About Beyond the Booth

If you're an artisan business owner, chances are you've spent a lot of time learning about products, displays, events, social media, and selling.

Those things matter, for sure!

But there's another side of running an artisan business that tends to get less attention. It's the business side.

The planning. The systems. The customer relationships. The decisions that help turn a busy schedule into a growing business.

This blog is dedicated to helping artisan business owners think beyond the next event and build a stronger business over time.

Here you'll find practical insights, ideas, and resources focused on topics like:

✨ Event planning and preparation

✨ Customer relationships and repeat customers

✨ Business growth and visibility

✨ Systems and organization

✨Making better business decisions

My goal is simple: to share practical information that helps artisan business owners grow intentionally rather than being reactive.

No hype. No complicated marketing theories. No pretending there's a magic formula. Just practical ideas, thoughtful observations, and proven business principles that can help you move forward.

A little about me

Hi, I'm Mary Morton!

I've spent more than 30 years working in business systems, strategy, process improvement, and technology; with a little accounting and inventory control in the mix.

Throughout my career I've helped organizations solve problems, improve processes, and create systems that support growth.

I've spent my time in the market and show trenches, too!

My husband and I ran a small market farm for a few years where we hit the farm markets every weekend for 20+ weeks a year. And we sold herbs, teas, and coffee beans, along with hand poured candles and things like that at markets and shows.

I know what it's like to get ready, pack up, get there, set up, sell for hours, tear down, move it home. And start all over again for the next one.

I know the challenges that many artisan business owners face. And those challenges have very little to do with the quality of their products.

More often the challenges are related to visibility, customer relationships, planning, organization, and growth.

These are business challenges.

Beyond the Booth grew out of my desire to help artisan business owners navigate the business challenges with practical guidance and a clearer path forward.

Because great products deserve great businesses behind them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Whether you're preparing for your first event season or you've been selling at events for years, I hope you'll find something here that helps you build a stronger business.

And if you're tired of feeling like you're starting over every weekend, you're in the right place.

Welcome to Beyond the Booth!