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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!

Etsy Vintage Cowgirls Pink Wallpaper

I'm in love with this charming Vintage Cowgirls Pink self-adhesive wallpaper, featuring vintage western scenes, cowboys on horses, and picturesque landscapes in soft pastel colors.

Decor Tip: Use earthy tones like warm browns, terracotta, beige, and soft whites as your foundation.

Crate and Barrel Dalton Brown Suede Lamp by Jake Arnold

This desk lamp, inspired by the 1940s, with muted red-finished metal dome, burnished brass accents and suede-wrapped tube warms up your Western aesthetic with a rustic yet elevated vibe.

Decor Tip: Mix vintage Western pieces with sleek, modern decor.

UO Vicki Collage Duvet Cover

This soft cotton duvet cover features rows of Western and floral icons for a more femme country vibe. Pair it with the Vicki Collage Sham Set.

Decor Tip: Have fun with it! Add pops of color and a touch of kitsch, but balance them with refined pieces to keep the look stylish and intentional.

Ruggable Lark Blue & Rose Rug

A modern (and washable!) rug with Southwestern geometrics brings a rustic refresh to your Western-inspired space.

Decor Tip: Layer in woven kilim patterns, Navajo-inspired throws, and fringed accents in earthy colors like dusty blue, sage green, rust, and shades of brown.

UO Cowboy Boot Tufted Throw Pillow

Classic Western motifs like cowboy boots are on trend and perfect to incorporate in your home decor, just keep them tasteful and minimal. This black-and-white pillow is just the right amount of playfulness.

Pottery Barn Bronze Horse & Marble Bookends

Cast in bronze on white marble, these sculptural horse head bookends are the touch of equestrian elegance your Western bookshelf needs.

Etsy Vintage UFO Poster

This retro sci-fi art is a unique departure from typical western art you might see, and totally fun and futuristic.

Decor Tip: Vintage black-and-white ranch photos, abstract desert landscapes, or bold Western portraits make great statement pieces.

Good Luck Horseshoe Wall Hanging

These viral 'Good Luck' brass horseshoes are perfect little accents for walls, shelves, anywhere you want to give guests a little wink and nod.

Decor Tip: Swap out kitschy Western elements for more artful, curated pieces.

Pendleton Cowboy Hat Hooked Pillow

This hand-hooked wool image of a cowboy hat was designed in Vermont by Laura Megroz.

Decor Tip: Use layered textiles (sheepskin throws, handwoven blankets, and plush cushions) for a cozy, inviting feel.

Etsy Stacked Cowboy Hats Print

Cowboy hats are iconic and a great statement piece for your western decor.

East Fork Pottery Small Mug

These handmade mugs from Asheville, North Carolina are the perfect addition to your Western earthy decor, and just the right size to keep your coffee warm while you drink it.

Decor Tip: Mix in handmade, artisanal pieces.

Farmhouse Pottery Reusable Bowl Covers

These linen bowl covers are perfect for bread making or covering a salad until you're ready to eat. Each set includes 3 different sizes.

Decor Tip: Incorporate soft, worn-in fabrics like linen and distressed leather.

McGee & Co. Plaid Tasseled Throw

Classic plaid patterns are a perfect fit for this aesthetic, while the tassels bring a playful, laid-back touch.

Threshold x Studio McGee Stallion on Canvas Board

Add a little personality with this affordable 8" x 10" stallion in an antique gold frame.

Decor Tip: Decorate with meaningful Western finds, like thrifted treasures, antique prints, or family heirlooms.

MH Dinner Bell

This solid brass dinner bell is the cutest thing I've seen on the Internet today. Dinner's ready!

Decor Tip: Add subtle nods to Western culture.

Loloi Grand Canyon Area Rug

This cruelty-free design is perfect for adding a little rustic decor to your space. But make this your only animal hide in the space to keep it from traveling into kitsch territory.

Tejas Country Club Howdy Print

A little Southern Charm in the kitchen or entryway adds a warm, welcoming vibe to your decor.

Decor Tip: Use mid-century modern art and lighting for a fresh take.