I am thrilled to share that several of our members are featured in a recent issue of the Handmade Business Magazine. The article, entitled Your Packaging Problems, Solved!, appears in the September 2018 issue. The article features real life case studies and tips from the trenches to help Maker and Handmade Entrepreneurs solve their packaging problems. Here are…
One of the benefits of IBN membership is a live monthly Master Class with someone who has mastered a topic that will help you be successful in your Maker business. Our Master Classes are great opportunities to learn and grow in our supportive community, and to meet some of the people who can make help…
In our private entrepreneurial discussion community, IBN members discuss and resolve entrepreneurial problems all day long. Recently, I sat down with a few of them to talk shop and learn how they resolved some of their toughest packaging challenges. After your customer’s order is placed into the hands of your shipper, it is completely outside…
I am thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at the Tennessee Soap and Candle Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, next month. I know it will be an amazing time because I spoke at the event in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and it has never once disappointed. Click here to register for this event. The Tennessee…
The Indie Business Network now offers, through Veracity Insurance Services, IBN members product liability insurance for topical, full-spectrum products containing hemp CBD. This new offering enhances our robust yet affordable non-hemp CBD product product liability insurance program. Both programs are described here. We are hosting a member Success Call today to share more details and…
Let Your Customers and Colleagues Know That Your Membership is Current! The new 2019 Indie Business Network member badge is here! Indie Business Network members in good standing can log in and grab the code (without the watermark) for the badge for the current year. After you log in, choose the “Get your 2019 Member…
If you are not a member of the Indie Business Network, it might be helpful to learn a bit about exactly how we help Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs succeed, so you can know if IBN is right for you. If you already know you’d like to join, click here to join now. We look forward…
As we draw ever closer to 2019, I am reflecting on the many wonderful experiences IBN and its members have had during the past 12 months. This is my 19th year leading the Indie Business Network, and I can honestly say that I have yet to work a single day since January 16, 2000 when…
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Welcome to Episode 65 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Maker Story introduces you to Joanne Voelcker of Mt. Airy Lavender in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Joanne started her lavender business after a long career in the financial services industry during which time she worked in Belgium. It was then that she fell in love with lavender…
Wouldn’t it be great if you could sell your products with confidence and success, even if you think you hate selling? Well, you can. But it starts with one basic requirement. Stop selling. Seriously, it’s not as hard as you think, especially when you embrace an approach that not only allows you to sell more…
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Welcome to Episode 64 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Maker Story introduces you to Michael McPolin of Birch & Main in Port Jefferson, New York. Michael has tons of professional experience in the retail world. When you combine that with his passion for shopping (he can’t stop), it will be clear why his retail…
I have been mentoring women for nearly 20 years, and I have been mentored all my life. But not in the ways you might think. You might think that I’ve been surrounded by mentors who meet with me personally (and for free) over a leisurely meals to school me in the ways of the entrepreneurship.…
I am excited today to announce that applications are open for the first Maker Mastermind™ Circles. A Maker Mastermind Circle is a community of two or more similarly situated, like-minded Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs who gather regularly to address and solve their biggest business challenges, and celebrate success together. Together, you and your Maker Mastermind…
I am pleased to announce the 2018 Artisan Products of the Year! Our winners were selected by our three amazing Influencer Judges: Damaris Lewis, Jaime Schmidt, and Sommer Poquette. If you missed the overview of the Artisan Product of the Year Awards, what they stand for, and why they are so important in the Artisan…
Recently, I announced the open call for entries for the 2018 Indie Business Network Artisan Product of the Year Awards. Our winners will be announced soon. In the meantime, I’d like you to become acquainted with our panel of curated Influencer Judges. You have already met actress Damaris Lewis and award-winning entrepreneur Jaime Schmidt. Today,…
Recently, I announced the open call for entries for the 2018 Indie Business Network Artisan Product of the Year Awards. Our winners will be announced soon. In the meantime, I’d like you to become acquainted with our panel of curated Influencer Judges. You have already met Damaris Lewis. Today, I’m pleased to announce Jaime Schmidt,…
Recently, I announced the open call for entries for the 2018 Indie Business Network Artisan Product of the Year Awards. Our winners will be announced next month. In the meantime, I’d like you to become acquainted with our panel of carefully curated Influencer Judges. This article shares three things you need to know about our…
Since I’ve had to inspire myself to keep going in the midst of many sucky situations lately, I thought I’d share some of the strategies I’ve used to get through my recent sucky situations. There have been many, and I’ll tell you about them later, but for now, if your life is feeling The Suck…
In case you missed it, the Artisan Made Show: Summer Sizzle Edition was awesome. Summer is in full swing, and if you need some additional life enhancing products to round out the season, you have come to the right place! Our show lineup included five or our member artisan entrepreneurs from five states: Minnesota, Alabama,…
I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Indie Business Fit Club! The recent suicides of entrepreneurs like Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and others, not to mention the many discussions in our private Facebook community around the topic of burnout and stress, have led me to believe that it’s time to embrace entrepreneurial fitness…
In case you missed it yesterday, the Artisan Made Show: Father’s Day Edition was awesome. Father’s Day is coming up on June 17, and if you have yet to finish your shopping, then you have come to the right place! Our show lineup included six or our member artisan entrepreneurs from four states: California, Connecticut,…