Proof to Product

Our guest today is Allie Nute, the creative lady behind Verb House Creative. Allie provides content creation, digital marketing management and consulting services to incredible, creative businesses - businesses with personality, heart and dedication. Allie calls them her client-friends.   On this episode, we are talking about misconceptions that creative entrepreneurs have around marketing and how Allie helped one of her customers increase their wholesale sales by 250%. We also find out why fewer emails is often-times more impactful, why you don't need to be focusing on all of the social media platforms, and when it's best to pick one and run with it. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: What types of services Verb House  Creative offers The difference between social marketing and digital marketing How Allie got started with her marketing career Common misconceptions product based business owners have about creating and executing a marketing plan The benefits of getting an outsider’s perspective Advice for handling marketing logistics How Allie helps clients transform their businesses Simple steps and tips you can implement in your business today The importance of knowing your audience and product cycles and avoiding “vanity metrics” How having a family has changed her approach to business The Bespoke Content Club and what’s coming up next for Verb House Creative KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   “I wish I could tell everybody in every industry in the world, try to pick the channel that’s gonna be best for you. Is it gonna be Facebook or is it gonna Pinterest?”  - Allie Moris Nute   “It’s really key to get some outside help, because marketing is hard, it is paralyzing and you have a million other things to do, but this really has to get done.” - Allie Moris Nute     “We can undersell ourselves, or undersell our successes we've had, but somebody coming from the outside can take a look at the bigger picture and bring a unique perspective to it.” - Katie Hunt   “Too many people are trying to do too many things.” - Katie Hunt   “We all feel like we are really, really busy, and that's because we are. But if you don't sit down to actually make time for strategic marketing, it's just not gonna get done.” - Allie Moris Nute   “We can tell if a brand or retailer is just sending out emails just because they feel like they need to hit that certain mark, or if they're really taking the time to create content that we really care about and that their customer really cares about.” - Allie Moris Nute   “I'm a firm believer that it takes a solid, good two to three months to really see the effects of good marketing, good content and good strategy.” -  Allie Moris Nute   “I wanna make sure that we're a good fit in terms of how this person's fitting in with the group but also that their business is at a point where they'll be able to really, truly leverage the group and all that we're doing to enhance their business.” - Katie Hunt   “When you're a small business owner it's not just your business, you are so wrapped up in your business, and your business is so wrapped up in every other aspect of your life, it really extends to everything.” -  Allie Moris Nute LINKS   Website: http://www.verbhousecreative.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/verbhousecreative Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/verbhousecreative   SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, Proof to Product has worked with thousands of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Hey Friends, have you had the chance to visit the famous Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles? This mile long street located in Southern Venice is home to amazing creative galleries, internationally recognized brands and one-of-kind local shops like, Urbanic Paper Boutique. Audrey Woollen founded Urbanic thirteen years ago, and since then, her original lifestyle brand and retail shop has attracted a great deal of press, a large social media following, and has developed collaborative signature lines with some of the nation's top designers.   On today's episode, Audrey shares how she discovered her passion for paper and product based business. She tells us how she got started, how Urbanic has evolved over the years, and how she turned her weekend hobby into a thriving retail shop. Audrey also talks about the challenges she faced along the way, including an IRS audit in her third year, and the store getting robbed at times. Audrey brings us into her journey, talking about the passion she has for her industry, the creative community which she's in, and why creating a strong customer experience is so important to her and the brand.