1 00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:00,630 Gift Ms. 2 00:00:00,630 --> 00:00:03,510 Unwrapped episode 329. 3 00:00:03,930 --> 00:00:07,170 Today is a very special episode because I'm going to share 4 00:00:07,170 --> 00:00:10,110 with you the blog challenge, 5 00:00:10,350 --> 00:00:13,040 winners, Attention, 6 00:00:13,070 --> 00:00:14,210 gifters bakers, 7 00:00:14,210 --> 00:00:17,840 crafters, and makers pursuing your dream can be fun. 8 00:00:18,110 --> 00:00:21,530 Whether you have an established business or looking to start one. 9 00:00:21,530 --> 00:00:24,230 Now you are in the right place. 10 00:00:24,470 --> 00:00:26,810 This is gift to biz unwrapped, 11 00:00:27,050 --> 00:00:30,650 helping you turn your skill into a flourishing business. 12 00:00:30,980 --> 00:00:32,300 Join us for an episode, 13 00:00:32,300 --> 00:00:34,520 packed full of invaluable guidance, 14 00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:37,490 resources, and the support you need to grow. 15 00:00:37,490 --> 00:00:38,660 Your gift biz. 16 00:00:38,870 --> 00:00:41,390 Here is your host gift biz gal, 17 00:00:41,540 --> 00:00:42,740 Sue moon Heights. 18 00:00:43,940 --> 00:00:44,510 Hi there, 19 00:00:44,690 --> 00:00:48,410 and thanks for joining Me today on a variation of the 20 00:00:48,410 --> 00:00:50,390 traditional podcast format. 21 00:00:50,870 --> 00:00:51,890 As you may recall, 22 00:00:51,890 --> 00:00:53,000 a few months ago, 23 00:00:53,030 --> 00:00:54,920 I did an episode with Kate. 24 00:00:54,980 --> 00:00:58,970 Kordsmeier about the benefit of having a blog as a product 25 00:00:58,970 --> 00:01:02,900 business that was show number 321, 26 00:01:03,020 --> 00:01:05,000 and has gotten a lot of attention. 27 00:01:05,570 --> 00:01:07,010 Go back and listen to that one. 28 00:01:07,010 --> 00:01:08,360 If you haven't already, 29 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:11,750 because it will lay the groundwork for what I'm sharing today. 30 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:14,690 Now you can stay and listen to this first, 31 00:01:14,960 --> 00:01:17,900 but the other show gives you a deeper dive with the 32 00:01:17,900 --> 00:01:22,340 details and benefits of blogging for your handmade product business. 33 00:01:22,790 --> 00:01:25,040 Anyway, at the end of that show, 34 00:01:25,070 --> 00:01:29,600 I presented a challenge post a blog article dated after the 35 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:33,410 airing of that episode and tag me over on Instagram, 36 00:01:33,800 --> 00:01:37,010 the first 10 people to do so would be the winners 37 00:01:37,190 --> 00:01:41,480 along with a prize that was all spur of the moment. 38 00:01:41,630 --> 00:01:45,200 And two things were running through my mind first. 39 00:01:45,410 --> 00:01:48,410 Maybe I should have only said five instead of 10, 40 00:01:48,470 --> 00:01:51,950 because would there even be 10 people to do this? 41 00:01:52,460 --> 00:01:53,060 I mean, 42 00:01:53,300 --> 00:01:55,940 it's a big challenge given blogging. 43 00:01:55,940 --> 00:01:59,090 Isn't something typically connected with product sales. 44 00:01:59,660 --> 00:02:00,440 And second, 45 00:02:00,530 --> 00:02:03,560 I had no idea what the prize was going to be, 46 00:02:03,860 --> 00:02:07,910 but I could wing that much to my surprise by the 47 00:02:07,910 --> 00:02:08,810 deadline date. 48 00:02:08,900 --> 00:02:11,270 I had eight people follow through, 49 00:02:11,630 --> 00:02:15,110 which I have to say was completely impressive. 50 00:02:15,740 --> 00:02:19,250 And I decided the best prize that I can give is 51 00:02:19,250 --> 00:02:23,240 to get more eyeballs on their businesses because after all, 52 00:02:23,570 --> 00:02:27,650 this is the big value of blogging visibility to your business 53 00:02:28,130 --> 00:02:30,680 and that visibility isn't just for the day, 54 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:32,030 the article goes up, 55 00:02:32,180 --> 00:02:34,940 but ongoing evergreen content, 56 00:02:34,940 --> 00:02:35,630 if you will, 57 00:02:36,290 --> 00:02:38,360 just like podcasts are. 58 00:02:38,930 --> 00:02:40,070 And I want to note, 59 00:02:40,220 --> 00:02:44,870 this is in complete contrast to social media posts that if 60 00:02:44,870 --> 00:02:48,200 you see them at all are organically visible for a few 61 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,230 minutes or maybe a couple of hours. 