking for your first sales, or you've just never considered a local consumer show as a way to sell your products, here's how to figure out which show(s) is right for you. Craft shows, farmer's markets, church bazaars, county fairs and flea markets - there are a lot of options! And guess what? There's still more to do when the show is over and you've packed up and left. Now it's time to analyze your results to decide if it's a repeat for next time or you should move on. This isn't as obvious a decision as you may think. It's not only about sales. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

313 – How to Start a Craft Business from Home with Sophy Lakshmanan of Miss Paper Craft

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Do you see other people selling their handmade products and wonder how to start a craft business from home yourself? That's what we're diving into today. Sophy is the face behind Miss Paper Craft, a Paper Quilling store, making intricate jewelry, ornaments, and keepsake dolls. She paper quilled as a hobby when she was in India, making gifts for friends and family. After moving to the US, she noticed that Paper Quilling wasn’t widely known here and jumped at the opportunity. Her goal is to share the paper quilling experience with more people through her jewelry, DIY craft kits, and online classes. Side fun fact - Sophy is also a Chartered Accountant on the side.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Give your customers an amazing experience with your products.
Be consistent with social media. Be more present through videos where people can see you demonstrate how you create your products.
Have great photos on Instagram to stand out from the crowd.
Collect emails to reach out to potential customers.
You learn best by doing. Even if things don't work out as planned, you will learn so many things that will help you the next time.

How to Start A Craft Business From Home

Turn a hobby into a business once you see the potential that people like what you're doing.
If your product is something unique and new to people, take the time to explain what it is so they understand and appreciate it better. It’s also a great avenue to start conversations.
Start small and work your way into things that are scary. For example, if you’re uncomfortable showing your face on video, talk from behind your phone and show your hands while you create something.

Resources Mentioned

InShot app
At Home Craft & Gift Show
How To Turn Your Handmade Products Into An Income Producing Business (Free)
Makers MBA

Sophy's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 5 – How Much Money Can You Really Make?

Sue Monhait — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

When you start your business, you have dreams of sharing your products with the world ... and also making money. That's where the script flips, doing this to create income versus being a hobby. But how do you know what's possible? I've seen too many makers discouraged by their results because they've pulled a number out of the sky with no concrete plan to achieve it. So what's really possible in the beginning when you are the only one working in your business? Pull out a pen and paper because I give you the formula and examples. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

312 – Why Do You Hold Yourself Back? with Petia Kolibova

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Petia is a transformation coach who helps women who have been pushed down and have been playing small create a life that is true to them and their soul purpose. Her mission is to help women who are on the path to healing from toxic relationships or unhealed childhood trauma move through their limiting beliefs and internal blocks so they can finally take action on what they want to do and what feels good to them. Petia pairs feminine flow with strategic planning to give entrepreneurs immense clarity and the exact steps to transition from side-hustler to CEO. If she’s not interviewing on her podcast Unapologetically Abundant, working out, or reading, you’ll find her in nature disconnecting from the world and connecting to herself.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

No matter what kind of business you have, you are your business. You're the one who will create a product or be the leader in your business. It all starts with you.
Build a business based on your core values. When you have your core values backing you up, you feel stronger and more courageous.
Know who you truly are so you can attract people and opportunities that are alike. Become the magnet for people and things that align with you.
Surround yourself with people who really light you up and make you feel alive.

How to Stop Holding Yourself Back

The foundational idea that you must wrap yourself around is that you're perfectly made for your purpose.
Embrace that you're perfectly made for your purpose and you're perfectly made for your clients. People will be attracted to you and your story.
It's really all about seeing yourself as worthy and perfect for what you came here to do.
Look at your ultimate desire, what do you really want in your life for yourself?
Take it one step at a time. that's how all these changes happen, gradually.
It’s really about acknowledging where you are now, and asking yourself, what is the best next step? There are things you can do daily that will make you feel better. And when you feel better, you attract better, you're more confident, and you're more courageous. People will notice your energy and you become magnetic for your clients.
Take inspired action steps and inspired risks.
How you treat yourself is reflected in all the relationships around you.
When you feel inspired and empowered in your life, your results will be aligned with who you are.
No one else can do it like you. There are customers waiting just for you.
If you don't do the things you really want to do like creating products and being creative, you are actually hurting other people. Because there are people who need and want your products.
Tune in to the full conversation for so much more on how to create the life and business you want!

Resources Mentioned

At Home Craft & Gift Show - Coupon code GiftBiz10 (valid for first-timers)
Ep 304 - Online Craft Shows

Petia's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 4 – 4 Steps to a Logo Refresh

Sue Monhait — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Over time your logo can get stale, look outdated and be in need of a makeover. This does not need to be an overly drawn out process. Just follow these steps and you'll be refreshed in no time! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

311 – The Power of Staying True to Your Brand with Ximena Bervejillo of Entrelanas Designs

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

You may think that "brand values" are something only big corporations have to worry about. But the reality is staying true to your brand is something every business - no matter how small - should focus on. Today's guest shares how staying true to her brand helped her build a successful and thriving handmade business. Ximena is the hands and heart behind the handwoven creations of Entrelanas Designs. Her love for yarn and textiles began in her early teens when she first started knitting. This led to crocheting, needle felting, and when she started weaving on a rigid heddle loom – that became her passion. Coming from Uruguay, where wool and wool products are part of the country identity, she found that creating handwoven garments using Uruguayan pure wool was a way to stay connected to her roots. Today Ximena shares that part of who she is through Entrelanas Designs.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Test the market. It's different when you hear it from people that you don't know as compared to hearing it from your friends.
Learn how to deal with customers and relate to them.
Establish a direct connection with people through social media.
Build a deeper connection with your followers through live shows where you get to show them the backstage of things.
Put time and effort into promoting your products in all your different channels.
Integrate your business into your life, not the other way around so you continue to love what you do.
The price of your products reflects the quality of them. If you price too low, people will think they are low quality.
Don't try to compete with lower-priced options - stay in your pricing lane.
When your products are priced right, you don't need a lot of sales to make a decent amount of money.

The Power of Staying True To Your Brand Values

As creators, we tend to struggle with pricing. Learn to understand and appreciate the true value of what you make and price accordingly.
If you really do what you love, and you get proof from people around you that what you do is beautiful, it's worth showing to the rest of the world.
Put all your passion, time, and creativity towards your craft and listen to people who love you who can give you good feedback.
Give yourself permission to do things that you love doing. Look forward to that moment.
Know if you need to raise your prices. Your quality deserves more than what you are asking for. Nobody does exactly the same kind of product you create. There will always be someone who’s willing to pay the price.
There will be frustrations and challenges, but focus on your goals and work towards them.
When you feel uninspired, do something else to inspire your creativity. Take a hike, cook something delicious, etc.

Resources Mentioned

At Home Craft & Gift Show (first-time exhibitors save 10% with coupon code GiftBiz10)
Makers MBA

Ximena's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 3 – The POWER of Small Gestures

Sue Monhait — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Something happened last week that reminded me of this very important and free way to attract and strengthen relationships. It's free, it comes in all different shapes and sizes ... and it's a true gem. Shoutout to my awesome VA, Michele who is the inspiration behind this episode. Resources I mentioned here are Bomb Bomb and Bonjoro. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

310 – Are Press Releases Still Relevant and How Can they Help your Handmade Biz? with Mickie Kennedy of eReleases

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

With all the changes in news media over the years, you might wonder ... are press releases still relevant? In this episode, we talk all about press releases and how you can use them for your handmade business. Mickie is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. He founded eReleases 22 years ago after realizing that small businesses desperately needed a press release service they can afford. One that gives them access to the media and to a national newswire – all with a personal touch. Mickie lives in Baltimore County with his family and two feuding cats. He enjoys British science fiction and acknowledges an unhealthy addiction to diet soda. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Poetry and still writes poetry most Monday nights (virtually) with a group of fellow misfits in Maryland.

HOW TO GET PRESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Start with local then grow from there:
- Start small for free by doing it yourself and approaching local media. You don't even need a finished press release. For local media, it's just the idea or seed of a story that you're pitching to them through email.
- The biggest identifier that the media will turn your release into a feature article is having a unique or original story their readers will resonate with.
- Once you're comfortable pitching a feature, try expanding beyond local. Reach out to publications you feel you stand a good chance at getting.
- Tune in to get all the details!
How to promote:
- You want to be really good at analyzing your industry. What is it that they're talking about? What is it that they're not talking about?
- Provide a media contact - a person's name and telephone number. The last thing a journalist under deadline wants is to try to get a response through email. Make sure they have a phone number they can call and escalate.
- If you're bootstrapping, save your press releases for the most newsworthy thing because you may only have a budget of doing two or three a year.
What your press release or feature should include:
- Provide a hook. Step up your game, amp up your writing, and try to present something that's captivating and interesting.
- Include something that feels newsworthy. Something the media would be receptive to turning into an article or story and share with their readers.
- Images are powerful because the media loves them. An image will convey a lot as to what you're about and what it is you make and you're trying to promote.
- One of the most important elements is the headline. You have to be relevant and have some context when you do your headline. The opening paragraph specifically the opening sentence is extremely important.
- A quote is a really great way to amp up your writing. Have something being said in a way that can't be paraphrased and can generally be very powerful or emotionally moving or sometimes controversial.
Don't forget to prepare your website for new traffic:
- Have valuable content that you can put on your website. Have a newsroom or an about us section. It is a way in which the search engines can find you because of keywords.
Tune in to the full conversation to get even more tips & tricks!

Resources Mentioned

Mickie's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter| Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 2 – The “We” or “I” Dilemma

Sue Monhait — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

As a solopreneur this is most likely a question that comes up from time to time. Should I be referring to my business as "We" or "I". Of course, saying "we" (aside from sounding french) makes you appear to be a more established business. More professional, more successful and perhaps shifts the scale in your favor. But does it? You lose out on a big opportunity if you reprepresent yourself as "we" if it's only you. I explain what it is in this episode and also my thoughts on the topic from several other angles too. Listen in to get the scoop. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

309 – How to Have a Successful Handmade Business with Cassie Menchhofer of Cassie’s Country Cupboard

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Don't let the challenges of owning a small business crush your dreams of success. Because today, we're diving into exactly how to have a successful handmade business - step by step. Cassie is the owner of Cassie's Country Cupboard, a small food manufacturing company based in rural West-Central Ohio. Learning to love cooking from a young age, Cassie has held a variety of positions in the food world including short-order cook, quality assurance inspector at a rice cake factory, and summer camp cook assistant. Cassie's Country Cupboard began in 2011 as a small cottage-food-based business and has grown into a commercial business serving customers nationwide with the help of Cassie's husband Curt and her two sons aged 9 and 12. Along with creating pantry items such as soup starters, baking mixes, and spice blends, Cassie also offers co-packing services to small companies who want to expand without investing in huge amounts of product.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Things don't need to be perfectly in place at the start. You just need to begin. Confirm there’s a market and that people will buy and go from there.
Decide what you need to focus on at any given moment to avoid overwhelm. Just make a choice about what is most important at that moment. Sometimes it's the family, sometimes it's the business, sometimes it's just relaxing.

How to Build a Successful Handmade Business

Packaging:
- Your packaging is your first impression on the customer.
- Remember we eat with our eyes before our tongues. Food packaging needs to look good and keep everything fresh.
- Put prices right on the package so people don't have to ask. If they don't know the price, some people will just walk away rather than ask.
Food Products:
- If you sell food products, make sure you understand the local cottage food laws and are in compliance.
- To ship food products nationwide, you'll need to get a commercial kitchen or production facility.
- Sharing recipes online is a great way to build your business because people love to share recipes and it doesn't feel salesy.
Growing Your Handmade Business:
- Grow your business by reaching out to businesses that might bring your products into their store.
- Be available online to make purchasing from you convenient.
- Participate in online shows where people can see your products. You'll also meet other vendors and build relationships and opportunities.
- For online shows, don't include everything you make in the booth because it might be overwhelming. Make your product selection smaller and focus on the best sellers. Keep bestsellers front and center. <-- Pro tip!
- Increase visibility by sharing videos. Potential customers will get a feel for your personality and get to know you through videos.
- Get more reach in your business through social media. Share valuable content that’s relevant to your target market.
Tune in to the full episode to hear so much more about Cassie's journey from just beginning to building her own private production facility!

Resources Mentioned

Cassie's Contact Links

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 1 – Are You Making this HUGE Startup Mistake?

Sue Monhait — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

It goes against all your instincts but offering too wide a variety of products will block your ability to sell your products. As a maker, you love being creative and have the skills to make so many beautiful or delicious things. This is where the problem begins. Listen in to hear why this is a problem and what to do about it. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

308 – Is Your Biz Ready to Run Facebook Ads? with Shelby Fowler of Fempire Media

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Do you find the idea of running Facebook ads scary? If so, you're in luck. Because we're getting into how to use Facebook ads effectively for your handmade product business - even if you've never done it before. Shelby is the founder and CEO of Fempire Media, a Facebook and Instagram Ads Agency. She is obsessed with ads and helps women scale their businesses using paid promotion. In addition to running ad campaigns for her clients, Shelby takes interest in empowering female entrepreneurs to set up and manage their own profitable Facebook and Instagram ads. On the personal side, Shelby loves reality television, prosecco, and cooking with her two daughters.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

When you're ready to get help with your business, hire a platform specialist. They'll be able to help you faster than a generalist who does everything (especially when it comes to ads).

How to Use Facebook Ads

General Facebook Ads Tips:
- Ad platforms like Facebook and Instagram are constantly evolving and changing. And with ads, it changes weekly. If it’s not your specialty, you’ll miss things.
- To grow your business, you need to adapt, pivot, and tap into resources. That's when you might decide to pay for ads to scale your business faster and easier.
- When you want to run ads, Facebook is the platform to use because of the data it has and the ability to niche down in targeting.
- There is a power in the targeting Facebook offers that no other platform can match.
- If you don't have a lot of sales, that's not the time to run ads. Running ads will amplify what you’re already doing in your business.
- Keep marketing organically until you have enough data about your business and products.
- Before you run ads, you MUST know:
  - The lifetime value of a customer
  - Your average order value
How to Run Facebook Ads:
- You must have a Facebook business Page (not a personal profile).
- Create your ads inside the Facebook Business Manager.
- Do NOT use the Ad Center of your business page. That creates a boosted post instead of a real ad. <-- Pro tip!
- A boosted post is not an ad.
- For targeting, you can run the same ad to four different groups. Don’t touch it for two days to see which group performs best. Then shut down the ad to the groups that did not go well.
- Bright-colored graphics get people to stop scrolling and click on your ad. <-- Listen in for more on how to create effective ads.
- Your cost per customer acquisition should be about 30% of your average order value.
- 3 big mistakes to avoid:
  - Boosting posts instead of running ads
  - Not investing enough money
  - Giving up instead of tweaking for better performance
Tune in to the full conversation to get lots more Facebook ads tips and tricks PLUS get the secret $5 a day ads strategy to build your audience!

Resources Mentioned

The difference between Ads Manager and Ads Center (FB video)
At Home Craft & Gift Show (get 10% off your booth with coupon code GiftBiz10 for first-timers)
Start with Confidence

Shelby's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

307 – How to Build an eCommerce Website that Gets Visitors to Buy with Matt Edmundson

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0600

An integral part of making sales is where you direct your customers to go when they are ready to buy (hint: the ultimate best choice will always be *your* website). So, we're diving into how to build an eCommerce website that gets visitors to buy! Matt Edmundson is a real-world eCommerce entrepreneur and Coach, a digital business guy who has had more failures than successes. It’s just that his successes far outweigh his failures. He’s the creator of the Jam Jar Course and the eCommerce Masterclass. He also hosts The Ecommerce Podcast. Matt shows aspiring entrepreneurs sure and simple steps to getting a digital business off the ground and seasoned entrepreneurs on how to take their business to the next level.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Figure out what your customers really want. Is there enough demand for your product online? Every good eCommerce business starts with a product that people want to buy.
Go where your customers are hanging out and connect with them. Get to know people and talk to them to better understand their story.
What's your customer's story? Understand why your product or service will benefit them - why would they want it? - so you can present your product or service in a way that resonates.
Understanding your market is necessary to generate the right traffic. You need the right traffic and right customers coming to your site who will most likely buy.
Tune in to hear the full conversation about finding your customer's story!

How to Build an eCommerce Website That Gets Visitors To Buy

Do the legwork to understand your customer and market BEFORE you start building (or revamping) your website.
- Visit your competitors' websites and similar product sites to see what people say. Look at the comments and reviews to find what’s present and what's missing.
- What can you learn from those reviews to give you an edge? <-- Hot tip! Tune in for more on this.
How to choose a platform for your website (WordPress, Shopify, Wix, etc.):
- Every platform has pros and cons.
- Two ways to choose a platform - 1) which one do I like? and 2) which one will work best for my customer? If you can find the answer to #2, it's much better.
- Sign up for free trials on eCommerce platforms to test and see what works for you and will work for your customers. Does it have the features and functions you will need?
- Shopify is a great platform to start with for eCommerce and easy to test to see if it will work for you and your customers. But not the best for international markets or if you need something really flexible.
- Listen in for more on choosing a website platform!
Think of your home page as a signpost. It should direct customers in the right direction.
- What do they want to know? What are the big questions in their head? Get them to the answers to their questions as quickly as possible.
- The Hero section (the first part of your home page before scrolling down) is the most valuable real estate you have. Include a clear (high res) image of your product or a photo of your ideal customer with your product.
- Your primary headline should convey all of this information. Use this formula for a successful headline: verb + action + sexiness. Let's use Netflix as an example. For a long time their headline was: Watch (verb) TV (action) Anytime, Anywhere (sexiness). <-- Hot tip!
- Add your personality to your website because that’s something no one can copy. Don't be camera shy - photos don't need to be perfect, they just need to be you. Celebrate your quirks and uniqueness.
Write content for your product that resonates with your customer’s story.
Tune in for so much more about eCommerce websites that get visitors to buy!

Resources Mentioned

Matt's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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306 – What is Your Brand Story? How to Talk about your Small Business with Confidence with Dr. Michelle Mazur

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Do you struggle with how to talk about your small business? If so, you're not alone. This is something many people struggle with. So today, let's discuss how to tell your brand story with confidence. Dr. Michelle works with brilliant business owners who are shaking things up but having trouble talking about it. She combines the tools of successful social movements with the qualitative research skills she earned in her Communications Ph.D., to help them craft their powerful, captivating message. Author of the 3 Word Rebellion, host of the Rebel Uprising podcast, and featured in Fast Company, Entrepreneur and Inc., Dr. Michelle knows that speaking about what you do in a clear and captivating way is the key to reaching the people you can help the most AND making more money in your business. This is part 2 of our Self-Confidence mini-series:

Part 1 - Makeup Talk to Show Up as Your Best Beautiful Confident Self
Part 2 - What is Your Brand Story? How to Talk about your Small Business with Confidence <-- YOU ARE HERE

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Understand that when you own a business, it means you're a salesperson. Don't be afraid to sell - instead, learn how to do it in a way that aligns with your values.
If you know what your customer's problem is and the solution you have that solves it makes selling easier and more comfortable.
Be honest and truthful when you give information to people. Avoid manipulating and making people fear that they’re missing out on something.
Be of service to your customers so they can make a purchasing decision versus shutting down their critical thinking ability. Help people process your message rather than buying out of fear.
You don't have to use the hard-sell marketing tactics you see online. Despite what 'bro-marketers' say, that is not the only or even the best way to sell.
Tune in to the full episode to catch the full conversation about selling your one-of-a-kind or limited inventory items!

How To Tell Your Brand Story

Tap into the excitement of creating whatever it is you create. Talk about your work, how it was created, or how they can use it from that place of excitement. If you're excited about your thing, the person you're talking to is will be excited, too.
Knowing what to say in order to sell comes along with knowing your message and how you describe your product.
Think about your audience or potential client - Why would they be interested in purchasing your thing? How could use it in their life? - and speak to that need.
Make the conversation more about them than about you.
Capture your client's language and how they talk about your product. When someone is looking at your product, ask them what they like about it. <-- Pro tip!
Create a love file of positive reviews and nice emails you get from people about your products. Go into your love file to remind yourself your work has value. It has meaning. It touches people's lives. It makes their life better in some way.
Prepare a statement that is short, conversational, and curiosity-provoking so you know what to say when someone asks what you do. It should include what you make, who it's for, and how it's different. <-- Hot tip!
Your goal is to establish a relationship and keep the conversation going. You want to learn about the person in front of you.
Create a 3-Word Rebellion: Position your business in a way that makes other people talk about it. <-- Listen in for the scoop on how to do this!
To gain more confidence, figure out ahead of time what you want your words to be:
- Who you are and what you're about
- What's your 3-word rebellion
- Practicing. Do people respond when you share your 'what you do' statement? See what people respond to and what they don't. Tweak as needed.
- Use words that feel like you and practice until it feels natural.
Your work matters. It's worthy of attention.
Tune in to the full episode to get lots more tips

Resources Mentioned

The Book: 3-Word Rebellion

Dr. Michelle's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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305 – Makeup Talk to Show Up as Your Best Beautiful Confident Self with Beverly Elechukwu

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600

The truth is - how we feel about how we look matters. It affects how we show up and our confidence. Today's guest is sharing her best makeup and self-confidence tips to help us show up as our best confident selves. Beverly is a professional makeup artist, beauty expert, and educator specializing in beauty and bridal makeup. To her, makeup is not only art but also a way to express oneself creatively, be it showing off your personality or otherwise. She operates her business from a place of love and passion. Empowering women by teaching them - online and in-person - how to enhance their beautiful features and achieve a flawless makeup application. Beverly lives in the UK and is the proud mum of 2 beautiful girls. This is part 2 of our Self-Confidence mini-series:

Part 1 - Makeup Talk to Show Up as Your Best Beautiful Confident Self <-- YOU ARE HERE
Part 2 - What is Your Brand Story? How to Talk about your Small Business with Confidence

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to keep going.
Sometimes you have to make yourself uncomfortable to grow. Stay focused and go for it! It's worth it in the end.
If you’re uncomfortable being visible online, explore, look for opportunities, take small actions that will get you out there.
Make connections with people outside your inner circle. Get involved in conversations in Facebook groups that you join (not necessarily related to your business). Let people know what you do and how you do it so you can become known for what you do
Find alternative ways to reach your people - move your business online, do online courses, etc.

Self-Confidence Tips:

Do Lives on social media so people can get to know you and you get more comfortable with video.
Little steps lead to big things. For example, if doing videos feels uncomfortable, ease into it by doing short video clips until you feel more confident. <-- Hot tip!
Get out of your head and focus on who you are helping, rather than on yourself.
Don't compare yourself to others. Be yourself and own that.
Once you have built an audience, you can offer paid classes via Zoom (or similar).
Even if attendance for your first online course is small, you can repeat the same content over and over as your audience grows.

Pro Makeup Application Tips:

Start With Skin Care:
- Skin is the most important step to achieve a flawless face. Your skin needs to be smooth and plumped before you apply makeup.
- Gently massage your facial moisturizer into your skin to get it ready for makeup. Massage will trigger a collagen boost in your skin and improve the appearance. <-- Tune in for the full conversation on how to do this and why!
- Your undereye is the most delicate skin on your face. Touch that area as little and as gently as possible.
- Know your skin type. Whatever your type, there's a good moisturizer out there for you.
- If you have oily skin, get an oil-free or oil-control moisturizer. For dry skin, look for rich moisturizers that hydrate your skin.
- Use a primer to stop foundation from breaking on your skin. For dry skin, choose a glowy primer.
Tips for Great Foundation:
- The most important thing for foundation is to get the right shade.
- Look for a perfect color that matches the skin of your neck (not your face) as closely as possible. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for all the details.
- A little bit of foundation goes a long way. For a flawless natural look, just start with a little and work up from there.
- Start in the middle of your face and work your way outward.
- Target problematic areas and use less makeup on the areas that don't need it.
- Use concealer AFTER foundation or you will probably use too much. Get your foundation right FIRST, then go in with concealer where needed. <-- Pro tip!
Contour & Highlight Tips:
- Don't be afraid of contouring and highlighting. You just need to learn how to do it.
- Start with powder products (instead of cream) when you first begin - bronzer and highlighter.
- Choose a bronzer 1 shade darker than your skin. If you want it more pronounced, go 2 shades darker - never more than that. <-- Pro tip!
- Bronzer warms the face and adds structure. Create a number 3 on your face: Start at your forehead near the hairline in a circular motion, then your cheek bone, then the jawline.
- User highlighter on top of your cheekbone. Use your finger or a brush to tap it on and blend it out. Highlighter gives your whole face a lift.
Listen to the full conversation for LOTS more tips (including brows, eyes + tips for mature women) for a flawless face!

Resources Mentioned

Beverly's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Beverly's Online Courses

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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304 – Online Craft Shows: Everything You Need to Know about Exhibiting with Robert Allen of At Home Event

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600

The challenges of 2020 have brought some overlooked ideas to the forefront. One of those? Online craft shows. Today, we're diving into exactly what you need to know to be successful with virtual shows - because guess what? They're here to stay. Robert has emerged as one of the most sought after virtual event producers working today. With over 30 years of video production expertise, he helps companies pivot to take their event experiences online. For more than three decades, Robert was an award-winning event video journalist. He was inducted into the WEVA Hall of Fame in 2002, received the prestigious Bob LeBar Vision Award, a multi-year International Creative Excellence Award winner and for two years in a row was named to the Event DV 25 who are considered to be the most influential videographers in the field. In 2005 Robert advanced onto the new media landscape with the creation of Wedding Podcast Network which quickly became a leading authority in bridal media. Today, Robert develops and produces strategic internet marketing campaigns for a variety of for-profit and non-profit clients. Robert's latest endeavor is At Home Event producing interactive virtual event experiences with his partner Holli Ehrlich.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Understand that you are unique. Others can emulate what you do but they can’t exactly copy. Everything we do has our signature thumbprint on it.
When you create a demand for yourself and your unique offering, people will not only want to work with you but will pay a premium to do so.
You must have an online presence. Without a stronghold in the online space, you’re at a disadvantage in today's business world.
Look at successful people and businesses. Look at their path to success and see what you can use for your own.
Momentum is key. Now is not the time to sit back and wait. It's time to put things in action and move forward. Take action!
Help, guidance, and mentoring from the right person can make a world of difference in your business.
Gathering emails is vital. It’s something that nobody can take away from you. <-- Pro tip!
Always be authentic. People buy from people they know, like, and trust.

Online Craft Shows - What You Need To Know

Advantages of online craft shows:
- Virtual shows allow you to connect with people who would never attend an in-person event.
- The virtual space is a lean-forward environment. When people attend a virtual event, they are fully engaged. They want to get something out of it.
- Reach a much wider audience than ever before - even worldwide - with today's technology.
- You don't have to be a well-established business to take advantage of the virtual space. If you have the drive and the ability to implement constructive criticism, you can do well.
Challenges of virtual shows:
- There is a gap between a society that is ready to attend online events and business owners who don't know how to present virtually.
- The experience is an evolving landscape as we learn what works best and what doesn't.
Tips for online craft show success:
- Your virtual space must look great on camera. Create a virtual "showroom."
- Up your product photos game. Have photos on simple white backgrounds as well as lifestyle photos.
- Create descriptive product details including the senses they can't experience online (how it tastes, feels, smells, etc.).
- Focus on your bestsellers or seasonal items for shows. Don't list everything you offer. Too much creates confusion and overwhelm.
- Work your networks and email lists to get the word out about your online events. Nobody will just happen by, as might happen at an in-person event.
- When all exhibitors draw in their networks, everyone in the show benefits.
- Join virtual events early to take advantage of all promotional opportunities.
Listen to the full convo for lots more on online craft show success!

Robert's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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303 – Amazon Handmade vs Etsy – What Makes Amazon Different? with Rachel Johnson Greer of Think Cascadia

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0600

How do you choose which sales platform is best for you? What's the difference between Amazon Handmade vs Etsy? Today, we dive into what makes Amazon Handmade different from the other options for selling. Rachel Johnson Greer is a global business strategist who specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their internet product sales, curate their brand image online, and avoid catastrophic legal threats. After getting her MBA in international business at Seattle University, she spent nearly a decade at Amazon working in product development. Since then, Rachel has founded companies that reached both multi-six figure and multi-seven figure growth in under three years. As a consultant, she supports clients in everything from international product expansion to 4x-ing their sales through online retailers. Rachel has appeared on the Today Show, CNBC, Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. When she’s not working with clients, she’s scaring friends at parties with stories about the most problematic online products she’s found in their homes.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don’t doubt yourself. Show up and do it even if you don’t feel like you’re ready. You matter and you need to believe that you deserve to be there.

Amazon Handmade vs. Etsy

Amazon Handmade is sort of like an Etsy inside of Amazon.
For Amazon Handmade, you must be the designer, maker, or involved in the production of the product. You can't just be a reseller.
If your products are manufactured in a factory, it will not be considered handmade by Amazon.
You can't sell the same product on both sides of Amazon (regular seller vs handmade) - you have to choose.
Amazon's search is easier for Handmade than Etsy search. And looking at comments is more straightforward on Amazon, as well.
Shoppers can search for your location, specific features about what you do, learn about you as the creator.
To sell a variety of things, Etsy is the place to be. On Amazon, if you get good reviews, you can sell a lot of the same thing (or with a few variations).
Don't restrict yourself to one or the other - if you're on Etsy, be on Amazon Handmade, too.
You must complete an application to become an Amazon Handmade seller. Recommend that you set yourself up with an LLC so your business is a separate entity from you. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for more details on the application process.

Dos for selling on Amazon Handmade:

- Do think of a product that has a market and how you can get reviews to rank and have people see your product. Reviews are critical on Amazon. <--Listen to the full conversation for more on this.
- Do test multiple items to see which one will succeed - then focus single-mindedly on that one.
- Do advertise on Amazon to get in front of people and keep your product moving.
- Do use words in your title that people use to search for your item.
- Do add inserts in the shipment to share other things that you sell.
- Do make sure your flagship product is always in stock because if you go out of stock, your ranking will fall. <-- Pro Tip!
- Do use Amazon lives to promote your products and build a following.
- Do offer free informational downloads on your website that support their purchase (be careful not to incentivize reviews) so you can collect email addresses.
- Do include safety warnings in your packages so you are covered. Yes - even though it's handmade. <-- Pro tip! Tune in for the full convo on this.

Don'ts for selling on Amazon Handmade:

- Don't try to sell consumables on Amazon Handmade. You need a regular seller account for that (topicals are okay).
- Don't get too cute with product titles. Search terms are important.
- Don't direct customers away from Amazon to buy (like to your website).
- Don't incentivize reviews (i.e., offer a freebie in exchange for a review). You can get banned for that.

--> Listen to the full convo for so much more about selling on Amazon Handmade and growing your brand.

Resources Mentioned

Rachel's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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302 – What to Expect When You Join Clubhouse with Jennifer Lehner of The Front Row VIP

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Have you heard of Clubhouse? It's a social networking app that allows you to connect with people you'd never have access to otherwise. Today's guest is here to give us all the answers about what is Clubhouse and what to expect when you join. Jen Lehner is a business coach and digital marketing and systems strategist. She shows entrepreneurs how to build an audience, monetize their expertise online using social media and digital tools, and how to hire and train their perfect match virtual assistant. Jen creates online courses and trainings and her favorite place to hang out is in her private mastermind, The Front Row VIP. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her husband, three kids, and two small barking dogs.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Go for what you want because you don't have it now, so what do you have to lose?
Life is too short to sit anywhere but the front row.

What is Clubhouse

Clubhouse is a social networking app.
It is a drop-in audio chat app - sort of a cross between a podcast, webinar, and a Zoom call.
You’ll love Clubhouse because it’s simple, you don’t have to create new content, it’s fun, and it’s powerful.
Anyone in any business, niche, or industry can benefit from being on Clubhouse.
Currently, Clubhouse is for iPhone only and by invitation only.
Download and install the app now and secure your handle so you're ready when you get an invite.
Recommend to use your name rather than your business or cutesy handle.
Join as soon as you have the opportunity because it's fun, easy, and super powerful.
Tune in to hear more details PLUS what to do if your name is already taken!

What To Expect

Once you receive an invite, you can login. Whoever invited you will also be notified to welcome you.
When you login the first time:
- Go to your profile and put in your most important info - what you do, contact info, and that you're new.
- The first 3 lines of your profile are most important. <-- Hot tip!
- Browse other people's profiles to get ideas and see how it works.
- The keywords and emojis you use in your profile are powerful and can be searched.
- Choose your interests - and that can include anything, not just business-related.
Don't be hesitant to dive in because everybody is still learning about Clubhouse.
"Rooms" are where the conversations happen. Think of them as a discussion.
There are different kinds of rooms:
- Closed Room – invite just the people you want to be in the room.
- Social Room – only people who can see are people following you
- Open Room – everyone can see it and can join
The more you engage, the more people you follow, the more rooms you host, the more you’ll be rewarded with invites.
Start conversations because it’s how people find you.
It’s easy because you just have to be casual and conversational. Talking and speaking is the most natural thing for human beings.
The algorithm pays attention to who you follow and where you go and will show you more of that. So follow people you want to see content from going forward.
As you engage, the more conversations you’ll see in your hallway and they’ll be relevant if you follow people who you really want to follow.
Listen to the full conversation for SO MUCH more about Clubhouse and how it works!

Clubhouse For Product Business

The exact value (if any) of Clubhouse for handmade product businesses with regards to sales is still to be determined.
But it is definitely a value-add for lifestyle topics such as:
- how to manage children and run a business at the same time
- working through ADHD
- and so on
Great for developing business skills such as pitching your business and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Perfect for networking and finding new contacts.

Resources Mentioned:

Clubhouse app (for iPhone only)

Jennifer's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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301 – Announcing National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – January 21 – A Day to Celebrate YOU!

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0600

I am so excited to make a very special announcement today. This week is dedicated to honoring all handmade product creators. AND, it leads up to the first-ever, formally registered National Bakers Crafters Makers Day! That's right, from now and into the future, every January 21 is officially a recognition day for bakers, crafters, and makers.

The Origin of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day

This idea came to me back in November. I thought about how you'd scrambled this past year (if you have a business) to have an online presence if you didn’t already – because that was the primary way you could sell given social distancing. And as the holidays drew near, I saw you hustling to promote your products, make and fill order after order, and ensure that all the gifts arrived in time (especially given the crazy delivery delays we had). Even with 2020 being so different, this hustle happens all the time. Because as makers, we give of ourselves, many times to the point of exhaustion (even sacrificing family time), so others can enjoy our top-quality handmade products. I remember it all too well when I had my gift basket business ...

... the backbreaking labor and last minute orders ... staying up into the wee hours of the morning (my dedicated employees at my side!)

We’d finally make it home and fall into bed, only to get up the next day and do it again! The life of a maker is exhilarating, rewarding, exhausting, and wonderful - because you’re a giver. And I bet you’re like me and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Celebrating The Beauty You Bring To The World

All of this is what led me to the idea to celebrate the beauty you bring to the world. And January is a perfect time. It's when there's a little time to rejuvenate and relax – even take some time for yourself for once. If you have a business, orders are back to a manageable flow and you can breathe again. But seriously - look at what you’ve just done! All the love, talent, spirit, and heart you put into your creations are now out being enjoyed in the world. That’s an amazing thing!

Handmade Products Deserve Recognition

Handmade products go back to the stone ages when people used animal hides to cover and warm themselves. Remember seeing in history books and at museums how they formed tools out of stone and wood? All this for survival. As the centuries moved on, handmade products were the foundation forming the comfortable life we experience today. Small villages of crafters made garments for warmth, jewelry for adornment, and tools of all kinds to make tasks easier. They used creativity to make food taste good (and look so appetizing!). They also produced oils and lotions for healing, pottery for cooking, painting, woodworking, needlework, and so many other things! As our culture has advanced, these activities have remained and continue to be expressions of individuality. Their creation brings us joy and is good for the soul. So, we should celebrate this history and celebrate you too! Whether you do this for self-fulfillment, or as a part- or full-time business – I want to recognize you by honoring you on the new National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – January 21.

How To Celebrate

Need some ideas to help you celebrate and lift up your fellow makers?

Call a friend who makes something handmade as a hobby and tell her how much you like their creations. A compliment goes a long way and warms both your hearts.
Shop handmade when you can. When you have a gift to give, think of friends who are handmade product creators. Purchasing something handmade means it’s one of a kind and will be all the more special for its uniqueness.
Purchase items from small businesses that make their own products. There is a family behind the logo who relies on this income for part or all of their needs.
Support each other. If you’re a maker, support another maker through purchasing their product or just reaching out to tell them they’ve inspired you or motivated you to do something you’ve never thought of before.
Highlight each other. If you’re part of a group, like a quilting guild, do something special to highlight each other. Or start a special charity project offered on behalf of your organization to pay it forward.
Learn about handmade creations. If you’re a teacher, dedicate an art session to learning and understanding the role handmade creations play in our history and lives today.
Celebrate yourself. As a handmade maker, do something special for yourself. Maybe actually USE your product that you work so hard for others to enjoy.

What other ways can you think of to celebrate? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Celebrate With Us In The Gift Biz Breeze

The first National Bakers Crafters Makers Day will be celebrated in a very special way this year inside my Facebook Group – Gift Biz Breeze. Please join us if you aren’t a member already! It’s 100% free. Just go to GiftBizUnwrapped.com/GiftBizBreeze to sign up. It’s a positive, upbeat, and active community of handmade makers – including handmade product business owners as well as hobbyists thinking of starting a business around their craft.

What's In Store For The Day?

Inside the group, you’ll find all the information about what's in store for the day, including ...

a Live Party from 11:30-12:30 CST on January 21 (don’t worry if you don’t make it, there will be a replay of the party)
Prizes and gifts being won all day long - including books, handmade products, business building courses, and coaching sessions. All for you to win and celebrate you as a handmade creator!

I truly hope you will join me in celebrating YOU this week and specifically on National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. Please share this with your friends, too!

Proudly Display Your Maker Badge

Visit GiftBizUnwrapped.com/NationalDay to find:

all the information about National Bakers Crafters Makers Day
FREE social media badges you can download to highlight yourself and spread the word. Use them as is or add them to posts you create that include products. (Isn’t it nice to have new ideas for social media posts? Here you go!)

Don't forget to post how you'll celebrate the day. When you do - tag me on Instagram @giftbizunwrapped and use the hashtag #nationalbakerscraftersmakersday. I'll share your post, too. A fabulous way to spread the word and pay it forward!

TLDR Action Items

There's a lot of info on this page, so here's a quick summary to make it easy:

Join Gift Biz Breeze (if you’re not a member already) to register to win prizes and be part of our live party
Get & Share Your Maker Badge. Go to GiftBizUnwrapped.com/NationalDay to download a Maker Badge (or badges - there are 5 to choose from) and post on social. Tag me at @giftbizunwrapped so I can share it further to get more eyes on you!

Making a product comes from the soul. It involves reflection, passion and skill. And the final result provides happiness for both the creator – being you - and the recipient. This is something our world needs and continually seeks.

January 21 – National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – A day in honor of and celebrating YOU!

National Bakers Crafters Makers Day Links

Website | Join GiftBizBreeze Group | Gift Biz Unwrapped Instagram

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

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300 – How to Get 100,000 Qualified Facebook Fans with David Emmons of Artist Marketing Formula

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0600

If you've struggled to build your online audience, today's show is for you. My guest today shares his best tips for how to get Facebook followers for your small business and build an engaged audience of true fans. He is the owner of Artist Marketing Formula, a company that supports artists and other small specialty business owners. David spent years going to art fairs selling his copper and stained glass sculptures. That is, up until a few years ago when he researched how to successfully and consistently sell his work online. He now teaches others how to do the same. David shows them how to utilize the power of the internet and social media marketing to sell online and also set up a sustainable online future.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Understand the fan/artist relationship - why people buy, why they collect, why they connect to your personality and come back to you.
Connecting with people online provides opportunities to build relationships.
Getting brand exposure is valuable.
Artisans and specialty small business owners are in a very unique position to massively thrive online because we, by nature, connect with our customers.

How to Get Qualified Facebook Followers

When you go online, don’t fall into the marketing trap and lose your human connection. Be the same person you are in your booth. That's the person you fans connect with.
Think about what your ideal customers love about your products and focus on that. <-- A really great conversation about what this means and how to do it!
It’s always about your customer. Read customer reviews and you will know what you need to talk about and show.
Ask yourself, 'what's in it for them?' and use that language to attract your people. This is how you inspire shoppers to envision your products in their lives. <-- Tons more detail on this!
Look at high-end magazines and how they photograph products. That's how your online photos should look.
Social proof isn't just a bunch of likes or reviews. It's the actual words and emotions people use when describing your work and their interactions with you.
Involve and connect with your customers by asking them to share photos of them using your products.
Building relationships online can far surpass what you would get at shows. Your online fans will interact with you every day and every week. Encourage and let those relationships flourish.
Technical tips:
- Social media was created to let people interact with who they want to interact with. So Facebook is actually built to give you more reach than big brands. When you understand how the algorithm works and what it wants, that's when your reach will explode.
- Learn how to use tools together (ex: Facebook live + virtual show)
- Target your marketing on the 1 or 2% who are your people.
- Drive traffic to your virtual show through Facebook Live and Email blast.
- You can use ads manager and spend a dollar a day for a targeted campaign to your people.
- Layer your FB targeting to find your people and be smart about what you put in front of them.
- Don't focus on getting a big number of followers. Focus on getting the RIGHT followers.
- The budget and engagement level of the post determines its reach.
- When you build the right things into an ad you’re going to get engagement through the roof.
- Allow yourself to spend $1 a day on targeting your ideal customer using FB ads (not post boosts).
- To clarify - you don't want to layer more and more categories to find a bigger audience. Instead, filter down to get exactly your right people seeing your ads. Use the "also must match" function.
- Surface-level doesn't cut it. You have to get really targeted to see results.
- You don't have to do a lot of things - you just need to do the right things.
Tune in to the full episode for so many amazing tips to build a loyal, engaged following online!

Resources Mentioned

David's Contact Links

Website | Facebook

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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299 – How to Get Attention Online with Lauren Schwartz of The Loft 325

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0600

Whether you are just starting your business or looking to grow, today's show is perfect for you! Lauren Schwartz shares a ton of pro tips and tricks on how to get attention online using creative advertising - and more! Lauren describes her business as “a small design studio with a knack for simplicity.” With over 15 years of experience, she serves as a creative director and strategist for e-commerce brands. Her profitable ad campaigns have been used by top brands on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Google. Lauren’s mission is to help brands grow by affecting performance throughout a customer’s journey, from prospect acquisition all the way through to post-purchase experiences.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Learn creatively what works for you and the passion and hustle will come along with it.
It’s about trial and error.
Figure out what works for you AND the people you’re selling to.
Showing people why they need your product in their lives is a big part of selling online.
There are so many places people can purchase online - people don't understand why they should choose to buy from small business.

How To Get Attention Online For Your eCommerce Business

To build an audience for small business in eCommerce:
- You have to get yourself out there and engage with clients.
- FB Lives, Instagram, Stories, and Reels are a great way to put a face on your brand, show off products, and engage people with what you're selling.
- Share your story to engage them in your product and move through the customer journey toward buying.
- Engage with people commenting on posts of businesses with a similar audience to yours (competitors or related businesses).
Use advertising to get attention online:
- FYI - Boosting posts on FB doesn't really do anything for your engagement. <-- Pro tip!
- Facebook advertising doesn't have to be expensive. You can start small and grow from there.
- Be willing to spend a little money to create visibility. Start with $300 per month (or whatever you can afford) to spend on advertising and track what that gets you. Adjust and try new things to see what works and what doesn't.
- Use the data you learn from your advertising to create a strategy.
- Paid ads can draw in people who are interested in what you’re making. You can create custom audiences and interest segments on Facebook and Instagram to engage those people to click and purchase from you. <-- Listen in for much more detail on this!
- Start with a prospecting ad to get people to your website. And there, make sure your website has the information to get people to want to purchase.
- Then you can use retargeting ads to get more purchases.
- If you have an email list, add that to FB to create a targeted interest segment for ads.
Ad creatives that work: <--Tune in for more details on this!
- Design for mobile-first and sound off and always include captions.
- Show the product within the first 3 seconds.
- Never underestimate a clean photo of your product on white. A simple product shot from your website with a white background and a strong headline can be super valuable.
- Test different designs (styled vs lifestyle vs plain white background) and learn from trial and error.
- Make your creatives stand out from all the noise. The image is what initially catches attention. Your goal is to spark interest to stop and click to learn more about the product.
- Pay attention to Facebook suggestions. Their robot knows what will work for you. It's unlikely you can outsmart it.
Listen to the full conversation for lots more on how to get attention online!

Resources Mentioned

Inspired Planner for Gifters, Bakers, Crafters & Makers

Lauren's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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298 – Set Up Your Home Office and Utilize Your Production Area for Optimal Physical Health with Dr. Joella Castillo

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0600

With so many of us working from home this year and as business owners, it's past time to talk about ergonomics! Today's guest shares professional tips for setting up a home office in a way that will help you stay healthy, strong, and productive. Dr. Joella is a Sports Chiropractor and an Injury Prevention Specialist. She has over 27 years of experience treating people with acute and chronic pain due to soft tissue injuries. She has trained and evaluated hundreds, if not thousands, of people in different industries to create work environments that fit them and keep them injury-free. Now she brings her expertise to the online world and works with home-based businesses and entrepreneurs to turn any area of their home or apartment into a customized ergonomic workspace that allows them to be productive in comfort and create their Joy in Life!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Pursue what your heart tells you.
Keep your mind plastic - be curious, find new things, think new things, be exposed to new things.
Make a point to find joy in your life and share that joy with others.
We all have that beautiful light inside that needs to come out.

Setting Up Your Home Office The Right Way

Set your workstation to be ergonomic for you. It's different from person to person.
Even if you have ergonomic equipment, if it doesn't fit you - it's not ergonomic.
Your desk should be angled 90 degrees away from the window. The window should shine from the side. If your monitor is in front of the window, the glare from the window to your monitor will affect your eyes.
The same chair does not work for people of different heights. You may need to lower or raise the chair. Your feet should be flat on the floor.
If your knees are higher than your tush when sitting in any chair, all the pressure is on your lower back. Keep your knees at 90 degrees or a little below.
Have two to three finger distance between the back of your lower leg and the chair seat.
Don't overreach for your laptop, keyboard, or mouse (or anything else). This can result in sore shoulders. Drop your arms to the sides, keep your arms in contact with your ribcage, and then bend the elbows to 90 degrees. That’s where your laptop/keyboard should be. <-- Tune in for a detailed discussion of proper arm positions for a variety of things!
Don't drop your head to look down at your monitor, laptop, or phone. Keep it at your natural eye level. Use a laptop stand and separate keyboard and monitor, if needed, to do it properly.
Release tension with shoulder rolls: drop your arms to the sides, then draw your shoulders straight up towards your ears and take a breath in as you do it. As you breathe out go back, back, back, then down, down, down.
Do toe taps if you’re been standing or sitting for a long time. Heel stays on the floor, toes come up towards the shin.
Take Breaks! Set phone reminders to take a short break from sitting every 30 minutes - get a glass of water or walk around briefly to keep circulation working properly and relieve pressure.
Tune in for a ton more details on how to create your healthy workspace including using your phone, how to lift and carry, pouring candles, icing for preventive self-care, stretching, and more!