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The inspiration and motivation behind Urbanic How Audrey found her true passion in Los Angeles   The benefits of working festivals and farmers markets Establishing a customer base and curating your brand Giving up a big paycheck for a bigger dream The types of products merchandised at Urbanic Choosing specialty items that keep things exciting   Making the most of a small space How Urbanic has evolved since opening 13 years ago Creating events that bring the LA design community together under one roof The power of a positive  customer experience How Audrey balances business and motherhood The challenges of running a brick-and-mortar store Seeking out new lines, tradeshows, and what Audrey looks for in submissions What’s up next for Urbanic and what Audrey has planned for next year KEY TAKE-AWAYS:     “Ever since I was a little girl, I had a huge passion for paper products, whether it be sending people cards or picking out my back to school supplies. I took that very seriously.” - Audrey Woollen   “I remember having the moment, literally stopped in my tracks, and tears came to my eyes, I'm like, "This is what I wanna do." I would feel so happy to create an environment for people to come shop, and to be able to curate that.” - Audrey Woollen   “It was all really a hobby at that point, it was just something I loved, and it wasn't generating much income at all. But it was pushing me closer to wanting to do more.” - Audrey Woollen   “I was getting more and move involved in the industry, and seeing what was out there, and falling more in love with what I was finding, and wanting to have a, create a bigger experience.” - Audrey Woollen   “When we're in a corporate job or a freelance job and we're trying to build our business on the side, there's no perfect time to go all in the business, right? There's usually something that pushes us over.”- Katie Hunt   “Because I was on Main Street and Santa Monica, I was able to set up at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market each Sunday. I could do more in that day than I did, like, an entire week.” -Audrey Woollen   “It was completely a huge risk. But the spot opened up, and I just sorta got there at the right place and time, and just sort of went for it.” - Audrey Woollen “I knew that if I was gonna continue just doing that for a paycheck, then I was gonna lose out an opportunity to do something that I really wanted.” - Audrey Woollen   “We have a customer base of people that are faithful to us and have made it a destination even in greater LA.” - Audrey Woollen   “In the industry that I'm in, and this avenue that I picked, there's always something that is a feel good moment, not to mention babies and birthdays and celebrations and weddings, it's like all the best stuff in life.” - Audrey Woollen     SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, Proof to Product has worked with  thousands of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

This is Part 3 of our three-part series exploring Proof to Product’s exciting new rebrand. On Part 1, which was Episode 101, guest host Caroline Hull and I talked about why I decided to change my business name from Tradeshow Bootcamp to Proof to Product. On Part 2, we dove into the logistics, business formation, legal decisions, and building out the new website. If you missed those two episodes, I encourage you to head back and listen to 101 and 102 first!   On today’s episode, Caroline and I are breaking things down to talk about the marketing plan. Specifically, how we rolled out the new site and the news about the Proof to Product name change.   Our audience has been such an important part of this process, and I’m so excited to share all of these new changes with you. I hope you enjoy Part 3 of this three-part series and be sure to check out our new online home at prooftoproduct.com!   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: How to communicate a big business change to your audience Why Katie decided it was important to tell alumni first Creating the I Am Proof to Product Campaign Identifying and marketing high impact programs Doing fewer things better Why Katie is offering more free content Storytelling instead of selling How to join the #iamprooftoproduct celebration   KEY TAKE-AWAYS:     “It's a celebration of our community that we're all growing up because we are all growing up together.” - Katie Hunt   “Proof to Product brand is not just about me. It's about all of us.” - Katie Hunt   “I love in-person events, I love live classes where people are on live and asking their questions and we have the back and forth collaboration and conversation about it.” - Katie Hunt   “I want to make sure that we're putting our time and attention into the things that are making the biggest impact for our community and allowing me to serve them the best.” - Katie Hunt “I want to show that we're just growing up, we're tightening things so that we can do a better job.” - Katie Hunt   “Everyone should go back to the beginning and look at why they’re doing what they’re doing because it really will help shape what you do moving forward.” - Caroline Hull   “Highlighting our community members is truly what we're all about.” - Katie Hunt   “I want to just give. I want to give, give, give, give, give as much as we possibly can to our audience.” - Katie Hunt   “We just want people to tell friends. We want people to go sign up for the new options that we have, watch the videos we have, really engage with what we built.” - Katie Hunt   “If my story can help somebody else, that's what I'm here for. That's the whole reason I do this podcast and why we do the programming that we do.” - Katie Hunt   LINKS Squarespace Web Developer: Susannah Carpenter   SEO Consultant: Myrna Daramy     SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know!   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!  

