Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diane Haase. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Diane, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

Truffle Me! is my third or fourth “career”! I have never been great with computers or technology. I can hear my children laughing!! Being a bit older and not tech savvy, I have relied on others to do what I just can’t do. My daughter built my original website and took the photos, a friend helped me set up Instagram, and others have managed my newsletters and website. However, I am the one in charge of posting on Instagram and Face Book. There are many days that it is overwhelming the amount of time it takes to take care of social media needs. If I was younger and in my first or second “career”, I would spend the money it takes to have others take care of my social media. I know you need to spend money to make money, but in my case I need to be very frugal and deliberate as to where I spend my money.

Diane, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started making truffles 15 years ago as a fund raiser for a trip my son was going on to Australia. He needed to take some ownership in his adventure by earning some of the money needed. He went on to travel through Europe and South Korea. He became a world traveler and I’m still making truffles! Five years ago I decided to become a Small Business owner and Truffle Me! was born. I create small batch, hand crafted, customized truffles. I can take care of all your dessert, party and gift giving needs. I love customizing my truffles to party themes and colors. I have provided truffles to parties of 20 all the way to 300. Customized truffles can elevate your dessert tray form ordinary to extraordinary and leaving you the time to focus on all the other facets of your event.

Businesses are always looking for creative and memorable ways to thank their clients. Customized truffles are a beautiful and delicious way to say “Thank You”. The clients will truly feel appreciated. I have created truffle flavors specifically for clients. What a fun way to celebrate!

I also teach truffle making classes. They can be held in your home, at a library, church, school , your office and even on Zoom. Events like girls night, team building, birthday parties, home school groups and Girl Scout troops are great reasons to have a truffle making class!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I had only been in business for two years when the pandemic shut most of the world down. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do since my truffles were being sold locally to friends and family. I was on a webinar with Donald Miller, and he told the story of his sister who had just opened a floral shop. She didn’t know what to do since people could not come in and buy flowers. He told her to sell “love” with flowers by sending them to people. The light bulb went off! “Send some truffle love!” was born. My mail order business was a great success. People still wanted to let people know they were thought of and loved, and a box of truffles did just that. I also started having truffle making classes on Zoom. I mailed all the supplies to the participants and we made them together. This also was a great way for families and friends to spend an hour together chatting and having delicious fun!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Very early in my truffle making adventure, I discovered Donald Miller, author of the book “Building a StoryBrand”. I used this book as a guide in building my website. He has many books out that are full of great business ideas and methods. He also has great seminars and webinars. I also joined a group called Business Networking International, founded by Ivan Misner. I credit that group from taking me from a lady who made truffles to a businesswoman who has a truffle making business. Networking is vital to all small businesses and BNI gives you a room full of referral partners and people who care about you and your success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TruffleMeLove.com
• Instagram: trufflemelove
• Facebook: Truffle Me!

Image Credits
Megan Haase