The Indie Business Experience
July 28, 2011
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 12, Issue 19
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Hi Indies! 
In last week's issue, I told you that my dear Auntie Emma (pictured) had taken ill and was not expected to survive. I'm saddened to share that she did indeed pass away this week. My family and I are grieving, but also very thankful that we had an opportunity to share her life. Auntie filled every day with as much joy as possible. In fact, she died while doing one of the things she loved most -- hosting friends at a dinner party in her home. I am glad that her last moments on earth were filled with laughter and fun. I am headed to Washington, DC with my family tomorrow, and we'll give Auntie a super celebratory service over the weekend. If you're in the DC area and would like to meet me there (I'd sure like to meet you), please click here to join the INDIE DC Group to see how you can join us at Potbelly's in Silver Spring on Friday, August 5. Auntie loved to entertain. She would be pleased ....
Best & Success! P.S. Speaking of entertaining, tomorrow is the last day to register for Summer Sizzle Luncheon on July 30 at Maggiano's Little Italy in the heart of downtown Boston. Due to my unplanned travel, I won't be there, but IBN's Boston Director, Susan Mann of Manor Hall Soap, has planned a grand event. Join her in the INDIE Boston Group to check out the details and register! |
Thing Globally, Act Locally!
We all live in a particular part of the country, in a particular state, in a particular city or town, right? And we use the Internet to connect virtually with people near and far. As business onwers, we have no choice of course.
I remember a time when people thought the Internet would put wedges between us. People thought that, since it would become easier to connect virtually, people would no longer want to connect as much physically. As we all know now, people were wrong. Today, we crave human connections despite the Internet, and we especially crave human connections that allow us to be more involved in our local communities.
Excited About IBN's Local Groups!
That's why I'm so glad to launch IBN's new Local Director Program, wth Local Groups nationwide. Through the program, business leader members of IBN are expanding their local sphere of influence by helping me lead IBN on a micro level. (Micro is the new macro!)
One of the newest IBN Directors is Mary Humphrey of Annie's Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps outside Cincinnati. Mary is pictured above with one of her beloved goats, which she milks to obtain the fresh goat milk she uses in her handmade soaps. (Try the Merlot Bar!) If you're in the Cincinnati area, join Mary in the Cincinnati Group.
I announced this program a few weeks back and the feedback has been astounding. Already, there are 13 Directors in 13 cities -- and more are on the way.
To find the local INDIE Group in your area, click here. If you don't see your city, keep checking back. It will be added soon. If you are a dynamic and forward looking member of IBN with a commitment to strengthening the small business community in your hometwon, and you're interested in learning more about the Director Program, email me through the Contact Page at my blog.
Oh! And just because we have a lot of Local Groups now, I don't want you to forget about the other vibrant Subject Matter Groups over at the site, incluiding Marla Bosworth's Launch a Successful Beauty Business Group (197 people), Soapylove's Melt & Pour Group (162 people), Joan Morais's Make Natural Products Group (148 people) and more! Take a look -- you'll find something that interests you too!
I "Dislike ..." Ants
What I really want to say is that I "hate" ants, but since I'm teaching my children not to use that word, I'm trying to set a good example. (They just may read this one day ...) Earlier this week, I watched a short TV show that made me think of ants differently. I still don't want them in my kitchen or at my picnic, but the show highlighted some things about ants that I found quite intriguing.
For example, did you know that ants are stupid? Well, considering the size of their brains (if they have them), I suppose that's no surprise. But while individual ants are stupid, an entire colony of ants is anything but stupid. In fact, their activities are focused and coordinated, and together, they accomplish amazing things. The colonies they create are intricate and purposeful, and each ant in a colony has a specific life purpose.
I found this rather interesting to contemplate, especially as it concerns small business owners. Of course we are not stupid, but stupid or not, we accomplish more together than apart.
Sayings like, There's strength in numbers, and We are smarter than me, are pointed reminders of just how much more we can achieve when we are connected to other poeple. Ants do it, and so should we.
Read more of " ... What Ants Teach Us About Community and Collaboration"
Om Fusion Handmade Soaps
IBN member Eve Stuglovic is the CEO of Soapistication, a vegan, holistic, handmade soap and skin care company inspired by yogic and shamanic healing traditions.
The Om Fusion Soaps pictured here showcase the yogic and shamanic healing traditions Eve infuses into each bar of her handmade creations.
You'll find more information about Eve and her products at her INDIE Social Page.
And by the way, you can connect with Eve and other INDIEs in the New York City Group where IBN's NYC Director, Melissa Rivera, is planning an upcoming Meetup! I hope to see you there!
--> IBN members, add your product photos to our social site so we can share your goodies in this newsletter and elsewhere through the INDIE community! If you're not a member and want to take advantage of this and other fun networking and business-building benefits, you can join IBN today!
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About dM
If you belong to a group of business owners who could use some straight shooting advice about creating some grassroots advocacy to benefit your members, I would love to come and share with you!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent businesses owners, mostly women, combine smart sales and marketing strategies with branded digital media tools to create relationships and expand their sphere of influence. Through her blog and weekly radio show, dM delivers helpful and entertaining content that inspires, encourages and informs small business owners worldwide. Known for her innovative yet friendly style, dM's expertise has been showcased in Entrepreneur Magazine, Global Cosmetics Industry, Working Mother Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, ABC World News This Morning, WUSA-TV9 (CBS Washington, DC affiliate), Ebony Magazine and a host of other regional and national media outlets.
Whether the topic is integrating career and family, leadership, small business ownership or new technologies, dM has a life-changing presentation for you and your audience. Contact dM today at donnamaria [at] indiebeautynetwork [dot] com to discover how she can contribute to your unforgettable conference or gathering event.
Click here to read more at my blog ...
Enjoy your life, Build your business, Have your way!!
dM (Donna Maria), Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
The Indie Business Weekend Newsletter
Email me: IndieBusiness [at] Gmail [dot] com
Online: www.IndieBusinessBlog.com
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