62 00:02:51,740 --> 00:02:54,860 So today I want to present you with each of the 63 00:02:54,860 --> 00:02:56,930 winners, their business, 64 00:02:57,050 --> 00:02:59,620 and the article that won them a spot on show. 65 00:02:59,950 --> 00:03:03,280 Also, I'm going to share a little bit about the content 66 00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:07,570 in their articles because each one is so different and highlights 67 00:03:07,570 --> 00:03:10,720 a best practice or to my hope is that it will 68 00:03:10,720 --> 00:03:13,450 motivate you to start blogging again, 69 00:03:13,570 --> 00:03:15,250 go back to that other podcast, 70 00:03:15,250 --> 00:03:16,540 to understand why, 71 00:03:17,110 --> 00:03:19,240 and if you thought about it, 72 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:23,020 but you aren't sure what you'd write about this will definitely 73 00:03:23,020 --> 00:03:28,150 help you get inspired and have those creative idea juices flowing, 74 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:31,090 because remember it's action. 75 00:03:31,090 --> 00:03:32,350 That brings results, 76 00:03:32,560 --> 00:03:34,150 not just thinking about it, 77 00:03:34,150 --> 00:03:40,680 right? Okay. 78 00:03:41,010 --> 00:03:42,540 Drum roll. 79 00:03:42,990 --> 00:03:46,590 Here Are our eight blog challenge winners. 80 00:03:47,070 --> 00:03:48,060 And to my delight, 81 00:03:48,090 --> 00:03:52,170 there are three people who started a blog as a direct 82 00:03:52,170 --> 00:03:54,090 result of this challenge. 83 00:03:54,480 --> 00:03:56,640 Oh, that makes my heart so happy. 84 00:03:57,090 --> 00:04:02,310 First up is Michelle James of uniquely made for more. 85 00:04:02,310 --> 00:04:06,360 Her gift basket business has been around for a long time, 86 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:08,550 seven years to be exact. 87 00:04:08,580 --> 00:04:13,290 The article she chose to lead with addresses the need customers 88 00:04:13,590 --> 00:04:18,540 have that her business solves it's titled is a gift giving 89 00:04:19,380 --> 00:04:22,380 challenging. I'm sure you can answer. 90 00:04:22,710 --> 00:04:25,860 Yes. She then goes on to outline ways you can make 91 00:04:25,860 --> 00:04:29,100 your gifts memorable and significant for your recipient. 92 00:04:29,460 --> 00:04:32,850 So your gift doesn't come across as a last minute thought, 93 00:04:32,970 --> 00:04:36,870 which we all know results in a random gift in doing 94 00:04:36,870 --> 00:04:41,490 this. Michelle provides value to her reader beyond what her business 95 00:04:41,490 --> 00:04:47,400 offers, the final and what she calls ultimate solution is to 96 00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:52,530 buy one of her gift baskets while I don't endorse being 97 00:04:52,530 --> 00:04:56,820 directly self promotional in all of your blog articles as a 98 00:04:56,820 --> 00:04:57,720 starting point, 99 00:04:57,780 --> 00:04:59,850 and to acquaint people with your business, 100 00:04:59,880 --> 00:05:01,410 right from the beginning, 101 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:03,030 I think it works nicely. 102 00:05:03,420 --> 00:05:06,000 This is also an article that she can link to in 103 00:05:06,030 --> 00:05:10,560 emails or on social media posts with content about how to 104 00:05:10,560 --> 00:05:12,810 pick the perfect gift. 105 00:05:13,410 --> 00:05:19,680 Our next first-time blogger is Gloria Brown of our land woman 106 00:05:20,190 --> 00:05:24,660 herbals her business plays off of her Caribbean roots as she 107 00:05:24,660 --> 00:05:30,630 handcrafts plant-based remedies for health and home wellness and botanical organic 108 00:05:31,020 --> 00:05:34,170 skincare she's led workshops to teach others how to craft their 109 00:05:34,170 --> 00:05:39,450 own products to Gloria sells at craft fairs on consignment and 110 00:05:39,450 --> 00:05:43,770 also holds her own vendor fair twice a year in collaboration 111 00:05:43,770 --> 00:05:49,080 with a fellow herbalist Gloria's first article is called what's the 112 00:05:48,540 --> 00:05:52,860 tea. It's a wonderful initial topic because she shares her personal 113 00:05:52,860 --> 00:05:56,250 journey into actually starting a blog. 114 00:05:56,780 --> 00:05:59,420 Gloria writes as if it's a letter to a friend, 115 00:05:59,810 --> 00:06:02,300 very personable and casual, 116 00:06:02,690 --> 00:06:03,560 and you'll see, 117 00:06:03,560 --> 00:06:05,390 she just draws you in. 118 00:06:05,900 --> 00:06:10,670 She also sets expectations for her readers by explaining what we'll 119 00:06:10,670 --> 00:06:13,070 discover. If we follow