Let’s face it, things have been unpredictable lately for small business owners. Some industries are thriving, while others are facing real challenges. It is hard to predict the future, but one thing remains constant: the need for business owners to plan ahead.

After working closely with business owners and meeting with top business and community leaders this year, I’ve gathered some insights and successful strategies that are trending for 2025. The following suggestions for content, marketing, and events are designed to spark ideas for you and your team.

Content: Real vs Curated

With the onslaught of AI, there is a craving for authenticity in content. People want connection and a feeling of being seen and understood. This is a tricky challenge for businesses. Not only do you need to be intentional about the ‘why’ of each piece of content, but you want to look professional, but also want to appear transparent and human. That takes intention and a balanced content plan.

Your content can include curated, professional images, while also featuring behind the scenes, off the cuff, or ‘in person’ videos and pictures. We don’t need the ‘hot mess express’ showing up all the time in the messy back room. That type of ‘realness’ that may cause people to question your professionalism. On the other hand, if  you only show perfect images, and we haven’t even seen your face yet, you are missing an opportunity to build rapport and familiarity. People buy from people, especially if you are selling a service.

Marketing: People First

This leads me to my next marketing insight for 2025. Our personal circles are driving our purchases. People are making the difference, when it comes to sales. When you are looking for a product or service, what is the first thing you do? Some people post in facebook groups or on LinkedIn and ask for suggestions and referrals. Asking other people. 

Some people ask their personal circle of family and friends. Again, people. 

You meet someone at an event and build a professional relationship. You choose to hire them. Personal relationship.

You may even do this (perhaps unconsciously) with people online. You listen to a podcast and by hearing their voice, you begin to know, like, and trust them. When they share about a product they use, it feels more influential than an ad. Even when you google a business or product, if you check the reviews, you are looking for other people’s input to qualify your purchase. It comes back to people and relationships.

If your business or organization is only focusing on interruption and impersonal marketing (where you force your message on people that didn’t ask for it), you will be missing out in 2025. Like most of my advice, there is a middle ground: relationship marketing that eventually flows to intentional next steps that have been prepped for education, re-engagement, and sales (which could include automation, targeted ads, etc). 

Many smaller businesses and organizations have a staff member, spouse, or teenager that was put in charge of the social media account. That person is probably doing their best, but in 2025, you may need to invest in some strategic support to keep a competitive social presence.

The online space is too saturated for winging it. We can provide you with a strategic plan that your team can follow, custom branded Canva graphic templates they can edit to ensure consistency, or even provide custom monthly content for your staff to post. Your business deserves a unique voice on the internet that attracts your best fit customers and keeps your favorites coming back.

Events: Value and Purpose

The business event space has been ever-changing since the pandemic. I pay special attention to trends in events for local businesses and organizations, whether that is lead generating events, visibility opportunities, or sales and fundraising. Gone are the days that you can create an average event (that serves mostly your interests), and people will show up to it. In the days of streaming shows, food delivery, and more family focus, people are protective of their time. ‘What is in it for me?’ is the unconscious question in our minds when we see an event in our feed. Can I find the same information online? Do I need to leave my house, or can I find a similar experience elsewhere?

Hosting events for your business is a great way to fast forward relationship building mentioned above, with an opportunity to meet people in person. They can be extremely effective!

The events that I see doing well are: 

• Experiences that are an escape from the everyday (whether that is fun with friends or wholesome family experiences)
• Higher level opportunities to advance a career or business
• Events to broaden personal or professional circles/connections
• Unique experiences that are not widely or regularly available

In other words, if you are having an Open House, a workshop, or foot traffic event, it needs to be an EVENT and worthy of their time. Plan accordingly.

If you haven’t noticed, my emphasis is always on the planning and strategy, and finding a balance that fits for you. I believe every business needs their own unique approach, that is based in best business practices. If this resonates with you, and you need help with the planning steps, please reach out. There are many ways to work together, regardless of your business size.

Let’s make 2025 the year to stop winging it!

What are your predictions for your community in 2025? What trends do you see evolving in your industry?

