The Indie Experience
November 23, 2009
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 29
To subscribe, click here
-- Click the picture to learn more and register!! --
1. New Column!! Indie On Assignment: Beef Up Your Brand
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show:
Bruce Piasecki on "The Surprising Solution"
4. Featured IBN Member: Lisa Kasper :: Blue Moon Candles
:: California
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help
You??!
Make It Yourself!: Nourishing Lip Salve
1. Indie On Assignment: Beef Up Your Brand!
Welcome
to a new column in the newsletter: Indie On Assignment!
Every week, I learn something new or receive questions from people about how to use technology to expand their sphere of influence so they can help more people and sell more products and services. This new column, which will be at the top of the newsletter, is designed to share a quick tip and an assignment you can do to implement it for the benefit of your business.
Assignment #1: Beef Up Your Brand!
Remember the old hamburger commercial where the elderly lady says, "Where's the beef?" (If you don't know this commercial, you can watch it here.) When it comes to your Indie Business, Y-O-U are the beef! And this week's assignment is all about leveraging that.
One of the hardest things for Indies to do is to use a picture of themselves as an avatar, rather than a picture of their product or logo. In order to beef up your brand, you have to overcome this fear and implement a strategy that features your smiling face as the lead in for people who you want to attract as customers.
The reason for this is simple: people want to do business with people. They don't want to do business with a logo, a bar of soap or a book. When you go to a networking event, what do you want to share with people first? Your soap? Your sugar scrub? Your business card? Of course not! You want to present a positive first impression, a smile and maybe a handshake. This serves as the lead for you to be able to share your products. If you walked up to people and thrust a bar of soap into their hands, even if it was free, they'd be taken aback and possibly offended.
You brand is composed of a lot of things: public perception, the colors in your logo, your blog, the benefits of your products, etc. But first and foremost, if you're Indie, you are your brand.
Assignment: Take an honest look at the avatar you use on LinkedIn, FaceBook, Twitter and elsewhere. If it's not a photo of you, do you think you should replace it? Do you think that a picture of your logo or your products are a better representation of your Indie Business than your smiling face? I challenge you to use your photo as the first representation of your business online. After all, you're not the only one offering products and services like yours, but you are the only one with your awesome smile.
Y-O-U are your secret sauce and you need to spread yourself around a little.
Thanks for allowing me into your email boxes and have a great week!
2. Meet IBN's New and Renewing IBN Members!!
Here is a listing of the new and renewing IBN members! You can see an entire official membership directory at our flagship website. You can also meet members who are active in our social networking site here! Member e-commerce sites are linked below where applicable.
Blue Beaker | Jennifer Maison | Illinonis
Natural handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, lotion bars, body
butters, lip balms, bath bombs and other great body products.
Gennie Salve | Teresa Carter | Ohio
IBN Member Since November 2008. Tres Spa offers artisan bath
and body products. Our products are carefully handcrafted and designed using
some of the finest natural ingredients available. We offer skin softening
gentle body scrubs, bath salts, fizzing bath bombs, tub teas, and body
lotion. Our handcrafted soap has a light exfoliation layer and is scented
using only pure essential oils. We also offer a partner shampoo,
conditioner, and aromatherapy candles scented with matching essential oil
blends.
The Beer Soap Co. | Zaidat Bombata | Florida
We make a large variety of beer soaps using today's most
popular domestic and imported beers. Over 70 varieties and counting.
Immortelle Earth | All-Natural Face | Crystal Clark | Massachusetts
IBN Member Since November 2008. Personal care products.
Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques | Lauren Brooks | Utah
All-Natural and Organic makeup, skin care, and body products.
Santa Fe Lavender | Gabrielle Graham | New Mexico
* IBN Member Since November 2007. We grow
lavender and other herbs and make lavender and other herbal products for
personal care and household use. These include but are not limited to soaps,
scrubs, salves, lotion, hand and body cream, lip balm, nail butter,
essential oil, bath oil, massage oil and wood polish and leather
conditioners. At Lavender Acres we are committed to providing our customers
with the finest products and customer service.
Sandbar Soaps | Heather Cain | Washington
Our soap comes to you from the beautiful San Juan islands of
the Pacific Northwest. We offer handmade and handcrafted soaps in various
styles, including all natural and organic varieties. Custom orders and
wholesale inquiries are welcome.
Plum Hill Pure Body Essentials | Jeanne Kissman | Idaho
* IBN Member Since November 2006. Plum Hill
Pure Body Essentials LLC Products are handmade in small batches. Our product
line consists of Sugar Body Scrubs, Body Butters, Body Wash, Bath & Body
Oils, Body Linen Sprays We feature 5 different Scents at all times. Plum
Hill Products are geared toward Dry Skin. Indulge yourself you deserve it!
