Gift Biz Unwrapped

By now, you've probably noticed the uptick in people talking about the importance of email marketing.

It’s one thing to understand the importance of email in theory but another to know how to use it to your advantage in your business. Thankfully, today’s guests are going to shed light on this with concrete direction on the “what” and “how."

Plus - my huge pet peeve - Laura and Adam answer the question about whether you should sell in each and every email you send. I’ll tell you the answer right now … No … and Yes!

Laura and Adam founded and have co-directed Pink Leopard, an eCommerce growth acceleration agency, for the last 8 years. They're driven and passionate about getting under the skin of eCommerce businesses, helping them grow to 7 & 8 figures.

Laura also has her own eCommerce store. She understands every aspect of running a successful online store since she’s been in the trenches with her clients.

Laura and Adam focus on sharing their knowledge on how to grow via paid ads and email marketing.

As a thought leader in creating advertising strategies for eCommerce brands, Adam takes time to understand the individual requirements and direction of each business to be able to make custom recommendations for their clients.

Together they are passionate about building a people-focused agency that attracts, retains, and cultivates the best talent to ensure client satisfaction.

Email Marketing Strategies  To Increase Sales

In this episode, you'll learn ...

How to grow your email list.

4 communication flows you should have in place.

Where to find ideas for email content.

What to do after your email is sent.

How to map out a 6 or 12-month email calendar.

The key to client retention.

How to get people to sign up for your list.

What to do before every campaign.

And yes - even more.

Listen to this full conversation to get email marketing strategies that increase sales so you can get started right away!

 Resources Mentioned

GBU Topic Directory

Inspired! Daily Planner

Laura & Adam's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin (Laura) |Linkedin (Adam)

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

Being likeable. Sometimes that’s all you need to make a sale. And if you describe yourself as an introvert, this is a reason to push past this self-limiting label. Because you have no chance of being likeable if someone doesn’t have the ability to get to know you.

95% of buying decisions are made based on emotion. Neuroscience confirms it. Given this, why do we focus so much on talking about all the specifics of our products if we haven’t even been asked? Why not just be friendly and welcoming when you meet someone in your booth for the first time? That takes a lot of pressure off, doesn’t it?

Remember that going to craft shows is a form of entertainment for those attending. Let’s talk about how to use this to your advantage.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode Reference Center

Inspired! Daily Planner

CONNECT with me here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE)

Start with Confidence

Networking Ninja

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, and learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

 

If you're looking for your first (or new) home for your eCommerce website - you need to tune in, because this episode is just for you!

Today we’re talking about a new eCommerce platform ONLY for handmade creators that offers options not available anywhere else.

I say they’re new but they have solid experience under their belt from the last two years of startup and growth.

So, what should pique your interest? First, Jon is serious about keeping this marketplace only for true handmade creators. Nobody slips in who’s producing from a factory or justifies “handmade” when in truth it isn’t.

Almost too good to be true, right? Well, I’ll one up even what I’ve said here.

You know you should have a website of your own, too – perhaps in addition to another outside-owned eCommerce site like Etsy or Amazon? One with your own domain name, smooth setup and control, and reliable functionality? Goimagine has the solution for this too. All in one place.

Jon Lincoln is the founder of goimagine, the handmade marketplace that’s donating 100% of profits to help children in need. This new marketplace concept is following in the footsteps of other great companies such as Newman's Own and Patagonia by building philanthropy into the fabric of the business.

Since launching in 2020, goimagine has attracted thousands of makers & artists throughout the United States supporting their mission to create a more caring economy through handmade.

This year, goimagine is adopting a shared ownership model where the vendors on the marketplace are given ownership in the company including voting rights and board representation.

It’s with the support of the maker community that goimagine continues to grow and they feel it’s only right the makers are given a ‘seat at the table’ when decisions are being made.

Discover This Alternative To Etsy

The healthy way to grow your business.

What is actually the true power of a marketplace?

The thing you must know about your customers.

How to differentiate yourself from other brands.

The secrets to supporting and marketing your product.

What you need to have in mind when you look at places where to sell.

Why it's so important to have your own URL.

And tons more!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topics Directory

Inspired! Daily Planner

Jon's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

We are so lucky in our industry of handmade to have what feels like endless options for face-to face-selling. Today let’s talk about the size of a show and how that can affect your success.

You may initially thing that larger shows will bring greater results but that’s not always the case. Both large and small shows are worth considering.

Testing is always the only way to know if a show will work for you … but there are things to consider to slant the odds in your favor.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Inspired! Daily Planner

Start with Confidence

Podcasts about Craft Show Booth Tips

Tips & Talk 8 - Craft Show Convo 3

Tips & Talk 9 - Craft Show Convo 4

238 - How to Maximize Sales at Shows

353 - You Think You've Tried Everything

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussion a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward.

CONNECT with me here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE)

Start with Confidence

Networking Ninja

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, and learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

 

This week's show is pretty exciting. As you saw from the title, my guests have participated in 150 in-person shows over just the past 3 years!

Given that level of activity, you know they have a ton of experience and a wealth of insights to share.

You'll also hear about their unexpected start in business, how they merged into a husband and wife business team, and what they expect in the future.

Grant and Jennifer Anderson are a husband and wife team out of Brownsburg, IN and the owners of Uptown Common. Jennifer started Uptown Common in late 2019 selling macrame products including plant hangers and wall hangings. Grant began adding leather goods to the business booth early in 2020 and shortly after that, they also started selling plants so customers could complete their plant hanger entirely in their shop.

