ANTICIPATING CHANGE

While we've all experienced enough change in our lifestyles, customers, and the ways we do business this year, how we anticipate and respond to change has quickly become a major factor in predicting success. Forbes chatted with "Entrepreneurs Who Created or Maintained a Successful Business" during the Coronavirus, most of whom attribute their success to listening more deeply to their customers, and doubling down on strategic social media. Both philosophies are rooted in customer service, so read on about creating exceptional experiences in virtual interactions (Forbes) and why consumers expect better customer service during COVID-19 (Agility). Although "teamwork makes the dream work" might sound a bit cliché, "Virtual Team Brainstorming Sessions" (Telegraph Herald) and utilizing "Self Compassion to Better Lead" (Harvard Business Review) will result in a more engaged and aligned internal team. C|Louise PR + Marketing's very own Caitlin McCarthy shared her insight on successfully pivoting, new challenges, and new opportunities in Classic Chicago Magazine.

From door-to-door transportation, grocery runs, and private experiences, Food & Wine covers "How Hotels Are Adapting to New Needs in a New Era". With winter just around the corner, Covid-19 will continue shaping every industry, including retail shopping (Inc) and grocery buying patterns (Good Morning America). Restaurants in particular have experienced a constant state of flux since March, but experts predict that ghost kitchen concepts will continue expanding across the country (CNN). CEO and Co-Founder of Podium has managed to change his business practices for the better in 2020, but leaves us with this: "The question we business leaders have to answer is: What will that new normal look like for our companies?"

NOVEMBER'S MONTHLY BUZZ

The James Beard Foundation talks "Creating an Agile Business Model" in this one hour webinar focused on rebuilding more successfully and sustainably.

The need for a strong social media presence isn't slowing down anytime soon, and it's critical businesses understand "How to Pivot and Elevate Your Small Business Through Social Media" (Score).

Successful companies and brands provide more than products or experiences, they provide a sense of community. Mark your calendar for December 2nd's "Turn Your Customers into Community" webinar (Tory Burch Foundation).

A JOLT OF INSPIRATION: DINE-IT-4WARD

Dine-It-4ward made its debut this past August with a mission to spotlight the Chicago restaurant industry in a new normal, while simultaneously shining a light on local charitable organizations. Their 2020/2021 Culinary Guide includes a tour of favorite Chicago restaurants, bakeries, and more through BOGO offers on dine-in and carry-out meals, participation in which comes at no cost to the businesses. By purchasing a Culinary Guide, readers help further Dine-It-4ward's goal of moving forward through community strength and support.

Dine-It-4ward's featured local charity is The Few Initiative for Children, which aims to empower Chicago's underserved youth through programs, services, and opportunities designed to teach lifelong communication and leadership skills. By using the code FEW20 at checkout, readers can purchase the Culinary Guide for a discounted $39, with 20% of each purchase benefitting The Few Initiative. Visit Dine-It-4ward's website to learn more, or follow them on Instagram @DineIt4wardChicago.

News to Brew

Engagement with your customer, both in-person and online, is more important now than ever before. Creating memorable experiences that leave lasting impressions in the minds of your customers can be a deciding factor in whether or not they will return to your venue, repurchase your product, or "follow" your social media. Business.com discusses the importance of "Setting Business Goals," especially pertaining to the pandemic. While marketing budgets are too often forgone until the last phase of a project, Forbes emphasizes "How Mismanaging Marketing Causes Many [Businesses] To Fail (And How To Manage Marketing Better)". Still unsure about making the leap towards more digital interaction? Inc. says, "Traditional businesses need to explore online revenue models to survive," and one thing is for sure: social media is crucial.  

Netflix film, "The Social Dilemma," may appear to some as more horror than documentary, but here's what the film misunderstands about social media (The Verge). Instagram's latest feature, Reels, is a new way to engage and connect with your audience. Entrepreneur offers "Tips on How to Use Instagram Reels to Grow Your Brand." Between Reels, static posts, stories, and your overall social media presence, the ability to use that data can better prepare your business for its next key pivot (Inc.). The latest in social media news includes a new Facebook management tool and harmful TikTok content bans (Falcon). 

