The often unasked question. "Will my product sell?" As an experienced maker, all your creations are skillfully crafted and the model of perfection. But you want to know if it will be a top seller before you put in the time and money building up your inventory. So let's address the issue of how to determine if you have a sales winner. Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode?

Gift Biz Unwrapped

Tips & Talk 33 – But Will They Buy?

Okay, creators - it's time to engage your left brain. Because today, we're talking about Google Analytics for small business. But don't worry, my guest today is a master at explaining things in an easy-to-understand way. Chris Mercer, the co-founder of Measurement Marketing, is a sought-after measurement marketing expert. He’s been helping marketers, marketing teams, and agencies plan out what’s important to measure in their marketing, build measurement systems (using https://tagmanager.google.com/#/home (Google Tag Manager) and https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/ (Google Analytics)), create actionable dashboard reports, and finally use those reports to forecast and optimize their marketing results. Mercer has a knack for teaching and is known for his ability to simplify even the most complex ideas for his audience. He speaks at some of the top conferences in the industry such as Traffic & Conversion, Social Media Marketing World, and Content Jam. BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Make sure that the conversation you're having is relevant to your users. And the only way to make sure that you're saying something that resonates with them and meets their expectation is if you get really good at listening. The market will absolutely tell you if they like something or if they don't. You just have to get good at https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/sonyapaz (asking questions). Get good enough to get going. Then come back and make it better later. Give yourself permission to be where you are no matter what. All About Google Analytics For Small Business The idea has nothing really to do about https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/lynnesomerman (the numbers). It's the idea that we are measuring for a conversation. Measurement marketing is about listening to your users. And then based on that feedback, adjust your marketing accordingly to keep that conversation going. As a marketer, know what you can improve and change. Make sure the conversation goes in the direction that we want it to go in. The beauty of analytics is you go there with a specific purpose in mind. Don't be afraid to start slow and easy. Like anything, it's a muscle you need to build. Cave Mode - just get started. It's okay if it's super basic - you have to start somewhere. The goal is to practice asking questions. Valley of Visibility - you've got some things set up, it's not perfect, but now you can start to improve. The Summit - you've built up your muscle and you understand the strategy and tools. Now you can see everything. Framework to get started with Google Analytics Start with this BEFORE you actually set anything up. First, you plan things out. Then you build things out. And then you act upon the stuff that you've built Plan - Start with 3-5 questions you want to answer. What https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/craft-show-selection-and-results (results) do you want to measure? How did you get those results? Don't get overwhelmed with a million different questions - just pick a couple good enough to get started. Example: I want to measure how much I sold and how did I make those sales. Build - What information do you need to collect to get these answers? What behaviors do you need to track to get the answers to your questions? Example: Your cart software provides the number of sales, average units, etc. Google Analytics shows you how people got to the cart. Act - What actions will you take with the answers you collect?" Example: If I make 10 sales from my Pinterest campaign in a week, I'll scale up the ad. If I don't, I'll revamp the ad or try something different like Facebook ads. Run through the process, make adjustments based on what you've learned, and go through it again. Every time you do it, you're strengthening your measurement muscle and honing in on the questions you need to ask to get actionable answers. Be sure to tune into this full...

340 – All About Google Analytics for Small Business with Chris Mercer of Measurement Marketing

I think you'll agree that a lot of time is spent on social media. In some cases too much time and it takes away from doing other important projects that will advance your business. The balance is hard to find. Here are four strategies to make taking and resourcing social media photos less time consuming. Imagine having just the right photo at your fingertips without you having to drop everything to make that happen? Here's how! Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Feel free to share!