Resources Mentioned

Dr. Joella's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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297 – Experience a Holiday Story and Peek into the Life of Bestselling Author Heidi Swain

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Get into the holiday spirit with today's light-hearted episode. Enjoy a reading from a special holiday story by Heidi Swain (revolving around a small-town craft market), who also shares her journey to becoming a best-selling author. Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi acquired a degree in literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married, and had two children before she plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously. A lover of vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes feel-good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. Her debut novel, The Cherry Tree Café was published in July 2015 and since then she has had a further ten books published, becoming a Sunday Times Bestseller in 2017. Heidi is currently celebrating the release of her 2020 festive title, The Winter Garden. Listen now to hear Heidi's reading from her holiday story, Mince Pies And Mistletoe At The Christmas Market (in her charming British accent). May you enjoy beautiful, peaceful, and memorable holidays this year.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Be present. Sometimes we miss opportunities because we look too far ahead and miss the here and now.
Whatever you dream of doing, don't until 'the time is right.' Make a start now. Otherwise, you’re never going to do it.
For writers, always end the day knowing what to write the next day. Planning can help you be productive.
Find someone to bounce ideas off. Talking it out can help you uncover solutions. <-- Lots more tips for writers. Tune in to get them all!
Don't forget to enjoy life every day. Live in the moment and get the most out of each and every day.
Do it scared. Don't let fear stop you!
Listen to the full conversation for more insights about following your dreams!

Resources Mentioned

Heidi Swain's books on Amazon
Reminder: the Holiday Vendor Village is open for shopping until 12/31. Some shops are updated with products for the New Year.

Heidi's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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296 – ADHD Tendencies and How to Focus on Things that Matter with Shaun Roney

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Modern life offers plenty of distractions, but if we want to move forward, we need to focus. If you struggle with focus, overwhelm, and stress, tune in to today's episode for tips to focus on the things that matter - in your business and in life. As a Life Coach, Shaun educates to increase awareness as well as coaches clients to help uncover obstacles that may be causing overwhelm and stress. Certified through The Life Coach School, and the International ADHD Coach Training Center, she helps clients reduce stress by learning how to better manage their minds. She's driven by the desire to help neurodivergent minds access their brilliance. As a creative serial entrepreneur, she's owned a dance studio, a furniture repurposing business, and created a product TwinkleTies, before becoming a Coach. As an introverted extrovert, she’ll stay home and read or hit the town and boogie down with the best of them. Her favorite ways to spend time are reading and playing board games, or spending time outside with her adult children, husband, and their dogs Miso and Mojo.

How To Manage Business Stress

Listen in for the initial conversation about what 'ADHD tendencies' means and how it can be addressed.
The way we think about stress affects our experience of it. What we choose to think about what's happening creates or magnifies the feeling of stress.
When you feel stress because of what's happening in your business (deadlines, delays, whatever) pause, take a breath, and notice the facts vs. what you're thinking about it. What you choose to think can make the experience less or more stressful.
Be intentional. Decide on purpose what you want to think. Flip your own script. Instead of, "There are so many orders to fill! I'm so overwhelmed!" Think, "This is what I was hoping for! Our products are going to make so many people happy. We'll put in some hard work and long hours but it will all be worth it in the end."
Actively focus on positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts.
Do things that support you to feel good like enjoying hot tea before you start your day, take a few minutes to step outside and feel the snow on your face, etc.
When you feel a positive emotion, it’s more likely that you can get a positive outcome and you will feel better about it.
Actively ask yourself, "How is what's happening right now wonderful?" Your brain will find evidence to support that it is when you ask it to.
Listen to the full conversation for more!

Tips To Focus On What Matters

Creative brains may struggle to decide where to start. Just pick something and go.
Train your brain to just start. Set a timer for 10 minutes and commit to starting anywhere. If, when the timer goes off, you haven't hit a rhythm or flow, give yourself permission to stop.
Hyperfocus is when you immerse yourself in something, everything feels easy, and you lose track of time. Learn to notice when this happens so other important things aren't neglected.
Break big, daunting tasks down into pieces. In the first chunk of time you spend on it, give yourself the freedom to just explore what needs to be done (say, for an hour). "Play in the sandbox." When you come back to it, you will have a better idea of where to go next.
Set tangible goals for each chunk of time you spend on the big task. Identify specifically what you will do - things that can be checked off as complete.
Plan ahead. You may be able to plan your whole week ahead. Or if that feels like too much, even creating a plan for the next day will help.
Don't get stuck thinking there’s only one best choice. Thoughts create feelings. Change your thinking to, "What if they're all the right choice?" Just pick one and adjust.
"Wrong" is totally subjective. You are the one who decides if a choice is right or wrong. Give yourself permission to make a choice and for it to be right.
Don't beat yourself up for the decisions and choices you make. Trust and be kind to yourself.
Give yourself credit for doing things many others don't have the courage to do.
Tune in for tons more on this PLUS the definition of an extroverted introvert!

Shaun's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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295 – How to Start a Craft Business with Dasha Kosovan of Wellness by Ari

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Looking for tips on how to start a craft business or grow your existing one? Today's guest shares tips learned along her journey from stay at home mom with two kids to a successful small business owner in just two years. In early 2018, Ari Candles began from a desire to create not just a candle but something that will purify and benefit the atmosphere and air quality of your home. The idea was ignited after burning a candle received as a gift and seeing black residue in her kids' noses after burning the candle. That’s when Dasha said, “Never Again!” and began work on creating a candle that would not only be pleasant to burn but also beneficial. Dasha is now the owner and founder of Wellness by Ari. They hand-pour 100% pure beeswax candles combined with aromatherapy essential oils.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Check that your business name is unique and available to register before you start creating social accounts, etc., even if you don't actually do the paperwork and legal stuff until later.
If possible, invest with your own money as you grow rather than taking out loans to avoid building up debt.
Remember that a No from one person doesn't mean you'll get No from others.
Don't be afraid to get help when you need it.
Find the courage to reach out to potential sellers, customers, and promo opportunities. When you do, you're taking action that 90% of your competition isn't!
If you're not willing to push yourself, you’re not going anywhere.
Give yourself time to grow. Growing slow but steady is the best way to build a stable business.
Listen in to get all the biz-building insights!

Dasha's Best Tips For Starting A Craft Business

When developing your product, focus on what *you're doing,* not what others do, so you develop a unique product.
Get feedback from others to help you improve your products.
Find a platform that makes accepting payments easy and then build the website around it. If you start with the website first, it can be much harder.
Pop-up sales are an easy way to start making sales and get feedback from real customers.
Start slowly and evolve your display table over time - add backdrops, signs, etc. - as you grow.
Offer product samples to introduce your product to people.
Don't be afraid to reach out to potential sellers of your product - local shops, etc. - and keep following up over time.
How to motivate yourself to approach people when you don't like selling? Remember your goals and your why. <-- Tune in for the full conversation on this crucial skill!
Make sure your products are selling well before investing in more inventory.
Encourage customers to share their photos of your products with you on social media and tag you. It's a great way to build relationships, get testimonials, AND get good pictures you can use on your website!
Listen to the full episode for all the tips on how to start a craft business!

Resources Mentioned

Wave Apps for accounting

Dasha's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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294 – Using Pinterest to Sell Your Handmade Products with Catherine Tatum of Classic Legacy

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Understanding exactly how to sell on Pinterest can be tough- especially with all the changes that keep happening. In today's show, get Catherine's best Pinterest tips and tricks for using Pinterest to sell your handmade products. Catherine is the owner and designer of Classic Legacy Custom Gifts. Her business has always been in her home and through the years, Catherine has employed many women to create and help manage her growing enterprise. The Classic Legacy wholesale line has been shown in major gift showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas. Major hotels, museums, and luxury retailers discovered Classic Legacy at those markets. After being chosen to design gifts for the New Orleans Tricentennial she added a retail Shopify store to her website. The newest collection includes handmade oyster shell dishes. The blue and white ikat oyster shell dish is currently featured in the Thomas Jefferson Monticello catalog and website. Catherine loves the challenge of learning and designing!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't be afraid to try new things and technologies. Be creative to expand your reach.
Learn to ask a lot of questions. Pay attention to changes and trends in your industry.
Unique products lead to great reorders because customers can only find it in your store.
Build a website to showcase your products and allow people to buy from you directly.
Use downtime to educate yourself on how to reach out to individual buyers and how to market your product in different ways.
Direct people to your products in subtle ways without being too salesy.
Interact with people genuinely on social media. Be friendly and genuinely comment on other accounts.
Everybody has hard times in business. Don't give up and be open to new opportunities.
Leverage vendor networks - for instance, vendors often know where to find things you need or how to do things you want to learn.
Tune in to get more biz building insights!

How To Sell On Pinterest

Create landing pages for products to educate and engage visitors with a free gift.
- Display lifestyle photos and videos of how the products are used, show options, etc.
- Direct pins to the landing page instead of the shop page.
- Offer a free downloadable (such as an ebook) to capture emails even if they don't buy right away.
- Focus on the lifestyle elements rather than the product itself so it doesn't feel salesy.
- Listen to the full episode for all the details on this strategy!
Plan ahead for Pinterest. Create seasonal photos and resources early so you're ready when it's time to pin.

Resources Mentioned

Catherine's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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293 – Social Media Ideas to Do NOW to Bring in Holiday Sales with Bobbi Baehne of of Think Big Go Local

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Ready or not - the holiday season is here! That's why in today's show, Bobbi is sharing holiday social media ideas you can use NOW to help you bring in more sales this season. Bobbi is the President of Think Big Go Local, a digital marketing firm specializing in social media, web design, and messenger bot creation. She’s passionate about sharing her knowledge with businesses that need an edge over their competitors and a solid strategy for capturing the attention of their desired audience. Bobbi delivers actionable tactics that business owners are looking for, to develop and execute effective marketing strategies. In her own authentic style, she illustrates the most effective ways to reach and engage online audiences, providing valuable recommendations on how to convert them into loyal, paying customers. Bobbi’s been published in Huffington Post, Inc. Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and is a TedX Speaker.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Take advantage of new technologies to increase visibility as they become available. That's when the algorithms are really favorable.
Show up where people are spending their time. Embrace stories as part of your strategy.
Engage people in order to create relationships. Take someone from a casual viewer to a loyal customer.
Using live video allows people to create an emotional connection with you. Then, when you meet in person, it's like you've known each other for years instead of meeting a stranger.
People want to connect, understand who you are, connect with you, and feel like you have something in common.
Showing who you are in your unique way is a powerful relationship builder.
Going live is authentic and appeals to people in a whole different way.
The more people see you, get to know you, feel like you're in their network - the more you are building your business and your brand.
Tune in to get all the biz building insights!

Powerful Holiday Social Media Ideas You Can Do NOW

Use Your Analytics: dive into your insights and analytics so you can post strategically for more visibility:
- when should you reach out to people?
- what's the best time to post content?
- where your people are hanging out?
- what time are they there?
- Tune in for the detailed conversation on this!
Focus On What The Algorithms Favor: Look at the platforms where your audience is and identify what tools and opportunities are feeding the algorithm. What are they giving preference to right now? That's what you can leverage to maximize your reach and get in front of people.
- The best content options *right now* are:
  - Live streaming on Facebook & Instagram
  - Stories - leverage all the new stickers
  - Instagram Reels - Big opportunity right now. Watch other peoples' reels to learn what they're about.
  - Listen in for all the specific tips on each of these!
- Use DMs BUT focus on building relationships, not trying to sell.
- Before you go live, let people know when and what value you’re going to offer.
- Utilize hashtags and tags to expand your reach and get your content shared.
Setup Instagram & Facebook Shops:
- Make it really easy for your customers to buy. Don't make them have to contact you via DM. Let them just click, purchase, done.
- Use Messenger - it is fully integrated with FB and Instagram and will be a powerful tool for businesses. Tons of opportunity here. Pay attention to all the new features that are rolling out.
Focus On Building REAL Relationships: All of what we've talked about here is about developing real relationships with your audience.
Listen to the full conversation to get more amazing goodness!

Resources Mentioned

Comment Sold interview

Bobbi's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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SPECIAL PSA – How to Participate in the Virtual At Home Craft and Gift Show to Boost Holiday Sales

Sue Monhait — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

All over the country small towns and big cities are making new adjustments to manage through what, hopefully, will be the final round of this 2020 lifestyle. The vaccine is on the way and I think we have every reason to be optimistic about a freer future. But addressing the here and now … what do you do for the holidays? You’ve already been making product in preparation for the shows. Or maybe you have an alternate plan in place yet still feel like you need to be doing more to drive sales this season – but what?!?

Announcing The At Home Holiday Craft & Gift Show

I’ve partnered with Holli and Robert from At Home Events to present the At Home Holiday Craft and Gift Show on December 6^th.

Boost Holiday Sales

This is your golden ticket to holiday sales. And perhaps for you, a replacement for recently canceled in-person shows. It’s your answer to selling all the holiday-themed products you’ve already made. Plus, even if you hadn't planned any holiday shows this year, here’s your chance to do something similar without having to guess how much product to bring, worry about whether it sells, or deal with all the setup and teardown of a physical show All that – plus the opportunity to get into a national show with an experienced and professional team that has virtual event planning figured out.

Visibility & List Building Opportunities

Almost everything is done for you already. And visibility opportunities are baked right into the program. Not to mention the email list building potential. This is everything we always talk about to put on a successful show.

Customers Are Already Signing Up

Guess what? The Facebook Ads driving attendees to the show have already started. Yep - customers who will show up to your booth, see your products, and are specifically looking for holiday gifts are already signing up to participate, as we speak.

Show Details

When you purchase a booth at the At Home Craft and Gift Show, you’ll be participating in a nationwide marketplace.

Your Custom Booth Page

You’ll get your very own Booth Page customized with your:

branded header
logo
product photos
videos
social media
and website links

Customers will be able to buy right from that page where product orders go through to your current shopping cart system. So no extra payment setups are required.

Real-Time Interaction With Customers

What makes this show stand out from others is the online video conference and text chat features where you can interact in real-time with attendees. They can visit your virtual booth, read about your company, and buy your products by themselves. But they can also request to talk with you either face-to-face or audio/text only to ask questions, give you details on a custom order they want to place, or just to say “hi.”

At-Home Shopping For You & Your Customers

All of this is done from the comfort of home. Your customers can shop on a Sunday afternoon from their couch, kitchen table, or wherever. Normally, they might have been out at a local craft show or church bazaar buying gifts and stocking stuffers right now … but they can’t this year. This is even better! I see virtual shows like these continuing to be part of the mix moving forward. People are now so comfortable with Zoom, it’s just like picking up the phone. That means virtual shows, which may have been more challenging this time last year, are now accepted and welcomed.

Setup & Sales Support

This all sounds great I know – and there’s more! The At Home folks have two live trainings with backup recordings to help you. You can access them live where you can also ask questions or by recorded replay if you need them.

Training 1: Setup Your Online Booth

One covers how to set up your online booth. I’ve seen the interface and most can put it together in an hour or two. But if you’re concerned or think you’re tech0challenged, there will be at least two of us available to assist, if needed.

Training 2: Interacting With Customers

The second training is on how your space should look when someone comes on and wants to talk with you during the event. Suggestions, ideas, and tips to help make that sale happen just by way of visual representation. Included in this training is how to manage your booth:

which buttons to push to allow someone to see you
how to use text chat
and things like that.

All this so that by the time the show starts, you’ll be well prepared with a professional online booth and know exactly how to manage your customers and sales.

Day of Show Support

This assistance continues the day of the show … so you'll never feel alone or unsure about what to do to make this the best virtual booth experience possible for both you and your customers.

Show Date & Time

The At Home Craft and Gift Show is December 6th from 12-4pm EST. But get this - your booth will be visible all the way through the holiday to December 31st. This gives you the opportunity to:

ride the wave of being connected with the show
use your custom branded social media graphics
even change out products for the New Year
or add a new promotion as the holiday gets closer

You're in complete and total control.

Steps to Exhibit

Register for your booth at giftbizunwrapped.com/AtHomeBooth Then:

login to your booth page and input information you already have to set up your virtual exhibit space
Highly Recommended--> create a giveaway, sweepstakes, or some reason for people to give you their email for list building - we can help you with this if needed
use the custom graphic you are provided to announce your participation in the show on all your social media channels
promote your booth to your email list with how they can get a ticket to attend using the easy email template you will be given

(Imagine the increased attendance on top of what the Facebook ads bring in when ALL the vendors send out emails to their audience. Mass Extended Visibility!) The LIVE SHOW will take place on December 6th, where you:

or someone you designate is available at your booth to talk with attendees
continue to use the power of the At Home Craft and Gift Show to direct attendees to your virtual booth
process and fill orders that come in through December 31st

That's it! Easy, professional, and waiting for you. All you need to do is grab your booth.

Reserve Your Booth Now (spaces are limited)

Given the short time frame, we are limiting booth vendors to 50. The limit is in place to ensure that participating vendors get the attention they need. I want this first show to give ALL vendors the very best experience. The At Home Craft and Gift Show is your perfect way to end 2020 with a celebratory bang! Bring in more holiday sales, add to your email, customer, and prospect list, and set yourself up for an amazing 2021. You know what they say about momentum - it starts by getting the ball rolling. And in this case, it's grabbing your booth before they're all gone. So go directly to giftbizunwrapped.com/athomebooth

At Home Craft and Gift Show Links

Main Website | Book Your Booth

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Know someone who needs to hear this episode?

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292 – The MOST Important Email Marketing Best Practice – It’s Not What You Think! with Gabriella Rapone of Email Maverick

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

There is so much conflicting information about email marketing - do this, do that - don't do either of those things! That's why I've got Gabriella here to share email marketing best practices so we can finally get it right - and much more. Gabriella has worked every angle of email marketing, seen the high price of “not knowing” and the struggle that comes with it. So, she works to free us from these struggles. Gabriella has worked at an email service provider, owned an email service provider, and ran an email agency for 10 years – consulting for brands like As Seen On TV, United Online, and Classmates. Based on all this experience, she’s seen that solving problems with simple solutions is how to optimize email for profit. She’s an expert at engagement, open and click rates, and delivery to the inbox. Email Maverick was created because Gabriella is convinced that you’re sitting on a goldmine. You just don’t realize it.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

For maximum profits, you must know your audience and what they value. Once you understand your audience, you can direct them to a certain action.
If you have an email list, you can make money. Even if you don't have anything of your own to sell, you can sell affiliate offers.
Social media is the King - it's where you collect leads. But email is the Queen - it's where you protect and nurture those leads.
The more important thing is people came to you for a pain or desire. What is that pain or desire that you're trying to relieve? That's the reason why people sign up.
Tune in to get all the biz building insights!

Email Marketing Best Practices

Qualify your list members so you don't build a list of just freebie hunters.
Understand the terms related to email marketing - there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there: <--Tune in for the full explanation!
When you're first getting started, choose the simplest option. Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Klaviyo, whatever is easy for you.
Don't wait for a big list to use your list. Interact and engage right from the start.
Always Be Engaging (ABE) to get the open and the click. Understand people and get them to engage. Engagement is critical.
Condition your audience to know opening your email will be worth their time. <--Listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion of what this means and how to do it!
Less is more when it comes to email. Keep most emails short and simple.
The single purpose of every email is to sell the click.
5 points to gauge if your email is built for engagement:
- Is it focused? Talk about ONE idea.
- Is the pain or desire of the email clearly demonstrated?
- Are there yeses - the reader should be saying "yes" in their head.
- Don't give away the cow but let them taste the milk.
- Ego vs benefits - remember it's not about you or your product. It's about them.
Listen to the full episode for a ton more including:
- open and click-through rates (CTR) you should aim for
- how to find your CTR
- the difference between CTR and click-to-open rate
- why patience might be the most important strategy
- the critical difference between email being delivered and "deliverability"
- and so much more!
Resources Mentioned
- Xverify
- Gabby's book: Hitting the Inbox ($27)
Gabby's Contact Links
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community
Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue
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291 – The Step by Step to Building a Business You Love with Joyce Arrieta

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Some days, running a business feels like, well ... work. But we all dream of building a business we love, even when it's hard. Tune in to hear what my guest did to fall back in love with her business after almost calling it quits. Joyce is the owner of Joyce’s Baskets, a full service Corporate and Personal gifting company that specializes in "Welcome to Florida" gifts for conferences, conventions, and corporate functions or events. The mission at Joyce's Baskets is perfectly captured in their slogan: We Make You Look Good. They have been designing gifts and gift baskets for almost 20 years and are located in bright and sunny Miami, Florida. Joyce is an award-winning designer and a Certified Gift Designer who has been featured in many A-list publications – most recently VoyageMIA magazine in Southern Florida. Putting the needs of their customers FIRST is Joyce’s top priority as they seek to build meaningful relationships that will last forever.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't just guess - validate if there’s a market for your product.
Never stop educating yourself. Things change and you have lots to learn no matter what industry you’re in.
Plan resources ahead so you can take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
Adapt to changes for your business to continue to grow.
Networking can be a major influence on your business growth. Get to be known as a valuable resource so others refer you. <-- Tune in for tons more networking tips!
Build real relationships, get to know people, create a personal connection, and discover how you can help them.

Tips For Building A Business You Love

Fire customers who make you feel bad or treat your employees badly. Don't wait until the stress makes you want to quit entirely.
Watch for signs that a customer will never be happy so you can end the relationship before it goes on too long.
Always stay professional, polite, and kind, even in difficult conversations.
Business isn't always easy. Don't give up when things get hard. Change is just around the corner.
Over time you may feel stagnated as a business owner. Make a plan to change and grow to reinvigorate yourself and your business.
Stay flexible. Change your mindset to learn new things and challenge yourself.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on building a business you love!

Joyce's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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290 – An Email Marketing Plan – The Often Forgotten Powerhouse to Increase Sales with Chloë Thomas of eCommerce MasterPlan

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Do you resist email marketing for your business as too hard or complicated? The truth is, a good email marketing plan can be a real powerhouse to help you increase sales. And today we've got Chloe Thomas here to help us out. Chloë has been working in direct marketing since 2001. It started with a focus on in-store loyalty programs, catalog mailings, and email marketing. From there, she brought several established mail order businesses into the internet age – launching websites, first-ever email campaigns, as well as Google Adwords and affiliate marketing. Following her success there, Chloe transitioned her experience into a marketing agency all its own. She expanded into B2B marketing and sales and learned more about retail and eCommerce by working with everyone from high street retailers to pure play online startups. In 2012 Chloë realized her future was in helping eCommerce businesses work out what marketing they should be doing and so eCommerce MasterPlan was born.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Keep optimizing. Stop being a perfectionist and get your product out there. Then revisit it and use customer feedback to make it better.
Don't give up when something doesn't work as well as you'd hoped. Keep optimizing it -that's your pathway to great success.
Listen to your customers. They will direct you to where you should go to make more sales.

Email Marketing Plan Tips

Why is email marketing important? Because it's the core of your ability to communicate with your customer via a channel YOU control.
Good email marketing helps you build connections and relationships with your customers.
You already know how to build a relationship with your customers in person. Email is just an extension of that.
Email signups and sales are as strong as they were 5 years ago. So email is still a great tool to build your business.
Give people a compelling reason to sign up for your list. Figure out what's valuable to YOUR customers, rather than what you see others doing.
Listen to the full episode for tips & ideas to get sign-ups!
Ask for replies and feedback in your emails to build the relationship and encourage connection. Replies to your emails will improve your deliverability, too. <-- Pro tip!
Keep your list active so that when you send out important emails (like for the holidays) they remember who you are.
Don't know what to put in your emails? Tune in for TONS of email ideas!
Platforms - if what you're using is working for you, don't switch. Only switch if you need something your current platform doesn't do. If you do switch - do it in the off-season, never during the holidays.
Much more info than can be shared here. Listen to the full episode to get it all!

Resources Mentioned:

Mailchimp (basic email platform)
Klaviyo (more advanced)
Omnisend (more advanced)

Chloe's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

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289 – How to Attract Customers and Boost Your Holiday Sales with Amanda Berlin

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0600

With so many things off the table this year - live events, conferences - you may wonder how to attract customers in this new environment. Well, some activities such as connections and relationships still work just fine. Amanda is here to tell us how to use these tools to boost our holiday sales and more. After more than a decade in the New York City public relations world, Amanda Berlin now uses her pitch powers for good. She helps entrepreneurs step into their presence, create a story that inspires others, and spread their message in the media. Amanda has created a library of template guides and trainings and works one on one with clients to guide them to strategic storytelling and media relations based on her 12 years of experience guiding strategy for major brands in the corporate world. Amanda and her clients have been featured in all types of media — from Business Insider to Entrepreneur on Fire and from WNYW Fox 5 to Bustle.com. She's the host of The Empowered Publicity Podcast and loves arming soul-powered business owners with the ideas and skillset they need to go from hidden industry gem to recognizable trusted expert.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Create and nurture connections that will nourish you as a person and as a business. When things go sideways, you can support each other in a variety of ways.
Develop your courage to reach out and nurture relationships.
Use 3 pillars to become more visible: <-- listen in for the full explanation!
- collaborations and alliances
- speaking and events
- and media
Build relationships with people who speak to the same audience that you speak to, but do something different from what you do.
Create valuable experiences for your connections and have your products available as a takeaway at the end. <-- Tune in for examples!
See if you can get into the newsletters of the companies that normally put on events and conferences. Or articles in local newspapers and magazines. <-- Tune in for pro tips!
Tell the story of how you do things. No one has traveled the same path you have. Lean into your story to distinguish yourself from others.
Remember there are people out there looking for you. You are the answer to someone's prayers and they'll be grateful to find you. So raise your voice so they can find you!
Make sure to tune in to the full episode to get all the specific tips & tricks!

Resources Mentioned

ConnectFest Challenge

Amanda's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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288 – How to Manage Stress in Business to Achieve a Happier and Healthier Life with Kajal Khurana

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Let's get serious for a moment. Stress is a major issue for modern humans - and especially for those of us running a business! So today we're talking about how to manage stress in business so that we can live happier and healthier lives. My guest for this topic is Kajal Khurana, an Author, Podcast Host, and Wellness Coach. Since 2010, she has helped professionals, entrepreneurs, and working mothers develop a positive mindset, gain clarity in business, improve the quality of their sleep and adopt healthy eating habits, so they stay productive and achieve their goals faster. Kajal is passionate about helping people transform their lives by becoming their own accountability partner in their transformation journey. She believes that "you have the power to become a better you" in an easy way so it becomes your lifestyle rather than being a struggle.

How to Manage Stress in Business

Understand that everyone's path to health will be different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Stress is inevitable. You can’t avoid it, but you can manage it.
Becoming internally strong makes handling whatever external circumstances are thrown at you much easier.
Be aware of what’s happening inside your body. The right balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is important.
Social media can cause the dysfunctional release of dopamine in our bodies. Be aware and adjust accordingly.
Avoid shiny object syndrome and stop comparing yourself to others.

How to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

Be committed to the process. Without commitment, nothing happens. Transformational progress requires long-term practice.
Take the first 10 minutes every morning to plan your day. Schedule in time for healthy behaviors.
Journal about your goals for the day and how you will achieve them. Focus on positivity and affirmations.
In addition (or instead of journaling), make time to connect to nature. Just being out in nature releases stress and fills your body with fresh oxygen.
Find some way to get exercise to energize your body and mind, even if it's just a little. If you can't get outside, do something inside.
Sit and connect to your breath. Be present in the moment. Cut the external noise and connect to your own self.
Make sure you get good sleep.

Tips to Reduce Stress Over the Long Term

Take baby steps in your pursuit of better health. Once you’ve mastered one, move to the next lifestyle change.
The food you put in your body plays a major role in your emotions. Be mindful of what you’re eating. Choose fresh food over processed food.
Have a clear WHY you want to get healthy and you’ll just do it.
Pro tip! --> The prime hours of sleep are important: one hour before you sleep and one hour when you wake up. The prime hour before you sleep will define the quality of your sleep. The prime hour after you wake up will define the quality of your day.

There are so many MORE tips in this episode! Listen in to get them all.

Resources Mentioned

Why Me First? How To Destress Yourself Through The Art of Self-Love

Kajal's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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287 – Best Art Show Display Tips for Craft and Handmade Artisans with Amy Amdur of Amdur Productions

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0600

If you struggle to know how to display your art at an art show, this episode is for you! Art show producer Amy Amdur is here sharing her best art show display ideas for you to steal. Over the last three decades, Amdur Productions has produced hundreds of art shows, fairs, and festivals, and has worked with thousands of artists. These events, approximately 20 a year throughout the greater Chicago area, give artists and makers a place to show their artwork for sale. Amdur Productions also runs free online art seminars covering all aspects of showing and selling art both in-person and online. This is combined with ArtZipper.com, an eCommerce site where artists and art makers can show and sell their work 365 days a year.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

To be a good exhibitor, be open to coaching. Be open to new ideas to be successful.
The ability to sell is something you learn, just like any other skill.
How you display will help you sell better.
Learn how to talk about your work. You can have great products but if you can't show and talk about it the right way, you will struggle to succeed.
Listen to the full episode to get all the biz insights!

Amy's Art Show Display Ideas

Reduce the variables to keep the focus on your work:
- Wear simple, solid-colored clothes.
- Display a cohesive body of work. Show pieces that relate to each other.
- Use simple, consistent props that don't take attention away from your pieces.
When selling online, good quality images are key. Let your images do the talking for you.
The title and description are really important online because it's how you communicate about your work.
Tune in to get even more amazing tips for art displays for shows!

Resources Mentioned

Amy's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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286 – 7 Specific Targets to Create a Confident Money Mindset as a Small Business Owner with Johnny McWilliams

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0600

A lot of small business owners struggle to maintain a positive money mindset. And it's become more and more obvious that mindset can make all the difference! That's why Johnny McWilliams is here sharing 7 specific targets you can aim for to establish a positive money mindset for continued success in your product business. Johnny is a Certified Ramsey Financial Coach, helping people with their relationship with money. After working in the areas of real estate, tax preparation, insurance, financial investing, and completing an MBA, he decided not to sell financial products. He’s taking a different approach to money. Johnny’s passionate about providing practical, biblical principles to guide his clients as they Zero In on their financial target. Through his blog, Zero In On This, Johnny writes about the 7 specific targets everyone needs to focus on. He teaches his readers to have a purposeful point-of-view when it comes to the financial resources they have the privilege to manage. He believes that money is merely a tool used throughout the journey of pursuing one’s unique purpose.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't think of your budget as a restriction. Rather it's how you tell your money where to go.
Money principles give you a guide and a pattern instead of just spending willy nilly.
Dig dip and find what success is for YOU. Understand why you are in this business. Why are you doing this? Keep going until your why makes you cry. If it doesn't, it's not big enough.
Money is not directly tied to your why. It is a tool you use for a specific purpose.
Give big without spending a penny. Sharing your time and talents to bless other people is a huge way to give.
Admit to yourself that you need help with money management and be willing to grow.
Don't be afraid to help in any area of your life. Nobody can be an expert at everything.
Listen in to get more amazing biz-building insights around money!

7 Specifics Targets For A Positive Money Mindset

Target 1: Prayerfully plan
Target 2: Increase your inflow
Target 3: Optimize your outgo
Target 4: Demolish it
Target 5: Cancel credit and grow at the speed of cash
Target 6: Strategically save
Target 7: Generously give
Tune in to the full conversation for details about these targets - plus a ton more money mindset tips!

Resources Mentioned

Johnny's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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285 – Integrating Private Label Products into Your Small Business with Anne Mitchell of So El Paso

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Looking for a new income stream to add to your product business? Anne Mitchell shares how she created a private label business and how you can, too. After opening and selling one retail store in Austin and then another in El Paso, it’s fair to say that Anne has a good grasp of the retail landscape in Texas. What she realized during that time was that there were no items available to represent El Paso. She’s a 4^th generation El Paso, Texan, and takes great pride in having attended Texas A&M during 5 successful football seasons in the Southwest Conference. So not being able to stock products representing El Paso simply wouldn’t do. Enter So El Paso, her current venture, which began in 2015. It’s now a retail, wholesale and internet business offering a line of gourmet products including salsas, jams, nuts, and more.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Brick and mortar is all about the experience. That's what customers can't find online.
Listen to what your customers say they want. You may discover a way to grow your business by adding in what they request - even if it doesn't seem like your thing, at first.
If someone reaches out to you about your product, call back even if it seems like a long shot. You never know where opportunities will come from.
When you have a physical store, every product on every inch of the store needs to pay its way.
Create a unique brand. People love to hear the story behind your brand.
Listen to the full conversation to get a ton more biz building insights!

Private Label Products For Small Business

You can use your own recipes or use published ones to create your own private label products.
Even existing products manufactured by others can be private labeled as yours, allowing you to focus on just sales and marketing.
If you sell private labeled products, you must have liability insurance AND your manufacturer(s) must have liability insurance.
Going to trade shows and meeting your vendors is key. The connections and interactions make all the difference. Don't skip this even if it feels expensive and time-consuming.
Networking has lead to so many opportunities. Don't neglect your contacts.
Tune in to the full episode for all of Anne's private label tips!

Anne's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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284 – How to Use Kickstarter to Grow Your Handmade Business with Azhelle Wade The Toy Coach

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Here's an idea you may have never considered - how to use Kickstarter to grow your handmade business! Toy Coach Azhelle Wade shares all her crowdfunding tips in this value-packed episode. Azhelle's been having way too much fun working in the toy industry for over 10 years with companies like Toys R Us, Party City, and Madame Alexander! She has 3 patented toy products, multiple design awards, and is the host of the well-known toy industry podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. Today, Azhelle is known as The Toy Coach. She loves helping people outside of the toy industry find their way in so that they can bring their toy ideas to life. Her online program, Toy Creators Academy, clarifies the toy development and launch process with step by step guidance. Azhelle's mantra for her students and listeners is, "Make it Toyetic!"

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Train your brain to be creative and generate ideas when you need them. <-- Tune in to learn how to do it!
To come up with something unique and different, learn to see the creativity in combinations of things that don't seem creative at first glance.
Test a small batch of your new products by selling at local shows with an open mind. When you ask someone to exchange money for your product, you'll get honest feedback and discover what needs to be improved with your product.
Retailers are now looking to social media to discover trends rather than making decisions about what to buy based on their own opinions.
Tune in to the full episode for more great business insights!

How To Use Kickstarter To Grow Your Handmade Business

Kickstarter is a great way to fund a new product PLUS get consumer feedback on what they want to see at the same time.
Once you have a prototype ready, order a minimum run of products before you launch a Kickstarter and understand the timeline of when the final products will be available.
Focus heavily on marketing to make your Kickstarter a success.
Be really clear on how much shipping your products will cost (including worldwide) when you design your Kickstarter. Even successful campaigns lose money because they miscalculate shipping costs.
Make sure you can meet the timelines you set for fulfillment.
If you have a successful Kickstarter and want to get your product into stores, attend all the trade shows right after your Kickstarter is complete to get orders from retailers.
So many more specific crowdfunding tips in this conversation. Listen in to hear them all!

Resources Mentioned

Azhelle's Contact Links

Website | Facebook| Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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283 – Actions to Build Your Online Presence (that Lead to More Sales!) with Ana Bolanos of Limbo Imports Hammocks

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0600

When Ana Bolanos built Limbo Imports Hammocks, she set the stage for sales as soon as her business opened. Today she's sharing actions you can take to build your online business to get more sales. Ana was born and raised in El Salvador and had always been fascinated by artisan-made goods and craftsmanship. She came to the United States when she 18 and had always dreamt of owning her own business … one that could make an impact. True to this vision, Ana partnered with a team of artisans to co-design hammock chairs in a way that preserves the Mayan ancestry yet adds a modern twist. Each fair trade hammock is one of a kind and allows Ana to celebrate history and her home country’s tradition. They’re functional pieces that are also beautiful and provide relaxation.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Focus on your dream, your vision, your why. It will keep you going when things get hard.
If things don’t happen as planned, keep going! Pivot and go in a different direction.
Building an audience helps spark people’s interest in you and your product. It establishes great relationships with clients.
Always have Plan B in place when Plan A doesn’t work. Test things out what works and what doesn’t.
Tune in to get all the biz building insights!

How To Build Your Online Presence

Every handmade product is one of a kind and has a story. Share yours to set yourself and your products apart.
Post pictures and stories about your products and ask questions on social media (even if you haven't started your business yet) to build excitement and relationships with future customers.
Have products ready to purchase when you launch your website to encourage immediate sales.
Test out the entire sales process - shopping carts, shipping, labels - everything before you get your first customer.
Educate your customers on how to use and care for your products so there are no reasons for them not to buy.
Have the answers to sales questions customers will ask right there on your website.
Add a card into your product package inviting customers to share and stay connected on social. It's a great way to grow your business.
Consider providing samples to social media influencers to get great promotions and amazing product pictures you won't find anywhere else. But make sure you have a contract.
Get lots more tips by listening to the whole episode!

Ana's Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

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282 – 3 Surprising Points About Marketing Your Small Business with Teresa Heath-Wareing

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Guess what? There are some really effective ways of marketing for small business the big boys can't use. Marketing expert Teresa Heath-Wareing shares valuable tips on how you can use it for your handmade business. Teresa is an award-winning international speaker, TEDx speaker, trainer and podcaster. She’s recognized alongside some of the world’s social media & digital marketing thought leaders and is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading marketing influencers. Having spent the last 16 years in Marketing - working with international brands such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Leadpages. Teresa helps businesses, entrepreneurs and marketers to enhance their digital marketing & social media efforts. Teresa hosts a popular weekly podcast called ‘Marketing that Converts’ and has interviewed the likes of Amy Porterfield, Pat Flynn, Michael Hyatt, Jasmine Star and James Wedmore, Mike Stelzner and Dean Graziosi.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't let fear stop you. Say yes to new opportunities and figure it out after.
Practice bravery in your business. Putting yourself out there can lead to big things.
Overcome imposter syndrome by reminding yourself of wins. Create a 'Love Folder' and save good testimonials, write down everything (small or large) that went well, take screenshots of positive comments online, etc. Remind yourself of all the people you've helped.
Find ways to brainstorm and get new ideas from other people - use your team, a coaching group, etc. Expose yourself to things outside your focus to stimulate creativity - in your business and for marketing.
Don't rush to push for a sale. Showing up online is how you connect with your audience. You have to show who you are. And it takes time to build a relationship.
As a handmade business, the skill of what you do and how you create your products is your superpower. That's your USP.
Tune in for too many valuable business insights to summarize here!

3 Surprising Points About Marketing For Small Business

The beauty of a small business is that you are flexible and can move fast. You can learn something and implement it right away. Being nimble allows you to pivot and take action quickly.
As a small business, you can develop the kind of really authentic, personal connection with your audience that large businesses can't. And right now - that's what sells.
Find ways to incentivize your customers to share their joy about your products. User-generated content works 10x better.
TONS more tips on marketing for small business. Listen to the full episode to get them all!

Resources Mentioned

Teresa's Membership Program - Marketing That Converts Academy
Teresa's Podcast - Marketing That Converts Podcast

Teresa's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

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281 – How to Use Pinterest for Your Product Business with Kate Ahl of Simple Pin Media

Sue Monhait — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

You've probably used Pinterest to find a new recipe or fun project - but do you know how to use Pinterest for business? Kate Ahl is here to tell us everything we need to know to leverage the traffic-driving power of Pinterest for our product-based businesses. Kate is the owner of Simple Pin Media, a Pinterest management and marketing agency that helps clients find and convert “their person” on Pinterest. She has a passion for helping over 600 small business owners grow on this platform. When she teaches Pinterest marketing, she aims for it to consist of actionable, simple steps that help owners move forward and see results without being overwhelmed. Kate also hosts the weekly Simple Pin Podcast all about Pinterest marketing.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't chase someone else's success. Your business is your own and your path to success will be unique to you.
Pinterest is a great tool to drive traffic to your website. Remember that it's a visual search engine, not a social network.
People go to Pinterest to find an idea and then take action on it.
A big reason to use Pinterest is that when you share your products or creation, it will live there for a really long time. Unlike other platforms where posts are gone in just a few minutes.
Pinterest provides a great return on your investment of time and effort.
Make sure you listen to the full episode to get all Kate's insights about Pinterest!

How to Use Pinterest For Your Product-Based Business

Visitors to your Pinterest profile should be able to understand who you are, what you talk about, and what you sell simply by looking at your profile and boards.
Use the name you are most known by (your name or your business name) for your Pinterest profile name. That’s what people will search for.
Start with a minimum of 10 boards with product specific names. Name each board using keywords your customers would use. Hot Tip: The name of the board carries a lot of weight when people are searching!
Create a description for each board - just 2-3 natural sentences that include the keywords people use for search.
Think of a Pin as a billboard. It's what you create that leads back to your product or content and should tell a quick story about it, just enough to get people interested. Add a little text on top of the image to help tell the story (i.e., gluten-free or vegan, etc.)
Write short descriptions for each pin that include keywords. Viewers rarely read them - it's mostly for the algorithm to know what your pin is about. <<-- Insider tip!!
If you want to use a scheduler, choose one that is an official Pinterest marketing partner.
Kate shares a TON of tips & information - tune in to the whole conversation to get it all!

Resources Mentioned

Kate's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

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280 – How to Blog For A Product Business with Jenny Melrose

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to use your blog for a product business? Jenny is here to share how she built a thriving business with her blog and how you can too. Jenny is a former reading specialist who “retired” from her teaching career when her blogging income far exceeded her salary. Through hard work and dedication, her lifestyle blog, The Melrose Family, became regularly sought out by nationally recognized brands such as Neutrogena, Smuckers, Glad, Costco, Stanley Steamer, Sara Lee, and many more. She is a content strategist that helps entrepreneurs better understand their messaging and unique position in the online space. Now, she’s combining her passion for teaching with her extensive experience of creating strategic content for online business owners via JennyMelrose.com and her podcast, Influencer Entrepreneurs with Jenny Melrose as well as her first book Influencer Entrepreneurs: The 4-Step Framework to Building Your Audience, Growing Your Business, and Making More Money Online.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Develop the mentality that what you do is a business, not just a hobby.
Make sure your family understands you are running a business. Their understanding and support are key.
Build your confidence. It's just like a muscle - the more you practice it, the stronger your confidence muscle will get.
Be able to articulate what you do and who you do it for (listen for Jenny's great tip on this!).
Women can run a business with no glass ceiling.
Tune in to the full episode for lots of great biz building tips!

How To Blog For A Product Business

Start slow to avoid overwhelm, try just one post a month.
Use your blog and content to become your own influencer to promote your products.
Create content that solves your audiences' problems so it becomes valuable to them.
Engage in real conversations with your audience to find out what they need.
Good keyword research is important. Use words that people are searching for and make sure your article answers questions people ask on Google.
Use Pinterest to promote your content and drive traffic to your site.
Use Instagram DMs because it’s the connection and engagement that people are seeking for (tune in to catch Jenny's specific steps for this!).
Listen to the whole interview for a ton more blogging tips from Jenny!

Resources Mentioned

Jenny's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to subscribe! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

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Set Up and Sell in the NEW Facebook Shops

Sue Monhait — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Calling All Dreamers!

(TLDR: Amazing 5 day FREE Challenge to learn how to set up Facebook Shops and Sell starts Aug 24. Join free by registering here: GiftBizUnwrapped.com/SetupAndSell)

🤩 Has the idea of starting a business been lurking in your mind for months ( ... or years)? 🤩 Do you dream of selling your handmade products or tasty creations but you're not sure where to begin? 🤩 Or, you're ready to take the leap, but don't want to waste time or money going down the wrong path ... You’ve told me how hard it is to take that first step. So get excited ... because I have a solution ready and waiting, specifically for you!

Introducing my FREE Setup & Sell Challenge

Listen to the episode (only 6 minutes) to get ALL the details!

Specifics:

Where: The challenge will be held live in my Free Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Group
When: Starts Monday, August 24 and ends Friday, August 28 (mark your calendars now!)
START HERE -->>Register now for FREE at GiftBizUnwrapped.com/SetupAndSell

Schedule:

Monday: What's new and important, Opportunities, Prep
Tuesday: All about setting up your FB Business page
Wednesday: Start getting your Shop ready
Thursday: Customer experience & order processing
Friday: How to promote

Join Us!

In just one week, learn how to set up Facebook Shops AND know how to ...

sell your products,
start collecting money,
and promote your business in an easy, comfortable way

Even if you haven't done a single thing to start your business before now. It almost sounds too good to be true but I assure you - it’s 100% achievable! Just think - just 5 days and you’ll be ready to sell your handmade products online, fast and easy. It all starts Monday, August 24. Register right now at GiftBizUnwrapped.com/SetupAndSell Can't wait to see you there!

This challenge is happening in our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community. Are you a member?

Join Gift Biz Breeze Now - FREE

Know someone who needs to know how to set up Facebook Shops? Click a button below to share it!

279 – Confused About Google My Business? with Jessica Totillo Coster of Ecommerce Badassery

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Are you confused by Google My Business? Jessica is an eCommerce & Email Marketing Strategist for boutique owners & product entrepreneurs. After more than 20 years working in corporate retail, most recently as the Digital Marketing Manager for a national retailer with over 30 brick and mortar store locations and a 7-figure eCommerce business, she's learned from the top experts in the industry on all the things, including local SEO and how to take advantage of the tools Google provides to support your local business. She loves supporting scrappy female entrepreneurs with actionable strategies and tactics to grow and scale their brands without having to spend a ton of money on advertising. Today Jessica explains how to know if Google My Business is RIGHT for your business (or not) and how to use it! This is Part 6 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business? <– YOU ARE HERE

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Google My Business is meant for local, brick & mortar businesses or those that deliver locally.
Technically, if you don't have a physical location or deliver locally (shipping doesn't count), you should NOT have a GMB profile (use SEO instead).
A Google My Business profile gets you more visibility online and allows you to control the information customers see about your business.
Communicate everything about your business in one place (hours, overview, promotions, contact info + more).
If you have a brick & mortar business - even if you don't sell online - you need a GMB profile.
Listen to the full episode for all the amazing biz tips!

