by Donna Maria on November 27, 2009
I am pleased to announce IBN’s first online Indie Site Party on Monday, November 30 — Cyber Monday — at Noon New York time!! Our first party will be hosted at our social networking site and will feature IBN member Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer, of Newport News, Virginia. Indie Site Parties are just like home parties, only online. They are designed to make it fun and easy for you to meet and learn from an Indie Business artist or crafter “up close and personal.” As you can see from the graphic below, you’ll be able to call in from the comfort of your home or office and enjoy the party via conference call.
You’ll also be able to log onto a website (instructions shown in the graphic) where you’ll enjoy Charlene’s one-on-one attention as she presents her jewelry to you and shares exciting information about her business. You’ll also enjoy a 25% discount on all items purchased during the hour-long party! Our parties make shopping fun, informative and entertaining! Meet with the designer one-on-one and get your questions answered about her work before you buy! Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on November 26, 2009
It’s been three years since we moved from our hometown of Washington, DC to Charlotte, North Carolina. While we love a lot of things about Charlotte, we miss home, especially our family. After traveling all day, we finally arrived here late yesterday afternoon. Being here is such a treat. This photo was taken a few hours ago after we filled up on ham, turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, two kinds of stuffing, two kinds of cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, gravy, wild rice, pumpkin bread, fruit salad, cookies, pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate mousse and a bunch of other stuff I can’t remember.
I am so thankful for my family. I never tire of coming home for the holidays. Wherever you are tonight, I hope you are surrounded by the love of the people who love you most. May God bless you on this Thanksgiving Day!
by Donna Maria on November 25, 2009
I am often asked what I do. While I am involved in lots of business activities, my initial answer is always the same: I lead the Indie Beauty Network (IBN), a trade organization that provides business and advocacy services to small companies that make health, beauty and lifestyle products, and also to the companies that serve them. IBN launched in January 2000 and today serves close to 1,000 dues paying members. IBN also serves many thousands of others via a weekly newsletter (here’s this week’s issue; you can subscribe here) and an active social networking site.
To supplement my service to my members, I maintain 3 blogs that serve very distinct purposes. This post shares a bit about blogs so you will know how each one can serve you best. Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on November 24, 2009
In the 1980’s, a popular commercial for a chain of fast food restaurants featured two elderly ladies praising the “bigness” and “fluffiness” of a hamburger bun. A third lady looks more closely and hollers, “Where’s the beef?” The circus-like music in the background reminds of us how ridiculous it is to praise a flashy hot dog bun if the burger inside is practically invisible.
(If you are reading this post via email or an RSS reader and cannot view the video, please click here.)
It’s kind of the same way with you and your business. Think of the products and services you offer as hamburger buns. No matter how great they are, the real meat is what’s inside the buns — you! Everyone has fancy buns these days. What set your buns apart from their buns is the beef on the inside! Continue Reading…
by Donna Maria on November 20, 2009
Michael is a management consultant and speaker with more than twenty years in the professional services industry. He is the founder and a principle of MindShare Consulting, LLC, which helps professional services organizations design winning sales and marketing approaches.