Tips & Talk 32 – 4 Time Saving Strategies to Curate Social Media Pics

One thing every small business owner thinks about is how to attract sales. Today's guest shares 5 fun and effective ways she attracts sales to her handmade craft business in a fun way. Tune in to hear her tips and tricks. Sophy is the face behind Miss Paper Craft, a Paper Quilling store, making intricate jewelry, ornaments, and keepsake dolls. She paper quilled as a hobby when she lived in India, making gifts for friends and family. After moving to the US, she noticed that Paper Quilling wasn’t widely known here and saw this as an opportunity. She now shares the paper quilling experience through her jewelry, DIY craft kits, and online classes. Those of you who are regular listeners will remember Sophy from https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-start-a-craft-business-from-home (episode #313) which aired last April. A lot of opportunities have come her way in such a short time so I wanted to have her back on to share her newest exciting experiences.   BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Let people touch and feel the product before they buy because it will add more value to it. Pop-up https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/southerncaramel (craft shows) allow you to talk to a lot more people and have conversations. Capture the moment when https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/marisamurgatroyd (customers are happy) with your product. Engage in networking to get the word out about your business. Find a place where you can sell your product even if you’re not there to sell it. Switch things up in your displays to keep your product visible. If you join a co-op, make sure you: Have a https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/indielaw (contract and terms and conditions) in place before putting your products on display Sign in on behalf of your business and not as yourself. Stay in contact with the person managing the space to know what’s going and what’s not. Get feedback on how the product is moving and what the customers are saying. Promote and let people know that they can buy your product in this certain store. Don't just wait for opportunities to come. Reach out for collaborations to be in front of more people who might be interested in your products. When you're starting out, let people know what you’re doing in business. That will keep spreading the word out. Tune in to the full conversation to hear all Sophy's tips & tricks! How To Attract Sales - 5 Fun & Effective Ways Participate in local in-person craft popups https://ribbonprint.lpages.co/become-a-networking-ninja/ (Connect and network) with other vendors Join a local co-op/consignment retail space Get featured on a local TV spot Reach out to influencers Resources Mentioned https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-start-a-craft-business-from-home (Episode 313 - How to Start a Craft Business from Home with Sophy Lakshmanan) https://www.instagram.com/miss_paper_craft/ (Booth photos at Sophy's Instagram) Sophy's Contact Links http://www.misspapercraft.com/ (Website) | https://www.facebook.com/misspapercraft (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/miss_paper_craft/ (Instagram) Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) |...

339 – 5 Fun and Effective Ways to Attract Sales with Sophy Lakshmanan of Miss Paper Craft

Masterminds. Perhaps you've invested in one before that included a professional moderator and was timebound - a few months or even a year. These is the traditional structure of a formal mastermind. I'm talking today about how you can create your own local mastermind group. It brings a level of support that will prove to be a powerful resource to move your business forward. And it's free! I've also created a blog covering all the points I bring up in the podcast. To read or print this out for your own mastermind development use, you can access it https://giftbizunwrapped.com/how-to-create-your-own-free-mastermind-group/ (here). Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode?

Tips & Talk 31 – How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group

What does it really take to get into subscription box creation and participation - and succeed? Today's guest is sharing exactly how he does it. Eric is first and foremost a proud husband and father of five beautiful kids (four boys and one girl). But he's also the co-founder of Louis and Léa, a subscription box for expecting and new moms, filled with products made by small businesses and local makers. Eric is also the host of The Subscription Box Show. A podcast dedicated to the subscription industry. He interviews the world's top subscription box founders and industry-leading tools.   BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to do things you are not comfortable being a part of. Have new experiences that will activate the creative side of you. There's enough business for everyone. You just have to separate yourself by doing different things. Start by http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/elainekuckertz (having the idea), do market research, study your competitors, and try to put together an email list. Before putting too much money on a potential business,  you want to make sure that it's validated and that http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/karasvineyardwedding (your product) or service is something people will want and pay for. Figure out a way to still be competitive. Bring something new to the table. Get some excitement. Make it fun and attractive for people to sign up and have great free resources. Plenty of business building tips in this conversation. Tune in to catch them all! Subscription Box Creation and Participation Tips The whole http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/knack (customer experience) side of things is a huge part of subscription boxes. Once people sign up you want to make sure to give them lifetime value. There are many things other than the product that goes into a successful subscription box. You must have a really good offer. Get creative on how to add as much value for the members because subscription box entrepreneurs want value, not just product. If you want to be part of a subscription box, research and reach out to subscription companies that you think would be a fit. You can bypass all the gatekeepers and get a hold of the owners directly by looking into the about page and see who they are. <-- Tune in to get all the tips on how to do this! Do not mass email. Make sure that your subject line is catchy to get the attention for a potential partnership. If you're a small maker and you have an existing audience, use that first. Don't take family and friends advice too seriously especially if they're not your ideal customer. Don't be too intimidated by paid ads. You don't need to spend a ton of money to get that creative piece of content into the hands of potential ideal customers. Listen to the whole episode to get all Eric's tips for participating in subscription boxes! Resources Mentioned https://www.thesubscriptionboxshow.com/ (Subscription Box Podcast Show) Free 15 Minute Consult - contact Erick via email 10% discount on Subscription Box courses - contact Erick via email 15% discount off anything at https://louisandlea.com/ (Louis and Lea) - use coupon code GiftBizUnwrapped Eric's Contact Links https://louisandlea.com (Website) | https://facebook.com/louisandlea (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/officiallouisandlea/ (Instagram) | https://linkedin.com/ericmusick (Linkedin) Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their...

