The Indie Experience
December 14, 2009
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 32
To subscribe, click here
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1. Indie On Assignment: Do You Need Blog Comment
Policies?
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show:
Judith Sherven and Jim Sniecohwski on "The Heart of Marketing"
4. Featured IBN Member: Laureen Falco :: Lyrical
Concepts :: Texas
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help
You??!
Make It Yourself!: Winding Down Herbal Bath
1. Indies On Assignment: Do You Need Blog Comment Policies?
Every week, I share a quick tip you can implement in your business, along
with a homework assignment so you can track your progress.
Assignment #4: Could You Use Some Blog Comment Policies?
So you have a blog and you are excited when people show up to comment there. So far, so good. But after a while, you notice that people don't always agree with you. Worse yet, they don't agree with each other, and sometimes, they can be a little snippy as they express themselves. What do you do?
Should you accept comments from people who disagree with you? What if someone comments that they don't like your products? What if someone uses derogatory or offensive language? These are very real issues and if you maintain a blog, it's a good idea to plan ahead and post some policies at your site so people will know in advance how their comments are handled at your blog.
I have maintained comment policies for years, but I never posted them publicly at my blog. Last week, I did so and my blog is all the better for it. I strongly believe that publicly available comment policies help your readers and increase your blog's overall credibility -- both good things!
Assignment: Read my blog policies, and consider whether having your own might lend more credibility to your blog. My policies are simple and easy to implement, and you can feel free to use them to create your own comment policies. I invite you to share you comments, opinions and questions in the comments at the blog. I look forward to hearing from you!
Selected recent articles that may interest you:
Increase your sales with site parties: it's easy and fun!
It's your lawn. Mow it.: my commentary on the social media learning curve
Should you use your real name online?: an interesting conversation I participated in on Twitter
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!
After The Rain | Nikkie Brown | Texas
IBN Member Since December 2005.
Need to be pampered or know someone who does? Using Fair
Trade Shea Butter and other fine oils from around the world, our handmade
soaps and bath products will be sure to please. We cater to all lifestyles
from our wonderfully blended organic line to our unique essential oil blends
and our nearly natural exquisite fragrance oils. We know once you've had the
After The Rayne experience, you'll be glad you stopped by.
Aromahead | Andrea Butje | Florida
IBN Member Since April 2006. Aromahead.com provides both
Essential Oil Education and an on line web store for purchasing high quality
essential oils in small and bulk sizes. The 200-hour certification program
through Aromahead Institute is approved by the National Association for
Holistic Aromatherapy. Weekend classes and the certification program are
approved for National and Florida Massage Therapy CEU's. The Web store is
for individuals and businesses that want to buy high quality essential oils
that are imported directly from the distillers that make them. All the oils
are GC/MS tested and either organic, unsprayed or wild crafted.
The Grapeseed Company | Kristin Fraser Cotte | California
IBN Member Since December 2007. The Grapeseed
Company's bath & body treats contain a skin nourishing line-up of organic &
natural ingredients. our products feature the finest quality
expeller-pressed grape seed oil, a natural byproduct of winemaking. rich in
antioxidants, vitamins and resveratrol, grape seeds fight free radical
damage, the signs of aging, and heal skin exposed to natural elements.
experience our delicious hand-blended aromas formulated with pure essential
oils, fruit and plant essences... a true delight to the senses!
Casco Bay Gardens | Ghislaine Berube | Maine
IBN Member Since January 2008.
We
pride ourselves on providing our customers with the finest and most
soothing natural skin care available. We use our own special blends of
nature's most effective ingredients like sweet almond oil, shea butter,
cocoa butter, Vitamin E essential oils, and we test them right in our own
neighborhood. Hey, if they work for lobstermen and women Of Maine, they'll
work for you!
Earth Alkemie | Dorothy Wong | Virginia
Earth Alkemie is an all natural, vegetarian, eco-friendly cosmetic
company. We use natural ingredients in our skin and hair care and mineral
makeup, including many organic and fair trade ingredients.
