Let's talk about technology as it applies to retail. Now, that might lead you to think brick and mortar. But while that’s true, this conversation spins around to digital retail, as well.

Because here's the truth. In today’s world? Selling both online and in person brings the most strength to your handmade business.

Christine and the Retail Creative and Consulting Agency sit at the intersection of information and innovation, serving the industry of retailers and retail technology.

She runs Connected Retail and produces short-form videos about the technology used in the retail industry. Her Founder’s Interviews have become well known for authentic reporting and information and are growing into a global go-to resource.

Christine helps retailers solve major pain points, understand and use new technical solutions, and digitize their brick-and-mortar locations.

Talking Tech for eCommerce

Listen to this casual back-and-forth conversation to learn:

What to focus on to ensure the right results in your business

Why technology is actually easier for small businesses than big ones

How to find solutions for the tech-related things you're terrible at or mistakes you've made in the past

Other ways to promote your products beyond just your website

Why authenticity in your social media lives is so important

The importance of having confidence in your ability to engage with people about your product

And lots more!

Tune in now to discover how tech for eCommerce can be easy and make running your business easier!

Resources Mentioned

Free Gift Biz Unwrapped Podcast Topic Directory

Conduct Your Own Virtual Sales Show - GBU Ep 268

Here's Your Entrance into Wholesale - GBU Ep 387

Stockabl

Shopify

Faire

Comment Sold

OmniSend

MailChimp

Christine's Contact Links

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here.

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing 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.

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, 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

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

By now I’m sure you recognize how very important your product photos are. On Etsy for example, where you’re up against many others who sell handmade products similar to yours, a photo will be the differentiating factor in choosing who gets the sale. This extends to stopping the scroll and getting visibility on social media sites too. All told, images and graphics are of "make or break" importance.

In the past, having high quality photos was an investment both in time and money. You either hired a professional photographer or purchased your own high quality camera. That required a level of skill in photography not to mention editing software knowledge or hiring a graphic artist.

The continual upgrades of mobile phone cameras has come to the rescue. Now there’s no excuse for not capturing great images of your products since your phone can do the trick. And on the software side - things have changed too.

Enter Canva. If you’ve never used Canva before, perk up your ears because “gamechanger” is the word that comes to my mind! This one tool can dramatically affect your work day and the quality of your brand overall. Here are 10 reasons why.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Canva

The Template Tribe

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 wholesale but in a way that’s different from any discussions we’ve had before. This one is going to open your eyes to new possibilities for your business.

You may have thought your business is too new or small to consider this selling option. But not necessarily so!

In fact, what you’ll learn in this episode is a way to get your business into the wholesale arena with guidance and structure specially designed for you – the smaller handmade product maker specifically.

Because the holidays are approaching so quickly, I bumped this interview up to get this information into your hands in time for you to take action on it for this holiday season.

Amber Christian is the new owner of both Stockabl and Handmade Seller magazine. She comes from a technology background, having spent over 20 years implementing technology solutions.

Given that, she brings her finance, supply chain, and technology insights and expertise to our handmade product community. In fact, her career has been spent bridging the gap between different industries and functions and she sees lots of potential within the whole landscape of handmade.

She's told by many she has an innate ability to make boring topics pretty fun!

How To Get Started With Wholesale

Listen to the full episode to discover:

How to establish your retail presence

When is the right time to get into wholesale?

The essential basics you need to nail before you try wholesale

The right type of business that supports wholesale pricing

How to educate the retailer on selling your products

Which products are right for wholesale?

The importance of making things easy for retailers

And lots more!

Tune in now to learn exactly how you can get started with wholesale now - even if your business is new or small!

Resources Mentioned

Handmade Seller Magazine

Sign Up For A FREE Boost!

Amber's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here.

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing 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.