Welcome to Part 2 of a three-part series exploring Proof to Product’s exciting new rebrand. On Part 1, which was Episode 101, guest host Caroline Hull and I talked about why I decided to change my business name from Tradeshow Bootcamp to Proof to Product, and all the fears I had going into the transition. So if you haven't caught that episode yet, I encourage you to go and start there!   Today, on Episode 102, Caroline and I are diving into the logistics behind the rebrand, from the business formation and legal decisions to marketing planning and building Proof to Product’s new website. Tomorrow, on Episode 103, I share our marketing plan, how we’re rolling out the new name and the best parts of our beautiful new website.   Our audience has been such an important part of this process, and I’m so excited to share all of these new changes with you. I hope you enjoy Part 2 of this three-part series and join in to celebrate with us!   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The value of starting with a website analysis   How Katie tackled the new web build and transition Her decision to switch from Wordpress to Squarespace Choosing the right web developer for the job The importance of breaking tasks up into manageable chunks Why Katie started the rebrand process by getting advice from an attorney What goes into a trademark Little logistics that pop up along the way How to dream big without getting overwhelmed KEY TAKE-AWAYS:     “I looked through all of the blog posts and looked at the traffic of like how many people were really looking at these things. And we narrowed it down to our top performing content.” - Katie Hunt   “One of my motivations for wanting a new site was just a clean slate. I wanted to start over on a new host where things were secure and everything felt good.” - Katie Hunt   “I had done so much work. I wire-framed the whole thing, I knew exactly what I wanted on the site, and I just needed somebody that could build it.” - Katie Hunt   “It's like anything you're hiring for, you know, you want to make sure that it's a good fit, whether it's a long-term position or routine or position or even just a per project. You know, you want to make sure you're getting the right people on the bus. ” - Katie Hunt   “When you have these big projects that take up so much time, it's really nice to have that help.” - Caroline Hull   “I will say it's a huge team project… everyone had their piece and it wouldn't have been possible without everybody.” - Katie Hunt   “If you’re considering changing a name like this, you want to make sure you have your ducks in a row, that your business is being treated like a business and you want to make sure you get that right before you launch.” - Katie Hunt   “It’s ironic because I've done this for other people, helped build and figure this out for other people, but sometimes it's so hard to do for yourself.”  - Katie Hunt   “You do the best you can. You get the big pieces done and out there. Then, if there are other things that you can tackle, you can do those later.” - Caroline Hull   “One thing I would tell people, whether it's a rebrand or launching a new site or whatever it is, take that time to dream big, map out your big wishlist as if time and money and everything were no option.” - Katie Hunt     LINKS Squarespace Web Developer: Susannah Carpenter   SEO Consultant: Myrna Daramy     SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know!

Hey Friends, it’s so good to be back! Did you catch yesterday’s announcement? We have BIG news! Tradeshow Bootcamp is now Proof to Product, and we've launched a brand new website for the Proof to Product brand. To celebrate, we are doing things a little bit differently on the Podcast! We are turning the tables and I’ll be your guest for the next few days. TSBC Alum, Caroline Hull guest hosts and we go behind the scenes for three full episodes, unveiling the exciting shifts I made in my business.   This week, on Episodes 101, 102 and 103, Caroline and I dive headfirst into the Tradeshow Bootcamp to Proof to Product rebrand. Today, on Episode 101, we’re talking about why I decided to change my business name and all the fears that were behind it. Tomorrow on Episode 102, Caroline and I tackle the logistics including Proof to Product’s new website, the legal decisions, and the business model. Then on Thursday, during Episode 103, I share our marketing plan, how we rolled out the new name and the new website.   Our audience has been such an important part of this process, and I’m so excited to share all of these new changes with you. I hope you enjoy this episode, and listen in to find out how to get involved to celebrate with us!   