crafting an mba asks...

what would business school look like if it was geared towards crafters, designers, and makers?

What's standing in the way of you and success may not be your talent as a crafter, but rather your skills as a business person. Read more...

about megan auman...

megan auman

I'm a designer, maker, educator, and entrepreneur.

I've built a business making things I love, and I want to help you do the same. Learn more...

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crafting an mba

wholesale

was it you or the show?

was it you or the show?

On Monday, I talked about pushing the flywheel and the importance of consistency.  When it comes to shows, I think you need to commit to doing a show several times in order to see the results. But I understand that doing a show (especially a trade show) is a big financial commitment.  And in the [...]

3 keys to a successful show

3 keys to a successful show

The more shows I do, the more I start to understand what separates successful shows from unsuccessful shows.  While all the pre-show prep and marketing are incredibly important, your attitude at the show itself is the secret ingredient that separates a bad show from a good one.  So today I want to share my 3 [...]

gift fair prep – is pre-show marketing really worth it?

I thought I’d take a short break from talking about crafting an economic recovery to give you another sneak peek into my gift fair prep.   (Not to mention the fact that I’m swamped with prep work, so it’s kinda where my brain is at.)   In this video, I talk about setting up (and [...]

gift fair prep – a behind the scenes video

Well, I’m back from vacation and I’ve come to the sudden realization that the New York International Gift Fair is a little more than a month away! How did that happen? Since I know many of you are curious as to what goes into prepping for a trade show, I thought I would share a [...]

guest post: 8 tips for attending a trade show

guest post: 8 tips for attending a trade show

I know we’ve been a little heavy with the trade show talk over the last two weeks, but what can I say?  It’s that time of year.  I’m excited to wrap this week up with a guest post from Bridgett Edwards of Perideau Designs.  She’s sharing her top 8 tips for attending a trade show. [...]

guest post: creating a standout space at markets

guest post: creating a standout space at markets

Today I’m excited to share a guest post from Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Studio and  Cloud 9 Fabrics.  Michelle has graciously agreed to give a little recap of her experience exhibiting at the International Quilt Market, and she’s sharing some amazing tips for how to communicate your company identity and make your booth stand [...]

guest post: Surtex 2010 - the view from a first timer

guest post: Surtex 2010 – the view from a first timer

Today I’m excited to share a guest post from Khristian of Khristian A. Howell Surface Design & Photography.  Khristian has kindly agreed to share her experience exhibiting at Surtex this year.  The art licensing world isn’t something I have a lot of experience with, so it’s great to hear firsthand from someone working in that [...]

ICFF – trade show benefits beyond sales

In addition to walking the National Stationery Show this past weekend, I spent some time at the other big show in the Javits Center – ICFF.  The International Contemporary Furniture Fair is the annual trade show for all things home and design – furniture, home accessories, wallpaper, lighting, and a host of miscellaneous products that [...]

National Stationery Show – how to stand out in a crowded field

If you design and make any kind of paper goods, the National Stationery Show is certainly the place to be.  Every May, buyers from around the world (I saw a good assortment of locations represented at the show yesterday) head to New York and the Javits Center to make their paper purchases for the year. Yesterday was the [...]

early summer trade show roundup

Participating in a trade show is a great way to build your brand, attract new wholesale accounts, connect with the press, and network with other makers.  But it can also be intimidating for first time exhibitors.  If you’re thinking about diving into trade shows, it’s good to walk one first to get a feel for [...]