8 Ways to Add Value to Professional Facebook Groups

If you participate in any professional Facebook groups, you surely know that some people add value to the group while others … not so much. If you are reading this post, you are probably the type of person who wants to add as much value as possible. Luckily, the Indie Business Network private member Facebook…

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6 Reasons Why Now is the Best Time to Start a Business

Now really is the best time to start a business. How do I know? Because I started one 15 years ago, and when I compare the process then to the process now, there is little doubt that it’s easier and much more fun to start one now. When I started the Indie Business Network in…

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Our Blog Your Brand 30-Day Challenge Starts Tomorrow!

The 30-Day Blog Your Brand Challenge was a huge success, and dozens of Indie Business Network members won a complimentary year of IBN membership after they blogged consistently for thirty straight days. At the conclusion of the Challenge, I opened the doors to the Blog Your Brand Facebook Group to the public. Click here to…

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#MakerBizChat No. 9: Top 5 (Easy) Ways to Improve Your WordPress Website

On Wednesday evenings from 8 to 8:30pm ET, I host #MakerBizChat, an Instagram event to help Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation, increase your income, and use your business to create the life you love. Our topic last night was Top 5 (Easy) Ways to Improve Your WordPress Website, and the conversation…

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Season 3, Episode 6: “Makers on Main Street” with Torrian Howell [Podcast]

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 6 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this sixth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you’ll meet Torrian Howell of Dorneé Natural Body and Hair Luxuries in Twinsburg, Ohio (near Cleveland). Torrian is the single mother of one son, and even with her business going gangbusters and a…

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Welcome to Our Shareable Images Gallery

I am pleased to announce the launch of my new shareable image gallery, a collection of originally designed inspirational quotes and images you can share with your friends. Just click on an image you like, choose your social media channel and share! I began posting inspirational quotes a few years ago here at the blog…

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How to Embrace Overwhelm Without Being Overwhelmed

Into every Maker Business, a little Overwhelm must fall. Dictionary.com defines “overwhelmed” as “to overcome completely in mind or feeling.” Yep. That’s what I mean. As entrepreneurs, we cannot completely eliminate overwhelm. It’s part of the entrepreneurial lifestyle. In fact, if you are not somewhat overwhelmed from time to time, you may be on your…

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Season 3, Episode 5: Makers on Main Street with Kismet Andrews [Podcast]

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fifth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you’ll meet Kismet Andrews of Bar Maids in Brush Prairie, Washington. Kismet held down a full-time job working eighty hours a week for several years after the started her business, and when she…

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Season 3, Episode 4: Makers on Main Street with Michelle Rhoades [Podcast]

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 4 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fourth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you’ll meet Michelle Rhoades of Mossy Creek Soap in Perry, Georgia. Michelle’s introduction to business ownership began with a foray into the world of direct sales. She was very successful at it, but…

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Member Success Call: How to be Instagood on Instagram

What sets apart Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs who use Instagram successfully to grow their businesses and those who do not? According to our guest on today’s Success Call, it includes things like consistent posting and using a pre-determined schedule. In other words, like in so many other areas of life and business, discipline is the…

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Memorial Day 2015

Today is a day of remembrance and celebration. We remember the sacrifices of those who gave, and are giving, so much of themselves so we have the freedom to learn and grow as individuals. We celebrate the blessings of America, and with gratitude, acknowledge the selflessness that makes it all possible. Thank you for your…

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#MakerBizChat No. 7: How to Stay On Brand in Your Maker Business

The #MakerBizChat event has been retired, but I invite you to enjoy this article, which is useful to all entrepreneurs who want to build a solid and sustainable brand. You can binge on all of the other #MakerBizChat posts at this link. On Wednesday evenings from 8 to 8:30pm ET, I host #MakerBizChat, an Instagram…

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Our May 2015 Access Q+A Coaching Call is Today!

Today is the best day ever because it’s our coaching call day! Each month, I and our Head Coach, Christine Laureano, host a private member call designed to give members an opportunity to get the answers to their most pressing business questions NOW! This month, our Head Coach, Christine Laureano (left) will be joined by…

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Season 3, Episode 3: “Makers on Main Street” with Jamyla Bennu [Podcast]

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this third episode of my Makers on Main Street series, I introduce you to Jamyla Bennu of Oyin Handmade in Baltimore, Maryland. You’ll be so inspired by how Jamyla has grown her business from a tiny kitchen operation to a retail store with…

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