Proof To Product

The frequency in which you should be releasing new products to the wholesale market used to be pretty straightforward, but with the introduction of Faire and other third party platforms, things have gotten a little muddy. In today’s episode, I’m clearing things up so that your new products are ready for when buyers are primed to purchase, but you’re also not burning yourself out! You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/247 Today’s episode is brought to you by Proof to Product LABS, where we’re bringing together new and seasoned product based business owners to strengthen the way they run their businesses. Within our LABS membership, we offer a monthly group coaching call where I offer strategic solutions for product based business owners. Additionally, you can personally ask questions within LABS that might make it onto the podcast, just like this one! Make sure you join our waitlist to be the first to know when the doors open! Join the Waitlist

Are you curious about NTFs, the blockchain and opportunities that Web 3.0 provides for creatives? Jason Matias joins us to break down how the NFT market and blockchain works, his experience in selling several hundred NFT artworks, along with mistakes and misconceptions you should avoid if you’re just getting started! You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/246 Today’s episode is brought to you by our Email Marketing For Product Makers guide. If you’ve struggled with what to say, when to send or how to plan out your email marketing strategies for wholesale or direct to consumer audiences we’ve got just the tool for you. Grab this free guide that has helped hundreds of product makers plan out a year’s worth of marketing emails.  Grab the Guide

There are so many opportunities to take risks in your business in order to reach success, but is fear holding you back? In today’s episode, Lindsay Henry of Inklings Paperie joins us to share how her business has evolved over the last five years and why you shouldn’t be afraid to take calculated risks in your business!   You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/245 Today’s episode is brought to you by our free resources library, where you can find the tools to start, streamline, and scale your product business. From determining if wholesale is right for you, to designing a tradeshow booth that won’t break the back, to deciding what to delegate in three simple steps, we have the resources for you! Get Free Access Now

Are you stuck trying to decide on which product you want to create next in your product line? I believe there are six very important considerations when selecting that product to ensure it’s a good fit for you, your business, and your customers! In today’s episode, I’m walking you through all six of those considerations, why they’re important, and how you can make an informed decision based on all six.   You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/244 Today’s episode is brought to you by our free resources library, where you can find the tools to start, streamline, and scale your product business. From determining if wholesale is right for you, to designing a tradeshow booth that won’t break the back, to deciding what to delegate in three simple steps, we have the resources for you! Get Free Access Now

Have you put in the work to build an antiracist business? In today’s episode, Trudi Lebrón joins us to discuss how valuable DEI and antiracism work is in small businesses, along with what you can do to create an inclusive community for your business. Listen in as Trudi shares about what led her into DEI work, how business should be personal, and how building an antiracist business begins with self-reflection.   You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/243 Today’s episode is brought to you by our free resources library, where you can find the tools to start, streamline, and scale your product business. From determining if wholesale is right for you, to designing a tradeshow booth that won’t break the back, to deciding what to delegate in three simple steps, we have the resources for you! Get Free Access Now

Did you listen to my conversation with Christy Asper of Paper Baristas back in episode 236? We discussed how preparing for NY Now was going for her as a pre-show interview! Now she’s back for another conversation to share how the show went, what she learned, and what she’ll adjust for future shows! Listen in as she explains why she believes catalogs are still relevant, what it was like to exhibit as part of the Greeting Card Association Village, and what her sales and success looked like! You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/242 Today’s episode is brought to you by our free resources library, where you can find the tools to start, streamline, and scale your product business. From determining if wholesale is right for you, to designing a tradeshow booth that won’t break the back, to deciding what to delegate in three simple steps, we have the resources for you! Get Free Access Now

Are you leaving thousands of dollars or more on the table each and every year due to incorrectly pricing or underpricing your products? There are two critical numbers you need to know in order to avoid losing money and to properly determine your product pricing. In today’s episode, we’re reviewing how you can price your products by understanding your production costs and market rates, plus I’ll even be sharing a real example with real numbers. You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/241 Today’s episode is brought to you by LABS, the 12 month group coaching program of robust support for your product based business. With a focus on foundational building in your business, you’ll find support in patching the holes in your systems to build success in every aspect of your business. If you’re a product based business owner that wants to strengthen the foundations of your business, LABS is the program for you! Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been in the game for a while, we offer a track for ea

