Behind the Scenes: Christmas Cookie Decorating at Brit + Co!

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!

Stained Glass Cookie Pops

These Valentine's cookies take some real skill, but the heavy-lifting for this recipe will be well-worth it once you see your date's face upon their first bite. (via Brit + Co)

Celebrity Crush Cookies

You're already getting together with your girls for Galentine's Day, so there's no reason to not make this cheeky Valentine's Day cookie recipe with your closest circle! Decorating these treats with the names of your fave celeb crushes will definitely get the gossip going! (via Brit + Co)

Cupid's Arrow Cookies

If they just can't resist a sweet treat, aim right for their heart with these adorable Cupid's arrow cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars

Even though they're not technically Valentine's cookies, these cookie bars still deliver on the sweetness you know and love from the OG. The thick layer of icing and conversation heart toppings are super cute! (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Cookies

We love the idea of writing personalized messages to each of your Galentines on these heart cookies. Bonus tip: to keep everything nice, neat, and legible, invest in a food coloring pen rather than trying to write on these babies with a piping bag. (via Bake at 350)

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Crunchy and flaky on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside, these pink crinkle cookies pair perfectly with a V-Day nightcap. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Valentine's Hearts

Why have we not been dipping cookie dough in melted chocolate for years?! This delectable V-Day dessert features a chocolate chips, peanut butter, *and* cookie dough, all dipped in a warm and creamy bath of chocolate fondue. We love. (via OMG Chocolate Desserts)

Valentine Chalkboard Cookies

Here's another creative Valentine's cookie idea that lets you share personalized messages with every Valentine on your list: cover your heart-shaped cookies with black frosting, wait for it to dry, then write some sweet messages with white food coloring for the chalkboard-like effect. Cute, right? (via Saving With Sarah)

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

These treats require just five ingredients — well, six, if you add food coloring to make them a thematic pink. (via Nest of Posies and Baker by Nature)

Teddy Bear Graham Cookies Holding Conversation Hearts

These Valentine's Day cookies are as simple as buying some Teddy Grahams and affixing conversation hearts to their lil' bellies with some frosting. The kiddos will adore these! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Valentine's Day Chocolate-Covered Vegan Oreos

No-bake dessert recipes are a total life hack, especially around the holidays when you don't have much energy for anything else other than making sure your Valentine's Day cards make it to the post office. This recipe uses Oreos, melted chocolate, and sprinkles. Easy! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts

All you need to make some stellar V-Day treats is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a dream. And chocolate, of course – always need some chocolate! (via Hello Little Home)

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Two of our fave desserts – cookies and red velvet cake – amazingly come together in these decadent Valentine's cookies. The heart wants what it wants, and what we want is ten of these, please. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Valentine Butter Cookies

These low-key love day cookies are extremely easy to customize based on who you plan to share them with. Run with the recipient's favorite color for the main frosting – they'll certainly appreciate the special, personalized touch from you! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Cherry-Kissed Coconut Macaroons

Fresh cherries and coconut flakes combine in a truly otherworldly way with this Valentine's cookies recipe. Equally sweet and tangy, your V-Day date will instantly fall in love with your baking skills shown through these bites. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cardamom & Rose Palmiers

If you're not so big on small talk, let the romantic, floral allure of cardamom and rose do the talking. Bet you your Valentine has never tasted cookies like these. (via Signature Concoctions)

Valentine's Day Oreos

Sure, specialty Oreo flavors can be fun, but the homemade variety are so much sweeter. These almost remind us of Oreo Cakesters, which are the crème de la crème, TBH. (via Sincerely Jean)

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

How cute are these mini sugar cookies? Smear on red and pink frosting, and sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles to your heart's delight. (via Dessert for Two)

Take a Pizza My Heart Cookies

These Valentine's cookies might just be better than an actual heart-shaped pizza. Though this recipe requires some time and effort to decorate, the end result is *so* worth it. You'll need piping bags, icing tips, cookie dough, toothpicks, and red heart sprinkles to make 'em. (via Bake at 350)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're not a huge fan of sugar cookies or anything pink (if so, are you okay?!), these peanut butter cookies may be more up your alley. They're made with brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, and — bonus — they're ready in only 30 minutes. (via The Semi-Sweet Sisters)

Valentine's Day Oreo Pops

Treat yourself and your sweethearts to cookies on a stick this year! This Valentine's Day cookie recipe also leverages store-bought Oreos to deliver maximum yum. (via Happiness Is Homemade)

Very Valentine Pudding Cookies

These bites are essentially pudding, but in cookie form. They're incredibly soft, gooey, and chocolatey. The chocoholics in your life will have to try hard not to inhale them, we swear. (via Crazy for Crust)

Linzer Cookies

These traditional Linzer cookies are comprised of a tart jam filling and two sugary shortbread cookies. Almond and cinnamon also make a few guest appearances, making for a totally yummy dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

4-Ingredient Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, sweet, and strawberry-infused, these cookies give you a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate chip. And, as a *major* bonus, you only need four ingredients: strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, white chocolate chips, and eggs. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

Vegan Valentine's Day Cookie Pops

Saying “I love you" doesn't have to put your sweetie into a sugar coma. Try this gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe with a sugar-free frosting! Freeze-dried raspberries add some nice color and texture to this healthier alternative. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