Make GMB Work For You

Think of GMB as an online 'front window.'
Communicate your customer experience through photos - your products, the inside of your shop, your storefront (just not as the header), etc.
Update GMB posts regularly with announcements, promotions, specials, etc.
If your business has multiple locations, set up a GMB listing for each location. But you manage them all through the same dashboard.
GMB is not a "set it and forget it" thing. Actively manage your listing (say, once a week) so you don’t miss opportunities to communicate with customers.
Remember Google's goal (to help searchers find what they're looking for) and use your GMB profile to help them achieve it.
Follow Google's policies. Invest time to understand what Google My Business is and what are the expectations.
Listen to the full episode for a ton more GMB tips!

Resources Mentioned

Set up your GMB profile at: Google.com/business

Jessica's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | eCommerce Badassery Podcast | eCommerce Badassery Facebook Group

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to subscribe! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

278 – Everything You Need to Know to Sell on Etsy with Nancy Badillo

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

What does it really take to sell on Etsy? Nancy works with Etsy Sellers who want to build a thriving Etsy business and embrace the entrepreneurial adventure. She also helps current Etsy Sellers scale their business by leveraging the power of branding and social media. Do you currently struggle with sales or have a hard time finding your target audience? Are you passionate about your handmade products but don’t have a growth strategy in place for your Etsy? Or maybe you’re right at the beginning trying to decide if Esty is right for you at all. We're diving into all this today on the show. This is Part 5 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy <– YOU ARE HERE
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business?

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Build strong branding to stand out from your competitors and get traffic.
Make sure that people recognize you as a brand so if people see your post separately, they know it’s from your store.
Think outside Etsy - leverage email marketing and social media (most shops don't collect emails!) to get repeat customers and drive traffic.
Everything works together to reach people: quality photos, good product description, and SEO.
Providing valuable content around what you sell on Etsy is the quickest way to grow your brand and drive more traffic using the power of google (aka SEO).
Listen to the full episode for a ton more biz building tips!

How To (And Why) Sell On Etsy:

Etsy offers a more unique, personal experience for both seller and buyer.
Sell on Etsy and build your brand there first, then extend into the other platforms to develop multiple streams of income.
Create a memorable shop to build your brand + stand out in a saturated market with many stores selling similar products.
Build out your shop and branding completely to make it clear you are in business.
Develop a clear, targeted niche so you don’t confuse your target audience (if you sell to everyone, you sell to no one) and keep yourself focused.
No matter what you make, can you create an associated digital product? Etsy allows digital products as well and it's a great way to increase your income.
Use the official Etsy Seller's Handbook - it's packed with helpful tips and information.
Listen to the full episode to get all of Nancy's amazing Etsy tips!

Resources Mentioned:

Etsy Seller Handbook
eRank.com
Etsy Seller App (different than buyer app)
Integrations for Etsy
Setting up Google Analytics for your Etsy Shop
Art Printables Etsy Course ($200 off using coupon code: GIFTBIZ)

Nancy's Contact Links:

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to subscribe! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

Know someone who might benefit from this episode? Click a button below to share it!

277 – Introducing Facebook Shops with Jessica Totillo Coster of eCommerce Badassery

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Jessica is an eCommerce & Email Marketing Strategist for boutique owners & product business owners. She supports scrappy female entrepreneurs with actionable strategies and tactics to grow and scale their eCommerce businesses. She's worked in corporate retail for over 20 years, owned her own multi 6-figure brick + mortar clothing boutique, and spent 3 years as the ONLY employee of a 7-figure online store learning from the top experts in the digital marketing & eCommerce industry. Now she’s sharing everything she learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Today, she's introducing how you can get started with the new Facebook Shops. This episode is Part 4 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops - YOU ARE HERE
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business?

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

99% of people won't take action when it gets hard. Be part of the 1% and you'll see success.
You can recreate an in-person experience when you sell online and nothing beats that.
The newer you are, the more you need to talk about who you are, what you do, and why people want to buy from you.
Selling is not always direct “here’s my product, buy my product.” It's also showing how you use the products in your own life.
FB Shops is a way to start but ALWAYS have a platform that you own: website and email list.
Always be clear over clever with your product name and description.
Listen to the full episode for a ton more business tips from Jessica!

Getting Started With Facebook Shops

It takes ZERO dollars to get started with FB Shops - no fees are due until you make a sale.
FB Shops is a great way to validate new products before going all in.
Create a 'Storefront' with lifestyle imagery and branding.
Organize and arrange your products into collections or categories.
Try selling through live videos and tag your products in the live video.
FB Shops is still new. Watch for lots of new features rolled out over time.
Listen to the full episode to hear about exciting future features Facebook has planned for Shops!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

See existing Facebook Shops in Action:
- Ink Meets Paper
- RTIC Outdoors
Get started with FB Shops if you DO use Shopify
Get started with FB Shops if you DON'T use Shopify

CONTACT LINKS

Website | Facebook | Instagram | eCommerce Badassery Podcast | eCommerce Badassery Facebook Group

Now Available!

An easy to follow, step-by-step tutorial to get your new Facebook Shop set up and ready to sell. Click here for details.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Never Miss An Episode

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to subscribe! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Thank you so much! Sue

Know someone who might benefit from this episode? Click a button below to share it!

276 – Build the Perfect Shopify Website with Elle McCann of Curious Themes

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Elle McCann is the owner and designer of Curious Themes web development studio outside of Nashville, TN. She creates online classes that cover how to launch and grow Shopify stores quickly. Elle’s been listed as a Shopify Expert for over seven years and in that time has created more than 150 Shopify stores. She’s dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow their online business without the overwhelm. One way she does this is through weekly videos on her YouTube channel that currently has over 27,000 subscribers and is growing fast! This episode is Part 3 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website - YOU ARE HERE
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business?

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

An online presence is important so you can be in front of your ideal customers at the exact moment they are ready to purchase from you.
When someone searches for your business in Google they are looking for your website, not a Facebook page.
Creating a website and online store is so much easier than it once was. It's not as scary as it may seem. Don't let the idea stop you from getting started.
Building your website is not a one day process. Break it down into bite-size pieces.
Shopify is built for the needs of the merchant. They offer connections to other sales channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and much more.
Keep your product and category names clear instead of clever so they can be found (listen to episode 269 for more on SEO for your online shop).

Tips For An Amazing Shopify Store

Use high-quality photos of your products <-- this is key!
Create product categories that make sense to your customers
Limit featured products on your home page to no more than 8
Before you select a design theme, look at the reviews and developer information
Shopify Apps are a great way to add functionality to your store
Tell your story throughout your site
When advertising, direct links to specific products, not your home page
Optimize your shop for customer experience
In product descriptions, create imagery with your words in addition to the specs

Resources Mentioned:

CONTACT LINKS

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Youtube

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Never Miss An Episode

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to subscribe! Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thanks so much! Sue

275 – Selling on Amazon Handmade with Dana Midkiff of Pink Door Wreaths

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Seven years ago, Dana started her handmade journey. Today, she has built a brand, developed numerous product lines and mastered handmade operations. Through the years, she has scaled her business so that she could quit her corporate job. She’s hired almost 20 part time employees and soared above 7-figures a year on Amazon. Dana has researched, tested, analyzed and hustled to find what works and now shares her learning with all of her handmade clients. This is Part 2 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade <– YOU ARE HERE
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business?

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't fall into a saturation mentality. There is space for you even in a crowded field. The key is to provide great photos, product descriptions, and going behind the numbers to see what's working.
Start thinking with a business mentality over handmade mentality.
Showing up on multiple platforms increases your visibility and builds traction for continual sales.
No matter where you currently are, the end goal should always be to have a website that you own. Don't rely solely on ecommerce running through a third party.
Think of words that your customers will type into the search bar to find your product. These might not be the same words you'd use. Get in the buyers mind.
You have to be consistent in all your efforts to reach your goals.

CONTACT LINKS

Channel Advisors Get Started on eBay Street Pricer Other services to support your eBay sales

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

274 – Why eBay and How to Get Started with Kristine Diemoz of eBay

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Kristine is the Senior Manager of Go-to-market strategy and operations at eBay. In her role, she’s responsible for updating their sellers on key programs and changes. Kristine has been at eBay for over 18 years working in a variety of roles, from customer service to project management to marketing. One of the main reasons she’s stayed so long is because she’s passionate about the eBay mission. “We exist to enable economic opportunity for individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations of all sizes.” Kristine loves that they provide opportunity to anyone from college students, to stay at home moms, to retirees and more - who want to start a business selling almost anything online. This is Part 1 of my 6-Part Series covering your top sales platform options. Catch up on this series here:

Part 1: Why eBay <– YOU ARE HERE
Part 2: Selling on Amazon Handmade
Part 3: Build the Perfect Shopify Website
Part 4: Introducing Facebook Shops
Part 5: Everything You Need To Know To Sell On Etsy
Part 6: Confused About Google My Business?

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

You have to put in the work to make things happen.
eBay does not compete with it's sellers. Everything is focused on supporting sellers.
Some reasons why you should sell on eBay: (1) protection to buyers and sellers, (2) scale and reach (3) easy global shipping
To boost the visibility of your product, your product photos should have a crisp white background.
The more detail in your product descriptions, the more opportunity you have for buyers to find those items.
Consider the Final Value Fee when pricing your products to ensure you are still making money when you sell each product.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

CONTACT LINKS

Website Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

273 – How to Get your Product Made Overseas with Brian Miller of Easy China Warehouse

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Originally from Trumbull, CT, Brian has been living in China for the past 10 years. He previously worked for one of the largest Chinese government owned manufacturers managing their North American Export operations. Now Brian runs a 3rd party logistics warehouse in Shenzhen China. The company provides 3rd party logistics and shipping for Amazon FBA sellers and any e-commerce company creating products in China.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Don't take shortcuts. The longer solid road is always the route to making your business sustainable.
Alibaba is a good start to identifying factories.
Developing specific quality control guidelines will help ensure your product arrives as expected.
Always place a small first order to test the factory.
Addressing the issues of knockoffs and people stealing your design; you can stay competitive as long as you provide value to your customer.
One way to handle quality control is to hire an inspection company to check the product quality before it is shipped to you.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

V-Trust Inspection Service

CONTACT LINKS

Website Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

272 – Taking a Worn Out Industry and Making it New Again with Alex Kurkowski of Tellinga

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Alex is the founder of a greeting card startup called Tellinga, which actually began while he was pursuing his MBA at Rice University. After graduating and entering the workforce, Alex noticed his free time was slipping away, along with his relationships with friends and family. So, to keep in touch, he started snail mailing them literary artisanal work in the form of letters. He would draw pictures in story form and mail them out to loved ones piece by piece over time. Imagine a comic with images being taken apart page by page and then those pages sent out one by one throughout weeks or even months. For his friends and family, it was a way to stay connected and create fun, personalized stories. They would look forward to checking their mailboxes every day and enjoyed the stories because they were always goofy, sent over time, and – big bonus – Alex’s family and friends were the main characters in their own personalized “mailbox movie.” From there … Tellinga was born.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Keep persevering even through the challenges.
It’s fun to do the impossible. Hardship is part of the process and experiencing the sour helps to appreciate the sweet.
Believe in your product. Believe in your vision.
Having a co-founder or other significant sounding board is important throughout your entire business lifecycle.
There are 3 roles in a business: Hipster, Hacker and Hustler.
There are a lot of ways to get visibility for your products. Word of mouth, website optimization, affiliate partners and strategic partnerships are a few.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

15% Discount off a Tellinga card if you use the code Tellinga.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

271 – How to Be More Comfortable on Camera with Kellsie Moore of Be Marvelous You

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Kellsie is an actress and on-camera expert for purpose driven entrepreneurs. She helps you look, sound and FEEL great on camera. She works with her clients to craft their unique message in a way that creates a powerful and authentic connection with their audience through video, so they can stand out from the crowd and become a magnetic brand. Everything she coaches stems from a personal development perspective to help her clients become more natural, comfortable and charismatic in front of the lens. This confidence provides the impact they desire and finally they can enjoy doing video!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Your decisions now can lead you to the future that you want.
Be authentic and powerful in front of camera.
Let people see who you are through a video on your website or Facebook page.
When filming, make it less about you and more about the audience.
By demonstrating your product and showing your personality, you're building the know, like, and trust factor. This makes people more likely to invest their money with you.
Video builds a connection on the human to human level better than anyting else.
Practice taking videos of yourself offline to increase your confidence.
Always include a call to action at the end of your video.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Instagram Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

270 – Increase Sales by Showing What Makes You YOU! with Nikole Marie

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Nikole Marie is a film-inspired wedding and personal brand photographer who followed a very winding path to work that truly fulfills her. She serves couples filled with love and joy by creating images that capture the connection and beauty of their relationships. It’s then documented for them to share for a lifetime. Nikole also creates branded imagery for female entrepreneurs looking to grow their brand strategically by sharing the story of their business through photos.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Educate yourself about personal branding and the power it can have on your business. It's what sets you apart from all other businesses in your industry.
The YOU of the business will help you stand out.
Putting a face to your business gives people a personal connection that helps them want to support you.
Work with a photographer to get your stories captured.
Six questions before your next photoshoot:
- How are you going to use the photos?
- Are there any visual holes in your business?
- What colors express your brand the best?
- What does your ideal client love about your brand?
- What do I share most often on social media?
- What do you need to share more often on social media?

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

269 – SEO: The Answer to Attracting Sales Online with Meg Casebolt of Love at First Search

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Meg Casebolt has been helping female business owners like you create beautiful, search-friendly websites and strategic content for the past 6 years. She’s your no-B.S. bestie who makes it super easy for your dream customers to find – and adore! – you online, resulting in effortless web traffic, consistent customers, soaring profit and SO much more free time (and sanity)! She started her career with a decade working in communications for nonprofits big and small. She thought she would always be working for nonprofits, maybe even running one someday. But as happens with so many of us, she got pregnant, looked at the numbers, and realized that it didn’t make financial sense to spend half her take-home pay on daycare. So she left her job, started a successful design studio and spent the next few years immersed in the world of branding and web design. And while her clients and their audiences loved their new websites, they weren’t getting found for their amazing work. And that’s when she started exploring SEO — because her clients had these incredible messages to spread and she wanted to help them get seen by new audiences.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

The more you get to know the people you serve, the more you can position your website to meet their needs.
If you're building an e-commerce business, you must focus on discovering and creating things people want to buy.
The more you learn, the more you can evolve and the better you'll be able to serve your audience.
SEO is important because when you do it right, it will consistently bring new people into your world.
Find ways to make your website the best answer to the questions people are asking.
By positioning yourself as the answer, you get the clicks.
Keep your site aligned with what people are searching for.
Be clear with your product names and descriptions to highlight the benefits they provide.
Put keywords people are looking for into the places that Google is looking for them.
Always have a call to action on your site.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

UberSuggest Yoast Google Analytics Google Search Consule

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Linkedin Pinterest

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

268 – How to Conduct Your Own Virtual Shopping Show with Vicki Adrian of Adrian’s Boutique

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Vicki Adrian is a 38+ year veteran retailer in a tiny little farm town of only 1,200 people, in the middle of Kansas. Adrian's Boutique has gone through many transformations over the years and is continuing to evolve and adjust to the "new normal." Vicki is committed and very involved with store owners in the gift/boutique industry and runs a select Mastermind Group of 12 stores from around the country. She also serves as Vice President of Southwest Buying Group, a retail group representing over 300 stores. Married to her Kansas farm boy for over 40 years, Vicki has two married adult children and four awesome grandchildren.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

The world and therefore your business is constantly evolving. This means you have to reinvent yourself at times to adjust.
During times of change, things can be unconventional. But there is always a way to thrive in your business.
Find new avenues to attract potential clients. Be in touch through emails and Facebook posts.
If you’re in retail, take your online presence one step further. Virtual fashion shows offer a personal touch and builds a relationship with those customers who can't come into your store.
Start small and just do it.
For Adrian's Boutique, Show and Sell is a fun way to be unique.
Form your own group and collaborate with other store owners.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Square Loyal Shops Live Assist

CONTACT LINKS

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

267 – Dealing with the Wildfires in Your Business with Anne Pazier of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 May 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Anne Pazier is the owner of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, located in Santa Barbara California. Operating out of a 3,000 square foot refurbished welding garage, Anne and her team curate and produce gifts featuring locally sourced, gourmet foods, spa products and handmade goods. Her retail establishment also serves as a wine bar and craft beer tasting room. Anne began her business fifteen years ago after stepping down from a corporate sales position to start her family. She used that experience to immediately begin focusing her gifting services on corporate clientele. Today her portfolio also includes a great deal of hospitality and event business, along with a large following of loyal individual clients. Outside of her business, Anne is active in her community and serves on several boards, including her local chamber, Cottage Hospital and the Santa Barbara Chapter of the National Association of Woman Business Owners. Anne and her husband, Todd, a veteran firefighter, are proudly raising their two children, Aiden 16 and Cadie 10.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Build your online presence. Have a variety of ways that people can reach you.
Be in tune with the trends of the market. It's in this way you can best serve your customers.
Link your Facebook business page to your personal page.
For business accounts, if you make somebody look good within their organization, you’ll likely get their business.
To compete with the big box guys, see what your strengths are and what you can offer that they can’t.
Gain your customer's trust. Education them and provide value.
Strengthen your business so you are prepared. This isn't the last time unwanted circumstances will arise.
Create a business model that serves different clients.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

266 – Front Porch Sessions Save the Day with Sarah of Sarah Hoag Photography

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 May 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Sarah's been a photographer for over 13 years. She specializes in personal branding imagery and helps businesses get personal by showing who they are, what they do, and why they do it … through powerful imagery. She believes that good businesses educate their clients and should illustrate that as well. She offers photography branding packages and one minute brand story videos to clients. Sarah lives in Litchfield Park, AZ and frequently travels to the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern CA, and Chicago for shoots.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Be everywhere. Go out and meet people. Create connections with entrepreneurs in your industry.
Don’t get stuck in comparison. More competition does not mean less business. It means more people need your service.
Always be communicating what your brand is and the benefits it provides.
Clearly define what you have to offer. If you confuse you lose.
Good businesses educate in addition to providing a product or service.
When talking about your business, position it as the client's story and experience of working with you.
Lack mentality will hold you back. There is business for us all.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Send Out Cards Write Solutions Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller Tuesdays Together - The Rising Tide Society

CONTACT LINKS

Sweet Sage Bakery A Glass Full of Hope Durham Fair #Cow Gram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

265 – How to Make Your Business Essential with Kim Terrill of Kim’s Cottage Confections

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 May 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Kim started her baking and chocolate making business, in the late 1990's while working full time as a technical writer for a women's retail corporation. She began out of her home, then moved to a production location in early 2004. This small production location has grown into a full retail, specialty bake shop and confections shop, serving greater Connecticut. Kim's Cottage Confections is the preferred cake vendor at several wedding and special event venues and caterers. Kim says there’s rarely been a weekend without a wedding cake order in over 15 years!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

A business is different than a hobby. Starting gradually on the side gives you the chance to know if it’s something you want to do 24/7.
Explore different options to growing your business. There shouldn't be just one - that's risky.
A great way to keep your client list growing is by connecting with other entrepreneurs.
Stay positive by not comparing yourself to others.
Talk to everyone. You never know about the next possibility that lies ahead.
Be essential. Build a void in the community. Figure out a way to stay viable and relevant.
Consistency goes a long way to ensure people remember you and what your business offers. Share your message every day.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

264 – Set Yourself Up NOW for a Better Life in the Future with Elaine Quinn – The Solopreneur Specialist

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 May 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Elaine Quinn, The Solopreneur Specialist, is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker in Chicago who works with solopreneurs—small business owners who create and grow a business they run by themselves. Solopreneurs have unique challenges since they usually work from home. When you work where you live, you need to manage business and personal matters separately, but simultaneously! Elaine’s work focuses on helping clients become more effective - meaning doing the right things, and at the same time become more efficient - doing them in a way that doesn’t waste time. She has authored two popular books, There’s No Place Like Working from Home, which addresses the work-from-home challenges we’re all familiar with; and Escape the To-Do List Trap, which lays out an easy way to finally tame your to-do lists.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

When things are chaotic, it's comforting to be able to take control of your life. An easy way to start is organizing your physical environment.
Organizing can be overwhelming. Break things down into smaller parts.
Closet Organizing: Arrange things that are similar together. This could be types of clothing (shirts, dresses, etc.) and by color.
Organizing is not an event. It’s an ongoing process.
To-do-lists are about what you need to do. To actually get things done, you need to think more about the when.
Set time aside for tasks you do on an ongoing basis. Put them on a calendar or else they’ll never happen.
Organize your life. Organize your schedule. Organize your days. The way you spend your day is the way you spend your life.
It's best to put everything on one calendar versus having separate calendars for personal and business.
Plan ahead. Lowering stress levels is a priority. Don't wait for the last minute to do things.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Evernote Evernote Power! Get Super Productive with Steve Dotto

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

263 – Take Control of Your Fear with Jennifer Allwood

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Jennifer Allwood is a passionate cheerleader of women who adds biblical truth to the modern day “dream big” mantra. She’s the author of Fear Is Not the Boss of You: How to Get Out of Your Head and Live the Life You Were Made For and host of The Jennifer Allwood Show. Her no-nonsense approach to doing things you are scared to do and saying yes to God is helping women everywhere build the life and business of their dreams. When she’s not coaching, she’s “livin’ the dream” with Mr. Magic (her husband, Jason) and their four wild kiddos—Noah, Easton, Ava Grace, and their new bonus kiddo, Ariana.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

If you figure out how you got stuck, it provides understanding on how to turn it around.
Women wait to take action until they feel confident.
In truth, confidence comes from having the courage to act.
Confidence also comes from doing things you’re scared to do.
You can do hard things and it won't break you.
You can move past overwhelm into clarity and joy.
Staying with stuck people keeps you stuck too.
Live for something bigger than yourself.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Fear is Not the Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood

CONTACT LINKS

Faire Podcast #076 - Actionable Advice with a Southern Flair with Eric Rion

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

262 – Everything You Want to Know about Faire with Eric Rion of Willa’s Shortbread

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

An expatriate from corporate America, Eric Rion has been at the helm of Willa's Shortbread since 2006 when founder Willa Allen hung up her apron. Inheriting a small family business with a great core product, a small but loyal regional customer base and a gourmet and specialty market that was pretty much non-existent, the challenges to profitable growth were many. The decision was made early on to go with all natural ingredients and to add flavors a few at a time. After some not so delightful forays into the larger retailer market, Eric decided to keep the focus on the Gourmet and Specialty market which fortunately, began a growth surge that continues to this day. In 2015, Willa's was awarded a Best of the South Award from Southern Living magazine that led to appearances on Unwrapped 2.0 and Tennessee Crossroads as well as articles in numerous nationally known magazines. In 2017, Willa's Mercantile was opened in the packaging location in Goodlettsville, TN. In addition to the Willa's line, the Mercantile offers locally made and unique gifts and has become well known to locals and travelers alike.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Stay true to your values. Don’t compromise product quality and don’t cut your prices.
Live within your means. It's okay to be frugal when you exhibit at expensive shows. Stay at a cheaper hotel, eat reasonable or even in your room. You are investing in your future business.
Watch the crowd and observe the trend as you analyze the shows you attend. Are the attendees your proven customer base? Things are changing!
If you’re not seeing the younger buyers, you have a dying market. It's time to switch things up.
If you’re a new maker with new products, trade shows may still be good for you.
Take a look at your vendors in a different way. Besides providing their product or service, they can be a tremendous resource to connect you with others whose services you are seeking.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do it right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

261 – Know Who You Are and Stay in Your Lane with Julia of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

Julia and her husband, Mel are the fourth-generation owners of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont. Julia's great-grandfather started making confections in 1915 in New Jersey and in 1991 her father and uncle moved the business to Vermont. Julia and Mel are humbled by the opportunity to continue crafting truffles using her family's 100-year-old recipes. The couple started working in the family business in 2010 and in 2016 they took over the reigns as the new owners. Deciding to join the family business was one of the most influential decisions of Julia's life. Working with her father, uncle and husband on a daily basis has proven to be some of the most rewarding work she's ever done, but also the most challenging. Each family member brings a variety of value to the team, it's definitely a mixing pot of experiences, learning styles and personalities. Her father and uncle are now retired but many of their long term employees have stayed on and are very excited to see what the future brings.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

You can learn a lot from your employees. Be open to understanding the job from their point of view and listen to suggestions and ideas for improvement.
Have people that you can reach out to. You’re not supposed to know it all, that's why you build a team.
Being focused on a single core product makes you as efficient as possible. It also results in a higher quality product, reduced prices for inventory and a clear message to your customer.
Customer service is another area to differentiate yourself. Take the actions that show your customers you are there for them and that you care.
Part of being successful in business is networking and building a community within your industry.
Don’t put your eggs in one basket when it comes to vendors. Having multiple options can become critical in time of need.

CONTACT LINKS

Website

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

M2M-12 – The Product Lifecycle – How to Stay in Business

Sue Monhait — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business. Given that many of us are hunkering down at home these days, I wanted to do something to balance out the pull to watching the news over and over. The best thing we can do right now is stay healthy – mentally and physically. That means being active. Go outside for a walk each day, lift weights, or get on your home bike ... also, how can you use your newfound time to be productive? Wouldn’t it be great to come out of these times stronger in mind, body and business? Towards that end, here are a few chapters of my book. Listen to all 12 episodes to hear it in its entirety. If you’d like to purchase hard copy, you can do so on Amazon or on my website at Gift Biz Unwrapped. ****************************************** Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned? Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true? This book will help you identify where the holes are in your business and show you exactly how to fix them. You’ll learn from owners just like you who are seeing real success, growing their companies and living their dream. *Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH *Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY *EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day *BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business *Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded right when it becomes available. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do that right here. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-11 – Personal Development and What it Means to Your Business

Sue Monhait — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

Given that many of us are hunkering down at home these days, I wanted to do something to balance out the pull to watching the news over and over. The best thing we can do right now is stay healthy – mentally and physically. That means being active. Go outside for a walk each day, lift weights, or get on your home bike ... also, how can you use your newfound time to be productive? Wouldn’t it be great to come out of these times stronger in mind, body and business?

Towards that end, here are a few chapters of my book. Listen to all 12 episodes to hear it in its entirety. If you’d like to purchase hard copy, you can do so on Amazon or on my website at Gift Biz Unwrapped.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

This book will help you identify where the holes are in your business and show you exactly how to fix them. You’ll learn from owners just like you who are seeing real success, growing their companies and living their dream.

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-10 – Moments of Life in Your Handmade Product Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-9 – How to Get the Most Out of a Craft Show or Farmer’s Market

Sue Monhait — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

COVID-19 Resources for the Creative Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

BONUS – Your Employment Rights and Obligations – The CARES Act and More with Brad deBeaubien

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 02:00:00 -0600

There’s a lot of information circling about COVID-19. We’re hearing about how to stay healthy, that we have to stay at home, all the things. In this show we'll be covering your rights and responsibilities both as an employer and an employee.

You may be getting information from your local chamber or small business administration in your community. Yet, even if you have access to this information, you haven’t necessarily had the chance to ask questions. So I’m doing that for you. You’ll hear the important things you need to know on the financial side of this pandemic along with easy and understandable direction of what to do to take advantage of the help being offered.

Brad deBeaubien is a management-side labor and employment lawyer with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick. His practice focuses on representing employers in a wide variety of state and federal employment law matters, including: wage and hour litigation, discrimination and retaliation actions, restrictive covenant and trade secret claims, and other employment-related disputes.

Brad also routinely assists clients in developing and updating employment policies, employee handbooks, employment and independent contractor agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, and severance agreements.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher prior to law school, Brad often speaks to Tampa Bay area school students about personal finance and budgeting through the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Credit Abuse Resistance Education program.

Finally, Brad and his wife enjoy sharing their love of music and reading with their two young daughters.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Details

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Form

Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loans Guide

CONTACT LINKS

Website

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too.

Thank so much! Sue

M2M-8 – Ways to Find New Customers and Bring in Sales

Sue Monhait — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-7 – Reviewing Some of the Tougher Parts of Having Your Own Business

Sue Monhait — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-6 – Making People Feel Special and The Customer Journey

Sue Monhait — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-5 – Product Pricing is a Make or Break Decision

Sue Monhait — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

260 – What We Can Learn from the Challenges of Selling CBD Products with Derek Spruill of Cherry Blossom CBD

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0600

Derek is the co-owner of Cherry Blossom CBD. They’re a Maryland based wholesaler and distributor of industrial hemp with an exclusive retail line of hemp based products. His innovative line of nutraceutical supplements are all made from American grown & organically processed hemp and independently lab tested. These products are naturally helping people find relief of pain, inflammation, anxiety as well as a host of other ailments.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Life is all about perspective. Be open to learn from others.
Acquire and seek out new skills along the way. You never know when they can help you in your chosen path.
Don’t get stuck in your initial vision because things will change. Be open to adapt to it.
Educate your consumers so they can make informed decisions.
Make sure people understand what your product is and how it works.
Sampling is the way your customers experience how good your product is. Especially with consumable products, they must be able to taste it.
Engaging with people is the key to success at craft shows.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

M2M-4 – The Right Thinking about Big Brands and Finding Your Advantage

Sue Monhait — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-3 – What Does Your Business Stand For? Do This Right to Attract Sales

Sue Monhait — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-2 – Overcoming Your Imposter Mind as You Start Your Business

Sue Monhait — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

M2M-1 – The Beginning of a New Handmade Business

Sue Monhait — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

This is a special 12 part-series of Maker to Master: Find What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

******************************************

Are you discouraged because your small business isn’t performing as you envisioned?

Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true?

*Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

*Implement pricing strategies that BRING SALES AND MAKE YOU MONEY

*EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day

*BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business

*Ensure your business STAYS OPEN AND GROWS in the future

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Be safe, be well and thanks for listening! Sue

259 – Running a Business Doesn’t have to Make you NUTS! with Kim Decher of Skips Candies

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Kim is a second-generation chocolatier. Her son Colton, now 11, was only 1 year old when he suffered an anaphylactic reaction to some peanut butter. This immediately provoked a feeling of fear no parent should ever have to experience. In learning about cross contamination and the severity of a Peanut & Tree Nut allergy, Kim and her husband Mike soon learned he couldn't eat anything that was traditional retail candy. This inspired Kim to take a negative and turn it into a positive so no child feels left out or different. Having a safe line of chocolates and candies is very personal and dear to her heart because, "A Nut Shouldn't Spoil the Fun!"

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

It's a mindset switch, take the negative and turn it into a positive.
One way to ensure repeat customers is to have unique products.
Here are some ways to attract customers – word of mouth, exhibiting at tradeshows and optimizing your website so you can be found online.
Instead of searching for people, be available to those specifically looking for you or your products.
If you’re starting out, consider a pop-up shop for testing before commiting to monthly rent for a retail store.
Start small, you can always go big later.
It’s about the experience. Acknowledge customers in your store. If they need help, take time to walk them through some suggestions. No matter what, you want them to leave feeling good about themselves.

CONTACT LINKS

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

BONUS: Managing the Corona Crisis in Your Handmade Business

Sue Monhait — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

COVID-19 has obviously become a global crisis on a scale none of us have lived through before. This sounds dramatic and it definitely feels that way since we’re in the midst of it right now.

It’s hard to see the finish line. Nobody knows how long school and restaurant closings will be. Social distancing is a new term that we are all too familiar with at this point. And we now appreciate and long for the life we led just a couple of weeks ago.

I’m not going to downplay this. Many live paycheck to paycheck and have or are at risk of being laid off. Local business owners don’t know if they’ll survive depending on how long the shutdown goes on. There are a lot of uncertainties right now. And these unknowns cause fear.

I was hesitant to do a podcast about this because I don’t claim to be an expert on the virus. Obviously. But I can’t go on as usual acting like it doesn’t exist. So I want to share with you my perspective and give you concrete actions you can take to help level out the anxiety you may be feeling. And possibly, present some upside to this crisis. I mean with all the disruption, wouldn’t it be great if something positive, however large or small, came out of this?

In this special bonus episode, I share tangible actions that you can take to keep yourself healthy both physically and financially with your handmade business.

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Thank so much! Sue

258 – Lots to Learn from this “Gourd-geous” Biz with Ben Bear of Meadowbrooke Gourds

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Ben has spent the last thirty years helping to start and grow a company called Meadowbrooke Gourds. They now have twenty full-time employees dedicated to growing, designing, crafting and marketing gourd decor designs, each one intended to create smiles and make homes a little bit warmer. They sell about half their gourds wholesale to customers located in every state. The other half are sold online, at their store, and through the many classes and community events that they host at their farm. Ben attributes their success to many things, but none more important than constantly trying to be just a little bit better every year and in every area of the business. At this point, Ben is starting to step back and let the next generation of leaders take them forward. Ben believes it will be beyond anything he could have even dreamed when he crafted that first gourd in his garage many years ago.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Pay attention and acknowledge all your success - big and small.
Watch the reactions of your customers. Find people who can tell you whether what you've created is good or bad.
Create something that people haven’t seen before. That's the way to have products that sell themselves.
Focus on one thing when you’re starting a business. Don’t try to do everything.
Bring on employees so you can focus on the things only you can do.
Get people to "experience" your product and also create meaningful experiences and connections with customers.
Don't try to mimic somebody else but compete with yourself instead. Focus on what you can adjust and improve.
Watch people’s smiles and enjoyment more than the monetary gain.
In the craft market, people want to be surprised each time they come to your store. You can be really good but if you aren’t different and better the next time they visit, you will lose customers.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

257 – Intentionally Creating a Customer Experience Matters with Laura Jennings of Knack

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

After a career as a senior executive at Microsoft and then as a venture capitalist, Laura decided to build an ecommerce business around celebrating the customer as a creative force. Every gift they send out at Knack is made to order, whether it's one gift or thousands. Each gift on the website is easily customizable and their exclusive Gift Builders system allows customers to create completely unique gifts from scratch. As if that’s not valuable enough, they also have a Shop By Ethos feature that allows customers to find products from companies who share their values. This could be supporting a female-led business, focusing on sustainably produced products or contributing to a business that gives back to a specific cause.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Starting a business is about being fearless.
Take a business concept, work with it and then grow it.
You'll never reach a point that you know everything. One place to seek ideas and suggestions is from your team.
With the evolution of commerce, power and control are going to move closer to the consumer.
The customer connection is about the story behind your business and your product.
There's great value when, no matter how large the company gets, each employee has each other’s back in fulfilling the overall goal - regardless of their areas of expertise.

CONTACT LINKS

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

256 – How to Manage Through Fear in All Areas of Your Life with Amy Smith of The Joy Junkie

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Amy is a certified confidence coach, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Founder of TheJoyJunkie, Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-love. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice,” she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor and has been a featured expert on Fox 5 San Diego and YourTango.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

You can’t eradicate fear when you put yourself out there or when you’re trying something new in your business. But you can contend with it in a powerful way. Be fear optimized.
Honor how you operate. Understand what makes you feel safe.
Break down goals into mini-goals. Taking baby steps allows you to accumulate successes.
The phrase “I don’t know” doesn’t move you forward. Actively search for solutions.
Acknowledge first what you're afraid of and then choose your courageous path.
Look at the key players in your life and see if they are capable of the support you need and who can bring out the champion in you.
One way to speak through fear is using victory poses.
You accumulate confidence by taking actions.
Believe in your own intrinsic value.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Power Poses - Amy Cuddy

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

255 – Ever Consider Teaching Your Creative Skills as an Additional Revenue Stream? with Deirdre Drakes of 823 Treats

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Deirdre "Dee" is a true southern girl born and raised in the small town of Enfield, North Carolina. In 2005 she settled in Charlotte, NC and has made it home. She is a self-taught chocolate based treat maker, proud Army wife, and mom of two. Dee's custom design edible creations have a long record of precise execution for large companies and customers alike. Her Who's Who client list includes NBA players, NFL players, government officials and celebrities. Her highly sought after domestic and international classes, where she graciously teaches her techniques, sell out at the $350 and up price point, making her not only a gifted treat maker but a respected teacher. Her work has been featured on VH1, Bravo, Fox46, and has been published in a national magazine.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Always charge for your product - even when starting out. We're not working for free!
Use social media to increase your visibility. Hashtags are like little search engines. You want your business to come up when people search for certain words.
It's important to quantify your time. The time you spend making your products comes with a price to your customer.
Be a people person and find business opportunities through your network and personal contacts.
It’s important to have a beautiful and visual website or social media account because people buy with their eyes.
Connect with your followers or potential customers through Stories in Instagram.
Focus on perfecting a few things first before adding new products in your store.
Teaching your craft may be a revenue generator for your business. Don't be afraid to share forward what you know.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

MailChimp Apphi

CONTACT LINKS

Instagram

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

254 – Website Best Practices – Does Yours Pass the Test? with Brian Lawrence

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Brian Lawrence is one of the true thought leaders in the stationery and wedding industry. A multi-store retailer who won top dealers for numerous invitation brands, he then became VP of Encore Studios for 14 years and went on to consult, do web design and marketing for hundreds of stationery and wedding retailers and wholesalers. In the past year, Brian has targeted his efforts to meet the tremendous demand for industry-focused website design and effective yet affordable digital marketing and social media strategies. Brian has spoken at both Wedding MBA and the National Stationery Show numerous times. He’s also the author of “The Wedding Expert’s Guide to Sales & Marketing.”

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

It’s not how much business you do, it’s about how much money you put in your pocket.
Bring an entrepreneurial spirit to all jobs, where you own what you do.
Understand the value of networking. Build relationships with businesses that have the attention of your audience.
Have your own website so you can truly express your brand and capture the attention of visitors.
Make yourself accessible. Your site must show what you do and where you do it. Having contact information is crucial.
Create an inviting experience. Your home page is your virtual receptionist. It must showcase what you want people to see first.
If you're a local business, have a Google My Business account to rank on Google.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Shopify Square Space Wordpress WIX

CONTACT LINKS

Website LinkedIn Instagram

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

253 – How Adding a Service Like This Guarantees Repeat Business with Charita Lucas of dOSA Naturals

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 02:00:00 -0600

dOSA Naturals is all about paying homage to the women who paved the way for Charita and her two sisters. They were inspired by stories of theirGreat Grandma Dosa who was born in Mississippi and had an affinity for Magnolias. Grandma Dosa instilled a strong sense of pride and simple beauty and stressed the importance of honoring the outside of your body as well as the inside. Not only did she insist on using natural methods to accentuate her natural beauty, she also understood and advocated for daily skin care regimes free of harmful chemicals. She knew that natural was better. "Less is more," defines the brand today since most of their products contain less than 9 powerfully effective ingredients. dOSA is also environmentally conscientious. They pay their customers to ship back their empty containers.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

The universe contains enough for everyone. Don't get discouraged because there's a place for you even in a well populated category.
Your first thoughts about what your business is going to be will change along the way. Keep going and trust yourself. We all evolve.
Feedback is what makes your product better. Be open. Listen to the advice of friends and hear what your customers are looking for.
Take the first step. If you don’t make a move, you won’t have a successful business.
You can't build a business in a place of desperation.
Focus on the opportunities all around you. Shift your mindset to the positive. Believe that you can.
Get in tune with your intuition. Listen and follow it.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Tap into your connections and seek help. It's the way to grow.
Believe in the abundance of the universe and find ways to make your brand stand out.
Incorporate easy ways for people to repurchase your product.
Your brand is everything. Make sure not to dilute it. Let people know what you stand for and stay aligned to that.

CONTACT LINKS

Christine Walsh of Alpha Graphics and Cake and Whiskey

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

252 – Big Brands – How Did They Get There? with Rick Cesari of Direct Branding

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Rick has been a pioneer in the Direct to Consumer (D2C) marketing industry since the early 90’s. He has used direct response strategies plus video marketing, to help build many iconic brands with products like The Juiceman, Sonicare, The George Foreman Grill, OxiClean, Clarisonic, Rug Doctor, Momentus Golf, The GoPro camera and many others. Rick’s strategies have helped grow four companies from start-ups to over a billion dollars in sales. These case studies are outlined in his book, "Building Billion Dollar Brands" and his newest book, “Video Persuasion,” both now available on Amazon.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Video is a powerful marketing medium if used correctly. It can significantly increase conversion rates when added to your website.
People are always curious about what motivated you to start your business. This story will set you apart from the competition.
Good authentic testimonials from people who have purchased your product is one of the most powerful marketing tools you can have.
Engaging video content can go a long way to convince people to purchase your product.
Be you start, organize what you want your video to be about.
When doing video, be authentic. People respond best to an honest approach versus something overly polished.
Reach people where they are. This direction will help you determine what platforms and media to use.
People trust sites with videos. It will add credibility to your brand.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Building Billion Dollar Brands by Rick Cesari Video Persuasion by Rick Cesari

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube

Past Guest Spotlight

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

251- How to Get onto Grocery Store Shelves with Roger Sudnick of Good Measures Foods

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Roger is founder and CEO of Good Measures Foods, a company that is improving scratch baking for today's busy bakers. Roger leveraged the experience he gained by leading triple digit growth for several start-up retail brands to launch Good Measures. He has a passion for building businesses by developing winning strategies, overlaying a healthy dose of pragmatism and collaborating with excellent partners. Roger enjoys biking, family and travel. Personal mantra: "The measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Have focus groups to confirm that your product resonates with your target market.
It's important to be receptive and ready to take action when the right opportunities appear.
The way to grow your business is through connections.
When building a team, define the responsibilities and divide them into roles. Then find the right people to fill those spots.
To get your products on a retailer's shelf, be courageous and talk directly with the store manager.
To effectively market your product, identify a need that your product solves and speak to that. When there are other similar products, speak to meaningful points of differentiation.
The beginning of any product lifecycle is trial and awareness. a great way to raise awareness of your brand is through product demonstrations.

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

250 – Why Starting with In Person is Best with Mary Bemis of Reprise Active Wear

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Mary is the founder of Reprise, a line of plant-based activewear aiming to free your closet from plastic. She founded the company to educate us about the ingredients in our clothing, so we have more control over our health and wellness. Reprise products never contain oil-based synthetics or recycled plastics because of their impact on the planet. Mary believes your skin deserves only the best, so they only work with plant-based fabrics to give you the cleanest wear. Mary envisions a future where people not only look to see what’s in their clothes, but they expect better materials. She's passionate about environmentalism and is an active member of the NYC sustainability community.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Invest in education about a topic that interests you and see if there’s an opportunity to create a business out of it.
You can identify and gain access to needed resources by being in person with people who share the same passion as you do. They may hold the missing piece of information that will motivate you to get started.
Don’t let the fact that there are other products out there similar to yours deter you from starting your business. There’s a way to make it unique. There’s a way to make it yours.
Keep it simple when testing your products. Limit your products and variations as you start out. You can add to them later.
Welcome feedback from potential customers to understand the receptivity and interest in your product.
Cultivate relationships to get the word out for your product. This is best done in person particularly in the beginning.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Poshmark Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Factory 45 TexWorld Quad Pay

CONTACT LINKS

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

249 – Make the Growth of Your Business Easier with Josh Elledge of Up My Influence

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Josh Elledge is U.S. Navy veteran and launched Up My Influence to help entrepreneurs attract the perfect audiences and grow their brands without the crazy costs associated with traditional PR companies. Up My Influence’s purpose is to DEMOCRATIZE access to influence. Josh believes he has a moral imperative to help entrepreneurs serve the world with their collective messages while growing their revenue! Up My Influence was the natural outgrowth of his first startup, Savings Angel which has grossed more than $6 million in sales with less than $500 in advertising. He did it all through building authority and serving audiences in the media. Josh is a weekly TV consumer expert in Orlando, writes a syndicated newspaper column to 1.1 million readers and regularly appears on more than 75 TV stations across the country. All told, Josh has appeared in the media more than 2000 times. Josh loves living in Orlando, FL with his wife and three children.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Identify a life mission that you are passionate about to keep yourself in a peak energy state to serve others.
There will be bad circumstances in business. Our goal is to succeed despite the circumstances.
Build your business for a season of winter - for the hard times. Make it resilient.
When you focus on business growth, the majority of your work should be to create awareness. You have to get in front of eyeballs.
PR (Public Relations) is communicating with audiences. Offer a lot of value and people will be drawn to you.
Earning high authority in your industry opens you up to more opportunities.
Having media logos on your site will improve your conversion rate.
Constantly invest into the bank of your brand and your authority.
Communicate that you can solve your customer's problem and provide social proof behind what you do.
Have professional and consistent social media profiles.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Newsjacking Video

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Spotify

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

248 – All About Cottage Food Laws with Denay Davis of Foodpreneur Institute

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 02:00:00 -0600

Denay created the Foodpreneur Institute as an online resource center to educate, train and support Cottage Food Operators and home food processors. She describes herself as a food addict (literally and figuratively), a home-based baker and small business advocate. She's a passionate food crafter, creating unique products that can be taken to market; a pie baker extraordinaire and the mastermind behind the Charlotte Pie Authority, a custom pie shop in Charlotte, NC. Denay is also the host of Stories of Impact, a podcast supporting home-based bakers and food crafters across the U.S.

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Learn before you leap. Take time to learn about what you're doing, why you're doing it and how you're going to do it.
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and ask people for help.
Your recipe is everything. Protect it with an employee Non-Disclosure Agreement.
YOU are what makes your product special. Your story is your number one marketing tool.
Stop making everything under the sun. Start with one thing and perfect it. This is the key to success.

CONTACT LINKS

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

247 – Learn Something New About Yourself with Teresa McCloy of the REALIFE Process®

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Teresa is the creator of the REALIFE Process®, ACC Executive Coach, Accredited Enneagram Professional, Podcaster, and Keynote Speaker. Through coaching, consulting and training she serves her clients to move from living with their "hair on fire" to discovering practical and sustainable practices and processes to have a life and business that is extraordinary. Partnering together her own signature REALIFE Process® and tools such as the Enneagram Typology Profile, Teresa guides clients to a fresh new way of intentional living!

BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS

Look for moments where you can pause and see the extraordinary.
Stay present to the work you love. Don’t get so consumed that you forget why you started your business in the first place.
Continue to evolve and pivot based on the work you enjoy in addition to what your clients are asking for.
Break things down into 90-Day Projects so the work actually gets done to move your business forward.
See things from a personality perspective. In this way you'll understand who you naturally are and where you're most likely to go off track.
Richness in life comes when we are challenged to be a better version of ourselves.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Dr. Jerome Wagner The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron

CONTACT LINKS

Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Take the Enneagram Test including a Personality Profile Package

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

246 – Do You Know the Origin of Our Christmas Traditions? Some Will Surprise You!

