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 al...
Jul 29, 2021•22 min
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 tha...
Jul 26, 2021•58 min•Ep. 328
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...
Jul 22, 2021•15 min
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. A...
Jul 19, 2021•53 min•Ep. 327
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 ...
Jul 15, 2021•15 min
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 Handwryt...
Jul 12, 2021•56 min•Ep. 326
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 | Ins...
Jul 08, 2021•15 min
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 Musi...
Jul 05, 2021•53 min•Ep. 325
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 . ...
Jul 01, 2021•15 min
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, bag...
Jun 28, 2021•56 min•Ep. 324
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 podcas...
Jun 24, 2021•15 min
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 goin...
Jun 21, 2021•58 min•Ep. 323
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 sp...
Jun 17, 2021•13 min
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 i...
Jun 14, 2021•52 min•Ep. 322
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 m...
Jun 10, 2021•14 min
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 cros...
Jun 07, 2021•56 min•Ep. 321
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...
Jun 03, 2021•6 min
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 custo...
May 31, 2021•59 min•Ep. 320
"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 ...
May 27, 2021•16 min
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, sp...
May 24, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 319
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 P...
May 20, 2021•8 min
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 th...
May 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 318
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 qu...
May 13, 2021•9 min
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 ha...
May 10, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 317
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 s...
May 06, 2021•16 min
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 You...
May 03, 2021•54 min•Ep. 316
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....
Apr 29, 2021•17 min
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 ...
Apr 26, 2021•55 min•Ep. 315
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 bo...
Apr 22, 2021•20 min
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...
Apr 19, 2021•53 min•Ep. 314