Kissing Emu | Sandy McAntire | Iowa
Specializing in the delicate partnership between Emu Oil and
Goats Milk, and other all natural ingredients to create a hygienic
experience like no other. Our mission is to inspire, be inspired and share
ahhhhs, mmmmmmms, and HA-HA!!!s We believe that sharing a smile warms the
soul and that live is a verb. Visit us for exceptional soaps, bath products
and other emu oil products.
HPO Spa Treatments | Debra Small | California
* IBN Member Since November 2006. HPO Spa
Treatments is a natural alternative to hair and bodycare, combined with
therapy for everyday living. All products are made with the highest quality,
clean ingredients ensuring high potency and optimum results. We have a full
range of products for all textures and types of hair. Our products are great
for sensitive skin.
Celtic Chairde | Joanne Tartaglino | New Jersey
* IBN Member Since July 2005. Celtic Chairde
Creations brings you masterful concoctions and scent-sational creations that
make you feel good and smell good. When friends get together and create
lotion bars, lip balms, body butters and more... magic happens!
Adobe Springs Creations | Priscilla White | California
Apprentice Indie.
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Bruce Piasecki, author of "The Surprising Solution"
<
--- Featured photo: Bruce Piasecki, today's Indie Business Radio Show guest
Bruce Piasecki, author of "The Surprising Solution," joins us to talk about why social responsiveness is the key to long term profitability and sustained success in business.
Indie Business Radio airs live on Mondays at 1:00pm New York Time. There are two ways to join the live show:
Listen Only: Click here at 1:00pm New York Time and follow the instructions to choose your audio player.
Listen and Chat: Once you activate your audio player (above), you can join us for the accompanying live chat on Savorchat at 1:00pm New York Time. Just click the link, sign in using your Twitter or FaceBook account, and you can join us live!
Visit the Indie Business Radio Show 2009 Archives to enjoy past shows. You can also subscribe to the show on iTunes by searching on Indie Business Radio.
-- Sponsor --
5. Featured Indie: Lisa Kasper :: Blue Moon Candles :: California
dM: When did you launch your
candle making business?
Lisa: I have been a candle addict really as long as I can remember. My two grandmothers are probably to blame. My gran Millie was catholic and always had candles around. My gran Sabra had a beautiful pool in the back yard and used to float tons of candles in flower and lily pad dishes on the pool at night during parties and family gatherings, it really mesmerized me, it looked like fairy magic. As you can see, I never outgrew it. Some years back I wanted some black candles that were gardenia scented but could never find any. While visiting my favorite beach spot I came across a beekeeping candle shop and they offered to teach me-just like magic- passion and obsession united and the rest is history.
And that's how Blue Moon Candles was born!
dM: How did your professional background or prior work experience help prepare you for launching your own venture?
Lisa: I have worked in the dental field since I was 14. I have 25 years of experience dealing with the public, and in running a successful business as a Dental Office Manager. The skills I use in the office such as setting goals, networking, problem solving, production and collections as well as balancing budgets and checkbooks have really been an asset in my own business. Well, I have been a candle addict from the womb, so I had vast experience as a consumer, and knew what I like to purchase. I tried to learn everything I could about how candles are made, what materials are used and how I could make a better product. We make loads of goodies and test those on friends and family. I actually began selling that way and was lucky enough to turn that into a readymade customer base.
dM: What's your niche? What makes your products special?
Lisa: Our candles come in many shapes and sizes as well as organic and all natural waxes. The best part is YOU get to make the choice. We handcraft every candle as ordered in the color and fragrance of your desire. That means if you want a black gardenia candle for instance, you can have it! Our candles that are scented can have pure uncut phthalate free fragrance or essential oils-the beautiful scents will last from the first lighting until all the wax is gone. We also offer Fragrance Free candles. We do offer Wholesale, however the majority of our sales are Retail and internet based.
We are concerned about our Earth and are one of the first Candle companies to offer new Earth conscious waxes! All of our waxes are manufactured or gathered in the US. And the Natural brands are FDA certified, Kosher certified & USP certified, as well as non GMO and from sustainable crops. We feature Coconut wax, Apricot wax, Olive Oil wax, organic Veggie wax, Palm wax, Soy wax & Beeswax candles. All of our wicks are organic unbleached cotton or hemp. Our Beeswax is gleaned from a specific Bee Guardian.
dM: How do you market your products? Wholesale? Retail?Lisa: I market my products both wholesale and retail and find both to be rewarding. We do the local farmers fair here in the fall and will be having a display during the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine festival.
dM: What is your most popular product and why do customers tell you they like it?