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, 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

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

My favorite number is 2. You’d think it would be number 1, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to be at the top, in the lead, “the winner” if you will? But there are some definite advantages to being second. And no matter how big you get, there will always be times when you don’t hold the top spot. In this episode I give you my insight into pros and cons in each of these positions.

And, the next time you see someone progressing ahead of you, I want you to reposition your thinking and open your mind to the benefits of being second. Seeing a fellow maker succeed proves that it’s possible for you too. It’s evidence that there’s a path to that level. While your road does not, and actually should not, mimic someone else’s, you can take clues from their actions to spark ideas for your own forward progress.

Seeing others do things that you’ve been afraid to do can spark action in you and open up your mind’s eye to a whole new level of opportunity you never dared believe is possible. I’m here to tell you it is possible and being number 2 provides the motivation for you to get there.

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

 

Are you doing all the hard work and employing all sorts of strategies but still not seeing results?

It may be that you’re subconsciously putting up barriers that don’t allow for change to happen.

Is your mind open enough to consider this to be possible? As Krishna explains the role our subconscious plays, you'll learn what you can do easily throughout your day to affect change.

If you feel you’ve tried everything but aren’t making progress. Listen extra hard to this episode. It may just hold the key.

Krishna is a Subconscious Transformational Guide, Life Coach, and Licensed and Credentialed Acupuncturist who has worked with over 24K clients during her 18 years in practice.

Krishna’s work helps people expand their subconscious beliefs from what is limiting or self-sabotaging. Her clients walk away feeling empowered as the creators of their own lives.

She’s here today to talk with us about how crucial subconscious transformation is to career and life overall, and who can benefit from it.

Uncovering Your Self-Limiting Beliefs

Tune into this episode to learn:

The differences between conscious, UNconscious, and SUBconscious.

What does "holding space" really mean?

How your subconscious is the powerhouse with the capacity to create the life you truly want.

Steps you can take to reroute your mind toward the life you desire or away from something that's stressful or traumatic.

The importance of repetition, intention, and practice.

How to reinforce the new beliefs you create.

And lots more!

Resources Mentioned

Podcast Episode Directory (best viewed on desktop)

Khrisna's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here.

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing 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.

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, 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

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

This cheerleading thing probably comes as no surprise if you’ve been hanging out with me for a while. I’m an eternal optimist. I love to cheer people on. I’m okay with attention and I love football. I’ve thought about sharing this NFL cheerleading experience with you for a while.

As I reflect on my journey there, I realize so much of what I experienced and learned applies to being a small business owner too. I’m going to drop the lessons here but listening to the show will give it context and better understanding.

Learning 1 – To accomplish anything you need to put yourself out there. Take the chance.

Learning 2 – Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have the passion to invest a major portion of your life to it.

Learning 3 – Don’t force your passion onto someone else if it doesn’t resonate with them.

Learning 4 – Jump on opportunities when they spring up.

Learning 5 – It’s truly who you know at various points along the way.

Learning 6 – Work through setbacks and swallow your pride if you have to in pursuit of your goals.

Learning 7 – The work doesn’t end when an achievement is reached.

Learning 8 – Don’t ever get overly confident of your position or expect the same results time after time. They aren’t guaranteed.

Learning 9 – Observe the roles you naturally gravitate to. You may discover new potential.

Learning 10 – The value is in the journey, it’s not discovered only when you reach your destination.

Here’s to you stretching. You may be surprised how far you can go!

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’s show is really important because it contains a serious and potential life-transforming message.

It’s a discussion on how your lifestyle and the behaviors you’ve adopted into your being affect your health and the way you show up in your world.

I’ll go so far as to say how they affect your potential for success, too. Not just business success but overall fulfillment of the goals you have for your life.

A dramatic statement? Yes! Because the true story you’re about to hear is just that.

If you've been taking care of everyone else but you – this show is a must-listen. And if you know someone else in your life doing the same, please share this with them. It’s that important.

