5 Caffeine-Free Ways to Stay Energized Throughout the Workday

In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

What's a recent small win for you and your business?

Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

Thanks Paige!

Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

1. Refine Your Strategy
   • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
   • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
   • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
   • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
   • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
3. Invest in Learning
   • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
   • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
   • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
4. Improve Your Processes
   • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
   • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
5. Self-Care and Rest
   • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

1. Create new revenue streams

As a small business owner, you want to look for additional ways to boost your income or diversify your revenue streams. With Whatnot, you can tap into the rapidly growing livestream shopping market and boost your bottom line. In fact, according to Whatnot’s State of Livestream Selling Report, 66 percent of Whatnot sellers earn more than $10,000 per month through livestream selling, and one in four sellers report making over $300,000 each year! That’s a pretty sweet side hustle, andyou may even find it’s your favorite way to sell.

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Finding the right customers is critical, and your odds are better when you can reach a broader audience instantly. Whatnot’s interactive format lets you share your product or service with millions of users. Livestreaming offers a way to reach potential customers who may not have discovered your business through traditional channels.

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Whatnot takes e-commerce to the next level by making sales more interactive and fun. Livestream selling turns ordinary sales into exciting events, with real-time auctions, flash sales, and engaging chats. This approach not only boosts sales but also creates memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

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By offering a platform that blends community and commerce, Whatnot empowers small business owners to scale faster, adapt to market changes, and stay competitive. The sense of community is an element that makes the sale less transactional and more relational. And that’s good for business!

1. Bianca

Bianca is a beautiful moniker for girls that means "white" or "pure." It's simple yet elegant, signifying innocence, freshness, and grace.

While it originated in Italy, this name has since become popular in numerous countries, including Brazil, Germany, and Romania. It also carries literary charm since it's linked to the character Bianca in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.

2. Carlo

With both Italian and German roots, Carlo is a distinguished name that actually means "free man." It has traveled across Europe due to its popularity, showing up everywhere, from the streets of Naples to the mountains of Bavaria.

It has a regal sound that carries a sense of freedom and strength. That's why Carlo is a great choice for parents seeking a name that embodies heritage and an adventurous spirit.

3. Isabella

With roots in the Hebrew name Elisheva and the English variation Elizabeth, Isabella carries a sense of grace and reverence. It means "devoted to God" and has remained popular for centuries as a favorite among royals and celebrities.

Plus, its connection to the Italian word "bella" makes it an even more fitting and timeless pick for a beautiful little girl.

4. Alessio

This strong yet graceful Italian name means "defender" and encourages little boys to stand up for what they believe in. As a shorter form of Alessandro, it also has a melodic flow and a distinct, stylish sound.

Alessio's Italian roots make it a wonderful option for those who want to honor their heritage with a classic name that stands the test of time.

5. Francesca

Francesca has both German and Italian roots. It's likely derived from the Old Germanic word "franko," which means "Frenchman," but it also connects to the Italian name Francis and translates to "free."

This gives Francesca a sense of independence and individuality, encouraging self-expression and freedom. Moreover, it's associated with St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscans who embraced humility and love for all living things.

6. Lorenzo

With origins in Latin, Italian, and Spanish, this name means "from Laurentum" or "from the town of bay trees." Lorenzo has a connection to nature that's elegant and rich in historical significance.

As a variant of Laurence, it has been a beloved name in Southern Europe for centuries. Lorenzo's lasting appeal is partly thanks to its association with influential figures, such as Lorenzo de' Medici, the Florentine Renaissance prince, and the name's appearances in Shakespearean plays.

7. Luciana

Luciana is a feminine name with Italian roots that means "light." It's derived from the Latin word "lux," which signifies brightness.

Naming your daughter Luciana is the perfect way to honor her as a shining presence in your life. This pick symbolizes warmth, joy, and hope while delivering a soft sound.

8. Matteo

Lastly, Matteo is a charming and masculine name with origins in both Italian and Hebrew, meaning "gift of God." As the Italian version of the classic Matthew, it carries a more romantic flair.

This name also has a lively, energetic vibe and offers the cute nickname option Teo. It's a timeless choice with meaningful symbolism that doesn't sacrifice modern style.