What to Do When the Company You’re Working with Files for Bankruptcy
Navigating your way around a bankruptcy filing is tough, but it will be easier if you understand some basics about U.S. bankruptcy law.
What to Consider When Changing the Name of Your Business
Changing your business name means undertaking quite a bit of time, effort, and financial outlay to successfully rebrand your business, while also bringing along your current customers and followers.
The Ins and Outs of Selling on Consignment
Partnerships between retail shops and indie makers can be fruitful and mutually supportive. Consignment can help craftspeople reach new customers, and offers a proving ground for makers interested in expanding into wholesale. Curious about what consignment means, and whether it’s a good fit for your business?
Being the Boss without Being Bossy: Managing Your First Hire
So often when we start our creative business venture we start out alone. We are the creative force behind the business, the chief cook and bottle washer, the lone ranger. And for a time, that is good. But as the business grows and becomes more successful, there is a shift. Time becomes more precious and you begin to worry about getting it all done.
Pre-Nuptial Prep for Business Owners: What To Do Before Saying ‘I Do’
Whether you’re planning a traditional walk down the aisle or a quick dash to City Hall, getting married requires a certain amount of planning. Picking a honeymoon destination and getting a marriage license are probably on your to-do list—but is “business planning” on there, too?
Strategies for Encouraging More Reviews
Whether you choose to collect reviews organically or take a more active role in tracking customer feedback, here are some honest and helpful strategies for reminding people to take the time and write a review.
The Benefits of B-School for Big-Hearted Craft Entrepreneurs
Marie Forleo’s B-School is an 8-week online training course about business and marketing for multi-passionate, big-hearted craft entrepreneurs.
Outsourcing Social Media Work: Tips Before You Hire
Outsourcing Social Media Work: Tips Before You Hire”>
Pinning to Pinterest, posting to Instagram, and sharing to Facebook Groups can take hours and hours per week. When your business expands to the level that you’re able to hire outside help, you may consider outsourcing this kind of social media work. But how do you find a social marketer who understands the craft business and train them to communicate for your brand?
Get Your Emails into More Inboxes with These Deliverability Best Practices
Email is the most cost-efficient form of advertising, and it’s one of the few places to spend marketing budget where you can actually see return on investment (ROI). The money that you spend on email marketing can be directly tied to actual sales generated from email campaigns.
A Taxing Endeavor: Navigating State Sales Tax in a Post-Wayfair World
img src=”/CIADecember2018/1218-taxing-endeavorE.jpg” class=”leftexcerpt”>“I love sales tax!” said no retailer ever. Sure, sales tax can fund good things, like better roads, but for most retailers, collecting and remitting sales tax is a real headache.
Holiday Prep You Can Do in September
Before the busy season starts to creep up on us, this is the perfect time to start preparing your craft business for the holidays. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to help you get holiday-ready.
Long Term Commitment: Are You Ready to Bring a Partner Into Your Business?
We all dream of business success, but often success can mean your business grows faster than you can handle. Sometimes the answer is bringing on an equal partner, someone who is as invested as you are in your business’ success.
Quick and Easy Business Plan Template
Use this Lean Canvas business plan template to help strategize and plan your business.
Tips to Prepare, Value and Sell Your Craft Business
Selling your business can be a complicated and involved process, but careful planning can greatly ease the amount of work involved.
Planning a Business Retreat with Other Entrepreneurs
A business retreat is an opportunity to surround yourself with a group of like-minded solopreneurs to take a critical look at your business with you.
Business Retreat Planning Checklist
Planning the details of your business retreat beforehand will ensure you and all the participants to get the most out of the retreat.
How to Close Your Business Without Having an Anxiety Attack
There are many reasons for deciding to close a business. Here is a practical guide for shutting down your business without getting overwhelmed.
Choosing the Right Business Entity
One of the best ways to preserve your profits is to select the most advantageous entity for your company to organize as.
Giving Your Handmade Items to Charities: What You Need to Know for Your Taxes
Donating a piece of your work to support a good cause is often not worth the time and effort since only the cost of the raw materials can be written off on your taxes.
Planning Your Exit Strategy Before You Need It
It is never too early to start thinking about an exit strategy for your business. If an emergency arises, you will be prepared.