Years after being released from her 25-year corporate position, Renee realized she needed to do something with the gift of getting her voice back to serve others. Today, Renee is a best-selling author, speaker, and transformational/women's empowerment coach.

She has discovered a method that helps you release the stories that no longer serve you, so you can rewrite those that do.

The Link Between Your Behaviors & Mental Health

In this episode, you'll hear:

Details of the immediate hard-stop Renee experienced in her life and how it happened

The impact that physically losing her voice (and not knowing if she'd ever get it back) had on her entire life

What she discovered about herself when her life was forced to be put on hold.

How, little by little, she found her way back and is now living a much richer life all around.

The crucial connection between our inner voice and outer voice

And so much more!

Resources Mentioned

Content for Makers

Finding Your Voice: Unlock Your Chains And Unleash Your Greatness

Free 30-minute complimentary consultation with Renee

Renee's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here.

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing 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.

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, 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

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Thank you so much! Sue

If you think about your approach to product development, where do you fall? Do you stick with what’s standard and proven or do you venture off and test new things just to see what happens?

While there’s nothing wrong with either approach, I’m going to suggest that the greater opportunity for your business lies in going past the tried and true and expanding to create something truly new and unique. The trick is to do something your audience wants or needs. Or something that solves a common problem people can easily relate to.

And you might say, there’s really nothing else that can be done with soaps or candles. That all the stitches and uses for knitted items have been created. Or that every single flavor and variation of chocolate is already out there.

And I’ll challenge you on that. In this episode I explain why and give you examples that will get you looking at your product in an entirely different way.

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

 

You know what successful business owners say when I ask what they'd do differently if they were starting again?

Are you surprised? For some reason, we get it in our minds that hiring an employee is reserved only for those who have grown to a certain level.

But the truth is - delaying this move can actually hold you back and limit your potential.

So, that's what today's training is all about - the how, what, and when of getting some support for your business so you don't have to do *everything* yourself.

Here's the thing - the holidays are coming soon, so this might be the perfect time for you to broaden your thinking of what's possible!

What's In This Bash?

In this BASH, I dive into the details you need to know about hiring help for your handmade business, including:

Deciding which tasks to delegate

Defining the jobs in your business

Tips for employee interaction

Learning how to let go

What you can learn from your employees

Where to find employee candidates

Best practices for making your first hires

2. Q&A about this topic with Bash attendees.

Did your question get asked and answered? If not, come ask it in the Facebook Group.

Listen to the full episode to hear about discounts, collaboration opportunities, and more!

Amy - Weedpatch Studio

Andril - Andrils Sweet Kitchen

Bridget - Sunny Stowaways

Cassie - Cassie's Country Cupboard

Isheka - Extra Fashizz

Resources mentioned:

Content for Makers

Gift Biz Unwrapped Merch Shop

Be part of the newest Gift Biz Opportunities!

The Gift Biz Bash offers you the chance to get added visibility for your business - for free. Who can't use that?! But seats are limited. To see the dates and times and to grab your spot, click here.

A Gift Biz Boost is a free one-on-one strategy session discussing 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.

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, 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

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

 

I took a month off social media in July. This wasn’t my intent but it proved to be an enlightening experience.

You may be thinking my account got hacked or closed. Nope. Worse. Tragedy happened in my life. I wasn’t in a headspace for social media at all. Hard stop. In fact, I was off for a little over a month. I didn’t care if I lost followers. I didn’t care if the algorithm dinged me about consistency. It just didn’t matter. (More details in the podcast.)

I’m using my situation because let’s face it. Life presents us all with drama, illness, loss … and at some point we need to get back up and keep living. But to get to that point, it’s important to focus on you and your recovery, going through the stages of grief – whatever it is for you. And it could be good times too. You want time to be all in for your wedding or the birth of a baby. What I’m trying to say here is life comes first and sometimes as a business owner, we forget that.

In this episode I cover what I learned in this time off social. I think it may help for when you feel the need to do the same.

Smarter Queue

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