Do things in your life or business feel like they just aren’t happening fast enough? So many of us experience this year after year, but what if we could shift our mindsets to turn it into a positive? Amber McCue of The Modern CEO joins us to share how after experiencing this guilty feeling of things not happening fast enough, she opted for the mindset of “Right on time.”  No matter where you are in your business or life, you’re right on time. She’s sharing philosophies on releasing control, remaining flexible, and checking in with ourselves and our business when making big decisions. Listen in as she shares how valuable setting intentions multiple times a year is in her business. You can view full show notes and more at prooftoproduct.com/240 Today’s episode is brought to you by our free resources library, where you can find the tools to start, streamline, and scale your product business. From determining if wholesale is right for you, to designing a tradeshow booth that won’t break the back, to deciding what

Are you tracking your product inventory in one established place? Your inventory management and tracking system can make such a difference in your business—in any stage that you’re in! In today’s episode, I’m sharing the benefits of tracking your inventory, what to consider when selecting your tool, plus a few tools you can check out! For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/239

Being an entrepreneur and business owner comes with a lot of perks and flexibility, but add in a team that can support you and scaling your business can feel limitless. When it comes to the actual hiring process, there is so much to consider, including what scaling looks like for you, how to manage your team, and if your team members should be hired as employees or contractors.   In today’s episode, Kira La Forgia of Paradigm Consulting joins us to highlight how small businesses can take the first step in hiring and what they should be aware of in the process. Listen in as she helps identify the positions you may have in your business and if they should be classified as employee or contractor. For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/238

The expansion of your business into wholesale and even new product lines can create exponential growth for your brand, but with that growth comes struggles. In today’s episode, Alex Gagné of Chez Gagné joins us to share about her experience with supply chain issues over the last couple of years, how that created a cash flow issue for her team, and how product expansion unexpectedly saved her business in 2021! For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/237 Listen to Alex’s previous conversation on the podcast at prooftoproduct.com/106 Ready to prepare for your own booth at trade shows? Come join us at Paper Camp where we share everything you need to know about selling wholesale and exhibiting at trade shows. prooftoproduct.com/papercamp

Have you ever considered exhibiting at trade shows? As Christy Asper of Paper Baristas prepares her brand for exhibiting at NY Now, she felt it was important to share what goes on behind the scenes. In this episode, Christy is sharing about her experiences at Atlanta’s Mart, Noted, and now preparing for NY Now—including the things that have gone wrong. For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/236 Ready to prepare for your own booth at trade shows? Come join us at Paper Camp where we share everything you need to know about selling wholesale and exhibiting at trade shows. prooftoproduct.com/papercamp

At Proof to Product, we’re committed to helping product based businesses succeed! We’ve created two programs that can help you strengthen your business foundations or scale with wholesale. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the difference between Paper Camp and Labs, which program is right for you, and how you can get started!

As a product creator, it’s common to feel that success means building your own storefront and selling retail to earn the most profit for your business. While that’s a great goal to strive for it doesn’t mean you should let other selling options, like wholesale, fall off your radar. In today’s episode, Beth Roszkowski and Tiffany Grimes join us to share how wholesale has allowed them to scale their businesses. I’m excited to highlight the conversations to show how two different brands with different stories still find value, profit, and expansion in their businesses through wholesale. For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/234 Ready to prepare for your own booth at trade shows? Come join us at Paper Camp where we share everything you need to know about selling wholesale and exhibiting at trade shows. prooftoproduct.com/papercamp