her articles, 120 00:06:13,490 --> 00:06:18,110 quote, tidbits and information on the wonderful world of plants that 121 00:06:18,110 --> 00:06:19,910 are growing all around us, 122 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:23,600 but we tend to ignore then catch this. 123 00:06:23,930 --> 00:06:26,120 The plan is to take us on a tour of her 124 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:30,710 backyard and neighborhood to enlighten us to the wonderful world of 125 00:06:30,710 --> 00:06:35,210 plants. I love this so much because we'll learn about plants 126 00:06:35,270 --> 00:06:37,010 that are accessible to us. 127 00:06:37,370 --> 00:06:37,850 I mean, 128 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:39,980 we don't need to go to a Botanic garden to see 129 00:06:39,980 --> 00:06:43,940 these things they're right outside our front doors. 130 00:06:44,540 --> 00:06:48,290 Gloria has laid the groundwork for so many topic options, 131 00:06:48,410 --> 00:06:51,530 all along a theme that relates to our products, 132 00:06:51,890 --> 00:06:55,220 which of course she can then link to text or photos 133 00:06:55,220 --> 00:06:56,180 within her blog. 134 00:06:56,720 --> 00:07:00,320 Gloria says that the hardest part of this challenge was getting 135 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:01,250 the tech down. 136 00:07:01,670 --> 00:07:05,360 But now that she's conquered that she's already published her second 137 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:09,170 article and is even getting fancy with video. 138 00:07:09,500 --> 00:07:13,490 She's now on a roll and consistency is going to be 139 00:07:13,520 --> 00:07:15,110 key. Good for you, 140 00:07:15,110 --> 00:07:21,200 Gloria. Our next blogger newbie is Linda Stevens of the gunny 141 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:22,670 and his wife. 142 00:07:22,670 --> 00:07:25,880 Isn't that a unique and curious company name. 143 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:27,590 It tells you a lot about her, 144 00:07:27,590 --> 00:07:31,280 right from the start and comes from the combination of two 145 00:07:31,550 --> 00:07:32,750 lives. Her husband, 146 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:37,220 Michael, a Marine now living in a civilian world and Linda 147 00:07:37,220 --> 00:07:41,000 who describes herself as a serial entrepreneur and maker, 148 00:07:41,450 --> 00:07:45,350 they provide modern high quality customized merchandise. 149 00:07:45,650 --> 00:07:46,850 So think decor, 150 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:48,560 accessories, and gifts. 151 00:07:49,010 --> 00:07:53,450 The vision is to become a licensed us Marine Corps provider. 152 00:07:54,020 --> 00:07:55,400 Linda sells on Etsy, 153 00:07:55,610 --> 00:07:58,220 her own website and wholesale, 154 00:07:58,550 --> 00:08:02,060 and is in the middle of revising and rebranding her Shopify 155 00:08:02,060 --> 00:08:03,260 site right now. 156 00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:09,200 So her article titled not ready start anyway is perfect. 157 00:08:09,740 --> 00:08:10,220 She says, 158 00:08:10,220 --> 00:08:12,980 she's been thinking about a blog for a while now, 159 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:15,680 but wondered if they were relevant anymore. 160 00:08:16,190 --> 00:08:20,750 After hearing our conversation in the podcast about Google search advantages 161 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:24,650 and the value of adding content to your website overall, 162 00:08:24,950 --> 00:08:26,750 and what it can do for your visibility. 163 00:08:27,200 --> 00:08:31,610 She was in her first post is short and sweet, 164 00:08:31,970 --> 00:08:33,470 but it got her going. 165 00:08:33,800 --> 00:08:37,760 She decided to set a timer and write what a great 166 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:40,070 idea she calls this post. 167 00:08:40,070 --> 00:08:44,240 Ron honest for that moment because things weren't perfect, 168 00:08:44,300 --> 00:08:45,680 but she was starting. 169 00:08:46,190 --> 00:08:47,930 And since then catch this, 170 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:52,280 she's written two more articles with a very aggressive goal of 171 00:08:52,280 --> 00:08:53,750 weekly blog posts. 