Today we chat with Stacey Trock, who got her start in the industry with her company Fresh Stitches, a crochet subscription club featuring amigurumi patterns. In recent years, Stacey has focused her attention on marketing consulting and teaching.  Stacey is also a designer and the author of three crochet books. At the most recent needle arts trade show, she offered a class on dealing with difficult customers which I thought would be a great podcast topic so we’ll delve into that today.

Business of Craft Episode 42 Stacey Trock on Difficult Customers

The Business of Craft Podcast is a lively show where our host Leanne Pressly interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs of fiber arts, fabric, sewing and other creative companies so you can learn to craft a better business.

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Karley Cunningham has been diving into the worlds of business development, branding, and design for over two decades. As the Creative Strategist & Growth Accelerator at her company, Big, Bold Brand, Karley brings her big thinking and innovative problem-solving to the table. She’s also a sought-after speaker and mentor, sharing her wisdom with national and international business organizations. Today we're chatting about differentiating your brand.   

Business of Craft Karley Cunningham on Differentiating Your Brand

Today our guest is Richard Parker, the President of Diomo Corporation, who has dedicated his career to advising and mentoring people who want to buy or sell a business. He has purchased and sold 13 of his own companies and understands firsthand the emotional journey that buyers and sellers experience. This is a very relevant topic in the craft industry as many of the businesses are independent and/or family owned. As owners age and are looking toward retirement, there is often a question of how to position the business for sale, or where to even find a buyer? On the flipside, for buyers, who often come to the industry as hobbyists and enthusiasts first, how should they assess a business for purchase? 

Business of Craft Buying and Selling a Business with Richard Parker

Today our guest is Pamela Slim, celebrated author and small business expert who has dedicated decades to shaping and enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  She is a co-founder of the KEH community lab in Mesa, Arizona, alongside her husband, Darryl. This innovative hub serves as a grassroots, community-based think tank dedicated to accelerating small business growth. Pam's insights and expertise frequently grace the pages of esteemed publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and BusinessWeek. She has written several books including "Escape from Cubicle Nation," which was recognized as the Best Small Business and Entrepreneur book in 2009 and her follow up, Body of Work. Her latest book, "The Widest Net," helps you grow your business by connecting with customers outside your usual field of view.

Business of Craft Pam Slim on Tiny Marketing Actions

Today we have John Li, the startup and co- founder of PickFu.com who believes in the transformative power of consumer insights to drive business success. Recognizing that better insights lead to better decisions, John advocates for frequent and in-depth market research. With experience spanning from tech giants like Microsoft to bootstrapped startups, he's witnessed the exponential benefits of well-executed market research and the pitfalls of ignoring consumer voices.   

Business of Craft Competitive Research and Data Analysis with John Li

Today, our guest is Adrian Koehler, and we're jumping into leadership and how to use emotions in leadership to lead fearlessly. Adrian works with coaching leadership engagement and is senior partner at the executive coaching powerhouse, Take New Ground. They’ve worked with companies such as Lululemon, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream (which we LOVE at Stitchcraft Marketing) and Nike. Adrian has carved a niche in coaching executives and entrepreneurs alike. His goal is always to empower these leaders to bring out the best in themselves, rally their teams, and serve their clients in ways that not only break new ground but also infuse a deep sense of fulfillment in their professional lives.

Business of Craft Episode 42 Stacey Trock on Difficult Customers

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