Lisa: Our scented container candles are our best sellers hands down! The coconut wax burns wonderfully. Whether you choose an uncut phthalate free fragrance oil or an essential oil blend, they will fill your room (and perhaps your whole house)with fragrance! A recent customer had this to say:
“I was just burning my candle and blew it out because I was worried that it
would go away too quickly! I want to burn it ALL THE TIME! I love the smell
of it soooo much!!! It's the best smelling candle I have ever had! TRULY!!!
Thank you so much for being so wonderful!
I hope my word of mouth brings you loads of business! You deserve it so
much!
Love to you!
Scarlett H.
XOXOXOXOX
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Lisa: We have so many new things in the works this coming year! One of the ideas I am most excited about is our “limited editions” and “one of a kinds”. Sometimes I feel almost an itch to create something special and different. As that happens we will be listing the items for sale, on our website as well as our Facebook Fan page. Fans of the page will get first chance to grab the new items. We will also be having monthly sales and secret giveaways exclusively for Facebook fans, Twitter followers and newsletter members.
dM: What forms of social media do you enjoy using?
Lisa: Well, I am a techie at heart. Scott my husband has to “unplug” me regularly. I use Twitter like a fiend, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, we have a blog, newsletter, and connect regularly on a few social media sites like the Indie Beauty Network as well as Merchant Circle. I really enjoy social media…I am a social girl by nature, and have found this to be a great way to network as well as meet new friends. I highly recommend it! I have met several of my best & repeat customers that way. It gives you the unique opportunity to build a relationship with people you would not normally have been blessed to meet.
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Lisa: Well that is one long list! I say my husband Scott who is the voice of reason. Also the family and friends that regularly volunteer as my guinea piggies, as well as the many mentors I have adopted (some that I have never met in person *yet*) and all of our amazing customers.
dM: What do you think are the best things about being an independent business owner?
Lisa: For me it is knowing that I am not alone. I am the only candlemaker in my immediate area and it is amazing to belong to a group that can share my passion and interests. I really enjoy working for myself. If I am honest, I can’t even call it working, it is bliss. I am rarely as happy as when I am melting wax. I love being able to create whatever I feel passionate about. The only limit is myself.
dM: If your family is involved in your business?
Lisa: This is a great question! So far the majority of the work is done by me, but that is ever changing. We hope to make it more of a family business as we increase. Scott my husband is a genius at packing orders and saves me tons of time. Bella my daughter (7) is “tape girl” and enjoys putting on all the labels and sealing boxes with packing tape. My son Scott (21) and daughter Amber (26) are my biggest fans and promoters.
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network, and do you enjoy your membership?
Lisa: I found the Indie Beauty Network when searching for reasonable business insurance. I LOVE my membership and it has been literally the best thing I have done for my business to date. I absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting to start a business or currently running a business. The level of talent in that one spot frequently blows my mind. Everyone I have contacted there has been fantastic and given freely of advice and information. Donna Maria has volumes of great interviews from industry leaders and classes available free of charge to all members. Do yourself and your business a favor and take advantage of it!
dM: What else would you like to see IBN provide?
Lisa: Maybe some ways for members who are not at a point to do certain things on their own to join forces. I am thinking of things like jointly putting out a newsletter, building a mailing list, or jointly doing some advertising. Many members already have these items in place, but I’m sure there are others like me who are not quite ready to tackle it on their own but could contribute to a joint effort.
dM: What tips can you offer for people who are looking to start a business?
Lisa: The best tip I could give is to repeat the great advice I received. Find something you love and love to do, and then learn everything about it that you can. Observe it, study it, research it and marinate in it. If you need help -find someone you admire and ask them questions -you just may be amazed at what they will tell you!
dM: Please share a good business book and why you like it and recommend it to others.
Lisa: Zig Ziglar is my favorite business author. I love his outlook on life and common sense. My favorite book of his is: Top Performance. It speaks about our self image as well as improving relationships and communication. My favorite quote of his is ”I believe that persistent effort, supported by a character-based foundation, will enable you to get more of the things money will buy and all of the things money will not buy." True and worth remembering. I have this taped up on my work bench where I can see it (along with letters and cards sent in by our customers) nothing motivates you like that does!