172 00:08:53,750 --> 00:08:59,130 Danes Linda's is very conversational and reminds me of how people 173 00:08:59,130 --> 00:09:01,980 wrote when journal blogging first came out, 174 00:09:02,730 --> 00:09:04,470 it's refreshing and fun. 175 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:07,890 You get a true sense of Linda's personality in these short 176 00:09:07,890 --> 00:09:11,730 posts. And I'm looking forward to watching what comes next. 177 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:13,500 Moving on. 178 00:09:13,560 --> 00:09:17,940 We have Lonna Smith of Nene's crochet works with an article 179 00:09:17,940 --> 00:09:19,590 titled summer accessories, 180 00:09:19,710 --> 00:09:21,090 pattern Roundup. 181 00:09:21,450 --> 00:09:22,710 As the name implies, 182 00:09:22,770 --> 00:09:24,570 she makes crocheted items, 183 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:27,060 both wearable and home accessories. 184 00:09:27,420 --> 00:09:30,690 While she doesn't have a website yet she's selling on Instagram 185 00:09:31,050 --> 00:09:34,050 and currently hosts her blog on Blogspot. 186 00:09:34,410 --> 00:09:37,890 This can be integrated into our website at any time when 187 00:09:37,890 --> 00:09:39,120 it becomes available, 188 00:09:39,540 --> 00:09:44,820 she uses a fabulous approach of storytelling about how she accessorized 189 00:09:44,820 --> 00:09:46,800 her outdoor patio space. 190 00:09:47,160 --> 00:09:50,280 The color inspiration came from her outdoor cushions. 191 00:09:50,610 --> 00:09:52,380 And from there she's planned out. 192 00:09:52,380 --> 00:09:57,270 Her creative works from mug rugs to place mats and even 193 00:09:57,270 --> 00:09:59,910 a water bottle holder with a cell phone pocket, 194 00:10:00,390 --> 00:10:03,360 loaner sheers links to 12 pattern designs. 195 00:10:03,390 --> 00:10:07,590 She's discovered on her search to accessorize her personal space, 196 00:10:08,070 --> 00:10:10,110 roundups lists, 197 00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:12,060 best of all, 198 00:10:12,060 --> 00:10:17,160 these types of articles highlighting other businesses is a wonderful pay 199 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:18,570 it forward strategy. 200 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:21,480 It gets you attention with these brands. 201 00:10:21,540 --> 00:10:22,740 And in some cases, 202 00:10:22,770 --> 00:10:25,080 they'll share that article to their community, 203 00:10:25,410 --> 00:10:26,820 bringing attention back to you, 204 00:10:26,820 --> 00:10:27,540 of course, 205 00:10:27,930 --> 00:10:30,900 and it helps your reader because you've done the work for 206 00:10:30,900 --> 00:10:35,850 them in terms of finding resources by doing this Lona positions 207 00:10:35,850 --> 00:10:39,300 herself as a go-to connection for crochet tips, 208 00:10:39,480 --> 00:10:41,430 resources and advice, 209 00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:46,380 because she's been helpful since this article Lona has published two 210 00:10:46,380 --> 00:10:48,240 more. I think we've jumped, 211 00:10:48,240 --> 00:10:51,330 started her blogging program from the challenge. 212 00:10:51,710 --> 00:10:56,840 Yay. Now share with you Margaret Esposito. 213 00:10:56,870 --> 00:11:01,460 Canticos who has an online gift shop called artful creations, 214 00:11:01,580 --> 00:11:04,520 which offers customized products of all sorts. 215 00:11:05,030 --> 00:11:06,080 Her article. 216 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:07,850 Don't worry about those gifts. 217 00:11:08,090 --> 00:11:12,230 I got you is a short uplifting I've come to your 218 00:11:12,230 --> 00:11:13,910 rescue type piece. 219 00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:17,450 She brings up all sorts of occasions where a gift might 220 00:11:17,450 --> 00:11:20,270 be needed and the anxiety that mounts, 221 00:11:20,300 --> 00:11:22,190 because let's face it, 222 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:25,700 finding a gift can be overwhelming with everything else we have 223 00:11:25,700 --> 00:11:26,750 going on in life. 224 00:11:27,050 --> 00:11:31,190 Her continual phrase throughout the piece is I've got you. 225 00:11:31,610 --> 00:11:35,030 So she talks a little bit about a challenge and says, 226 00:11:35,030 --> 00:11:35,990 I got you. 227 00:11:36,380 --> 00:11:38,960 And then she shares a little bit more about what can 228 00:11:38,960 --> 00:11:41,510 be an obstacle and gifts it's giving. 229 00:11:41,930 --> 00:11:42,740 And then she says, 230 00:11:42,740 --> 00:11:43,640 I got you. 231 00:11:44,150 --> 00:11:44,630 And she can hear, 232 00:11:44,670 --> 00:11:48,710 can use this throughout her article and important thing. 