Monthly Buzz

For comprehensive explanations on "Branding and Connecting With Your Customers," Tory Burch Foundation's one-hour webinar answers all your questions. 

Expand your social media beyond gorgeous food photos or breaking news and consider using your platform for, first and foremost, building community. Simply enter your email address to access James Beard Foundation's "Social Media For Social Good" webinar.

Digital engagement doesn't begin and end with social media. Mark your calendar for the "Send Emails That Grow Your Business" webinar and learn how to optimize for revenue, business growth, and connecting with customers (Tory Burch Foundation). 

Jolt of Inspiration

Since the beginning of the stay-at-home order, upscale hotel Deer Path Inn has provided its Instagram users with funny and relevant videos to further engage their following and provide lighthearted content in an otherwise, well... heavy time. Their unique approach to social media has gained them recognition in Forbes and quickly amassed an Instagram following of 8,000+. By displaying a diverse range of content from safety measures, staff highlights, and Inn features, @DeerPathInn perfectly showcases what it means to build a community while maintaining one's brand.

News to Brew: September 2020

Go ahead, turn off cable news and tune into a few of our favorite positive reads from the past month. From New Zealand returning to normal, to socially distant weddings, Elle covers "80 Positive News Stories You May Have Missed During the Coronavirus Outbreak." Choose to be the good news when you "Foster a Culture of Giving Back" within your company (Entrepreneur). Not sure where to start? Take inspiration from The Breadfruit & Rum Bar as they delivered nutritious meals to nearly 70 families with the help of World Central Kitchen. Additional volunteering opportunities are practically endless as the demand for Virtual Volunteering grows (VolunteerMatch).

Between new processes at LinkedIn, Instagram Reels vs. TikTok, and restructuring Pinterest, there's plenty of social media news to catch up on (Falcon). Speaking of social media, change the narrative and engage in discussions that matter when your brand "Starts Meaningful Conversations Online." Come back from the pandemic with a larger following and a stronger team by taking Inc.'s advice on "how to make traits like agility, collaboration, and candor a permanent part of [your] management process."

Keep up with the most up-to-date knowledge on the wildfires in the west (The New York Times), and learn how you can help by supporting the American Red Cross. 

Monthly Buzz

Short on time? Catch up while you brew your morning coffee with NPR's "Up First," giving you the top three stories of the day in just 15 minutes. By the time 8AM rolls around, you'll be well-caffeinated and well-informed.

The James Beard Foundation has launched a three-part "Restaurant Resilience" webinar series in an effort to support the industry. Upcoming topics include "So This is Awkward... How to Have Uncomfortable Conversations" on 9/21 and "Using Social Media and PR for Immediate Impact" on 9/30.

A Jolt of Inspiration: Spread Love

Our team recently had the honor of working with The Fulton Street Collective and their artists, Kristin Wenc, Karol Hilker, and Laura Schueren on a colorful project for our Chicago neighbors! Located on the corner of Union and Ohio, the pictured mural was a collaborative effort, but always maintained one goal: Spread Love.

This goal aligned perfectly with the kickoff of the Born This Way Foundation's #BeKind21, a campaign that encourages practicing acts of kindness from September 1st through 21st in order to form a habit. Whether you reach out to a friend you haven't heard from lately, offer a socially distant smile to a stranger, or work on spring cleaning early this year to round up donations, no deed is too small. 

While you don't need to officially participate in #BeKind21 to be kind, getting involved in the campaign is a great way to hold yourself, friends, and team accountable for spreading a little extra love in the world. Check out how others are participating @BTWFoundation, or see what acts of kindness our team is up to @CLouisePR. 