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Why Katie made the decision to rebrand and change her business name How Tradeshow Bootcamp evolved over eight+ years Facing fears around outgrowing and rebranding What Katie did to find the right look and feel for Proof to Product Finding the confidence to lean into growth The importance of getting back to basics Katie’s process for reconnecting with the audience How Katie handled the switch The amazing new resources available at prooftoproduct.com KEY TAKE-AWAYS:     “I'm going to get super vulnerable here with all of you guys. Because all of you are my people and this has been a process.” - Katie Hunt   “I felt like, ‘Gosh, Tradeshow Bootcamp just doesn't articulate all the different things that we do and how we help business owners.’” - Katie Hunt   “I worked with, no joke, four different designers who I highly respect and admire and I love their work. And we just couldn't land on anything that felt right.” - Katie Hunt   “I felt we're outgrowing the brand. I felt it was growing up and yet I kept hitting walls.” - Katie Hunt   “We had all these resources available on all these different ways, but we weren't communicating it. And that was really frustrating for me.” - Katie Hunt   “We started Proof to Product and that kind of took a life of its own.” - Katie Hunt   “I broke it down to the basics. I went back to whose our audience? What kind of programming do they need? What kind of problems do we need to solve for them?” - Katie Hunt   “Rebranding isn't just about picking a new name and picking a new logo. This is about looking at the entire picture. And making sure that it all works and fits together and makes sense for your audience.” - Caroline Hull   “I'm a firm believer that we need to go back as entrepreneurs and constantly be reevaluating. Who are we working with? And what are we giving them and how are we providing maximum value to them?” - Katie Hunt   “We grow and evolve as people, and our businesses grow and evolve too.” - Caroline Hull   LINKS Squarespace Web Developer: Susannah Carpenter   SEO Consultant: Myrna Daramy     SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know!   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Over the next few weeks, the podcast will be taking a Spring Break.   No, we won’t be lounging on the beach, or having cocktails by a pool.  Although we hope that all of you are able to build in some rest and relaxation into your days!   Instead, the Proof to product team and I are busy cooking up something big that will enable us to serve all of you better and help you build your businesses faster.   Our small but mighty team will be putting all of our time into this super secret project, so we won't be airing new episodes of the podcast for a few weeks.   While we’ve got our heads down working hard, I want to encourage you to go back and listen to some of our most popular episodes of so far this year.   I’ve included links in the show notes so you can find them quickly and easily.   Also, if you could take two minutes to leave us a 5-star rating or write a review in Apple Podcasts, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Reviews and ratings help us get more eyes on Proof to Product, which provides more opportunities for fresh content, discounts and resources for all of you.      Thanks so much for listening, for supporting me and the show.  We'll be back soon with some exciting news!   Fan Favorites: Megan Auman on product photography and leveraging Pinterest for sales    Tanya Wheeless on why never wanted to be an entrepreneur and the value of investing in professional development   Lichia Liu, Gotamago on pursuing her passion, building a team and creating systems and why she thinks it is important to jump before you feel ready    Sara McNally, Constellation & Co. on juggling a manufacturing business and retail shop, utilizing interns and falling in love with letterpress    Lillian Farag on licensing, collaborations and the growing pains of being an entrepreneur

Hey friends, can you believe it?! This is Proof to Product’s 100th Episode! It’s been amazing to watch this podcast, which began as a creative way to connect with members of the stationery community,  grow into so much more - a platform, resource, and launching point for stationery and creative entrepreneurs alike.   Over the last year and a half, we’ve heard some incredible, inspiring startup stories from entrepreneurs making physical products, just like you. We have talked about successes and struggles, mindset shifts, and the importance of taking action to reach your goals. Entrepreneurs like Katie Wilson of The Good Twin, Rachael Hetzel of Pistachio Press, Mary Phan of Very Mary Inspired, Ronnie Williams of DeFrance Printing, Taylor Elliot of Taylor Elliott Designs, Natasha Case of Coolhaus, and Viola Sutanto of Maika Goods, just to name a few, all shared their stories, struggles and advice of growing and thriving in business.   