Announcing the Indie Shopping Network

by Donna Johnson

Click. Chat. Buy.

About 48 hours ago, I was Tweeting with @ladolcediva (also known as Jennifer Kirkwood). She was sharing that the Home Shopping Network (HSN) had expressed an interest in carrying her La Dolce Diva products. Jennifer Tweeted that HSN wanted her to commit to putting thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of her products in their warehouse before they would even talk to her about selling her Indie goodies. There were also numerous other stipulations that most Indie Business owners simply cannot meet.

(Update: 12/11/08: this is the edited version of the video that appeared here when this post was first published.)

I Tweeted back that perhaps some of it was negotiable? Jennifer said, "No dice." So, I Tweeted that someone should launch a live online shopping show just for Indies. As I pressed the SEND key, my body literally froze. A huge light bulb went off in my head. That light is captured in this video, which was recorded live in my home studio (read: kitchen) about an hour ago. (If you have trouble viewing the video, it may be because you need to download the latest flash plug-in.)

Thanks to Cactus and Ivy, Bella Lucce and Dr. Flower's Essentials for doing such a great job! And also to my dear husband and business partner, Darryl, for making it all come together so fast.

It's a little long, but just a test pilot so there was a lot going on as we brought together all of the different technological tools we are using to put together the Indie Shopping Network. The website will launch soon. In the meantime, we'd love your comments!

Question: We need your feedback to make this show the best it can be when we launch in January 2009. What do you think? Do you like the set? How does the audio sound? Is the lighting good? Would you like me to help you sell your products on the show?

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Tagged as: bella lucce, donna maria, dr flower, indie shopping network, la dolce diva

posted on December 5, 2008 ·

Facebook comments:

http://www.scrubzbodyscrub.com/ Roberta Perry

I think the idea is brilliant! I would love to see demonstrations of the products if possible, Maybe have someone there to talk/banter back and forth with, if the manufacturer is not able to join you. Scrubz Body Scrubs would be thrilled to have a guest spot on your show.
http://www.scrubzbodyscrub.com Roberta Perry

I think the idea is brilliant! I would love to see demonstrations of the products if possible, Maybe have someone there to talk/banter back and forth with, if the manufacturer is not able to join you. Scrubz Body Scrubs would be thrilled to have a guest spot on your show.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Roberta: Thanks for your enthusiasm. I have one of your scrubs here already! Yes, I think demonstrations will be key. Thanks for suggesting that.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Roberta: Thanks for your enthusiasm. I have one of your scrubs here already! Yes, I think demonstrations will be key. Thanks for suggesting that.
http://profile.typepad.com/6p010536415e5d970b/ Pamela M.

What an fantastic idea!!! I think maybe you can have viewers who have tried the product testify or maybe you can try the product out an testify to how much you like the products. I can’t wait to see this take off!!!
http://profile.typepad.com/6p010536415e5d970b/ Pamela M.

What an fantastic idea!!! I think maybe you can have viewers who have tried the product testify or maybe you can try the product out an testify to how much you like the products. I can’t wait to see this take off!!!
http://www.good-thymes.com/ Cheryl

Donna Maria,
I loved the ‘light bulb’ and the ‘body freeze’ moment, a true sign of inspiration and vision which most Indies I’m sure can relate to!
I thought the homey atmosphere was nice, and with your genuine personality and delivery I think you will do an excellent job of representing products for all Indies. I like the idea of using two setups and some movement, the dark for discussion and a neutral to highlight products. I love the idea of having someone else there to help demonstrate and chat up the products with. With two of you oohing, aahing, sniffing, and applying (lotion and such), it could be a double testament for the products and company.
Bless you and your husband for sharing your gifts and talents with all of us Indies.
http://www.good-thymes.com Cheryl

Donna Maria,
I loved the ‘light bulb’ and the ‘body freeze’ moment, a true sign of inspiration and vision which most Indies I’m sure can relate to!
I thought the homey atmosphere was nice, and with your genuine personality and delivery I think you will do an excellent job of representing products for all Indies. I like the idea of using two setups and some movement, the dark for discussion and a neutral to highlight products. I love the idea of having someone else there to help demonstrate and chat up the products with. With two of you oohing, aahing, sniffing, and applying (lotion and such), it could be a double testament for the products and company.
Bless you and your husband for sharing your gifts and talents with all of us Indies.
http://www.kleanbathandbody.com/ Jennifer Hardaway

