My life's work focuses on Indie Business success. But unlike many other small business experts, I focus on creating life and financial contentment rather than on making millions or getting rich. That's why I'm so excited to be traveling to San Francisco (one of my favorite cities) in September to join Lori Nova and other Indies for Lori's Business Boot Camp.
Lori calls this Boot Camp "The Mother of all Business Seminars". I caught up with her to find out more about what she's planning and what sets this Business Boot Camp apart.
dM: What makes this Business Boot Camp special?
Lori: It's a groundbreaking four-day business seminar for people who want to make up the difference between making money and making a profit.
dM: Why is it necessary?
Lori: Because so many people are making money, but so few are making a profit.
Everyone who comes to The Nova Studio is looking for a creative outlet. They come to learn to make soap, candles, bath and body products, perfume and more. Many of them are tired of their non-creative corporate jobs. They want to do something that's meaningful to them – something they are passionate about. The event was designed for those people.
It's for creative people and by creative people — yet it transcends creativity to help people make the journey from creativity to profit.
This Boot Camp will deliver the goods so people have the tools to make enough money to support an individual or a family, plus have the time they want and need to enjoy the other important things in life.
dM: Who are the speakers?
Lori: Seven experts and veterans in the bath and body products field, many traveling from the east coast, will share their experiences and insight to help budding business owners succeed.
In addition to dM, organizing expert Elizabeth Hagen will be speaking, plus Indie Beauty Network member, author and soap pioneer Kaila Westerman will be on hand. All the speakers:
dM of the Indie Beauty Network
Kaila Westerman of TKB Trading
Jane Doikas of Jane, Inc.
David Critchfield of Mission Peak Soap
Alexis Masters of Design by Alexis
Scott Blackson of the Soap Fairy (enjoy a cool post about Scott)
Elizabeth Hagen of Organizing With Confidence
I'll also host a wrap party on the final day of the event, which will be a great way to solidify connections made during the event.
You can see the full speaker roster and seminar descriptions here.
dM: Why is this event necessary?
Lori: Because people know how to make money, but not how to make a profit. There's so much hoopla these days about getting rich and making millions that middle class entrepreneurs get lost. We are changing that by encouraging a fair and reasonable profit without making it seem like unless it's millions, it doesn't count.
This Business Boot Camp is also important because there is a big difference between making money and owning and managing a business. I've seen many small businesses start with amazing products and all the passion and enthusiasm in the world, and then close within the first or second year of business because they never make the connection between making money and making a profit.
Business requires more than passion and a few good recipes. It requires a plan. It requires a solid understanding of basic business concepts. This Business Boot Camp will provide that, because the speakers have been there, done that.
The speakers have sustained successful businesses for around a decade or more, so they know what it takes. They've persevered in booming economies and in down ones, and they are willing to share their secrets so others can achieve as well.
dM: Have you noticed an increase in people wanting to start businesses?
Lori: Oh yes! People tell me all the time, "I'm just not creative enough to have a good product," or "I just don't have what it takes." But after taking a class and seeing what they are capable of, they gain the confidence to try new things, and business ownership is a logical new thing to consider.
But what next? That's where this Business Boot Camp comes in.
This is my story! The Nova Studio was born out of my love for making things. How could I not host this Boot Camp??!
It gives me great personal satisfaction to know that, as I follow my passion, I am also helping other people follow theirs.
Space is limited and the early bird registration expires soon, so be sure to register while there's still time!
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