The Merriweather Council Podcast

Latest Episodes:

An Intro to Trade Shows with Katie Hunt Jan 17, 2019

Show notes

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 merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

My Philosophy on Having a Competitor Vs. Being in Competition Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

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 ... though maybe you feel okay applying the same concepts there as well. That is up to you!

Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/77

For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

3 Times you Can Benefit from Tapping into Your Consumer Self Jan 10, 2019

Show notes

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 Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

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.

The No-Lose Social Media Strategy That Engages + Converts with Melissa of Woods and Wool Jan 03, 2019

Show notes

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 gorgeous, she goes live, she does stories ... she's doing it all! And she's doing it so so well.

Melissa caught my attention on Instagram well over a year ago now, and more importantly, she's held on to it! Melissa is such an amazing example of so many different things that I think and know are important to cultivate when it comes to social media, specifically Instagram. I asked her to be a guest on the show because her example is one I think we can all learn from.

Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/74

For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

How I'm Setting my Intentions for 2019 + Why I Don't do Resolutions Jan 01, 2019

Show notes

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

Manufacturing for Makers: What You Need to Know First with The Product Boss Dec 27, 2018

Show notes

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 Dec 25, 2018

Show notes

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

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Important Updates to Etsy, Squarespace + Free Shipping Dec 20, 2018

Show notes

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-ending job! That's why The Council provides ongoing support. Join us for fresh content monthly and real-time discussions about all the things! You never have to worry about being out of the loop when you've got a hivemind like this in your corner! >> thecouncilwaitlist.com

Full Show Notes >> http://merriweathercouncilblog.com/70

For more free handmade business advice, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/podcast

How a Skin Care Maker is Standing Out in a Crowded Market with Paula of CLN AND DRTY Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

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

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