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food

Treating Your Customers Like Royalty

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My husband and I recently celebrated at Bistro Bella Vita in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was absolutely divine and here’s why.

Yes, making online reservations was super convenient. And yes, the venue was interesting and the made-from-scratch, sustainably sourced food was, oh, so good. What was most memorable, however, and why we’ll certainly come back, was the way we were treated.

So, it was our 44th wedding anniversary and every staff in house must have received the memo. From the moment we entered they made us feel special—not that staff-singing, all-eyes-on-you, embarrassing modus—rather a genuine warmth that brought smiles to our hearts. Many of the staff individually came to our table and congratulated us. They asked how long we’ve been married and marveled at our years. Our server offered complimentary desserts (I chose tiramisu, gastro-swoon!). When we were leaving, she wished us many more years to come.

Treating us like royalty has made us loyal customers indeed. Next time we’re in western Michigan, you’ll find us dining at Bistro Bella Vita.

CX is King/Queen in 2023

Those in the know say customer experience, or CX, has become a top priority for consumers. Royal treatment may sound highfalutin, but it’s the name of the game for small business marketing.

What experience do your customers have when they patronize your business? Are they coming back for more? What can you do to make them feel like royalty?

Not sure? Ask them!

What I’m Working On This Month

Check out my updated website (and please let me know of any glitches, typos, or dead links:-).

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

Let’s Work Together

Need help branding your business or promoting your product? Let’s discuss ideas.

CONTACT ME

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Wisconsin Outdoors is Calling.

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5 Marketing Trends to Consider for 2023

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Let’s talk fire cider—horseradish, jalapeño peppers, garlic, and all manner of knock-your-socks-off fortification for the cold months ahead. This year my concoction carries additional terroir because I used cider made from our bountiful peach crop. You could say I’ve been planning for winter for the past six months. I’ve been making other plans as well—my 2023 marketing plans. As I research small business and consumer trends, I’ve found interesting ideas that have me thinking outside my box. Maybe you too?

Might these trends fortify your business?

  1. Cryptocurrency is gaining ground
    Crypto cuts through credit card hassles for small business owners. It offers lower fees and instantaneous fund transfers. Hey, even my church accepts crypto donations. 
  2. Short-form video marketing captivating social media 
    Social media prioritizes video, making it highly visible and sharable—essentially free advertising. Maybe you can do a tutorial for your product? Or a tour of your farm? 
  3. Subscription marketing brings new/repeat customers
    With subscriptions we often think of CSA food or Amazon Prime. But any product that involves replenishment, curation or access can be sold via a subscription. 
  4. “Personal” is the buzzword
    From iPhones to Misfits Market, personalization has become essential to customers who expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations.
  5. Customer Experience (CX) is more important than ever
    It’s always the year of the customer, but CX in 2023 could be even more important (some might say demanding, see #4). Here are a few suggestions.
LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

I’m studying maps and guides for a new poster project. Watch for it in 2023. In the meantime, check out my current shop for the outdoor adventurers in your life!

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. Mark Bittman interviews Alice Waters: they’re both champions for good food. Alice takes it further and teaches children of food and democracy. 
  2. It’s Cranberry Season! Ever wonder why fields are flooded for harvesting? Learn a little more about Wisconsin’s state fruit. 
  3. Returning the Gift, by Robin Kimmerer. We can never revisit this too often. Perfect for Thanksgiving.
  4. The Ski Jumpers, by Peter Geye. A favorite author’s latest novel, all the ingredients of a captivating story.

What I Wish For You

God’s blessings on your Thanksgiving. May your upcoming holidays be meaningful, however you celebrate!

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Collaborate With Your Competitors? You Bet!

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My husband and I just returned from our annual Octoberfest Brewery Tour. This year we took our sipping and scenery to Charleston, SC, and it was glorious! 

Businesses Working Together

In one of Charleston’s lesser known but rising neighborhoods is the Charleston Brewery District. It’s a community of ten breweries “sharing their love of beer with the Lowcountry,” as they like to boast. It’s also an example of savvy entrepreneurs working together to create a tourist hotspot, benefitting both their businesses and their community.

Used with permission from the Charleston Brewery District

Creative Collaboration

Tarah Gee, president of the Charleston Brewery District, says there are many advantages to working together. Two innovative ideas rocking it for both the breweries and the community: 

  • Free Shuttle
    The ten breweries have chipped in to provide a free shuttle every Saturday. Beer enthusiasts ride from brewery to brewery, sampling and enjoying.
     
  • Keep Charleston Beautiful
    Once a month, the breweries take turns hosting a neighborhood clean-up. The breweries provide the bags and volunteers provide the umph. Afterward, everyone gathers for a beer. 

What about you? How can you and your competitors work together? 

LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

Join me November 4 as I present an inspiring workshop for the Women Food & Ag Network. Here’s the scoop!