233 00:11:48,740 --> 00:11:52,130 I want to point out here that Margaret does so nicely 234 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:56,770 is present where her product can be a solution, 235 00:11:57,190 --> 00:12:00,610 potential customers don't always come with a problem on their own. 236 00:12:01,350 --> 00:12:02,910 So she suggests it. 237 00:12:03,510 --> 00:12:04,620 Yeah. Need a gift mailed, 238 00:12:05,220 --> 00:12:07,170 have an upcoming graduation, 239 00:12:07,620 --> 00:12:08,730 bridal shower, 240 00:12:09,330 --> 00:12:12,630 new homeowner that you need to acknowledge this kind of thing. 241 00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:15,480 Often trigger an idea that results in a sale. 242 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:16,950 If options are ideas, 243 00:12:16,950 --> 00:12:21,270 aren't presented the connection between having a problem and your product 244 00:12:21,300 --> 00:12:22,410 being the solution. 245 00:12:22,620 --> 00:12:26,670 Most times doesn't happen using a blog to get this message 246 00:12:26,670 --> 00:12:29,010 out is a great move. 247 00:12:29,730 --> 00:12:32,070 Now, let me tell you about Christina. 248 00:12:32,100 --> 00:12:36,120 Savasna been in business since 2012, 249 00:12:36,150 --> 00:12:38,940 with her freelance design and illustration work. 250 00:12:39,300 --> 00:12:43,560 Chris, the creative her company started two years ago and now 251 00:12:43,590 --> 00:12:45,330 focuses on laser cutting, 252 00:12:45,660 --> 00:12:48,300 which has taken off for her in a big way. 253 00:12:48,690 --> 00:12:52,470 Her article takes us through her backstory of leaving a project 254 00:12:52,470 --> 00:12:54,990 management position to go off on her own. 255 00:12:55,350 --> 00:12:58,530 She walks us through her journey of understanding what her market 256 00:12:58,530 --> 00:13:02,220 wants to her offerings and the adjustments she had to make 257 00:13:02,250 --> 00:13:04,620 as the world changed in 2020. 258 00:13:04,950 --> 00:13:07,350 I'm not going to give you her whole story here because 259 00:13:07,350 --> 00:13:08,790 you can read it in the blog, 260 00:13:09,210 --> 00:13:11,280 but by sharing her experiences, 261 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:15,240 Chris shows the reader that she can relate to life's opportunities, 262 00:13:15,360 --> 00:13:16,890 struggles, and shifts, 263 00:13:17,220 --> 00:13:20,580 particularly for a customer who is a small business owner. 264 00:13:21,180 --> 00:13:25,470 Then she presents what has become her ticket to getting sales 265 00:13:25,500 --> 00:13:27,510 and growing Krista creative. 266 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:32,070 She's found that local business and selling through face-to-face connections by 267 00:13:32,070 --> 00:13:36,210 networking and in-person shows has paid off best. 268 00:13:36,480 --> 00:13:40,290 So she shares her tip around what has made her successful 269 00:13:40,290 --> 00:13:44,280 and brought in sales complete with a bullet list of important 270 00:13:44,430 --> 00:13:46,170 business. Building points. 271 00:13:46,830 --> 00:13:48,330 Since her post went up, 272 00:13:48,390 --> 00:13:52,050 Chris is thrilled because she seen people commenting on what she 273 00:13:52,050 --> 00:13:55,260 wrote. I'm sure this will motivate her to keep going. 274 00:13:55,650 --> 00:13:58,350 A side note that Chris told me is that when she 275 00:13:58,350 --> 00:13:59,340 was in high school, 276 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:01,080 she failed art. 277 00:14:01,110 --> 00:14:01,920 Can you believe it? 278 00:14:02,310 --> 00:14:04,770 It had been her dream as a little girl to have 279 00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:05,880 her own business. 280 00:14:05,970 --> 00:14:08,400 And art was her passion and her love. 281 00:14:08,790 --> 00:14:11,430 She was told that she would never make it as an 282 00:14:11,430 --> 00:14:12,990 artist. Good thing. 283 00:14:12,990 --> 00:14:14,820 She didn't listen since Chris, 284 00:14:14,820 --> 00:14:19,500 the creative is a thriving business based on her original designs 285 00:14:19,500 --> 00:14:20,520 and creations. 286 00:14:21,030 --> 00:14:24,840 There's a lesson in here for all of us and Chris, 287 00:14:25,260 --> 00:14:28,050 maybe this is another blog post next. 288 00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:32,100 I can't wait to tell you about Amanda Klinger burger's story. 