Born Again Skin | Susan Nathan | California
Apprentice member.
La Vie Celeste | Teri Dourmashkin | New York
IBN Member Since January 2009. Lumiere Celeste offers superior
all natural, anti-aging skin care products featuring RLipoic Acid. Unlike
Alpha Lipoic acid, research indicates that RLipoic is the only form of
lipoic acid capable of reducing inflammation, and inflammation is the number
one cause of aging. We only use the finest botanicals and pressed oils in
our products.
Mellabella Designs | Melissa Anderson-Stowe | Georgia
IBN Member Since December 2008. Simply sophisticated bath and
body treats ~ one bubble at a time. Mellabelle Designs takes a natural
approach to bath and body care. Just clean junk-free bath time fun for you
and your little ones. Paraben-Free ~ Petroleum Free ~ SLS-Free. Never tested
on animals!
Possets | Fabienne Christianson | Ohio
IBN Member Since December 2007. Unique perfumes in oil base. 2
lines: 100% Natural Possets and Classic Possets. Many seasonal scents
created during the year.
Saint Charles Shave | Sue Moore | Missouri
Saint Charles Shave, LLC supplies individual and private label shaving
products for Gentlemen shave soaps, shave cream, aftershave, eau de
toilettes and more.
Homespun Naturals | Corinne Simpson | Missouri
IBN Member Since November 2006. Wholesale only selling
aromatherapy soaps, lotions, bath salts, tub teas and more using only pure
essential oils for scenting and no synthetic fragrances or dyes.
Bella Dolce | Amy Large | Florida
Apprentice member.
TLC Farms & Goat Milk Soaps | Caroline Lawson | Texas
IBN Member Since December 2007. Located in the heart of the
Central Texas Post Oak Savannah, we use the milk from our herd of pampered
Nubian dairy goats, combined with the finest of food grade oils and variety
of skin nourishing butters to create soaps and lotions that are good for
your skin and a pleasure to your senses. Indulge yourself with our goat milk
products - your skin will thank you! Retail and wholesale.
Parisian's Pure Indulgence | Kelli Parisian | California
IBN Member Since May 2004. PPI is the manufacturer of natural
skin care treatments that encourage health & well being by providing safe
and effective treatments that combine the latest in anti-aging elements with
pure natural botanicals.
Brigit True Organics | Brigitte Rau | Virginia
IBN Member Since June 2002. Using artisan processes refined
over hundreds of generations, our castile soaps are handcrafted in small
batches, using 100% pure organic olive oil. We don't settle for good
enough--no leftover byproducts from other processing plants, no harsh
synthetic ingredients, and direct support for sustainable, organic farming
methods. Our skin care products are made with your health--and Mother
Earth's--foremost in mind.
Sacred Glo | Stephanie Greene | Florida
IBN Member Since June 2008. One earth, one product, three
uses. Our beautiful scented lotion candles beautify your home, moisturize
your skin -- and the beautiful glass tumbler they come in make a drinking
glass.
Royal Herbs | Luke Hogan | Texas
IBN Member Since December 2008. Royal Herbs is led by a
Certified Herbalist who brings you natural organic products with a holistic
philosophy towards sustainable herbal product making. Our ‘Ground to Jar’
philosophy means our products are good for you and friendly to our Earth. We
source the herbs by organically growing them and through ethical wild
harvesting. Our products are made the artisan way – in small lots with
loving care. We feature: Balms/Salves Aromatherapy face and body care Pet
Care.
Porcelain SkinCare Line | Maria Nielson | Pennsylvania
Porcelain Skincare Line is dedicated to provide the essential products
necessary to keep all skin types retain water into their skin. Our cleansing
bar has Omega 3&6 The Toner has DMAE and our Restore Moisturizer provides
copper, power hydrator and peptide. Our products provide exactly what the
skin needs to be healthy, soft and look the best. Our products do not leave
the skin oily instead your skin will be in perfect balance.