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. It takes a team, even in the craft beer industry.
  2. October was National Women’s Small Business Month: Two women forge their way and help others to do the same.
  3. What makes Wisconsin special: One brewery’s pandemic business model.
  4. Are predicted shortages stressing your gift plans? Give an Ice Age Trail poster.
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Timing is Everything When Marketing Your Business

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Every July Japanese beetles decide our vineyard is the tastiest on the block. Since we only have 100 vines and are striving to be organic, I simply knock those iridescent irritations into a bucket of soapy water and feed them to my chickens. My mode of defense is easy enough, yet timing is the key to its success. Japanese beetles are lethargic in cool temps, but quick to fly away (and later return) as the day gets warmer. If I want them falling into my bucket, I have to get out there with the morning sunrise.

Timing is everything, as they say. The same can be said when marketing your business. 

Timing Is Everything

  1. Plan six months out. Yes, we’re enjoying the heat of summer, but now’s the time to finalize your autumn marketing plans and brainstorm for winter. Anything big happening in 2022? Got any ideas for a marketing theme?
     
  2. Follow your industry. An awareness of what’s happening in your industry enables you to plan, respond and adapt. Is your product subject to seasonal creep? Do you need to start promoting it earlier? 
     
  3. Stay flexible. A well-scheduled plan makes marketing easy but even the best laid schemes can go awry. Weather, current events or other hot button issues sometimes require a deviation from the plan. Do you a handy backup?
LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

I’m super proud to serve as a director for Women Food & Ag Network, a non-profit empowering women in healthy food and ag systems. So many inspiring people! This month we’re storytelling as we develop our fundraising/membership drive. After all, stories are the most powerful tool in a marketer’s box. 

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. The Impact of Her Spirit: a 1980s oral history project. Great research for a workshop I’m presenting in November.
  2. What Defines a Family Farm? Obviously, there are differences of opinion, as shown in this article. Either way, we’re loosing our farms.
  3. Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. A well-researched bio of both an amazing woman and the famous trail. 
  4. Firefly Coffeehouse: A story of COVID survival and loyal employees. How’d they do it?
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Pros and Cons of Joining Your Chamber of Commerce

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Have you ever thought about joining your local chamber of commerce? This topic came up recently in several entrepreneur discussions. The comments were varied and interesting.

All About Networking

A chamber of commerce is like a basket of businesses. It’s designed to connect local owners so they can collaborate with and advocate for one another. A well-organized, active organization provides education, marketing assistance and overall support. But like any such network, what you put into it determines what you get out of it. 

Based on the comments I mentioned above, I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for joining your local chamber of commerce. 

Pros

  1. Builds Relationships: Getting to know and regularly hobnobbing with fellow business owners is invaluable. 
     
  2. Establishes Credibility: Most chambers maintain membership directories, online listings, and tourist guides. Such exposure is a great marketing tool and brings credibility to your business.
     
  3. Expands Resources: Chambers work directly with government and educational organizations. They have access to business loans, legislation, discounts, advertising, and so much more than one might have on their own.
     
  4. Being Bigger Than Yourself: Chamber membership is an opportunity to be part of and contribute to your community. It’s a chance to advocate for what’s right for everyone, not just a few. 

Cons

  1. Requires Membership Fees and Time Commitments: Upfront costs and time commitment are cause for consideration, especially for new or small businesses.
     
  2. Not Relevant to Everyone: If your business is not brick and mortar or your target market isn’t local, a chamber membership may not feel useful. Also, if networking isn’t your personal bag, you may not enjoy the social aspect of chamber meetings. 
     
  3. Focus is We, Not Me: An ethical chamber of commerce works for the good of all its members and the community (this is actually a good thing). If you prefer a self-focus for your business, this may not be the organization for you. 
     
  4. No Quick ROI: Just like any networking, the return on what you put into the chamber will need time to develop and grow. Patience will be key.
LET’s WORK TOGETHER

What I’m Working On This Month

Earlier this month I was proud to present my Ice Age Trail poster, a segment-by-segment checklist of hiking Wisconsin’s 1200-mile geologic wonder. I was amazed and humbled by the positive response. 

Stepping into the eCommerce world requires me to step out of my comfort zone (which for the most part is quietly behind the computer). Sales taxes, shipping labels, and trips to the post office are now daily activities. I’m learning so much!

Want a poster? Shop here!

What I’m Tuned In To This Month

  1. The Power of Planting Seeds: Community gardens have immensely broadened the availability for healthy food. We’re well into the gardening season, but acting now enables next year’s possibilities.
     
  2. The Lidice Massacre: Please, let’s not compare COVID vaccines or wearing masks to the Holocaust. This story shows humanity at its worst.
     
  3. Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa: Fourth of July is coming! We made these recently and they were delish. We’re making them again next weekend!
     
  4. Part 1 and Part 2: Do we shake hands? Can we hug? Gathering post COVID leaves so many questions. Priya Parker is excellent. 
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