How This Illustrator Turned Her Passion Into An Emerging Brand

1. Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are natural-born leaders who always make their presence known. They're able to effortlessly command attention with their charisma, creativity, and confidence, and they absolutely love being in the spotlight.

But they don't just draw people in because of their drive for achievement and recognition. They also inspire and motivate those around them to be better, which is why Leos are prime candidates for leadership positions like CEOs or entrepreneurs.

2. Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

This sign is typically practical, goal-oriented, and disciplined. Capricorns don't believe in cutting corners or doing things halfway. Instead, they commit to all projects fully, and their work ethic is unmatched.

That's what sets Capricorns apart in the business world. They're able to plan strategically and keep long-term goals in mind. Their reliability and determination make them excellent entrepreneurs, company execs, and business partners.

3. Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Aries are trailblazers with a natural ability to lead. The fact that they're always ready for a challenge, coupled with their bold energy, helps them thrive in competitive environments.

This sign isn't afraid to make decisions that push them out of their comfort zones, either. They understand that taking risks can lead to big rewards in the future. Such fearlessness and confidence are invaluable in the business world.

4. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Scorpios are able to focus, strategize, and push through any obstacles in their way. This sign is also able to read people, which is critical when it comes to making decisions and striking deals in business.

They're great at negotiating and building relationships, so Scorpios can hold their own in high-pressure environments.

5. Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos are known for their sharp minds and practical approach to work. They have an eye for detail and a strategic way of tackling tasks, making sure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Plus, they can break down complex problems and find solutions, which is a daily chore in business. Virgos do best in environments that are organized and structured, which allows their productivity and precision to shine.

6. Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Sagittarians may be known for their adventurous spirits and willingness to take risks. While these traits may sometimes give the sign a bad rap, they can still be very helpful in business.

That's because Sagittarians are always on the lookout for new opportunities, ranging from their personal lives to business and investments. They have the courage to step outside their comfort zones, thanks to their optimism and embrace of the unknown.

7. Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Tauruses love stability and getting to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Given that this sign is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and abundance, they are drawn to wealth and luxury. But that doesn't make them haphazard business people.

Rather, Tauruses are practical and know how to make savvy financial decisions that set them up for long-term success. They're patient, too, so they tend to stay the course and follow their goals until completion.

8. Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Last but certainly not least is Aquarius. This sign's forward-thinking and creativity often help them find success in unexpected ways.

They're able to spot opportunities that other people might overlook, especially in fields like technology and humanitarian work. Their strength lies in their ability to think differently, challenge the status quo, and embrace new ideas.

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. Getting Dressed Up

In an age where super casual attire has become the norm, it's not uncommon to see people in pajamas at the grocery store or even attending doctor's appointments. While comfort is key, and athleisure is "in," there's still something special about dressing up for an occasion.

Whether you're just running errands, attending a casual gathering, or going out for a night on the town, taking the time to put together a thoughtful outfit shows you respect yourself, the people you're with, and whatever you're doing.

2. Addressing People With Titles

Addressing someone with a title like "sir," "ma'am," or "miss" wasn't just viewed as polite in the past. It also reflected a basic level of respect and acknowledgment of someone's status or age.

Using titles may seem old-fashioned in today's world, but it can still make a meaningful impact. While it's common for people to skip formalities and dive straight into conversation, taking a moment to use a respectful title is a small gesture that makes a great first impression.

3. Offering Seats To Women, Children, And Elderly

Did chivalry on public transport die? It used to be commonplace to offer up seats on buses, trains, and subways to women, children, and the elderly. Now, people are arguably so caught up with texting and social media that they might not notice (or care) to continue this act.

This tiny act of kindness doesn't take a lot of effort, but it speaks volumes about your character. If you see someone who might need your seat more, like a pregnant woman or an older man, offer your seat to show empathy and respect.

4. Being A Friendly Neighbor

Being a friendly neighbor used to be a cornerstone of suburban life, but today, it's becoming increasingly rare for people to interact with those who live right next door.

Many people now come and go without much more than a polite wave or brief nod, and the days of chatting over the fence or borrowing a cup of sugar seem like a distant memory.

Nonetheless, taking the time to be a friendly, approachable neighbor can strengthen your sense of community. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, greet them when you pass by, and offer help when you can.

5. Saying "Please" And "Thank You"

Nowadays, convenience seems to trump consideration, and it's easy to forget the power of simple politeness. Saying "please" and "thank you" probably seems like basic manners, and that's because it is. Yet, these magic words are still becoming rare to hear.

The next time someone holds the door for you or rings up your groceries at the supermarket, don't forget to thank them. Or, when you're asking a retail employee for help, say please. These small phrases go a long way in showing appreciation and respect.

6. Apologizing In Real Life

Everybody makes mistakes, but what's your go-to way to rectify them? When you've upset a loved one, you might type out a quick text or leave them a voicemail. While that's common practice today, nothing can replace in-person apologies.

Texts simply lack depth and can feel impersonal. By getting in your car, driving to your friend or partner's house, and knocking on their front door to apologize, you're making it clear that you feel genuine remorse and value their feelings.

7. Sending "Thank You" Notes

On a similar note, sending a "thank you" text to a friend or relative after they attend an important life event, like your birthday party, graduation, baby shower, or wedding, just isn't the same as sending a handwritten thank you note. This thoughtful gesture is now a lost art.

Not only is it helpful for our mental health and relationships to actively express gratitude to those around us, but it benefits the receiver, too. Ditch your texts (or worse, the mass "thank you" group chat), and send a thank you note instead.

8. Being A Bit Modest

Finally, this one may be a bit controversial, but it's time to bring back a bit of modesty.

Since so much of our lives revolve around social media, what we wear and how we portray ourselves online has turned into a competition. And it has pushed many people, especially teens and young women, to opt for more revealing clothing.

This isn't meant to shame anyone or stifle self-expression. On the contrary, having some modesty is about showing respect for yourself and not allowing just anyone access to your body. Plus, longing and desire are some of the most powerful emotions, and leaving certain things up to others' imagination can add to the allure of who you are.