Brand Yourself: With John Kreighbaum of Carolina Premier Bank

Each month, I meet with other entrepreneurs in a Charlotte Mastermind Group. Our meeting location is a branch of the Carolina Premier Bank in South Charlotte. The venue is comfortable and we enjoy complementary Wifi, coffee, and super soft and cozy executive chairs. Yesterday, in the middle of our meeting, a man wearing a suit…

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The Lifestyle CEO at SoapMasters

I am back from a glorious weekend in New York City where I debuted The Lifestyle CEO to an awesome group of new entrepreneurs. I covered a lot of ground, and while my slides don’t tell the whole picture, they offer some insight into core principles for success as a small business owner. Just so…

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Video: How to Sell Your Products Using A Subscription Box Service

In this video, I share some of my best tips to help you have a profitable and positive relationship with a subscription box service. This is a hot topic in our private Indie Business Network member Facebook group, especially as the holidays approach and there seems to be a new subscription box service coming out…

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Cartoon Donna Maria: What Do You Think?

As the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, I invest most of my time creating content and hosting events that help our members take the next big steps on their entrepreneurial journey. But I also like to have a little fun, so I spent some time last week having this caricature made. It…

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#IndieCruise 2014 Topic: Leadership as a 21st Century Creative Entrepreneur

In this post, I announced another topic on #IndieCruise 2014: Beyond Profit: Using Your Life and Your Business to Make a Dent in the Universe. Before that, I announced How To Add Membership and Subscription Programs To Your Business. Today, I’m excited to announce that Indie Business Network member Dawn Fitch will join me as…

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Throwback Thursday: January 16, 2000: Our First Newsletter

In my last Throwback Thursday, I shared a bit of the background leading up to the publication of my first book, Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions. Today, it’s all about our very first newsletter. Here’s a screen shot. You can read the first issue online at our old website here. So plain, so colorless. But…

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Video: Kendra Cote and Amathia Soapworks

I saw this video from our member, Kendra Cote, over at Amathia Soapworks and I just had to share it with you. It does such a great job of showcasing the care and artistry that goes into every bar of handmade soap Kendra makes. And don’t you just love the soap stamp? I want every…

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Back Porch Soap: From Boston and New York to Jackson Hole

Here’s a fun project for you — imagine living the life of your dreams in the city of your dreams. Can you picture it? I did, and seven years ago, my husband and I picked up our toddlers and moved from our hometown of Washington, DC, Charlotte, North Carolina, in search of life that was…

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Home-Based Baking Businesses Thrive in California (and Elsewhere)

Do you like to bake? I do, but that doesn’t mean I’m a good baker. But I do know a good peach cobbler when I see (and eat) one, and it’s very exciting to me that states are creating ways for small scale producers of home baked goods to legally sell their delicious creations. Here’s…

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September 2013 Indie Business Book Club Pick: Tribes by Seth Godin

I am pleased to announce our September 2013 Indie Business Book Club pick: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, by Seth Godin. For the past few years, I have hosted Indie Business Book Club, a fun and convenient way for Indie Business Network members to learn and grow together in business and in life.…

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Video: Announcing OWNER Digital Magazine, From Chris Brogan

If you know me, you know I am all about defining and owning life and business on your own terms. You probably also know that my personal and business missions are the same: empowering women (and guys too!) to maximize their potential through small business ownership. That’s why, when serial New York Times best selling…

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Announcing the Indie Business Studio Grand Opening On October 3!

I am pleased to announce that my family and I will host the grand opening party for the Indie Business Studio outside Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday, October 3, from 5:30pm to 8pm. The ribbon cutting will take place promptly at 5:30.* Our address is 206-B North Hayne Street in Monroe, just 30 minutes south…

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