To celebrate this 100th milestone, we’re revisiting our favorite episodes and the Proof to Product lessons that continue to inspire our lives and business. We’re honored to share the personal stories of our amazing audience members and hope you enjoy this special edition episode! ON TODAY’S EPISODE:   Jean Marie Opus, Little Feet’s Opus Amanda Farrand, Grief Biscuit Elana Hopman, Annabel Reese Christina Green, The Cardinal Collective Mele Williams, Plucky Press Brooke Spare, Cheeky Beak McKinley Bryson, Lucky Bat Paper Co Janine Kwoh, Kwohtations Lauren Ashley Barnes, Pineapple Sundays Design Studio   Rongrong Devoe, Rongrong Illustration Mackenzie Vance, Smitches       SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Today on the 99th Episode of Proof to Product I’m joined by our friend and Tradeshow Bootcamp alumni, Emily Asher. Emily is an artist, calligrapher and the owner of Emily Rose Ink, a boutique wedding stationery studio based in Chicago. Emily started designing wedding stationery as a side hustle while working as a high school English teacher, but since taking the leap to make it her livelihood, her wedding stationery has been featured in countless publications and blogs, including Vogue, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, and Oh So Beautiful Paper.   Early on in her business journey, Emily made the decision to intentionally narrow her focus, from art prints and greeting cards, to custom wedding stationery. Although this felt like a risk at first, this allowed Emily to perfect her design aesthetic, grow customer relationships, and solidify her business foundation. As a result, Emily's wedding stationery business took off and her designs made celebrity status. Seriously... She just did Hillary Swank’s invites!   On today's episode, Emily shares her startup story. She talks about how she got her foothold in the stationery industry, what inspired her to dive fully into her business, and why it was important for her to narrow her focus to solely doing custom wedding work. Emily also shares what she learned from celebrity weddings, how she manages her growing business today, and what’s coming up next for Emily Rose Ink!   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: How Emily got into hand lettering and calligraphy The turning point when she decided to start her own business Her decision process for focusing solely on weddings How she streamlined and strengthened her business foundation Emily’s favorite project management tool The importance of continuing to evolve What it was like to do Hillary Swank’s wedding invitations What she learned from celebrity weddings How Emily manages her team and employees What’s up next for Emily Rose Ink   KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   “I was thinking, “Oh, it'll be something fun and creative for me to do on the side." The more I got into it, I was really struck by how awesome it was that you could actually make a living doing something creative.” - Emily Asher   “Paper Camp was actually a big turning point for me because I met so many other people who were making a living and supporting themselves full-time with stationery.” - Emily Asher   “As I started to get more wedding clients, who are really my ideal clients, I started to be more inspired.” - Emily Asher   “I felt I was splintering my marketing a little bit by doing greeting cards and art prints, and the wedding stuff, because they weren't necessarily geared towards the same person. So I decided to just try and pursue the wedding thing and that really exploded for me.” - Emily Asher   “By focusing on weddings, it allowed me to really fine tune all my systems and focus on what was going to serve the clients better.” - Emily Asher   “There's so many details that go into starting a business; logistics and organization, and the systems. I feel like it took me two years to get all my systems down and I'm still constantly changing them.” - Emily Asher   “Take a look at how you can automate, streamline and build systems or step-by-step processes so that you can easily bring people on board to help with things.” - Katie Hunt   “Just being able to say that I did that level of wedding helps me have confidence in charging my worth for projects that are really time-consuming.” - Emily Asher   “It's good to take some time to reflect on, "What am I doing this business for? What's my main motivation here? Is it freedom or flexibility? Is it the money?" because those priorities will shift at different times in the business depending on your own personal circumstances.” - Katie Hunt   “It's all about figuring out what are your employees strengths and skills and how can you best apply them to the things that need to be done in the business. Sometimes it takes a little while to figure out.” - Emily Asher   “You wanna have the right people on your team, but you also wanna make sure that the work that they're doing is aimed at their areas of expertise, and their skill sets.” - Katie Hunt   CONNECT WITH EMILY ASHER: Website: http://www.emilyroseink.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emilyroseink Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emilyroseink   JOIN US FOR OUR FREE MARKETING CLASS APRIL 10th!   Did you know 98% of visitors are leaving your site without taking action? It can be SO frustrating when visitors come to your site, look at all the amazing things you have going on, and don’t take the next steps you want them to – like buying your product or joining your community. It can feel impossible sometimes, like all the people you drive to your site are slipping through your fingers like sand. But – there’s a solution!   