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…
Download Donna Maria’s conference Keynote Address handout printable or fillable. I am excited to share that I have accepted an invitation to present the keynote address at this year’s Come Celebrate Lavender Conference on March 21-24, 2024 in Wytheville, Virginia. The conference hosts invited me to share on the topic of achieving a joyful life,…
A thrilling moment is on the horizon for the Indie Business Network as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our 25th year of continuous service! Thanks to the unwavering support of our extraordinary members, we’re gearing up to commemorate a quarter-century of dedicated service to small business owners across North America. Save the date: January…
As a Black entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, I celebrate Black entrepreneurship every single day of my life. At IBN, we have celebrated Black business owners during many different months of the year including June, February, July and more. But we especially love to do it during February’s Black…
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Welcome to Episode 99 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you’ll meet Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare in Los Angeles, CA. One of the first things you might notice about the Violet Botanical brand is the gorgeous violet blue bottles in which each product is carefully packaged. The bottles are not only beautiful,…
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or generally felt like you don’t have what it takes to truly achieve your highest dreams and aspirations, then our March 2024 Indie Business Book Club pick just may be the super catalyst you need right now. Authored by Jamie Kern Lima, co-founder with her husband of It Cosmetics,…
One of the questions most frequently asked questions I receive from entrepreneurs is how to more effectively market their products. One marketing tool I suggest because it works, almost without fail, is a podcast. If you are struggling to take your marketing efforts to a new level, it may be time to consider a podcast.…
Hospitality is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” The benefits of offering high degrees of hospitality in your business become obvious when you consider how important it is to make every effort to receive your customers and clients in ways that reflect how much you value and…
In an effort to crack down on financial crimes, Congress recently passed the Corporate Transparency Act requiring that the owners of certain types of corporate entities file a Beneficial Ownership Interest (BOI) report with the US Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The reporting requirements, which become effective this month, are designed to…
Join us as we celebrate 24 years of serving entrepreneurs and small business owners nationwide here at the Indie Business Network! We have watched tens of thousands of new businesses grow and thrive over the years. What a gift it has been to coach and mentor so many of our members turn a flicker of…
We are excited to introduce you to Shawaunna Middleton, Gabriela Huanosta, Hinda Pugh, our 1Q 2024 Robin’s Roses Entrepreneurial Scholarship recipients. Shawaunna is the founder of Eunette Hair Essentials in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gabriela is the founder of Numinous Skin (launching soon!) in Los Angeles, California and Hinda is the founder of Luxe Wix Candle…
I am pleased to announce that Jennifer Smith has agreed to become Director of Operations of the Indie Business Network. In this capacity, she will perform an increasing number of the duties I have previously performed, and many that she has already been performing without being asked as you may recall from this post. Jennifer…
Whether you describe it as the end of an old year or the start of a new one, it’s December 29 and that makes it the perfect time to reflect on 365 days well traveled and make plans to move with confidence into a new year. In this post, I reflect upon and evaluate how…
The new 2024 Indie Business Network Entrepreneur Member badges are here! Let your customers, clients, members, and professional colleagues know that your Indie Business Network Entrepreneurship membership is current with our new 2024 Entrepreneur Member badge. You can display the badge at your website, on social media, and any other place where your professional affiliation…
If you’re like me, every year starts off as my best year ever. The trouble is that about a quarter of the way through the year, my motivation can begin to wane and I can start to feel like I am not making the progress I should be making. If that feeling continues for too…
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…
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Welcome to Episode 98 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you’ll meet Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist in Pasadena, CA. This episode is chock full of fantastic tips to help you boost your content creation chops. It’s also special to me because it’s an introduction to the wonderful daughter of IBN’s very first…
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Welcome to Episode 97 of the Indie Business Podcast! I’m excited to introduce you to Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas in Springfield, Missouri. A self-described introvert, Catherine started her business after she began making aromatherapy products for people who wanted to use essential oil blends to enhance their daily lives but didn’t have, a reputable…
As the founder of the Indie Business Network, nothing brings me more joy than presenting you with this curated selection of artisan made products to make your holidays merry and bright. Our members are going all out to ensure you have wonderful local handmade goodness to share with your friends and loved ones this holiday…
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Welcome to Episode 96 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you’ll meet Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath & Body in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the time she was a child, Kim has been in the beauty industry. She started out as a hair dresser in middle school. Later, after retiring from the military…
Nearly 24 years ago, I left a fantastic career track in corporate America to launch the Indie Business Network. Everyone I knew thought I had lost my mind. At the time, it was a disaster of epic proportions to be fired or laid off, and no one was quitting their job — even if they…