Ready to Get Lean for 2016? Come get Lean with Donna Maria of Indie Business Network! To kick of your new year in a BIG way, my friend Donna Maria, CEO of Indie Business Network and I are hosting a blab session. We will be discussing Getting Lean in your business in 2016 with tips on everything from: Designing a business that fits your lifestyle How to decide on which products to focus on to grow your line. Which social media platforms are best for your business in 2016 Our ... Read More
Want Your Brand To Be Stronger? These 3 Tips Will Help!
Let me tell you a story of recent client that I worked with, let’s call her Laura. When Laura reached out to me, she was exhausted trying to manage her growing business, add new products and yet her sales still were not at the place that she needed them to be. I asked her some basic questions and found out that her core products were really skincare products in the natural/vegan market. Since starting her business one year ago she has expanded her product offering to include the ... Read More
Would you like a glass of wine?
Last week, I was in DC with a client and we walked into a Caudalie's skin care boutique. If you are not familiar with them, they have some amazing products. The Beauty Elixer and Cleansing Water being my personal favorites, but I digress. From the moment you walk into one of their boutiques, I felt like I was at their vineyard in France. Their brand's story is so well woven throughout the entire experience that I almost forgot that I was in DC. There is soft lighting, pleasant images of ... Read More
Is Skincare Overcrowded?
Yes, yes it is but so what? Does that mean you shouldn’t try? I speak to business owners every day who have carved out a niche for themselves in a very crowded marketplace and are doing very well. Oftentimes, with stock off the shelf private label products. What makes their brand more successful than yours? Two things in my opinion: They have identified an underserved markets and filled in the gap with a product that their customers need. They showed up and tried. Most people’s ... Read More
The Top 5 Tips for Improving Your Brand’s Messaging
We all want our brand to be successful. Unfortunately, many brands fall through the cracks. Whether you are just starting out, or your brand has been around for years, there are steps you can follow to take your brand to the next level. Below, you’ll find my top 5 essential tips for improving your brand’s messaging. 1. Building a Brand Starts with a Great Story Think about your favorite brands. What is the one thing they all have in common? A great story that connects with their ... Read More
10 Rules to Creating a Killer Brand
Everyone that I talk to wants to create their own product line, has their own product line or is looking to get into the beauty & personal care industry. Beauty is BIG business. However, it’s also extraordinary competitive and flooded with brands and products that really don’t contribute much. As I was traveling this week for business, I started thinking what are the 10 things I wish that my clients knew about creating a brand? I made a list on the plane: 1. Know Your ... Read More
Want to Build Something Amazing? Start With The End In Mind First
One of the biggest secrets of building a successful product line is to start with the end in mind. When you can create a clear vision of what the entire line looks like done, it helps to keep your mind on track as you develop the details of the brand. Using these tips and strategy will help you see the BIG picture. This simple step does two things for you: Get’s the line out on paper and it allows you to create a budget. Putting the line on paper: Write down the products in the ... Read More
5 Things To Upgrade In 2014
The word for the day is Upgrade. Is 2014 your year to launch your first business? Maybe 2014 is the year that you are going expand your product offerings. Whatever, cool & exciting new plans that you have for the year I have a word for you and that word is Upgrade. I see a lot of start up business owners with limited budgets try to cut corners on the wrong things in an effort to save money. So I wanted to share with you several ways that you can Upgrade your business and products (even ... Read More
Want More Sales? Then Try This Tip!
Want your business to grow? Do you give away samples as part of your marketing plan? Who wants more sales? No seriously? Who wants more sales? I know, I heard you answer me!! Well here is a powerful tip that I want to share with you: Give product away. It seems simple, but it's super powerful. What do you mean give product away? Sampling is a great way tool to introduce new products, test out new markets and to get your name out there to more customers. Sampling is not a new ... Read More
Which Product Should I Start With First?
Daily, I get lots of questions on which items should I start with first? And my answer is always the same: start with your Hero product first. What's a Hero product? A Hero product is your lead product that carries your line. A Hero product should be something that solves your client's problems. A Hero product has a better profit margin. A good example of a Hero products: Skincare: Anti-aging cream 1o oz. sells for $60.00 per oz. or eye cream .05 oz. sells for $39.95 Hair ... Read More