MG!! Of course!!! Why didn
http://www.kleanbathandbody.com Jennifer Hardaway

MG!! Of course!!! Why didn
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Anthony: Your “fanship” is greatly appreciated and mutual too. I really enjoyed our conversation last night and look forward to learning more about your radio show and work.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Anthony: Your “fanship” is greatly appreciated and mutual too. I really enjoyed our conversation last night and look forward to learning more about your radio show and work.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Jennifer: I can’t tell you how much I like your “cause” idea. I am in the process of setting up the Indie Sisters Foundation. I will not be a traditional 501(c)(3) but a great complement to all this Indie stuff, and a wonderfully efficient way for us to help each other. Thanks for visiting and keep “KLEAN”ing up the world!
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Jennifer: I can’t tell you how much I like your “cause” idea. I am in the process of setting up the Indie Sisters Foundation. I will not be a traditional 501(c)(3) but a great complement to all this Indie stuff, and a wonderfully efficient way for us to help each other. Thanks for visiting and keep “KLEAN”ing up the world!
http://www.BlueSageNaturals.com/ Janine Joi – Blue Sage Natural

Hi dM, I just watched the pilot. It was great! Not once did you say UM. BRAVO!
I didn’t read all the other posts so if I’m repeating please forgive me.
Say ‘over 700′ not ‘over 720′ members.
There is a sound of a man or something making some noise, throughout the video. It gets less as the video is about to close. Like someone is about to say something.
I like the kitchen and living rm setup. Maybe be at one end of counter while talking, then move to the side that is already covered with cloth. Try different colors. Red at Christmas, blue, green. I agree with ivory, not stark white.
Regina’s phone number had a blip on the number 0.
I like ‘click, chat, buy’ better than click chat shop. buy is the word we want to stick in people’s minds, shopping is not always an action of buying.
Lastly, but hugely, a lot of indies are indies in all things. This HAS to work in Firefox, not just IE.
You look fabulous and your sweet, knowledgable personality shines thru, which is what makes Indie Business the stellar act it is!
Janine Joi
http://www.BlueSageNaturals.com Janine Joi – Blue Sage Naturals

Hi dM, I just watched the pilot. It was great! Not once did you say UM. BRAVO!
I didn’t read all the other posts so if I’m repeating please forgive me.
Say ‘over 700′ not ‘over 720′ members.
There is a sound of a man or something making some noise, throughout the video. It gets less as the video is about to close. Like someone is about to say something.
I like the kitchen and living rm setup. Maybe be at one end of counter while talking, then move to the side that is already covered with cloth. Try different colors. Red at Christmas, blue, green. I agree with ivory, not stark white.
Regina’s phone number had a blip on the number 0.
I like ‘click, chat, buy’ better than click chat shop. buy is the word we want to stick in people’s minds, shopping is not always an action of buying.
Lastly, but hugely, a lot of indies are indies in all things. This HAS to work in Firefox, not just IE.
You look fabulous and your sweet, knowledgable personality shines thru, which is what makes Indie Business the stellar act it is!
Janine Joi
http://www.bidwellbotanicals.com/ Jill Jones

Excellent idea! I ditto the white covering or something to make the products stand out a bit more, but other than that I like the look of the set. This should be awesome!
http://www.bidwellbotanicals.com Jill Jones

Excellent idea! I ditto the white covering or something to make the products stand out a bit more, but other than that I like the look of the set. This should be awesome!
http://profile.typekey.com/1213752492s3199/ PRIIA Cosmetics

Holy smokes dM! This is FABULOUS! Did I say this was FABULOUS?!?! I am totally game for having my products on this show! I can’t wait to see how this all plays out. I’m definitely not a ‘technical’ person but the suggestions everyone has offered here are great and make sense. I especially like the idea of having either the product’s creator and/or another host talking about the products right there with you. It’s also great to have the audience comments streaming in live just like on QVC or HSN.
I just cannot wait to see how this goes. You are incredible! =-)
http://profile.typekey.com/1213752492s3199/ PRIIA Cosmetics

