Gift Biz Unwrapped | Women Entrepreneurs | Bakers, Crafters, Makers | Startup

Thinking about starting over at 50 as an entrepreneur or anything else? It's actually more and more common but nobody talks about it. So, let's talk about it.  Because as women who’ve reached middle age, we have so much to offer to others and ourselves. Midlife is a time when we analyze how we want to live the second half of our lives. AND decide what’s really important. It's an opportunity to release the expectations that in the past we felt we needed to live up to and now do things for ourselves. Whether that means starting a second career or picking up a past interest or new activity you’ve always wondered about. In this episode, we talk about how now is your time! How to reconnect with ourselves and get re-introduced to our passions. You’ll also hear about the concept of No Zero Days and the details of this very important stage in our life – the Maven Years. And whether you’ve reached your Maven Years yet or not, this is one of the most powerful episodes I’ve ever created to serve you. It can empowe

Let me cut to the chase. I’m not a betting girl but if I was, I think I’d win this wager. I’m placing my bet that YOU are full of BS. And not only that. I’m here to convince you that you should be showing that you’re full of BS to your community too. I’ve got you totally confused right now. Yes? I heard this BS statement from Ally Love … my favorite Peloton spin instructor. The reason I connect with her is she’s grounded in her thinking, clearly loves and seeks out the fun in life, has morals that align with mine … and tells it like it is. When she told me (and my virtual spin class) that we were full of BS, my first instinct was to say – not me. I mean I know others who are but I don’t see it in myself. As we continued spinning and Ally continued talking, I spun faster – breathed harder and when I was done – stood prouder – because she convinced me that I AM full of BS. And that’s what I’d like to pass on to you right now. I want you to believe that you are also, from the soles of your feet to the top of y

Do you struggle with how much should you price your product? It's a question we all struggle with. If you’re not sure if you’re pricing your product properly … or already know you aren’t but haven’t reset your prices (which of course means higher) - then you definitely want to stick around and listen closely today. We cover is why NOW is the perfect time to get your pricing in line. And you'll learn how to get this done and off your “I know I need to do this list” once and for all. We cover other business growth points too. Think back … you started your business for freedom and flexibility, right? Can you say you have that now? My guess is not. I think this is the biggest myth about running your own business. The reality for most is that the opposite happens and we have less freedom and are tied down to our business if we’re not careful. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way. Racheal is on a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty for women. Over the last 10 years, she’s helped thousands of fema

Do you feel like your life has become way too complicated? There are so many decisions to make, issues to consider, chores to get done, activities and doctor appointments to schedule AND all the tasks associated with your business. As adults we make 35,000 decisions a day! Couple this with Decision Fatigue - per psychiatrist Dr. MacLean “the idea that after making many decisions, your ability to make more and more decisions over the course of a day becomes worse.” So, we’ve got lots of decisions to make each day and the quality of our choices goes down as the day advances. How can you use this information to serve you best for both your personal and business dealings? That’s what we cover in today’s show. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that

Do you ever wonder how people get ideas for the creative business or career they have today? In this case – how did my guest today go from thinking she’d be a professional ballet dancer and end up as a writer, editor, and recipe developer in the baking industry? It definitely wasn’t a straight line. Nor are most journeys. But in AnnMarie's story, I think you’ll be inspired and maybe even see parallels to the twists and turns you’re taking … and be motivated by the potential of where your path will lead you. Here’s a fabulous example of how you can extend your love of a handmade product above and beyond making and selling. I’m talking about applying the skills and knowledge you’ve developed with a handmade skill and using it for a career in the same industry - but from another angle. AnnMarie is the Managing Editor at American Cake Decorating Magazine. She’s also a pastry chef and food content creator focused on the sweet side of life: baking! After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, she

Today let’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about competition. Yes, this breath-stopping, gut-wrenching topic. None of us get a pass from experiencing our physical and emotional responses when the subject of a competitor comes up. Just like others, you probably compare the quality and prices of your products, your social media following counts, and the many other unconfirmed stories you make up about all the ways they are more skilled, knowledgeable, or personable than you are. Listen in for the 3 choices you have when it comes to competition and your handmade product business. Then I give you 3 ways to insulate your business from a competitive action by planning ahead and having a strategy in place to deal with it. Bonus – this plan strengthens your business overall and helps you attract customers too! CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comment

What is the most dreaded - but most important - activity in your business? Most of us would say, selling. Wouldn't it be great if that could just go away rather than constantly worrying about how to make more sales? Well, it can in a way. Obviously, you need to show your products so people can buy them. But guess what? The act of selling can be transitioned into an enjoyable activity that brings forth a purchase. Today, you’re going to hear why your current actions don't work – even though you put in hours and hours of effort. Plus, how to switch it up so acquiring new customers aligns with natural human behavior. You're about to learn how to make it all so much more comfortable so your sales come in easier than you could ever believe. Jeremy is the Chairman of 7th Level, a top-ranked global sales training company. As Jeremy says, “The single most effective way to sell anything to anyone in 2021, is to be a problem finder and a problem solver... NOT a product pusher. Jeremy’s unique brand of sales trainin