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski on "The Heart Of Marketing"
Husband-wife
team (love that!) Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski, authors of "The Heart
Of Marketing," joined me today to talk about how to market your business
from your heart. One of the things they shared is the importance of seeking
a "return of experience," as opposed to "return on investment." A return on
investment is what we business owners consider when we decided whether or
not something is worth doing. For example, if you take the time to blog, you
might wonder what the return on that investment will be. Most often, you
look for it is dollars and cents.
Judith and Jim say that while return on investment is important, so too is "return of experience." That is, what is the experience your customer receives in exchange for the money they pay you for a product or service. They have concluded that if your customers have a good return of experience, you will have an easier time enjoying return on your investment.
The bottom line: giving your customers a great experience, and not just quality products or services, help you be successful! The show audio will be ready in a few days. Meanwhile, check out hundreds of shows at my radio show website where you can download or stream them for free.
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 this year's shows. You can also subscribe to the show on iTunes by searching on Indie Business Radio.
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4. Featured Indie: Laureen Falco :: Lyrical Concepts :: Texas
Laureen:
Today, I teach soy candle making with a
DVD at
my website to help you learn how to make your own candles! But it all
started out very differently!
I started my business originally as a creative outlet when I was working in
corporate America.
I was a Divisional Controller for a $600 million dollar Zinc recycling
division of a larger group
of metal companies, and I was running an accounting department, traveling,
and working 50-60
or more hours per week. I use be involved in the performing creative arts -
singing and acting,
but in re-building my accounting career, I didn't have the time for
rehearsals or shows. So, I
started making candles, and taking lessons to make jewelry, and at first, I
just enjoyed making
them for my friends and family.
About five and a half years ago, I received an invitation to teach a soy
candle class here in Houston.
At that time, I didn't know what soy candles were. After receiving
instruction over the phone how
to teach the class, I actually made my very first soy candle in front of 14
students! I taught the
class for almost two years, and I was even featured on a morning show “Great
Day Houston”,
I eventually fell in love with soy candles, and I became hooked on making
them for friends
and family, and then selling them at craft shows.
I've always loved candles, and I've made candles on and off for years, but
only really took it seriously
when I was introduced to soy wax. I'm like everyone else in the fact that I
love the illumination,
the colors of the jars, the scents, and the way it makes me feel. I've never
gotten tired of that feeling.
The best part is hearing from others how much they enjoy the candles.
I believe in laying the foundation for starting a business. For the creative
end, I made thousands
of candles. For the DVD, I researched binders full of information on how to
make soy candles,
ordered supplies from a dozen different suppliers, watched videos on the
internet, and
I worked on every aspect of making a great soy candle, so I could break all
the information
down in order to teach it on the DVD. I wanted the audience to have great
information, options,
and information you can only learn by testing the candles by using different
waxes, dyes,
fragrance oils, jars, etc.
For the business end, I formed an LLC - which was the best corporate entity
that suited my needs.
I joined the Indie Beauty Network - so I could have insurance and have a
great network of other
independent business people, like myself. I set up an office in my home, and
I got out there and
marketed myself. I signed up for every craft show that I could get into,
just to get myself out there
to make connections in my area. I continued working on the marketing end, by
developing websites,
learning how to sell at the craft shows and finding retail outlets for my
soy candles.
dM: How did your prior career help you start on the right foot?
Laureen: Both my professional background as a CPA
and my love of the creative arts both helped me
tremendously in starting my own business. I had been involved in helping
small businesses as
an accountant my entire career. I studied accounting in high school, and
worked for my family
business for five years as I was working my way through college. I also
helped all
of my family's friends with their small businesses, before graduating and
working for
the now "Big 4".
I audited for years, before I finally left my career to pursue another
degree in music from the
University of Houston. It was always my dream to study the vocal arts
full-time, and so I did.