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0600

This is a special holiday edition of the podcast. We go back to learn about the origin some of the non-religious traditions of Christmas. You're in for some fun and surprises! What other time of the year can you add fantasy into your life, without excuse, as much as you can on Christmas? Traditions are so special. They bond us to one another and provide comfort and excitement with expectation of familiar and heartwarming events remembered from childhood. It's a time when we can celebrate memories of past relatives too, since many of our individual family traditions have been handed down from them. I thought it would be fun to learn how some of the well-known traditions of Christmas got started. It's fascinating to discover the beginnings of symbols and activities we accept and never question. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

245 – Find Out How Tiny Habits Bring Happiness into Your Life with Jennifer Dunham of Time, Money & Happiness Matters

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Jennifer Dunham is the founder of Profitable Lifestyle Live and owner of Time, Money & Happiness Matters. As a Profitable Lifestyle designer, Jennifer helps driven professionals love their career and fully love their lives. With over 20 years experience running her information technology firm, designing systems and operating procedures, it's easy to see why Jennifer's approach is rooted in her IT background. She's a believer in automation, habits, repeatable processes and streamlining to reduce overwhelm so you can focus on what matters most. She teaches her clients how to find more time, so they can make more money and increase their happiness.

Business Building Insights

If you’re not in action, if you’re not doing, if you’re not trying then you are not learning.
Celebrate your results. Cheerfully acknowledging failure shows you stepped out of your comfort and courage zone. Celebrating your wins creates a positive connection to your brain. Every failure and success is a win and lots of little wins grow into a big win.
Little habits that you incorporate into your daily routine can have a big impact on your business.
Inject happiness as an ingredient to your business success. You can’t count the happiness impact on a spreadsheet but it’s the exponential component that brings powerful results..
Find your grounding point that connects to one of your senses.
Use visualization to plan out how your day is going to go.
Switch out the word selling if it doesn't resonate with you. Instead, use the word helping or serving.
Practice soft selling where you’re sharing about your experience and story.
Create a call to action on every single opportunity.
In order to create a new habit, the best way to solidify it is to attach it to something you’re already doing. That will be a reminder and spark action of the new activity.

Resources Mentioned

FREE DOWNLOAD - How to turn one blog post into 30 pieces of content

Contact Links

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

244 – What If Your Product Category is Already Taken with Sam Holmes of Holmes Sweet Home

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Holmes Sweet Home is a confections company that crafts gourmet nut brittles and caramel sauces. Sam started experimenting with sugar cooking in her 5th grade science class. Enamored by how simple table sugar can be transformed into so many treats, she continued to hone her skills over the next 25 years. After leading sales teams in a Fortune 1000 company, she combined what she learned in Corporate America with lessons gleaned at her grandmother's hip to create a very special business. Today you can find Holmes Sweet Home products in bakeries, coffee shops, candy stores, specialty gift stores and coming soon, wineries!

Business Building Insights

In entrepreneurial life there are myriad of opportunities that come your way. Focus on what's going well despite the challenges.
Explore ideas and let them unfold as you create your business.
Never structure your business as a hobby. Take steps to make sure it will have longevity and room to grow.
Believe in your product and identify what way(s) it's different and better than others in the same category. Then you'll always have a market for what you offer.
At farmer's markets or trade shows, be approachable so people want to talk to you about your product.
Taking steps to followup after product delivery allows you to confirm satisfaction and get invaluable feedback that will turn first-timers into long term customers.

Resources Mentioned

Square

Contact Links

25 Ways to Promote Your Shop

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor, please leave a review. That helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Thank so much! Sue

243 – How to Sell Left Over Holiday Products with Alesia Galati

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Alesia is an e-commerce business strategist. She helps physical product sellers increase their revenue, improve profit margins and bring home more cash while creating a sustainable business. After six years in the manufacturing and packaging industry, Alesia's learned a thing or two about how to work with international and domestic vendors, make strategic production plans, analyze trends and utilize marketing strategies. This is what she brings to assist product-based businesses. Alesia lives in North Carolina with her fellow nerd husband, two wild boys and a rescue dog. She loves all things savory - cue the lasagna and glass of Cab.

Business Building Insights

As a business owner, you must watch your numbers. See where dollars are being tied up in inventory, how actions affect the bottom line and keep your overall costs in check.
Have a plan for safety stock during the holidays. You don't want to miss out on sales growth because you don't have the materials or product to sell.
A strategy to consider is bundling your products during and after the holidays. That way you can quickly sell consumable or holiday themed products and turn product into usable cash.
Your email list is the key to push those bundle sales because customers will feel it's an exclusive deal for them.
See what the numbers indicate as you prepare for the following year.
No mistake is a mistake if you learn from it.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

242 – How Product Creation Evolves from Idea to a Business with Pamela Gort of Blingzy™

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Blingzy™ is the clever way to store or bring your bling wherever you go. It's a unique jewelry carrier solution that is made of a patented combination of materials - a gorgeous fabric on the outside and a special grippy liner on the inside. It all started just 5 years ago when Pamela lost her job. She decided to make a huge career shift toward giving back in a more personal way. So she founded Simply Sown, a for-purpose, socially conscious business. Its purpose is to provide flexible sewing income opportunities for women in need. The tagline, "sewing seeds of kindness," reinforces the ripple effect of women helping women. She wanted to launch her jewelry carrier invention, Blingzy™, but needed the right someone to sew it. Fortuitously, she met Sr. Jean and Sr. Sheila from Hope House at a garage sale where they were selling a sewn tote bag. It was a magical meeting and they became Pamela's first partner. The run a safe house for trafficked women and four of the women sew Blingzy™.

Business Building Insights

If you don't start your engine with why, you won't get anywhere. When you start with understanding your reason behind your mission, everything else will follow.
When a business idea comes to mind, think about whether the product can be made affordably and sell at a price that gives you a solid profit margin.
Always be open to changes and improvements throughout your business. Think of how this can apply to your product design, production and packaging.
Focus groups are important as you consider the pricing of your product.
You may feel you have a great product, but make sure there's a market for it through testing and feedback before moving forward with your plan.
Demonstrating your product at a craft or trade show helps people understand its value and use.
Be tangle-free. Get rid of the fears, doubts, self-limiting beliefs and all the stuff that keeps you from being your authentic self.

Resources Mentioned

Survey Monkey Simple Habit Mantra

Contact Links

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

241 – Punch Up Your Presentations with Comedian Larry Bloom of Funnier By The Lake Comedy

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:39:00 -0600

Larry of Funnier By The Lake has been writing jokes and making people laugh his entire life. Growing up north of Chicago, in Wilmette, Illinois, what interest and talent Larry lacked in sports, he made up for with a passion for stand up comedians, and characters from movies and television, of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Larry was a remarkably horrible high school and college student, and he often says that if those years were a book, it would be titled, Fear and Loathing on Campus. Larry’s stand-up comedy springs from a lifetime of experiences and a view of the world seen through a comedian’s filter, in which humor can be found in everything and nothing is off-limits — unless it’s not funny. He can be seen performing on stage throughout the Chicago area. Through Funnier By The Lake Comedy, Larry has made it his mission to bring live comedy to the North Shore.

Business Building Insights

Play with what you’ve got to survive.
For maximum impact, you've got to be memorable.
Know your audience well so you can speak with them in a way that will peak interest and spark interactions and support.
When you’re talking to potential customers, catch their response in facial cues and adjust your message accordingly.
Your material (the information on your business and your product) is your fallback in a presentation. First play off of those in the room and the situation at hand.
Make sure your website is responsive and gives correct information. It should generate leads and help you succeed and grow. Find out what people need and walk them through how you can help them accordingly.
Make it easy for people to become your customers. Once in a while, step back and approach your company as a first time visitor. Does it present things as you'd like?
When someone lands on your website, make it immediately obvious what it is that you do.
You just don’t shut off what you've learned previously. A past career, learned skill or experience can be used in a new business venture.

Resources Mentioned

How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

240 – Lessons from a Prospecting Powerhouse with Kristen Crawley of Savannah Bee Company

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0600

The founder, president and head beekeeper of Savannah Bee Company is Ted Dennard. Growing up in Coastal Georgia, Ted’s journey into the magical world of bees and honey was sparked by an elderly beekeeper, Roy Hightower, who believed in beekeeping as a way of life. Even after 35 years, Ted’s passion hasn’t waned a bit. He backed into business in 1999 when his friend opened a store in Savannah and began selling his Tupelo Honey. Three years later, Savannah Bee Company was officially born. Today, Ted remains dedicated to sharing the world of bees with others and introducing new honeybee products to market. Kristen, who is joining me here today, has worked with the company for over 9 years focusing on the independent retail, gift basket, international and corporate gift accounts.

Business Building Insights

Reach out and talk to people to understand their perspective about your company. Learn how the product worked for them and how you can improve your services.
Always follow up on a warm lead. Make sure they received your information or samples and see if they have any questions.
Encourage open feedback then feed on their energy to gauge their level of interest.
It’s the end game, not how many sales you make at a show.
The most valuable clients are those who become repeat customers.
The best way to get visibility and create opportunity is finding a show with the right audience and making connections.

Resources Mentioned

Le Grand – CRM system Sales Force – CRM system

Contact Links

Episode #84 – Customer Solutions Prove Profitable with Derek Thielke of Northwoods Cheese Northwoods Cheese Aquires Mille Lacs

Past Guest Spotlight

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

239 – Why You Want to Create a Business that Includes Semi Passive Income with Oksana of Oksancia

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 08:30:00 -0600

Oksana is the owner and designer of Oksancia Textile Design Studio and School. Her passion is to help creative people express their vision and connect with their customers by creating unique and beautiful repeat patterns and collections for their products. Oksana has a Master of Arts degree from RUG university in the Netherlands. There she specialized in children’s books and has illustrated two published children’s books. With a portfolio of more than 10,000 vector illustrations and designs, she has collaborated on more than 100 client custom design projects. Her designs can be seen on products that are available at Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, Amazon and CVS pharmacy. Oksana lives in California with her amazing husband and sweet little girl. Together they love to make arts and crafts, read funny books and travel while collecting creative inspiration and adventures.

Business Building Insights

Gain product exposure by collaborating with others.
Make sure your business fits into your life and includes time for family and other passions. This can be accomplished by adding semi passive income into your offerings.
Create systems to maximize growth in your business. This allows the work to happen faster and, in some cases, automatically. It also opens the door for unlimited customers and creates time for new initiatives too.
If you have health issues or other limitations, investigate semi passive income options. Don’t let that stop you!
When you have limitations, it helps to do something, no matter how little, to be productive each day. You’ll see amazing results over time.

Resources Mentioned

Adobe Illustrator The Big Leap

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

238 – How to Maximize Sales at Local Craft Shows with Sarah Smith of Southern Caramel

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0600

Sarah started Southern Caramel in 2013 as a way to stay home with her newborn daughter. And as her daughter grew, so did the business. Southern Caramels’ quality comes from the fact that they’re made from scratch using pure ingredients. They’re hand-crafted, hand-cut and hand wrapped too. Additionally, production is done in small batches which maintains a level of consistency and results in a product that makes people say, “Oh, my goodness!” Sarah’s company also aligns with her passion to share. She considers it a joy to give back to many causes with her time, talents, and financial support through the Southern Caramel. When she’s not working, she spends her time with various ministry opportunities that are focused on leading and teaching women and children. She loves to host events, which stems from the same foundation of giving that Southern Caramel is founded on.

Business Building Insights

Differentiate yourself for maximum impact. Fine tune a recipe or add a unique element to draw attention.
Think of a problem or failure as an opportunity to create something even better.
When determining the investment to participate in a show, include not only the cost of your product but also your time or expense of hiring someone to work the show.
Allow people to taste your product through sampling. This is what makes them receptive to paying a premium price.
Collect emails as a way to stay in touch with people after the show. In this way, you’ll increase sales from that show through follow-up sales and repeat customers.
It’s not just individual consumers who go to these local shows. The person you’re talking to may be the marketing director with a big company.

Resources Mentioned

Mail Chimp Mad Mimi

Contact Links

Past Guest Spotlight – Nina Nsilo-Swai of rahababy

Episode #105 – A Pee-Kaboo into New Product Development Parents Magazine – 30 Best Every Potty Training Tips Free 20 Minute Consult – Email nina@rahababy.com and reference the podcast

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

237 – How to Use Influencer Marketing to Increase Sales with Sarah and Noelle of Berra Bites

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Two sisters in business together! Combining Sarah’s culinary education, and Noelle’s business background, the two put their minds together to create Berra Bites, which are dark chocolate covered fruit centers made with 100% pureed and pressed fruit. Their goal is to create dark chocolate covered fruit bites that are different than the typical fruit and chocolate combos out there. They love combining different types of fruit to make unique combinations that balance perfectly with dark chocolate. In January of this year (2019) they launched their first fruit flavor and chose to use four types of berries to give their customers that pop of berry flavor. Sarah and Noelle’s newest and more exotic flavor, passion fruit and kiwi, brought a new twist on chocolate covered fruit with its strong tropical taste. All Berra Bites are Project Non GMO verified, Kosher, and they only use Fair Trade Cocoa in their chocolate.

Business Building Insights

Before starting a business, develop your business plan. This initial planning is critical to your success.
Do a lot of research. Study the market and your industry. Reach out to people who are willing to share their experiences.
Obtain deeper market understanding by going to tradeshows and walking the floor.
For consumable products, think about the marketability of flavors. Will it be received favorably?
Focus groups are great for initial market testing. Have people try your product and get their feedback. Then adjust your product accordingly.
Take it one step at a time. Doing little tasks every day will result in big achievements over time.
Be very cautious of marketing scams and people promising you things that seem too good to be true.
Sarah and Noelle have made the decision never to do business with someone who approaches them. This drastically reduces the possibility of a scammer and gives them the most control over the process.

Resources Mentioned

Google Docs What’s App Philly Candy Show

Contact Links

Today Show Deal of the Day Video #179 – The Brave Leap from Shyness to Living Her Passion with Lisa Wojcik of Black Bow Sweets

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

236 – How to Take Winning Product Photos with Your Phone with Aaron Nace of PHLearn

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Getting the best product photos possible is key to any business. For online shops and social media, your images can make or break the sale. Aaron studied at North Carolina State University and obtained a degree in Industrial Design. Graduating from college, he thought his path was clear to one day becoming an automotive or furniture designer. That is until a six-month-long trip to South America transformed his life forever. It was during this time that he fell in love with photography and its power to both facilitate and share adventures. In 2011, Aaron founded PHLearn to bring free, creative education to anyone around the world.

Business Building Insights

An e-commerce store is a necessity regardless of your product or service.
The best product photos give your customers an idea of how the product is going to work in their life.
Consistent design style strengthens your brand. Define and stay with it.
A single product photo can make or break the sale. They are that important!
Cameras love light and the best possible is outside in the morning or at dusk.
For indoor photos, work near a window and reflect the existing light with white boards or tin foil to fill in shadows.
As you come up with different variations of your product, make sure your photos match from one product to another.
Pay more attention to the scene you’re photographing than the technology you are using to photograph the image.
Engage with your audience through newsletters. Having a beautiful photo is a great way to get them to click over to your website.

Resources Mentioned

Lightroom – Access, edit and share your photos from any brower Mobile Editing with Elise Swopes How to Retouch & Composite Product Photography

PHLearn Product Offer

20% off with code GiftBiz20 for a subscription to PHLearn

PHLearn Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Past Guest Spotlight

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

235 – Get Customers to Buy Over and Over and Over with Marisa Murgatroyd

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Today’s guest is Marisa Murgatroyd, the founder of Live Your Message and creator of the Experience Product Masterclass, where she helps people who teach online programs get better results for their students faster. Marisa launched her career as an artist who built a mid-seven figure online business (despite being told she had no marketable skills). Since then, she’s shown over 5,000 students how to succeed online, and she’s here today to share a few of her secrets with us.

Business Building Insights

Shift your focus to what people want to receive and what’s going to support them.
The most important moment in your relationship with customers is the moment after they buy from you.
Show your customers the path from mission to mission accomplished.
The mission should be so clear and specific that you can see someone cross the finish line.
There’s an opportunity to teach others the skills you know through creating online training programs.
Leverage gamification. Apply game theory and game principles to non-fun activities.
You can sell more products when they have an ongoing need for what you do.
To take your business to the next level find a way to turn a one-time customer into a repeat customer.
Create a unique experience to really engage your customers so they want to keep coming back to you.
Lots of new ideas for product based businesses are highlighted in the podcast. Listen with pen and paper in hand.

Marisa’s Free Offer

Get The Viral Product Checklist

Contact Links

Website Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

234 – How to Create Demand and Grow Your Business with Leeatt Rothschild of Packed with Purpose

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Packed with Purpose is a specialty gifting company with a social mission. They curate high-quality business and personal gifts that create an impact by sourcing products from purpose-driven organizations. The result is a unique gift experience that leaves a lasting impression. Leeatt was inspired to start Packed with Purpose after serving in the Peace Corps and years in social impact consulting advising C-Suite executives on how to best invest their CSR and marketing dollars. She observed that these companies were spending billions of dollars on client, prospect, and employee gifts that were often unremarkable and sometimes just wasteful. Deciding there needed to be a better way to integrate business strategy and social purpose into gifting, Leeatt founded Packed with Purpose in 2016.

Business Building Insights

Whatever is on your plate, you can handle it and move forward.
Do market research to see if people can relate to your products.
Learn from feedback and apply that to your business and product. It’s the way to “wow and dazzle” your customers.
Once you see the demand, fill in the needs that are the most pressing.
Reach your prospective clients at the point where they are most interested in finding a solution to their needs.
Share why your products are special and unique to your customers.
Establish strong rapport with partners (purveyors) and work with them collaboratively to find solutions.
To retain clients, there should be active communication. Follow up with them on their orders and share content with them through newsletters.

Resources Mentioned

Hubspot – Generate leads, close deals and simplify your inbound marketing and sales process Shopify – Website platform for your business Google Alerts – Monitor the web for various topics and mentions Quickbooks – Simple accounting software

Contact Links

7 Day Relationship Challenge

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

233 – People Don’t Buy Products – They Buy You with Annie of NaturalAnnie Essentials

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0600

Annya (Annie) was born and raised on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Accordingly, she is no stranger to the nourishing, healing power of oils and herbs and has always been a creative soul, with an eye for all things bright ‘n’ bold. When her first daughter, Tiffany was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, she turned to natural remedies to help her skin because the prescribed medication didn’t work. After trying a variety of natural butters, essential oils and other natural oils, she finally found the remedy for Tiffany’s skin issues. This is how NaturalAnnie Essentials was born. NaturalAnnie Essentials is your island-inspired one-stop-shop for uniquely scented handmade soy candles and bath & body products. They aim to make you and your home look, smell and feel good!

Business Building Insights

Action over perfection. Go out and do what you know you want to do. Don’t wait for the perfect time.
When starting a new business, be honest about whether you really want to do it long term. This should be a deciding factor.
It’s important for makers to have one specific place where to send customers. In almost all cases, this should be your website.
Not everyone will be your correct audience. Keep testing different markets and craft shows to find the ones that are right for your product.
Add more to the experience by making your booth welcoming and inviting, one where people can get comfortable and spend time.
Be willing to get help when the time comes. If you want to grow, you won’t be able to do it by yourself.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

232 – Navigating Through a Difficult Conversation with Anna Osborn of Life Unscripted Counseling

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Anna Osborn is the owner of Life Unscripted Counseling and host of the Her Life Unscripted podcast where she focuses on reconnecting couples and inspiring individuals. She helps couples and individuals to improve communication, deepen intimacy and change negative patterns of disconnection in their love relationships. Anna also works with entrepreneurial women to inspire and motivate them to step fully into their voice and live their lives out loud. She believes that your primary relationship can your greatest tool or greatest barrier to success.

Business Building Insights

Don’t let your fear make decisions for you. Look at fear in the eye and continue walking.
The more we become comfortable with the full version of ourselves, the more we crave it.
Relationships thrive with safety and stability.
When it comes to communication, the closer you get to soft emotions and stay out of the noise in terms of frustration, the more authentic a conversation you’ll have.
Be clear about what you need from your partner when starting a conversation so you can ask for it and set your expectation from the beginning.
Timing is important when presenting a serious topic. Make sure to invite and gain agreement from your partner into the discussion. Or respect their need for it to be another time.
Let your partner have their own feelings and be cautious about how you’re interpreting those feelings. The only reflect how they feel about the topic, not about you overall.
Our greatest need in a relationship is to be seen and heard.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

231 – Do You Want a Lifestyle Business or an Empire? with Natalie Gingrich of The Ops Authority

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Natalie Gingrich is the founder and host of The Ops Authority. She has been in operations for two decades – either in healthcare, corporate America or as an entrepreneur. Her goal is to bridge the gap and overwhelm when it comes to processes and systems, growing a team, and setting up solid business foundations. Natalie spent 15 years in corporate operations and leadership at a Fortune 150 company. When given the opportunity to leave, she put the knowledge, certifications and experience to work by creating her own consulting firm, as well as a certification. She developed the Director of Operations certification to equip existing ops experts with a flexible profession, outside of corporate but still playing a huge role in small businesses, globally.

Business Building Insights

Do big things. Have the courage to take a big step forward and leap into whatever adventure is part of your dream.
The first step is to determine what you want out of your business.
As you grow, build and scale your business, we need to remove yourself from the day to day activities. You do this by defining and documenting the steps all aspects of your business.
When you hire others to do the routine work, you regain time that can be used to focus on business development.
There is no direction without a business strategy.
Step out of product development and into the leadership role.
Have a true definition for the why behind what you’re doing.
Match your vision to your daily activities. Are you doing things each day that get you closer to your goal?

Resources Mentioned

FREE Business Hub Template from The Ops Authority

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

230 – How Deborah Gets in Front of Corporate Decision Makers with Deborah Wasylko of Baskets Galore

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Deborah Wasylko is an entrepreneur, engineer, show host and author noted for her work in corporate sales and award-winning gift design at Baskets Galore. Her personal credo is to create a life that she doesn’t want to take a vacation from. Deborah launched Baskets Galore in 2003 and has earned the “Top Corporate Gift Company of the Year” award three years in a row from Cleveland Business Connects magazine. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies such as Sherwin Williams, Moen, Parker Hannifin, the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Cavaliers and National Public Radio. She received a U.S. Patent for her unique 360 gift and packaging system. She also is the author of a new sales concept book called the Tasteful Break. The book is designed to give you all the tools and steps you need to grow the corporate side of your business. The busy woman that she is, she find time to host a Saturday morning cable show called Business BEAT. Now in it’s 200th episode. Deborah lives by the ideal that kindness is never forgotten and coaches her team to execute to the highest standards – giving first while helping others succeed.

Business Building Insights

What you focus on expands. Expect great things to happen everyday.
Spend your life doing something you enjoy and provides a living salary.
It’s by setting goals that you can make things happen.
Providing top service and making your clients’ lives easier will win you the business.
You don’t have to break the bank to do something that gets corporate attention.
To get an introduction into a large account, start with people you already know who have connections and can champion you.
Give your clients something that they can’t get anywhere but from you.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

229 – Learning from a Handmade Critter Business with Kenny and Jenifer Kudulis of kudu-lah

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 02:00:00 -0600

kudu-lah, established in 2007, is a husband and wife duo originally based in Brooklyn. Harnessing the power of awesome, Kenny and Jenifer Kudulis, bring you “critters”, their original monster-like characters that are inspired by folks seen traveling through the NYC Subways. Kenny sketches, paints and names all of the characters while Jenifer creates their individual bios. The critters are often seen captured in their Mason Jars or juxtaposed into the couple’s original photography. All pieces are lovingly handmade in Chattanooga by the couple.

Business Building Insights

Talk about your art to spread the word. You can’t be shy about what you do. It’s okay that some people will take a pass because others will love it!
It’s important to find your support person. This should be someone you trust and will be honest yet kind with feedback – someone who truly wants the best for you.
Building a business is not just a passion project because it takes time, energy and commitment.
When you’re starting out and your piece is ready to be shown, stop hesitating and just do it.
Seek out advice from others who have been in the industry for a while. By listening to them, you’ll get further faster than if you try to learn and do everything by yourself without direction.
Know what market works for you. Each one is different and over time, you’ll learn where your product is the best fit for the audience.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

228 – Seriously – Take the Scary Out of Sales with Nikki Rausch and The Selling Staircase

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 02:00:00 -0600

CEO of “Sales Maven,” an organization dedicated to authentic selling, Nikki Rausch has the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of “selling.” Today, entrepreneurs and small business owners from a wide range of disciplines hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically, without being pushy or “salesy.” Nikki has just launched her third book: The Selling Staircase: Mastering the Art of Relationship Selling which is available in print, ebook and as an audiobook. Her books are available on Amazon and where most books are sold.

Business Building Insights

When real conversations happen, real connections happen. That’s why it’s so important to focus on building relationships. That’s where The Selling Staircase comes in.
Raise your credibility by being the person people want to engage in conversation.
Make it easy for people to remember your name by telling a story of some other “memory clue.”
Be completely yourself and don’t try to mimic someone else. Let people see all those things that make you unique and special.
Selling is a process that leads from one position to another and it’s really important not to skip any of the steps.
Create curiosity so that people want to learn more about you. This is a way to gauge the true interest level of the person you’re talking to.
Invite people to do business with you as you progress up the selling staircase.

Resources Mentioned

Free Ebook – Closing the Sale The Selling Staircase by Nikki Rausch Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode 160 – Hello Corporate Business

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

227 – Digging Deep When in Survival Mode with ReeJade Richmond

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 01:00:00 -0600

When women are finally ready to put on their Big Girl Business Panties and protect their business assets, there is only one woman in the world they can call. Her name is ReeJade Richmond. An acclaimed business and legal strategist, ReeJade is empowering women to embrace their true power bossness, turning their businesses into empires. By taking the complexity out of the legal side of business, with ReeJade, clients soon realize that the epic ideas and extraordinary skills in their heads and hands today will be worth multi millions in their bank accounts tomorrow. From rock-solid business structures to impenetrable contracts, she shows them how to get legal, legit and profitable.

Business Building Insights

Don’t let the curve balls deter you from what you really want to do.
Move forward despite your circumstances because that’s the only way to achieve your goals.
Entrepreneurship forces you to change your mindset because only you can work through these issues.
Your innovative ideas are some of the biggest assets you own and therefore, you must protect these properly.
Utilize non-disclosure agreements so people don’t copy your idea or your unique product.
Non-disclosure agreements should be in place before your idea goes public or you share your idea during its development stage.
Focus groups are a great way to get feedback on your product. You’ll learn valuable information from a customer or user perspective.
Make sure you separate your personal assets from business assets through a Limited Liability Company (LLC) business structure.

Resources Mentioned

Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz DocuSign – Capture electronic signatures Hello Sign – Capture electronic signatures Adobe Sign (Echo Sign) – Capture electronic signatures

Contact Links

Verb House Creative Katie Hunt and Tradeshow Bootcamp – GBU Podcast #199

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

226 – Concept to Wholesale in One Year with Meg Sutton of Belle & Union

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Meg Sutton is the boss lady and doodler behind Belle & Union, a company that sells letterpress printed cards, art prints, southern-inspired wrappings and hand-crafted artisan goods brimming with vintage wit and wisdom that tote a bit of a foodie twist – all 100% made in the USA. Meg started the business in 2012 after falling in love with letterpress while working in a boutique shop. Surprisingly she went from concept to wholesale in just a single year. Belle & Union launched their first brick and mortar store in San Antonio, Texas, in July 2018. The shop houses the working studio as well as offers creative workshops across a variety of subject matters. Meg values encouraging people to slow down and enjoy the sweet moments in life, gathered ’round a table filled with smiles and laughter. When she’s not doodling or coming up with Belle & Union’s next great product, you can find her sipping chai tea, chasing her pup with her husband and curling up with a good book. Belle & Union’s products have been featured in Garden & Gun, Country Living, Rachael Ray, Southern Weddings, Southern Living, Southern Lady, and Oh So Beautiful Paper. Meg has been interviewed on KENS 5 in San Antonio, SA Live, Texas Lifestyle Magazine, Proof to Product podcast, and more.

Business Building Insights

Continually taking the next step will get you where you want to go.
If you’re struggling, take some time to stop and look around and see what you’ve already built. Sometimes we forget how far we’ve already come.
Create a cohesive brand identity and vision. By doing this you present a line to retailers that they can merchandise.
Running a business is a marathon not a sprint. Look beyond that one show.
For wholesale, make sure you offer your re-sellers a variety of product options to make it easier for them to reach your minimums.
Shows are not just about orders. They’re also about networking and planting seeds for the future.
Follow up is key to building relationships with clients. Take time to remember them after your order has been received for feedback and additional opportunity.
Invest in avenues that bring new people through the door. For Meg it is in-store workshops.
Treat your small business like a big business right from the start.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

225 – Bridging Careers from Nursing to Floral Design with Patti Muhlenfeld

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Patti Muhlenfeld is the owner of Enchanted Events but her background is actually as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse where she loved taking care of her patients. At Advocate Sherman Hospital she was often called upon to design for corporate events such as award celebrations, leadership conferences and holiday galas. Patti and her husband have seven children and, as you can imagine, with all the kids came plenty of opportunities to plan and design festivities. She always created celebrations that were known as “the best to go to for a fun time.” Patti’s love of flowers and unique designs were enhanced as a protégé of Preston Bailey in New York, and under the apprenticeship of Akeshi at Kesh Designs in Chicago.

Business Building Insights

Pay attention to what you’re passionate about. You’re pulled in that direction for a reason.
Invest in becoming skilled in your craft. Take classes, find a mentor or join a community of people in your same niche.
Communicate your mission statement to the people you hire because they will be representing your business when you’re not around. They need to understand your values and message so everyone is in alignment.
Starting a business is a learning process. You’ll make mistakes and you’ll learn from them. Then keep going forward.
Former customers are fabulous for word of mouth. Build a system into your customer service followup plan so you routinely as for them.
Networking is key to bringing in sales. You must get in front of people so they can learn about you and what you do.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

224 – A Plan for Your Marketing Plan! with Heidi Thompson of Evolve Your Wedding Business

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Heidi Thompson is the best-selling author of “Clone Your Best Clients” and the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business where she specializes in business and marketing strategy for the wedding industry. She helps wedding professionals grow their businesses and reach their goals without going crazy in the process. Her business and marketing expertise has been featured on several wedding and business outlets including The Huffington Post, Wedding Business Magazine and Honeybook, and she’s an advisory board member for the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning.

Business Building Insights

When you’re open to opportunities they’re more likely to show up because you’re looking for them.
Marketing is the way you bring people to you. Be intentional through creating a marketing plan.
You don’t have to do all the things. You just have to do the key things that drive results.
Be clear who you’re marketing to.
Analyze your competition not to compare yourself to them but to differentiate yourself from them.
Marketing is psychology. You persuade someone to come to you as opposed to someone else. by standing out and offering something they need or want.
Put intention, effort and budget behind what’s working.

Resources Mentioned

Clickup – Project management tool Asana – Project management tool Lead Pages – Landing Page creator for lead generation

Heidi’s Free Training

Free Training – How to Squash Overwhelm with a Marketing Plan

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

223 – This is Probably Missing from Your Facebook Strategy with Traci Reuter of Divine Social

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Traci believes that entrepreneurs and businesses can change the world, and her mission is to support them along the way. Today we’ll be focusing on what’s probably missing in your Facebook strategy. Have I got your attention? As founder and CEO of Divine Social, Traci helps business owners build and grow their brands so they can focus on providing value to their customers and positively impacting the world. Along with 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, Traci is blessed with an uncanny ability to take another company’s mission, vision, and message, and get it in front of the right people at the right time through authentic marketing. Traci’s superpower is her ability to visualize each client’s ideal strategy and then map it out for them in a clean, simple way. Traci is certified in all things related to Instagram and Facebook Ads (managing nearly $4 million in ad spend), and is a contributing author for the bestseller The Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising (3rd edition).

Business Building Insights

If you’re building a profitable business, having a mindset to invest in a Facebook strategy and advertising is a good thing. It’s not an expense, it’s an investment.
The pillars of social advertising: audience growth, engagement, and conversion.
Always think about how you can increase the number of people who are aware of you – who have seen what you do.
As part of your Facebook strategy, show your products through demonstration. Display visually what you’re doing.
You’ll have more success when you finally ask people to buy from you if you’ve used the engagement pillar first.
Think of yourself as a leader. You are leading potential clients to where you ultimately want them to go.
People do business with those they know, like, trust and those who are memorable. Paid advertising helps get you remembered.
Before you put money into Facebook ads, do some interest based research.

Resources Mentioned

Cricut – Electronic Cutting Machines used by crafters and makers 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey

Traci’s Resources

3 Pillars Mini Class

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

222 – The Truth About a Business Boss State of Mind

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 02:00:00 -0600

It’s time to address your state of mind as a business boss. So often we talk about the tactical things, like how to run FB ads and how to compose an intriguing subject line to increase your email open rates or how to get the perfect photo for your website from your iphone. But rarely do we address the other business boss stuff such as the emotional challenges involved in running your own business, or how not to let these things hold you back. I start out by saying, “You already have what it takes.” You have the skills, knowledge and resourcefulness to achieve what you’ve set out to do – what you’re been thinking about for a long time and what’s in your heart. The only thing standing in your way is … you! Yep – I get it because it’s me too – we each get in our own way ALL THE TIME. Acknowledging this is the first step to dealing with and overcoming the obstacles we put in our way. Listen to the show for more.

Business Building Insights

You need to know both your business purpose and your product purpose right from the start.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks is properly managing your time and doing the right things with the time you have. The Power of Purpose provides the solution.
Stop trying to be perfect because it’s impossible and not necessary to still have a successful business.
Charge what you or your product are worth and always pay yourself first.
Success is built on a large mountain of failures.
Every great business is built one small step at a time.
When a plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal.
Being yourself is the key to being a successful business boss. There is no need to hide who you are or pretend to be something you’re not. Isn’t that refreshing?!

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

221 – Not Just Another Instagram Interview with Sue Zimmerman

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Sue is an insightful, energetic, and in-demand online marketing educator, influencer speaker, and a no-BS business coach. Whether she’s taking the stage at an industry conference, like Social Media Marketing World, or working one-on-one with her clients, Sue is driven to help business owners leverage the power of Instagram to meet (and exceed) their business goals. As a lifelong entrepreneur, Sue has over 30 years of business experience. And, with her extensive knowledge and implementation of social media, it’s her mission to teach, mentor, and empower others. Sue is one of the most popular CreativeLive Instructors and has been named by Huffington Post as one of the “Top 50 Must-Follow Women Entrepreneurs” Small Business.

Business Building Insights

You are under no obligation to be the same person that you were a year, a month or even 15 minutes ago. You have the right to evolve.
Instagram is constantly changing the interface and the user experience to make it better and more intuitive.
You want to be on Instagram because people are searching there more and more. You want them to find you for your craft and what you make.
No one should have more than one Instagram account.
You can turn a personal account into a business account. If you don’t have your account set up as a business account, you’re missing out the features that matter for a business.
You have to humanize your business and your brand if you want people to like and trust you.
Be directive with a strong call to action that you want your viewers to take in IGTV.
You don’t attract a follower who immediately becomes a paying customer. It takes time for them to like you and trust you.
The more engagement you get, the more Instagram works the algorithm in your favor.
You can build a community of people that fall in love with your products and services.

Resources Mentioned

Sue’s You Tube Channel – Instead of listing every single video Sue referenced, go take a look around. She has many you’ll want to watch. Sue’s Guide if your Starting Out on Instagram – Download this free document and take notes!

Contact Links

Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode 188: “Ask the Question!” with Sonya Paz

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

220 – Serving It Up Sweet and Spicy with Sonya Paz

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 02:00:00 -0600

A fine artist turned foodie with Sonya’s Sweet and Spicy! Sonya is known for her vivid popular pop art paintings and retail products. But in the last couple of years she’s been working on a flavorful new adventure that has caught everyone (including herself) by surprise! After moving out of the hustle and bustle of the San Jose area, she now lives in the central valley of California where agriculture is abundant and the flavors are wild! Sonya started canning and preserving foods and has now created a recipe that transforms a super spicy jalapeño into something calmer … something sweet and spicy. She’d take these candied sweet jalapeños to potlucks and family gatherings and watch it be devoured within seconds! Seeing that response, she worked with a food scientist and now sells Sonya’s Sweet and Spicy direct to individuals, specialty shops and grocery stores to bring her sweet and spicy candy pickle jalapeños to the masses. Life is always better when you can have a little sweet and spice in your life!

Business Building Insights

A non-disclosure agreement is a must before entering into any type of business relationship with an outside company.
Finding a co-packer involves a lot of research. It starts with a google search to find those who provide services that match your needs. Then you move on to interviewing and asking a lot of questions to make sure it’s a good fit. It’s important to spend some time on this step to prevent issues down the road.
Take into consideration your future expansion plans when naming your business.
People who love your work are your best evangelists as you expand. Many in Sonya’s loyal art following are also interested in Sonya’s Sweet and Spicy.
Don’t get discouraged when you encounter problems. Keep moving forward and think outside the box.
Use a craft or trade show as an opportunity to make connections even if you’re not making a lot of sales. Then follow up with people where you see potential sales or collaborations.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

219 – How to Sell Your Product Through Email with Katie Salmon of Katie Does Marketing

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Katie Salmon is a self-proclaimed marketing geek and spends her days dreaming about how to help business owners sell more stuff. Since 2016, she’s been serving clients through her boutique marketing agency Katie Does Marketing, where she has helped shop owners turn email marketing into a lucrative sales channel. Katie knows that not all business owners can afford to outsource their marketing. So this year, in additional to Katie Does Marketing, she co-founded Shop Pop, a one-stop resource center with marketing templates and education. Through Shop Pop, she hopes to help shop owners get the skills and confidence they need to do better marketing in less time.

Business Building Insights

Forward is forward. Little by little progress does add up. Consistent efforts over time will yield fruitful results.
Email marketing is where you can build relationships and win sales.
No one can even be on your email list unless they know you exist.
People are three times more likely to see your emails than your posts on social media.
The best way to get somebody on your list as a product business is with an offer.
Getting people to open your emails starts with the subject line. It’s the gate keeper to your email.
Writing shorter sentences helps people skim through the content of the email.
If you have an expensive product where the buying cycle is long, you need emails that nurture your potential customers.

Resources Mentioned

Mailchimp – Get a smarter all-in-one marketing platform to grow your business. Klaviyo – A marketing automation and email platform designed to help grow your business and make more money Interact – Create online quizzes that generate leads, segment your audience, and drive traffic to your website.

Contact Links

Website Instagram

Katie’s Discount Offer at Shop Pop

Get 15% off anything in The Shop Pop store using the special code GIFTBIZ15.

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

218 – Create Your Own Brand Portfolio Today with Lindsey Johnson of Verity & Co

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0600

Lindsey is the owner of Verity & Co, helping small business owners grow and scale their brands through cohesive design and effective messaging. She is passionate about branding, copy and web design coming together to represent a business that will make an impact and leave a legacy. Creating a marketing message that connects with your audience and supporting it with a beautiful design is how her two passions of conversational writing and minimal design collide to serve product and service entrepreneurs in a unique way. In addition to Verity & Co, Lindsey is a wife and mother. She homeschools their three kids and loves to hang out on the beach of Lake Superior near their home in rural Wisconsin.

Business Building Insights

Your entire marketing message makes the business cohesive.
Present yourself in a way that makes it easy for your audience to say yes to what you’re doing.
Start with considering how do you want people to think about your business.
Come from an audience focused view to create a brand.
Consistency across all platforms in person and online is important.
Your audience will recognize your brand through what you post, how you create your graphics and what you say on social media. Brand recognition plays a big role in your growth.
Choose 2-3 fonts. One primary for your logo, and main headlines; a supporting font for the body text; and a personality font that is fun and bold or beautiful and handwritten.
A website is a necessity and increases authority for your brand.
Make sure there is an easy way for people to connect with you on your website.
Include testimonials and social proof on your home page.
By having a more informed audience, they’re more likely to buy from you because you’re giving them value apart from just selling the product.
As you build traffic to your website and increase marketing efforts, your website will be the best sales person for your business.

Resources Mentioned

Design Seeds – Here’s the site Lindsey mentions to choose your brand colors. Creative Market – Ready to use design assets One Often Forgotten Free Way to Get New Customers

Contact Links

Hobbyist To Entrepreneur Starter Pack

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

217 – Grow Your Audience – Grow Your Business with Jennifer Allwood of The Magic Brush

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Jennifer is a wife, mother, dynamic business coach, and host of The Jennifer Allwood Show podcast. She has an infectious enthusiasm for helping like-minded creative women build their social media followers and turn their talents and hobbies into lucrative online businesses. Jennifer has built an incredible social media community, with an online following of half a million people. She has a gift for creating relationships and showing up for each one of them. She coaches over 2000 women monthly on how to find their tribe and grow their business online.

Business Building Insights

Your fear does not release you from what you’re supposed to be doing in your business.
Nobody can do it exactly like you. When it’s your business there’s always a different level of attention to details.
Have a platform where you can tell people about what you’re good at.
Marketing is believing that what you have to offer the world is good and being willing to tell people that.
Build your social media following. Be exceptionally present in social media.
Be consistent with social media and put out content that resonates with people.
If you want your business to grow, focus on the bigger work. You don’t have to do everything from A to Z. If you keep yourself doing the busy work then you can’t do the big work.
You don’t have to know all the things in your industry, you just need to know a little bit more than the people asking you.
You can make money from the knowledge you have in your head and your years of experience. Create a tutorial, an ebook, a video or a webinar teaching people what you know.
They will pay for convenience and organized material rather than sitting down and spending hours searching for free content.
If you’re known for everything, you’re known for nothing. Pick one thing to start with that you’re passionate about.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

216 – Handmade Business Wisdom Sprinkles with Juliet Galea of Caker’s Chat

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 May 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Juliet is all too familiar with the love hate relationship many sugar artists have with caking. She began a new career in cake decorating 10 years ago. At the same time she was starting a family. She found herself alone, frustrated and unhappy doing the thing she loved most: expressing her love through sugar art. Juliet’s love for sugar art swelled after competing and winning three consecutive metals. The toll of working from home alone and doing it all herself was depleting the creative, loving and social being she truly is. After meeting so many cakers just like her, she wanted everyone to know that they are not alone and has committed to helping those in the sweet community believe in themselves and their dreams. Juliet’s weekly Wednesday YouTube Show and Podcast Caker’s Chat are filled with Wisdom Sprinkles to help sugar professionals with everything from mindset, marketing and the encouragement needed to compete and stand out in the industry.

Business Building Insights

The best life is one lived with intention.
Don’t get stuck in the “do-do.” You don’t have to do everything yourself. As you get proficient, you can start outsourcing.
Meditation is as important as sleep because it helps you get back to your center.
Be involved in the community and let people know you’re there for them.
Pay attention to who you’re serving so you can create a community around that.
Social Media is a great tool but don’t be its fool.
Keep a database of your clients so you can communicate with them for future business.
Invest in a mentor or someone who can help you move the business forward.

Juliet’s Caker’s Chat Challenge

Juliet is graciously offering two iron on Caker’s Chat badges and a discovery session call. The winners will be the first two people who head over to cakerschat.com and sign up for her newsletter. So she knows who you are, I’d suggest you send another email telling her you’re coming from the show. Good luck! I hope you’re one of the first two!

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

215 – Re-Energize Your Brand and Watch Sales Grow with Eric DeLary of Pasta Mamas

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 May 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Eric DeLary is the General Manager and managing partner at Pasta Mama’s, a small pasta manufacturer in Richland, WA. The path to where he is today took may turns, from working with Burton Snowboards in Vermont to DC Shoes in California. Eric’s passion has been with iconic brands in niche industries working on projects with Red Bull and Monster Energy. So when the opportunity arose to take control of a local brand with a lot of room to grow, he took it. Pasta Mama’s was originally founded in 1986 by the Santillie family. Through some not-so-typical ups and downs the brand has survived over the years. It’s once again thriving thanks to a refreshed image, revitalized energy and a broader company vision that focuses on their founding principles which are to provide the highest quality gourmet foods possible utilizing only the finest all-natural ingredients.

Business Building Insights

Context brings everything into alignment.
As long as you continue making connections, amazing things will happen.
The trick is to reinvent things. Look at what you have and see how it fits in the marketplace.
Regularly evaluate what you’re doing. This will help you identify the next steps to take to move forward.
Listen and communication with your customers.
Notify customers when things are changing. This will be key to retention.
Packaging is critical and one of the most important parts of your brand.
You must figure out how to stand out in the marketplace.
Create a vision board. Start with asking some questions. What’s the story you want to tell? What’s the imagery you see representing the brand?
There is great value in existing customers. Don’t forget them!
Keep exploring. Keep your mind open for opportunities.

Request a Sample of Pasta Mama’s Product

If you run a business who could potentially carry the Pasta Mama’s line, email info@pastamamas.com to request a sample.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

214 – How to Market TODAY with Veronica Staudt of Vintage Meet Modern

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 May 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Veronica is the Founder of Vintage Meet Modern. She has over 20 years of experience in the personal styling and shopping industry, specializing in jewelry and accessories. Her company focuses on helping women look and feel their best by dressing details. The secret sauce is her hand curated collection of designer vintage jewelry that has been sourced from all over the world. Veronica believes that dressing details set you apart from the rest, to help you look and feel your best every day. No dressing room required. Plus it’s fun, empowering, chic, and sustainable, too. Vintage Meet Modern is a unique business in that it is part collection, part collaboration, and part consulting.

Business Building Insights

Be your own magic. We all have the power to do something special.
You can be successful by doing something truly unique to you.
Something small can set you apart from the rest.
Define your own personal style. It’s the little things that can make a difference.
When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good.
Be open to asking for people’s help. Seek out those who will give you honest feedback.
Sales is more than just selling. It’s service, relationship and listening to customers.
To attract customer interest, tell the story of your product.
Think of all the ways your product can serve your customers, there’s always a story to tell.
Find ways to improve things and give people a good experience.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

213 – [On Air Coaching] How to Uncover and Market to New Audiences with Elaine Kuckertz

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 May 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Elaine Kuckertz is a trained visual artist who makes paintings as well as smaller craft works. Currently, she’s seeing success selling painted laser cut puzzles. These are smaller, more tactile versions of her paintings. Elaine loves working with bright colors and making cheerful pieces that bring people joy. She’s excited about the possibility of spending more time doing what she’s passionate about so is focusing on making her business profitable.

Business Building Insights

All craft fairs are not created equal. Figure out which ones attract your customer by interest and price point.
Smaller scale items sell best on Etsy and at craft fairs.
Prioritization is the key to time management and progressing with your business.
Letting people interact with your products leads them to the sale.
Dream big. Don’t limit yourself to what you can see today.
Make it easy for people to purchase both in person and online.
Promote and let people know what you do.
Believe in what you’re making. Only then will your passion shine through.

