Hawaiian Luau Kebabs

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!

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are relatively high in protein, and the fact that you can turn 'em into pudding that tastes like literal dessert has our tummies grumbling! This egg-free breakfast idea is also a perfect fit for meal prepping, since you can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for later. Top with any fruits or nuts of your choosing! (via Brit + Co)

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Muffins

These healthy muffins take the traditional apple + cinnamon oatmeal and turn it on its head. They're a super easy high-protein bake, and the recipe leverages some pretty accessible ingredients, too. (via Brit + Co)

Matcha Yogurt Bark

You'll get a great protein *and* caffeine boost from this easy egg-free breakfast recipe. You can get crazy with the toppings, too! (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale Breakfast Hash

Think breakfast hash is only for egg lovers? Think again. This tofu-based scramble also features sweet potato, kale and red onion. Bonus points if you can find a fresh, seasonal squash from your local farmers’ market to add! (via Minimalist Baker)

Vegan Chickpea Omelette

Omelettes are traditionally made with eggs, but we're dying to buck tradition with this chickpea-based egg-free breakfast recipe. You can easily save time by making the batter before going to bed. Wake up in the morning, cook it on the stove top, and it'll be ready to eat in just 5 minutes. (via Fork & Beans)

Vegan Overnight Oats

Speaking of meals you can prep before bed, these overnight oats are about as quick and easy as it gets! Just soak 'em in your favorite dairy-free milk overnight, and in the morning, they'll be soft and parfait-like. Top with pureed fruit, chia seeds, nuts, and anything else that suits your fancy. (via Oh She Glows)

Paleo Cinnamon Granola

If you're a Paleo eater, you know how frustrating it can be when granola recipes contain extra grains and sugar. But this Paleo-friendly recipe only calls for those absolutely necessary, primal, completely clean ingredients that really matter: nuts, seeds, spices, and natural sweeteners. (via Real Food with Jessica)

Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

This grain-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free recipe gives banana bread a whole new meaning — it's literally sweetened only with bananas. Egg-free breakfast never sounded so yum! Pro tip: add some homemade Paleo-friendly chocolate chips to make it even healthier and yummier. (via Bakerita)

Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa Smoothie Bowl

Did you know you can use quinoa as a cereal-like grain for breakfast? This quinoa bowl is topped with an antioxidant-rich blueberry smoothie, making for a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Southwest Tofu Scramble

This savory egg-free breakfast option packs a ton of protein into a completely vegan meal. Here's a little breakfast hack for ya – mix your spices together with a little water and you have a quick, ready-made seasoning sauce to top your scramble with! (via Minimalist Baker)

Grain-Free Banana Granola

Granola is a healthy and quick breakfast option that can easily be topped with non-dairy milk for a delicious vegan treat. Be sure to stir your granola after it's been in the oven for about 12 minutes, so it gets evenly crispy on all sides. (via A Saucy Kitchen)

Vegan Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bowl

Looking for an egg-free breakfast that's still packed with plant-based protein? This vegan muesli bowl is so amazing, you won't miss conventional cereals or dairy milk at all. It's deliciously packed with rolled oats, cacao nibs, fresh fruit, honey, coconut and protein vanilla milk for sweetness. (via The View From Great Island)

Almond Butter Blueberry Paleo Waffles

These waffles are made with almond butter and coconut flour, as well as blueberries, cinnamon, mashed banana and almond extract. The result is a batch of totally healthy, grain-free waffles that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of protein-powered energy – no eggs necessary. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Vegan Banana Protein Pancakes

Did you know that protein powder can actually stand in for pancake mix in many cases? This little egg-free breakfast hack is commonly used by athletes and fitness gurus, and it's super simple to do at home. (via Vega)

Easy No-Bake Protein Bars

A whole, delicious vegan protein bar we can grab on our way out the door? Yes, please. To make these nut-free, simply substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter included in the recipe. (via Oh She Glows)

Kerrygold Irish Cheddar With Chili Peppers

Whether you use this spicy grass-fed cheddar for a charcuterie board, on top of steaming-hot baked potatoes, or for bite-sized grilled cheeses, your St. Patty's party will be so glad you grabbed it.

Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef is a St. Patty's classic. This brisket comes pre-seasoned with plenty of mustard, coriander, bay leaf, red chili pepper, and dill seed for a unique, yet super familiar flavor profile.

Pie Crusts

These readymade pie crusts can be easily transformed for on-theme Shepherd's Pies and desserts alike.

Beer Bread Mix

Soda bread is another can't-miss traditional St. Patrick's Day snack, and this bread mix (where all you have to do is add beer and butter) makes enjoying the snack extremely easy. You could even top it with a medley of other ingredients to enhance a certain flavor profile.

Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Any holiday party involving beer (AKA St. Patrick's Day) calls for some fried food. Skip the drive-thru and prep these cheesy sticks right at home for just $5!

Beef Rib Eye Steak

If grillin' is on the docket for your St. Patty's Day plans, opt for one of TJ's fancy steak cuts like this nice $15 rib eye to feed a crowd!

Soft Pretzel Twists

These soft pretzel twists are just as tasty as the bites you'd get at the stadium – salt and all!

Garlic Gondolas

These "very garlicky" bread boats can host a wide array of fillings like stews, soups, and salads. Just cut 'em up for a finger food that's definitely worthy of your St. Patrick's celebration!

Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels

When it comes to the sweet stuff, you simply can't go wrong with these dark chocolate-covered caramel bites.

Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

This brownie mix includes notes of fudgy chocolate that's sure to cure any sweet tooth. You could totally serve small bites of this using toothpicks for your party – easy!

Apple Blossoms

These apple-filled snacks are like mini apple pies: individual pastries filled with sweet, cooked apples and topped with a tasty bit of cinnamon crumble! They bake very quickly in the oven so you don't have to wait long for your St. Patty's dessert.

Yellow Mini Sheet Cake

Trader Joe's sheet cakes are perfect for sharing. Luckily, this new flavor is gluten-free, so everyone can get a taste of its moist crumb and decadent chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Hazelnut Ground Coffee

Got Irish coffee on the menu? Step it up using this chocolate-hazelnut coffee that'll enhance every single flavor note.