About Me:

• Began working at the State of Maine Office of Community Development in 2000
• Graduated from Thomas College in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree
• Transitioned to the Maine Made Program Manager in 2013
• Enjoys working with all types of small businesses throughout the state, helping them find the resources and tools for success
• Mom of four humans, Mimi of 6 littles, and dog mom to 2 active golden retrievers
• Resides in Central Maine with her husband, enjoying all four seasons and living vicariously through the creative people she interacts with

�BEST �BUSINESS�PRACTICES

GETTING YOUR DUCKS

IN A ROW

Introduction:

• Maine Made in a nutshell
• What elements make you eligible

About You:

• What’s your story?
• Getting personal – gaining trust

Your Product:

• Unique? Service based?
• Do your photos tell a story?

Make the sale:

• Ecommerce, wholesale, shows

After the Sale:

• Packaging, Follow up

MAINE MADE – AMERICA’S BEST

We are a community of makers; creating a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Our mission is to help Maine small businesses expand their markets, both nationally and internationally. Join your community that shares the same interests and goals.

We provide a multitude of services to our members:

• Networking
• Discounts on workshops and shows
• Buyer referrals
• Promotional opportunities
• Nation-wide recognition for carrying our branding
• We engage with consumers via our monthly newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

• How did you come up with this idea?
• What is your background?
• What is your unique factor that sets you apart from your competition?
• Are you using photos to tell your story?

MESSAGING:

Make it personal – about you, not your product.

My family fell in love with Maine 14 years ago and settled in the woods of the southwestern area where I am inspired by the beauty right outside my studio window. 

The name Squirrel’s Nest is a business name that runs in my family. From the 1930s to the 1950s, my great-grandmother Eugenie Russell owned and operated a gift shop in Rangeley, Maine called The Squirrel’s Nest. I am lucky to have the original shop sign (it now hangs in my studio) and it seemed appropriate to carry on the name.

I love to tinker around and try new things; making knives started out as hobby back in 2016.  My wife's grandfather had an old sawmill, so I started my journey in a pop-up tent and used his saw blades from the mill to make my first knives. From there i have grown to selling hundreds of knives and fulfilling my passion to create a lifetime tool to be passed down for generations!

Sambob began in 2021, in Logan, Utah, as a Covid hobby, turned business for Sam Roberts. As a wildlife biologist and avid backpacker, Sam spent much of his working hours and free time in the outdoors. Always in search of the perfect mid-layer, Sam learned to sew in late 2020, and started making fleece tops right way.

TELL THE STORY OF YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE:

Why are you offering this?

Who is your team?

Do you stand behind your product/service with a guarantee?

What’s your unique factor?

Sustainably harvested, recycled, upcycled, green production, organic, local ingredients, does it solve a problem?

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

MAKING THE SALE

• Have an ecommerce platform
• List “where to purchase” on your website
• List shows/events you’re attending
• Support those who support you

PACKAGING & FOLLOW UP

• Add a note of thanks or other goodie
• Pack it like you’d be happy receiving it
• Use eco-friendly packaging
• Add info about your area
• Send a post purchase survey to get an X% off next purchase

​

THANK YOU

• Tammy Knight
• www.mainemade.com
• 207.557.1961
• info@maine.gov
• Facebook: mainemade
• Instagram: #mainemade207

​