I studied opera, musical theatre, acting, languages, music composition and I
graduated with a
B.A. Music summa cum laude in May 1993. I performed in operas, musical
theatre,
children's theatre, churches, plays, Shakespeare and film & TV. I even went
to NYC for
two years to pursue the arts there. Here I was in NYC from 1996-1998 -
working accounting jobs,
wall street, small business jobs by day, and acting, and musical classes at
night. I went to over
80 auditions in NYC, and was featured in concert in Washington Square. I
have two great
write-ups and an article that I wrote for a Shakespeare company, but
ultimately, I wanted to
go home to Houston again.
Both my performing and accounting careers has helped me balance both the
creative aspects
of making soy candles, producing a high quality DVD, designing and making
jewelry, and also
handling the business aspect of starting my own business. I felt like it was
my time to use my
skills to help myself start a business that I was passionate about that
would grow.
dM: What's your niche? What makes your what you offer special?
Laureen: My niche is teaching soy candle making and making
soy candles for sale. I also make jewelry too.
I think what makes my products special is that they are made with years of
experience and with
the best quality I can find. I also add a lot love and artistry to my
products. I feel that every
candle, every piece of jewelry I make is a creative art form that is out
there living in the world.
It makes me so happy to see friends, family and customers enjoy my products.
For my DVD, I researched material - e-books, videos, candle supply company
websites, blogs,
articles, for months before I ever wrote the script and began filming. This
is after making a
thousand candles, testing wicks, testing dyes, different kinds of waxes,
melting methods,
fragrance oils, additives, pouring temperatures, jar sizes, etc.
Even when we were filming, I would still be working with making lots of
candles, so that I
could teach the audience everything I knew about making soy candles that
experienced
"chandlers" weren't so ready to divulge. That's the beauty of this DVD, it
was made with
a lot of work on my part, and a lot of work in the filming process. There
are segments in the
video, that we literally wrote, filmed, edited, and re-shot 3 times.
I'm talking about working with a film crew with lights, 2 - $10,000 cameras,
and top of
the line editing software and equipment. For the DVD, I wanted to make sure
that the
audience had the best information available, and the best film techniques
for them to
visually learn from. The DVD features close-ups, inserts of pictures and
video, time-lapses
of wax melting, candles forming and candles burning. We were very selective
about the music score and we even had a Houston composer write songs
specifically
for the DVD. The video crew spent hundreds of hours editing the video and
putting
together beautiful graphics, titles, and all kinds of top of the line
editing techniques
so that we could have a high quality production.
We have bonus features on the DVD - that most craft videos are not going
show.
We have an interview with me, selling soy candles, and an Outtakes
(bloopers) segment.
That's something you only see in major movies!
For the Soy Candles, I have literally spent over 5 years making soy candles
before I
became really successful selling them at craft shows, retail stores and now
our website
is going up Online. I like to know a lot about what I'm doing before I
present to other.
I love being creative in my designs of the soy candles, the jars, the
fragrances, the colors,
the different lines - such as a Zodiac line of candles. I have tons of ideas
for different kinds
of soy candles, and I will continue developing different things..
Laureen: Right now, I market my soy candles both Wholesale & Retail. I have my soy candles in a retail store - www.ScribblinSisters.com in Seabrook, TX, and I have been selling them at craft shows. We're now developing my website for my company Lyrical Concepts in order to sell Online for both retail and wholesale. I live in the Clear Lake area of Houston, and I have sold my soy candles at a number of fall craft shows in my area including the Taylor Lake Village Nutcracker Shoppe (of which now I am the Finance Director), the Velvet Stocking, South Shore Nutcracker, and other church & child care program festivals.
dM: Tell me a little about what's so wonderful about making your own candles?
Laureen: There are so many wonderful things about
making candles. First of all, just the creativity part of it. Every time I
order a new fragrance, I have to determine what color it's going to be, and
what jar type it would look good in. I even love testing the wicks. There's
something special when you've finally found the right wick that will work.
I feel totally relaxed and peaceful when I'm making soy candles. It's a form
of meditation for me. I love combining the fragrances and dyes, and pouring
the hot wax into the jars, and then letting them cool over night. It's like
Christmas in my kitchen when I wake up and see all the beautifully formed
soy candles with great scents & colors. I'm always experimenting with
different combinations of things, and it's so neat to finally achieve a
desired look, wick, color, etc.