Holy smokes dM! This is FABULOUS! Did I say this was FABULOUS?!?! I am totally game for having my products on this show! I can’t wait to see how this all plays out. I’m definitely not a ‘technical’ person but the suggestions everyone has offered here are great and make sense. I especially like the idea of having either the product’s creator and/or another host talking about the products right there with you. It’s also great to have the audience comments streaming in live just like on QVC or HSN.
I just cannot wait to see how this goes. You are incredible! =-)
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Janine: Thanks for your encouraging words and pointing out ways to improve. We haven’t figured out what the grunting noise is but we’re working on getting it out. Love your suggestions for counter colors. Sorry about Regina’s number. If you need it, let me know. I like Click. Chat. Buy. too so that’s what it is, as of right now! You’re very kind to say things about me as host. I appreciate that.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Janine: Thanks for your encouraging words and pointing out ways to improve. We haven’t figured out what the grunting noise is but we’re working on getting it out. Love your suggestions for counter colors. Sorry about Regina’s number. If you need it, let me know. I like Click. Chat. Buy. too so that’s what it is, as of right now! You’re very kind to say things about me as host. I appreciate that.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Kelley: Yes, you said FABULOUS. We are ecstatic about live audience interaction via phone and chat too. We are hoping that Indies will come here for the live feature. They will sell more products if they are here and the beautiful thing is that, because all the sales go through their websites, they don’t have to be there to manage that. By the time they get back home, the plan is that they’ll have a shopping cart full of orders to process! Thanks for your excitement and for stopping by to share it.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@Kelley: Yes, you said FABULOUS. We are ecstatic about live audience interaction via phone and chat too. We are hoping that Indies will come here for the live feature. They will sell more products if they are here and the beautiful thing is that, because all the sales go through their websites, they don’t have to be there to manage that. By the time they get back home, the plan is that they’ll have a shopping cart full of orders to process! Thanks for your excitement and for stopping by to share it.
http://profile.typepad.com/6p0105362c921e970c/ Gina Rafkind

Hi dM,
I just watched your video and this is such a fantastic idea! I’d love to be involved with this and have my products on one day.
It’s really wonderful what creative ideas come from people joining and working together.
http://profile.typepad.com/6p0105362c921e970c/ Gina Rafkind

Hi dM,
I just watched your video and this is such a fantastic idea! I’d love to be involved with this and have my products on one day.
It’s really wonderful what creative ideas come from people joining and working together.
http://www.bellalucce.com/ Lela Barker

You already know how I feel about lady. Can’t wait to meet up with you next weeked to help flesh it out!
http://www.bellalucce.com Lela Barker

You already know how I feel about lady. Can’t wait to meet up with you next weeked to help flesh it out!
http://profile.typekey.com/indiedonna/ Donna Maria Coles Johnson

@LelaBarker: I treasure your support, wisdom, experience and encouragement. I can’t wait to see you this weekend!
http://profile.typekey.com/indiedonna/ Donna Maria Coles Johnson

@LelaBarker: I treasure your support, wisdom, experience and encouragement. I can’t wait to see you this weekend!
http://clecontactlenses.com/ Rih Bazellle

How can we get involved offering our products through this wonderful network ? We have an online retailer of contact lenses and also an affiliate site that allows others to earn by referring folks. The referral site is http://cleaffiliate.com
http://clecontactlenses.com Rih Bazellle

How can we get involved offering our products through this wonderful network ? We have an online retailer of contact lenses and also an affiliate site that allows others to earn by referring folks. The referral site is http://cleaffiliate.com
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@RihBazellle: Thanks for visiting the blog. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to sell cosmetic lenses. Our focus is on Indie made products like personal care products, bath and body, skincare, hand-knit garments, jewelry and other similar products. Good luck with your business and thanks for visiting my blog.
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@RihBazellle: Thanks for visiting the blog. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to sell cosmetic lenses. Our focus is on Indie made products like personal care products, bath and body, skincare, hand-knit garments, jewelry and other similar products. Good luck with your business and thanks for visiting my blog.
http://www.ecstewart.com/ ECStewart

Great idea! Did you ever watch Christopher Lowell’s show? Same in-home set-up, but the lighting was controlled.
Anyhow, I’d love to be a part when you get things rolling.
http://www.ecstewart.com ECStewart

Great idea! Did you ever watch Christopher Lowell’s show? Same in-home set-up, but the lighting was controlled.
Anyhow, I’d love to be a part when you get things rolling.
http://www.IndieBusinessBlog.com/ Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@ECStewart: I never saw Christopher Lowell’s show but I’m thinking I probably welcome the comparison! The fabulous thing is that we’ve already gotten things rolling! Interest was so high that we just couldn’t wait until January to go live. Our first show is today, 12/12, at 12:15pm EST at http://www.indieshopping.tv. Hope you can join us — and by the way, your wall art at your site is lovely!
http://www.IndieBusinessBlog.com Donna Maria @ Indie Business

@ECStewart: I never saw Christopher Lowell’s show but I’m thinking I probably welcome the comparison! The fabulous thing is that we’ve already gotten things rolling! Interest was so high that we just couldn’t wait until January to go live. Our first show is today, 12/12, at 12:15pm EST at http://www.indieshopping.tv. Hope you can join us — and by the way, your wall art at your site is lovely!
http://www.ecstewart.com/ ECStewart

I’m watching your pilot now… Are you going to be featuring beauty products only?
http://www.ecstewart.com ECStewart

I’m watching your pilot now… Are you going to be featuring beauty products only?