New Technologies Are Keys to Indie Success

How to Roll With the Technological Punches

We had another great Indie Shopping.TV episode last night! I was joined by award winning designer and illustrator Lisa Stewart of EC Stewart Designs, and her husband Andrew. Lisa and Andrew met in an online shopping site and found themselves not only falling in love, but also finding ways to combine their talents and gifts to create a business.

                 

Lisa designs Calligraphy Pets and then transfers them to home accessories, journal covers, jewelry and paper goods. Her husband, Andrew, handcrafts the print frames, jewelry backgrounds, journal covers and other items that display Lisa's artwork so beautifully. You can see how beautifully their collaboration comes together if you watch the video by clicking the arrow on the video link above.

As you can see if you watch to the end, the Internet connection skipped a beat. Hey, you never know what will happen with live TV and new technologies, but we are determined to work with what we have to bring you the first and only e-shopping portal of its kind sharing fabulous products made by Indies nationwide.

Besides, we feel it is important to serve as an example to viewers and other Indies that, while technology may not always perform exactly as we wish, it is vital to Indie Business success. With the Internet, we are blessed with all kinds of low and no-cost opportunities to share our message with the world. Without the Internet and other new technologies, none of it would be possible, but like everything else, we have to take the good with the bad. And the "bad" part about the Internet in the case of live TV is that if the connection is interrupted, so is the show.

I want to send a special thanks to Lisa and Andrew for being so gracious as we re-established the connection. I also want to thank the Indie Shopping viewers who continued to chat it up and have a great time throughout the brief interruption. Everyone was such a good sport through it all, and helped us keep the show going by chatting about the great products they were finding at Lisa's website during the short break.

I also want to thank acting coach, theater professor and breast cancer survivor Denise Hart, who provided a raffle prize -- one of her wonderful Words to Live By tee shirts. Denise's tee shirts (my lovely daughter shows one off here) instantly communicate motivation, inspiration and empowerment. Viewer Amanda Kennerly was the lucky winner last night!

So back to technology. Yes, it can be frustrating. Yes, there's a steep learning curve. Yes, it's time consuming. But at the end of the day, new technologies are the keys to Indie Business success. Like it or not, you simply cannot have a business without them. You have to roll with the punches. And with all of the glitches that come along with it, technology is still a fabulous thing. Use it to your advantage!

As I always say, "If it doesn't spread, it's dead." Meaning that, if you don't use technology to get the word out about your business, you won't be in business very long. Use podcasts, video, audio, your blog, still photos, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and every other avenue you can incorporate into your business to expand your sphere of influence and share your gifts, talents and products with the world.

The good news about our technological glitch is that our in-studio cameras were rolling the whole time so we have the entire show captured on tape as planned. We will edit it and share it with you next week!!

What do you think?

As you know, I love your feedback. We want to hear the good, the bad and the in-between. Our goal is to make every successive show better so share your feedback and suggestions right here in the comment section.

Comments

[ECStewart]

Overall, DonnaMaria, you did a fabulous job. Your cool on-air presentation and coordination shined as you were able to bring my products and business to the foreground with aplomb.

Thank you for recognizing our talent for sharing our creativity and partnership to your viewers. We look forward to future endeavors with you and your business.

Lisa & Andrew

[Jessica @ ThriveYourTribe]

What lovely work Lisa does! It's always great fun to learn about other businesses here in NC--thanks for sharing the profile, Donna Maria!

[Donna Johnson]

@Lisa & Andrew: It was an honor and privilege to share your gifts with Indie Shopping members. I am so glad we live in the same state, because it means we will probably get a chance to meet in person soon. Your work is lovely and I am so inspired by how you met and created your business using your talents and gifts. Wonderful work, and great example for all of us to follow! Your professionally edited video will be ready next week. It's shaping up nicely, can't wait to share it with you.

[Donna Johnson]

@Jessica: Thanks for tuning in! I'm fairly new to North Carolina, but I'm finding new reasons to love it more every day. Lisa, Andrew and you are just the tip of the iceberg. Hope you'll tune in again!