It's so exciting to me to be able to see the finished product, cut the wick,
and label the candles. I never get tired of making soy candles. I learn
something new every time I make a batch.
dM: What is your most popular product? Why do customers love it?
Laureen: Depending on the show, or the customers, all of my soy candle products have been pretty popular. One show, I literally sold out of all my soy tea-lights. I have a tube of 12 1/2 oz clear polycarbonate soy tea lights in popular scents and colors, and everybody loved them. I also sell the 8 oz. Square Mason Jar - which is very popular because of the reusable jar and price. I also had 14 oz. apothecary jars with silk flower filaments that matched the color of the jar. These candles are popular because the scent can fill an average den or living room. My newest product is my Zodiac line of soy candles in 5 oz. jars. I have all 12 zodiac signs in different colors to match the signs - such as earth, fire, water, air and they contain a premium blended fragrance oil to reflect the quality of that sign.
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Laureen: Right now we're working on selling my DVD "The Art of Soy Container Candle Making" with Laureen Falco Online through my website. I'm working on a lot of promotional projects to sell the DVD – because I believe in it, and I know customers will benefit from the information and love the production values. We're also building www.LyricalConcepts.com which will have my soy candle, jewelry, other products, blog, and wholesale log-ins for customers. This site should be up by the end of the month. I'm also working with a few of my colleagues in developing seminars for artists. We want to help local artists take their business from offline to Online. I'm also working on other websites to promote local artists and businesses in my area. I intend on teaching, leading workshops, continuing to develop products, writing articles & e-books. Lots of exciting things, but by far the most exciting right now is my newly released DVD. You can watch the trailer by clicking the player here.
Find more videos like this on The Indie Beauty Business Community
dM: What was involved in the video production? How much did it cost?
Laureen: That's a long story, but here are some
highlights. We recorded 21 hours of video, then edited that down to 90
minutes. That's a lot of recording of the same stuff over and over again to
get it down to the best 50 minutes. We also had at least two cameras for
each segment so we could show people techniques from different angles. While
I didn't script each segment word-for-word, I had lots of notes and I
practiced a lot.
I paid
Not
everyone needs to do it the way that I did. I'm sure for a lot less money,
dM: What forms of social media do you enjoy using?
Laureen: I enjoy using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn right now. I’m also active on a couple of Online candle forums. I've met so many wonderful people on these sites, and I highly encourage others to use them too. I regularly communicate with friends all over the world through these sites, and there have been ideas flowing between all of us. I think the most positive example is developing joint-ventures with like-minded people. I'm working on a joint-venture with several people that will develop not only into one workshop, but other products in the future too.
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Laureen: I feel blessed that I have the support of my
family in my business. My partner Joel, has always believed in all the
creative things I've ever done, from getting another bachelor's degree, to
studying music for 20 years, to going to NYC to audition, to writing and
starring in a one-woman show, to now making soy candles, writing, teaching
and developing products for my Online businesses. My extended family - my
Aunt, Uncle, and cousins have been very supportive by listening to me
throughout the lengthy filming process, to helping me set up my crafts at
the shows, to selling my candles and jewelry to people they know. They all
really believe in me, and want the very best for me. It's pretty
much just me right now, but my family does help me occasionally - as I
stated up above.
dM: What do you think are the best things about being an independent business owner?
Laureen: I've always been a very independent spirit. I think I fit right in to the Indie Beauty Network. I love that I can express my creativity through my products, have the great support from the Indie Beauty Network from others who are doing the same thing, and building a business for myself. I told someone not long ago, that if I had worked as hard for myself, as I did in my last career job, I would have been successful. So, I'd rather work for myself, and take the ups and downs that come with it, than work for others and feel empty at the end of the day. I feel totally fulfilled working for myself, because I'm disciplined and very independent, so working a regular job for me feels like I'm constrained, and the creativity within me shuts down. Being an indie means - I'm relaxed enough to let the creativity flow!