Lindsey Morando from Hello Bar is presenting LIVE on the next steps to turn those visitors into sales and long term customers. Sign up to save your FREE spot for April 10th, 2019 at 12PM PST!   Register for April 10th Class: http://bit.ly/ptphellobar SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Lately, I’ve had lots of feedback and questions from our audience regarding the struggles of marketing strategy. It can be so hard to know where to direct your time and energy with so many social and marketing channels available now, and that’s why I’m really excited for you to hear this week’s episode with Lindsey Morando, the Director of Marketing for Hello Bar. Lindsey has more than fifteen years of experience in business development and marketing that spans multiple industries including health & wellness, SaaS, lifestyle, and hospitality. No matter which industry she is focusing on though, Lindsey prides herself on the creation and implementation of engaging grassroots and online marketing tactics that convert fans into paying, happy customers. When Lindsey is not moving the marketing needle for businesses, she is a marketing professor at the San Diego Fashion Institute and the author of It's Just the Beginning, Break Up, Get Up & Walk Away.   Today, on Episode 98, Lindsay is sharing a ton of great marketing and business advice. She talks about the number one challenge she sees small business owners facing today, her three strategies for simplifying marketing and ...  (drumroll please) together we announce our free marketing class coming out on April 10th. This class is specifically designed to help you Capture More Emails on Your Website, and make the most of your marketing efforts. Head to the link to find out more and register, and happy listening!     ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The number one challenge Lindsey sees in small businesses 3 Steps to simplifying your marketing strategy Free offers that work well for e-commerce How to identify your strongest channels Advice for elevating key products What streamlining does for profits How Hello Bar supports small biz marketing efforts Ways to make pop-ups less annoying A sneak peek at our free April 10th marketing class   KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   “The biggest challenge is people are feeling overwhelmed and trying to figure out what is the best way to actually get more sales and get more leads in the door.” - Lindsey Morando   “When we try to do it all ourselves, we not only spread ourselves too thin but we kinda take away the specialness or the effectiveness of all of them.” - Katie Hunt   “The people that I find that are most successful are the ones who hone in on one or two marketing channels and make them their absolute best marketing channel.” - Lindsey Morando   “It's not just double tapping a picture, it's actually commenting, asking questions, engaging - and if you can do that consistently you're going to see some huge traction in your business.” - Lindsey Morando   “Whenever you offer, and whatever you're using to collect information should ultimately either be a part of your free product or something that leads someone down the path to buying from you because at the end of the day, you are a business and that's what you need to do.” - Lindsey Morando   “Always be thinking about ways that you can interact and engage your audience, and then get them to start thinking a little more.” - Lindsey Morando   “What it’s really about, is what is your signature item that brings in the most cash for your business?” - Lindsey Morando   “When you're focused on one thing you can serve your audience so much better.” - Katie Hunt   “How do you get people? Is it about the design? Is it about the headline? We really focus on the education behind that so our users don't even have to think twice about how to actually start collecting more leads.” - Lindsey Morando   “If you really take the time to get to know your ideal client, who's coming to your website and put the right offers in front of them, with the right timing - they're going to be far more likely to take it.” - Lindsey Morando   “Look at the user experience and make sure that it feels really seamless. It should a part of your customer journey, not a big stop sign that's really annoying in your customer journey.” - Lindsey Morando   “We need to be thinking very strategically about how we're not only bringing those new customers into the fold and onto our email list but then how we're nurturing them afterward and creating that journey for them.” - Katie Hunt   CONNECT WITH LINDSEY MORANDO: Website: http://hellobar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellobar/   JOIN US FOR OUR FREE MARKETING CLASS APRIL 10th!   Did you know 98% of visitors are leaving your site without taking action? It can be SO frustrating when visitors come to your site, look at all the amazing things you have going on, and don’t take the next steps you want them to – like buying your product or joining your community. It can feel impossible sometimes, like all the people you drive to your site are slipping through your fingers like sand. But – there’s a solution!   