The post 102: Emerging Trends in Small Business Marketing and Events appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

If you’ve ever wondered how to encourage your team to take ownership of their marketing efforts and bring in new clients, this episode is for you! Private practice service providers can help drive new business, when owners engage them in the client attraction and retention process.

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker as she talks with Patrice Flanagan-Morris, owner of Empowerment Within, a mental health outpatient practice in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Patrice shares her processes in her business that support her team of service providers, and what is working. Together, Robin and Patrice brainstorm some new ideas for getting service providers more involved in marketing themselves and the business.

Listen in to hear more about:

• Educating your service providers about your client journey (remember, they are used to being employees, and not business owners)
• Systems and automation for better team member support and client experience
• Encouraging service providers to take ownership of their marketing
• Building a stronger client pipeline through team involvement and motivation

Connect with Patrice and Empowerment Within:

Website: www.empowermentwithinllc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerment.within/

Let’s chat! Set up a initial consulting call with Robin

Join us in the Impact Business Circle Mastermind for that coaching, accountability, and CEO camaraderie that you need in your business.

MORE EPISODES => podcast archives, or sign up for the podcast club to be notified when new episodes are launched.

The post 101: Growing Your Private Practice- Coaching Your Service Providers to Market Themselves [Strategy Session] appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Welcome to the 100th episode celebration of the podcast! Business Coach, Robin Walker will be reviewing some of the most impactful business advice for owners and entrepreneurs that has been covered in the first 100 episodes.

Listen in for insights into business mindset, standing out in your industry, and business strategy. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a 3 month membership in the Impact Business Circle!

Mentioned in this episode:

Enter to win a 3 month membership to the Impact Business Circle Mastermind for coaching, accountability, and CEO camaraderie that you need in your business. Entries close 9/23/24.

Enter the Impact Giveaway Here!

SEE PAST EPISODES => podcast archives, or sign up for the podcast club to be notified when new episodes are launched.

Let’s connect on Facebook and Instagram!

The post 100: The Most Impactful Business Advice from 100 Podcast Episodes appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Are you experiencing a slow time in your business, or have ups and downs in your sales seasons? Join Business Coach, Robin Walker as she discusses strategies for small business owners to handle slow seasons effectively. Listen in for some refreshed perspective and motivation, as well as ten actions you can be taking to make use of this slower time for growth and preparation.

Listen in to hear about:

• Common challenges during slow times
• Mindset Switch: Benefits of down time
• Actionable steps to increase sales
• Should you do discounts?
• Business building activities
• Encouragement to get through

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 81: Business Cards That Convert

Join us in the Impact Business Circle Mastermind for that coaching, accountability, and CEO camaraderie that you need in your business.

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, attracting sales, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

MORE EPISODES => podcast archives, or sign up for the podcast club to be notified when new episodes are launched.

The post 99: What To Do During a Slow Season in Business appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Whether it is your first or fifth hire in your business, all of the options can be overwhelming. What is the difference between an independent contractor and an employee? Which is appropriate for which situation? As an owner, you can’t do it all if you want to grow or scale your business.

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker as she interviews Jamie Van Cuyk of Growing Your Team, about hiring in your small business. Jamie shares about delegating the high level strategy, down to the day to day tasks.

“An employee is part of your organization. A contractor is another business that you are working with to produce something.” -Jamie Van Cuyk

Listen in to hear more about:

• The difference between an independent contractor and an employee
• How independent contractors are used by small business owners
• How much say an owner has with service providing, client facing contractor
• Ways to set up a contractor relationship for success and fulfillment by both parties
• What to do if a contractor is not a good fit
• Fractional positions (CEO, CMO, CFO)
• How AI can help with your hiring needs: will it replace a new hire?

“AI won’t take your job, it’s somebody using AI that will take your job.” -Economist Richard Baldwin

Additional resource: Employment situations defined by the IRS

Connect with Jamie and Growing Your Team:

website: https://growingyourteam.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingyourteam

Join us in the Impact Business Circle Mastermind for that coaching, accountability, and CEO camaraderie that you need in your business.