What does it really take to get into subscription box creation and participation - and succeed? Today's guest is sharing exactly how he does it. Eric is first and foremost a proud husband and father of five beautiful kids (four boys and one girl). But he's also the co-founder of Louis and Léa, a subscription box for expecting and new moms, filled with products made by small businesses and local makers. Eric is also the host of The Subscription Box Show. A podcast dedicated to the subscription industry. He interviews the world's top subscription box founders and industry-leading tools.   BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to do things you are not comfortable being a part of. Have new experiences that will activate the creative side of you. There's enough business for everyone. You just have to separate yourself by doing different things. Start by http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/elainekuckertz (having the idea), do market research, study your competitors, and try to put together an email list. Before putting too much money on a potential business,  you want to make sure that it's validated and that http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/karasvineyardwedding (your product) or service is something people will want and pay for. Figure out a way to still be competitive. Bring something new to the table. Get some excitement. Make it fun and attractive for people to sign up and have great free resources. Plenty of business building tips in this conversation. Tune in to catch them all! Subscription Box Creation and Participation Tips The whole http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/knack (customer experience) side of things is a huge part of subscription boxes. Once people sign up you want to make sure to give them lifetime value. There are many things other than the product that goes into a successful subscription box. You must have a really good offer. Get creative on how to add as much value for the members because subscription box entrepreneurs want value, not just product. If you want to be part of a subscription box, research and reach out to subscription companies that you think would be a fit. You can bypass all the gatekeepers and get a hold of the owners directly by looking into the about page and see who they are. 

338 – Subscription Box Creation and Participation with Eric Musick of Louis and Léa

This is the first activity most new business owners jump into - naming the business and then creating a logo and brand colors. That makes sense because it's what you see as a consumer and how you identify other businesses. So naturally it's what you gravitate to as the necessary starting point. Perfect. But don't spend too much time here. In this episode you'll get direction on the important first three steps to your branding and then where your focus should go next. It's the NEXT step that will get your business on track to bringing in sales. Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode?

Tips & Talk 30 – First Steps to Creating Your Brand

Please welcome Pinterest expert Laura Rike back to show us exactly how to run Pinterest ads that will help build your handmade business. As a Pinterest Strategist, Laura helps high-performing business owners & content creators implement content growth plans, outsource their visibility, and steadily grow their monthly revenue. All without tantrums over tech and trading sleep for success. She describes herself as a quirky, spunky, social butterfly who values open, honest relationships in every area of her life. She’s also the mother of two boys who are the center of everything. Ready to learn how to run Pinterest ads for your craft business? Let's dive in! How To Run Pinterest Ads Pinterest ads can be more direct than Facebook ads, for example, because it's all about behavior instead of general demographics. Get Started With Pinterest Advertising Make sure you have a business https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-use-pinterest-for-business (Pinterest account). You won't be able to do ads on the account if you don't have that setup. For your first try at Pinterest Ads, set up a https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/your-brand (Brand Awareness) campaign and just budget $5-$10 (total) for the campaign. It's a perfect way to get your feet wet. Focus on psychographics such as what people search for and what they actively purchase to better target your audience. Note that Pinterest's term for traffic is "Consideration." So when you see a "Consideration campaign," that means getting traffic. <-- Pro tip! Your budget is entirely up to you and what you're comfortable spending. But if the ads seem to be working well, switch from Brand Awareness to Consideration (aka Traffic) to really see a return on your investment. Think of Brand Awareness as Pinterest Ads 101. Once you've figured that out, you want to move to Consideration. Moving To The Next Level With Pinterest Ads Once you're in the consideration section, it will be focused on traffic. Try to get the most data within that first week because that will help tell Pinterest what works best and how to continue your ads from there. Tune in to the full conversation to hear how much to spend when you get started with Consideration campaigns and how to scale up or down! When you review the analytics of your campaign, focus on the clicks that go through to your content or destination URL rather than other metrics. In a Consideration (traffic) campaign, you pay for each click to your site. In a Conversion campaign, you pay for the actual sales you make. Your Consideration will help teach Pinterest who you are trying to reach, so you do that first before a Conversion campaign. <-- Don't miss this section - tons of detail about the difference between the two campaigns and how they work together, CRUCIAL to get it right!  Best Practices For Advertising On Pinterest Start with 2 or 3 pin designs and see how they do against each other. Leave everything else the same: The targeting strategy is the same Keywords are the same Everything is the same - but the designs are different. Always test and try different calls to action, different layouts, and different titles on the image to see what resonates the best with the audience you are targeting. With targeting, in the beginning, you're going to have three different options. Choose from: reconnect with users - retarget people who have already interacted with your brand find new customers - new targeting, keywords, audience lists, act-alike audiences or choose your own Targeting details include your keywords and interests. Set up one ad group to target 3 different interests. And then set up another ad group to target your keywords with no interests. <-- More detailed discussion on this when you tune in! https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-sell-on-pinterest (Pinterest)...

