Wow! 100 episodes and almost two years have passed since the very first Gift Biz Unwrapped podcast went live … it doesn’t seem like that long!

I feel fortunate to have interviewed so many impressive business owners and service providers to our industry. Over time, the audience has become defined as people who are Gifters – Bakers – Crafters – Makers. People who create or sell handmade products and are in the process of, or already have started their own business out of their hobby or craft.

I have learned so much hosting Gift Biz Unwrapped. Actually I pick up something new from each and every interview I do. Thank you to all my past guests. You have helped me produce a show that is giving value and encouragement to many. I have a great lineup ahead too. So do keep listening!

At this milestone, I want to reflect on what’s been presented so far. I think you’ll find it interesting. I did.
3 Common Threads
From my time working trade shows with my business http://www.theribbonprintcompany.com (The Ribbon Print Company), and from the answers I get on the show, I have found three common questions and equally similar answers come up time and time again. These are questions that people struggle with as they consider starting their own business. And they are questions that people rethink during the inevitable times when they bump up against challenges as business owners.

I find it fascinating that the answers and solutions are repeated so frequently. Due to this, I put a lot of weight into their credibility and reliability.
I want to start a business but what should it be?
So many creators have the desire to start a money making venture on the side or to replace their full time job. But what should it be? As creators our love and talents may spread across a variety of areas. Here are three Identification Points of how our listeners have figured this out for themselves.

What did you love to do in the carefree days of your childhood?

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/donnaalufonhai/ (Donna – Royalty Cookies)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/thecocoacabana/ (Ronda – Cocoa Cabana)

What sparks a passion inside of you? What gets your heart beating a little faster?

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/rwandabean/ (Mike – Rwanda Bean)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/icingsmiles/ (Tracy – Icing Smiles)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/staceyhorowitz/ (Stacey – Shopping for a Change)

Keep your eye out for a single event or moment that gives you the idea of a lifetime.

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/claudia-johnson/ (Claudia – Exclamations! Gifts)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/cookiesinasnap/ (Bill – Cookies in a Snap)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/marshmallowmba/ (Amy – Marshmallow MBA)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/cathynolan/ (Cathy – Cathy Nolan Art)



What do I actually do to get started?
This is another spot where people freeze. They have their idea but it continues to be in their mind and not in their reality. It’s because the idea of taking action becomes overwhelming. How do you actually start? What do you do first?

In each episode, I ask this question. The responses are similar but different. I do this for your benefit. Listen to these people and model their actions.

The trick is to do something … take action … start!

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/karasvineyardwedding/ (Kara – Kara’s Vineyard Wedding)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/littlepinkladybug/ (Karyn – Little Pink Ladybug)
Common success traits of small business owners
This is the honest truth. Not everyone is cut out to be a business owner. This is evidenced by how many businesses open shop online and then the site lays dormant. Or they open in a retail shop only to close within the first year. Do you have what it takes? Consider these traits.

Resourcefulness

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/aldenskennels/ (Janet – Alden Kennels)

https://giftbizunwrapped.com/ebyfarms/ (Jen – Eby Farms)...