December 1st marked the one year anniversary for one of V Design’s clients, Pearl Street Taphouse. V Design was proud to work with Teri Taylor and Kelly Conn in helping them pursue a life-long dream. This small business is one of the reasons I design. They were fully-invested in every aspect of building their brand, right down to the vintage salt and pepper shakers that sit on the tables. Neither of them were afraid to take chances as long as it held tight to their vision. They were relentless in getting it right and jumping through every hoop to open those doors. They stay current on keeping their business in the media (viral marketing and social media), and use the latest technology to let potential fans learn about them through their beer app.
Kelly’s extensive knowledge of craft beers combined with Teri’s food instincts and high standards for customer satisfaction have led them where they stand today. Their business is a hit. Not only is the food amazing, but their beer selection is varied and well thought-out. I walk in as a customer happily spend my hard-earned money with them. No luck here, they earned every five star review they have. Success leaves clues.
Here are some of the things any business owner can learn from Teri, Kelly, and Pearl Street Taphouse.
- Find something you are passionate about. If you like it, there will be people who will spend money on it.
- Instead of trying to fix every weakness, put all your focus into your strengths and develop those. Be resourceful. Make it work.
- Design your brand and tell your story. Give it value.
- Know your audience and serve them with everything you have. Consumers aren’t just cattle to he herded….they are important assets who will help you make money in doing what you love.
- Sometimes, you will have to have hard conversations – don’t shy away from it. You don’t have to be a dick, just be a boss.
- Show up! Be persistent & consistent. Follow-through!
- Expect the best from your employees and only keep the ones that care about coming to work and doing their best.
- Advertise – find ways to get your name out there. It doesn’t always take a lot of money, you just have to keep them talking about you.
- Interact with your customers/community as much as possible.
- Find somebody who is good at doing what you are not good at doing and trust that person to do that thing.
- Work your ass off.