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…

Details

#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…

Details

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…

Details

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…

Details

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…

Details

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…

Details

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.…

Details

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…

Details

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…

Details

Video: 3 Ways to Be More Proactive and Less Reactive in Your Business

Here is a question I received recently at our Facebook Page: “How do we stop running our businesses so reactively and start being more proactive? Do you ever feel like you’re running your business, reacting to sales, reacting to non-sales, and filling orders, and just not being proactive?” I answered the question in this short…

Details

Throwback Thursday: Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions

If you missed last week’s Throwback Thursday about Indie Business Network’s first media feature, you can get it here. Today, I’ll share about how my book, Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions, came to be published back in 2000. In 1998, I was still toiling away at a “real” job by weekday, but by night and…

Details

Should You Write That Book?: An Author Speaks

This month, our member, Anne-Marie Faiola of Bramble Berry, celebrates the publication of her first book. Well, since she is a self-published author, it’s not exactly her “first” book. But it is her first book published by a publishing company. Check out this ultra cute sketch of Anne-Marie surrounded by the thing in the world…

Details