Some makers are wonderfully content with a handmade business that balances nicely with the other priorities in their life. They get fulfillment and happiness in the process of making and never want to grow to the point where they can’t do that anymore. But, let’s say, you’ve decided “YES!” you want to grow your business to the next level. You’re close to or have already reached your limit. Maybe you’re delaying important tasks and even making errors, because you simply can’t keep up. Here are three paths to consider that will get you back on track and set you up to scale your business, bring in more revenue and get your handmade creations in the hands of more people. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening! Res

I know you’ve been looking forward to more on this topic – Pinterest success! Today, you’re going to hear why Pinterest is still so valuable and how to get the most out of your pins. Including ways to attract the right people - your ideal customer. One thing I’m really enjoying about Pinterest is how very different it is from Facebook or Instagram. It didn’t start out that way, so if you haven’t had an update recently, you’ll find this really interesting. And honestly, it's so refreshing. Plus, how would you answer this question: “Are hashtags appropriate these days for my pins?” Yes or no? Are you sure? Let’s get into the show and find out if you’re right. Cali is the gal behind The Halcyon Hive and is a pin-tastic marketing guru. She helps service providers and product sellers increase traffic, client leads, and sales using Pinterest. It's time you stop crossing your fingers hoping that one of those many pins you posted will go viral and get you the traffic that everyone is talking about. Cali’s goin

It’s here! This is the week of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – on Friday the 21st to be exact. The ONLY way you wouldn’t know about this already is if you’re brand new here because I’ve been talking about it and there have been activities to participate in all month long. Things like submitting your handmade memories, sharing how your handmade products provide good to others, access to done for you social media posts and stickers - so you can be part of promoting the day, downloading my free gift and more! It’s all outlined, including what I’m talking about today over on the website page covering the event at www.handmadehealstheworld.com. See a full rundown of everything you can do for National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had a

Are you selling crafts at fairs? Or are you selling online only? I had the chance to talk with a married couple who are experts on selling at markets. Their story is so interesting because they both had this passion as they were growing up – and the combination of their experiences together is really powerful. You’ll see what I mean in a minute. But if you haven’t considered selling crafts at fairs and shows before, it’s something to consider for this year - it might change everything for you. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but even the experts in social media are now changing their messaging and talking a lot more about email and yes, face-to-face selling like what we’re focusing on today. Matt and Layne are husband and wife business partners who started Obsessed With Markets. Layne comes from a retail family so she grew up on the floor of large retail stores and experienced going to markets with her mom and dad. Matt is a welder/fitter by trade who has spent the bulk of his life making, sculpting

January is a big deal here at Gift Biz Unwrapped because this is the month of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day. Today, I want to explain why I created the day in the first place and its significance. Making handmade products comes from the soul. It’s an investment of time and energy. The results are one of a kind and enrich our lives by surrounding us with beauty and individuality. They provide happiness for both the creator and its recipient – something our world needs and continually seeks … which is what led to our theme this year – Handmade Heals the World. As someone with a passion for handmade, I want you to stand proud behind your creations. Whether for a hobby or as a business, what you bring to our lives is so incredibly special and it’s something worth celebrating! To see all the ways you can join in the celebration of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day, go to handmadehealstheworld.com. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google

Today's show is about a very important topic that can truly change how you think about your business AND how others perceive you in relation to your business. We're talking about your brand story. Answer honestly here. Do you currently hesitate when asked about your business? Do you stumble over what to say or answer timidly with very little confidence? Why do we do that? I mean, you’re around your products every single day. You should stand proud and speak confidently about what you offer and its value. If you’re not, it’s probably because you’ve never formulated your brand story. Well, guess what? That’s what we’re going to do right now. My guest, Meredith, takes direction from the Brand Story master himself, Donald Miller, to walk you through the steps of how to formulate your story and then where to apply it in your business. What a relief! Never again do you need to be hesitant or timid about sharing your pride and joy. The products you create and the value they provide to those lucky enough to have

National Bakers Crafters Makers Day and is marked in the National Day Archives as celebrated on January 21. But we’ll be celebrating all month long and you’ll hear a lot more about it as we continue through the month. Today, I want to share with you the development of the theme and the corresponding logo we’re using for NBCMD this year. I think that my experience will give you ideas of how to move through this project if you’re either creating a logo for the first time or updating or completely replacing an existing logo. Now, I’ve done my fair share of logo development in the past. But this time I approached it differently by employing a professional artist. In the process, I learned something that made a huge impression on me that I’m excited to share with you. Plus I walk through the 5 Steps we took in professional image design creation. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and rev