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, attracting sales, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

MORE EPISODES => podcast archives, or sign up for the podcast club to be notified when new episodes are launched.

The information in this episode is not legal advice. Contact your own tax or legal professional to advise your business hiring decisions and contracts.

The post 98: Hiring For Your Small Business- Contractors, Employees, & AI with Jamie Van Cuyk appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Where are you limiting yourself as a business owner? Where do you get stuck and where is fear holding you back? Being a business owner is a roller coaster of overthinking, unconscious self sabotage, and the highs and lows of failures and successes (sometimes even in the same day!).

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker as she interviews Kate Carter of Kate Carter Coaching about small business fear, limiting beliefs, and the ups and downs of business ownership.

Listen in to hear more about:

• Types of fear small business owners experience when running a business that may be holding them back
• Shame, guilt, overwhelm, and exhaustion and how these feelings help us become aware that we are going out of our comfort zone
• Where Taylor Swift was right
• What to do when you catch yourself in a place of fear or self doubt
• How being hard on ourselves effects our success

Mentioned in this episode

Connect with Kate Carter:

website: https://www.katecartercoaching.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkatecarter

The Unlocking Business Potential Workshop Series starts June 2024. Book your spot here.

Go deeper into business owner mindset and where it is limiting your growth in regards to the following business areas:

#1 Pricing, Sales Conversations, and Revenue #2 Productivity and Consistency #3 Referrals and Reviews

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, attracting sales, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

Thanks for listening! Looking for more? Check out the podcast archives, or sign up for the podcast club to be notified when new episodes are launched.

The post 97: Business Owner Confidence, Connection, and Comfort Zones with Kate Carter appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker, to hear about four things that business owners can do now, in order to not lose momentum over the summer months. We get busy in May, but it is also the best time to get things in place so that you can enjoy the summer, while still reaching your business goals.

“The summer months make up 25% of your business year. Don’t leave them to chance and get stuck starting over in fall.”

– Robin Walker

Are you looking to slow down, maintain, or grow this summer? Once you determine your goal, you can make plans to stay consistent with marketing or business projects, while balancing your summer activities.

Need help now? If you are looking for support creating a marketing plan or steps for summer, book a coaching call with Robin in May. This Summer Marketing Coaching Session will help you determine your strategic focus, action steps, and a digital checklist to help you stay on task over the summer months.

Set up your coaching session here.

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, attracting sales, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

The post 96: Summer Business: 4 Things To Do Now To Stay On Track and Keep Momentum appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker, for insights into how the people you surround yourself with in your small business can be the superpower you need for growth, and a happy and healthy business.

“The beliefs, mindset, and ambition of the people who surround you as a business owner, directly influence your success.”

– Robin Walker

Where can you ‘be real’ about business ownership? Do you have a group or circle of other business owners that meet regularly for support ad growth conversations?

How do you know if your business circle is a superpower or is keeping you stuck where you are?

Entrepreneurs: listen in to episode 95 to hear all the good stuff. The summary is below.

Your circle is a superpower if:

• You can be vulnerable and show up as your true self. You don’t need to put on a facade, explain away failures (or hide them). When you have trust in your group, you can try out out new mindsets, bring hard things into the light, and get to the bottom of why something isn’t working.

• There is growth mindset instead of negative attitudes and blame. When business owners blame forces out of their control when things don’t work, (the algorithm, the economy, etc), they are not looking for solutions. If this is who you are surrounding yourself with, you are not going to grow. You will find excuses and not look to what you can do differently to find success. A healthy group with hold a compassionate space for you, but also help you find a solution.

• The people in your business circle have a similar level of ambition, and views on life balance as a business owner. They challenge you to dream bigger, charge a healthy rate, hold boundaries, and own your expertise.

Your circle will be cheering you on, even if you are outperforming them. They will not be threatened by your success.