Lindsey Morando from Hello Bar is presenting LIVE on the next steps to turn those visitors into sales and long term customers. Sign up to save your FREE spot for April 10th, 2019 at 12PM PST!   Register for April 10th Class: http://bit.ly/ptphellobar SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Welcome back to another episode of Proof to Product! Today’s guest is Ilana Griffo, an illustrator, designer, author, and Tradeshow Bootcamp alumni! Like so many of you fellow entrepreneurs, Ilana built her business from the ground up. She began by launching her own stationery line, moved into designing her own product lines, signed major licensing deals with nationally recognized brands like Pier 1, Homegoods, and Michaels, and just published her first book, Mind Your Business. The key to Ilana’s success? She points to the way her business is always transitioning, pivoting to get to where she wants to go!   On today’s episode, Ilana and I sit down to talk about her career journey and the lessons she learned along the way. She talks about how she got her start in the stationery industry, why she decided to hire a licensing agent, and how that has freed her up to do more creative work. We also talk about pushing yourself to create for fun, fighting for your value, and rethinking failure. Ilana shares some examples of tough situations she went through in her business and how they resulted in some of her proudest moments.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Misconceptions people have about the small business life   How to ask for what you want The difference between giving up and letting go Tips for putting together a first portfolio What happens after you sign with an agency   How Ilana turns comparison into inspiration Finding silver linings in self-doubt The importance of fighting for your value Ilana’s intention behind Mind Your Business Celebrating then and now   KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   “One of the biggest philosophies I have is that you need to ask for what you want.” - Ilana Griffo   “I always wanted to create artwork that makes me happy, that makes other people happy.” - Ilana Griffo   “These pivots haven't been, I'm going to give up. They've just been, I'm going to let go of this so that I can move on to something better.” - Ilana Griffo   “It's always scary to make a change, it's always scary, because we don't know what's on the other side. We don't know if that's going to end up being more successful, or if we're going to feel like we fell flat on our face.” - Katie Hunt   “Transitioning into a new role is always a conversation, it's always making a list, it's always the pros and cons, and you will never feel 100% ready.” - Ilana Griffo   “Licensing has been a whole new world that I didn't know existed, and now that I'm doing it more, I'm just learning so much about the industry.” - Ilana Griffo   “It's amazing to see my work on products that I know I couldn't manufacture on my own. I can make a greeting card, but I can't make one that has a popup and holographic foil and all these things.” - Ilana Griffo   “Do things for fun, and then turn them into collections that you would want to buy.” - Ilana Griffo   “If you don't feel that self-doubt, then you don't have the fire of an entrepreneur, because that's what keeps us going every day. It’s that  fire that's saying, work harder, or smarter. Do more. Reach for what you want.” - Ilana Griffo   “Before, I put my value into how happy the client was, or how many clients I had booked, or things like that. And now I put it into how I feel about myself.” - Ilana Griffo   “We will get through this, and you'll figure it out, and it will lead to another experience, a notch on your belt of how you're going to handle things going forward.” - Katie Hunt   “Share the process, share the ups and share the downs, just makes it so real and makes people want to follow along.” - Ilana Griffo   “I want to write down my goals and make sure I'm in line with those, but I also want to sit back and enjoy the ride, and feel really proud about what I did.” - Ilana Griffo CONNECT WITH ILANA GRIFFO: Website: http://www.ilanagriffo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarandtype/ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sugarandtype Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ilanagriffo/   LINKS For another great episode on licensing - Episode 84   JOIN US FOR PROOF TO PRODUCT’S 100th EPISODE! Call In: http://tradeshowcamp.com/ptp100/     Over the last year and a half, Proof to Product has shared almost 100 startup stories from entrepreneurs making physical products, just like you. We have talked about successes and struggles, mindset shifts, and the importance of taking action to reach your goals. We are quickly approaching our 100th episode and we want to do something special to celebrate all of you, our listeners. We want to hear your proof to product story and share it with our audience. To participate, head over to http://tradeshowcamp.com/ptp100/ and leave us a voicemail with YOUR story. Then tune into episode 100 to find out if we included you!   SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!