1 00:00:04,410 --> 00:00:05,000 Hi there. 2 00:00:05,270 --> 00:00:06,000 It's Sue. 3 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:08,640 And thanks for joining me for tips and talk day. 4 00:00:09,080 --> 00:00:13,360 These are bite-sized topics that I pull from community questions and 5 00:00:13,360 --> 00:00:16,480 things that I'm observing in the world of handmade small business. 6 00:00:17,050 --> 00:00:18,600 If you'd like to submit a topic, 7 00:00:19,420 --> 00:00:22,720 DME, over on Instagram at gift biz unwrapped, 8 00:00:23,310 --> 00:00:27,240 gosh, this year I've rolled out a number of new opportunities 9 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:27,960 for you here. 10 00:00:28,320 --> 00:00:31,400 There are the bashes where you have a chance to showcase 11 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:34,320 your business to this entire listening audience. 12 00:00:34,770 --> 00:00:36,440 There's the new owl app. 13 00:00:36,440 --> 00:00:39,080 When you have a quick question where you'd like my input, 14 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:44,960 and now I'm excited to bring you gift biz boosts. 15 00:00:45,400 --> 00:00:48,360 Think of these as free strategy sessions, 16 00:00:48,360 --> 00:00:51,960 leaving you with a clear action plan to boost you forward. 17 00:00:52,530 --> 00:00:55,880 Whether you're at the beginning of your business journey and need 18 00:00:56,440 --> 00:00:58,160 concrete steps on how to start, 19 00:00:58,850 --> 00:01:01,880 or you've been doing this for a while and could use 20 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:02,640 a fresh approach. 21 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:06,350 These boosts are for you you'll know, 22 00:01:06,350 --> 00:01:07,470 a podcast is a boost. 23 00:01:07,480 --> 00:01:09,150 If you see that word in the title, 24 00:01:09,780 --> 00:01:11,670 want to get your own free boost. 25 00:01:12,090 --> 00:01:14,910 I'm taking these on a first come first serve basis. 26 00:01:15,260 --> 00:01:17,110 Head over to gift biz, 27 00:01:17,110 --> 00:01:22,470 unwrapped.com/boost, and sign up for your session today. 28 00:01:23,910 --> 00:01:28,110 Let's talk about why now is the most opportune time to 29 00:01:28,110 --> 00:01:29,350 get moving on your business. 30 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:31,390 If you're just starting. 31 00:01:31,740 --> 00:01:34,430 It's the moment to flip that switch on. 32 00:01:34,890 --> 00:01:38,390 And if you stalled out or pressed pause for whatever reason, 33 00:01:38,900 --> 00:01:42,110 it's time to reignite that forward momentum. 34 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:44,610 I remember as a little girl, 35 00:01:44,960 --> 00:01:49,050 I desperately wanted to jump off the high diving board. 36 00:01:49,190 --> 00:01:49,690 You know, 37 00:01:49,690 --> 00:01:52,530 the one that all the cool older kids used, 38 00:01:53,260 --> 00:01:55,290 it was a mark of passing of sorts. 39 00:01:55,790 --> 00:01:56,610 One by one. 40 00:01:56,610 --> 00:02:00,170 My girlfriends found the courage and came back to our pool 41 00:02:00,170 --> 00:02:05,370 chairs, flushed with excitement and ready to jump again with very 42 00:02:05,370 --> 00:02:08,170 little choice because of the prompting of all my friends, 43 00:02:08,640 --> 00:02:11,410 I got up my nerve and headed to the line to 44 00:02:11,410 --> 00:02:14,330 climb the ladder that would bring me to the diving board 45 00:02:14,480 --> 00:02:15,690 high in the sky. 46 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:19,850 I had second thoughts the entire time I could turn back 47 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:21,610 step out of the line, 48 00:02:22,230 --> 00:02:23,250 but I didn't. 49 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:25,690 That would be way too embarrassing. 50 00:02:26,310 --> 00:02:29,690 And once I advanced in line up onto the rungs of 51 00:02:29,690 --> 00:02:30,010 the ladder, 52 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:31,810 well, that was it. 53 00:02:32,210 --> 00:02:36,730 There was no turning back then completely freaked out. 54 00:02:36,730 --> 00:02:37,650 When I got up there, 55 00:02:37,820 --> 00:02:40,890 knowing for sure they'd have to call an ambulance once I 56 00:02:40,890 --> 00:02:41,490 hit the water, 57 00:02:42,110 --> 00:02:45,690 but also knowing my pride couldn't take the teasing. 58 00:02:45,690 --> 00:02:48,890 If I didn't commit my life to this very move, 59 00:02:49,640 --> 00:02:51,770 I took my three diving steps, 60 00:02:52,280 --> 00:02:55,410 jumped and endured what seemed like forever. 61 00:02:56,100 --> 00:02:58,250 As I dropped through the air into the water. 62 00:02:59,380 --> 00:03:00,470 When I came up, 63 00:03:00,580 --> 00:03:04,030 I could hear my friends cheering and later heard my entry 64 00:03:04,030 --> 00:03:05,150 was pretty good too. 65 00:03:05,860 --> 00:03:09,470 I felt exhilarated and flushed with the rush of success. 