Contact Links

Website Etsy Shop Facebook Instagram

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

212 – Takeaways from Social Media Marketing World and What They Mean for Handmade Product Businesses

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Coming back from Social Media Marketing World, I have good news! Although the landscape continues to change – seemingly daily – there is a lot to be optimistic about particularly for small handmade businesses. To be able to take advantage of the opportunities, however, you need to know about them in the first place. That’s what this show is all about. To back up a bit, Social Media Marketing World (#SMMW19) is the premier social media conference of it’s kind, held annually in San Diego. Featuring 120 speakers and over 6,000 attendees, we discuss everything from details on the various platforms to strategy and implementation. We also find out what the latest research shows and recommended changes to our marketing plans. This year certainly didn’t disappoint in terms of social media marketing changes! I return home energized and invigorated by the opportunities available to small businesses. Product businesses in particular have been hearing a lot of gloom and doom over recent years. Brick and mortar is dead. We can’t compete with Amazon’s prices and delivery. And on and on. The time is now to turn our backs on this defeatist thinking and prove these statements wrong. I believe what I’ve heard at SMMW19 is the key to our small handmade businesses survival and dare I say potential for huge growth.

Business Building Insights

Here are the 5 Overall Takeaways from Social Media Marketing World 2019. Listen to the show for the details and how to implement each one in a handmade product business.

Your company brand must contain YOU
Forget the masses. One to one matters most.
Forget about vanity metrics. It’s time for quality over quantity.
Let us see you. Video and most specifically live streaming rules.
Your customers are your marketing department.

Contact Links

One Week to Your Welcome Sequence Challenge

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

211 – Why Email is Everything to Your Business with Abby Herman of Write Solutions

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Abby Herman is the owner of Write Solutions, a content marketing agency for business owners who want to gain visibility for their businesses with personalized content strategies and implementation. She specializes in idea generation and content strategy and delivery so her clients can keep on doing what they love in their businesses. She also creates courses to help newer business owners DIY their content marketing, because she knows from experience that there’s nothing more frustrating than not knowing where to start. Abby lives in Phoenix with her 16-year-old daughter and three fur-babies.

Business Building Insights

Content includes everything you do to market your business.
Consistency with your content is important. That includes graphic images, and the written adn spoken word. They should be cohesive in style of messaging and vibe of the brand.
An email address is your direct connection to building a relationship with customers.
Talking about the story behind your product makes it personal. In this way people get to know you, feel a connection and want to support your business.
Emails are not only for selling. In fact, promotional messages should only be in about 20% of your communications.

Resource Offer

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

210 – [On Air Coaching] Retire Into Your Business with Sandy Monroe of Dai Cor Baskets

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Sandy is the founder of Dai Cor Baskets, a company named after her two sons and created with people in mind. It’s a family business that specializes in creating beautiful and unique gift baskets for special occasions. Sandy takes pride in her ability to customize designs by placing the needs of her customers first. Nothing makes her happier than when the person receiving the gift lights up with joy and excitement because it relates so perfectly to them. 2019 has been declared the year for Sandy to up her business game. She’s working full time but wants to start laying the groundwork to set up Dai Cor Baskets as the place she will “retire into.” For her that means focusing on building her customer base so it grows into a full time venture.

Business Building Insights

A successful business can be a side hustle for years while you have a full time job elsewhere.
Networking is the best place for a local business to build awareness.
Referrals come by telling people what you do. You must be visible and vocal about your business.
There are a number of ways to take advantage of networking memberships over and above going to in-person meetups.
Turn your back on the negative voice that hinders your business growth. Fear is not your friend.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

209 – One Often Forgotten Free Way to Get New Customers with Jeremy Lessaris of irevu

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Jeremy started his first business at 6 years old. His corporate career spanned 16 years as the Global VP of Marketing & Communications for a $17B/year US/Chinese conglomerate. In 2014, Jeremy rang the opening bell at NASDAQ and helped build one of the fastest growing stocks in Illinois. He has executed and integrated 4 mergers and acquisitions in tech and manufacturing and sold 2 of his own ventures in tech and healthcare. Today Jeremy is the founder of Payment Brokers a fintech company, irevu an online reputation management company and OriginalClick a digital advertising, application development and consulting agency.

Business Building Insights

One of the things you can’t “game” is what people say about you online.
It’s important to be active and manage your online reputation.
Be in tune with what your customers are saying online and truly listen.
We lost the art of asking. It’s okay to ask for people’s help to write a review.
Strong social proof is valuable. Shift your focus towards attracting reviews – recent, frequent and relevant reviews.
Engage with customers and listen to what they have to say.
You can’t please everybody. There will be negative reviews. When they appear, respond promptly so they know you’re listening, you care and you want a resolution.
Reviews build your search ranking too. Think of it as new approach to SEO.
Once you’ve gotten good reviews, market them on your social media platforms, in emails and on your website.

Resources Mentioned

Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

208 – How to Find Your Courage for Selling with Mariana Ruiz of Impact Driven Entrepreneur

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 02:00:00 -0600

Mariana Ruiz is a Certified Business Coach + Consultant and international bestselling author. She uses her background in brain science, hospital administration, and 12 years of marketing, sales and business experience to help market in a way that attracts your ideal clients and converts followers to clients through service-based selling. She has been featured in various podcasts and blogs including the Huffington Post, Today.com, and The Millionaire Insider Extravaganza. Through working with hundreds of businesses, she has empowered them to increase their profit and serve more people all over the world.

Business Building Insights

Don’t focus on selling. Instead, remind yourself that what you offer helps a lot of people.
There are 5 levels of impact
1. How your business impacts your life.
2. How your product impacts your customers.
3. The value your business brings to your team.
4. The opportunities available to give back.
5. And the invisible impact.
Good things happen when you decide to show up.
Sharing your product will create ripples of impact.
Trust yourself. Your intuition will guide you more than your logical mind.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

207 – Empowered Women EMPOWER Women with Christine Walsh of Cake and Whiskey

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0600

Christine is the owner of a thriving print and graphics shop that has been in business for 47 years. A woman-owned business, Christine is proud to be employing 5 people and 1 intern. Although her custom printing boutique is located in Baltimore, MD they serve clients around the country and worldwide. Christine is also the founder of Bmore Cake & Whiskey, a women’s networking group in Baltimore, that has experienced tremendous growth hosting social hobnobs for 250 women per quarter. Christine is a stepmother to four and mother to 2 all ranging from 20 to 32 years old.

Business Building Insights

You don’t have to know everything. Hire people who have the skills or knowledge you need.
Make it personal and let clients know you’re there for them. Business relationships can start with friendship.
Find partners where your work compliments their work and vice versa.
Getting women or minority owned business certification isn’t hard but it is time consuming. Being certified is valuable because it qualifies you to bid on business you might not otherwise get.
If you’re thinking of starting a social business networking group like Christine’s Cake and Whiskey, it helps to find a partner who has a background in event planning. You can start small and grow as you go.
The more you shout out what you’re doing and how you’re supporting each other, the more people you’ll attract to support your events.

Resources Mentioned

Bmore Cake and Whiskey

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

206 – [On Air Coaching] How to Take Your Business to the Next Level with Samatha Spencer of Bird Box Gifts

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0600

Samatha is the owner of Bird Box Gifts. She specializes in gift sets and curated gift boxes and is ready to take it to the next level. The idea for Bird Box Gifts came about as she began putting gifts together for customers in her husband’s gift shop. Men would come in looking for Mother’s Day gifts and look a bit lost. She would come to their rescue and create custom gift combinations that thrilled the moms and made the husbands look like stars. That led to providing a similar service for graduations and all sorts of life events. Bird Box Gifts was born! It’s time now to build upon what has already been created. Samatha also has a full time job so it’s important to work efficiently and make all activities really count. She’s decided to focus on gift funnels as the strategy to grow her business and attract corporate accounts. What are gift funnels? You’ll hear all about them in the show. I think her plan is right on!

Business Building Insights

When you see someone else making progress and they are in the same industry, it means there’s a market for what you do. Now it’s time to go grab your piece of the pie.
Visibility through multiple channels is the key to consistent sales.
Make sure your immediate network knows that you are in business. That means family, friends and others within non-business groups like schools, book clubs, etc.
For Samatha, she has access to new customers through her husband’s gift shop. Where in your life do you have additional access that you’re not thinking of until now?
It’s possible to build a business even with a full time job. You just have to be very intentional with your time and focus on the most important activities that can bring in business.
Skills developed through other careers can enhance what you are doing in your own business.
Switch the focus from selling your product to the result your product will give a new customer.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

205 – Navigating Through the Stages of Your Business with Debbie Adame of My Daddy’s House of Gifts

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0600

Debbie is the Owner and Certified Gift Designer at My Daddy’s House of Gifts located in Magnolia, Texas. She has been in the gifting industry since 2014, originally with a business under a different company name. After the passing of her dad in 2015, the company name was changed to My Daddy’s House of Gifts to honor his memory. Prior to being in the gifting industry, Debbie had a lengthy career working as an Account Executive and Regional Sales Manager in the heavyweight air cargo logistics industry, including 10 years at UPS. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband Richard, and giving lots of hugs and kisses to her grand baby, Isaac.

Business Building Insights

Everyday is a new day. A chance for a fresh start and new beginnings.
Location is important for a brick and mortar shop.
Having events in your store attracts customers.
Detailed communication ensures you and your client are on the same page.
Have a set budget for charitable donations.
Educate yourself in your chosen field. Knowledge is power.
Find a mentor who has been in the industry for a while.

Resources Mentioned

Big Commerce Smile.io Canva Mail Chimp

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Watch the Power of Purpose and Inspired! Planner Video

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

204 – Be Friends with Your Numbers with Lynne Somerman Financial Coaching

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Lynne Somerman of Lynne Somerman Financial Coaching helps entrepreneurs feel less stupid and sad about their money through practical skill building, habit change and mindset work. She speaks about budgeting as radical self-care and loves coaching clients and seeing them light up, realizing that they’re not doomed, after all. Lynne lives in South Portland, Maine with her feisty daughter, snaggle-toothed dog, and chickens named after strong women.

Business Building Insights

You don’t need to be a finance expert. You just need systems so the financial part of your life is taken cared of.
Keeping records can be as simple as an excel spreadsheet.
Bookkeeping is simply what money comes in, what money goes out and why.
Money is the life blood of your business. That’s what allows your business to keep going.
You definitely want to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances.
Invest in software that will automatically create reports for you. They save you time and are directly linked to your bank account.
Build a habit. Spend a few minutes each day to check transactions.
Price is part of your brand. It’s communicating how valuable things are. When you don’t include the price of your time in what you make, it’s like telling clients and yourself that your time isn’t valuable.

Resources Mentioned

Wave Financial Quickbooks Fresh Books

Contact Links

Myers Briggs Personality Test 16 Personalities Myers Briggs Personality Test

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

203 – [On Air Coaching] How to Select a Product Focus and Start Your Business with Jeanette Andersen

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Jeanette Andersen is a passionate and multi-talented creator. She’s already the author of 5 books. But she also has skills in photography, a talent with designing soft goods products and is considering motivational speaking. This is a common challenge for creative women. When it comes down to starting a business, there are so many options. How do you possibly choose? It becomes confusing and leads to lots of activity with little result because there’s just too much going on at one time. Additionally, customers are confused because they can’t clearly define what you do. In our call, Jeanette narrows in on a product grouping that is cohesive and clear. We work through ideas for name recognition and branding. Now it’s time to test the market and we talk through next steps for this phase. Jeanette walks away with a focused plan that she’s excited about and dare I say, I think The Denim Blues is going to be a big hit!

Business Building Insights

Things change all the time. Be flexible.
If you have doubts just push them aside and do what your heart is set to.
Trying to focus on too much at once leads to confusion and lack of progress.
When you decide on a business name, make sure to get the domain and all social media platforms right away.
Make your booth a draw for people to come and look.
Don’t force what you’re selling. Ask customers if they have questions and then let them look around.

Resources Mentioned

J.S. Andersen Books

Contact Links

Website Instagram LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

202 – Choose Marketing Methods that Fit Your Natural Style with Brit Kolo of Marketing Personalities

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Brit Kolo is the Creator of the Marketing Personality Type Framework and the Host of the Marketing Personalities Podcast. Her framework is designed to match you with your best marketing strategy based on your Myers-Briggs Personality Type. She’s here to shake up your approach to marketing and inspire you to grow your business in a “feel good” way. Get ready to go deep, find your true self, and grow that business of yours WITHOUT feeling fake and salesy.

Business Building Insights

You should not feel fake and salesy to grow your business.
Take the personality assessment at your best time of the day. Go with your first gut reaction to the question and answer them as honestly as you can.
Regardless of what you think you are, it really depends on where you gain energy.
There is no one right or wrong to your Marketing Personality. There’s just a right for you and what you naturally prefer. You are who you are.
If you feel good, your audience is going to pick up on that energy and they’ll be attracted to that.
Your personality type can lead to an informed your marketing strategy.
Your personality type affects everything in your life.
Slow down. Focus on the thing you’re best at.
Believe that your natural personality type and what feels good to you is enough.

Resources Mentioned

Find Your Marketing Personality Type

CLICK HERE once you have your Myers Briggs result to find your Marketing Personality Type

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

201 – Why Wait? Put Yourself in the Spotlight with Amanda Berlin

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0600

After more than a decade in the New York City public relations world, Amanda Berlin now uses her pitch powers for good. She helps entrepreneurs step into their presence, create a story that inspires others, and spread their message in the media. Amanda has created a library of template guides and trainings. She works one on one with clients to assist them with strategic story-telling and media relations. Her knowledge and skills are based on 12 years of experience guiding strategy for major brands in the corporate world. Amanda and her clients have been featured in all types of media from Business Insider to Entrepreneur on Fire and from WNYW Fox 5 to Bustle.com. She’s the host of The Empowered Publicity Podcast. She loves arming soul-powered business owners with the ideas and the skillset they need to go from hidden industry gem to recognizable trusted expert.

Business Building Insights

Cultivate the ability to listen to your gut instincts and trust yourself.
By creating a story around your product, you’ll provide the media a reason to share your message to their audience.
When you are featured in traditional media, trust and credibility are established.
Traditional media allows you to leverage audiences that other people have cultivated so you can bust out from that word of mouth bubble.
Develop a list where you want to be featured. Look at your local newspapers, radio and television stations and also your own media habits.
The stakes are really very low when you pitch the media. It’s definitely worth the effort.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Get on the list to bee the first to know about Sue’s new Inspired! Planner

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

200 – You Deserve to Be Heard with Carol Cox of Speaking Your Brand

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Carol Cox is the founder of Speaking Your Brand, which helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks (keynote, TEDx, business presentation) to grow their business and become recognized as influencers in their fields. Carol is host of the Speaking Your Brand podcast and a sought-after speaker and trainer on public speaking, business storytelling, and women’s leadership. Carol teaches business and marketing classes at Full Sail University and during election seasons serves as a political analyst on TV news.

Business Building Insights

Find people who motivate you and see your potential.
Speaking in person allows you to be seen as an expert and authority.
The more you do it, the easier it gets.
As a speaker it’s not about you, it’s about the audience.
It’s the message that you bring to the audience that makes the impact.
The benefits of public speaking are brand awareness, personal branding, lead generation & marketing.
Stick to one to three ideas for your presentation.
As the speaker you’re the authority and the guide to help the audience.
Don’t rush the ending of your presentation because that’s what people remember most.
Finish your presentation with a story.
Make speaking a part of your marketing strategy.

Resources Mentioned

PDF workbook to help you create more engaging presentations

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Get on the Early Notice List for Sue’s new planner, Inspired!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

199 – All the Secrets to Going Wholesale with Katie Hunt of Tradeshow Bootcamp

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Katie is the founder of Tradeshow Bootcamp, host of the Proof to Product podcast, a business strategist, and mentor to creative entrepreneurs. She’s helped more than 850 brands get their products on the shelves of retail stores big and small. Her clients’ products can be found in Target, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, The Container Store and independent boutiques around the world. Katie is a firm believer in professional development, surrounding yourself with community and pushing ‘go’ even when you might not feel 100% ready.

Business Building Insights

Focus on your product first. Make sure everything is in place and you are prepared if you decide to pursue wholesale.
As you learn about wholesale, start with small independent shops.
Initial contact can be through an email that is brief, to the point and includes a link to your catalog.
Being professional at all levels will call attention to your business and help you get repeat orders. This includes order accuracy, timeliness and following up with requests.
Building authentic relationships with customers will result in growth for your business.
Ask people how they like to communicate and then use that channel when you work with them. For some it will be email and for others it may be a phone call or even Facebook direct messages. You never know!
Build your own list of potential wholesale clients. Don’t buy lists. It’s quality over quantity.
At trade shows, connect with as many people as possible. It’s about the conversations.

Resources Mentioned

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers Storybrand by Donald Miller Box or Boutique with Bob Hurley

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

198 – How to Use Email as a Product Biz with Megan Auman of Artists and Profit Makers

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Megan Auman is a jewelry designer, metalsmith and educator with over a decade of experience in selling art through a variety of channels. She designs for women who want to be effortlessly bold. She says, “You need jewelry that makes a statement but is easy enough to wear every day. You need pieces that make you feel fantastic every time you put them on. Something that reflects your confidence and strength. A kind of armor that helps you tackle your day, every day.” Currently, Megan is running her eponymous jewelry line and the online community Artists & Profit Makers for fellow creatives who sell high-end products. Megan has seen talented makers walk away from creating because they are given one-size-fits-all marketing advice that just doesn’t translate to the world of selling art. A best-selling CreativeLive instructor, her designs have been featured in Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light and on top-rated blogs like Design*Sponge.

Business Building Insights

The beauty of wholesale accounts is that once you’ve established contacts you can reach out to them over and over again.
Wholesale trade shows are an excellent place to start as you begin to develop relationships.
There’s no one right way to run a business. You have to figure out what works best for you.
Your product does not need to solve a problem in order for it to sell.
Show off your product through experienced based marketing: what it tastes like, what it looks like, how it feels and the experience of using it.
Add a human element to your photography. We are trained to read emotions through other humans; whether it’s the expression or a movement like reaching for something.
Email is a powerful way to connect with customers.
Put a call to action on your sites and social media to collect emails for your list.

Contact Links

The Art of Paid Traffic – Rick Mulready Perpetual Traffic Podcast – Molly Pitman, Ralph Burns and Keith Krance

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

197 – Creating Edible Fabric! with Marilyn and Joe Bawol of Unique Flexique ®

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0600

A natural-born artist, Marilyn thrives on combining her well-honed sculpture and painting skills with her talent and passion for baking and edible creations. As the Owner and Creative Director of Unique Cakes, she specializes in non-traditional wedding cakes, three dimensional sculpted cakes and blown & pulled sugar amenities. Her constant experimentation with different products and processes eventually led to her discovery of a unique edible fabric-like compound called Flexique® which has been receiving international acclaim for its unique variety of uses. As a co-owner of Unique Flexique, LLC, Marilyn has pioneered new techniques in cake decorating, and is the leading authority on all applications of the Flexique® line of products. She continues her exploration and development of unique edible accents, and shares product combinations and innovative uses with the community. Joe has been instrumental in running the operations of Marilyn’s cake business since he understands the cake community so well. He is also the co-owner of Unique Flexique which produces the Revolutionary Flexique® product line.

Business Building Insights

The great thing about having your own business is you are the one who gets to pick and choose what you want to do.
Ways to get customers: Word of mouth referrals, social media marketing, through your website, joining a networking organization such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Your website represents the level of professionalism of your business. It’s your online face to the public so you want to make sure it’s done right.
You do yourself an injustice by pricing low. Charge what your product is worth.
Demonstrations showing what your product can do catches people’s attention and curiosity. It increases the potential of a sale.
You should seek out trade shows where there is an educational element like classes and stage demonstrations. It adds additional value to the attendees and increases participation and interest in your product too.
Legally protect your product before you put it out into the public.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

See Flexique® in Action – Video Links

Valentine Heart Fashion Show 1 Fashion Show 2 Paint-On Clothing FLEXIQUE FRIDAYS

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

196 – What You Need to Know Now About Facebook Ads with Salome Schillack of Shine And Succeed

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0600

Salome Schillack is a Facebook Ads Strategist who helps coaches, online course creators, and personal brands scale, automate and grow their businesses faster with clever Facebook and Instagram ads strategies. Through her fast-growing agency, Salome has been able to build a global team of amazing people that work flexibly and independently allowing them to balance doing work they love with caring for people they love. Her clients say that the best thing about working with her is that she cares as much about their businesses as she does about her own. She says the best thing about working with clients is that she gets to help them implement proven marketing strategies that help them create more streamlined marketing funnels and get them to more profit sooner. Salome was born and raised in South Africa and lives in beautiful Perth in Western Australia with her husband Emil, two daughters Milla and Elle and their dog, Odie.

Business Building Insights

We all have a unique fingerprint in this world.
Facebook has an incredible way of targeting the right people to see your message.
The clearer you are about your ideal audience, the better you’ll be able to reach them with Facebook ads.
As you start a campaign, run two versions at the same time to see which performs best. If you’re testing a video, run two videos and see which one does best. Or run one video but sent it to two different audiences.
The two Action Steps below are important to implement immediately whether you are planning running Facebook Ads now or in the future.
You can and will figure out Facebook Ads if you stick with it.

Two Actions Steps to Do Immediately

Create your custom audiences.
Add your Facebook Pixel to all pages where you can collect customer data.
Listen to the show to hear exactly how to do both of these.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

195 – 5 Affirmations to Change Your Life

Sue Monhait — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0600

5 Affirmations to Change Your Life this Year. The New Year is upon us, and for many, it’s a marker in time to make a change. It’s a time to start fresh and reset your ways and to jumpstart the dreams you’ve been thinking about and putting off over and over again. This all sounds amazing doesn’t it? A new future that aligns with what you want. It’s the chance to turn into reality the achievements and lifestyle you’ve had in your mind’s eye for a long time. The truth really is … you could make this change at any time … in any day or month of your life, but for some reason the rollover of the calendar year makes it all seem more possible. There’s newfound optimism and hope. You think things like, “This is the year! I’m going to do it this time!” Sound familiar? Unfortunately, you know what happens to New Year’s resolutions. Within a month or two they’re history and you’re back to your old ways. I see this at my health club every year and if you’re a member of any type of fitness organization, I bet you see the same thing. In January my spin class is completely packed because everyone has decided to get fit and healthy. If I don’t book my bike early, I may not get a spot. But by March, it’s back to the regular spinners and it stays that way the rest of the year. I’ve been good at keeping up with my spinning. But I’ve been saying I’m going to start doing yoga or pilates for the last two years. Still haven’t gone to my first class. I’m telling myself this year will be different! You see … I’m just like you in this regard. I’ve discovered, the reason New Year’s resolutions aren’t followed through on, is that it really has nothing to do with the resolutions at all. It has to do with something much harder. It has to do with your mindset. What you tell yourself in your head – where nobody else can see. It’s about what you think you deserve and then the excuses you make up to stay in the comfort zone of your life. Whatever that is for you. This is where affirmations come in. Affirmations are the language of the brain and are known to tap into your unconscious thinking. You see, when you think a thought, your brain processes the information as true and sets you up to react accordingly – as a result of that thought. And there’s more. Your brain is constantly looking for clues in your environment to confirm your thoughts and guide your actions. It can pick up on any available influence. For instance, let’s say a customer comes back with a return or says your prices are too high. You mentally process this information and the result is you begin to question and probably undervalue your skills. That translates into reducing prices – or worse – pulling back on promoting and other business building activities. Or someone looks at you funny and you read that to mean it’s something negative about you as a person. You begin to that that you’re a fake or not capable to be doing what you’re doing because of that one look. These thoughts lead to counterproductive emotions, self-doubt, and then playing it safe. All these subconscious fears and doubts can sideswipe your New Year’s resolutions and plans for self-improvement. Luckily you can do something about this! The good news is your brain is eager to set you up for success, all you have to do is instruct it by telling it the right things. This is why positive affirmations are so powerful. By speaking to yourself in correctly worded statements, your brain will activate everything you need to make your 2019 the very best year yet. Think of affirmations as the way you speak to yourself. That then becomes the way you show up in the world. And the way you show up in the world affects your outcomes. My gift to you, as we enter into the new year, are 5 affirmations for you to say these to yourself daily. Put them in your day timer or tape them to your mirror so you can see them when you brush your teeth. They are also going to be included in my new planner coming out within a few weeks. More on that at the end of the show. For now, let’s get into the affirmations and see how they can change your life! There is more detail about each affirmation in the podcast but here’s the list you want to say aloud every day.

Your 5 Affirmations

1 – There is nobody in this world just like me. Therefore, I am SPECIAL, UNIQUE and VALUABLE. 2 – I’m in this world to do something IMPORTANT – that only I can do. 3 – I have the POWER to create my life however I want it to be. 4 – I already have EVERYTHING I need to reach my dream. 5 – I am STRONG, CAPABLE and DETERMINED.

Contact Links

Website – Cookie Nip Website – The Cookie School Facebook – Cookie Nip, LLC Facebook – The Cookie School Instagram – Cookie Nip, LLC Instagram – The Cookie School

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

194 – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas When All Through the Store …

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Merry Christmas! ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the store, employees were anxiously watching the door. Products sat neatly on the shelves with care, in hopes that a customer soon would be there. The shopkeeper was nestled all snug in her chair, while she envisioned wrapping up gifts with flair. The products were perfect and the prices were right, but would they all still be there when she locked up for the night? In Amanda’s mind there arose such a clatter, “Nobody’s coming in. What is the matter? People must not like the things that I make. I should have known this business was a mistake.” Glancing out the window seeing new-fallen snow, she watched shoppers bustling to and fro. When what to her wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, she knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. Not down the chimney, but right through the door. He exclaimed, “Ho, ho, ho, let’s fix up this store.” “Look at the colors, the quality, the style! We must spread word of your wares across miles!” “Why didn’t you tell people of the products you make?” “I was scared that they would think me a fake!” “Your talent is clear and creations unique with artistry and style that so many seek.” “Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the hillside! All residents must know! Of Amanda’s treasures all boxed up and bowed!” And then, in a twinkling, she heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. Up up and away the reindeer all flew, with a message of holiday gifts shiny and new. Within minutes it happened, the door flew open wide. A snowy rush of air blew customers inside. Excitement built up as they discovered the wares. One, five, seven gifts were purchased with care. Was it seconds or minutes that the gifts were all sold? Customers smiled while juggling packages of red, green and gold. “Which designs did you get? Oh, I loved that one too! I need to come back and get another in blue.” Amanda’s eyes twinkled! She felt light-hearted and merry! People loved her creations – even that shade of raspberry. St. Nick’s cheeks were like roses, his eyes held a twinkle, “Success was right in front of you, except for one little wrinkle.” “You can’t stay inside and be timid or meek, if growing your business is something you seek. Your artistry is spectacular, it’s much more than fine. Be proud. Be confident. It gets easier in time.” As the clock chimed the hour and the day was now through, Amanda sat in amazement of what she now knew. Trusting her skill and being herself, creates a gift of its own, like a personal elf. Customers will appear as they’re meant to be, The right ones for her who would help her succeed. St. Nick’s eyes gave a twinkle and with a little round belly, he laughed at the acknowledgement, like a bowl full of jelly. He spoke no more words, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. “Your presents this year are reminders for you, of the dreams you’ve created that you can make true.” She knew what he meant and on his cheek gave a kiss, his message was clear and no point was missed. Inside she felt courage and anticipation, nothing would stop her now from creation. He sprang to the roof and jumped into the sleigh. He’d given Amanda a priceless gift this day. And she heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Business Building Insights

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

193 – Not Everyone Deserves Your Homemade Efforts! with Michelle Gowan of Cookie Nip

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Dr. Michelle Gowan is a retired educator who is using all her time not teaching school to teach people to bake and decorate cookies. In her first month of retirement, she founded The Cookie School which is a mobile, home party/class where a group of girlfriends gather in a kitchen for six hours and learn to bake and decorate cookies. After they “graduate,” they have homework to complete (3 recipes of cookies) and then they qualify for an advanced class (graduate school). Cookie Nip flavoring was born out of a desire to create a rich signature flavor profile for use in The Cookie School recipes but it has been embraced by bakers of cookies, cakes and treats as well as a delicious flavor additive to coffee and a replacement for vanilla in any sweet or savory recipe. Michelle now has trained 70 Cookie School instructors who help with the demand of teaching classes. Dr. Gowan continues to work at a charter school in teacher support as well as an adjunct professor of Education at Mercer University.

Business Building Insights

Everything that I give as a gift has a part of me in it. Recognize the value of putting part of yourself into the creation of your products.
Listen to the feedback that you get and modify accordingly.
When you’re making something that doesn’t already exist, you don’t have anything to compare yourself to. The road is clear for your creativity.
You can’t do it all. Seek help from advisors and listen to them.
When at trade shows, the connections made with other vendors are worth just as much, sometimes more, than the sales made.
Give yourself permission to stand back and let opportunities find you.
With anything worth doing, there is risk.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

192 – Be the BEST Product Boss Minna Khounlo-Sithep

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Minna is one busy woman owning two separate businesses, Lil’ Labels and The Product Boss Podcast. Lil’ Labels are writable, waterproof labels for baby items for daycare and is an Amazon bestseller. Minna also co-owns and co-hosts The Product Boss Podcast and coaches product-based business owners how to grow their businesses and connect with other product entrepreneurs through Masterminds. She lives in Iowa, is the mom of two little girls, and loves living her passion as mom and CEO.

Business Building Insights

One way to identify a product to create is to look for problems in your life that can be solved.
Be okay with the slow months and use them strategically to build inventory and test new concepts.
Push the busier months based on the results and learning from slow month testing.
Focus on growing annual revenue and margin rather than the unit sold at a consistent rate throughout the year.
On slow months, work on building an email list and waiting list so you’re primed when it’s your strong season.
For product inserts, add only one call to action for it be effective.

Challenges

Start ups – mindset, self doubt, burning time and money, knowing what your options are. Growth – How do you make more money? How do you make more sales? Expansion – Figuring out the process for scaling.

Resources Mentioned

Jen Eby from Eby Farms – Great example of using social media videos and live streaming Zulily Groupon Jane Postmark Sassy Steals Groop Dealz

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

191 – Why Amazon Over Ebay with Amy Feierman of Mommy Income

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Amy is a podcaster, educator and entrepreneur who has been selling online for almost 10 years. While she started on eBay, most of that time was focused on Amazon. In 2014, she and a friend/colleague started teaching others how to sell on Amazon. This has become her area of expertise. Now now co-hosts the Amazon Files show that you can catch live every Monday night at 9pm eastern. Replays are available on YouTube or a podcast of the same name. Amy’s goal to help others start and grow their Amazon businesses so they can build lives they love.

Business Building Insights

In business it’s best to have multiple places to sell your product.
Having a website is essential because that’s where you want to steer people. If you want to broaden your audience, Amazon is a great way to do that.
The search in Amazon is amazing as long as you optimize your listing with keywords that people are actively searching for.
If you’re selling in Amazon be aware of the rules. Understand the platform well. Read the terms of service and the guidelines. Ask questions of you don’t understand.
By niching down you can focus on the segment of the audience actually looking for and buying your product.
Work on where you are today and what you want to accomplish. Take baby steps towards that end goal.
Don’t do something without a reason behind why you’re doing it.
Amazon feels overwhelming. Take it one step at a time and don’t let fear take over business potential.

Resources Mentioned

Merchant Words – Connect the dots between buyer keywords and your products. Pinterest – Amy talks about this in relation to keyword search.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

190 – Taking Chances as You Start and Grow a Business with Kate Flynn of Sun and Swell Foods

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Kate Flynn is the founder and CEO of Sun and Swell Foods, a healthy snack food company based in Santa Barbara, California. Kate started her company two years ago with her husband, Bryan, after realizing that most packaged snack foods in stores are loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Her mission is to create on-the-go snack foods that are made with only the highest quality, whole food ingredients, so people don’t have to compromise their health when eating on-the-go.

Business Building Insights

Believe in yourself. You’re the one responsible for your success.
Hold yourself accountable to the goals and promises you make to yourself.
If something doesn’t work, look for another way to achieve the same result.
Positive feedback keeps us going.
Your product is not for everybody. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. It just means it’s not for them.
It’s surprising what can happen when you say “yes” to things.
Take a moment, pause, and celebrate your progress.

Resources Mentioned

Check out Jen Sincero’s full line of books on Amazon. In particular, Kate is referencing the one on How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Sign up for my FREE MASTERCLASS – How to Turn Your Hobby into a Business

Learn to make money doing what you love. You’re a gifter, baker, crafter, or maker … and you’re stuck in a day job. You’d love to turn your one-of-a-kind jewelry or heavenly chocolate into a profitable business, but you have no idea where to start. How the heck do people turn their creative business dreams into reality?

Learn the ONE thing that will take you from ‘hobbyist’ to ‘pro’ in no time
Discover the 5 crucial steps to give your business a solid foundation and set you up for massive growth
Find out how to be 2 steps ahead in your business so that your customer starts chasing you!

It’s time to get out of your rut and dive into your future headfirst! Stop wondering about your next steps — instead, pour yourself something delicious, sit down, and let me show you how to turn your hobby into a money-making business.

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

189 – Colors, Fonts and Graphics. How to Create Your Visual Brand with Sal Frances

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Sal Frances is a branding and social media content specialist. Wait, let me back that up. Sal is my branding and social media content specialist. I’ve told her before that I want to keep her all to myself, but that’s not nice. Nor does that serve you at all. Plus, you have asked for direction in this area so I’m bringing you the best. Sal doesn’t call herself a graphic designer though, because branding is so much more! She escaped the corporate world in 2017 with the intention to sell digital products (ebooks and courses.) Sal never thought she’d be designing brands and social media graphics for clients. This came about completely unintentionally simply by sharing her work within her coaching group. To her surprise, everyone said, “I want that. Can you do this for me?” Sal found her place in the social media space organically by learning what she’s best at AND what people need. Today, Sal has a content “batching” service and does custom brand work for clients, which is what she’s doing for me. In fact, she’s the genius behind the branding of my signature program, Makers MBA as well as most of what you see online with Gift Biz Unwrapped.

Business Building Insights

Branding is more than a logo. It encompasses the words you use, the colors, the fonts, the imagery and the photography.
It’s not about what people see. It’s what they think, feel and remember about your brand.
Cohesive branding is important throughout your business. Avoid the feeling of disconnect.
Rather than asking, “What do I want my audience to see?” You want to ask,
“How do I want my audience to feel?”
“What do I want my audience to think?”
“What do I want my audience to remember?”
Identify 5 words that describe your brand’s personality.
List all the brand touch points where your brand is visible.

Resources Mentioned

Colorzilla – Advanced Eyedropper, Color Picker, Gradient Generator and more. Canva – Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and layouts to design, share and print business cards, logos, presentations and social media posts.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

188 – “Ask the Question!” says Fine Artist Sonya Paz

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Sonya is a fine artist who has created her own highly recognized individual brand and pop art style of painting. In addition to fine art paintings, her products include Sonya Paz signature Limited Edition wristwear, watches, ceramics, apparel, clocks, jewelry, and framed prints. Sonya’s products are found in boutiques, museum shops, and wineries. Additionally, interior designers and decorators use Sonya Paz designs for modern home accents and original art. Sonya is also a marketing and branding wiz who has made a name for herself in the art world. She enjoys helping others who are developing their own brand and creative business. With her knowledge of expertise, marketing savvy and sassy tenacity, Sonya pays it forward as the host and creator of the Rockstar Mentor podcast and related services.

Business Building Insights

Work hard to hone your sales skills.
The power of asking a question can take you to destinations you can never imagine.
If I had taken NO for an answer, I would not be who I am today.
When you go to a trade show, make as many connections as possible. Then follow up, follow up, follow up.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
Everyone is going to fail in some capacity. Don’t use it as a reason to stop. It should teach you something so you can move forward.
When you’re communicating with other people in business, listen to what they’re telling you. Listen to their story.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

187 – Finding Courage Through Art with Frances Castro of Francesita by Frances

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Frances is in the process of starting her own business, Francesita by Frances, with the dream of making a living income with her art. Frances works on canvas and also upcyles furniture. Actually, she’ll tackle just about anything that will take paint. Bright colors and whimsical themes are fundamental to her artwork as she has been influenced by having lived in Central America for several decades. Frances’ personal goal is to transmit sunshine through each piece she sells. Her journey to this point has been one of action, decisions and believing in herself. I’m thrilled to catch Frances right at this point in the development of her new business. As you’ll hear, her background and experience are putting her right in line for success.

Business Building Insights

When faced with adversity, you have the opportunity to transform into something new.
Art is a mindful practice. It keeps you in the present and focused on creating.
Research how to make your business visible and begin to thrive.
Focus on what your customer is looking for.
Don’t stop. Don’t give up on your dreams.
People who’ve found success usually are people who’ve also had a lot of failures.
Be determined and resourceful. Also call upon your energy and attitude.

Contact Links

Website Pinterest

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Sign up for my FREE MASTERCLASS – How to Turn Your Hobby into a Business

Learn the ONE thing that will take you from ‘hobbyist’ to ‘pro’ in no time
Discover the 5 crucial steps to give your business a solid foundation and set you up for massive growth
Find out how to be 2 steps ahead in your business so that your customer starts chasing you!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

186 – Bake the Cookies, Spin the Dreidel, Capture Those Holiday Sales!

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:00:00 -0600

It’s fourth quarter and you know what that means. There is magic in the retail air. Credit cards are being swiped and Apple pay is in full swing. You want a piece of this holiday sales action, don’t you? I know you said, “yes.” If you’re really serious, what are you doing differently right now than during the rest of the year? What have you put in place to turn on the holiday cheer and light up your holiday sales? You see, if you only do the things you always do all year, your sales will be okay but not lighting up the bank account. Let’s kick that black coal to the side of the road and hang some glistening tinsel so you capture your joyful share of the holiday sales cheer. It’s lining up to be a great year for gifting sales. Make sure your pile of presents are stacked high. Okay, enough of the holiday metaphors, but it’s okay to be a little glittery. It’s the holiday season!

Business Building Insights

You have to take action and do things differently to magnify your 4th quarter sales
There are 3 categories where you can affect sales: Visibility, Promotions and Price
People are opening their wallets and set to spend money. It’s your opportunity to show why they should be spending it with you.
You don’t have to sell holiday-themed products to make your offerings look festive.
Point out what service or purpose your product offers for the holidays.
Don’t forget about your customer who is buying gifts for others. Do you have something for them too?
Holiday promotion is not all about cutting your prices.

Resources Mentioned

Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Gift Biz Resources

Download Our Free Holiday Promo Planner Here

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor- please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their business too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Thank you so much! Sue

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185 – Greetings! Get Your Ideas Out to the World with Adam Donato of Card Isle

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 02:00:00 -0600

The greeting card industry hasn’t really seen anything new in the last 50 years … except for the cards that play music when they’re opened. Card Isle is a company, founded by three engineers, that changes that. They’ve captured all the magic that comes from a tangible greeting card and made it easier to find that perfect card. Whether you run an e-commerce shop, take most of your orders over the phone or have a brick & mortar store, Card Isle sets you up with more selection than a Hallmark store. It also eliminates the headache of guessing what card designs will sell.

Business Building Insights

Adam is an entrepreneur because he likes creating and doing things others haven’t done.
Go out and talk to customers to understand what problems they are facing. Find out what needs to be solved.
Meet people where they are already.
Take direction on your next steps from people using your product.
Getting the right partner makes a big difference. It must be someone you can count on and trust.
In a company there should be a hierarchy. There needs to be one CEO, someone who will make the tough decisions.
At the end of the day it’s the execution that matters. It’s how you take an idea and turn it into something real and tangible.
There’s a culture to help each other in the world of entrepreneurs.
Find a mentor who can help you be successful.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

184 – Goo Goos, Moon Pies and a Guitar Box with Shelia Horvath of HeavenlyTreats4U

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 02:00:00 -0600

Shelia is the founder and owner of Heavenly Treats 4 U, a custom gift basket company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Shelia’s entrepreneurial spirit, hard work and long hours provide the leverage to go places she never thought could be possible. What was born out of the hospitality industry and a passion to design, has blossomed into something quite amazing; touching so many people with a little basket of cheer. Shelia is proud to have earned the coveted Gift Designer Certification. She has been featured on the cover of the gift basket industry magazine Trends & Tips and was a keynote speaker at the 2017 National Gift Basket Convention. This year Shelia added author to her list of accomplishments in the collaborated book, “Simply Inspired.” Shelia and Dan have been married for 35 years. They have two boys and an adorable grandson, Gabriel.

Business Building Insights

When you move a business to a new town, you’re basically starting over.
Make something that can be reproduced and market to the masses.
Make your products unique and include a Signature Product.
You’ll grow by making yourself stand out and have people talking about you.
Branch out. When it comes to your initial niche, don’t feel you have to stay solely in that lane.
A good product and good packaging go hand in hand.
Realize the value of being able to duplicate.
Don’t lose sight of your core product and vision.
There’s always something new to learn.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

183 – How a Single Moment Turns into a Business with Kristy Mangia of Giddy Up Nuts

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 02:00:00 -0600

Kristy Mangia started Giddy Up Nuts as a way to escape “the crazy” of everyday life. Today she feels lucky because it has become her everyday life! Giddy Up Nuts was born about 5 years ago in her dad’s kitchen. They started selling at the local farmers market and then took on distributing to gourmet and specialty food stores from there. Kristy says that now more than ever it’s important to know where your food is coming from and to have a connection to what you’re eating. Giddy Up Nuts is all natural, uses local ingredients whenever possible and tastes delicious too! Kristy’s mission is to create something unique and delicious that people can also feel good about eating.

Business Building Insights

Never stop pushing yourself or exploring.
Deal with self doubt by reminding yourself everyday that you’re doing it already.
Have a fierce tenacity to turn down the noise around you and follow whatever is pulling you.
The closest people around you can be your first test group.
Start small and start humbly but always listen to what’s driving you.
It’s important to have a solid product and to have a value proposition.
Be good at rejection. Not everyone will say yes to you.
Take feedback gracefully.
Look at everything as a learning experience and a lesson.
Stay true to yourself and trust what you’re doing.
There is no shame in slow and steady growth.
Business is full of competition. Find out how you’re going to differentiate yourself.

Resources Mentioned

Quickbooks – accounting software

Contact Links

Website – Meditation for Women Podcast Website – Biz Women Rock Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Facebook Group

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

182 – Connect to Your Inner Voice with Katie Krimitsos of Biz Women Rock

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Katie is a mom, wife, podcaster, and business strategist. She’s also an adventurer, seeker and change maker. Katie is committed to brightening the light of women around the world in two ways. First, through her Biz Women Rock community, which supports women entrepreneurs. And most recently, through Meditation for Women, guided meditations that are specifically created with the special journey of women in mind. These meditations are tools to help reconnect with the divine wisdom already inside of each us, so we may live our own, extraordinary lives.

Business Building Insights

We can create the life and business of our dreams.
Our journey as women is multi-dimensional and integrated. We are already the CEO of our life, the manager and organizer in charge of our lives and the lives of our family.
We are all in our own way with negative self talk and comparison.
If you believe it, you can do it.
Our lives and our business have to work together.
Meditation for Women connects you to your inner voice. It’s a tool to get clear on your next best step versus what you’ve been told your path should be.
Meditation is the pause. It’s a time to be quiet and detach from your whirlwind of thoughts, to realign and make adjustments.
Be intentional with how you show up in this life. Both in what you’re creating and who you’re being.
Meditation does not need to look like anything specific. It can be what you need in the moment. It can shift and can evolve.
Keep yourself humble and grounded. Humbled confidence.

Resources Mentioned

5 FREE Meditations for Women

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

181 – What We Can Learn from an Olympian Medalist with Aja Evans

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 02:00:00 -0600

A two-time Olympian, Aja Evans, won a bronze medal in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games as a brakeman for the USA Women’s Bobsled Team. Throughout her track and field career, Aja was known for her dominance in both the sprints and shot put. At the University of Illinois, she won three Big Ten titles. The 5-time NCAA Division 1 All-American recently competed in her second Olympic games in February at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. She and her driver Jamie Greubel-Poser placed 5th. Aja comes from a family of elite athletes and in this podcast episode we’re talking about the drive, the passion and the discipline needed to win.

Business Building Insights

Developing confidence in whatever you do is a game changer.
Embrace the psychological aspect of your journey.
Be mentally ready. If things change, you want to be able to bounce back quickly.
Working on strength, conditioning and speed applies as much to a business as it does to a sport.
Get in tune with your body so you know when to push and when to relax. This provides you with endurance as you go through peaks and valleys along the way.
In tough times, remind yourself why you are doing what your doing. Keep your eyes on the goal.
Write down specifically what needs to be accomplished each day. This is the key to increased productivity.
It’s powerful when you learn to separate business from personal. In order to perform your have to be able to put feelings aside. You can do this with practice.
Be open to understanding and accepting different personalities.
You’re meant to be happy and confident.

Resources Mentioned

Aspiring Journeys Ahead – More to come on this organization as it develops.

Contact Links

Facebook Instagram Twitter

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

180 – Your Inside Peek at FB “Live from the Hive” with Shawn Parola of All The Buzz

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 02:00:00 -0600

Shawn is the owner of All The Buzz, a gift basket and corporate gift company located in San Jose, California. Shawn’s business has grown over the past 14 years from part-time & home based to very full time in a private production facility. All The Buzz focuses on custom business gifts, with an emphasis on California products and personalized products created right in her workshop. Shawn is a recognized expert in her field. She has served as an instructor at a national conference, has been featured in several publications and won many design awards, most recently first place corporate design at the National Gift Basket Convention.

Business Building Insights

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just keep going.
A support group is critical. You need somebody when times get tough to tell you, “You can do this. You got this. I’m going to come help you.”
Places you can get support: Facebook Groups, Networking, Mastermind Groups
It’s a sign of strength to know when you need help.
One of Shawn’s most valuable groups focuses on social media support of all members. Listen to the show to get the details.
People want to work with people they know. Facebook Live shows your personality as the business owner in a trustworthy and authentic way.
Other ideas for FB Live broadcasts: Unboxing, vendor spotlights, new programs and tips.
Engagement is higher if you announce in advance that you’re going live.
When you encounter dips in sales (like the recession), reduce costs by bringing outside services back in-house.
Also during the slow season, use your time to identify ways to up-level the business through research, learning new skills and identifying opportunities for your business.

Resources Mentioned

Snapseed – Mobile app for editing photos. Available for iOS and Android systems.

