Shop Local at Artisan-Owned Brick and Mortar Stores, Spas and Salons

If you believe traditional media reports, you may think that COVID-19 is killing off retail everywhere. If you believe that’s true, you are sadly mistaken. Traditional media reports are rarely well informed when it comes to independent businesses owned by American Makers. Lucky for you, the Indie Business Network knows all about this topic, and…

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Introducing Quarterly Membership Scholarship

I founded the Indie Business Network 20 years ago because I believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship. I also believe that it is time to replace traditional notions of entrepreneurship with the mindset that entrepreneurship is for everyone. You do not have to reach annual revenues of multiple zeroes before you have a “real”…

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August 2020 Indie Business Book Club: How to Get Sh*t Done

I am pleased to announce the August 2020 Indie Business Book Club pick: How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything So They Can Achieve Anything by Erin Falconer. This book was the top choice as voted by our members. If you’re not familiar with the Indie Business Book Club, you…

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Stop Summertime Stink with Deodorants from Artisans Nationwide

You need deodorant all year, but summertime stink can be especially stubborn and offensive. Not only that, if you buy traditional deodorants from mass market manufacturers, you’re likely to end up with unexciting fragrance options like “powder fresh” and “rain.” Can you scream “BORING?!” I asked our IBN members (who are never ever boring) for…

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Member Spotlight: Kara Brook Brown of Waxing Kara

One of the most exciting aspects of leading the Indie Business Network is being able to participate in the the fun and success my members enjoy as they share their artisan products with the world. I don’t like to keep all the fun to myself though, so I recently sat down with our member, Kara…

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July 2020 Indie Business Book Club: Who Moved My Cheese?

I am pleased to announce the July 2020 Indie Business Book Club pick: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD. If you’re not familiar with the Indie Business Book Club, you can click here for more information. Who Moved My Cheese? is the perfect book to read as we move together through COVID-19 because it…

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The New Website for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs

I am thrilled to announce the launch of IBN’s newly designed website at for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs at www.IndieBusinessNetwork.com. After months of copy writing (and re-writing), thousands backend technical updates (some still happening!), and a few hundred hours of hemming and hawing, I am finally delighted to officially open our newly updated virtual doors…

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#IndieTakeover: Ayanna Jackson at Arbria Creations

As we slide into the summer season, we have exciting news. Yes, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, but our members are undaunted and determined to continue to shine and press their way forward building their brands. As always, IBN is supporting them every step of the way, and one of those…

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Recap: Artisan Made Show: Summer Kickoff Edition

With the first day of summer just a week away, we’ve got you covered with some cool finds to kick off the season. Check out these products from American Makers across the nation: Maryland, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York. Here are the livestream replays, along with shopping links, specials and discount codes…

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May Swap & Sell

“Do you need to destash some of the ingredients and supplies you purchased, but no longer have use for? We’ve got just the place where you can do that. Join us for the Ingredients, Packaging, Supplies and Equipment Swap & Sell! When you are a Maker, you make things, and when your making doesn’t turn…

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Recap: Artisan Made Show: Mother’s Day Edition

In case you missed it, the Artisan Made Show: Mother’s Day Edition was fun and right on time. With the big day being exactly one week away, our American Makers are making it easy for you to treat mom with the best of American Made. Our show lineup included several Indie Business Network member artisan…

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May Virtual Open House!

If you missed the Open House, don’t worry … we recorded it for you! You can enjoy the replay below! “Should I join the Indie Business Network?” is a question we see asked frequently online and in Maker communities all around. We have the answer! Our virtual OPEN HOUSE is designed to welcome and introduce…

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Video Sales and Marketing 5-Day Challenge

The challenge is over, but you can still join the Maker Mastermind Facebook Group at this link. “How do I use video to market and sell my products?” I’m so glad you asked, because I created the Video Sales and Marketing 5-Day Challenge to help you answer that question. If you’ve already heard about it…

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Recap: Artisan Made Show: Spring Market Edition

In case you missed it, the Artisan Made Show: Spring Market Edition was fun and invigorating. Our show lineup included several Indie Business Network member artisan entrepreneurs proudly representing seven states: Oklahoma, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, California, and Louisiana. As you know, the Artisan Made Show makes it fun and easy for you Meet the…

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6 Tips to Boost Engagement in Facebook Groups

Click here to sign up and receive a copy of Checklist for Creating a Fun, Engaging and Profitable Facebook Group! “How do I get more engagement in my Facebook group?” is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive from my members and people who look to me to help them market their business…

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