Trade shows are a big project to take on for product based businesses interested in wholesale. The biggest question I get: Is it worth it? In today’s episode, Jodi Kostelnik of The Neighborgoods joins us to share all about her experience with trade shows, specifically with Shoppe Object. Jodi opens up with transparency about the numbers she’s experienced with trade shows, what her goals are as she heads into them, and even highlights different approaches she’s taken to trade shows. For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/233 Ready to prepare for your own booth at trade shows? Come join us at Paper Camp where we share everything you need to know about selling wholesale and exhibiting at trade shows. prooftoproduct.com/papercamp

In an industry and business where your time is valuable and your products are essential for creating a successful and sustainable business, sales reps have your best interest in mind and serve a greater purpose than simply selling your products. A valuable sales rep is someone you can build a trusted relationship with who can navigate catalogs, inventories, deliveries, and even curate products just for you. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Carina Murray, founder of Crow and Canary, a sales rep group that works with a diverse line up of stationery and gift brands to sell their products and support their customers with top-notch customer service. Listen in as we discuss how sales reps were affected by Covid, how wholesalers and sales reps can work with Faire and other third party wholesale platforms, plus we’re highlighting unique benefits that sales reps bring to the sales process!   For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to prooftoproduct.com/232 For more support with your marketing

With the new year right around the corner, my team and I have been making time to really reflect on the past year. It’s been a year of introspection–about our businesses, about the state of the world, and about how we balance our work and personal lives. But I’m proud to say that Proof to Product and our students have grown and accomplished more this year than ever before. In today’s episode, I wanted to share all the milestones the Proof to Product team and our students have reached in the past year. Plus, I’m giving you a sneak peek at all the exciting things we’re planning for 2022. You'll learn: How my team and I are reflecting on the year so far Our LABS and Paper Camp students’ big wins What you can expect from us in the new year For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to bit.ly/PTPEp231 For more support with your marketing & sales strategies, check out LABS at http://www.prooftoproduct.com/labs

For most designers and makers, our relationships with retailers can make a major difference in our businesses. And while I know it can be discouraging to watch your outreach emails go unanswered, this kind of slow, steady work is the path to a sustainable and successful business. The key is to keep showing up, put your best foot forward, and get yourself seen by the right people. In this episode, I’m talking to designer, illustrator, and store owner Genesis Duncan about her experience being both a retailer and a wholesaler. She’s sharing the mindset shift that happened when she got to see the industry from the other side. Plus, she’s explaining how zip code protection in Faire might actually be limiting your business. You'll learn: Making the mindset shift from “maker” to “business owner” How your Faire zip code settings might be limiting or excluding buyers Why it’s so important to keep showing up, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re being heard For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please he

Insurance. It’s admittedly one of the least fun parts of owning a business, but it’s also one of the most important. Not only does it protect your business from misfortune, but it also protects you, the business owner. And with a little research, insuring yourself and your business isn’t as expensive or complicated as you might think it is. In this episode, I’m breaking down the different types of business and personal insurance that small business owners need. I’ll explain how they’re different, what they cover, and why they’re each important. Plus, I’ll share which providers I personally use to protect myself, my business, my team, and my family. You'll learn: Which types of business and personal insurance you should look into Why both business and personal insurance are vital for small business owners The companies and providers I use for my own insurance For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to bit.ly/PTPEp229 For more support with your marketing & sales strategies, check o

Oxford Languages defines imposter syndrome as the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved. Imposter syndrome is very common in the entrepreneur space. That feeling that we haven’t truly earned the success we’ve had. Imposter syndrome can mean feeling like a fraud or phony — like we’re not truly talented or good at what we do. In this episode, I’m sharing a sneak peek into one of my monthly coaching calls inside the Proof to Product LABS program. During these calls, I answer pre-submitted member questions about how to run - and grow - a product based business. In this call, I shared four strategies for combating imposter syndrome, avoiding burnout, and building your confidence as a business owner. You'll learn: How imposter syndrome shows up in your businesses Four strategies for combating imposter syndrome and avoiding burnout How to rest and recover after an energetically-taxing launch For full show notes, resources and a transcription, please head to bit.ly/PTPEp228 For more support