Brewed Business

Welcome back to Brewed Business! In our first episode of Season 2, Roni and Shelby dive into a recap of the 2024 holiday season—what worked, what didn’t, and the surprising lessons learned. We also look ahead to 2025 with predictions for small business trends, from creating immersive retail experiences to curating high-quality, locally made products. Plus, we discuss the power of community over competition, why an online presence is critical, and how to stay connected with your customers year-round. Grab your favorite drink and join us for an honest, insightful conversation to kick off the new season! The post S2EP1 Holiday Recap & 2025 Retail Predictions appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Roni and Shelby dive into the essential strategies for hiring holiday help and staff. We discuss how small businesses can tap into their existing customer base to find the right holiday help, the importance of starting early, and how to set clear expectations for both employers and employees. Key Takeaways How to effectively use social media to advertise job openings. Why it’s crucial to start hiring in the fall for the holiday season. The benefits of hiring from within your community or existing customer base. Pros and cons of using platforms like Indeed for small shops, and what alternatives you can use. Tips for creating a supportive work environment for part-time holiday staff. Bonus Resource:How to Write the Perfect Job Description: Job Title: Be clear and specific. Instead of just “Retail Staff,” consider “Part-Time Holiday Retail Associate.” Job Type and Hours: Clearly outline whether the position is seasonal, part-time, or full-time and specify the expected working hours. Job Responsibilities: List out key duties (e.g., customer service, stocking shelves, assisting with events). Required Skills: Be transparent about any necessary experience or skills (e.g., cash handling, customer service). Perks and Benefits: Highlight employee discounts or flexible scheduling options. Contact Information: Ensure applicants know how to apply, and who to contact for questions. Check us out on iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Drop us a comment if you have any topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes! We love hearing from our followers. LoveSac PromoLooking to upgrade your space? Use our exclusive link to save $100 off your LoveSac couch purchase. Plus, when you use our link, you’re also supporting the Brewed Business podcast, helping us keep bringing you more great content! Click here. The post S1EP14 Finding the Perfect Holiday Help appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Shelby and Roni dive into the success of Apple Harvest Day, highlighting the power of community connections at local festivals. They share firsthand experiences from the event, discussing how building relationships can elevate both your brand and customer relationships. Discover why big downtown festivals are perfect for engaging with your local audience and how shop owners can make the most of these opportunities. Shelby and Roni also explore how community connections with fellow shop owners can transform your downtown into a cohesive shopping experience. From maximizing foot traffic to the benefits of collaborating with other businesses, this episode is packed with practical tips on growing your local presence. Topics Covered: Highlights from Apple Harvest Day and festival strategies Building strong community connections at local events Why being present at downtown festivals matters for small businesses Collaborating with neighboring shops to boost sales Turning local events into opportunities for long-term growth Whether you’re a small business owner or a festival enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights on harnessing the power of community connections to create a lasting impact in your local market. The post S1EP13 Apple Harvest Day Recap: Community Connections appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Shelby and Roni dive into the essentials of crafting a successful market strategy for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or just getting started, we’ll cover how to find the right market fit, the importance of knowing your audience, and how to stand out at local events like Dover’s Apple Harvest Day or the Sage Farm October Market Show. We also discuss managing the stress of balancing a busy business schedule, juggling multiple events, and handling family life. Plus, hear about setting up your market booths, curating your product selection, and making meaningful connections with customers and other vendors. Key Highlights: Tips for finding the right market strategy for your business. How to choose the best events for your products. Balancing multiple events and managing stress during busy seasons. Curating your booth to fit the market’s vibe and attract the right customers. Importance of foot traffic and customer engagement at events. Listen in as we share personal experiences, challenges, and advice on creating a market strategy that works for you. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and check out our website for more updates and helpful resources! Our Market Essentials 10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart Portable Cash Box Table Signs For Display Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. The post S1EP12 Juggling Markets and Events: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Roni and Shelby dive into the power of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow your business. From attending networking events to connecting with like-minded individuals. We discuss the challenges of attending events alone, the benefits of meeting others in person, and how to find the right groups to expand your network. If you’ve ever felt nervous about networking or attending business events, this episode is packed with insights to help you find the energy and confidence to move forward. Resources & Mentions:Karen from Eagle Eye Editing: Providing compassionate editing services for writers. Find out more about Eagle Eye Editing. SCORE Seacoast: SCORE Seacoast Website – A great resource for business owners seeking mentorship and networking events. Jessica Brown, WCVB Boston: An inspiring keynote speaker who shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt. Lisa Carter, Drinkwater Productions: Branding expert who helps businesses discover their core message. Learn more about Lisa Carter and Drinkwater Productions. Gail Zona: AI workshop leader sharing insights on how to integrate AI into your business. Connect with Gail Zona on LinkedIn. Follow us on Instagram: @BrewedBusinessPodcast Visit our website for more resources: BrewedBusiness.com Thank You for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or via our website. We’ll see you next week! The post S1EP11 Out of Your Comfort Zone: Networking and Growth for Small Business Owners appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Roni and Shelby explore the power of in-store events to increase foot traffic, build community, and drive sales. We share our experiences organizing workshops, pop-up events, and other creative ways to engage customers in meaningful ways. Tune in to learn actionable tips on planning successful in-store events and why creating an inviting atmosphere can boost your bottom line. Key Points: Why in-store events are essential for brick-and-mortar success. Ideas for events that align with your brand and engage your community. The importance of offering exclusive deals and experiences during events. How to collaborate with local artisans and creators to enhance the customer experience. Event Essentials: Customizable Prize Wheel Our Pick For Folding Tables Fitted Table Cloth (An inexpensive way to up class your event table) 2 Pack Drink Dispensers For Water/Juice Links & Resources: Follow us on Instagram: @BrewedBusinessPodcast Visit our website: BrewedBusiness.com Thank You for Listening!Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more insights in future episodes. Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected] Purchases made through our affiliate links may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you, helping support the podcast! The post S1EP10 From Fraud to Foot Traffic: Using In-Store Events to Drive Engagement appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, we dive into how to strike a balance during the holiday season without getting lost in the holiday hype. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to prepare for the holidays or just someone trying to avoid going overboard, this episode will guide you on how to stay true to your brand while navigating the holidays. How to incorporate holiday elements without overspending. Tips on stocking holiday-specific items that won’t leave you stuck with leftover inventory. Creative ideas for bringing holiday cheer to your shop with minimal stress. Strategies for selling products that are “seasonal adjacent” and can work all year long. Practical advice on using decorations, gift wrapping, and even music to give a festive vibe without going all-in on traditional holiday decor. Tune in to learn how to embrace the holidays in a way that works for your business, your budget, and your sanity! Join the Conversation:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @BrewedBusinessPodcast to share your thoughts and experiences, and don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for the latest episodes. The post S1EP09 Navigating the Holidays: How to Go Festive Without Overdoing It appeared first on Brewed Business.

