The Indie Business Network was founded 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship. We believe it is time to replace traditional notions of entrepreneurship with the increasingly obvious reality that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and can be defined in different ways by different people with uniquely different lifestyle goals. You do not…
As the founder of the Indie Business Network, I’m thrilled to share this carefully curated collection of artisan-made products to help make your holidays merry and bright. Our members have poured their hearts into creating unique, handcrafted treasures that are perfect for gifting to friends and loved ones this season. We hope these special creations…
The holiday season is upon us, and that means that the next several weeks provide an opportunity to connect with our audience members, loyal fans and buyers on a personal level in ways that do not present themselves during the rest of the year. It’s a compressed time frame, which means it’s more important than…
Protecting your trademark is essential. Many business owners hesitate to register their trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office due to uncertainty about the process, a lack of understanding of the benefits, or concerns about the costs involved. But the long-term expenses of not registering can far exceed the initial investment. Failing to…
We are excited to introduce you to Dayna Undersmith, our 4Q 2024 Robin’s Roses Entrepreneurial Scholarship Recipient. Dayna is a licensed clinical social worker at a hospital in Denver, Colorado, with a dream to turn her tasty nut meat recipe into a product that is available for people to enjoy in tacos, salads, casseroles and…
One of the important issues business owners face is how to select, secure, and protect their brand names. Of course, you want a brand name that makes you personally happy and satisfied. On the other hand, the fact that you like a certain name does not mean you can own, secure, and protect it as…
Pumpkin season is here, and it’s not just for spicing up your coffee or holiday pie. For those who cherish American-made artisan products, pumpkin brings a special touch to your seasonal self-care routine. This time of year, you’ll find limited-edition pumpkin-infused body scrubs, soaps, and more, adding a delightful, cozy twist to both your home…
I am thrilled to share that I have accepted an invitation to present at Handcrafted Live 2024 on September 6 – 8, 2024! The conference host, Indie Business Network member Zakia Ringgold of Live Soap School, has invited me to share on the topic Community is the New Economy. Those of you who are IBN…
The Indie Business Network was founded 20 years ago based on the transformative power of entrepreneurship. We believe it is time to replace traditional notions of entrepreneurship with the increasingly obvious reality that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and can be defined in different ways by different people with uniquely different lifestyle goals. You do not…
Last month’s theme here at the Indie Business Network was How to Thrive in Any Economy. I selected it because one of the things I hear most often today from clients, Indie Business Network members and other small business owners is that sales are down “due to the economy.” While it may be true that…
As you may know, August is one of the most popular vacation months of the year. That’s why our theme for this month is Rest and Rejuvenation, and our book is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. In it, author Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, teaches us that it’s possible to overcome…
As you may know, August is one of the most popular vacation months of the year. That’s why our focus for this month is Rest and Rejuvenate, and our book is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. In it, author Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, teaches us that it’s possible to overcome burnout and…
We are excited to introduce you to Savannah Reed, our 3Q 2024 Robin’s Roses Entrepreneurial Scholarship recipient. Savannah is the founder of Safe & Sound Soap Co. in Readyville, Tennessee, where she creates healthy and safe alternatives for your home and skin care needs. The mission os Savannah’s business is to make it easy for…
The Indie Business Network was founded 20 years ago based on the transformative power of entrepreneurship. We believe it is time to replace traditional notions of entrepreneurship with the increasingly obvious reality that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and can be defined in different ways by different people with uniquely different lifestyle goals. You do not…
With nearly 25 years of experience leading the Indie Business Network and coaching and consulting other entrepreneurs, I’ve had an intimate look into the workings of thousands of businesses. And here are some things I know for sure. Growing a business does not have to be hard. The truth is that many people think more…
Direction is the cornerstone of meaningful progress. If you want to visit a friend in Chicago, no matter how fast you go, you’ll never get there if you keep changing direction to visit friends in Louisville, Nashville, and Detroit. It’s the same in your business, if you set a goal to get to a certain…
We are excited to introduce you to Cat Nash, our 2Q 2024 Robin’s Roses Entrepreneurial Scholarship recipient. Cat is the founder of Mother Wolf Candle Co. in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where Cat invites you to elevate your living space with aromas inspired by nature. About Cat Q: Tell us a little bit about your business.…
This past weekend was an awesome purple haze! I delivered the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Come Celebrate Lavender Conference, a national gathering of novice and experienced lavender growers and artisans who not only grow lavender plants but also make products with all parts and extracts (lavender essential oil, lavender hydrosol, lavender buds, lavender…
As maker entrepreneurs, we often feel crazy amounts of pressure to make more stuff and check off boxes, often without considering the enduring significance and long-term impact of what we are creating. Sure, it’s great to have sales every day, but they really don’t matter unless they are tied to outcomes that make a long-term…
As we shared with you here, Congress recently passed the Corporate Transparency Act requiring small businesses to disclose personal information about their owners to the federal government. Earlier this month, the US District Court for the District of Alabama said the new law is unconstitutional on privacy grounds. The federal government has appealed the decision to the…
As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, and Women’s History Month this month, we honor the trailblazers whose remarkable journeys have sculpted a brighter world for all of us. But outside of that grand narrative, we here at the Indie Business Network are more focused on the intricacies of the personal entrepreneurial stories we have…