289 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:36,990 This is one courageous woman with a solid eye towards strategic 290 00:14:36,990 --> 00:14:42,120 action. Before I explain Amanda is the owner of Linden square, 291 00:14:42,270 --> 00:14:44,460 a full service gifting company. 292 00:14:44,880 --> 00:14:48,720 She started her online business in the fall of 2019, 293 00:14:49,080 --> 00:14:51,650 and then took a short break after the holidays, 294 00:14:52,280 --> 00:14:53,180 smart move. 295 00:14:53,510 --> 00:14:56,180 Get those seals in during the best part of the year, 296 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:57,680 then take a break, 297 00:14:57,980 --> 00:15:00,200 regroup and move forward. 298 00:15:00,770 --> 00:15:03,970 Little. Did she know so that when she reopened in February 299 00:15:03,970 --> 00:15:04,450 of 20, 300 00:15:04,450 --> 00:15:06,790 20 funny three weeks later, 301 00:15:06,850 --> 00:15:09,940 may ham would strike when it did. 302 00:15:10,030 --> 00:15:13,360 It could have been really easy for her to deliver or 303 00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:15,460 quit, but not Amanda. 304 00:15:15,820 --> 00:15:16,570 As I said, 305 00:15:16,690 --> 00:15:21,490 strategic, she pivoted from was going to be a strong focus 306 00:15:21,490 --> 00:15:25,900 on wedding planners and meeting pros to working with small companies 307 00:15:25,900 --> 00:15:30,550 and individuals on their client and virtual event gifts that got 308 00:15:30,550 --> 00:15:31,390 her through 20, 309 00:15:31,390 --> 00:15:35,110 20 fast forward to the present where she's pivoted again, 310 00:15:35,170 --> 00:15:39,610 as we reopen she's switching from working with small, 311 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:43,270 primarily female entrepreneurs like coaches, 312 00:15:43,300 --> 00:15:47,920 speakers, and influencers to targeting larger corporate clients, 313 00:15:47,950 --> 00:15:51,760 to assist with their employee and client gifting challenge changes. 314 00:15:52,180 --> 00:15:55,150 What I want you to note here is the planned and 315 00:15:55,150 --> 00:15:56,290 specific approach. 316 00:15:56,350 --> 00:15:59,410 Amanda took with her business based on what was going on 317 00:15:59,410 --> 00:16:03,730 around her without taking in and adjusting to these cues. 318 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:06,100 Her business might have looked very different today. 319 00:16:06,880 --> 00:16:08,320 If it existed at all, 320 00:16:08,680 --> 00:16:10,630 I know it has nothing to do with blogging, 321 00:16:10,720 --> 00:16:14,230 but it's a fabulous example of how to stay relevant and 322 00:16:14,230 --> 00:16:17,560 offer what's needed by your audience at any given time. 323 00:16:18,010 --> 00:16:19,180 In Amanda's case, 324 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:23,950 she adjusted her target market as business activities and our world 325 00:16:24,130 --> 00:16:26,200 shifted. Okay, 326 00:16:26,380 --> 00:16:27,670 let's talk about her blog. 327 00:16:28,120 --> 00:16:28,600 It's title. 328 00:16:28,990 --> 00:16:31,420 Why outsourcing your corporate gifts? 329 00:16:31,510 --> 00:16:32,890 Just make sense. 330 00:16:33,460 --> 00:16:37,960 Notice that this topic speaks directly to her newly defined audience 331 00:16:38,050 --> 00:16:40,720 corporate. When you get to her article, 332 00:16:40,750 --> 00:16:42,790 you'll see a gorgeous photo, 333 00:16:42,820 --> 00:16:46,750 which gives an immediate impression of quality and style needed to 334 00:16:46,750 --> 00:16:48,370 attract her right customer. 335 00:16:48,730 --> 00:16:50,170 If her photo was blurry, 336 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:54,790 the product mismatched to her topic or any gap in perception, 337 00:16:55,180 --> 00:16:57,850 it would affect the impression of her business in the eye 338 00:16:57,850 --> 00:16:58,750 of her reader. 339 00:16:59,170 --> 00:17:00,820 But Amanda is spot on. 340 00:17:01,150 --> 00:17:06,070 You can instantly see Linden square stands for quality and style. 341 00:17:06,550 --> 00:17:09,160 Her article tells the story of all the steps. 342 00:17:09,190 --> 00:17:12,040 Someone would have to take on their own to send a 343 00:17:12,040 --> 00:17:16,600 gift like what they can easily purchase through Linden square right 344 00:17:16,600 --> 00:17:19,090 now. And this is no exaggeration, 345 00:17:19,390 --> 00:17:22,270 but most don't know all the steps involved, 346 00:17:22,630 --> 00:17:26,350 specially a marketing or HR manager of a large corporation. 