Contact Links

Top Take Aways from 100 Episodes of Gift Biz Unwrapped Evernote Power! Get Super Productive with Steve Dotto

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

179 – The Brave Leap from Shyness to Living Her Passion with Lisa Wojcik of Black Bow Sweets

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Lisa graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2005 with a degree in English. But there was a problem, her passion was for art and design. Unsure about what career to pursue, Lisa made what she considers to be the best decision of her life. She applied to a design school in San Francisco and dropped everything to attend. She earned a degree in Visual Communications and for the following 9 years worked as a visual merchandiser, eventually landing as a corporate visual merchandising manager. Although Lisa loved her work, she wanted to start a business of her own. It was at this point, she seriously started to entertain an idea that she’d had in her late 20’s – selling her mother’s candied pecans. The inspiration came after making the candied nuts for friends who raved about them and encouraged her to start a business. Finally, at 32, she was ready. Black Bow Sweets is now 3 years old and growing rapidly with an expanded product line and distribution across the US.

Business Building Insights

Get used to and become comfortable with change.
No matter how afraid you are of not succeeding, go ahead and try.
Research is an important step to starting a business.
Spread the word about your new business to families and friends.
Get out into the public eye through community and non-profit events.
It’s up to you to get people excited about your product.
Getting positive feedback boosts you up and provides momentum to keep going.
Communication with customers is a solid form of customer service. One way to do this is to let a customer know the progress of their order and then to followup afterwards to get feedback on their purchase.
Write thank you notes to customers. Let them know you appreciate how they have helped a small business grow.

Resources Mentioned

The Daily Greatness Journal – A unique series of lifestyle journals, courses and content for health, fitness, business, personal growth. Evernote – Keep your life organized.

Podcast Episodes Referenced

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

178 – Discover the “Whys” Behind Your Business

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Who, what, why, when, where. Back in my college journalism days, these were the necessary points to cover in any article or broadcast. As a business owner, experience has shown me that the first and most important one, by a long shot, is “Why.” Knowing the “Why” of your company is like creating a guidebook that outlines the answers to the rest. The who, what, when and where. It brings direction and clarity to all your decisions and actions. With direction and clarity comes business momentum and growth. Without it there is confusion, random action and stalled or declining results. There are actually two “Whys” and it all starts with discovering what these are for you. They are completely individual. There is no power in borrowing someone else’s “Why.” It’s something you must discover for yourself. We go through the description of the two “Whys” you are after. I’ll give examples from others that will help you uncover your own unique position. This can lead to significant change for you and your business. I’m so excited for your discovery!

Business Building Insights

Understanding your two “Whys” brings purpose to your efforts and clarity to your actions.
Having an understanding of your personal underlying motivation will help you through the difficult times in your business.
Starting a business solely to bring in money leads to disaster. There must be something more.
One of your “Whys” is only for you. You can even keep it private if you do want. Once you have it identified, it will give you power.
It’s up to us to tell and excite people about learning more and using our product or service.
What makes your product most valuable is not the features that can already be seen. It’s the emotional connection created by knowing and talking about the “Why.”
Your “Why” sets you apart from others and leads to the most loyal customers.

Resources Mentioned

How Great Leaders Inspire Action with Simon Sinek Start with Why by Simon Sinek Shopping For a Change

Contact Links

Facebook Instagram

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

177 – Legal Guidance Specifically for Makers Like You with Joey Vitale of Indie Law

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 03:00:00 -0600

In his law firm, Indie Law, Joey works with creative small business owners to protect their passions and give them the legal foundation they need to thrive. With these services, Joey focuses on the legal issues that matter most to creatives: trademarks, business formation, copyrights, and contracts. I knew Joey was someone I wanted on the show when I visited his website and saw this phrase, “We strive to keep things simple, positive, honest and human!”

Business Building Insights

Put your well-being before your business. When you stay happy and healthy, your business keeps thriving.
It’s fulfilling to work with people who have a big heart and passion for what they’re doing.
You have to be careful because a hobby that you enjoy can easily turn into a business you hate running.
It’s not necessary to legally protect your business until it’s successful, meaning a proven concept that sells.
Once you are selling to more than friends and family, don’t wait to protect your copyrights and trademarks until it’s too late.
You don’t get exclusive rights to your name unless you have a federal registration in place.
The first step is to make sure that you’re not infringing on anybody else’s trademark.
If you are using a name and you will be in business two years from now, then you should invest in trademark protection.
Not everything that we create is protected by copyrights.
Legal documents that should be added to your website are a Privacy Policy, Terms of Use and Conditions.
For newbies, the first big thing is awareness. You don’t have to learn everything in detail, but you should understand the difference between patents, trademarks and copyrights.
Treat your business as a real business and not just an extension of you.

Resources Mentioned

Myows – copyright protection app

Contact Links

FREE TRADEMARK CRASH COURSE Website Facebook Instagram

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

176 – How to Work a Room® with Susan RoAne

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Susan RoAne is the author of the classic bestseller – How To Work A Room® which has sold over 1.2 million books in 14 countries, as well as The Secrets of Savvy Networking, also a best seller. Named by Forbes as one of the networking gurus of 2015, Susan is an in-demand international keynote speaker who has shared her message of connection and communication with audiences worldwide. She has been featured in New York Times, The Guardian, on CNN, The BBC, Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal to name a few. Susan was quoted by Sir Richard Branson in his 10 Quotes to Mark Things Happen as his #6! Her clients include Coca Cola, The US Air Force, UnitedHealth Group, Yale University, Apple Computer, Intel, Stanford University, LinkedIN, The National Football League, and her personal favorite . . . Hershey Chocolate!

Business Building Insights

Let everyone in your life circles know what you’re interested in and what you do.
Networking is reciprocal. If you don’t recommend other people, why should they recommend you?
You can learn so much through face to face interactions that you will never uncover online or through an email.
Women are the ultimate hosts. We gather people. We welcome people.
Knowing How to Work a Room® is a social skill. Networking is the follow up. We need both to build, manage and create our businesses.
Nobody has said, “I hate networking,” who doesn’t love getting a recommendation, a referral or a lead.
Before you go to any event, have your introduction prepared.
Make sure you look welcoming and approachable by monitoring your voice, facial expressions and body language.
When telling people what you do, make sure to explain the benefits of your product or service.
Give people something to remember you by.
Embrace small talk. People bond when they have in something in common.
The three aspects to conversation: Observe. Ask. Reveal.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

175 – You’ve Been Asked to Speak at an Event. Now What?

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 03:00:00 -0600

As a successful business owner, there will be a time when you are asked or have an opportunity to share your expertise in public. It could be a presentation at a town meeting, a networking event or a large conference. Most people react by thinking, “I’d never be able to do that!” But hold on! Don’t jump to that conclusion so fast! Speaking can provide a big boost to your business. It gives you visibility and credibility and positions you as the expert in your field. But you need to deliver a strong presentation. How do you go about doing this? In this episode I share my step by step process to presentation creation. That way, when you do encounter an opportunity to speak, you can say “yes” with enthusiasm and confidence because you know what to do next.

Business Building Insights

Public presentations can boost visibility and credibility for you and your business.
Make sure you understand who your audience will be and create your message around what is important to them.
Give a presentation that provides value. Your audience should learn something or be able to do something new, better or in a different way after listening to your talk.
Your slides should enhance and draw attention to what you are saying. They should not be text with you reading every word on the screen.
Practice, practice, practice so you are able to focus on adding personality to the presentation and not be thinking about what you’re going to say next.
To calm nerves concentrate on ensuring your audience understands your message versus thinking about how you look or the words you’re saying. Outward focus versus inward focus will make those jitters magically disappear.

Contact Links

PRESENTATION CREATION CHECKLIST Facebook Instagram

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

174 – Why Etsy for Handmade Sellers with Danielle Spurge of The Merriweather Council

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 02:00:00 -0600

Danielle is a maker and craft business consultant who loves iced lattes and pop music. Through her work at The Merriweather Council, Danielle teaches creative people how to turn their crafty tendencies into profits. On her blog and podcast, Danielle aims to inspire and support makers in business and share insights from her eight years of experience selling handmade work online. Danielle believes in celebrating the reality of gainful self-employment through craft and wants to help more artists, crafters and designers share their work with more confidence.

Business Building Insights

For most, you don’t wake up one day and have this great big business plan. More likely, you make something and want to figure out how to sell it.
To start your business, find someone who can be a resource and you trust to guide you.
Etsy is a strong platform for the handmade seller and comes with a solid audience of buyers.
If you want a business that’s sustainable and viable into the future, you’ll also want your own website in addition to your Etsy site. It’s important to have that autonomy.
Etsy can bring you traffic initially and then you can capture prospects information and keep up the relationship on your own site.
When there are website issues, Etsy can be a back up to your primary site.
Etsy is a place where you can cultivate media attention and get features in their space.
Put your products in a light that aligns with trends that Etsy is currently featuring or promoting.
Start an Etsy shop with at least 30 products. Give people a reason to look around.
Stock your Shop. It’s a numbers game. The more listings you have, the more opportunity you have to be discovered and make a sale.
Do not overwhelm yourself with to dos. Don’t rush into your new business. Take your time. Be intentional. Be patient with yourself.

Resources Mentioned

Trello – app to have one centralized location for organization

Danielle’s Gift to Us

Etsy Lessons – a free series to help you unlock the power of Etsy

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

173 – Is it Time to Clean Up Your Social Media Program? with Sarah Frink of Real Marketing Solutions

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Sarah Frink, CEO & Founder of Real Marketing Solutions is a creative, driven and radically authentic digital marketing strategist with a head for marketing and the heart of an entrepreneur. Sarah has the unique talent of taking complex ideas and breaking them down into actionable steps that get results. Four years ago, Sarah founded Real Marketing Solutions. RMS is a creative digital agency specializing in helping businesses create an online presence that converts strangers to followers, followers to leads and leads to paying clients. Sarah and her team offer social media training, end-to-end social media management, digital advertising, content design and self-study courses and group coaching for Do It Yourself marketers, virtual assistants and business owners.

Business Building Insights

Your ideal client has to be attracted to your brand.
There’s a certain amount of “personality of you” that needs to be in your branding.
Be very clear on who your ideal client is.
It is important to have consistent content strategy.
For each social media site: Understand the platform. Learn the platform. Master the platform.
Pick the platform where the majority of your ideal clients are in terms of demographics. Then create content specific to that platform.
In order for content to be seen it has to be interesting and relevant to your audience. One idea is to teach people how to use your product or demonstrate the benefits behind the product.
Behind the scenes posts are always interesting and get lots of views and comments.
If you are going to share content from someone else, make sure to include your own spin on the topic.

Resources Mentioned

Video Editing Tools: Splice Video Editor by GoPro Camtasia

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

172 – Lobby Pop Ups for the Corporate Biz Win with Annette Pardun of Fill My Jar

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Annette started Fill My Jar Candy Company three years ago, introducing the world to a unique line of handcrafted yet traditional caramel, toffees and chocolate barks. She grew up in a large Italian family where everything centered around the kitchen. There was always good food and a large table to gather around. Even when she was young, Annette loved showing people she cared about them by making delicious dishes and sweets. When Annette started her own family, she made homemade treats and candy to give as gifts for holidays, or as a way to say thank you to family, neighbors, friends, teachers, coaches and co-workers. After raising her daughters, she decided it was time to return to school and start on a path of making her dream a reality.

Business Building Insights

Sometimes you have to have a “what the hell” attitude to discover new possibilities.
Narrow down your offerings based on what works for you and your customer.
Be involved in local craft shows to get your name out.
Regarding your website, you can’t just create it and think people will automatically find and buy from you. You need to direct people there.
Use Facebook in the beginning to get visibility. This is a great place for your friends to learn about and support your business.
Make sure that your business card has details of other ways people can reach you.
A variety of vendors and products brings sales to everyone because it attracts a wider audience.
It makes a huge difference to have support and people that believe in what you’re doing. Make sure to build that team of people for yourself.
Establishing a program of lobby pop up shops can be a large source of revenue for your business and get you in front of corporate decision makers you’d never meet otherwise.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

171 – Create Your Own Mastermind Magic with Natalie Eckdahl of Biz Chix

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Natalie is a Business Strategist and High Performance Coach who helps high-achieving women entrepreneurs across industries and time zones build, grow and scale their business while avoiding overwhelm. She’s the Founder of the BizChix Community, Podcast, Programs and Events and has been recognized as “One of the Top Women in Business to Listen to.” She has also been featured in Inc, Fast Company, Huffington Post and Entrepreneur. Natalie brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. She draws from her MBA education, 20+ years of work experience, deep intuition, and over 250 podcast interviews with industry influencers to help her clients with customized strategy and coaching. When she’s not enjoying precious moments with her husband, Mark and her 3 children, you can find Natalie drinking a steaming cup of coffee, on her way to spin class or sneaking in a power nap.

Business Building Insights

Listen to the people you’re attracting. They will tell you what to do next.
Understand what is performing well and do more of that.
The things that are easiest for you are most likely difficult for someone else. This provides a clue as to how you can help them.
There is huge value in specializing and niching down. Be known for something. Narrow your focus of who you are trying to attract and serve.
Initial opportunities for business are greatest in your personal network. Make sure people there understand what you’re doing and who you do it for.
The goal of an elevator speech is to create curiosity.
Masterminds bring together people with a common objective. It is important to have the same level of commitment and momentum.
Masterminds provide value through getting advice from people who are not emotionally connected to you.
Masterminds offer camaraderie so you don’t feel alone in your business. It’s important to connect with people who understand you and what you’re going through.

Resources Mentioned

Download your free Mastermind Quick Start Guide

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

170 – Going from Emotion to Productivity When Tragedy Strikes with Bobbi Baehne of Think Big Go Local

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Bobbi is the President of Think Big Go Local, a digital marketing agency headquartered in the Chicagoland area. They focus exclusively on entrepreneurs and have worked with over 300 clients spanning dozens of different industries. TBGL specializes in getting small business messages in front of their client’s ideal customer, thereby growing their business and bottom line. Three years ago, Bobbi lost her 25-year-old son in a motorcycle accident. She is now passionate about turning emotion into productivity and sharing a message of strength and resiliency.

Business Building Insights

Social Media isn’t necessarily a selling tool. It is a relationship building tool.
With the limited reach we’re getting in social media, our content has got to get better in order to get noticed.
Building relationships requires us to be our authentic self. Start thinking in terms of creating groups, attracting the right people and engaging as your authentic self.
Take something terrible that happened in life and turn it into an opportunity to grow something else.
Put your energy into something that can help other people and make a difference in the community.
Stay ahead of the curve by having done things in advance.
Cross-train so if something happens to you or one of your employees, someone else can pick up where you left off.
To anyone going through tragedy: Be kind to yourself.

Resources Mentioned

Canva – An online app to create content, GIFS, graphic designs and more Werble – Allows you to bring a piece of content and add movement, animation and elements.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

169 – Could an Artisan Co-op Be for You? with Nancy Gissendaner of Queen Bee Artisan Market

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 03:00:00 -0600

The Queen Bee Artisan Market an indoor market open year-round in the beautiful tourist town of Lake Geneva, WI. Nancy has tripled in size in only three years! Going from 22 to now 75 artisans, the Queen Bee Artisan Market displays products from all over the USA with many artisans local to the area. The one requirement is everything must be handmade or upcycled. Here you can find everything from jewelry to pottery to home decor. Nancy is most proud of how supportive everyone is of each other. Many of the local artisans (the bees) also work at the store. The environment is cheerful and lively. Sounds like the place to be!

Business Building Insights

If you encounter an opportunity, take the leap!
To form a co-op, start a company and begin networking with other artisans.
It’s all about the experience when a customer walks into your store.
Everybody is creative in some way. You just need to figure out what that way is for you.
Have activities that draw people into your shop. Something that engages the customer. Examples are live artisan demonstrations or a special offering. Nancy talks about a good one in the podcast.
As you get started, do some research to see what’s already out there. Go to different craft shows and art festivals to figure out how your product can be unique.
Your margin is important. Make sure you’re not giving your product away. This is where many artisans get stuck and why they don’t make money.

Resources Mentioned

Square – inventory management

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

168 – Inventory Woes and Resolution with Layne Booth

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Layne’s business, The Project Booth, focuses on the inventory and ordering mayhem that becomes a struggle for many product-based businesses. Layne grew up as a math nerd, graduated college with two engineering degrees and went straight into manufacturing. She spent over a decade in the supply chain world. But as her family started to grow, she was ready for more flexibility. She started The Project Booth to help businesses confidently plan their sales and inventory and maximize their bottom line. It results in the owner’s clarity, confidence, and of course, cash flow! Layne makes the numbers in your business “show you the money”. When not nerding out with numbers, you can find Layne enjoying time with her family at the playground or catching the latest superhero movie with her husband.

Business Building Insights

The goal is to balance inventory quantities to realize and maximize profit targets.
Reducing options such as colors or fragrances helps keep inventory under control.
If you are just starting to attend craft/trade shows, your first product quantities will be an educated guess. Then track results and adjust as you go forward.
For perishable goods the key is to have multiple outlets of distribution so you don’t have to throw away expired product.
When analyzing your numbers, compare your results only against yourself – not others.
Resist overstocking . That’s money stuck in on the shelf versus being used elsewhere.
Managing cash flow will make or break your business.

Resources Mentioned

Acuity Scheduling

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

167 – Meet the New and Improved LinkedIn with Viveka von Rosen

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Viveka von Rosen is Cofounder of Vengreso, the largest provider of full spectrum digital sales transformation solutions. Known as the @LinkedInExpert, she’s also the author of the best-selling book, LinkedIn Marketing: An Hour a Day and LinkedIn: 101 Ways to Rock Your Personal Brand! She is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur, Selling Power and the Social Media Examiner.

The Start of Vengreso

A group of LinkedIn experts and social selling experts thought about creating an online membership community to teach and train. But no one wanted to step up and take the lead. In the desire to come together as opposed to work against, five competitors (including Viveka) decided to start a social selling company, now known as Vengreso. Digital sales transformation is about the entire ecosphere of digital sales, strategies and marketing. Having these partners has made it easier for Viveka to provide a true value proposition as opposed to just competing and coming down to price.

Business Building Insights

If you use social media platforms the right way, it will be easier for you to warm up relationships, stay top of mind and position yourself as an expert and trusted advisor within your industry.
It’s about mindset, skill set and tool set and aligning them with sales and marketing.
Your LinkedIn profile needs to be your personal brand.
Your LinkedIn profile is there to let your prospects know what you can do for them.
Switch your LinkedIn profile from a resume to a resource.
Create a helpful and useful customer focused profile that increases positive sentiments.
Concentrate on what makes you different from everybody else and most importantly what that does for your customer.
Add resources to your profile. Upload media, testimonials, product demonstrations or an interview.
Never use a LinkedIn invitation as a sales pitch.
Share content once a day or a couple times a week to show people you’re engaged and active on LinkedIn.

Resources Mentioned

The New Look of LinkedIn

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

166 – Are You REALLY Serving Your Customers? with Jim Lederer of Bluegrass

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Jim has spent over thirty years in the restaurant business. Companies he’s worked with that you may recognize even if you aren’t local, are Stouffers Restaurant Corporation, Don Roth’s, and Crawdaddy Bayou. Jim has traveled and consulted in the food & beverage industry for Universal Hospitality. He also started the Restaurant Row Hospitality Group, which empowered a number of independent restauranteurs while he was President of the Board at the Wheeling and Prospect Heights area Chamber of Commerce. Fourteen years ago, Jim decided to go off on his own and open Bluegrass. He’s taken the fine dining approach to a casual setting. Adding in traditional southern cuisine and a lively atmosphere, Bluegrass is always, “the place to be.”

The Start of Bluegrass

Back in high school Jim started throwing parties in his backyard. It was fun for him to create an event and see it come to life. That’s how he caught the entertainment bug. From the very beginning, he treated it more like a business than just a high school party and Jim’s never looked back!

Business Building Insights

You don’t work for a company. You work for an individual and you work for a mentor.
Find someone who will help you craft whatever you want to get out of each job you take.
Walk out of each job with new knowledge that you can use for your future plan.
Take your strengths and pair them with your weakness as you add employees or partners.
One’s failure is another person’s opportunity.
Change or be changed: Keep changing and keep current.
If you have a good business and you have a good product. People will seek you out.
It’s service that separates most of the commodity products.
Business is about relationships. Connect at a community level.
You have to separate yourself from the rest by having something that stands out.
When you build your skills, you build your knowledge.

Contact Links

Website Facebook LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

165 – She Gets Us! with Gwen Bortner

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Gwen Bortner is a speaker, trainer and consultant focused on the craft enthusiast niche. Her passion is working with small business owners helping them reach their individual success goals. She calls it the light bulb moment. That moment when everything clicks into place. When an obstacle is overcome or when a goal is met or a long sought-after answer is realized. Gwen has taught craft and business classes throughout the country for over 15 years. She is the author of Entree to Entrelac, an instructor for Craftsy, and the past Interim Executive Director of The National Needlearts Association. Being a passionate believer in abundance, Gwen knows that when we work together to improve our industry, our individual businesses improve as well.

The Start of GwenBortner.com

Back in college, Gwen reconnected with her childhood love of knitting. For a short time she worked in a yarn shop with the thought that someday she’d have her own yarn business. With a degree in computer science, she worked for Ernst and Young and ran an IT department for a phone company. During the dotcom down-turn in early 2000, she laid herself off, focused on her hobby of knitting and started a company called Knitability. As the business advanced, she realized that what made her really happy was being a knitting instructor. Three years ago, she decided to combine her historical experience in the professional business world with her current experience in the crafting industry. This became GwenBorton.com.

Business Building Insights

To be successful long term, you have to treat a hobby like a business.
One part of marketing is the passion and excitement you project onto your product.
When starting a business ask yourself: “What are my true goals and objectives?” Get down to specifics!
Being in business completely changes your relationship with your hobby.
When making a plan, the key to action is to determine the most critical next step.
Don’t compare the first or second chapter of your business story to someone else’s chapter twenty. Focus on your own journey.
Learning in and of itself has zero value, applying learning has value.
Handle your email well: Read it and delete it, respond to it, & file it.

Contact Links

Website Gwen’s Weekly Course of Action Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Get Sue’s book Maker To Master: Find and Fix What’s Not Working in Your Small Business.

This book will help you identify where the holes are in your business and show you EXACTLY how to fix them. You’ll learn from owners just like you who are seeing real success, growing their companies and living their dream.

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

164 – Creating the Perfect Brand Story with Bri Lobato of MVMT

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 May 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Bri is a visual storyteller for MVMT, a direct to consumer accessory brand that has disrupted the watch industry. She is passionate about helping brands shape their aesthetic and use photos and video to showcase their product creatively. In her real life Bri enjoys “art, yoga and time with dogs that aren’t mine.”

Bri’s Journey to Finding Career Fulfillment

Bri has had a passion for the arts since she was a child. She continued to explore her creative side in college even though she didn’t pursue an art related degree. When first job with a solar company didn’t allow her to express her creativity either, she began to feel “like unwatered grass.” That’s when she knew she needed to make a change. MVMT was founded in 2013 by two college dropouts as a direct to consumer business. With little funding for marketing, they started the “Join the MVMT” campaign. They asked everyone who bought a watch to post a picture with the hashtag #jointhemvmt. Doing so entered them into a drawing to win a $500 credit towards future purchases. In essence, they incentivized their consumer to create content for them. Bri understood and saw the role photography and video can play in marketing and decided she wanted to be part of the MVMT team. Today, she’s their content strategist working with photographers and videographers around the world.

Business Building Insights

Always follow your passion and if you’re not happy somewhere, move.
If you’re just starting out, a mood board can go a long way to define your asthetic.
See what your competitors are doing visually and make yours different.
Having content on hand allows you to pick and choose the best images, for the best opportunity, for the best channel.
Sending your mood board to someone who is going to take pictures for you gives them a clear understanding of what you’re looking for.
Professional photoshoots: The more direction you can give ahead of time, the better. Knowing where these images are going to live and what composition you’re looking for is good information for the photographer to know.
Use the same filter for your photos to keep cohesiveness with your social media feeds.
FB Live: As long as you’re providing content that’s interesting to your viewer, you’re doing the right thing and attracting people to your brand.
Finding the right people to work with not only saves you time to focus on your gifts but it allows you to find success with other people.

Resources Mentioned

To create white or black backgrounds look for photo boxes on Amazon. Marble tiles or wood surfaces from Home Depot can also be used as backdrops for your photos. Dropbox and Google Photos– for photo storage VSCO – Community and tools for creators

Contact Links

Bri Lobato Instagram LinkedIn MVMT Website MVMT MVMT for HER

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

Where are you in your business building journey? You may be further along than you think. Take this quiz to find out. At the end, you’ll have access to a free download to help you along. P.S. This is not a quiz where your result gets published to social media. It’s for your eyes only :o)

The Makers MBA Program

Feel the pride and satisfaction of turning your passion into a profitable business. Become a member of the Makers MBA program and access valuable videos, worksheets, and guides and connect with a community of gift biz builders just like you. It’s time to get moving on your dream. Get started today!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

163 – A Sneak Peek into My New Book Maker To Master

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 May 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Are you discouraged because your small business is not performing as you had envisioned? Are you stuck and confused about how to turn things around? Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true? Here’s a sneak peek into the new book Maker To Master. It will help you identify where the holes are in your business and show you EXACTLY how to fix them. You’ll learn from owners just like you who are seeing real success, growing their companies and living their dream. Think back to when you were so excited about starting your own business. Remember how you felt about getting your product out into the world and making money doing what you love. This was the plan to achieve a lifestyle of freedom and pride. Let’s get you back on track with that vision. Maker To Master is specifically for “Gifters-Bakers-Crafters-Makers” addressing the unique challenges you face. It’s time to re-ignite the passion you once had for your business. Maker To Master gives you best practices and proven guidelines so you can:

Confirm your business is set up correctly to provide the FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH
Implement pricing strategies that BRING IN SALES and MAKE YOU MONEY
EFFORTLESSLY ATTRACT new customers every day
BALANCE the making of your product with the running of your business
Ensure your business STAYS OPEN in those vulnerable beginning years
(20% of new businesses fail in year one, 50% fail by year 5)

Don’t continue spinning your wheels with little to no progress. Your answers are right here and, once discovered, can be surprisingly easy to implement. This episode shares the Introduction and four of the fifty-three chapters of the audible book. Enjoy!

GET ON THE LIST!

Be notified when the book is available for FREE. It’s for two days only and it’s coming up soon so make sure to get on this list right away.

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

162 – Wholesale Yes but Box or Boutique? with Bob Hurley of Hurley 45 Enterprises

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 May 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Bob’s company, Hurley 45, helps businesses grow their sales by getting placement in major retail chains. Do you have a vision of seeing your product on the shelves in one of the big brand stores … maybe even a box store? Bob finds that many people want to jump in without a true understanding the intricacies involved. By nature of their size, large corporations have a lot of requirements: Financial, Logistical, Testing, Vendor Contracts, Pricing, Supply Chain Management, Private Label initiatives, Replenishment, are just a few. It’s important to have that dream of selling big, but not without the adequate preparation. Bob advises that you should have a strategic plan for growth not an impulsive plan for growth.

The Start of Hurley 45

Over the years Bob has acquired a unique skillset that is the strength behind Hurley 45. Right out of high school, Bob worked at Sears. He stayed with them for 15 years first as a district buyer and later in the regional buying office. There he learned and perfected his knowledge of sales and sales management. Next he worked for a sales rep agency, Randy Putnam & Associates. Bob took all that he learned from Sears on the retail side and applied it to the manufacturer side showing them how to sell their products to the retailers. In 2010, Bob stepped out on his own to form Hurley 45. Today he helps companies around the world identify their brand and pursue their goal of getting products placed in the various large retailer chains and box stores.

Business Building Insights

We don’t sell products. We sell who we are.
Retailers are looking for a minimum of 55% margin up to 75-78% margin.
Large store placement is a numbers game. You will sell large quantities of your product but your margin will be smaller. It’s a mindset switch and a numbers play. “You put dollars in the bank not percentages.”
Consumer Product Safety Labels should not have misleading information and you must be able to back up all claims.
What buyers want to know: your social media impact and your supply chain capabilities.
Selling your product into small to mid size chains is the place to start and can lead you to the larger chains.

Resources Mentioned

AFCI – Association for Creative Industries

Contact Links

Website Facebook LinkedIn

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Makers MBA Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

161 – “Frankensteining It” with Wendy Santini of Pinzit

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 May 2018 02:00:00 -0600

Wendy is the founder of Pinzit Limited. Actually, this is Wendy’s third career. She also co-owns a family flooring business and practiced as a registered nurse too. Wendy’s product, Pinzit, is a women’s fashion accessory invented quite by accident. She was trying to solve a problem she was having while wearing her favorite new sweater and suddenly, the idea for Pinzit was born. But once Wendy had her idea, what was she to do next? She knew nothing about product development and manufacturing when she got started. But she sure does now!

The Start of Pinzit

One morning Wendy was trying to figure out how to wear her sweater so that it would in place. She was sick of using a safety pin to keep the shrug from slipping. So she searched through her jewelry box and found a pearl earring to do the job. Unfortunately, the clasp on her earring wasn’t made for that and the earring quickly loosened and fell away – lost forever. However, when Wendy recognized what happened, the idea for Pinzit was born.

Business Building Insights

If you can dream it, you can do it.
The way to find resources and help is to ask those around you. You never know what connections others have, who could be the contact you need to advance your business. But you have to let people know what you’re looking for.
Product creation is a series of small tweeks until you land on that perfect design.
With anything, when you do it, you get better and better. The key is in the doing.
As you start out, test out your product at a local trade show or craft fair.
Business development is an evolution. Get your product right, then move on to creating your website, then enhance your packaging, etc. Step by step!

Candle Flickering Moment

Finding manufacturers in America was quite a challenge. First it was getting a designer for her prototype and then it was finding someone to make them in mass. In the beginning, Wendy became her own manufacturer creating over 5,000 Pinzits right out of her house. Luckily, those days are behind her.

Contact Links

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

160 – Hello Corporate Business with Nikki Rausch of Sales Maven

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 03:00:00 -0600

Nikki is the Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, an organization dedicated to authentic selling. Her success comes through the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of “selling.” With 24+ years of experience, selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, Nikki shattered sales records in many industries and received multiple “top producer” awards along the way. Today, entrepreneurs and small business owners hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically, without being pushy or “salesy.” Nikki shares the secrets of her sales success through illuminating keynote addresses and business-changing workshops. Her robust Sticky Selling Master Academy produces game-changing outcomes for clients, many of whom have also reaped the benefits of her immersive VIP consultations.

The Start of Sales Maven

Nikki experienced the world of sales with her first job out of college, in the technology space. Then when she moved to Washington, she had a commissioned sales job in the mall during the holiday season. This was a turning point. Being able to have control over what she was making and being financially rewarded is what attracted her to sales longterm. Nikki also has a great love for engaging with people and building relationships. Combined, this is the formula for the success she has in her business, Sales Maven.

Business Building Insights

When you add flexibility to your behavior you have more influence.
Flexibility allows for authentic conversations to happen.
Put the relationship first and the sales come.
The ‘NO’ today doesn’t mean that they will never buy. Just not today.
If someone is indicating interest, it’s up to you to take them to the next step.
Make it easy for people to say YES.
If you’re getting a buying signal you have to invite them to do business.
Use your network. Introductions are the number one way to open doors.
When you’re asking a question your tone of voice, body language and facial expression should convey curiosity.
The absolute best time to ask somebody for a referral is when they’re giving you positive feedback or a compliment.
Social Media should be used for building relationships.
Give people an opportunity to know you before you start selling to them.
You are the expert and you lead the sale process.

Nikki’s Free Gift

Navigating Difficult Conversations – a 7-minute training including a manual!

Resources Mentioned

Nikki’s authored two books, both are available at Amazon: “Buying Signals: How to Spot the Green Light & Increase Your Sales” and “Six-Word Lessons on Influencing with Grace”

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

159 – All Paws Up for Non-Profit Creation with Carole Yuster of K-9 Reading Buddies

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0600

Carole is the Executive Director & Founder of K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore. This is a non-profit business that supplements literacy programs in suburban libraries and schools. They use reading teams consisting of registered therapy dogs and qualified handlers to strengthen reading skills while also boosting confidence of the young readers.

The Start of K-9 Reading Buddies

The concept behind K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore started back in 2007 around a Starbucks coffee table. A group of five had the idea of bringing therapy dogs into schools to support literacy programs and to motivate the children to want to read. As they put their plan in place, more and more people wanted to contribute to the cause. This is what prompted Carole to formally start her non-profit now known as K-9 Reading Buddies. The business has formalized the program and provides consistency and a professional structure to their worthwhile cause.

Candle Flickering Moments

When K-9 Reading Buddies was formed, all members received a letter that Therapy Dogs International would cancel their membership if they volunteer with any other nonprofit. Carole had to get creative to figure out a solution. Another obstacle was a city ordinance that prohibited dogs from entering school property and public buildings. Carol could have met this challenge with defeat but instead, she tackled it head on and it’s a good thing! There wouldn’t be K-9 Reading Buddies today if she didn’t challenge the ordinance and win.

Business Building Insights

Clearly understand the value your business brings. For Carole it was the effect therapy dogs have on the children: stress levels go down allowing calm focus and higher reading performance.
What we can learn from dogs: They are not thinking about yesterday and what they should have done. They are not thinking about their to do list today, they’re in that very moment. If we can just be in that very moment, we can have less stress.
When you have an idea, don’t immediately take NO for an answer. See if you can find a solution.
When working with a group, treat them collaboratively and work towards the same goal.
Always share an idea. You never know where it may lead!
When what you do is your passion, it is with you 24/7. But there are times where you have to turn off because we are not machines.
Believe in yourself and believe in your mission. If you do, nothing will stop you.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

158 – Episode Removed – Here’s Why

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0600

This is a special announcement in regard to the podcast that in the past appeared in this spot as Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode #158. I hold you as my listener in the highest regard. We are part of a fabulous community of gifters, bakers, crafters and makers who use our products to spread light and love out into the world. Unfortunately, the actions of Aaron Roth the week of July 26, 2021 go against the values of Gift Biz Unwrapped and my commitment to you as well. One of respect, safety and decency. I’m upset and disappointed in regard to the events that occurred and stand in solidarity with Rachel Tintle and any crafter who has been treated this way. It is for that reason, I have removed the interview with Aaron from the podcast lineup. There's no place for this in our community here or anywhere for that matter. Other episodes you can listen to that will provide guidance on video and livestreaming are: episode numbers 325, 252, 155 and 50. That’s all for this revised message

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Thanks! Sue

157 – 5 Features to Set Your Next Promotion on Fire!

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0600

Why is it that some promotions work so well and others … not so much? We’ve identified 5 Features that you can integrate into your next promotion to set it on fire! The good news is you don’t need to use all five. Select which ones work best based on your industry, your customer base and the focus of the promotion.

5 Promotion Features that Get Results

Scarcity – This is going to disappear so act now. Limits – You can use time, such as good through a certain date. Or numbers like, the first 100 responders. Credibility – An explanation of why the promotion exists. It gives logic behind what is being offered whether it’s a price discount or something else. Ego/Exclusivity – Selecting a particular group of people makes them feel rewarded and special. This emotionally connects them to the offer. Value – Offering damaged or used products at a discount is not a great bargain in the eyes of a customer. They think it should be discounted. You want to create a situation where the customer perceives they are getting better side of the deal.

Why It Works

Out of the Norm – In our case we don’t do a lot of discounting. So our customers are not conditioned to wait it out for a sale. So our discounting got attention. What’s out of your norm? Quality of the Product – Fresh new product at a discount – as mentioned earlier, justified for a specific reason.

The Benefits

Win/Win – There are advantages for both you and your customer. Low Cost to Implement – Offer a special opportunity to a unique group of loyal customers so you don’t have any advertising expenses. Goodwill – Doing thoughtful things for your customers will build loyalty and equally good for you, they will tell others.

DOWNLOAD the Checklist to use for your next promotion

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Thanks! Sue

156 – Our High School Students are Starting Companies with Rebekah Peter of RADD-Tees

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0600

RADD-Tees is an art t-shirt company that began with five high school students and a class assignment. High school artists submit designs via the RADD-Tees website. Once the design is accepted it is included in the shop and available for purchase. Online orders are taken for a design and printed on t-shirts. Part of the revenue from each shirt goes to the artist who created the design, and some also goes to the students’ high school art department. This provides a win-win for everyone involved. The artists have their images available to the world, the art departments gain additional financial support, and we all get to wear some cool t-shirts!

The Start of RADD-Tees

RADD-Tees started with five students from Barrington High School who are in the Business Incubator Program. After brainstorming their options, they decided the business was going to be making t-shirts. But in a unique way. Knowing that the art departments of high schools are underfunded compared to sports teams, they set out on a mission to provide financial support to this sector.

Business Building Insights

Get the word out into the market about your product. People don’t know you exist unless you tell them.
Tips when preparing for a Pitch: Be aware of what you’re wearing. Talk loud. Make eye contact.
Practice your presentation so you can show that you’re confident.
Social Media Tip: If you are attending events, make sure to post about it all day long. These posts will get a lot of engagement giving you more visibility.
Don’t be afraid to take risks.
Be consistent with social media.

Contact Links

Website Instagram

Gift Biz Resources

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

155 – How Well Do You Know Your Own Business? with Kelly Roach of Kelly Roach Coaching

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 04:00:00 -0600

Kelly Roach is the host of the top-rated podcast Unstoppable Success Radio. She’s also an international best-selling author, and the CEO of Kelly Roach Coaching. As a former NFL Cheerleader and Fortune 500 Executive, Kelly brings a powerful combination of proven and profitable business growth strategies. This is coupled with the mindset, wellness and productivity practices required to help entrepreneurs build a profitable business around a life they absolutely love. Kelly’s passion and purpose is in helping entrepreneurs around the world achieve exponential profit, sales and income growth.

The Start of Kelly Roach Coaching

Kelly fell in love with developing people through teaching, coaching and training on sales and marketing in the corporate world. Over the years she began to realize that no matter how many times she got promoted, she was never going to be able to bring together her core values of freedom, financial abundance and flexibility. Kelly Roach Coaching was established in 2012 when Kelly took everything that she had learned and reshaped it into programs to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses quickly. Specifically, she wanted to focus on small business owners with the goal of building their teams.

Business Building Insights

When you become successful enough to hire, you are creating a job and a paycheck for someone.
99.9% of the work that needs to get done in your business, should not be done by you. You are not that expert. Hire someone in to take over!
Focus your time and energy on learning the craft of sales and marketing so that your business can run like a well-oiled machine and continue to grow.
The CEO needs to be the thinker and the visionary.
A business is never too small to be doing tracking and analysis.
Look outside of your industry and pay attention to trends. What could you need to be doing with your product or service that is working really well in another industry?
Treat your business like a business from day one. Focus on systems and start building a team.
Problem solving is one of the most important skill sets of a business owner.
To grow and be a leader in your space, you have to always be testing and trying new things.
Know when it’s time to make a strategic change in your business.

Social Media Insights

People want engagement. They are much more interested in seeing you, feeling you, and interacting with you on a one on one basis.
Post less, engage more.
Livestream: It’s simple, easy, free and effective.

Productivity Idea

Get an index card and write down the top ten things that need to happen in your business every single week in order to grow. Keep it front and center and check off goals as they are achieved.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

154 – Social Media Tips You Won’t Hear Elsewhere Direct from SMMW18

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0600

I’m fresh back from Social Media Marketing World 2108. This is a conference gathering over 5,000 people from all over the world who come to hear from the leaders in the industry all about the latest and greatest social media tips. There were over 100 speakers and guess what? It’s not just about social media. It’s also about blogging, podcasting and other creative communication outlets. This is my second year at SMMW18. As with any conference, I benefit in many ways over and above learning from the speakers. There are always new options for tools and services I uncover from the exhibitors. And I attend organized events with smaller groups where I get to meet up in person and enter into the most valuable of conversations. Finally, there are the awesome new people I meet throughout the three days. It was no surprise that this was fabulous event. I want to take you back there with me. So I’m going to share my approach to getting the most out of any conference I attend. The big three themes or overall trends discussed time and again. And the big 4 Social Media Tips you most likely won’t hear anywhere else.

How to Benefit from a Conference

Identifying your top 3 goals before you go to an event helps ensures you leave with specific learnings that will advance your business. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information and activities. This keeps you on track and I cover my process in detail in a blog article here. Here were my 3 Goals and what I wanted to walk away being able to affect in my businesses.

The new Facebook Algorithm. What is it all about and how should I adjust my social media strategy moving forward.
Live is “everything” on social right now. What are the newest recommendations and best practices to take advantage of this trend.
Book publishing. I have been working on a book for about two years. It’s time I get it done and I wanted to investigate how to do this. Ends up I hired a writing coach … so I’m telling the world, my book is coming out this summer. Nothing like accountability!

Big 3 Overall Themes

LIVE – This is what works on social media today and brings results. It’s the way to connect with people that over time converts to sales.
MESSENGER BOTS – Facebook Messenger Bots have everyone talking. Watch what happens in your account over the next few months and get acquainted with this option for your business. Some are skeptical but it’s definitely on the map of what’s to come.
CONSISTENCY – None of this works if you don’t show up regularly and at the same time.

4 Social Media Tips

I give all the details behind these tips in the show. They’re a powerful mindset switch!

Market like a magnet. Attract the best – repel the rest.
Talk to your audience – not friends, peers or ego!
Take your photos then live your life in the moment. There is no need to post in real time.
Show up for those already there. They are your peeps – your loyal fans and true community.

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The Makers MBA Program

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Thanks! Sue

153 – Knitting a Business Plan with Jodi Pavey of J Pavey Designs

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:00:00 -0600

Jodi Pavey is the owner J Pavey Designs located in the San Francisco Bay Area. On her Etsy shop you will find hand made knitted fashion accessories and home goods. Her love of knitting started as a hobby and quickly transitioned into a business 12 years ago. Today, Jodi is also an established designer and shares her love of the craft through teaching knitting and crochet.

The Start of J Pavey Designs

After Jodi lost her corporate job, her husband suggested that she do something she loves. So she started selling her knitted creations. It was a success particularly because they were unique and based on her own designs. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to teach knitting at a local venue. From there things blossomed into the business she has today.

Business Building Insights

It takes time to build a business.
Let your friends and family know about your hobby and things you love to do. You never know where that can lead in terms of connections and career opportunities.
Prioritizing projects is key to productivity, especially if you are running two businesses.
Etsy is an affordable and easy platform for makers. To be successful on Etsy, you do need to stay up-to-date with their program and continually update your shop.
No matter what platform you are on, marketing your business is key!
For Jodi, investing in a photographer helped increase the professionalism of her Instagram account and laid the groundwork for a formal marketing plan. She advises that collaboration is worth investigating.

Resources Mentioned

Planoly – Manage, plan, and schedule your Instagram posts from your computer and mobile phones. Facebook Live – A fun, engaging way to connect with your followers and grow your audience. Google Docs – Create a new document and edit with others at the same time — from your computer, phone or tablet.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Blog

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

152 – Your Purpose Can Change the World with Lady Bird Johnson

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0600

In honor of March being Women’s History Month, I want to take you back in time. We will be talking with Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. Lady Bird Johnson’s life spans the 20th century from 1912-2007. This is a century in which the role of women changed dramatically. Lady Bird herself said that her life was, “A part for which I never rehearsed.” Rebecca Bloomfield has professionally presented famous women in history and performed at the Lyndon Johnson Library. Listen here as she describes being invited to a small dinner party with Lady Bird Johnson which led to her detailed knowledge of stories that had never been told. [41:59]

Lady Bird Johnson’s Story

How she got the name Lady Bird. [4:13] With the loss of her mom, she was sent away. [5:28] The Austin, TX college years. [7:52] Meeting Lyndon. [8:56] What a marriage proposal! [11:00] Life on the campaign trail begins. [12:39] The attack on Pearl Harbor changed Lady Bird Johnson’s role. [17:40], [22:28] Segregation – things needed to change. [26:53]

Candle Flickering Moments

After WWII Lady Bird lost her purpose … but found a new one! [24:26] The Assassination of John F. Kennedy. [30:20]

Business Building Insights

Look to your talents. There are many ways to get to the same result. [15:42] The Whistle Stop Train Campaign, another purpose for change in the country. [33:22] Examples of results from seeking your purpose: The Beautify America Project and Head Start. [36:30] Advice for women of today. [39:44]

Rebecca’s Triology of Historical Women Episodes

021 – A Lesson in Courage and Impact – Abigail Adams 125 – A Courageous Journey to American Back in 1841 – Elizabeth Meyer 152 – Your Purpose Can Change the World – Lady Bird Johnson

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

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Thanks! Sue

151 – Your Left Brain is a Bully with Jill Fleming of Beyond Logic Coaching

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Jill Fleming is sought after speaker, best selling author, and trusted advisor. While living on a cattle ranch in a tiny town somewhere in the middle of Nowhere, Nebraska, Jill didn’t have the luxury of calling for help when something didn’t work. Instead, she learned to tap into her intuition so she could rapidly create solutions and get right back to business. That explains why she has such a keen eye for seeing things from a different perspective and is especially gifted at helping her clients uncover the next best steps to take in order to create their lives at their highest potential. As an intuitive business strategist and facilitator of freedom, Jill guides entrepreneurs and professionals through the process of clarifying their vision and creating step-by-step fulfillment plans so they can live their best life, starting now.

Jill’s Story

Jill’s experience growing up in a small town and it’s advantages. [5:21] A friend’s prompting kicked her into action. [8:30] Why Jill loves coaching. [10:36] What is behind Beyond Logic? [27:07]

Candle Flickering Moments

A realization that she wasn’t happy even though she had a picture perfect life. [6:51]

Business Building Insights

You choose how to react to all situations. A client example [4:20] The results of failure. [10:01] Beware of “Border Bullies.” [11:24] What really is clarity? [13:18] Can any passion be a business? [14:53] Money is energy. [16:50] Focusing communications based on recipient’s schedule. [21:30] Left brain logic – Right brain heart. [28:21] Thoughts about dealing with stress and “Energy Vampires.” [30:08] How to break through what is uncomfortable. [34:35]

Final Insightful Tidbits

Be careful about the source of your advice. [36:57] You are not your ideal client. [39:36]

Valuable Resource

Money Archetype Assessment [17:30], [23:50] Free consult! [26:20]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Boomerang for Gmail – Boomerang for Gmail lets you take control of when you send and receive email messages.