Please welcome Pinterest expert Laura Rike back to show us exactly how to run Pinterest ads that will help build your handmade business. As a Pinterest Strategist, Laura helps high-performing business owners & content creators implement content growth plans, outsource their visibility, and steadily grow their monthly revenue. All without tantrums over tech and trading sleep for success. She describes herself as a quirky, spunky, social butterfly who values open, honest relationships in every area of her life. She’s also the mother of two boys who are the center of everything. Ready to learn how to run Pinterest ads for your craft business? Let's dive in! How To Run Pinterest Ads Pinterest ads can be more direct than Facebook ads, for example, because it's all about behavior instead of general demographics. Get Started With Pinterest Advertising Make sure you have a business https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-use-pinterest-for-business (Pinterest account). You won't be able to do ads on the account if you don't have that setup. For your first try at Pinterest Ads, set up a https://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/your-brand (Brand Awareness) campaign and just budget $5-$10 (total) for the campaign. It's a perfect way to get your feet wet. Focus on psychographics such as what people search for and what they actively purchase to better target your audience. Note that Pinterest's term for traffic is "Consideration." So when you see a "Consideration campaign," that means getting traffic. 

337 – Look : Pinterest Ads! with Laura Rike

You may never encounter a PR crisis. But if you do, response time and properly addressing the issue are key to upholding the reputation of your business and retaining your sales growth. Spoiler Alert: Sometimes it's best not to do anything. Find out step by step how to analyze the situation and determine if and what the right actions are so you can smoothly move through what is always an uncomfortable situation. Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode?