News to Brew

These days, we're soaking up every piece of feel-good news, like this Block Club Chicago feature, "Manny's Deli Begged Customers for Help-- and Chicago Responded with Lines Out the Door." If you're looking for ways to provide assistance to those who need it most (outside of buying a hearty pastrami sandwich), Goop offers "Brilliant Fundraising Ideas from Chefs, Hoteliers, and Non-Profits." While this time proves challenging for those in any industry, restaurant owners in particular are making painful choices as they adjust to new business models. Food & Wine reminds us that whether Delivery, Takeout, or Complete Closure, "Caring for People is the Only Viable Business Strategy." Likewise, caring for employees amidst the pandemic is equally, if not more important. Read up on "How to Manage Employee Anxiety in the Workplace" (MSC). 

Breaches to Twitter accounts of those such as Bill Gates, Joe Biden, Elon Musk, and more are a not-so-subtle reminder to keep your business' social media accounts secure. Take the time to set up Two-Factor Authentication so you can rest easier. 

Bi-Weekly Buzz

With threats of regression into Phase 3 looming, Miami and Los Angeles restaurateurs discuss the impact these re-openings and "re-closings" have had on their restaurants and what Chicagoans can potentially expect (Eater's Digest). Live Webinar "Operation Future-Proof" takes place on Thursday, July 23 and will walk you through every tactic you'll need to communicate, plan for, and execute a reopening. This podcast from Marketplace explains "How the Pandemic is Creating a "Low-Touch" Economy," and which changes might be permanent. 

A Jolt of Inspiration: Mark Domitrovich

The truth is, none of us know what life after COVID looks like just yet. However, Mark Domitrovich, Founder and CEO of Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods, Lottie's Pub, The Pony Inn),  offers some clarity and discusses how his restaurants plan to rebuild in the post-COVID economy with Authority Magazine.

Mark says, "With adversity, there is always opportunity. We kept our restaurants open during the pandemic for carry-out and delivery at a loss so that we could keep the conversation going with our guests. We worked really hard to be creative, have fun, and be industry leaders, which has now given us the opportunity to re-open ahead of our competitors. We are seeing support from the community and customers are thanking us for being a positive part of quarantine. That is now giving us the opportunity to have a larger voice and reach, and it is allowing us to continue the conversation we started."

Among the challenges faced as a business owner during the pandemic, Mark also discusses the importance of doing what's right and always being open to adapting, "It sounds simple, but always do the right thing no matter the situation. Business gets hard, no matter the industry you are in, but if you stay true to yourself, your partners, and the business, you’ll be better off in the end." 

You can read the full feature here. 

News to Brew

How was your 4th of July weekend? Out of the ordinary? Surprisingly pleasant? A little bit of both? As we navigate this unprecedented summer, revive your at-home activities with Travel + Leisure's guide which includes "Virtual Tours, Animal Cams and more." While we've all had to make do with our living room "gyms" or begrudgingly take up jogging (No? Just us?), Insider discusses "What It's Like to Workout During the Pandemic," so read on to see what your new fitness regimen will really look like.

It seems as though the hospitality industry can't catch a break as "Growing Cases of COVID-19 Lead California and Pennsylvania Counties to Again Close Bars" (Eater), and OpenTable predicts "25% of America's Restaurants Will Close for Good." One thing is for sure: we could all use a bit of stress relief and relaxation. "This is What You Might Experience at a Spa Post-COVID-19" (Forbes).  Or take any reopening anxieties into your own hands with GQ's feature on keeping anxiety at bay. 

Bi-Weekly Buzz: The Importance of Resilience

NPR's "How I Built This" features ClassPass CEO and founder Payal Kadakia, providing an especially inspiring and informative perspective on entrepreneurship and pivoting your business to fit the times. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's the importance of (sometimes obligatory) resilience. Samin Nosrat, the author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, dives deeper into this concept in this episode of NPR's Resilience Series. 

