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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.

2. Build your community

Whatnot isn’t just a sales platform; it’s a space where you can build a strong community. Through livestream selling, you can connect with customers in real-time, build meaningful relationships, and host dynamic auctions or flash sales – turning sales into engaging experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

3. Reach a wider audience

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.

4. Make selling and buying more fun!

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.

5. Stay competitive

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. Agnes

This classic girl's name has Greek roots and means "pure" or "holy." Its popularity can be traced back to Saint Agnes of Rome, and over the centuries, Agnes has been embraced across various cultures. That's why it has different forms in varying languages, such as Agnese in Italian and Inés in Spanish.

Aside from its historical significance, Agnes has a simple elegance to it that continues to resonate with parents around the globe.

2. Clara

With Latin origins, Clara is a feminine name that means "bright" or "famous" and can be a perfect fit for a baby girl with a future full of promise.

This pick stands out from other similar and more common names, like Claire and Clarissa. Plus, it has some ties to classic Hollywood, most notably because actress Clara Bow was a silent film star and "it girl" during the 1920s.

3. Edith

With British roots, Edith is a name that embodies resilience and grace. It means "prosperous in strife" and suggests your little one will stand strong and have a solid character when faced with adversity.

Historically, Edith is best known as the daughter of Edgar the Peaceful. She was a woman who balanced nobility, intellect, and deep faith while remaining unbothered by external judgment. That's why this name can encourage your baby girl to follow her heart and hold her own values above all else.

4. Frances

If you'd like to go the gender-neutral route, Frances is a great choice that has roots in both Latin and German. It carries meanings such as "of the Franks," "free man," and "truthful" or "sincere."

Frances originally emerged during the 17th century in Britain and is often considered the feminine version of Francis. It's since gained popularity across Europe and can even serve as a nickname for the longer Italian version, Francesca.

5. Harriet

German in origin, Harriet translates to "home ruler" and connotes leadership and authority. Its popularity in the United States has been largely influenced by Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist whose courage helped lead countless enslaved people to freedom.

This name symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power to create change. Its powerful legacy is undeniable and can inspire your baby girl to make an impact on the world around her.

6. Louise

Louise might sound like a soft or elegant name, but it has strong and powerful roots that are perfect for a bold little girl.

This name is derived from the masculine Louis and means "renowned warrior." It's a fitting choice for parents who want to combine both grace and strength. Not to mention, it's tied to Irish Author Louise O'Neill, who is known for her powerful feminist novels.

7. Mabel

Next up is Mabel, an adorable name with Latin origins that means "lovable." Derived from Amabilis and Amabel, this moniker has been beloved across cultures. It also has roots in the Middle Ages and graced Dutch royalty, like Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau.

But even if your little girl won't be part of a regal family, Mabel has a warm, welcoming spirit that will brighten up your home.

8. Winifred

Finally, Winifred is Welsh and Old English in origin, meaning "friend of peace" and "blessed reconciliation." The name is linked to a martyred Welsh princess and has a ton of vintage charm.

The best part? Winifred offers two cute nickname options: Winnie and Freddie. This makes it versatile (and fun) for different settings, whether formal or casual.