Tips & Talk 29 – How to Manage Through a PR Crisis

There are so many online selling options these days, it can be overwhelming to keep track of it all. Socials, email marketing, blogging, advertising, and more. That's why today, we're looking at a way to manage all those moving parts in a single all-in-one platform. Springbot enables growing eCommerce businesses to manage their http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/email-marketing-process (email marketing) and paid advertising in a single platform. Georgia started at Springbot as an onboarding manager on the customer success side. In that role, she helped e-commerce businesses navigate the platform and consulted with them on marketing best practices. Today she’s a lead senior account manager, working closely with clients to ensure they are maximizing the features available to them on the Springbot platform. I learned about this program through one of my Makers MBA VIPs – shoutout to Shelia of Heavenly Treats 4 You. Once I researched Springbot, I knew I should bring this option to your attention, too. So here we go … BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Implement time-saving and cost-effective marketing tools into your marketing plan. Springbot provides an all-in-one place to manage your online activities. Once you start to drive new people to your website, start collecting emails and sending automated emails to continue to engage them. It’s important to have automated tools in place to help reach your audience and help them make a purchase Focus on a healthy subscriber list. Consider having a pop up on your site to trigger people to take an action Your welcome email is your first introductory message to your consumer base. Keep it short and sweet.  Include nice images in that email because people are more likely to click on that email and go back to your website http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/jenny-melrose (Your blog) educates your customers and allows you to embed your products in the posts. Social media is also a great way to drive new traffic to your website. You just have to be consistent. Once you have a good amount of traffic, put retargeting features in place so everything is automated. Tips For Maximizing Online Selling Options Focus on building site traffic. Getting people to your website is the biggest part of the marketing funnel. Never buy email addresses - it will cause more problems than it's worth. Offer a prize or discount coupon to collect email addresses at in-person events. People are more likely to sign up if there is an incentive. Always be upfront about collecting http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/katiedoesmarketing (emails for marketing). Recover lost sales by automating abandoned cart emails. Use Springbot pre-written, SEO-optimized articles to publish blog posts on your site. If you can't afford to advertise, http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/benefits-of-blogging-for-business (blogging) is your next best option. Facebook & Instagram are usually the best options for e-commerce businesses High-quality lifestyle images make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your ads Put a lifestyle image front and center on your website before you show the individual product images Tune in for all the tips on maximizing your online selling options to get more sales! Resources Mentioned http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/the-sales-channel-panel (Tips & Talk ep. 27)http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/the-sales-channel-panel ( - Sales Channel Panel) Georgia's Contact Links https://www.springbot.com (Website) | https://www.facebook.com/sprbot/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/springbots/ (Instagram) | https://twitter.com/springbot (Twitter) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/springbot/ (Linkedin) Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this...

336 – Maximize Your Online Selling Options and Get More Sales with Springbot

Not all tasks are created equal. As you know, it's easy to get distracted and without even knowing it, go down the social media rabbit hole - or any other number of daily activity "fillers" that don't produce results. Today I'm going to define and give examples of revenue producing tasks. We'll talk about why they're important and how to ensure you do some of these every day. It's in this way your energy and time spent in your business will bring in new customers and sales. Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 28 – Let’s Talk About Revenue Generating Tasks

I'm so excited to share this week's episode. My guest is Adam Kingman, the most recently titled Master Maker. It's fun to hear all about behind the scenes of the show, of course. But the goal of this interview is to help YOU be a winner, too. By taking away ideas and inspiration you can apply to your business. So, let's meet Adam, the winner from Season 3’s “Making It” show hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. Adam is an industrial designer and creative director from Lake Tahoe. Growing up, the mountains were his playground, influencing his stewardship of the planet and resourcefulness of craft. With recycled and retired materials, Adam is a modern-day MacGyver, using design thinking to create simple, intuitive solutions. Outside of work, Adam loves to write stories, direct short films, and explore the Sierras. Adam believes we’re all just kids at heart and imagination is our finest resource. His dream is to be a Disney Imagineer and someday a design professor.   BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Enjoy the process. Do things because http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/marlena (you love it), regardless of the outcome. Good design does not only satisfy function, it also makes you feel things. There has to be an element of surprise. There also has to be something emotive and there has to be a story. Believe in yourself. There's no reason success can't come to anyone - including you. Believe in yourself enough to take the action and see what could happen. Do not get in the way of your own opportunity. Ideas in your head are invitations, they're opportunities to create. Share ideas you have because somebody might resonate with it Creative Insights From The Master Maker Everybody thinks so uniquely. Don’t dismiss your first idea. It's often just waiting to come out. Write down everything you know to discover what you don't. Start with what you know.  You don't need to know every single detail to take that first step. Trust your gut. If you have http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/mayaliberman (an idea you love), go for it! We know what we love and that exists in our http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/lanahorton (memories). So how can you pull from your memories to create something special? Follow your vision even if you don't know how the end result will look. Develop your "Brain Rolodex." All the things you are inspired by and the ideas you have are all in your Brain Rolodex. Get used to looking back to see if something you thought of will work with your current project. Start with the emotion and then work backward. Simple can be more than enough. Being you is enough. Resources Mentioned https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Join the Facebook group to add your listing to The Buzz Book (free)) Adam's Contact Links http://adamkingman.com/ (Website) | https://www.instagram.com/adamkingman/ (Instagram) | https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamKingman (YouTube) Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who

335 – Meet NBC’s “Making It” Master Maker Adam Kingman

The Sales Channel Panel is the strategy that is key to maintaining sales and managing through any crisis or unforseen selling challenge. It includes all the elements for getting visibility, communicating your messages and bringing in orders. In this episode I give an explanation of the strategy including all the elements and how it works. Join my https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community) where you'll have the chance to learn and hang out with other inspirational makers just like you. If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 27 – The Sales Channel Panel