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network, and do you enjoy your membership?
Laureen: I was active on a candle maker's forum, and I was
looking for insurance for my candles. I checked numerous insurance companies
in Texas, but couldn't find any company to write a policy for me. I asked on
the forum where others had obtained insurance, and someone wrote back to
check out the Indie Beauty Network. When I went to the site, I was so
relieved to know that insurance came automatically with the membership -
which I signed up right away. I also wanted to be part of a larger group of
businesspeople that were in the same field as me. So, it worked out
perfectly. I've been so busy with all of my projects, that I have not fully
explored everything that the
Indie Beauty Network offers. I will comment, when I know more about this! I
would definitely recommend the Indie Beauty Network to others, and I have on
that very same forum!
dM: What tips can you offer for people who are looking to start a business?
Laureen: I truly believe that you can start a business
about something that you're passionate about. I think the passion drove me
in taking my love of soy candles from a hobby to a business. You know in
your heart when you have to take that next step. Sometimes, its people
around you encouraging you, because they believe you have
something to offer in starting a business, and sometimes you know inside
yourself that it's time to take it to the next level.
For me, it was a clear choice, but still scary at times, because you are
stepping out into unknown. As many small business clients as I've had, and
as much coaching as I've done, it's still a bit different when I was doing
it for myself.
I believe that taking one step at a time, works best, instead of getting
overwhelmed. There's a lot of start-up money that you need to have in order
to have inventory, insurance, corporate structure, software programs,
business cards, computers, websites, marketing material, etc, etc. The list
goes on and on. Take step at a time. Develop your craft and then design your
business plan.
Most small companies don't have a business plan or a marketing plan. Once
you've gone through the stages of developing your product line, then
starting writing a business plan. Consult with a CPA, or attorney, or
networking group in your area. See what others are doing, but make the
decisions that work best for you. Look on the internet and find templates.
Write it down. Writing your goals down on a piece of paper makes it more
real than keeping it in your head. Even though you may not know how to do
everything, if you put out the energy, people and answers will come. Read up
on the Law of Attraction!
Join Online forums and chat rooms. There's always someone out there with
more experience than you, or made mistakes before you make them. Find out
who’s the resident "guru" is that forum, and ask questions, or read all
their posts. Most of the time your question has already been asked and
answered..
dM: What business book have you enjoyed and why do you recommend it to others?
Laureen: I have only one more class to
complete to earn my Master's in Accounting degree, and even
though I've read many, many business books in my career, the one book that I
can honestly
recommend right now is The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale (The Secret).
I read this book a few years back, and I thought it was one of the best
books I had ever read.
I believe in the Law of Attraction, and that we can change our minds to
attract the right things
in our life to make us successful.
I've had the opportunity to meet Joe Vitale several times, and I even won
the 2nd Edition
of this book at a seminar earlier this year.
The reason why I would recommend this to others is that we need to create
energy shifts
within us to take control of our beliefs and focus on obtaining the life of
our dreams.
I think that's what being an indie is all about. We want the freedom, the
independence,
the success, and the life we've always dreamed of. So, The Attractor Factor
is one of those
books that will help attract prosperity in all areas of our lives.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Laureen: I love owning my own business. I feel proud every
single day that I'm in business for myself. I love being able to create
products and work with other creative individuals. Creativity always
enhances my life, by filling my soul. I'm an artist that uses different
mediums to express myself. Right now, it's instructional DVD's, writing, soy
candles and jewelry, In the future, I'm sure there will be many more
creative outlets.
Working for myself enhances my life in so many ways, but the obvious benefit
is increased health. When I was working long hours, under tremendous
pressure, I wasn't exercising, I was stressed all the time, I wasn't eating
right and I couldn't relax. Worst of all, I couldn't sleep. I finally took a
sleep study right before I quit my job. Initially, I thought it was sleep
apnea, but I was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome. I was shocked, but
not surprised. A few months later I quit my job, began working consulting
jobs, while developing my business, and lo and behold, I began sleeping
better. All I had to do was relax.