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

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If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

150 – Let’s Give Your Logo a Checkup

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0600

When you start a business, your logo is one of the first things you’ll think about. It’s such fun to select your name and create your logo! Here we’ll cover how to make sure your logo is as beneficial to your business as it possibly can be. If you are just starting out, this will help as you develop your first logo. And if you’ve been in business for a while, years may have passed since you’ve even thought about your logo. Now’s the time to make sure it still properly represents your business. What is a logo the first place? It’s the first visual representation of your company that prospects see. And for that reason alone it’s super important. But it’s only one part of your overall brand. When we talk about a brand overall, it encompasses every touch point that a customer might have with you. It is the visual imagery in terms of your logo. But it’s also the feel of the business when people come into your shop, when people enter your craft booth, the look of your promotional materials, and how you interact with people through a sale. As you grow the business there comes a point where you should go back and check to make sure that everything is in sync and everything is aligned. Let’s do that now. Make sure to download the Logo Checkup Form below to jot down notes as we go along.

Time for Logo Check up?

Check #1

Is your logo aligned with your brand? [04:35] Adjectives that describe your business. [04:45]

Check #2

Image Professionalism. [06:01] Is it an original piece of art? [06:56]

Check #3

Consistency of your image. [09:05] Is the logo the same everywhere? [09:18]

Check #4

Logo Quality. [10:57] Look at your logo for detail. [11:50]

What do you do if you need to change your logo?

Total Rebranding. [14:31] Look at your company name and the fonts. [14:44] Colors that match your brand. [15:27] Online resources that can help you with logo creation. [18:41] Look right in your community. [18:55]

CAUTION as you’re looking at any changes to your current logo

Is it clean, crisp and clear? [20:17] Will it look good in black and white? [20:30] Receive all logo file formats. [20:33]

DOWNLOAD the Logo Checkup Worksheet

This one sheet freebie is like taking your logo to the doctor. Check it’s health and overall viability in supporting your business. Fix any areas where you can’t check the box and you’re good to go!

Resources mentioned in this episode

DaFont Fonts.com MyFonts 1001Fonts TheFontHub There are many places you can go and look for fonts. Just google it. BUT, make sure if you find one you like that it’s free for your intended use AND be very careful when you download. Many of these sites have multiple buttons that say download. They may be for the font or they may be for a new toolbar or something else entirely. Just make sure before you click that you are sure what you’re downloading.

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Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Makers MBA Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

149 – Why Following Your Passion is Bad Advice! with Michael Gebben of Jumpstarters

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Michael spent 7 years building a video company that was the envy of everyone in his field, GebbsTV. Until one day, he woke up to the realization that he’d built a cage of his own making. He had given up too much of his life in the name of something that didn’t really mean a whole lot. So he hit reset, and over the last three years, has rebuilt his life and his career around what matters and in doing so, has profoundly changed his metrics for success. Michael’s current company Jumpstarters, helps creative entrepreneurs to get over the same hurdles that he was able to conquer, allowing him to work with individuals such as Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins and Richard Branson. Michael is a big believer in Massive Imperfect Action rather than getting stuck in the minutia and never moving forward.

Michael’s Story

The fast version timeline of how he got to today. [3:36] How he identified the need to change his path to photography. [6:36] He didn’t know about his special power yet. [7:30] The My Way decision explained. [8:18] The point of change. [15:56] Pressure makes diamonds and it works perfectly for Michael. [17:11]

Candle Flickering Moments

A challenge presented by one of Michael’s respected teachers. [20:46] Taking the action despite a questioning fear. [27:06]

Business Building Insights

A lesson about how increasing your product’s value isn’t related to time. [9:24] Why so many people know it’s in the doing … but don’t start. [12:20] Failure is not a person. It is an event. (Zig Ziglar) [14:28] Don’t do this! It’s a sign for you. [19:14] Following your passion is bad advice. [20:08] How Tim Ferris started. A good example of getting started by doing. [28:55] There are a million ways to a single destination. [30:43]

Books Michael Recommends

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris

Get a FREE book from Audible HERE

Contact Links

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Gift Biz Builder Program

Feel the pride and satisfaction of turning your passion into a profitable business. Become a member of the Gift Biz Builder program and access valuable videos, worksheets, and guides and connect with a community of gift biz builders just like you. It’s time to get moving on your dream. Get started today!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

148 – Meet the Mad Soyentist with Julie Skaggs of Mad Soyentist Candles

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0600

It all began in January 2013 when the Soyentist, Derek, and his (then) 9 year old daughter, Erin, were looking for a craft project to work on together. They settled on making candles. Starting with a kit from Hobby Lobby, they soon found that they really enjoyed making candles and loved discovering and creating new scents. Being a high school science teacher, the Soyentist then researched types of soy wax, optimal wick thickness, scents, scent throws … and the experimenting began. Encouraged by the early response, they decided it was time to start marketing their product. The Lab Assoystant, Julie, (a middle school science teacher) developed the name and labels. She also started labeling jars, setting wicks, creating an inventory, and selecting their favorite scents. The product debuted in May, 2013 and things really started hopping. Mad Soyentist is a true family business. The three work together to create a product customers love.

The Mad Soyentist Story

It began one wintery afternoon. [4:13] How they are different from other candle companies. [4:51] The first attempt at making candles was not a pretty sight. [6:06] Erin as a young girl had a business mind and heart. Hear about her first sale. [8:17] Why Julie is using handmade labels. [14:37] Their nerdiness is their brand. [16:10]

Candle Flickering Moments

Time – how this affects their life and how it’s managed. [16:35] Being a partnership and having differences of vision in several areas. [18:59] An enlightening conversation and relevation. [21:13]

Business Building Insights

Name creation and the value of a memorable name. [10:10] A chance encounter that led to wholesale business. [28:58] Pricing for wholesale. [31:26] Facebook Video Testimonials. [33:41] Advice for newbies. [42:46]

Trade/Craft Show Specifics

How they attract people to the Mad Soyentist booth. [12:10] Observations from years of show experience. [13:34] Their craft show display. [27:16] Advice for craft show success. [34:47] How to decide which shows to attend. [37:11] The Survival Kit. [44:13]

Valuable Resource

Google Docs – Create, edit, and collaborate with others on documents. Quickbooks – Manage accounting, get invoices paid on time, accept payments & much more. Square – Secure credit card processing to point of sale solutions.

Contact Links

Facebook

Gift Biz Resources

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Gift Biz Builder Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

147 – How to Ensure You See Results from an Online Course

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

You’ve purchased an online course. Now how do you ensure that you get the most out of your investment as possible? This is a sequel to the prior podcast Episode 146 where we talked about whether you should buy the online course in the first place. I went over the four steps that you should take to determine if the course is for you. Definitely take a listen if you haven’t done so already. But let’s say at this point, you’ve gone through a review and determined the course is right for you and you’ve made the purchase. Congratulations! I’m proud of you because you are investing in yourself and your business. Now let’s talk about how to get the most out of your chosen course as possible.

Four things that can happen after someone purchases a course

Which one of these 5 categories will you fall into? [1:31]

Six Steps to getting the most out of the course

Setting up. [4:42] Determine your over all objective. [6:24] Schedule time in your calendar. [7:29] Start the Course. [8:28] Participate and access all bonuses. [12:17] Create an action plan. [14:31]

DOWNLOAD the Learning Process Checklist

This is a checklist you can use for every course you take to set you up for an optimal result.

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Gift Biz Builder Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

146 – Should You Purchase That Online Course?

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

The beginning of the year is a good time to reflect back on what happened last year and what types of things you want to do differently in your business this year. One of those, I am hoping, is investing in yourself and in the growth of your business. That is why I wanted to bring up the topic of today which is how to decide if you should take an online course. There are so many different choices out there. How do you decide? It’s a lot more difficult when people are online because they aren’t right in front of you. You might have less of a connection and recently discovered them. How do you make sure you’re not throwing money away with your online course selection? Is it worth laying out that hard earned cash in hopes of getting the result you’re looking for? Over the course of my professional career, I’ve taken my share of courses. I’ve gotten wiser and more analytical when I’m trying to decide if a program is one that I want to invest my time and money in. I’ve created an evaluation system I run through every time I’m considering an online course. Let me share it with you.

Should You Invest in That Online Course?

Check #1

Does it fit with what you need to know now? [3:56] Online marketers use a strategy called scarcity. [5:33] Someday but not today. Filter things that you’re doing. [6:29]

Check #2

How qualified is the person who put together and is teaching the course? [7:25] The instructor is the creator of the course, captured all the information. [7:37] The instructor actually lived and learned what they’re teaching. [8:41] Beware of scammers! [10:01] Make a choice through evaluation, intuition, research and knowledge. [10:58]

Check #3

CAUTION! Do not equate number of social media followers with credibility of their stated qualification. [11:27] There is the ability to buy followers out there. [12:06] A little bit of research: Look at their website. [12:27]

Check #4

What is the style of the presentation? [13:10] Review of the four checkpoints. [14:53]

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Take the Gift Biz Quiz

The Gift Biz Builder Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

145 – How to Land Corporate Business with Maria Bayer of Irresistible Selling

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Maria Bayer is the creator of “Irresistible Selling” – an online group coaching program she designed to help creative entrepreneurs book higher-paying clients, grow their business and design a life they love. She teaches the authentic selling and mindset strategies that helped her tripled her income in less than a year, and go on to book over $25 Million in sales from companies like Target, Best Buy, Ulta, Office Max and Hyatt. Maria is a national speaker, and has authored and co-authored several Kindle books. She resides in the Chicago area with her husband Tim and fur-baby Gia, usually with a cold brew in hand.

Maria Bayer’s Story

How Maria’s career in sales began. [4:31] The manager who cultivated her natural talent and mindset. [6:19]

Successful Sales Insights

The sales approach of advocate and consultant. [8:11] It starts with building trust. [11:02] Consistency and fulfilling expectations is key. [13:26] The value of just being yourself. [14:49] The parallels of sales and dating. [15:20] What to do when you hear “No.” [28:03] What to do if you are uncomfortable asking questions. [31:57]

Corporate Selling

The first contact with a potential customer. [17:15] It’s important to have a sales process. [19:45] Framing the meeting. [23:29] A breakdown of what should be included in the process. [24:02] How to stand out from other vendors. [26:11]

Valuable Resource

Acquity – Online appointment scheduling software. Clients schedule appointments, pay, and complete intake forms online 24/7. [34:00]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Irresistible Selling FB Group – Learn Collaborate Flourish

Join the Gift Biz Breeze Community – it’s private but it’s free!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you.

Thanks! Sue

144 – From Law to Pottery Paradise with Scott Obernberger of Twice Baked Pottery

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

Scott started Twice Baked Pottery as a hobby business 8 years ago. At that time he was a criminal defense attorney practicing in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. Three years ago, after practicing law for more than 18 years, Scott closed his practice due to stress-related health issues and became a full-time potter and merchant. Twice Baked Pottery has its working studio and store in downtown Racine, WI. In addition to production and running his store, Scott participates in approximately 40 juried art shows each year throughout the upper Midwest. Twice Baked Pottery has come to be known for producing fun, functional pottery for everyday use.

The Twice Baked Pottery Story

A huge life alert initiated Scott’s change from law to pottery. [3:22] Scott’s artisan interest came through a gift from a friend. [10:00] The first steps to starting Twice Baked Pottery. [14:57] A description of Scott’s search for his home and studio. [15:17] Company name development. [17:59] Scott’s pricing reality check is, “What would I pay for this?” [23:39]

Candle Flickering Moments

It’s all a matter of perspective. [35:22]

Business Building Insights

Advice for someone feeling stuck in their current day job. [7:26] About courage versus fear and focusing on the goal. [8:26] Failure happens. A lesson on mistakes. [9:21] Join local groups for visibility. [19:07] The difference between a hobby and a hobby business. [21:31] A big productivity tip! [25:07] The benefits of engaging kids. [26:46] The best thing about having a small business. [36:31]

Marketing Materials/Strategies

The brochures for Twice Baked Pottery and the Downtown Racine District. [28:56] The collaborative piece and how it was put together. [30:32] An affordable print advertising strategy. [32:08]

Valuable Resource

Vista Print – Design and order custom printed marketing materials, signage, and promotional products directly from your office.

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

143 – The Power of Purpose – Let’s Get Serious about Productivity

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0600

The Power of Purpose is a strategy that will help you move forward with your business and produce noticeable results each and every day. What if there was no more guessing if what you are doing is the right activity for growth? Or what if there was no more focusing on the wrong things and wasting time and money? And how about if you could stop comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re just not keeping up? What if at the end of next year, you could realize revenue increases while at the same time expending less time and money to get those results? And bonus … more balance in your life too! That could mean family time, vacations or indulging in a long lost hobby. The Power of Purpose focuses on a single strategy that prompts you into intentional activity, filters out distractions and time wasters and keeps you active on revenue generating tasks. It’s done through having clarity of purpose for your company overall and for your daily tasks. Hear how The Power of Purpose works and how you can implement it into your business right away.

Download Worksheets and Planners

The Power of Purpose Planner

Join the Gift Biz Breeze Community – it’s private but it’s free!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

142 – The Best Holiday Gift of All

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0600

On this Christmas Day, I’d like to present a lighthearted, entertaining episode on the best holiday gift of all. It’s a holiday gift tale that crosses generations and religions. Sit back and enjoy this short story by O. Henry entitled “The Gift of the Magi.” The story transcends the materialism that is equated to gifting these days. In a world of bigger is better and more expensive equals higher status, it’s important to re-ground ourselves in what the spirit of giving is meant to be. It should have less to do with the actual gift and more to do with the intentions and message behind the gesture. The idea is not lost on me that you, as a listener to this show, are most likely a gifter-baker-crafter-or-maker. Your heart goes into the creation of your products and the goal is for people to purchase them (meaning material things) as gifts. Gifts for themselves or others. One could call that materialistic. Or one could consider the deeper reason for the gift. To celebrate a life event, to share the sentiment of friendship or love, to extend an apology, or to offer support. There are a myriad of reasons for a gift. When you’ve deepened a relationship and brought happiness, excitement and celebration into someone’s life. That is a true gift. I hope you enjoyed this variation of the show today and that you are experiencing warm and enriching moments with family and friends this holiday season.

Valuable Resources

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Join our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

The Gift Biz Builder Program

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

141 – How a Blog Fits Your Biz with Nicole Regan of Cedar & Rush

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Cedar & Rush is a Chicago based style and entertaining blog empowering women to feel confident in social settings and have the courage to stand out. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in business finance, Nicole found herself at a crossroad. With no map or clear direction, she moved to Cedar and Rush, the intersection of her first Chicago apartment! She spent the first seven years of her career in finance, but through her blog, made the leap to founding her own social media business three years ago.

The Cedar & Rush Story

The “cliche” blog start … so she says! [3:18] The vision and development of Cedar & Rush. [5:56] The extension of Cedar & Rush into social media services. [17:28]

Candle Flickering Moments

The two biggest struggles her social media clients face. [21:20] Reality sets in after six months of business startup bliss. [25:42] Learning how to sell. [27:52]

Business Building Insights

You can be credible and a professional in a topic when you research and share. [7:41] The value of asking your audience what they want to know and read. [8:59] Proper interaction within a Facebook Group. [11:12] A big idea for YOU about monetizing through affiliate links. [13:20] Using influencers is a great way to attract attention. [31:10]

Building Your Blog

Ways to share content without having a blog. [33:57] What is the benefit to having a blot? [41:08] 3 initial steps to setting up your blog for success. [35:54] Where to go for content inspiration. [43:38]

Resources Referenced in this Episode

Reward Style – Invitation-only end-to-end content monetization platform for top-tier digital style influencers and brands around the world. Shop Style – A global monetization platform for fashion and lifestyle influencers.

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

140 – 5 Feng Shui Tips for Your Office Space with Marianne Kaplan of Feng Shui for Success

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Marianne enjoys the art of transforming spaces through Feng Shui practices to provide a dynamic and rewarding environment. In addition to Feng Shui training, she combines her psychology and counseling background for extra impact. It enables her to fully understand the challenges and limitations of a busy entrepreneur. In analyzing a space, Marianne helps clients remove and unlock roadblocks to their success. What that really means is she sets them up with their unique “Power Office.” Marianne is currently working with Marie Diamond (from The Secret) in competing her Diamond Feng Shui Certification. She will then be licensed internationally under Marie Diamond.

Marianne’s Feng Shui Story

How Marianne started and her investment into the art. [8:08] Working with her clients and what the results they’re looking for. [10:10] Remote consultation. [27:39] Her connection with Marie Diamond. [29:23]

Understanding and Feng Shui

What is Feng Shui? [4:02] The results when you use this technique. [8:57] How energy comes into your home and office. [12:40] Why never to have your back to the door. [13:11] The influence of color. [25:28] The Law of Attraction. [30:54]

Business Building Insights

Clutter is a big blockage to energy and opportunity. [11:37], [13:53] Evaluate your own office space by covering these 5 points. [14:56] Cell Phones. [36:20] How your office setup affects you even when you’re not there! [38:40]

Valuable Resource

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Contact Links

Website LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

139 – How to Open a Retail Store with Bruce Erickson of Summer Classics

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0600

In March of 2016, Bruce opened his Summer Classics Home store in downtown Highland Park, IL. Bruce chose Summer Classics because he has known the owner for over 20 years and has always admired Bew White’s vision for the company and the industry as a whole. Having been in the furniture business for over 35 years, Bruce has perspective from both the retail and wholesale sides. He knows a good thing when he sees it and he wanted “in” on the this retail chain. Summer Classics Outdoor Furniture stands out with its timeless yet fashionable style. Their designers are inspired to create sophisticated products by combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative usage of diverse materials. In a disposable culture, this makes Summer Classics furniture a purchase for generations.

Bruce’s Summer Classics Story

Bruce’s love of retail started early. [5:19] Why Bruce decided to go back into retail. [9:39] How his Summer Classics store is unique. [16:21] The planning and party – a Grand Opening success. [20:39] The advertising plan with placement and messaging. [26:57]

Candle Flickering Moments

Funding the purchase of a store. [23:00] Outsourcing for delivery proved to be more trouble than expected. [24:21]

Business Building Insights

A note on failure. [4:29] Two examples illustrating how connections can help advance your plan. [7:46] How to research your market before opening a store. [10:46] Setting up a retail environment that reinforces customer loyalty. [14:41] Email strategies that work. [30:46] IP targeting is an up and coming opportunity. [33:23] Retail today. It’s all about your niche. [34:34] Managing guests within your store. [36:42] Local community involvement. [38:41]

Valuable Resource

Industry meetings. [37:40] Shops That Pop!: 7 Steps to Extraordinary Retail Success by Pamela Danziger and Jennifer Lorenzetti

A Final Word

Advice for someone considering a retail store. [40:19]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

138 – Your Stress Free Holiday Business Gifting Plan

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 08:00:00 -0600

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we’re so focused on getting gifts made and sold for our business, that remembering to do our own holiday business gifting is an after thought. That’s dangerous and stressful because addressing this at the last minute leads to overspending and mis-aligned results. You throw a list together in haste hoping you don’t forget someone. The gifts you find “will have to do” so at least you’re sending something. And it becomes a big chore when the intent was to extend sentiments of gratefulness and appreciation through your business gifts. That can change this year. Here’s your plan.

The Holiday Business Gifting Plan

Why do you need a holiday gifting program in the first place? [2:52]

Step One

Determining a budget at the beginning eliminates overspending. [5:39]

Step Two

Breaking your gift recipients into three lists weights gift cost correctly. [7:13] Employees – List One [7:26] Vendors – List Two [8:02] Customers – List Three [8:49] When you have a lot of customers (good for you!) break them out into tiers. [9:27]

Step Three

Allocating dollar values to your lists and individual recipients gives you financial direction when searching for the right gift. [11:21]

Step Four

Here’s the stress relief part. Tracking your progress keeps you moving forward and knowing exactly when you’re done! [16:47] Keeping a log also helps you progress faster with your holiday business gifting next year. [17:25]

Download Worksheets and Planners

The Holiday Business Gifting Plan

The Personal Holiday Gifting Worksheet

Grab your Holiday Promo Planner Here

Join the Gift Biz Breeze Community – it’s private but it’s free!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

137 – 5 Steps to Merry and Bright Holiday Sales

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 08:00:00 -0600

The holiday season brings a spirit of giving … both spiritual giving and material giving. [4:16] The reality is people are expecting to spend money. They have their pocketbooks wide open and need to find the right gift … and sometimes any gift … to complete their holiday list. Corporations are the same. They have to figure out how to manage a holiday gifting program into all the other tasks they normally do to run the business. They’ve budgeted for gifts. They have a deadline. And they’re looking for options. The groundwork has been set and it couldn’t be more perfect! So how can you use the holiday sales “spirit” to grow your business. But not just for this year.

5 Key Steps to make your holiday sales magical!

DOCUMENT

[6:21] Whether you created a formal plan this year for holiday promotion or not, you can get started with writing down every action you’ve taken to attract customers. Here are some possible things you’re doing:

Attending networking/local events
Posting in social media
Participating in a craft fair
Emailing your current customers
Hosting a holiday open house
Print/Radio/TV advertising

On a blank sheet of paper, write down what you’re doing. This is your baseline.

ANALYZE

[7:50] As the season advances, consciously recognize and make notes about the following things:

Sales – Which of the events from Step 1 are bringing in the sales? If it’s not obvious where the customer are coming from … just ask them. Tally by number of sales, dollar volume of sales, or both. The point is to begin to understand which of the activities you are doing are actually converting into business.
Time – On a scale of 1-5 or whatever system you’d like, record how time intensive it is to implement each activity. Posting every day on different platforms and attending a craft fair take more time than emailing your list or placing an ad.
Cost – Again on a 1-5 scale, how expensive was it to follow through on the task.

It’s okay if there is a time intensive event that produces large sales. Or a simple task that brings in a little business. What you’re trying to identify are things that take a lot of time or money (your resources) and aren’t producing results.

ADJUSTMENTS

[10:27] Here’s how you can learn from this year and improve for next year.| Take Notes This is important. You want to capture thoughts in the moment. As you are going about your hectic days, what ideas pop into your head of things you’d change next time? What systems are clunky or cumbersome? Are you saying to yourself, “I don’t have anything to write down?” That’s probably because you aren’t consciously looking for them due to the hustle and bustle of the season. Pay attention :o) [12:38] Look for things like: What products are selling the best? Which aren’t? Do you have enough help in the store? Are there certain displays people are attracted to more than others? What price points are working best? What don’t you have that people are asking for? Do you have a way to capture customer’s emails? Is it working? How timely are you filling orders? Can you be more efficient?

Schedule a time to debrief

[17:43] Immediately after the holiday season, actually put time in your calendar to review your notes. This can be an appointment with yourself or your team. Highlight and summarize things that you’ll do differently for next year. Which promotions brought in sales that you want to repeat? Are there improvements can you make? What activities should you drop because they just didn’t perform? Is there anything else you’d like to test for next year? Once this is done, you can put your notes away until the next holiday planning season. In this manner you’ll have a base to start with when it’s time to start planning again.

HOLIDAY PLANNING TIME

[20:36] In July or August pull out your notes. Now is the time to create your marketing plan for the upcoming holiday season. And you’re in luck! You have notes from last year. In this way you are not starting out blank but have knowledge that you can build on for this upcoming season. With this knowledge you can keep what worked and change what didn’t. This will equate to more sales and a stronger holiday season all around.

REPEAT

[22:20] It’s holiday time again. Go back and start at Step 1 and go through this process again … year after year. The holiday selling season is a business building opportunity beyond the obvious. Now you know what to do to Glitter your Business with Holiday Sales!

Grab your Holiday Promo Planner Here

Join the Gift Biz Breeze Community – it’s private but it’s free!

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

136 – It’s About Finding a Happy Life with Maureen Basile of Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Distraught by the lack of handmade chocolates in her area of East Longmeadow, MA, Maureen realized she had to save others her despair and bring her community mouth-watering homemade treats! Fortunately, Maureen was sitting on many original recipes and took to perfecting them before presenting them to the town’s people. Made fresh daily with wholesome real ingredients, she began standing over hot boiling pots to create the perfect candy. Candy whose only preservative is the love folded into it by the chocolatiers of in her shoppe. Maureen believes that chocolate is a blank canvas from which, not only traditional pieces of fine chocolate can be created, but fun, whimsical and ultimately incredible tasting confections can be crafted to create smiles!

The Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe Story

Her key to happiness was not to use her law degree. [4:54] Cotton candy to lollipops to chocolate. [6:03] The mall kiosk. [7:04], [13:36] What Maureen did before she opened her shoppe. [11:29] Why the name of her business. [13:09] An email list confession [24:17]

Candle Flickering Moments

Realizing her sought after degree would be shelved. [8:32] Growth to sustain the business. [15:01] Identifying how to be different. [25:57]

Business Building Insights

Advice for making a career change. [10:25] Step by step. How to do a grand opening. [18:33] Juggling the candy truck and chocolate shoppe. [22:06] Repeat business comes from in-store customer connections. [32:34] Corporate customer experience and advice. [34:39]

A Brand New Product

Teaser description of the new product. [30:00] LINK TO THE NEW PRODUCT ONCE IT’S REVEALED!

Words of Advice to a Newbie

Have a next egg to fall back on. [43:07] Networking is key. [43:29]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Square – Accept credit cards anywhere. Sign up and they will send you a free reader.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

135 – Oops! Macys! with Liz Wain of Wain’s World

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 08:00:00 -0600

In 1987, Liz’s career began where most designer’s peak – at Barney’s of New York. There she made a name for herself with a single napkin. Liz evolved her couture linen collection into a lifestyle brand with a hold in more than 1200 luxury retailers worldwide. Since then she’s been intimately involved with such brands as the Thomas Kinkade Collection of Fine Jewelry, Nostalgia Home Fashions, Enesco, Things Remembered and more. Today she is a sought after consultant through her company Wain’s World, where she works with an elite list of top world brands. Liz prides herself on building businesses through developing relevant and compelling collections of products and services. She focuses on creating and implementing strategic initiatives across branding, product design and development, and sourcing and licensing.

Liz’s Story

It all started with college bed sheets. [5:41] A bold move and a commitment to her grandmother. [ 7:20] A not-so-chance encounter. [10:04] The power of … a paint rag? [11:38] Liz reflects on the benefit of moving away. [15:53] Her first steps. But oops! [20:28] Approaching Barneys. [25:58]

Candle Flickering Moments

Lost linen and the scurry to replenish product as best she could. [32:55]

Business Building Insight

Accountability and surrounding yourself with the right people. [9:10] Find the void in the marketplace. [9:33] Appearances are not always what they seem. [10:43] Most of us have started from nothing. [15:02] Having a board of directors or something similar. [17:00] Don’t overthink your business. [18:32] Dealing with demand and growth. [25:58] Timing is key. [28:51] How Liz retained her large accounts despite knock-offs. [35:15] Liz’s perspective on fashion today. [36:34] The first thing to do when you approach a new client. [37:50] Customer feedback and product evolution. [39:41] How to approach a local shop to stock your product. [41:46]

Final Advice

If you are just starting out, do your research and then trust your gut. [44:43]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

134 – Twisted Pig or What the Oink? with Nick Lucas of Lucas Candies

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:00:00 -0600

For over 100 years, Lucas Candies has been manufacturing their own chocolate confections. It is a family business currently run by 4^th generation Nick Lucas and his partner, Deb Bertrand. Nick and Deb have kept the traditions that were started long ago while taking chocolate making to the next level by creating combinations that will both surprise and delight your palate. Their number one product and most loved is the PMS bar. (PMS = Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Crushed Potato Chips and a Semi-Sweet Chocolate Drizzle.) The company has been featured in many Forbes Magazine, The Today Show, and Fox News to name only a few.

The Lucas Candy Story

Nick’s progression and final decision to join the family business. [4:12] The changes to Lucas Candy when Nick took over. [7:50] The newest venture is wholesale through trade shows. [9:33] A community tradition. 121 years in the same store location. [13:58] The division of tasks between Nick and Deb. [21:05] A description of true candy cane production versus the processed ones we see. [23:00] The candy cane show plan. [25:11] Why the creative names for Lucas Candies products. [36:26] The road trip that resulted in an entire store redesign. [41:34]

Candle Flickering Moments

120 year anniversary celebration and an unexpected surprise. [21:48] Attention from the local paper let to CBS, which led to NBC, Zagot and more! [25:51]

Business Building Insights

The most important thing if going into a family business. [6:23] 90% of the business is still retail. [8:59] Trade show talk – catching buyer attention. [10:49] Getting national exposure and how they use that now. [12:06] Attracting new customers into a brick and mortar shop. [15:11] What to include when you create a website. [18:13]

Valuable Resource

Retailers Confection Association of Philadelphia (RCAP) – Joining industry specific trade shows and becoming a member of the industry community is important. [40:44]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Shopkeep – The POS system they use that allows trackable intelligence for future projections. [38:17]

Final Advice

If you are just starting out. Go for it. [43:45]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Candy Cane Making Video

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

133 – The Power of the Pivot with Ryann Gaspara of GasparaFlora

Sue Monhait — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Ryann is the founder and designer behind GasparaFlora, a company that specializes in corporate gifting. But it wasn’t always that way. GasparaFlora originally launched in April of 2016 as a company focused on hotel welcome gifts for weddings. Very quickly Ryann recognized an opportunity and chose to pivot. Since that time, they’ve morphed into corporate gifting. Ryann’s passion lies in branding, design and creating unique experiences for her clients and their recipients. She uses intuition and personal style to design thoughtful gifts. Part of her customization skill lies in sourcing local artisans and small-batch companies. Ryann enjoys making every day a special occasion. She says she has never met a glass of bubbly she didn’t like.

The GasparaFlora Story

Pivoting almost right from the start. [3:34] The GasparaFlora customization strategy. [11:14] Ryann’s first interaction with a potential client. [13:51] Ryann describes one of her favorite designs to date. [21:10] Ryann’s sales style [23:21]

Candle Flickering Moments

Why and how she switched out her entire website platform. [7:36] The mindset of a pivot. [24:39]

Business Building Insights

The prep work before launching a business. [4:41] What Ryann likes about corporate clients. [6:21] Advice for website creation. [10:08] The value of 100% contracted business. [17:19] Why Ryann uses local artisans. [18:53] Hear how cold calling is working! [25:23] Social media thoughts. [27:40] Ideas for customer followup [31:30] Ryann’s approach to competition. [35:13]

A Final Piece of Advice

Interacting with your significant other as you grow your business. [39:38]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Ship Station – Fast and simple web-based shipping. Dymo Label Printer – An efficient solution for your professional labeling, filing and mailing needs.

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

132 – Arts and Carafes with Tanya Ruffin of Create Studios

Sue Monhait — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0600

With a BFA in Fine Arts and MA in Art History, Tanya ended up with a career in Higher Education in the IT department! Desperate for some art in her life, about 6 years ago she opened teaching and event facility called Create Studios. She describes it as an Arts and Carafes space because people can bring a carafe of wine to class, if they so desire. Her goal is to educate people in a way that, despite their background and experience, they can do what they set their mind to. The classes she teaches (on whatever topic – computers or arts) are designed to educate without intimidation.

The Create Studios Story

What sparked the initial idea. [3:26] Tanya’s first studio space. [5:28] Balancing your creative sideline passion with a full time job. [8:11] The value of being on the path of The Art Hop. [26:10] Class scheduling. A description of Tanya’s creative day. [27:24]

Candle Flickering Moments

Why Tanya had to move studios and what she learned. [17:26] The Thousand Year Flood and it’s affect on business. [20:46]

Business Building Insights

Next steps after signing a lease. [7:24] The Groupon experience. [9:50], [29:15] You are responsible for the mood you create in your classroom or event. [13:23] A negative creative experience. [14:53] The value of investing in yourself. [22:07] How to turn things around through reframing your message. [24:50] Emails role for getting repeat students. [28:23] Tanya’s advice to those considering their own business. [34:33]

Valuable Resource

AFCI – Association for Craft Industry [32:02]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Event Bright – Promote your event and sell tickets. [29:56]

Contact Links

Website Blog Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

131 – Retail Survival Tips with Terri King of My Secret Garden

Sue Monhait — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0600

My Secret Garden is a retail store specializing in home décor, unique gifts, boutique apparel, garden accents and more. What started in 1990 in a booth at art shows has grown into a beautiful 12,000 square foot facility in Bay City, Michigan. Today retail is changing at a faster rate than ever before. But Terri loves what she does, even on those challenging days. She says continual learning and change keeps her young. One of her keys to success is the experience customers receive when they walk in the door. Exciting displays and special events make My Secret Garden a place people want to come back to again and again.

The My Secret Garden Story

Why Terri loves her career choice. [4:00] Life before My Secret Garden. [4:59] Terri’s first craft and the Antique Mart opportunity. [5:43] Her first storefront. [7:02] Event – Moms, Muffins and Mimosas. [12:18]

Candle Flickering Moments

The reality of a brick and mortar location sets in. [8:35] Dealing with a major shoplifting situation. [22:55]

Business Building Insights

The appeal of retail. [7:29] How to make your store a destination. [10:13] A word on in-store displays. [10:36] Promoting an event and the return. [14:24] Getting the most out of your event as possible. [15:44] Terri’s email list building plan. [17:24] Greeting a customer the right way. [26:37] The key to product pricing. [36:08] A story about one of Terri’s competitors. A definite don’t! [37:47] How to get the most out of going to markets. [44:17]

Recommended Resources

Retail Mastery – Helping retailers – big, small and everything in between with Bob and Susan Megen Constant Contact – Send great looking emails that drive results. Ripl – Create eye-catching animated videos and share on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram with one tap. Canva – Design professional graphics for social media posts, newsletters and more. Animoto – Turn your camera roll into high quality videos with just a few taps.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

130 – Entrepreneurial You! Monetize Your Expertise with Dorie Clark

Sue Monhait — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Dorie Clark is an adjunct professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She’s also the author of Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of 2015 by Inc. magazine. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, the New York Times describes Dorie as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” Dorie is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review and consults and speaks for clients including Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank. You can download her free Recognized Expert Evaluation Toolkit and learn more at dorieclark.com/toolkit.

Dorie’s Story

Dorie’s background that led to where she is today. [3:06] The importance of Dorie’s mission. [4:47] A description of Entrepreneurial You. [6:02], [23:10] Dorie’s personal approach to getting people together. [13:29] Challenging herself through stand up comedy. [19:24] Self reflection and adjustments she made in her life. [19:56]

Challenging Moment

What can happen if you don’t test your concept first. [28:52]

Business Building Insights

Advice on reinventing yourself. [8:02] Ways to get noticed. [9:22] How to answer the question, “What’s new?” [10:02] Networking in a difference sense. [11:58] How to identify what is special about you. The 3-Word exercise. [16:30] Diversify your income streams. [24:16] A lean start up approach: Small bets and reiterating. [26:32] Understanding that everything has already been created. [30:29] 3 specific ways you can become a recognized expert. [36:27]

Staying Current in the Industry

Facebook Groups Podcasts

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Schedule Once -Meeting and appointment scheduling software that helps you save time, increase customer satisfaction and be more competitive.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Free Entrepreneurial You Self Assessment [18:06]

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

129 – A Different Kind of Candle with Klaus Haagen of Austrian Atelier

Sue Monhait — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Starting out as a mechanical engineer in Austria, Klaus Haagen had no idea that he would one day be applying his expertise from manufacturing metal and steel products to creating contemporary candles. Klaus has an eye for geometric shapes, colors and textures. He was influenced by Europe’s visionary artistry and quality craftsmanship and in 2006 devoted himself solely to designing one-of-a-kind candles in the United States. He works in his own studio (atelier), which combines the quality control of his handmade candles and the opportunity to create candle art using shapes, sizes and jewel-tone colors. Klaus is inspired by customers who appreciate stepping out of the accelerating comet of life into an oasis of atmosphere, art and candlelight.

The Austrian Atelier Story

Why Klaus decided to leave his professional corporate position. [4:54] Why the Austrian Atelier candles are different. [8:17] Understanding the meaning behind the name. [9:55] No social media for Klaus! He sells his candles solely through trade shows. [19:28] Behind the scenes broken down by roles. [31:21]

Candle Flickering Moments

Production vs. sales. How Klaus handles the volume. [21:58] How to keep up with orders as you grow. [26:00] Cash flow challenges. Klaus has the answer. [28:10]

Business Building Insights

Advice on deciding on a business name. [11:28] Make sure people understand what your product is! [12:11] A way to demonstrate what your product does. [14:40] Trade show booth display suggestions. [18:19] Advice for creatives on business growth. [23:00]

Success Trait

Persistence – Feedback – Adjustment [13:22] If you believe in your product you need to give it time to grow. [34:10]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Quickbooks – Manage payroll, inventory, sales and other needs of a small business. The software’s features include marketing tools, merchant services, product and supplies, training solutions.

Contact Links

Website

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

128 – Raise a Glass to Direct Sales with Melissa Ferber of Drink Generously with OneHope Wine

Sue Monhait — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Melissa Ferber likes to think of herself as a wine drinking, coffee sipping, charity thinking kind of gal. Born in Philadelphia and living her adult life in South Florida, Melissa has enjoyed raising her 2 children, Nikki and Joey, while living a full and exciting life with her college sweetheart, Stephen. Melissa has been working with ONEHOPE wine just shy of 2 years and loves the freedom it offers her to manage her own business how and when she desires. ONEHOPE wine is a brand curated along with Robert Mondavi jr that gives back with every bottle/gift sold. They have partnered up with various causes such as The ASPCA, WhyHunger, and Gateway for Cancer Research just to name a few. To date, the ONEHOPE Foundation has donated over $2.7M to those charities. They have also been able to make contributions to smaller, lesser known charities through events held by their hosts. Melissa feels very fortunate to have found the ONEHOPE opportunity and sees this being a long term business for herself.

Melissa’s Story

Dental Hygienist to Stay at Home Mom to Business Owner. [5:19] Why she loves direct sales. [6:40] Why Melissa chose OneHope. [9:16] How the Drink Generously brand was discovered. [11:28]

Candle Flickering Moments

Starting a sales position without selling skills. [19:59] Organizing activities for customer followup. [30:27]

Business Building Insights

Direct Sales Defined. [7:26] The support structure when you join a direct sales company. [12:41] The financial structure with a direct sales company. [16:00] Selling strategies for various audiences. [22:55] The value of networking. [25:05] The power of the “Cause Message.” [26:30] Melissa’s social media plan. [34:21] Curating others’ information on Instagram. [37.00] A great networking tip and more tips as you listen further! [38:55] Final words of wisdom on direct sales business. [45:36]

Valuable Resource

The Rising Tide Society

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Red Stamp – Efficiently mail fresh, modern, expertly designed and printed invitations, announcements and cards to you or directly to your list in mere minutes.

Contact Links

Specialty Food Association

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

127 – How Flower Essences Attract Success with Deborah Werner of Earth Wind and Flowers

Sue Monhait — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0600

As a child, Deborah enjoyed gardening with her Grandfather. This is what inspired her to become a certified floral designer and then she learned about flower essences. Flower essences are natural remedies made from flower blossoms, which are used to uplift the mood for support in daily life. This was her calling! Deborah became a certified practitioner and founded Earth Wind and Flowers in 1997. Her line of Balancing Sprays are sold in spas, health food stores, yoga centers, through practitioners, and online. Deborah also educates on the power of flowers, offers private consultations and has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Revitalize TV, and numerous magazine and news articles.

The Earth Wind and Flowers Story

Deborah innocently discovered her love of flowers as a child. [3:53] Flowers have always been her passion but she made a pivot. [4:49] Discovering where it all came together. [8:25] Making her first flower essence. [10:09] The natural effects of floral essence. [11:44] Earth Wind and Flowers opens its doors. [13:06] Deborah knew she had a bigger vision and purpose. [16:16]

Candle Flickering Moments

The challenges of having an unknown product. [29:54]

Business Building Insights

Media exposure came right from the start. [14:04] An example of a product benefit description. How flower essences work. [17:28] Examples of it’s effects – testimonials. [18:10] Naming the products based on their effects. [18:51] Product creation and presentation. [21:56] Pricing. [27:00] Closing her two brick and mortar shops. [34:09] Customization within client consulting calls. [35:41] The value of interacting with your customers. [36:38] Overall advice for new business owners. [40:06]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Wix – Beauty and advanced technology to create your stunning website. It’s easy and free. Google Docs – Write, edit, and collaborate wherever you are. For free

Contact Links

Website Facebook Page Facebook Group

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

126 – Get the Scoop on Package Goods Wholesale with Irene Costello of Effie’s Homemade

Sue Monhait — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Irene Costello and her friend Joan MacIsaac founded Effie’s Homemade, a wholesale baking company. The inspiration for Effie’s Homemade comes from Joan’s mom, Effie and her recipe for Oatcakes. Effie grew up on a rural farm in Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Like many traditional farmhouse recipes the uniqueness of Oatcakes is in its honest and simple flavors. All their products are based upon this premise as they rekindle old-fashioned and forgotten recipes.

The Effie’s Homemade Story

The timing of the start. [4:31] How it all came together. [5:29] Reconnecting with a childhood friend to start the business. [8:07] Irene and Joan tested several company concepts. [9:00] The final pivot to Effie’s Handmade. [10:59] The evolution of the Oatcakes as a product. [24:27] A full description of Effie’s company structure. [29:33]

Business Building Insights

An example of a way to test product prices. [13:01] What investors do and don’t look for in a business startup. [14:30] Things to consider when creating your brand. [16:33] All about the initial investment. [20:05] The website. [22:43] The first place to start. [36:37] Have the ending plan in mind at the beginning. [37:38]

Wholesale Specific Information

One of the first steps in turning a family recipe to wholesale or commercial use. [11:36] Co-packers. An alternative to a commercial kitchen. [14:51] Learning retail as a wholesale brand. [17:04] Sampling is all important when you have a consumable product. [24:40] Getting on the retail shelves is just the beginning. [27:48] Do you know about paring cards? [28:48]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Quickbooks – Small business accounting software [31:20] Turnlink – Customer Relationship Management(CRM) software solution for manufacturers and manufacturer representatives [31:51] Map My Stores – Add to your website a searchable Google Map that lists your customers.

Recommended Educational Resources

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

125 – Elizabeth Meyer’s Courageous Journey to America Back in 1841

Sue Monhait — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Rebecca Bloomfield of Jerry S Pearlstein Insurance has been privileged to work with the lives of famous women in American history like Abigail Adams and Lady Bird Johnson. She’s also been asked by small communities to honor the lives of women who were important to their beginnings. We have the fortune today of meeting one of these women as Rebecca portrays Elizabeth Meyer. Let me introduce you to Elizabeth. She was born in the southeastern corner of Switzerland in 1818. Elizabeth had a strong desire to open her life to a new world and new ways. So she joined a Swiss Protestant group headed for Wisconsin in this land called America. She had never before traveled more than a few miles from her parents’ farm. She wasn’t quite sure where she was going. But she took it step by step. Let’s talk with Elizabeth now and hear about her remarkable journey and the life she created for herself in America.

The Journey from Switzerland to America

The practical reason why Elizabeth left Switzerland. [3:35] The announcement and travel plan. [4:53] Starting off on the trip and their route. [7:12] The daily struggle. [8:55] Meeting and marrying Nicholas Meyer [9:29] Traveling on the sea in the 1800’s. [11:09]

Arriving in American

Seeing New York for the first time and on to Wisconsin [14:33] Elizabeth doesn’t like Chicago. [16:41] Stopping in Niles Center [18:00] Building and living in their cabin. [19:50] Elizabeth defines her “trade.” [22:36]

Elizabeth’s Reflections

Comments about her choice to come to America [24:17] Family and life review [25:23] Woman Power! [27:35]

Rebecca’s Comments

Rebecca’s side interest of famous women in history. [29:40] Elizabeth Meyer’s land as it is today. [30:31] A review of the historical places today. [33:22] The overall message for our lives today. [34:41]

Rebecca’s Past Podcasts

021 – A Lesson in Courage and Impact (Abigail Adams) 117 – Why Life Insurance is for Living Not Dying

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

124 – Adding Frosting to Your Business with Rebekah Wilbur of Rebekah Naomi Cake Design

Sue Monhait — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Rebekah Wilbur is a custom wedding cake designer and owner of Rebekah Naomi Cake Design. She is also the Managing Editor of American Cake Decorating Magazine. Rebekah dedicates her free time to teaching live cake decorating classes, blogging about cake matters, demonstrating at cake shows, and creating online tutorials. Recognized as a Satin Ice Artist of Excellence, she enjoys sharing her passion for cake decorating with others. Her style is instantly recognizable for it’s stylistic sugar florals and refined elegance. Rebekah likes to draw inspiration from art, fashion, fabrics and textiles in the creation of her designs. Rebekah has been featured in many notable bridal magazines. You can find her work as a contributing writer for Bridal Guide and several features in Harper’s Bazaar Bride. She says her greatest professional achievement as a cake decorator is creating a 14-tier cake for the wedding of Kristen Jarvis West. Kristen was the Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama. Both the past First Lady and the First Daughter were in attendance at the wedding and enjoyed a piece of Rebekah’s masterpiece!

Rebekah’s Cake Design Story

Moving to the states and discovering her love of baking [3:52] Getting paid was the turning point [6:25] First action steps to being a true business [7:15] Approaching the magazine with a dream in mind [22:26]

Candle Flickering Moments

The effects of turning your hobby into a business [13:55] Business growth and pricing implications [14:47]

Business Building Insights

The power of an accountability partner [8:07] Surrounding yourself with people already doing what you want to do [10:44] Connecting with local competitors is a PLUS [11:37] Proper pricing is not comparing your price to others [15:52] Defining highly specialized products [17:23] Dress for success – your website is your online presence [19:11] Social media influence on sales [20:40] Advice on your approach if you want to be published [25:52] Meeting with clients as a homebased biz [31:29] Industry specific networking [32:51]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Hootsuite – Manage multiple social networks, connect with customers, and grow your brand on social media. Sharepoint – Share and manage content, knowledge, and applications to empower teamwork, quickly find information, and seamlessly collaborate across the organization. Reading and Listening

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram American Cake Decorating Magazine

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

123 – Power Up Your People with Matt Holmes of Home & Company

Sue Monhait — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Matt and his wife, Jennifer started their retail journey 12 years ago in downtown Holland, Michigan with a gift and decor store called HOME & COMPANY. It took a couple of years to get to that “ah-ha” moment when they realized they were focused on all the wrong things. Matt had just opened a second concept store named Tip Toes, when the recession hit. They knew they needed to do something to adapt. Thankfully, by putting in place some common sense practices, recognizing the importance of their people, and trusting their customers, they not only survived the recession but are thriving today!

