Craft & Commerce Recap 2026: The Power of Showing Up

Building a creative business can be incredibly isolating, but the antidote isn't hiding behind your screen; it's getting into the right rooms.Too many creative entrepreneurs struggle with inconsistent revenue and a lack of community because they rely on cold, transactional corporate networking tactics that only drain their energy. It is easy to feel stuck when you're aggressively knocking on doors instead of having them opened for you from the inside.In this special solo duo episode, we are pulling back the curtain on our 72-hour experience at Kit's Craft and Commerce conference. We break down the absolute best lessons we learned, from Ellen Yin's game-changing podcast pitching framework to Kit's powerful new "Signals" feature for uncovering high-value leads.Inside this episode, we cover:Non-Transactional Networking: How to abandon the draining, corporate ladder-climbing approach to conferences and foster genuine, supportive relationships instead.The Power of Coffee Chats: Why removing the sales agenda and prioritizing human connection on calls is an incredible, indirect sales funnel for organic growth.Kit's New "Signals" Feature: How to uncover the hidden demographic and psychographic data of your email subscribers to easily identify warm leads.https://kit.com/features/signalsThe Perfect Podcast Pitch: Why no one cares about your media kit and the exact framework Ellen Yin uses to secure immediate "yes" replies.https://www.cubicletoceo.co/shopThe "No Strategy" Strategy: Why leaving room for spontaneity at live events can lead to the most powerful and unexpected business connections.Connect with the Mentions:Steve Kamb's Book: How to Try Again (http://HowToTryAgain.com)Ellen Yin's Podcast: Cubicle to CEOConnect with Us:1:1 Coaching: Ready to step out of isolation and scale your business? Apply for 1:1 coaching here:https://www.joandlyndon.com/coachingThe Breakroom:Find your people. Join our community of creative entrepreneurs to get our full 2-hour Craft and Commerce debrief and catch our upcoming masterclass on Instagram stories: Step into The Breakroom:https://www.joandlyndon.com/the-breakroomInstagram: Come say hi, ask about a coffee chat, and send us a DM! @joandlyndon (https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/), & @thesustainablecreator (https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/).Interview Us: We love talking about pivoting, working with a partner, and building community. DM us on IG to connect!