347 00:17:26,740 --> 00:17:30,280 She plays off all the decision points and action steps that 348 00:17:30,280 --> 00:17:31,090 need to happen. 349 00:17:31,540 --> 00:17:32,800 And once her perspective, 350 00:17:32,830 --> 00:17:35,020 corporate customer understands this. 351 00:17:35,350 --> 00:17:38,920 It's pretty obvious that taking an employee's time to do their 352 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:41,920 gifting onsite is not the best choice, 353 00:17:42,310 --> 00:17:46,270 much better to job out and ensure a gift job well 354 00:17:46,270 --> 00:17:50,190 done. Amanda's goal with her blog is to her business as 355 00:17:50,190 --> 00:17:54,270 a leader and authority in her industry with her blog, 356 00:17:54,450 --> 00:17:56,820 she's definitely making that happen, 357 00:17:57,660 --> 00:18:02,250 bringing it home is our final blog challenge winner Cassie mento 358 00:18:02,250 --> 00:18:04,080 offer of Cassie's country. 359 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:07,740 Cupboard. I have to say as a regular customer, 360 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:10,620 her mixes are incredible. 361 00:18:11,040 --> 00:18:14,160 My hubby asks for the garlic and beer bread specifically, 362 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:16,800 and I know I always have to keep it in. 363 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:20,820 Stock goes great with homemade Despacito in the summer, 364 00:18:20,880 --> 00:18:26,070 by the way Cassie's business mission is offering pantry items to 365 00:18:26,070 --> 00:18:29,640 help you get healthy meals on the table without losing your 366 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:32,700 sanity. And this positioning is working. 367 00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:37,890 She's celebrating 10 years in business and recently constructed a separate 368 00:18:37,890 --> 00:18:39,300 building on her property, 369 00:18:39,630 --> 00:18:42,780 dedicated to a production and order fulfillment. 370 00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:47,640 Cassie sells through farmer's market craft shows and online. 371 00:18:47,940 --> 00:18:51,390 She's also a vendor at the virtual at home craft and 372 00:18:51,390 --> 00:18:52,110 gift show. 373 00:18:52,860 --> 00:18:55,800 She tells me she was thinking about starting a blog after 374 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:58,110 a recent podcast I did on Pinterest, 375 00:18:58,530 --> 00:18:59,760 not sure which one, 376 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:01,500 because we've done two recently, 377 00:19:01,920 --> 00:19:05,070 number 2 81 and three 19, 378 00:19:05,070 --> 00:19:06,660 if you're interested. 379 00:19:06,660 --> 00:19:11,820 And then the blog challenge podcast solidified her idea and she 380 00:19:11,820 --> 00:19:13,680 made it happen. 381 00:19:13,770 --> 00:19:18,210 Cassie, you know how happy this makes me her article is 382 00:19:18,300 --> 00:19:21,840 called, keep your kitchen cool and covers seven tips on how 383 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:24,120 to do exactly that. 384 00:19:24,120 --> 00:19:26,340 She also has a great image to get you in the 385 00:19:26,340 --> 00:19:31,560 mood for reading or maybe eating because she's showing her Fiesta 386 00:19:31,560 --> 00:19:33,000 roll-ups that include her Fiesta, 387 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,220 seasoning in the tips. 388 00:19:35,280 --> 00:19:38,190 She links to various things that she's referencing. 389 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:41,100 Sometimes it's a product from pampered chef. 390 00:19:41,130 --> 00:19:42,030 For example, 391 00:19:42,570 --> 00:19:44,430 other times it's her YouTube channel, 392 00:19:44,550 --> 00:19:46,140 where she shares recipes. 393 00:19:46,590 --> 00:19:47,880 And then on occasion, 394 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:49,560 it's directly to her product. 395 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:50,640 So you can buy it. 396 00:19:51,090 --> 00:19:53,400 All these links provide SEO strength, 397 00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:54,120 of course, 398 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:57,360 but they're also not ever salesy. 399 00:19:57,780 --> 00:20:01,620 They're more helpful than anything else which keeps the reader interested 400 00:20:02,040 --> 00:20:02,970 and involved. 401 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:06,930 Another thing I love about this article is her ending call 402 00:20:06,930 --> 00:20:07,710 to action. 