Wondering how to start a handmade business that will fit into your life? Then you'll love today's episode because my guest shares how she figured out how to create a work studio at home, work with her spouse, and make it all fit into their lives. Yuliya is the owner and maker of Wolf Leathers alongside her husband, Ari. All of the leather used is the finest quality oil-tanned leather from Wisconsin. Working out of their farmhouse, Yuliya and Ari have converted several bedrooms into a work studio. This allows their entire product to be made out of our home. Yuliya believes everyone can express themselves in a unique way by embracing their imperfections. They represent this in their products by incorporating imperfections and brands from the leather into their work, giving each product extra uniqueness, just like each one of us.   BUSINESS BUILDING INSIGHTS Be genuine when selling. Avoid being pushy and aggressive. Continue to create unique products that people haven't seen before to keep them interested in your products.  Continue to make it something that people want. Trust your intuition when you feel that something's right for your business. Interacting with people and http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/nurturing-customer-relationships (building relationships) with them open opportunities for repeat customers. How to Start a Handmade Business Find out if people are really interested in your product before you take the plunge - attending a http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/how-to-display-art-at-an-art-show (craft show) is great for this. Pay attention to how your customers respond to your http://giftbizunwrapped.com/episodes/maker-to-master-5 (price points). Are they shocked? Comfortable Delighted? Then you'll know where to adjust. Have a variety of products to choose from. Hone into your product specialty so you can set yourself apart from the rest. See what the reaction people have towards your products so you can adjust to accommodate what they want. Business is about your customers. Tune in to hear more about how to start a handmade business and make it work with your family and life! Resources Mentioned https://suemonhait.lpages.co/content-for-makers/ (Content for Makers) Yuliya's Contact Links http://www.WolfLeathers.com (Website) | https://www.facebook.com/WolfLeathersWI (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/wolf.leathers (Instagram) Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

334 – An Inside Peek at Growing a Handmade Product Business with Yuliya Wolf of Wolf Leathers

Your logo is the front and center asset for your business. Most likely it includes the company name, special colors that define your vibe and an image that pulls it all together. You've given it a lot of thought and worked hard to make sure it's absolutely perfect. So now you want to show off your logo everywhere, right? Wrong! There are some do's and don'ts for where your logo should appear and that's what I address in this episode. You'll also find out all the places your logo should go and the one place it absolutely should NOT appear. Let's do this right. Join Our FREE Gift Biz Breeze FB Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftBizBreeze (Become a Member of Gift Biz Breeze) If you found value in this podcast, make sure to subscribe so you automatically get the next episode downloaded for your convenience. Click on your preferred platform below to get started. Also, if you'd like to do me a huge favor - please leave a review. It helps other creators like you find the show and build their businesses too. You can do so right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/giftbizunwrapped (Rate This Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gift-biz-unwrapped/id986323267 (Apple Podcasts) | https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5naWZ0Yml6dW53cmFwcGVkLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Q=&inf_contact_key=f00b9b282a6156da6dc2e642eb167c2f680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (Google Podcasts) | https://open.spotify.com/show/380HmeoVquMHRzOepaoF0s (Spotify) Thank you so much! Sue Know someone who needs to hear this episode? Click a button below to share it!

Tips & Talk 26 – What NOT to Do with Your Logo

Gift Biz Unwrapped provides insights and actionable strategies for the handmade product business entrepreneur; Gifters, Bakers, Crafters, and Makers. Sue interviews business owners who have been where you are. They share how they started their business, challenges they faced and advice for those following the same path. Have you thought about starting a business but not sure what it should be? Do you have a craft or hobby that you'd like to turn into a business but uncertain how to go about it? Have you started your business already but it's not progressing as you had envisioned? At the end of each episode, you'll walk away with new ideas, tools, or processes that you can apply immediately to get results. Decide on your business. Learn how to get started. Hear what others do to get customers and increase their sales. When you subscribe to the show, you'll automatically get each new episode on Monday morning. That way you have a fresh dose of inspiration to start your week and increase your small business sales with energy and determination.

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Gift Biz Unwrapped

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