66 00:03:10,650 --> 00:03:13,400 If this is where you are at with starting your business, 67 00:03:13,590 --> 00:03:17,120 just like me being coaxed by friends to go for that 68 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:18,000 high dive. 69 00:03:18,710 --> 00:03:23,520 Here's why now is the right time to stop dipping your 70 00:03:23,520 --> 00:03:25,720 toe in the water and go all in. 71 00:03:25,970 --> 00:03:29,040 If you're serious about making waves with your business this year, 72 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,500 yes, it's the end of the summer. 73 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:34,860 And you can be tempted to raise around a little while 74 00:03:34,860 --> 00:03:39,220 longer, but you'll miss out on the opportunities that present themselves 75 00:03:39,720 --> 00:03:41,100 not later in the fall, 76 00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:42,620 but right now, 77 00:03:43,420 --> 00:03:46,030 here are the four reasons why you shouldn't delay. 78 00:03:46,580 --> 00:03:48,670 Some of these situations are fleeting. 79 00:03:48,670 --> 00:03:50,790 And if you don't take advantage of them, 80 00:03:50,790 --> 00:03:51,790 they'll pass you. 81 00:03:51,790 --> 00:03:56,070 By first off craft show opportunities. 82 00:03:56,820 --> 00:04:00,070 This time of year always brings with it fabulous, 83 00:04:00,430 --> 00:04:02,510 seasonal farmer's markets and craft shows. 84 00:04:03,020 --> 00:04:05,870 That means there are a lot of options for finding the 85 00:04:05,870 --> 00:04:09,830 perfect show fit in relation to who attends and who is 86 00:04:09,830 --> 00:04:11,110 a good match for your product. 87 00:04:12,110 --> 00:04:14,220 As we end the summer and merge into fall, 88 00:04:14,220 --> 00:04:16,380 it brings a different buying attitude, 89 00:04:16,380 --> 00:04:20,660 too. Families look for things to do outside while the weather's 90 00:04:20,660 --> 00:04:23,420 nice and the pace is much more structured. 91 00:04:23,420 --> 00:04:26,500 Now that school has started back up and a routine is 92 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:28,780 reestablished farmer's markets, 93 00:04:28,780 --> 00:04:29,860 providing flowers, 94 00:04:30,100 --> 00:04:34,540 fresh produce and rubs or sauces for grills are of course 95 00:04:34,540 --> 00:04:38,580 popular. And people coming to these markets are looking for local 96 00:04:38,580 --> 00:04:39,100 and natural. 97 00:04:39,850 --> 00:04:44,860 Your soaps essential oils or baked dog biscuits may fit right 98 00:04:44,860 --> 00:04:47,060 in same thing with craft shows. 99 00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:51,860 The excitement of being out amongst others is finally real and 100 00:04:51,860 --> 00:04:54,220 taken on a whole new level of celebration. 101 00:04:54,540 --> 00:04:58,260 Something we used to take for granted attendance at local shows 102 00:04:58,910 --> 00:05:02,420 is back with renewed vigor and an appreciative spirit. 103 00:05:02,570 --> 00:05:06,280 That's for sure if you've been hanging around with me here 104 00:05:06,280 --> 00:05:06,800 for a while, 105 00:05:07,100 --> 00:05:09,880 you know how I feel about these face to face direct 106 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:10,880 to consumer shows, 107 00:05:11,470 --> 00:05:14,720 it's the single best way to attract sales, 108 00:05:15,030 --> 00:05:16,840 especially the first ones. 109 00:05:17,220 --> 00:05:21,560 And these sales will also build your enthusiasm with your business. 110 00:05:21,770 --> 00:05:23,840 If you've been on hiatus for a while, 111 00:05:24,780 --> 00:05:27,760 the second reason why now is a fabulous time to ramp 112 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:30,960 up your activity has to do with the supply chain. 113 00:05:31,380 --> 00:05:33,480 You can't miss this store. 114 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:35,080 Shelves are sparse at best. 115 00:05:35,140 --> 00:05:36,160 And in some cases, 116 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:41,400 empty products that we've always taken for granted that we used 117 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:43,640 to be able to run down the street to a store 118 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:46,080 to pick up aren't accessible anymore. 119 00:05:46,940 --> 00:05:48,760 Yes, of course there's Amazon, 120 00:05:49,020 --> 00:05:50,480 but not for everything. 121 00:05:50,820 --> 00:05:55,360 And definitely not for the special handmade treasures you make. 122 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:59,970 And we love so much this along with gas prices that 123 00:05:59,970 --> 00:06:05,890 have severely affected shipping rates makes in person local purchasing all 124 00:06:05,890 --> 00:06:10,120 the more favorable buying trends are in your favor too. 125 00:06:10,470 --> 00:06:13,200 This is the third reason you should put into action. 126 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:18,680 Your business plans now support local continues to grow in popularity. 127 00:06:19,140 --> 00:06:22,400 And one of a kind items that have a recycling element 128 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:25,840 in its packaging or contain all natural ingredients, 129 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,640 continue to trend upward in popularity. 