A Jolt of Inspiration: Paola Velez

Pastry Chef Paola Velez of Kith/Kin (Washington D.C.) was almost broken by the restaurant industry many times throughout her career, and a pandemic forcing her to go on furlough should have been the breaking point. But Paola's fierce passion and eternal optimism pushed her to create a meaningful, collaborative project: Bakers Against Racism.

Paola and her co-founders' vision began as a way for bakers of all calibers to use their skill sets as a way to combat systemic racism. It has since snowballed into a worldwide effort with sales underway on 5 continents, 17 countries, and more than 41 states. Listen to Paola's story, from her start in pastry to her current activism, on Radio Cherry Bombe. 

Follow @BakersAgainstRacism on Instagram + treat yourself in the name of a good cause while you're at it. 

News to Brew: Finding Moments of Positivity + Settling in to the "New Normal"

The air might feel heavy right now, but it's more important than ever to find moments of positivity and hope throughout your day. "How the Stoop and the Sidewalk Helped New Yorkers Stay Sane" by The New York Times will help you remember the importance of being a good neighbor. Flip the narrative across social media after reading Today's "What if 2020 Isn't Cancelled?" 

While settling in to this "new normal" is still at the forefront of everyone's minds, get straightforward advice about reopening your business from an epidemiologist in Fast Company. Read on and view the timelapse video of coffee giant La Colombe's  creative acrylic panels and verbal orders upon reopening (Philadelphia Inquirer). Sometimes a change is necessary, even during a pandemic. Eater covered a Chicago-area bakery's move in "Hewn Bakery in Evanston Accomplished a Herculean Task During the Public Health Crisis." 

Bi-Weekly Buzz

We could all use a few extra "Reasons to Be Cheerful" and shun our built-in negativity biases (Freakonomics). Just like we all need cheer, we all need safe and equitable workplaces. NPR provides "4 Ways to Make Your Workplace Equitable for Trans People" just in time for Pride Month.  

A Jolt of Inspiration: DL Mullen

DL Mullen, Owner of Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery, Chicago's only Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space, was forced to temporarily close the store in March due to... well, you can guess. However, Mullen's mission of promoting literacy in the Chicagoland area didn't stop when she closed Semicolon's doors, in fact, she saw a greater need. Mullen and her employees put together 500+ bags full of what she considers "life-changing" books for kids of all ages and hosted a #ClearTheShelves event for those in need to pick up their free reading materials.

Mullen said, "It's necessary, and I think that's the position that independent bookstores are supposed to be in. We know that our margins are slim to nonexistent, but we should still be helping out the community in the most effective way that we can and that's through giving people books." (Read the full feature in Chicago Tribune)

Check out Semicolon on Instagram, and visit their website to purchase a book. 

News to Brew: The Atmosphere Has Shifted

The atmosphere has shifted. Can you feel it? Our team has taken time to deeply reflect on our philosophies as individuals and as a business, and we hope you've chosen to do the same.

Learn more about how "Restaurants Are Supporting Communities with Whatever They Have" in Food & Wine, and consider the ways you too can make a positive impact. Ad Age is also tracking brands' responses to racial injustice, which can serve as an excellent what-to-do and not-to-do.  If you're attempting to manage your media diet right now, try one of Healthyish's "5 Ways to Set Healthy Boundaries Around News and Social Media." Restaurants around the nation have opened for dine-in service at 50% capacity, and Chicago celebrated a small milestone this past week by reopening for outdoor dining. Eater Chicago covered "Social Distance Violations Over the Weekend," while other restaurants navigated reopening in the wake of protests (Bon Appetit).
Illustration: @mattblease

Bi-Weekly Buzz: Diversify Your Listening

Diversify your listening and check out Code Switch, a podcast hosted by journalists of color, tackling the subject of race head-on.  The Dave Chang Show hosts Chef Paul Carmichael of Momofuku Seiobo to discuss the underappreciated cuisines of the Caribbean, and the deep roots of today's racial conflicts.