February 9, 2012 - Will you be there for the future of handmade?

Note from dM | Your Life | Your Business | Your Way

A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network

ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 13, Issue 3
To subscribe, click here

Chemophobia: Why Is It So Pervasive

I know you're probably going to answer that question as you should. Of COURSE not! Unfortunately, when it comes to the Internet, you just may be in the minority, especially when it comes to all the popular websites and groups out there trying to tell you that the cosmetics you make and/or use are not safe.

Like any other industry, the cosmetics industry is not perfect and it has its share of problems. But the scare tactics used by some to discourage you from growing your cosmetics business, or to make you fearful about using the products you have come to love can be very disheartening.

But the tide is turning! As pointed out by Katie Friedland of Frankincense and Rose in this insightful commentary: Chemophobia - Why Is It So Pervasive?

Katie's article hits the nail on the head in so many ways. And it's followed by the insightful thoughts, questions, and observations of other Indies who are determined to push back against the fearmongering.

If you care about your freedom of choice to buy the products you like, and if you care about your freedom to own a small business (and for your friends to own small businesses), you will enjoy Katie's article and the discussion flowing from it.

(As usual, I couldn't hold my tongue either ...)

Continue reading ...

A new trends report from G-group Market Research predicts just how much more influential the handmade marketing is becoming. This is such exciting news, and I had to share it with you! 

1. Slower economic growth means choosier buyers.
As acquisitions increase and industry "big boys" scramble to keep up with changing market conditions (including having to accommodate the growing handmade market), the disruption in the traditional marketing place means it will be even more important for you to carve out a specific niche. This has always been important, but even more so as consumers buy only what they know is designed specifically for them. Selling to the masses is becoming a thing of the past.

2. Make your customers happy.
New flash -- it's now about how great your products or services are. It's about the emotional experience you provide for your customers. This is one of the reasons why FaceBook is such a great marketing tool -- your customers can get to know you and you can extend the happy buying experience into other areas of their lives. Making customers happy also requires a healthy dose of consistent email marketing to your niche audience. The personal touch makes all the difference.

There are so many more exciting opportunities, so be sure to read the whole article and join the discussion!

Continue Reading ...

P.S. - Oh! And click LIKE and share if you agree with this statement: "Handmade is a wonderful option, not just a poor man's necessity."

Handmade Valentine's Day Gifts!
What could be better?

Next week, we set aside one day to honor and pamper the people we love, usually a sweetie-pie or spouse -- or just treat yourself special! Whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day, it's not too late to grab a handmade gift or two (or three ...) for yourself or that special someone.

Some of my members have whipped up some awesome stuff and they are now displayed, with links to buy, at the top of the Photo Gallery home page at our social networking site.

You'll find jewelry, candles, soap, and so much more!

I know you want them all, and for that reason, I'm telling you not to delay. I will hold off making my purchases for a few hours after this newsletter is published so you can have a little head start. After that, all bets are off!

 --> IBN members, add your product photos
to our social site so we can share your goodies in this newsletter and
elsewhere through the INDIE community! If you're not a member and want
to take advantage of this and other fun networking and business-building
benefits, you can join IBN today!

About dM

If you belong to a group of business owners who could use some straight shooting advice about creating some grassroots advocacy to benefit your members, I would love to come and share with you!

Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent businesses owners, mostly women, combine smart sales and marketing strategies with branded digital media tools to create relationships and expand their sphere of influence.

Through her blog and weekly radio show, dM delivers helpful and entertaining content that inspires, encourages and informs small business owners worldwide. Known for her innovative yet friendly style, dM's expertise has been showcased in Entrepreneur Magazine, Global Cosmetics Industry, Working Mother Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, ABC World News This Morning, WUSA-TV9 (CBS Washington, DC affiliate), Ebony Magazine and a host of other regional and national media outlets.

Whether the topic is integrating career and family, leadership, small business ownership or new technologies, dM has a life-changing presentation for you and your audience. Contact dM today at donnamaria [at] indiebeautynetwork [dot] com to discover how she can contribute to your unforgettable conference or gathering event.

Click here to read more at her blog ...

Enjoy your life, Build your business, Have your way!!

dM (Donna Maria), Publisher & Editor-In-Chief

The Indie Business Weekend Newsletter

Email me: IndieBusiness [at] Gmail [dot] com

Online: www.IndieBusinessBlog.com