Uptown Common travels around the Midwest to artisan markets. To date, they’ve done nearly 150 markets!

Grant and Jennifer also hosted their own artisan market for the first time last year which was an exciting undertaking. They leveraged their significant experience as vendors as well as the relationships with other vendors they’ve built since 2019 to make the show one that will continue in 2023 and beyond.

Tips From Craft Show Pros

In this episode, you'll hear ...

The value in just starting and going from there.

How to really know if a show was a success for you or not.

And so much more!

Tune in now to get tons of valuable tips from craft show pros that you can use for your handmade product business!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topic Directory

Grant & Jennifer's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

Do you underestimate confidence and enthusiasm? I realize these are two entirely separate things, but they do go hand in hand in your business and can seriously impact your progress and the success you’ll see in the long run.

Let’s define each of these first - so we’re on the same page in terms of what I’m talking about. Then I’ll go into how they affect your business and what you can do to leverage each characteristic for your benefit.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Network Ninja

Inspired! Daily Planner

Start with Confidence Program

CONNECT with me here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE)

Start with Confidence

Networking Ninja

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, and learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

 

I met Robin at the Chicago One of a Kind Show. She captured my attention for a couple of reasons. Her display drew me in and made me curious about her product.

It’s a combination of two other products merged into one. I got just enough information to know I wanted her on the show. That’s how I like to do this when considering a guest I don’t already know.

That way our conversation here is genuine. I need to know enough to ensure they’d be a good example for you and it goes from there.

And for established business owners, there’s a lot here for you too – to reinforce what you’re already doing or to serve as a reminder of best practices.

Robin Lee Essentials was born out of Robin’s desire to create her own line of handcrafted ceramic jewelry when she struggled to find pieces that were both functional and elegant.

As an extension of that, Robin believes that people should be able to elevate their everyday outfits while incorporating the benefits of essential oils into their lives.

To fill both these goals, Robin Lee Essentials offers pieces that are timeless, intentional, and with an artfully polished aesthetic on the diffuser jewelry style.

Start Your Handmade Business - From Scratch!

The easy way to market yourself when you're just starting out

One thing you MUST do before you go all out

How to market to the right customers - and what happens when you don't

Why building relationships in your business is one of the most important things you can do

The crucial thing you MUST understand about your product.

And lots more!

Listen to this engaging conversation to hear how to start your handmade business the right way!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Use coupon code PODCAST at Robin's shop for 10% off your order

Robin's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

It makes sense that for most things in life it’s best if you start at the very beginning, except when it comes to one very important part of your business - the messaging you use to sell your products. In this case, you want to flip the script.

It's the old features/benefit story. Describing your product in this way gives them all the specifics to choose and place an order. But they may not be interested in that just yet. Here’s what’s missing with this approach.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Get Free Coaching thru a Gift Biz Boost!

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussion a part of your business you're trying to grow. Maybe it's the first steps to getting started, or how to attract more sales, whatever your current focus is. You'll leave with actionable steps to "boost" you forward.

CONNECT with me here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE)

Start with Confidence

Networking Ninja

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, and learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

 

Today we're talking about how to start an Amazon business - or maybe collaborate with one to sell more of your handmade products.

I like to present you with all sorts of options for starting a business of your own. And while we focus mostly on traditional handmade product selling, there are other ways of going about this.

It’s all about what you want out of your business and how it fits overall into your full life.

So, today we’re going to dig into a business model that’s a spinoff of handmade. If you don’t have a lot of available time, are physically limited, or simply don’t want to make your product yourself, this is a consideration for you. One that can bring in some big money too.

Ashley is one of the premiere and rare women in the Amazon seller and eCommerce space.

She’s personally sold over $2 million on Amazon.com. And no other woman has worked with more 6, 7, and 8-figure Amazon sellers than Ashley.

She took the earnings from her Amazon bath bomb business to found Private Label Mastery in 2017. Her unique “FOTON” method helps Amazon sellers launch their products fast and profitably in 60 days or less.

Ashley is also the host of the podcast Private Label Mastery and the author of Million Dollar e-Com Secrets.

Start (Or Collaborate With) An Amazon Business

In this episode, you'll hear ...

Ashley's 5-step system to launch a product on Amazon

No space or interest in "making?" Here's your solution.

How to private label a product through collaboration with other Amazon sellers.

Using what you learn from Amazon with other products.

Unique opportunities for your products.

How to nurture your product to success.

Finding the right products to sell.

How to connect with customers outside of Amazon.

And so many more insights!

Tune into this compelling conversation to hear how you can start an Amazon business yourself or collaborate with one to make more sales!

Resources Mentioned

GBU Topics Directory

Ashley's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community

Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze

If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started.

Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

What do you do when a camera points your way? Probably the same as most people. Do you find yourself totally changing your behavior? It’s like now you have to be “on,” and you analyze and adjust so you’re captured in the best way.

While all these tricks make for great photos that show your best self and ones you don’t shy away from, they’re not the best ones for your business. What is natural for you to do when a camera is pointed your way, may send your potential customers in the opposite direction.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Inspired! Daily Planner

CONNECT with me here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review.

I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz

5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE)

Start with Confidence

Networking Ninja

Content for Makers

Inspired! Daily Planner

Makers MBA

Check out the Merch Shop

Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here.

Join our community of handmade product makers

Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of business development. Ask questions, see what others are working on, and learn new things - it's all there and we're waiting for you to join us!

Finally, would you please leave a review? Thanks!

It helps other makers like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: Rate This Podcast