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Be Everywhere Your Customers Are

Donna Maria shares commentary on using social media and new technologies to be everywhere your customers are.

Today's Newsletter, Leadership and Canterbury Cabin

Today was one of the rare days where I preempted my radio show so I could capitalize on a difference kind of opportunity. I spoke on leadership at the 2010 Social Media Telesummit, hosted by Leesa Barnes. This was a virtual event featuring some of the leading names in social media. I enjoyed sharing with…

Sunday Soup!

It’s Sunday! That means it’s time for Sunday Soup!! Sunday Soup is a new feature here at my blog where you can post questions in the comments, and I will answer them. Even better, you can answer each other using the Disqus threaded comments! So what do you want to talk about? Being a wife…

6 Ways Small Business Owners Can Assess Return On Social Media Investment

One of the reasons using social media can be challenging for small business owners is because it is often difficult to quantify the return on social media investment. For example, if you invest a certain amount of time and/or money on social media outreach, how do you assess whether it was a good investment of…

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Of The Coming Of The Lord!

These words never cease to move me. “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. … I’m not worried about anything, I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of…

3 Steps To More Effective Leadership Of Your Small Business

Last Saturday, I celebrated my 10th year as the leader of the Indie Business Network, a trade organization serving small manufacturers of soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, candles, confectionery items and other health, beauty and lifestyle products. I am thoroughly enjoying serving my members, and I look forward to the next decade and beyond.Unfortunately, too many small…

An Exciting First For IBN: Countdown to Ten Years Of Service!

In just a few days, I will celebrate 10 years of leading the Indie Beauty Network and serving the most innovative, creative and tenacious small and independent business owners in the world. I’m celebrating a few days early because today, for the first time, an IBN member has renewed her membership for the tenth year…

The 2010 IBN Member Logo Is Here!

One of the first things I did when I launched IBN in 2000 was create a branded logo so members could easily share their IBN affiliation with customers, stockists and other stakeholders. As the leader of a nationwide trade organization, I have always felt that it is important to provide business member leaders with an…

The Truth About My Family Business

I enjoy working in a family business. After spending so many years fighting rush hour traffic and toiling away in the corporate jungles of Washington, DC, I am thankful for my lifestyle. I don’t have to jump through administrative hoops to take my children to the pediatrician’s office. I have more control over how my…

The Best of Indie Business 2009

Blogging has enhanced my life in numerous ways. I love sharing my ideas and experiences at the same time as I chronicle my growth as a woman and a business leader. But even more than that, this blog is a great way to meet and connect with the wonderful people (you!!) who take time from…

99 Small Business Mistakes And How You Can Avoid Them

As I prepare to celebrate my 10th anniversary in business, I am keenly aware of the many mistakes I have made, and of what I have learned from them. I’ve made more than 99 mistakes over the past 10 years, and each one has equipped me to meet new challenges and given me the experience…

My ThemeWord For 2010: WISDOM

I am not into New Year’s Resolutions because they are not profitable for me. Since I set, adjust, achieve and abandon goals for a variety of reasons all year long, setting new resolutions on January 1 seems sort of anti-climactic. But I do like the idea of selecting a “ThemeWord” that encompasses the notion that…

What's Your "Just One Thing"?

I have been thinking about the goals I set earlier this year, both the ones I met and the ones I didn’t meet. I’m over the latter (and there are a few of them), yet I feel positive, satisfied and energized about the things I accomplished in 2009. I know that some goals were not…

Blogging Brings Home The Business

This is the third in a series of posts featuring small business owners’ suggestions for things you can do to be successful in 2010. Last week, I told you about Joan Morais, an IBN member who increased her productivity and profitability this year by hiring a virtual assistant. I also told you about Marla Bosworth,…

Cranberry-Ginger Relish

My long search for the perfect cranberry condiment is over.

Merry Christmas From Disco dM!!

For the past few years, I have enjoyed “elfing myself.” Each year, it’s more fun and interactive. If you’re looking for quick and fun way to generate more holiday laughs, check out Elf Yourself and have some fun! My kids and I made this video and they can’t stop laughing. I hope the same thing…

Three Ways To Double Your Sales In 2010

Focused, proactive, consistent steps are the keys to small business success.

Is Hoarding Killing Your Small Business?

How hiring a virtual assistant can save your business and your sanity.

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