Chocolate Valentine Kiss Cookies

Sharing a kiss is always sweet, but it hits different when the smooch arrives atop miniature chocolate cookies. 😉 (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Mason Jar Cookies

There's just something so special about receiving DIY Valentine's Day gifts. Take these mason jar cookies for example – we're totally into the detail + sugary goodness. (via The Crafting Foodie)

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies

A simple box of strawberry cake mix will make anybody blush when it's transformed into soft and chewy cookies that are dipped in white chocolate and adorned with heart-shaped sprinkles. (via I Heart Naptime)

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookies

This pink pomegranate fortune cookie recipe will let your S.O. know just how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

If you're addicted to Lofthouse cookies (we're guilty, too), this Valentine's cookie recipe will definitely come in handy. (via Cincy Shopper)

Valentine's Cookie Box

Give your sweetie your heart (literally) by baking these cookies that stack into a treasure box. One look at these, and they won't want to hide their favorite treats inside for long. (via Glorious Treats)

Valentine's Day Cookies

Share the love with the ultimate chocolate chip cookie lover in your life using this Valentine's Day cookie recipe. Yup, no sugar cookie recipe here – just a delicious chocolate chip cookie covered in lots of frosting and sprinkles. (via Fashionable Hostess)

Heart-Shaped Valentines Oreos

All you need is four ingredients to make quite possibly the best V-Day cookie you've ever made in your life. These taste like Oreos (!) and are double-stuffed with pink frosting for an even more festive treat. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are the perfect alternative to your average (albeit delicious) Valentine's cookie. Feel free to get as creative as you'd like with sprinkles and toppings, but we're personally loving the little gummy hearts. (via Dessert for Two)

Soft M&M Chocolate Cookies

It's all in the details with this cookie recipe. We simply can't get enough of those red, white, and pink M&M's peeking out of the top of the cookies! (via Averie Cooks)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Here's to showing peanut butter cookies more love than ever before. Not only are these heart-shaped cookies made using a simple peanut butter cookie recipe, but the chocolates on top are filled with it, too. Oh, happy day! (via Kara Creates)

1. Crochet Bikinis

It's Now Cool The Crochet Bikini Bottoms

Crochet bikinis were an undeniable hit in the 1970s and had a brief revival in the 2010s, but they’ve largely flopped in modern times because they’re not super practical.

Seamoly Crochet Swimsuit

The crochet material tends to absorb more water than your typical swim-ready fabric, so it becomes heavy and saggy – not flattering. Plus, crochet swimmies can take a long time to dry and lose their shape quickly.

2. Belted Swimsuits

Beach Riot Sydney Belted One-Piece Swimsuit

Once a super stylish choice in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, belted swimsuits (especially one-piece swimsuits) were highly favored for their hourglass-enhancing look.

Vitamin A Luxe Link Belted One Piece

These days, they’ve become less common because the extra material can feel restrictive and impractical for swimming. The belt can easily dig into the skin, plus, modern designs can achieve similar figure-flattering effects with shaping silhouettes.

3. Swim Skirts

Old Navy High-Waisted Matte Swim Skirt

Swim skirts were beloved for their added modesty to any swim getup. Now, swimwear trends have moved toward sleeker, more streamlined suits!

J.Crew Swim Skirt

While some people still prefer swim skirts for extra coverage, many find them impractical because they add extra bulk. Showing more skin seems to be in!

4. Metallic Fabrics

Andie The Lipari One Piece

Shiny and eye-catching metallic swimsuits were especially popular in the 80s and early 2000s, but they’ve faded out of popularity due to some… wearability issues.

La Blanca Earth Lace-Up Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit

The metallic fabrics these suits are made of tend to be less stretchy, degrade faster with sun and chlorine exposure, and can look less flattering when wet. Not great!

Becca Liquid Metal Triangle Bikini Top

Today, swimwear leans toward matte and textured fabrics that are way more durable and comfortable.

5. Tankinis

Shade & Shore Bandeau Tankini Top

We honestly wish tankinis were still around with the cult following they had in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

Boden Porto Tankini Top

Offering more coverage than a bikini but still being more versatile than a one-piece, tankinis have sadly been replaced by more modern designs like high-waisted bikinis and sleek one-pieces. Plus, tankinis can sometimes bunch up awkwardly or feel less secure when you’re swimming.

6. Zebra Print

Wild Fable Textured Medium Coverage Triangle Bikini Top

Animal prints were everywhere on swimwear in the early 2000s. While leopard print has made quite the comeback, zebra print isn’t as hot since it tends to look overly bold and outdated.

Sunkissed Le Triangle String Bikini Top

Most modern swimwear patterns now favor softer, abstract prints or straight-up solid colors for a more sophisticated look.

Abercrombie & Fitch Halter String Triangle Bikini Top

That isn’t to say you can’t wear zebra print swimsuits these days – if bold is your vibe, go for it!

7. Velvet Swimsuits

Triangl Maia Vyne Swimsuit

Velvet swimsuits had a brief moment in the limelight during the ‘90s and 2000s, but they were never truly practical. The fabric, while luxurious on land, is quite terrible to wear when wet – it absorbs water, takes forever to dry, and can feel heavy and clingy.

Cupshe One Shoulder Velvet Jacquard One Piece Swimsuit

Most people now prefer performance-ready swim fabrics that dry quickly and offer great stretch and comfort.