The Merriweather Council Podcast

It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat with Katie Hunt of Trade Show Bootcamp and The Proof to Product Podcast! I actually got to chat with her twice because technology ruined our first recording. YAY! But the good news for you is that the second version was actually even better.   In any event, Katie shared some incredibly awesome tips and tidbits related to trade shows! I’ve gotten the feeling in the past few years that many makers are intimidated by trade shows, I think time of that is related to simply not knowing a lot about them, so hopefully this episode provides some clarity.   One thing Katie and I agreed on is that it might NOT be a good fit for you to do trade shows and that’s okay - we both want you to know whether it might or might not be well before you venture too far into that journey though, so if you’ve been considering it, definitely check this one out! Full show notes: http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/78 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblo

It's been requested several times for the topic of dealing with copycats to be covered on MerriPodcast. I completely know and understand from my own experiences how troubling it is and how awful it feels when someone copies you. Whether they've copied you directly, indirectly or you just feel slighted in some way by another maker... it is a crappy feeling.   I don't feel like I know enough to speak broadly on the subject - and I've been thinking about other ways to approach the topic on the podcast. So stay tuned, it might happen! In the meantime though, I thought addressing the idea of "competition" could be useful.   Let me be clear: when another maker who is on the same or similar level as you copies you it is a different situation than when a major company rips you off - morally and legally and emotionally, these are two different things. They both suck, but they are different. in this episode, I am mainly speaking with the idea of maker to maker competition. Not maker to major corporation competition ...

As business owners, we are constantly seeking out more information and training for various projects. It is so easy to get swept away in blogs and articles and books and Facebook advice, but sometimes the very best insights and knowledge we can have come from our own experiences! So don't forget your consumer self as a seller!   Today's episode is a reminder to you that you are not only a business owner but also a consumer. You Have great insights - probably some of the best insights available to you - inside of yourself already.   This is easily overlooked but it's so valuable!! Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/76 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

The Great Free Shipping Meltdown of 2018 began precisely at the time that Etsy changed their fee structure. It reached a fever point in the fall of 2018 and it has basically been a hot topic for the past 4 months.   In hindsight, it's actually a bit surprising to me that free shipping was not as hot of a topic all along as it recently became.   The topic of free shipping for handmade business owners and Etsy sellers was such a widely spoken about matter in maker circles that I knew it had to be addressed here in season 4 of The Merriweather Council podcast.   Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/75 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast Disclaimer: *This content is published by The Merriweather Council. The Merriweather Council is not affiliated with Etsy Inc. Etsy is a trademark of Etsy Inc. We write about Etsy, from our own experiences, not for Etsy.

If you've been around Merriweather council a little while you know I have a serious love/ hate relationship with Instagram.   Whenever I speak to someone who leans more on the love for Instagram side than the hate, I feel a bit newly inspired to give Instagram it's due. And I think you might feel the same way after this interview with Melissa of Woods and Wool.   About a year ago - probably about the same time Instagram rolled out their Collections feature, I added one of Melissa Fischer's posts to a collection called "podcast."   I'm thrilled that finally this little wish of mine to have her on the show has come to fruition. Not just for me, but for you as well.   Melissa is the crochet designer behind Woods and Wool, a super fantastic and brilliant business she has built up over time using multiple tools, primarily Instagram. The way Melissa uses Instagram to engage her audience and build her business is something I've admired for a long time. You guys, her engagement is through the roof, her feed is gorgeo

Happy New Year!! I've got some mixed emotions about New Year's Day usually - on one hand, it feels like a great, fresh start and on the other, it feels a little sad to see another year end. Whether your year was good or bad, or likely mixed, I hope you are feeling optimistic today about this fresh start, regardless of any melancholy that might exist surrounding saying goodbye to 2018. Since you only get one relevant chance per year to discuss New Year stuff, that's what I'm doing in today's episode! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/73 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Outsourcing is a word that I've noticed stirs up a lot of mixed emotions in the maker community. Some people are A-OK with bringing in someone to help them make their products, other people feel strongly that they need and want to be the hands that make their product. Of course there are multiple ways in which to outsource that don't include you handing off the making element of your handmade business.   In this episode, I am speaking with Jaqueline and Minna of The Product Boss about manufacturing and the different ways in which makers and small product based businesses could potentially work with manufacturing partners. Together, Jaqueline and Minna have launched their own product lines as well as thousands of product lines with clients and have experienced the ins and outs of the factory world and today they are passing some of these insights on to you! Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/72 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Merri Christmas, makers!! Whether Christmas is of religious or personal significance to your or not, I hope you are spending time today doing something you love, relaxing and taking care of yourself or others! As the holiday season winds down, I encourage you to reflect on your successes and take time to recuperate after this hectic time. (Before you know it, you'll be back at it for Valentine's Day! ha.) Today's episode is a big thank you to YOU! Listeners, students, followers, supporters ... you all made this a better year! I appreciate your support so so much. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to rest! With gratitude, Danielle   Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/71 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Ahh, the internet. An ever-changing landscape!   Today's episode is a throwback Thursday kind of a thing because there are a few things from past episodes of The Merriweather Council podcast that have changed since their airdates. Nothing to panic about! Just a few things that would be good to know as the facts relayed to you are now out of date . I recommend Shopify exclusively >> https://www.shopify.com/?ref=the-merriweather-council . But Squarespace is a great option . Heads up about an episode that is forthcoming   Today's episode is sponsored by Amazon Handmade where you can get your product in front of 250 million customers worldwide. Amazon Handmade has the best of both worlds: the convenience of shopping on Amazon while supporting small, local businesses. Click for more details on how to get started with zero upfront costs and no monthly fee. >> https://services.amazon.com/handmade/handmade.html?ld=POUSHNDDMWC   It's probably clear by now that staying fresh and up to date on the internet is a never-e