Happy New Year 2022! I have a special show for you today, all about the future. In this episode, you'll hear ways to be happier and bring more joy to your days so you can create a new way of being in 2022. My guest La’Vista is the founder and CEO of 31 Marketplace, an agency that helps overworked solopreneurs do what they love without sacrificing themselves and experiencing burnout. She accomplishes this by blending systemization and self-care - topics that she and her guests speak candidly about on her podcast B.O.S.S. Talk. As a burnout survivor herself, La’Vista is leading a movement of entrepreneurs who want more from life than frazzled days and sleepless nights. Her unique approach of blending strategy, implementation, and holding space for moments to breathe helps each client cultivate their own culture of work-life balance. How to Work Hard & Feel Great About Your Life Make Self Care Consistent Self-care is crucial because if you aren't in a good position to show up for yourself and your bus

Choosing a theme word that will direct your year. Have you heard of this concept before? It’s similar to the idea of identifying a major goal and then developing tasks and activities underneath that goal with the idea that, once completed – your goal will have been achieved. The difference with an annual word is it goes deeper. There’s usually an emotional element included in your word even though on the surface it looks very business-oriented. I also find selecting an annual word to be very clarifying and calming. It allows for reflection on your performance over the last year and opens up your mind to dream and project what you want in the future. Once you’ve chosen your word, it’s a beacon of sorts to walk towards and a filter to help prioritize all the things you could work on in your business versus what you should work on to get your desired results. I’ll tell you my 2022 word in a minute but first, let me share some of my prior years’ words. This may give you ideas as you consider what your word coul

Today's show is a bit special ... because it goes live on Christmas day! So I'm doing something a little different with this episode. There are no promotions and only a little bit of learning. How can I not when we have such an expert with us today? Just like last year, Heidi shares an excerpt from her latest book. As well as some behind-the-scenes of her life as an author, her holiday traditions, and even some storytelling tips you can use for your business. Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi acquired a degree in literature and flirted briefly with a newspaper career, before plucking up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously. A lover of vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes feel-good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. Her debut novel, The Cherry Tree Café was published in July 2015. And since then she has had a further twelve books published, becoming a Sunday Times Bestseller in 2017. Heidi is cu

Enjoy my rendition of an old Christmas classic - revised to fit our handmade business community. Enjoy and listen closely, you'll hear some priceless lessons that Amanda, our shop owner, learns from Jolly Old St. Nick. CONNECT with me here: Website | Facebook | Instagram SUBSCRIBE to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify PAY IT FORWARD by leaving a rating and review. I'd love to hear your comments. Tell me how the show has helped you or a specific guest or point that had an impact. You can do that right here. Thanks for listening! Resources for Growth of Your Handmade Biz 5 Rookie Mistakes Webinar (FREE) Start with Confidence Networking Ninja Content for Makers Inspired! Daily Planner Makers MBA Check out the Merch Shop Gifts for you or your biz friends that will make the days brighter and add a touch of inspiration and happiness. Enter the shop here. Join our community of handmade product makers Gift Biz Breeze is an active and inspiring group of creators at all levels of busine

These days, "storytelling" is a buzzword online. But you may wonder what it's really all about. If so, stick around, because today we're diving into what is storytelling for business. We’re always searching for ways to stand out and be recognized. Particularly when there are probably thousands of others who make a product similar to yours. Here’s a secret … most people approach the visibility issue the wrong way. They try to make their product “better" or price it lower. But that's not the way to go. After all, what does "better" even mean? What people consider better will be different for each person. So how do you pin down better? It’s a stab in the dark and will resonate with some and not others. And dropping your price? That’s diminishing your product quality and skill and ultimately leads to a very sad financial situation. Nope – "better" and lower-priced aren’t the answers. But storytelling? It's a different strategy entirely and can be a real differentiator for you. So, what is storytelling in bus

How is it that some people get so much accomplished and others struggle to do one simple project? Obviously, there can be extenuating circumstances – like interruptions, emergencies or simply the lack of interest or desire to do whatever project you’re laboring over. But that doesn’t erase the fact that it needs to get done. It just so happens that one of my super powers is productivity. I know it’s one of my strengths, for real, because I’m classified as a “Follow-Through” on the Kolbe Personality Profile. Since I get asked a lot about how I accomplish so much, it might be helpful to share my secret strategy with you. It’s not supposed to be secret, in fact I’ve talked about it before in a couple of my longer podcast episodes. But it can easily get buried as a minor point within a bigger conversation. So today I thought I’d bring it front and center and specifically highlight what I believe to be my single most valuable method of managing through my days to get as much done as possible – even the things I