Running Your Product Based Business As An Introvert
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

Running Your Product Based Business As An Introvert

Running a product based business as an introvert comes with its own set of hurdles because our normal disposition doesn't always align with how our extroverted clients + customers work. 

 If you have ever struggled with finding a balance between putting yourself and your business out there and staying true to your introvert roots, then this blog post has your name written all over it.

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10 Most Common Mistakes Product Based Businesses Make
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

10 Most Common Mistakes Product Based Businesses Make

Making mistakes in business is part of the learning process. When you’re running a product based business though, mistakes can be costly. One of the reasons I launched Wholesale for Creatives was because, over the course of my career, I’ve made a TON of mistakes. Fortunately, I had a large company in my corner to catch me when I fell and amazing colleagues and managers to help me through some of the sticky situations. As a small business, you don’t necessarily have that option and one mistake for you could mean closing your doors before you ever have a chance to really show the world what that beautiful design brain of yours is capable of. That’s why in today’s post, I’m sharing 10 of the most common mistakes I see product based businesses making in the hopes that  I can save you some headaches and your business some cash.  My company had my back, and now I’ve got yours.

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Why Should a Business with Strong Retail Sales Focus on Wholesale?
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

Why Should a Business with Strong Retail Sales Focus on Wholesale?

As a product based business owner, there is nothing more exciting than having orders hit your inbox and watching your products sell. If you’ve been selling your products for awhile and over the counter sales are good you may be at a point in your business when you’re asking yourself, “what’s next?” Selling to a retail chain or local boutique looks very different than selling your products directly to a customer. There are a lot more rules + steps involved which means a lot more risk for your business. Plus, you’re selling your products at a lower cost than you would be directly at retail. So, how would doing more work and selling products for less than your current retail be beneficial to your business?

 

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What’s Better: Lifestyle or Stand Alone Images? How to choose the best image style for your products
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

What’s Better: Lifestyle or Stand Alone Images? How to choose the best image style for your products

Raise your hand if, when it comes to deciding on the best imagery to highlight your products you get a little stuck. Some websites you’ve seen only seem to feature products on a plain background (traditionally white, but some brands utilize other solid colors) but others are all about the lifestyle shots. What's a girl (or guy) to do??

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How to use Facebook Live for you product based business
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

How to use Facebook Live for you product based business

When it comes to being “live” there are so many of us hesitant to put ourselves out there. If you’re an introvert (like me) you may prefer to passively watch instead of being the center of attention. Maybe the thought of adding yet another social media tool to your arsenal makes you want to wave the white flag in surrender (because do we really need ANOTHER video tool?!)

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Turn your customers into raving Fans
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

Turn your customers into raving Fans

As a small business owner, it’s our responsibility to bring our A game when it comes to serving our customers. This means having stellar systems in place for communicating with customers, handling orders and selling products. The experience customers have from the minute they land on your website or in your inbox sets the tone for their interaction with you. W

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How to use instagram stories to grow your product based business + 40 content ideas!
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

How to use instagram stories to grow your product based business + 40 content ideas!

When it comes to showcasing your products and designs, nothing beats instagram. It’s basically your company’s highlight reel. One of the biggest challenges when creating an Instagram Story is to decide what’s worthy of including. Is it all product related? Behind the scenes shots? My cat is cute, can I include her too? Today, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite ways to use Instagram stories AND hooking you up with a list of 40 different ideas you can use to create your next IG story and strategy!

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When should I start reaching out to Buyers + Retailers?
Carolyn Keating Carolyn Keating

When should I start reaching out to Buyers + Retailers?

When you’re big goal is to grow your wholesale business it can be daunting to know exactly what the right time is to start reaching out. I’m all for setting your foundation first, which means having your pricing in place, catalogs or line sheets to send and a few samples on hand if a package is requested. You’re probably wondering thinking to yourself, “that’s fine and great Carolyn, but aren’t some months better for buying than others?

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