Are you telling your brand story? Sure, some storytelling happens by default. You have to have an About page at your website, so people can read about your story there. If you do a trade show, you can tell your story in person. But those are static events. To truly solidify your brand in the…
Remember at the turn of the century when everyone predicted that the advance of the Internet and social media spelled the end of “real” personal communications? The theory was that, since you could connect online, there would be no need to connect in person anymore. Over the years, we have seen that this is simply…
In 2009, I published a blog post about my then new social networking strategy. My focus was on Facebook, though other social media outlets were mentioned. Recently, a discussion in our Indie Business Network member Secret Facebook Group reminded me of that 2009 post, and how important it is to be intentional about how we…
I began blogging in 2005. I published my first Indie Business Blog post on May 7, 2007. I had hosted two blogs before that, but they were utter disasters. If you clicked the link above, you’ll see that there was not much to my 2007 post. In fact, the most important thing about that post…
Do you have a great business idea, but lack the funds to turn it into reality? If so, you might try crowdfunding via a site like Kickstarter. Our member over at Bramble Berry is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign, which was fully funded within twenty-four hours. As you can see, the new project…
Have you ever approached a YouTube vlogger to collaborate on a project to promote your products? You might after you read this post. One of our members, Jennifer Waller at Celtic Complexion in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a great case study on how you can create a collaboration with a YouTube vlogger that results in…
I joined Facebook on November 7, 2007, about a year after Facebook opened the platform to everyone with an email address. Since that time, I have been tempted, off and on, to close my Facebook account. Who hasn’t, right? You know the drill: Facebook changes something, or some feature I like is not working properly…
It always makes me sad when creative entrepreneurs shrink from social media. At the top of every entrepreneur’s daily task list is the requirement that they make the cash register ring. Social media is one way to make that happen, yet many creatives do not embrace it — even when it’s clear that if they…
Don’t throw anything at me. I know you may want to, but please resist the urge, and listen up. I have been blogging since 2000. Back then, it was called “journaling.” I “journaled” quarterly for a few years, until my website designer (who I was paying to update my journals) told me that I might…
Today I had the privilege of speaking about social media at “Farm to Market: 21st Century Practices For The Modern Herbal Entrepreneur,” an event co-sponsored by the North Carolina Natural Products Association (where I am a board member) and the American Herbalists Guild. My topic was “7 Easy Ways to Supercharge Your Online Marketing Efforts…
One of the most critical teachings in my Indie Business Blueprint is that Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs must leverage the power of the video to build their brands and boost customer engagement and sales. Most of my students know how important this is, but they are fearful that it will take too much time or…
No doubt, the way we work is changing. I shared some thoughts on this many years ago here at the blog. As I review that 2009 article today, I am struck by the fact that my life and work are more integrated today than I ever thought they would be. To me, it’s a natural…
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…
Last Monday, in our private member Facebook group, I challenged Indie Business Network members to choose one full 24-hour period this week to refrain from using Facebook entirely. I did it yesterday, and I’m excited to learn if any of our members took a break as well. One day is not a really long time,…
The question of how to hire someone to help with social media marketing comes up a lot in the Indie Business Network’s Secret Facebook Group. In this quick video, I share some basic but critical thoughts on how you should approach this issue. Many people make the big mistake of looking for someone who is…
As you know, we maintain a private Facebook group for our Indie Business Network members. As the group grows and time passes, people may want to find out if specific topics have been discussed previously in the group. Members also want to find out if any of their friends or colleagues are a part of…
On Thursdays, Indie Business Network hosts #HandmadeChat, a Twitter talk show to educate, train and inspire creative and artisan entrepreneurs to become profitable business owners. While the show is aimed mainly at entrepreneurs who make and sell handmade consumer products, the topics and discussions can empower and encourage the growth of any small business. This chat…
On Thursday evenings from 8 to 9pm ET, IBN hosts #HandmadeChat, a Twitter talk show to help handmade and creative entrepreneurs sell more products, have more fun, and be more successful personally and professionally. While the show is aimed mainly at business owners who make and sell handmade consumer products, the topics and discussions can…
On Thursday evenings from 8 to 9pm ET, IBN hosts #HandmadeChat, a Twitter talk show to help handmade and creative entrepreneurs sell more products, have more fun, and be more successful personally and professionally. While the show is aimed mainly at business owners who make and sell handmade consumer products, the topics and discussions can…
On Thursday evenings from 8 to 9pm ET, IBN hosts #HandmadeChat, a Twitter talk show to help handmade entrepreneurs sell more products, have more fun, and be more successful personally and professionally. While the show is aimed mainly at business owners who make and sell handmade consumer products, the topics and discussions can empower and…
Donna Maria shares her ideas and experiences with newsletter publication days.