In today’s special drop-in episode, Ronnie and Shelby are here with something exciting for shopkeepers and small business owners gearing up for Q4. The Holiday Success Workbook is designed to help you take control of the holiday season and maximize your revenue. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or just getting started, this 36-page digital workbook is packed with actionable strategies for email marketing, inventory planning, social media engagement, staffing, and holiday promotions. Tune in as Ronnie breaks down what’s inside and how this tool will help you plan, prepare, and profit this holiday season—without the stress! What You’ll Learn: How to effectively plan your Q4 promotions, social media, inventory, and staff management. Strategies for maximizing holiday sales, including email marketing tips and pre-order tracking tools. Unique staff incentive ideas to keep your team motivated during the busy holiday season. How to use the final checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks as you prepare for Q4. Ready to Make Q4 Your Best Season Yet?Get your Holiday Success Workbook today! This 36-page digital download is available now and packed with actionable tips, templates, and checklists to guide you through the holiday season. You can download it instantly, print it at home, or take it to a local printer for a polished copy.  Download Your Holiday Success Workbook Now  The post Just Dropping In: Your Guide to Holiday Season Success appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Roni and Shelby dive deep into how to curate and define your brand. Whether you’re crafting your own items or sourcing from other makers, staying true to your brand’s identity is crucial. We explore the challenges of dealing with competitors carrying similar products, the importance of finding unique brands that align with your vision, and the value of building relationships with small makers. We also discuss practical strategies for ensuring your product selection stands out while maintaining harmony with neighboring shops. Key Topics Covered: The emotional and financial investment in creating your own products. Strategies for finding unique brands that align with your store’s aesthetic. How to handle competition and overlapping product lines with nearby shops. The importance of supporting local makers and building relationships with them. Tips for attending trade shows and markets to discover new and unique products. How to maintain your brand’s true north in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re a new business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you curate a product line that not only fits your brand but also resonates with your customers. Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit our website at BrewedBusiness.com. Join the Conversation:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @BrewedBusinessPodcast to share your thoughts and experiences, and don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for the latest episodes. The post S1EP08 Curating Products that Define Your Brand appeared first on Brewed Business.

In this episode of Brewed Business, Roni and Shelby explore the concept of “your island” as a metaphor for your business environment. We discuss the feelings of isolation that many business owners experience and how important it is to build a strong, connected network. From local business connections to online communities, they share personal stories and practical advice on expanding your “business island” to create a more supportive and resourceful environment. We delve into how cultivating relationships while expanding your business connections with other entrepreneurs, both locally and online, can be the key to thriving in business. Whether it’s attending networking events, joining local chambers, or simply having coffee with a neighboring shop owner, this episode is packed with actionable tips on how to grow your network and avoid feeling isolated in your business journey. Tune in to learn how to build bridges, grow your business community, and ensure your “island” is connected to a vast network of support and opportunity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your current connections, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration to help you expand your reach and thrive. Join the Conversation:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @BrewedBusinessPodcast to share your thoughts and experiences, and don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for the latest episodes. The post S1EP07 Expanding Your Business Island appeared first on Brewed Business.