by Donna Johnson on November 27, 2008
I hope you all have a great day today. I included a little message in my Indie Experience newsletter today. If you get a chance, I hope you'll enjoy it.
by Donna Johnson on November 26, 2008
Indie Beauty Network Member Wins Top 10 Spot As Green Business
I was excited to learn this week that Indie Beauty Network member Linda Balon Stein of Zosimos Botanicals was selected as one of StartUp Nation's Top 10 Greenest Home-Based Businesses. Linda's company was chosen from thousands of entries. Pictured here are some of her most popular products, a line of lip balms made with sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and colors from natural ingredients like acai berries from the Brazilian rain forest.
I have known for a while of Linda's business and personal commitment to the environment, particularly after meeting her in person at Indies in the City earlier this year. But now that she's won a national award for her dedication, I'm delighted that the world will know too. Join me in congratulating Linda! Here's a little about her and how she leads her award winning company.
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by Donna Johnson on November 25, 2008
Introducing An Inspirational Indie Sister
One of the best things about having a blog, a radio show, a Twitter account (@indiebusiness), serving as president of the Indie Beauty Network and being so socially connected online is that I meet tons of interesting people. Recently, I met a beautiful Indie Sister whose personality, style and positive disposition warmed me up in no time. So you know I had to tell you about her.
Tanea Smith is owner and creative director at She's Got Papers, a New York-based creator of fine stationery including the most adorable baby business cards. Tanea was kind enough to send me a box of her writing papers, and while I'm tempted to keep them because they are so pretty, I've already started using them so I can spread the beauty around a bit. Indies, get to know my new friend Tanea Smith.
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by Donna Johnson on November 24, 2008
Indie Business Radio Show Guest Shares Tips For Launching On a Budget
Today's guest on Indie Business Radio was Karin Abarbanel, co-author of Birthing the Elephant: The woman's go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business. I found Karin through Indie Beauty Network member Lisa Kennally, who owns lisa ann skincare. As a passionate book lover, Lisa helps a bookstore in her hometown to schedule and host author book signings. She booked Karin at the bookstore, and sent me an email to tell me how awesome she was.
You know me, I had to introduce Karin to my Indies. I was on the phone with Karin in a flash, and was happy to welcome her as my guest on today's show. Karin spoke eloquently about the need for a small business book that focused on helping women deal with the emotional issues associated with launching a business, and Birthing the Elephant certainly fits that bill. Karin shared a ton of tips, starting with personal ones gleaned from launching her own business 18 years ago after quitting her job to be more available to her newborn son. (Sound familiar?) The show stream and download will be ready in a few days, but in the meantime, here are some of Karin's "Lean Launch" tips.
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by Donna Johnson on November 23, 2008
If My Action Items Don't Work For You, I'll Cut You a Check
The economy stinks right now. We hear about it all the time, way too much if you ask me. I make it a point not to listen to all of the negativity. Nevertheless, reality is what reality is, no matter what you listen to. But enough of that. Whether you are just starting your business or you've been around the block a few times, these 3 action steps will strengthen your business in any economy. And that's a promise from me. I've done 2 of these 3 things with a special vengeance over the past few months (the third will launch this week) and the difference in my business has been phenomenal. More focus. More fun. More business. More profit.
So here's a challenge. If you have been operating your online business steadily for at least a year, you are already on Twitter and have an active blog, I challenge you to do each of these 3 things for 3 solid months, and do them consistently and well (yes, I am the person who determines "consistently and well"), and if you don't see sales increase, I'll give you $100. See? No matter what, even if you lose, you win!
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