You've heard over and over that identifying and reaching your target customer will be a huge part of your success as a business owner. Hopefully by now you know I've had some things to say about it, too! Like THIS >> http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/2016/08/product-seller-marketing/ and THIS >> http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/2016/09/saturated-market/   But I digress.   So you've heard that... a lot. On today's episode I am speaking with Paula Hoss, the founder of CLN and DRTY natural skincare about how she identified, connects with and serves her target audience and how this (and other things!) helps her to stand out in a crowded market.   For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/69 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

I've made it my mission this year to share this important message with makers in business. I'm committed to sharing this as many times and as many ways as I can. This important message is one I believe ALL makers in business need to hear during the holiday season especially.   I don't want to ruin it for you, so no spoilers here! You'll have to listen to today's episode. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/68 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

If you've been around Merriweather Council in any capacity for the past year you likely know I get very riled up (in the best way possible, of course) about encouraging makers to use their summertime wisely.   It's one of my favorite things to talk about actually.   And while that is definitely true: that the summertime is so valuable and you can use it to prep yourself for the busier times of year, it's also true that tracking things THROUGH that busier season of the holidays can help you prep even better in the following year ... and make even better use then, of your summer!   On today's episode, I'm giving you a guided lesson of sorts - in what to track this holiday season while you're in it! Honestly, you will NOT remember this stuff next year. So it's important to track it now, that's what I want to help you do! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/67 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Friends, today's episode is hopefully going to set your mind at ease about some things Etsy did in 2018 that set sellers ablaze with anxiety. In September 2018 Etsy released a link to “The Ultimate Guide to Etsy Search” And then sellers immediately tweaked out. Which is fair. But I am here to tell you, again, that you do not need to panic about this.   Hear me?   You do not need to panic about this.   And truthfully, most Etsy updates and changes are not worth panicking over. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/66   For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast   Disclaimer: *This content is published by The Merriweather Council. The Merriweather Council is not affiliated with Etsy Inc. Etsy is a trademark of Etsy Inc. We write about Etsy, from our own experiences, not for Etsy.

  It's definitely no secret that I love branding and marketing chat. You've probably caught on to that by now!   Today's episode features a discussion I had with one of my Council Members who has spent the past several years growing and evolving a deeply personal, meaningful brand. I have been so inspired by her work and mission for most of that time!   Lindsay Joy Taylor is the creator of Joyful Jewelry Box - her brand and business that sells jewelry but that also does so much more! Her story is so much a part of what she does that it's only fair you hear it from her directly. That is part of what's in store for you to hear about on this episode!   For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/65 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Today we are kicking off season 4! It's a real honor and privilege to have the opportunity to produce this show and connect with so many handmade business owners. I truly enjoy creating these episodes and delivering them to you!   I thank you so much for listening and for sharing the episodes you enjoy with your friends and followers, too! If you consider that a rising tide lifts all ships, you sharing the episodes you have learned from impacts the entire community positively. And that's great for all of us! So please continue to share!   For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/64 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

Thank you for helping season 3 be amazing! I'm sad to say it's over but it's just see ya later because I'll be back hopefully this fall with season 4! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/63 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

It was a real treat for me to get to speak with Lauren Hooper of Lauren Likes not only for this episode of The Merriweather Council Podcast but also for an episode of her podcast, How She Creates. I've been following Lauren online for a few years and she is one of the people I most love to see in my feed. Her blog and Instagram account are colorful, aspirational, and fun! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/62 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

from pop culture to business Any other pop culture junkies out there? I know I'm not the only one still tuning into Grey's after all these years. Unless you were born in the past 6 months - in which case, WOW, congrats on getting that reading thing down so quickly! - you have likely heard of and seen some of Grey's Anatomy. This show is a wild success and has been for many years now. It's a success because it taps into current events and humanity that we all experience. The fact that everyone who acts on this show is super good looking also doesn't hurt. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/61 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

AHH it's my favorite time of year! The time of year when we get to start strategizing for the holiday season! In this episode, we are going to chat about your ideal December as a handmade business owner: what does that look and how do you get there? As you know, December is full of gift-giving holidays. December can be a hugely profitable time for product sellers, and it can be hugely profitable for you as well, if you know how to prepare for it and how to take advantage of it. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/60 For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

discouraged about your etsy sales-to-review ratio? Do you ever feel stressed out about the ratio of your Etsy sales to reviews? If you are a hot-blooded human, you probably have. Of course, as sellers, we always want to see numbers of nearly any kind increase. This includes feedback! We love to see new, positive feedback from customers. It's a validation of what we are doing, and the way we are doing it. It just plain feels good to hear from people that the work we have done has made them happy. It's super easy to think that lack of a positive review means someone is unhappy, but that's not necessarily the case. Today's episode talks about all of this and more. It is normal and common to feel a little self conscious about the number of reviews you have on your Etsy shop especially if you have a lot of sales and few reviews or if you are a newer seller wanting to build up more credibility. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/59   For more free handmade bus