Additional benefits of a powerful business circle:

• They will make referrals for you because they want to- and they are right fit referrals because they know you so well.
• They will challenge you to try new things and lovingly call you out when you are limiting yourself.
• They are honest about their business experiences and are willing to share their resources and wisdom.
• They show up for each other.

You don’t have to do business alone. Having a space to be vulnerable and talk honestly about business is a game changer. Until you have that, you may not even realize you are missing it.

So now what? If you are looking for a mastermind circle to join, the Impact Business Circle is now accepting new (and returning) members. Check out what if offers here, and get in touch to see if it is a right fit for you and your business. It offers business coaching, group support, and goal setting strategy and accountability.

Set up a business strategy session with Robin here: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/coaching/

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

The post 95: Your Circle is Your Superpower appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Join Small Business Consultant, Robin Walker in episode 94, as she talks with the Lakeside Conference planning committee (and former conference attendees) about this year’s event. Even if you aren’t going to the conference, you can use these tips for your next in-person event.

What we cover in this episode:

• What is the Lakeside Conference?
• What you will get out of the event
• Coming to the event alone
• Hear from an introverted attendee
• What to do before the event to prepare
• How to make the most of it, while you are there
• What to wear
• What to bring

Mentioned in this episode:

Business Cards That Convert: Episode 81

HUGE thanks to the planning committee! Connect with them online:

Kim Paleka [Cheer Buttons and Bows]- https://www.cheerbuttonsandbows.com and Instagram

Dr. Emma Scaro [Chiros in Motion]- https://sports-chiropractors.com/ and Instagram

Victoria Warren [Above the Barre Dance Academy]- https://www.atbda.com/ and Instagram

Ways to connect with Robin and get support:

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting & achievement, and small business topics: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

Get notified about new episodes, and grab episode downloads by joining the Podcast Club email list!

The post 94: Tips to Make the Most of the Lakeside Conference (or any conference) appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Join Small Business Consultant, Robin Walker in episode 93, as she interviews Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Women’s Leadership Coach and Speaker, and owner of Pleasantly Aggressive. The discussion revolves around boundaries in your business, and what to say in difficult conversations when navigating your customer relations, pricing, and procedures.

What we cover in this episode:

• People pleasing and how that relates to your ideal client and marketing
• What to say to clients that are not a good fit
• Boundaries with pricing and how your offers are set up
• How to navigate negotiating pricing or payment format with a client
• Setting boundaries with business/social relationships
• When you get pushback on your boundaries

Connect with Rebecca of Pleasantly Aggressive Leadership Coaching:

Website: https://www.pleasantlyaggressive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malotke-meslin/

@pleasantlyaggressive

Mentioned in this episode:

Rebecca’s past episode: 84 What is holding you back in your business

Ways to connect with Robin and get support:

Set up a coaching call with Robin to work on your business owner mindset, sales strategy, or business fundamentals organization. Find your best session here.

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, or how to attract more clients: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

Get notified about new episodes, and grab episode downloads by joining the Podcast Club email list!

The post 93: Business Boundaries and Difficult Conversations with Rebecca Malotke-Meslin appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.

Small business owners often get hit with sponsorship requests, and with tight budgets, it is important to assess the ROI on any donation or investment. How do you know when it is worth it or if it is a good fit?

Join Business Coach, Robin Walker, for a discussion about the 5 questions to ask yourself when investing in sponsorships as a small business owner.

“The sponsorship alone is not going to deliver your results. It is a combination of your actions before, during, and post event plus what the organization is also adding as benefits.”

Robin Walker

Listen in to hear more about each step, what to avoid, and how to make the most of your sponsorship.

Mentioned in his episode:

Join the WBW Podcast Club here to download the Sponsorship Planning Sheet.

Ways to connect with Robin and get support:

Set up a sponsorship strategy session with Robin here: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/coaching/

Book Robin to speak to your group or audience on productivity, goal setting, standing out in your marketplace, and more: https://www.womensbusinessworkshop.com/media

The post 92: Sponsorship as a Small Business- Is it worth it? How to Choose Opportunities Strategically. appeared first on Women's Business Workshop Robin Walker.