So, now working for myself, I'm much more relaxed, I feel younger, I'm
eating better and exercising and feeling like the world is wide open!
There's a point where you know, that you've crossed a threshold in your life
and there's no turning back. That's where I'm at now, so no - there's no
regrets!
dM: What has been your biggest Indie Business challenge so far, and how are you overcoming it?
Laureen: I'm sure others can resonate with this, the
challenge is doing everything yourself. Not that I can't do it all, it's
just in some areas there are learning curves! One day, it will be making a
batch of candles. The next day, calling on retail stores. Motivating myself
each day to get out there and get things done.
There have been several big challenges this past year like filming the DVD.
When we first started filming, I didn't realize what I had gotten myself
into. About halfway through - when I was talking to my Video Producer, and
finally realized the amount of editing they had to do, and how long it took
to do it, and how many things we had to re-shoot, I felt very overwhelmed.
So I just had to take a “breather”, and take one day at a time. Eventually,
everything got done, and we finished the project at a much higher quality
than I had originally planned.
Then the next challenge was getting the cover art for the DVD, working with
the production house, and then finally working with web designers on the
website. Everything was a big learning curve, and it felt like I was
climbing a mountain each time. But, after all said and done, when I look
back on it, I realize that I have a lot of perseverance. I somehow seem to
really overcome all the obstacles. Once I have a vision of something, I
don't always know how it's going to get done, but it eventually all gets
done.
dM: How, if at, all is the current unusual economy affecting you and your business?
Laureen: I'm actually doing quite well these days, since
I'm really taking the time to focus on my business. It's all about learning,
networking, and marketing. I'm looking at this business the same way I do
when I use to audition. In the hundreds of auditions I did, I use to keep a
journal in which I would write down the specifics of the audition - what I
sang, who I sang for, the theatre, etc, Then I would write down what I could
learn from that experience, and what I could do better next time.
I'm using the same approach for my business. Everything is about learning,
growing, and getting better. I think keeping a positive attitude and taking
action produces results. I have a lot of friends that have been laid off
from their jobs, and most of them are starting a business. I think this is a
great time to start a business. Sometimes, opportunities come in mysterious
ways. I'm seeing friends of mine develop the business that they always
wanted but were either too comfortable in their jobs, or too afraid. Life is
about living dreams. I totally believe that opportunities present themselves
when we're ready.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business? What are you hobbies?
Laureen: I love to play with my cats - Divo & Aimee. I love to cook. When you're Italian, it's sorta in your blood! I love to watch movies on my big screen TV. I also love learning about Internet Marketing. I'm in an Internet Marketing Program with Pat O'Bryan, and I look forward to learning all about websites, marketing, programs, and writing. I also love meditating, and doing Yoga and Pilates. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, so I love watching the Steelers. I also love to travel. I love exploring new cities, museums and meeting new people.
dM: Please give an idea of your annual sales.
Laureen:
This year, since I really focused on the business, my sales
have increased 300%. I've been successful at selling
the candles and jewelry at seminars, craft shows, in corporate settings,
through friends and family, and now Online.
Connect With Laureen:
Facebook: http://profile.to/laureenfalco/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/laureenfalco
Linked In: http://www.linkedIn.com/pub/laureen-falco/13/580/b2
Website: http://www.SoyCandleU.com
5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Give 'N Take @ Our Social Networking Site!
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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!
Upcoming Events: classes, teleseminars, online training, conferences and more!
Wanna Be Featured?: An IBN member, Essential Wholesale, might like to feature you at their popular blog!
Support for friends: how do you handle things when your friends don't support your business dreams?
How to increase your sales using online Site Parties: it's fun, it's profitable, and it's a new benefit for IBN members!
Don't just own the water. Own the pipe: how you can be an effective media outlet for your business
Easy Holiday Dip Texas Caviar: easy and delicious!
The Results Are In: Social Media Increases Holiday Sales: in case you've been living under a rock, and there are statistics to prove it!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help You??!
I
would love to speak at your next 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.