403 00:20:08,100 --> 00:20:10,800 Keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. 404 00:20:11,070 --> 00:20:14,220 I'll be posting more ideas all summer long. 405 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:17,610 What a great way to stay connected with readers, 406 00:20:18,090 --> 00:20:22,590 build her social media following and provide continuing value to her 407 00:20:22,590 --> 00:20:24,630 community all at the same time. 408 00:20:25,050 --> 00:20:28,650 And Cassie gets an extra bonus shout out because she was 409 00:20:28,650 --> 00:20:31,650 the first one to grab a spot in this challenge. 410 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:36,030 You have to go and check out her mixes seriously. 411 00:20:36,930 --> 00:20:39,840 Okay. There you have it all. 412 00:20:39,840 --> 00:20:42,360 Eight of our blog challenge winners, 413 00:20:45,330 --> 00:20:46,590 all our blog challenge, 414 00:20:46,590 --> 00:20:50,110 winners and links to their articles are in the show notes. 415 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:53,980 I've intentionally kept this podcast a little bit shorter. 416 00:20:54,010 --> 00:20:56,320 So it gives you time to go take a look, 417 00:20:56,530 --> 00:21:01,000 read their articles and see the various styles and approaches. 418 00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:05,290 I'd also love for you to support these fabulous women comment 419 00:21:05,290 --> 00:21:06,340 on their articles, 420 00:21:06,700 --> 00:21:09,970 give them a follow on social or purchase one of their 421 00:21:09,970 --> 00:21:12,070 products. And of course, 422 00:21:12,100 --> 00:21:14,320 if you haven't started a blog yet, 423 00:21:14,740 --> 00:21:18,010 wait no longer take just a portion of time. 424 00:21:18,010 --> 00:21:21,670 You spend on social and dedicated to a project that will 425 00:21:21,670 --> 00:21:22,510 work for you. 426 00:21:22,540 --> 00:21:23,680 For years. 427 00:21:24,280 --> 00:21:27,760 Each article you post is like making a deposit into your 428 00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:29,500 visibility bank account. 429 00:21:29,950 --> 00:21:32,860 Remember if people don't know you exist, 430 00:21:33,220 --> 00:21:37,300 they can't possibly purchase from you up next week. 431 00:21:37,330 --> 00:21:40,570 I have a very fun lighthearted, 432 00:21:40,690 --> 00:21:45,130 but value packed episode that you're going to have to just 433 00:21:45,130 --> 00:21:47,470 wait and see what the topic is. 434 00:21:47,560 --> 00:21:51,100 But what I will tell you is I was laughing at 435 00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:55,090 our guest and our guest was laughing at me all in 436 00:21:55,090 --> 00:21:55,600 good fun. 437 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:56,440 Of course. 438 00:21:57,250 --> 00:21:59,260 If you found this podcast valuable, 439 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:02,230 will you do me a favor go over to your podcast 440 00:22:02,230 --> 00:22:03,340 app of choice, 441 00:22:03,460 --> 00:22:06,550 subscribe to the show and leave a rating and review. 442 00:22:06,970 --> 00:22:10,750 That's so helpful and encouraging for me as a podcaster because 443 00:22:10,750 --> 00:22:12,250 your paying it forward, 444 00:22:12,340 --> 00:22:16,210 allowing other people to see the show as well and now 445 00:22:16,240 --> 00:22:17,440 be safe and well. 446 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:20,740 And I'll see you again next week on the gift biz 447 00:22:20,770 --> 00:22:22,180 unwrapped podcast. 448 00:22:22,980 --> 00:22:27,360 Yes, it's possible increase your sales without adding a single customer. 449 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:31,050 How you ask by offering personalization with your products, 450 00:22:31,290 --> 00:22:34,440 rapid cake box with a ribbon saying happy 30th birthday, 451 00:22:34,440 --> 00:22:37,890 Annie, or at a special message and date to wedding or 452 00:22:37,890 --> 00:22:40,350 party favors for an extra meaningful touch. 453 00:22:40,470 --> 00:22:43,740 Where else can you get customization with a creatively spelled name 454 00:22:43,740 --> 00:22:44,670 or find packaging? 455 00:22:44,670 --> 00:22:47,130 That includes a saying whose meaning is known to a select 456 00:22:47,130 --> 00:22:49,830 to not only are customers willing to pay for these special 457 00:22:49,830 --> 00:22:53,010 touches. 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