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Lisa: I love doing what I love. I love being able to be home more with my daughter. There is a thrill in creating, and it continues when you get the privilege of observing others reveling in the value of your creations. There is nothing like being your own boss. On the other hand, the only regret I have is the amount of time that I have to invest to be successful. This is where a wise husband comes in very handy-not only as a motivator, but as a plug puller sometimes if need be.
dM: What has been your biggest Indie Business challenge so far, and how are you overcoming it?
Lisa: Time management is my biggest struggle-and the issue I am working on most currently. I make my own products, design every label, market everything, place supply orders, handle inventory, clean up, set up, create and manage my website and blog-I love to be hands on, however it can also lead to being behind and getting sidetracked sometimes. I am renewing my site right now, and setting better more accurate limits for myself. I think this will make me able to be even more productive.
dM: How, if at, all is the current unusual economy affecting you and your business?
Lisa: I think there is no better time to start a business than today! You can start a business with little or no money. I have no business loan, I work my dental job to fund my candle making job, and started out by reinvesting my money made to build my own business. It is nice to know that my business really relies on me. I can invest as much or as little as I want into it and the returns are proportional. My challenges are mostly time related and with better scheduling and dedication those can be relieved somewhat. So far the current economy has not affected sales one bit. And I am very grateful for that. It is our belief that candles with the fragrance and glow they emit are an affordable luxury that everyone should be able to enjoy!
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business? What are you hobbies?
Lisa: Well if I am not playing with or hanging out with my kids, then my nose is probably in a book. I love to read almost as much as I love candlemaking. Fiction and fairy tales are my choice there, followed by aromatherapy and business books. I am tossing around the idea of writing a novel for a story I dreamed up one night. Perhaps one day I will. I also have recently become a fan of running which really makes me feel better and more alive.
dM: Please give an idea of your annual sales.
Lisa: Our business has grown 50 percent in 2009. We have high hopes for 2010. I look forward to continuing to learn and watching our business evolve and grow. Please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions you may have. We relish custom orders and would love to handcraft something special just for you!
Connect With Lisa:
E-Commerce
http://www.bluemooncandles.com
Twitter
http://twitter.com/bluemooncandles
Blog
http://bluemooncandles.wordpress.com
Indie Social
http://www.indiebeauty.com/profile/bluemooncandles
6. Indie and Small Business Resources: Give 'N Take @ Our Social Networking Site!
<--
Featured photo: our home page screen shot, featuring the
pretty smile of Terri Simmons of Mangoberry Botanicals in Georgetown, Texas!Each week, I make additions to the site so you can enjoy it even more. Each day, a new IBN member is featured and there's also a fun new poll where you can share your favorite fall fragrance oils.
There are also some brand new fun and informative discussions going on all the time. Here are some recent highlights -- join us with your thoughts and experiences, and find out what other people in your industry are doing!
Question of the Week: What's your favorite healthful Thanksgiving dinner recipe?: Happy Thanksgiving!
Discussion of Ex*Tracts and the New York Gift Show: if you've been or are interested in attending, you won't want to miss this!
Organizing Costing and Product Information: a great discussion for anyone looking to become more efficient and cost effective in business.
Indie Beauty Supporting the Troops: Jeanne Kissman has made it easy and fun to support the troops. There are a few days left to participate!
Indie Website Re-Launch!: what's coming? what would you like to see?
7. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help You??!
How can I help your women's group or conference gathering?!!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent businesses owners, combine smart sales and marketing strategies with integrated, branded digital media tools to create relationships, expand their sphere of influence and increase sales. Through her blogs 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, Global Cosmetics Industry, Working Mother, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, ABC World News This Morning, WUSA-TV9 (CBS Washington, DC affiliate), Ebony 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 @ indiebeautynetwork.com to discover how she can contribute to your unforgettable conference or gathering event.
If this issue of The Indie Experience has been useful to you, please feel free to hit the Forward key and share it with a friend, or you can link directly via URL to this issue here.
See you next week! In the meantime,
Enjoy your life, build your business and have your way!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience Newsletter
www.IndieBusinessBlog.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2009 by IBN and Donna Maria. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction is prohibited. IBN does not necessarily endorse any product, event or ideology featured in this newsletter or on IBN's website. All information is provided on an "as is" basis and no express or implied warranties are given. Any use of the information contained in this newsletter or on IBN's web site, including recipes, is solely at your own risk. IBN and Donna Maria disclaim any liability in connection with the use of all recipes, products reviewed and other information. Except for sponsorships, this newsletter refuses compensation from companies to feature or mention their names or products. Opinions expressed in any Product Review are personally those of the reviewer and do not represent the views of IBN, Donna Maria (unless she is the reviewer) or any other person or company.