The Home & Company Story

How the first store was formed. [4:55] The initial concept of Home & Company [6:19] The opening of Tip Toes [8:01] A creative lease agreement [10:10]

Business Building Insights

Top 3 things to consider for a brick & mortar store [8:27] Your product mix must align with customers’ desires [12:15] #1 business attribute a business owner needs [14:41] Add-on selling the right way [25:24] Customer experience is the differentiator in retail [26:50] The value of connecting with others who do what you do [27:39] Details of one successful promotion [28:35] Email content strategy [33:08] Purchasing the right inventory [34:31] Merchandising/Displays [35:42] Working with your spouse. How to make it work. [39:01] Live Facebook Fashion Show Jean Maries [48:12]

People Power

Revamping employee focus and skills [15:34] Selling is a skill that needs to be practiced [16:45] Matt’s daily staff assignments [20:01] Role playing [21:02] Adapting to sales employee’s strengths [24:30]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

122 – Fear Held Her Back … Until It Didn’t with Hallie Sherman of Speech Time Fun

Sue Monhait — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Hallie is a licensed speech-language pathologist working full time in the public schools. In her “spare” time, she blogs and creates digital resources to assist busy speech-language pathologists to make their jobs a bit easier. She started this entrepreneurial journey 5 years ago. At that time, she didn’t have a permanent job and used her blog as a therapeutic outlet. Back then she kept her blog anonymous to prevent having issues while finding a tenure track position. In truth, Hallie didn’t think anyone would read it! But as time went on, she built a following and loyal customer base just by providing content her audience loved. After over 3 years of blogging, she finally revealed her identity and her audience no longer has to admire her incognito!

Hallie’s Story

The purpose behind Speech Time Fun. [4:08] How Hallie’s journey began. [4:53] Why Hallie wanted to remain anonymous. [7:32] She still had fear even after her first sale. [9:03] Getting caught up in the story and feeling like she was lying. [11:16] The big turning point to overcoming her fear. [12:02] The grand reveal process. [13:23] Recognizing her gift and being rewarded for it. [18:55] Hallie’s coming out article

Business Building Insights

Be sensitive to your audience. [3:24], [25:30] Details on her blog topics. [6:23] Doing a Grand Opening as a homebased business. [16:13] Overcoming fear from an internal place. [17:56] Looking back on her journey – 20/20 hindsight. [20:03] What she recommends as an approach for others. [20:52] Starting LIVE broadcasts. [22:38]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Teachers Pay Teachers [8:31] Dropbox – Online document storage and sharing Canva – Create designs for Web or print: blog graphics, Facebook covers, and more. Talewind – Scheduling, monitoring and more for Pinterest

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

121 – Should You Trademark, Copyright or Patent with Todd Timmerman of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick

Sue Monhait — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Todd Timmerman is a business lawyer specializing in intellectual property protection. His practice spans a wide range of intellectual property and technology-related litigation and transactional matters. Todd assists clients in crafting sound intellectual property protection and enforcement strategies. This secures and maximizes the value of their critical intellectual property assets. He also handles trademark and copyright registration matters as well as licensing, transfer, and other business transactions. Todd co-chairs the firm’s Intellectual Property Law Practice Group. He is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and certified as an Intellectual Property Law Specialist by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the area of Intellectual Property Law. Todd has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Florida Super Lawyers, Florida Legal Elite, and was named by Best Lawyers as “Tampa Litigation – Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year” in 2017.

Todd’s Story

How Todd started and became interested in law. [2:40]

Definitions

What is a trademark? [4:30] What is a patent? [5:14] What are trade secrets? [5:58] What is a copyright? [6:49]

Business Building Insights

How to protect yourself with employees and trade secrets. [9:21] Understand when your copyright protection begins. [10:01] Should you file for a formal copyright? [11:55] Protecting your company name. [15:18] Selecting your company name. [17:34] Next steps as a new business. [20:30] How to find a lawyer. [25:08] Understanding the significance of your intellectual property. [25:52]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Q&A Desk Reference Sheet [28:19]

Contact Links

Website LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

120 – The Five C’s You Need to Know About Small Business Loans with Katie Wiswald of Highland Park Bank and Trust

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Katie Wiswald is a commercial and consumer lender at Highland Park Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank. Katie has spent the last 15 years in Highland Park focusing on community lending and serving the needs of local businesses and residents. She has previously served on the board of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce as Assistant Vice President and is currently the chairman of the task force for the Ravinia Business District (TIF) Advisory as well as an advisory member for the Ravinia District SSA. As a lender she is focused on learning about her customer’s businesses, identifying their needs, and working with them to provide the best financing options to meet their goals. From equipment purchases, to working capital lines, to real estate loans, she enjoys helping her customers achieve their financial goals so that they can focus on their business and the clients that they serve.

The 5 C’s of Credit

Overview of the 5 C’s of Credit [5:47] Cash Flow [15:16] Collateral [18:35] Credit & Character [20:41] Capitol [23:27] Conditions [27:16]

Small Business Loans Insights

Why Katie chose the financial industry as a career. [4:19] Info to cover when starting a discussion with a lender. [5:14] Overview of small business loans for a new business. [6:40], [13:41] A cash flow discussion for the new business owner. [8:24] Additional value of your lender. [11:11] Two structures for a small business loan. [17:07] The importance of viewing your credit reports. [22:29] Talking with a lender. What you can expect and need to provide. [29:17] The importance of a formal accounting program. [31:50]

Resources

Free Credit Reports Quickbooks

Contact Links

Website LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

119 – Computer Tips to Keep You Safe with Goran Donev of Safe Haven IT

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Goran Donev has been dealing with computers since he was sixteen. Back then he was building his own computers and helping friends fix theirs. He went on to work in corporate IT departments and saw that something was lacking. There was an absence of quality IT providers who truly understood the needs of small businesses. So he started Safe Haven IT where today, he helps the small business owner with remote management and monitoring, consulting services and installation. Goran says his goal is to become the “trusted advisor” to as many small business owners as possible.

The Safe Haven IT Story

Even as a child Goran loved taking things apart and figuring things out. [4:03]

Business Building Insights

The 5 things you need when you’re setting up your office. [5:43] What is it and why do you need a firewall. [7:07] All about the modem and the router. [8:15] Where to get help with your setup. [10:02] How to protect yourself from hackers. [11:10] How to get the most out of your antivirus software. [12:43] Email risks and cautions. [15:40] Backing up the right way. [16:36] Cloud services. [22:10] Computer life span and properly disposing of old computers. [30:18]

When Computer Disasters Strike

The nightmare scenario. [20:50] The steps to take when your computer fails. [24:00] Finding help locally. [28:21]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

118 – Monetize Thyself™ with Business Wisdom from Nicole Walters

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Nicole is an income strategist who works with everyday entrepreneurs by applying corporate strategies to help build their businesses. She has worked as a client-facing business executive for Fortune 500 companies in both sales and marketing for over ten years. Everyone from stay-at-home parents to small-business owners can access her affordable and entertaining webinars and private monetization coaching. Using her trademarked Pitch & Pray method, Nicole helps her clients embrace the Monetize Thyself mindset and realize their brand’s fiscal goals. “I specialize in income makeovers – meaning I help aspiring entrepreneurs gain the clarity and confidence they need to move forward with turning their passion into profits. If you want your side project or hobby to transform into a full-time earning opportunity, I can help you earn the income you deserve.”

Nicole’s Story

Nicole calls her start in life the true American story [6:01] What she learned from livestreaming on Periscope [8:06] Hear how Nicole quit her corporate job live on Periscope [8:32] Growing to a 7-figure business in 18 months [10:11] Depending on her faith as the foundation [14:48]

Candle Flickering Moments

What if what you’re planning doesn’t work out? [24:01] Business is only one part of who you are [26:59]

Business Building Insights

How to know if it’s time to quit your 9-5 [12:15] The first steps to monetize your own business [16:14] Finding value in your corporate job that will help with your new biz later [16:00] Start up costs and the answer if you have a limited income [17:57] Find the experts who can get your job done faster and right the first time [18:50] Different worlds – the entrepreneur vs corporate careers [28:45] Get support from people several steps ahead of you [37:01] Are you working toward something you really want? [38:05] Family first and the Gary Vaynerchuk comparison [38:38 ]

Recommended Resources

Nicole’s System Swap [20:47] Outsourcing to prevent bottlenecks[ 31:32] Fiverr – Freelance services for the lean entrepreneur Upwork – Project based professional freelancers

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Periscope

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

117 – Why Life Insurance is for Living Not Dying with Rebecca Bloomfield

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Getting insurance today is overwhelming. For this reason over 15 years ago, Rebecca Bloomfield and her husband and partner Jerry Pearlstein, decided to use their experience and empathy to open an insurance agency serving the entrepreneur. They provide health, life, long-term care and disability insurance to people who don’t have a company providing these benefits. Rebecca is particularly concerned about women who so often don’t think of themselves. A little knowledge and preplanning can prevent a catastrophe that many of us don’t even see coming. Equally important, Rebecca explains why life insurance can be a huge benefit right now. It’s not just for once you’ve passed as is the common perception.

Rebecca’s Story

How Rebecca’s career pivoted to focus on individual life insurance. [2:50] Why life insurance is more important today than ever before. [4:35] Advice on who should be considering life insurance. [5:46]

Candle Flickering Moments

How life insurance helped safe a family and business for one of Rebecca’s clients. [7:54]

Business Building Insights

An example of a relatively unknown benefit from Doris Christopher from The Pampered Chef [6:07] A conversation specifically for women. [10:45] The factors that go into the price of your individual insurance policy. [13:05] College graduate gift idea! [13:37] Term Life Insurance details specifically for business partnerships. [14:46] What to expect and what to prepare for a discussion with an agent [16:46] Finding the right agent. [18:02] Life insurance is not always for death. It is for the living too. [20:14] Worst piece of advice [22:00]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

A lesson in networking and your elevator speech (introduction message) [24:44] Rebecca’s passion of portraying historical and famous women [27:14] Gift Biz Unwrapped Podcast with Rebecca as Abigail Adams

Contact Links

Website Facebook LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

116 – Living the Tuscan Dream with Pam Mercer of Tuscany Tours

Sue Monhait — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Tuscany Tours is a small business owned and operated by Pam Mercer and her husband, Sam Hilt. They work and live in a small hilltop town near Siena, Italy. It all started with a trip from California to Tuscany just over 25 years ago. Little did they know that this experience would change their thinking and change their lives. Their first official Tuscany tour was in 1997 and they’ve been growing ever since. Pam calls it a privilege to receive travelers and share the beautiful countries of Italy and France. In groups of no more than 16, she connects her travelers to local places and people, tastes and traditions. Pam calls it magical and I can see why!

Pam and Sam’s Story

The trip that started it all [5:27] There wasn’t going to be an excuse to put it off [8:02] Making the big move to Tuscany [9:23] A peek into the culture … you’ll feel like you’re there listening to the bells calling for mass! [10:50] The mission of Tuscany Tours [12:26]

Candle Flickering Moments

Working through problems with travelers and the way to look at mistakes [27:28] A story of when things didn’t go so well and how Pam dealt with it [30:44] Should you let a customer know there is a problem? Sometimes yes! [33:06]

Business Building Insights

Choose your url wisely [9:49] Make your business different from others. Tuscany Tours isn’t your standard tour biz [14:47] The importance of staying true to your core business [16:40] How big should you grow your business? [17:53] The value of Facebook Groups for building a community (and more bells!) [21:40] How to establish trust and credibility on Facebook [26:18] Why you should qualify your customers [34:01]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Keeping the team structured through specific communication plans [37:00] Whatsapp – fast, simple and secure messaging and calling for free. Skype – online communication on desktop and mobile devices. Asana – team project management.

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

115 – Arts are “The Way” to Healing and Passion with Rae Luskin

Sue Monhait — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Rae uses creative expression to nurture self-worth, resilience, healing and social change. She found her passion after overcoming some serious life events and now makes it her mission to assist others. She helps both individuals and organizations create powerful visions that transform their lives. This is achieved by building a problem solving culture and fostering growth and change through her Creative Visioning Training. Rae is the author of Art from My Heart and the award winning book Creative Activist: Make the World Better, One Person, One Action at a Time.

Rae’s Story

How the idea of art for healing all began [5:20] Trouble with grandfather [5:49] Feedback from a college professor reinforced Rae’s negative beliefs [6:24] Trying different options and learning about somatic response [7:41] Art and service saved her life [8:44] The Winning Adventure [16:12]

Rae’s Life Insights

Facts of sexual abuse in our society [8:59] Finding the courage to tell her story [12:04] Focus on others – the superhero dance [12:25] Helping people discover their passion [16:39] The science behind good motives [21:08] Looking at problems from a difference perspective [25:53] Steps to start finding your true passion [28:10]

Success Trait

Gratitude – Vision – Ritual [29:58]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Basecamp – Project management and team communication software

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

114 – Product Stories for the Win with Carmi Plaut

Sue Monhait — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Carmi has years of experience designing gift and home decor for retailer, big box, and global distributors worldwide. He learned naturally that having product stories attached to his gift designs results in big business. He is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Smashup Studio, a cutting edge design studio. They specialize in marketing original re-purposed Gifts and Home Accessories and are involved in all aspects of design, startup, manufacturing and marketing. Carmi newest venture is taking recycled motherboards and turning them into home decor and art sculptures. He calls them Computer Bugs to love!

The Gift Industry

What brought Carmi into the gift industry [4:09] Discovering the art of buying and selling [4:49] The story of The Prosperity Tree [5:33] Pivoting to the design side of the gift industry [8:40] Collaboration with Make A Wish Foundation [10:36] The value of product stories – Good Luck Golf Ball [11:10] The value of product stories – Silver Pine Cone Story [11:35] Enter the latest product – computer bugs [20:38]

Candle Flickering Moments

Keeping a relationship going after a major mix up for Marshall Fields [14:07]

Business Building Insights

The value of chance encounters and connections [6:46] Finding the niche for Prosperity Tree International [8:01] The power of stories [9:58] The bigger view on being copied [16:56] How to get your product concept to reality [25:04] A conversation on prototypes [28:30] It’s important to get feedback right from the beginning [30:40] Backing up your new product with inventory [31:53] About taking risks [34:08]

Success Trait

Relationships are key. Carmi values creating and building strong connections with his manufacturers and customers [35:28]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Being an international business, Carmi relies heavily on his computer and iphone. [38:14]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

113 – Homebased Biz vs. Summer Break with Robin Walker

Sue Monhait — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Robin Walker, a former elementary school teacher, has been building businesses from home for the last 14 years. She owns and runs Zainey and Zoe which offers made to order cheer bows through their website and on Etsy. Robin also connects and supports women business owners through her Women’s Business Workshop. She is the author of the Summer Survival Guide for Work at Home Moms and this past March, hosted a 2 day conference for women business owners looking to grow their businesses.

Robin’s Story

Being a teacher and why she made a pivot [3:15] Zannie & Zoe and her other businesses [4:25] Robin’s focus on supporting women business owners [5:40]

Women’s Business Workshop

How she identified the need “Summer Mom” issue [16:17] When to start the summer plan [17:42] The trick with a special activity a week [18:55] The importance of buy in [19:35]

Candle Flickering Moments

With a limited amount to invest at startup, where do you begin? [7:16]

Business Building Insights

The first big idea. Where do you begin? [6:22] Live events and interaction with others is the start of learning [7:47] SCORE [9:33] How to fight overwhelm [10:00] List management and prioritization [11:47]

Success Trait

Robin’s strengths are being a good communicator and connecting people together [26:55]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Google Drive – Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more

Robin’s Resources for You

Free Printable – Work at Home Mom’s Summer Activity List for Kids Summer Cheat Sheets – A weekly activity and meal plan for kids that arrives in your inbox all summer.

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

112 – How to Succeed in Retail Today with Andi Malone of Infinity Gifts

Sue Monhait — Mon, 29 May 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Andi Malone is the owner of Infinity Gifts, Baskets, and Balloons. She started her business 11 years ago and is a professionally certified designer and the winner of numerous awards within her industry. Infinity Gifts’ services include custom gift baskets for all occasions as well as balloon design to make events unique and exciting. When her son and daughter were young, Andi held auctions at their baseball events to raise extra money. Her gift baskets were a huge success and over time, she recognized that this could turn into something more. That’s when the idea of starting her own business began. Today she works out of a traditional brick and mortar store in Ventura, CA.

The Infinity Gifts, Baskets and Balloons Story

How it all began. [4:29] A discussion on how and where she set up shop. [7:18] The role the Chamber of Commerce plays in her business. [8:54] Brick and mortar of today. [13:12] Andi recognizes that she has control issues. Here’s how she’s dealing with it. [15:08]

Candle Flickering Moments

Family first. When life throws you a curve ball. [19:28] Doing a major overhaul and rebuilding the business. [22:05]

Business Building Insights

Be careful what you say! [2:58] It’s important to learn the business side. [8:18] The reality of retail today [13:25] Taking advantage of a local opportunity while Party City remodels. [23:42] The value of customization. [24:45] B&M visibility and store displays. [27:26] Movement attract attention. [30:35] You better know your competition. [36:07]

Success Trait

Andi has a brilliant way with words. She uses this (unintentionally) to capture attention online in member forums, Facebook Groups and other similar communities. [32:11]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Andi most valuable tool is her phone. She uses it for all facets of her business from communication to photography to accepting payments. [33:34]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

111 – “Morganize” Instagram and Your Biz with Morgan Sutton

Sue Monhait — Mon, 22 May 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Morgan Sutton is the Director of Operations at Susan B. Zimmerman Enterprise. With a Master’s in Engineering Management, she directs all business operations, logistics, and online automation systems for social media educator, Sue B. Zimmerman. Since the company’s start almost 5 years ago, she has been a core driver of the development of Sue B.’s popular brand and online education courses. As a certified Ontraport consultant, Morgan is responsible for the back-end operations of SBZ Enterprise. She is passionate about making the lives of small business owners easier through efficient & effective systems. As the company’s go-to problem-solver, her love of automation and a well-organized spreadsheet allows SBZ to run like a well-oiled machine. Morgan shared her excitement for social media analytics and marketing systemization on the CreativeLive Stage in November 2014 in the course “Sell More with Instagram” and in 2015 with “Get Social: Connecting Your Business Channel’s”.

What does “Morganize” Mean?

Morgan’s backstory and her pivot from engineering to her life today [3:18] The “One Sitting Rule” for tackling projects [13:48] A Roadblock warning [15:26] The basic steps to create a blogging plan [17:59] The biggest step after a blog is posted [20:05] Using dropbox for managing images [21:07] Details on the SBZ graphics/posting strategy [21:43] More graphic advice [24:49] A chat about communication automation. [25:56]

Instagram Ads

Why you should be looking at Instagram Ads [7:06] The first thing to do if you’re just starting with Instagram Ads [7:32] Are you new to Instagram overall? [8:30] Instagram Ads vs. Facebook Ads [9:15] Message and image advice [10:08] Instagram Story Ads [12:08] All the details on Instagram Stories

Success Trait

Execution is everything [29:01]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Dropbox – Cloud based file storage Canva – Design program for all your online graphics Google Drive – Cloud storage and file backup MailChimp – Email and marketing platform Zapier – Connect your apps and automate workflows

Contact Links

FREE INSTAGRAM STRATEGY GUIDE Instagram Stories Class The Hashtag Handbook

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

110 – Surviving the “Wild” with Jonathan David Lewis

Sue Monhait — Mon, 15 May 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Jonathan is the author of Brand vs. Wild: Building Resilient Brands for Harsh Business Environments. He is an engaging and authoritative speaker on shaping a brand that can survive and thrive, in today’s tough uncertain world. As partner and strategy director at McKee Wallwork + Company, Jonathan led his firm to be recognized by industry purveyor Advertising Age as a national leader in branding and marketing. They were also named the Southwest Small Agency of the Year, and received the national B2B Campaign of the Year, and national Best Places to Work awards.

All About the Brand vs. Wild Concept

What does “wild” mean in the world today? [3:51] New vs. old success principles [5:36] Predictable human reactions to disruption. [6:16] Kodak – A disruption example [8:20] Blockbuster’s path to irrelevance [12:14]

Business Building Insights

Fear and how it affects us [9:03] Watch your numbers to see if you’re losing relevancy [9:46] Stop – Think – Observe – Plan [11:28] Ways you can stay relevant [13:08] The value of podcasts [16:30] Embrace ambiguity. It leads to opportunity. [17:46] 3 Steps to taking action in the “wild” [20:28] The nimble advantage of the small business owner [23:20] The kind truth [31:43]

Success Trait

Connecting the dots allows Jonathan to see how everything fits together. [28:04] Listening [28:57]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Google Surveys – get fast, reliable insights from consumers online iphone and MacBook Air

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

109 – How to Use Instagram Stories to Grow Your Business with Sue B Zimmerman

Sue Monhait — Mon, 08 May 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Sue. B Zimmerman is an insightful social media educator, energetic speaker, and in-demand business coach. Her blog is ranked as one of the top 10 social media blogs in 2017 by Social Media Examiner and Huffington Post recently named Sue as one of the Top 50 Must-Follow Women Entrepreneurs in 2017. Whether she’s taking the stage at an industry conference like Social Media Marketing World, or working one-on-one with her clients, Sue B. is driven to help business owners leverage the power of Instagram to meet (and exceed) their business goals. So it’s no surprise that she’s also one of the most popular instructors at CreativeLive. As a life-long entrepreneur, Sue B. has over 30 years of business experience. Tapping into her extensive knowledge of social media, it’s Sue B.’s mission to teach, mentor, and empower others.

Instagram Stories Basics

An introduction to Instagram Stories [3:52] The difference between personal and business accounts and an explanation of the suggested posting intent for each one. [5:07] How Sue integrates story creation into her busy day. [17:20] The first steps to getting started with Instagram Stories [34:37] Accept THE CHALLENGE #suebmademedoit [41:10]

Growing Your Business in Instagram

How Instagram Stories leads to sales [7:37] The importance of consistency [10:56] Steps to get your first viewers [15:00] A business example of Instagram use for Rib & Stitch Yarn Shop [19:38] All about “Takeovers” [30:48] How to get big results [33:28]

Using Instagram Stories Tools

Setting up your Instagram Story for success [9:24] Reviewing analytics and using direct messages [11:41] Geotagging and stickers lead to 79% more engagement [20:50] Writing tools and the highlighter [24:53] Video and camera tips [26:48] Direct messaging details [37:25]

Additional Resources and Examples

Arkon Mounts – Enter “Suebee” for a 20% discount [27:26] Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode 32 with SueB on Instagram Instagram Results for Business Facebook Group Model Instagram accounts to follow: @ChaseJarvis, @LaterMedia, @SocialBakers, @Adobe, @SocialMediaExaminer, @CasualFridays, @Buffer, @FreshFitandFearless

Recommended Learning

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram – Business Instagram – Personal Twitter LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

108 – Soap Bombs Exploding from Donuts with Shenia Smith of Lula’s Bath and Bombs

Sue Monhait — Mon, 01 May 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Shenia Smith started her business, Lula’s Bath and Bombs, just one year ago. As you may have guessed, she sells homemade bath bombs and also handmade soap, sugar scrubs, bath salts and lotion bars. Selling online only through Facebook and in person at craft shows, her business is exploding – just like her bath bombs do! A typical weekend event will result in the sale of two to three thousand bath bombs. And to think, this all started from selling donuts. I know this doesn’t make sense. But it will when you listen to her story.

The Lula’s Bath and Bombs Story

In the beginning there were donuts. [7:54] Pivoting into selling at fairs versus a mall kiosk. [11:12] The two shows that changed everything for Lula’s Bath and Bombs. [14:41] When you sell more, you need to make more. Enter the Bomb Squad. [21:42]

Candle Flickering Moments

Doing this podcast was out of Shenia’s comfort zone. But she did it beautifully! [4:10]

Business Building Insights

Sales come back to you when you promote others. Even your competitors. [5:36] An example of Power Partners. Quick action when opportunity arises leads to increased sales. [11:50] You too can access a worldwide network of peers. [14:00] Be on the lookout for product extension opportunities. For Shenia it was a pet expo. [19:33] As demand increases, you may need to look to technology for mass production. [24:46] Face to face selling is invaluable. Here are two reasons why. [28:39], [29:47] Networking online and at craft shows proves worthwhile over and over again. [37:11]

Craft Show Displays

An overall display discussion. [32:06] Store, transport and display all in the same container. [34:36]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Vista Print – Everything to market your business.

Contact Links

Facebook

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

107 – Golden Rules for Craft Show Sales with Lisa Vukovits of Earth Sticks and Scents

Sue Monhait — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Lisa started Earth Sticks five years ago. By her own admission, it was a fluke. She wanted to help out a friend, and before she knew it, she was launching a website and her first product. Earth Sticks are hand-blended essential oils made into a solid stick, each with a different purpose. These essential oils are nature’s way of promoting emotional, physical and spiritual healing by targeting specific body parts and systems without the use of chemical additives and toxins. Today, Lisa’s line has expanded to more than 20 products that are all hand-made from 100% natural ingredients.

The Earth Sticks and Scents Story

How it all started. [4:16] The moment Lisa identified how to make it all come together – the Sticks! [6:27] Product validation came from her friends results when using her Earth Sticks. [8:17] Product development and how Lisa was directed with expansion of the line. [9:56]

Business Building Insights

The first steps in turning your hobby into a business. [12:32] One specific outdoor market changed everything and became her home base. [13:44] All about starting a website. [16:15] In the beginning how to handle website photography. [18:38] The magic of shows for attracting customers. [20:14] An interesting discussion of booth product displays and signage. [25:51] One big overall tip for show success. [28:15]

Success Trait

Constant Motion. That’s what Lisa has and needs to manage two full time jobs! [31:23]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Square – Accept credit cards from anywhere.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

106 – Cards Against Humanity with Max Temkin

Sue Monhait — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:30:00 -0600

Max is one of the creators behind the wildly popular game Cards Against Humanity. He is also a co-founder of Blackbox which is a shipping company that helps independent artists send physical goods to their customers. Max is also the guy behind several attention-grabbing media stunts. Have you heard of “Digging the Hole to Nowhere?” Or the 30 second SuperBowl commercial featuring a potato that simply says “Advertisement?” We’ll get the scoop behind these events and their results. Max has been featured in Fast Company, Business Insider and last year was named to Forbes 30 under 30. In this show we focus on the development of Cards Against Humanity and the creativity behind what he puts out to the world.

The Cards Against Humanity Story

In the beginning … [3:22] The real reason it was started. [4:08] Where Cards Against Humanity is today. [11:31] Their take on Black Friday and the Hole to Nowhere [17:44] The Super Bowl Commerical [24:39]

The Black Box Story

Black Box – a company started based on a vulnerability they found at Cards Against Humanity. [12:09] Hiring for your weaknesses and to push yourself. [16:02]

Business Building Insights

How listening to their customers really paid off. [5:40] Kickstarter and it’s value over and above raising money. [7:12] The pricing strategy and why increasing their price was a win. [19:05] How to develop creative ideas. [21:35] The case for why advertising doesn’t work … and what does. [26:43] Give people something to talk about. [29:12]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Slack – Real time messaging, file sharing and powerful search OmniFocus – Quickly capture your thoughts and ideas to store, manage, and help you process them into actionable to do items.

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

105 – A pee-kaboo into New Product Development with Nina of rahababy

Sue Monhait — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Nina Nsilo-Swai has always had a passion for helping others and spent a decade doing just that in non-profit organizations across New York City. After moving to the suburbs with her husband and two sons, Nina combined this passion with her entrepreneurial spirit and formed rahababy®. The goal at rahababy is to bring joy to the daily rituals of parenting and make room for “raha” (joy in Swahili) in homes across the country. Her first product is the pee-kaboo reusable potty training sticker. These stickers help families make potty training easy and fun. Now, the parents of boys and girls, and parents of typical children and children with special needs, are reaching out to share their potty training success stories after using the pee-kaboo potty sticker. Potty training has never been this much fun. As Nina says, “Keep calm and potty on.”

The rahababy Story

A description of the pee-kaboo product. [4:45] She figured it out with a little help from a friend. [6:15] The need Nina’s product fulfills. [9:00] The moment of identification. This is a product that people need! [9:50]

Candle Flickering Moments

Getting product visibility wasn’t as easy as she thought. [18:43] Discounts and promotions are not what works for pee-kaboo. [23:36]

Business Building Insights

Nina’s first steps in starting her company. [11:21] The importance of sharing your idea before the product even exists. [13:20] Developing company and product names. [15:10] Think about where your product will be placed. This guides your designing. [17:14] Meet your customers at their point of pain. For Nina it was chat rooms. [20:19], [24:40] How to price a product when there is nothing comparable out there. [25:52] A new idea of Instagram use. [28:35] The importance of staying synergistic as the product line develops. [29:26]

Success Trait

Stick-to-itiveness [31:23]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Work when you work. Parent when you parent. AND whiteboards. [32:38]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

104 – Staying True to Your Brand with Ben and Blake from The Village Common

Sue Monhait — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Starting in 1968, Village Common is a dream three generations in the making and spanning over 40 years. Ben and Blake create handmade, natural apothecary goods, kindled by their family history. They bring to us this new installment of family traditions blended together and thereby continue the legacy of the Village Common. Take a look at their website and specifically their Our Story page and you’ll land upon an entertaining history lesson of mid 1900 retail.

The Village Common

Previous generations of The Village Common. [5:11] The evolution of The Village Common. [ 7:12] How they decided on candles. [9:39]

Candle Flickering Moments

How to finance their dream was the most difficult. [24:06] Getting the word out about the business while staying true to their vision. [24:34]

Business Building Insights

A description of how Ben and Blake made their product different. [11:38] Determining the product packaging and branding. [13:41] Why craft or trade shows are important. [16:42] Getting started and evolving with trade shows. [18:42] Booth displays and what to aim for. [20:17] The key to customer retention. Why they buy from you and how better to serve them. [26:40] All about being on the Oprah’s Favorite Things List. [29:50]

Success Trait

Being a go getter, being motivated and being ambitions. [28:08]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Ben and Blake have found a significant advantage to planning our a full year at a time. [29:45]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

103 – Building an Award Winning Caramel Brand with Calley Hastings of Fat Toad Farm

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:00:00 -0600

Calley is the owner of Fat Toad Farm located in Brookfield, Vermont. Fat Toad Farm is a family-run business that produces a Traditional Goat’s Milk Caramel Sauce. Their award-winning sauces are based on the Mexican confection cajeta, and are meticulously hand-stirred to velvety perfection. Calley has spent the last nine years mastering the art of goat’s milk caramel making, focusing on traditional cooking methods and using a small number of simple, all-natural ingredients. The result of this process is a rich and creamy, not-too-sweet caramel that delivers an irresistibly complex flavor. Fat Toad Farm’s mouthwatering goat’s milk caramel sauces are delicious swirled on top of ice cream, mixed into your morning coffee, paired with your favorite cheese, drizzled on fresh fruit or eaten straight out of the jar with a spoon!

The Fat Toad Farm Story

The idea and development of Fat Toad Farm. [4:12] What is behind their name. [6:00] [27:12] Understanding the landscape and lifestyle in Brookfield. [7:47] A lesson in caramel making. [10:00] Winning Awards! [20:48] The FedEx Video [22:13]

Candle Flickering Moments

The pros and cons of presenting an entirely new product. [27:53] Pressure to decrease cook time and add preservatives [28:50]

Business Building Insights

The first phase of a business. [11:00] Analyzing their product mix why ultimately the dropped goat cheese. [13:25] Labeling and branding. [16:16] Reaching out to experts in photography and food safety. [17:02] Trade show strategy and analysis. [23:33] Relationships are key. [26:06] Honoring and committing to an upscale pricing strategy to match their product quality. [29:48]

Success Trait

Uncompromising commitment to product quality and attention to detail. [33:31]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Calley has a serious commitment to quality of life for herself and all their employees. Hear about their 20 minute vacations. [35:50]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

102 – Fabscraps and Fab Biz Advice with Brigitte Wimbush

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0600

Brigitte has a fine art and graphic design background and has been in the advertising industry for over twenty years. Astonishingly, within 12 years, Fabscraps has grown from what started off as a small venture in a loft by 2 sisters, into the largest craft and fabric manufacturer in Africa. Fabscraps factory employers are predominantly from the Kwa-zulu Natal region, and many are single parents. Since 2005, Fabscraps has strived to transform the lives of many of these men and women by providing and mentoring career resilient work programs and assisting them in growing within the company. Today, the Fabscraps collections are as vast and and varied as the people of their rainbow nation. As a result, the brand has become one of the most recognized in South Africa and across the globe.

The Fabscraps Story

What is Fabscraps? [5:23] The idea started with her sister in their loft. [6:19] Fabscraps mannequin display at Creativation 2017 Creating the initial collection. [8:52]

Candle Flickering Moments

Failure’s not an option! [14:06] You would initially think selling out a collection wouldn’t be a problem. [19:30] A ship carrying their leather albums sank! [24:44] You have to hear this heartwarming story of what Brigitte’s factory workers did. [26:53]

Business Building Insights

Overcoming fear and what happens when you continually move forward. [11:11] Learning what your customer wants and adding design twists. [13:07] Product expansion comes easily when you listen to your customers. [16:01] The value of changing our product. [18:58] How to handle the inevitable problems that come up in your business. How to keep your sanity! [21:43]

Success Trait

Brigitte has a strong work ethic and knows also that taking time for family and friends is equally important. [29:49]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

101 – The Story Behind Brownie Brittle™ with Sheila Mains

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0600

Sheila was laid off from her corporate job in 1992. So at the age of 42 she decided it was time to do what she loved – baking. Sheila took a treasured family recipe for brownies and launched a little brownie business. There were many ups and downs over the years, and it wasn’t until 2011 that all the hard work and sacrifices began to pay off. That was when she created a product called Brownie Brittle. By the end of that year, they had approximately 200,000 bags of Brownie Brittle on store shelves. Today they have over 30 million bags in stores nationwide as well as internationally.

The Brownie Brittle Story

First … a brownie business after being laid off from her corporate job. [4:54] The Brownie Brittle idea was realized. [5:43] The decision to focus solely on Brownie Brittle [7:01] Sheila shares some financial stats from her big growth year. [16:40] The cookbook – Butter and Chocolate. [17:48]

Candle Flickering Moments

The struggles of business development and how one major pivot was the answer. [21:17]

Business Building Insights

How Sheila landed the Walt Disney account in her first brownie business. [8:09] Accepting and working through fulfilling a gigantic order. The next level of production. [11:38] Getting visibility in box stores and sampling. [15:09] Advice on getting into box stores. [22:57] The value of testing your product first in a few stores. [23:48] Surprise! Sheila found a lot of support from her peers. [25:33]

Success Trait

Being tenacious has helped Sheila drive through all the business development challenges. [26:39]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Sheila divides projects into categories so she can prioritize what’s the most important. [28:16]

Contact Links

12 Steps to Starting Your Own Business – FREE GUIDE The Ribbon Print Company Website Facebook – The Ribbon Print Company Facebook – Gift Biz Unwrapped Facebook Group – Gift Biz Breeze Instagram – Gift Biz Brand Instagram – Sue Monhait Twitter LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

100 – Top Takeaways from 100 Episodes with Sue Monhait of Gift Biz Unwrapped

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Wow! 100 episodes and almost two years have passed since the very first Gift Biz Unwrapped podcast went live … it doesn’t seem like that long! I feel fortunate to have interviewed so many impressive business owners and service providers to our industry. Over time, the audience has become defined as people who are Gifters – Bakers – Crafters – Makers. People who create or sell handmade products and are in the process of, or already have started their own business out of their hobby or craft. I have learned so much hosting Gift Biz Unwrapped. Actually I pick up something new from each and every interview I do. Thank you to all my past guests. You have helped me produce a show that is giving value and encouragement to many. I have a great lineup ahead too. So do keep listening! At this milestone, I want to reflect on what’s been presented so far. I think you’ll find it interesting. I did.

3 Common Threads

From my time working trade shows with my business The Ribbon Print Company, and from the answers I get on the show, I have found three common questions and equally similar answers come up time and time again. These are questions that people struggle with as they consider starting their own business. And they are questions that people rethink during the inevitable times when they bump up against challenges as business owners. I find it fascinating that the answers and solutions are repeated so frequently. Due to this, I put a lot of weight into their credibility and reliability.

I want to start a business but what should it be?

So many creators have the desire to start a money making venture on the side or to replace their full time job. But what should it be? As creators our love and talents may spread across a variety of areas. Here are three Identification Points of how our listeners have figured this out for themselves.

What did you love to do in the carefree days of your childhood?
Donna – Royalty Cookies
Ronda – Cocoa Cabana
What sparks a passion inside of you? What gets your heart beating a little faster?
Mike – Rwanda Bean
Tracy – Icing Smiles
Stacey – Shopping for a Change
Keep your eye out for a single event or moment that gives you the idea of a lifetime.
Claudia – Exclamations! Gifts
Bill – Cookies in a Snap
Amy – Marshmallow MBA
Cathy – Cathy Nolan Art

What do I actually do to get started?

This is another spot where people freeze. They have their idea but it continues to be in their mind and not in their reality. It’s because the idea of taking action becomes overwhelming. How do you actually start? What do you do first? In each episode, I ask this question. The responses are similar but different. I do this for your benefit. Listen to these people and model their actions. The trick is to do something … take action … start! Kara – Kara’s Vineyard Wedding Karyn – Little Pink Ladybug

Common success traits of small business owners

This is the honest truth. Not everyone is cut out to be a business owner. This is evidenced by how many businesses open shop online and then the site lays dormant. Or they open in a retail shop only to close within the first year. Do you have what it takes? Consider these traits.

My Conclusions

There are two important things that come out of all new business owners’ journeys.

Nobody knows for sure what their initial idea will morf into when they get started.
Johanna – Johanna Fritz
Cyrissa – Immerse Photography
Keeping your eyes open to new opportunities can result in something grand.
Jenny – Missouri Star Quilt Company
Lisa – Kitcheneez

Where Should You Go From Here?

If you are looking at starting and/or growing your business, here are my recommendations for success.

Take action
Listen to this show for ideas. Talk with other local business owners for advice. Join a local networking group. Google online for ideas and suggestions. Attend a conference and classes. There are so many ways to figure out your next steps. The point is … don’t just think … DO! If you’re super serious, check out my master class called Gift Biz Builder. It goes in depth step by step on how to start and grow your business. It’s truly a resource you can go back to time and again as you work on your business. If we’re not currently accepting new students, jump on the waiting list.
Change your mentality. Failures are directional guides for new learning and improvements.
Julie – Silk Thumb
Regina – RD Alchemy
Tim – Burton Maplewood Farm
When you hit an obstacle, push on.
These are the times when most people stop. If you push forward you are separating yourself from all the others and your road becomes less cluttered. Think of a running race and you are breaking away from the crowd because you’ve jumped over hurtle after hurtle. Others fall, slow down or quit. You continue with less competition and the finish line right ahead of you.
Continued learning is always important.
Even the most successful and profitable businesses continue to invest in education. Systems change, the world changes, to stay relevant you must adjust as well. What worked even 5 years ago doesn’t work as well today. You must keep up.

There you have it. What I think are some very poignent takeaways from the first 100 episodes of Gift Biz Unwrapped. I can’t wait to share more with you. If you know someone who is thinking of starting a business or who has a great story to tell … maybe it’s you :o) please pass on the information about this show. It’s all about paying it forward! Much success as your journey starts or continues. Sue

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

099 – Managing Social Media with Tena Pettis of Tena.cious

Sue Monhait — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Hailing from the land of Paul Bunyan, wooded trees and lakes for miles, Tena’s big personality + aptly given nickname ‘Tena-talks-a-lot’ sent her searching for more. After spending some time in the big city with a “big girl job” Tena quickly realized that the cubicle life wasn’t for her. With a little nudge from her husband she founded tena.cious, a social media + graphic design firm, and effectively launched herself as a brand with a career that makes room for all her passions. Despite starting off as a company of one, Tena has built a team of amazing women who have supplied the resources + woman power for her to pursue a legacy outside of solely running a business. Tena is a social media expert and accomplished speaker + trainer on all things social. Her love of twitter, training and talking + her social rock-stardom has made her known for building connections both online and off. Her experiences as a mom of three, business owner and leader within her communities makes her a strong advocate of customer focused, loyalty and relationship based sales. Tena believes in creating a strong brand presence for your business and with a heart as big as her personality, her raving fans + the size of her CLIQUE grows daily.

The Tena.cious Story

Tena knew she was meant to do more. [4:40] Identifying the purpose and defining the need for the business. [5:37] Getting started and deciding on a physical versus virtual team. [9:53] Challenging the original idea, the core concept of Tena.cious. [14:05] Onboarding a client. [23:09]

Candle Flickering Moments

Managing expectations and exactly what is the responsibility of a social media team. [20:43]

Business Building Insights

The first client. [12:26] Two reasons why you should consider delegating your social media tasks. [15:30] What is the trigger that tells you it’s time for you to make the switch? [17:10] What to look for when your recruiting your social media team. [24:47] How much you should expect to invest. [33:30] Interruptions and their impact on your productivity. [39:09]

Success Trait

Tena is coachable and always willing to listen to others for advice and comments. [35:19]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Slack – Messaging for teams Basecamp – Project management system

Contact Links

Website The Before Conference Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

098 – A Passion for Peppers with Alex Ruesing of Lifegarden Farm

Sue Monhait — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Alex is the owner and farmer of Lifegarden Farm. He established Lifegarden Farm in 2013 with plans to grow some of the hottest peppers in the world right in the heart of Florida. History has shown the health benefits of peppers and Alex wants to share them with all of us. Lifegarden Farm’s team nurtures these peppers with love and good intention and pays strict attention to detail in the natural growth and feeding of their crops. Today, just three years later, they have created a variety of products including over ten specialty handpicked peppers, pepper powder, specialty salts, and pepper tincture. Alex lives in Lakeland, FL with his four children, Isaac, Allanya, Azlan, and Amelia.

The Lifegarden Farm Story

Alex speaks of the integrity of his product. [5:22] Alex’s passion came from a series of travels. [6:55] How and why did Alex choose hot peppers? [8:34] The opportunity he saw due to the abundance in nature. [12:36]

Candle Flickering Moments

His precious peppers were not selling when he tested them at the farmer’s market! [14:29] What he did to turn this problem around. [15:44]

Business Building Insights

Can you speak with this much passion about your product? Alex describes his product. [16:50] The love for a farmer’s market. [19:07] A health lesson on the value of peppers. [23:52] Miraculous feedback from two customers. [28:37]

Success Trait

Determination to service as a role model and provide for his family. And confidence. To say “I can” and find a way in every circumstance. [32:10]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Taking 10-15 minutes each morning for “centering time”. [34:16]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Twitter YouTube

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

097 – People Are the Answer with Mike Muenedata of Rwanda Bean Company

Sue Monhait — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Mike was born in Rwanda and immigrated to the United States in 2010 where he launched his business. Rwanda Bean Company supplies specialty coffee products in the U.S. and abroad. In turn, it supports coffee producers by investing profits back to the farms. The company began as an importer of raw coffee, and has recently started selling its own private label, roasted coffee products to wholesale and retail customers in Maine. Aside from running the business, Mike is studying for an MBA and enjoys playing soccer, running, and Maine’s microbrews!

The Rwanda Bean Company Story

What Mike discovered when he moved to the United States. [4:21] Why farmers aren’t seeing a lot of the benefits of coffee bean export. [7:39] Research was the first step. [8:30] The objective of Rwanda Bean Company. [9:12] The first shipment of beans and why Mike decided to roast himself. [18:50] Why Rwanda coffee beans are so good. This is a point of differentiation for them. [23:02] Coffee ratings for quality levels. [25:41]

The Maine Start Up Experience

Mike describes the Maine Start Up experience. [14:29] Being selected in the final 10 and then winning! [17:20]

Business Building Insights

Overcoming doubts as you’re challenged to grow a business. [10:21] The power of sharing your story. [13:18] A bonus tip on how non-buyers can still help you. [20:56]

Success Trait

Gaining support from his business partner and the trust and support of the farmers back in Rwanda is what drives Mike to continue on in pursuit of the mission. [28:39]

Contact Links

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

096 – A Live Birthday Lamb Created a Plan with Teresa Perleberg of Bear Creek Design and Felting

Sue Monhait — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Bear Creek runs through the pasture of Jeff and Teresa Perleberg’s property in North Dakota. They raise sheep, cattle and chickens. It’s the sheep from her property that provide the wool for Teresa’s business, Bear Creek Design and Felting. Teresa has been selling her one of a kind needle felted art online since 2006. Two years later she opened her Etsy shop. As her business continues to evolve, Teresa has designed several beginner and advanced needle felting kits so others can learn her techniques and enjoy the craft as well.

The Bear Creek Design and Felting Story

A product description. [4:00] Teresa gives the basics of how a sculpture is made. [5:10] All about the live birthday lamb. [6:00] The start of teaching classes and then kits. [8:51] and [25:29] and [26:20] Email communication for customer retention. [22:23]

Candle Flickering Moments

A discussion about trying to do everything yourself. [15:33] A classroom challenge and what she’d do different next time. [27:11]

Business Building Insights

Providing proof of concept [7:47] Selling online – Ebay versus Etsy [18:29] Online video classes. [11:40] Considering virtual assistants. [17:00] Etsy promotion through Google Ads. [19:12] What about trade shows? [20:50]

Success Trait

Teresa’s determination to reach her goals has been key to building her business. [28:50]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Ultimate WordPress Help [12:17] The Bullet Journal [29:32]

Contact Links

Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Etsy

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe and leave a review in Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. That helps us spread the word to more makers just like you. Thanks! Sue

095 – Cookbooks to Mixes to This! with Lisa Shively of Kitcheneez

Sue Monhait — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Kitcheneez is the Direct Sales division of Lisa Shively’s Kitchen Helpers, LLC. Kitchen Helpers is a food manufacturer geared to helping families enjoy more meals at home. Lisa started her business by writing cookbooks. Then after years of hearing, “we want it quicker and easier,” she decided that the only way to do this (other than going to their house and cook dinner herself), would be to create Quick Meal Mixes so they could have “her cooking” in their own home. Lisa now has over 100 mixes that they mix and package daily to ship all over the US.

The Kitcheneez Story

In the beginning … [5:02] The identification and creation of Kitcheneez [20:17] A friend’s need sparked the change of the Kitcheneez sales structure. [25:06] Facebook’s role in the growth of Kitcheneez [26:29] and [27:24]

Candle Flickering Moments

Be careful who you trust as you build your business. [7:28]

Business Building Insights

A perfect example of a business’ message. [3:53] Listen to your gut. [9:42] Do you know your customer avatar? Lisa does! [21:22] Getting customer feedback. [28:01] How consultants sell under the Kitcheneez structure. [30:17] The legal stuff. [31:38]

Advice on Craft Shows

2 booth display tips. [11:42] Interacting with customers in a booth. [13:25] Managing the flow in a booth with multiple workers. [16:28] Food sampling and cooking to attract customers. [18:26] Analysis results and the success of a show. [22:01]

Success Trait

Lisa loves to talk! Specially on the Celebrity Cooking Stage of the Southern Women’s Shows [32:59]

Productivity/Lifestyle Tool

Having time for herself and reflect. [34:06]

Contact Links