130 00:06:29,370 --> 00:06:31,200 If your products have these elements, 131 00:06:31,470 --> 00:06:34,000 make sure you're pointing them out in your signage, 132 00:06:34,050 --> 00:06:36,400 or when you talk to people about your products, 133 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:38,520 don't assume that they just know. 134 00:06:39,170 --> 00:06:41,470 And the final reason I want you to up your game 135 00:06:41,470 --> 00:06:44,270 without delay is that the holidays are coming. 136 00:06:45,090 --> 00:06:48,910 I'm out at festivals and fine arts shows right now where 137 00:06:48,910 --> 00:06:54,070 I'm seeing people buying for holiday gifts and most definitely spiced 138 00:06:54,070 --> 00:06:54,990 cider, apple, 139 00:06:54,990 --> 00:06:56,390 cinnamon, and pumpkin. 140 00:06:57,140 --> 00:06:58,950 Everything can be seen. 141 00:06:59,620 --> 00:07:02,790 Even Christmas themed products are being displayed at this point. 142 00:07:03,060 --> 00:07:04,070 It's not too early. 143 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:06,830 If you're just starting up your business, 144 00:07:07,060 --> 00:07:11,110 take this time to validate that your products will sell by 145 00:07:11,110 --> 00:07:12,710 participating in a local show. 146 00:07:13,020 --> 00:07:17,270 You'll bring in sales and get a tremendous amount of valuable 147 00:07:17,550 --> 00:07:19,950 feedback on how others see your products. 148 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:21,590 So you know what to do from there. 149 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:26,220 You don't need a website mailing list or anything else. 150 00:07:26,840 --> 00:07:29,340 All you need is to take the first step and get 151 00:07:29,540 --> 00:07:32,020 yourself out in front of people with your products. 152 00:07:32,670 --> 00:07:33,860 If you need help with that, 153 00:07:34,060 --> 00:07:36,460 check out my start with confidence program, 154 00:07:36,740 --> 00:07:39,820 where I give you all the steps and information you need 155 00:07:39,990 --> 00:07:42,420 to make your first show worth it. 156 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:45,380 You can find out about that at gift biz, 157 00:07:45,380 --> 00:07:49,140 unwrapped.com/start with confidence. 158 00:07:50,060 --> 00:07:51,360 And on the other side, 159 00:07:51,410 --> 00:07:53,680 if you've taken a backseat with your business, 160 00:07:53,910 --> 00:07:58,880 it's time to recharge and get moving for the four reasons 161 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:03,480 I just covered now is the time ready made venues are 162 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:05,320 alive and well through craft shows, 163 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:10,480 church bizarres farmer's markets and festivals with the supply chain issues 164 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:11,800 and high shipping prices. 165 00:08:12,070 --> 00:08:16,160 Your products provide a solution that may not be available elsewhere. 166 00:08:16,920 --> 00:08:20,700 The trend of buying local and supporting small business has never 167 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:21,260 been greater. 168 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:22,940 And with the holiday season, 169 00:08:23,300 --> 00:08:25,900 approaching people are primed to buy. 170 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:29,130 Everything is lined up for your success. 171 00:08:30,220 --> 00:08:31,450 If after all this, 172 00:08:31,450 --> 00:08:33,970 you're still not sure about your next move. 173 00:08:34,470 --> 00:08:36,210 Why not sign up for a boost? 174 00:08:36,570 --> 00:08:40,010 These are free calls with me that will result in your 175 00:08:40,010 --> 00:08:42,930 own personalized action plan for moving forward. 176 00:08:43,670 --> 00:08:46,490 You can do a boost at any stage of your business 177 00:08:46,490 --> 00:08:50,090 development. And the goal with these is to focus on one 178 00:08:50,530 --> 00:08:53,490 specific thing within your business and take it to the next 179 00:08:53,490 --> 00:08:55,140 level. Interested, 180 00:08:55,980 --> 00:08:57,790 sign up at gift biz, 181 00:08:57,790 --> 00:09:05,030 unwrapped.com/boost. Can we agree now is the time to move forward 182 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:07,510 to make your business all that it can be. 183 00:09:08,300 --> 00:09:09,510 I know you've got this, 184 00:09:09,850 --> 00:09:11,470 but I'm here to help too. 185 00:09:13,700 --> 00:09:14,830 That's a wrap. 186 00:09:15,170 --> 00:09:17,030 I'm a get to the point kind of girl. 187 00:09:17,090 --> 00:09:20,110 And this is what you can expect from these quick midweek 188 00:09:20,110 --> 00:09:25,150 sessions. Now it's your turn go out and fulfill that dream 189 00:09:25,150 --> 00:09:25,750 of yours. 190 00:09:26,110 --> 00:09:28,110 Share your handmade products with us. 191 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:29,390 We want them, 192 00:09:29,410 --> 00:09:32,390 and they bring us both so much happiness.