Be Personal

Out Of Place, But Interesting

Garth Beyer

Something remarkable about Cambodia is that there are a lot of broken objects lying around.

What was once broken, has since been integrated into the environment. Plots of land, homes, playgrounds all have objects that seem so out-of-place, but they make the space interesting. They make the land. It’s a perfect photo for an I Spy book.

The objects show the history, the humanity, and offer perspective on the progress people have made in the last ten years there.

It made me think how hard we all try to hide our pasts, to cast a shadow over our failures, to paint over bad memories with new ones instead of letting them make our lives more interesting.

When we let our failures stay in our box, they may seem out-of-place, but to others they are interesting, they tell your story, they show you’re human.

It’s a step toward happiness. A leap toward success.

 

Stay Positive & If It’s Broken, Let It Be Part Of Your Story

 

The Best Way To Grow Your Business Locally

The Best Way To Grow Your Business Locally

Garth Beyer

Brooklyn Brewery President

Being president of anything means being the best marketer of the organization or business.

I’m learning from the beer brewing industry that when it’s difficult to expand large geographical areas because of competition, success all comes down to marketing local.

The best way to do that as President?

Be personal. Talk to everyone. Always be available. Be human. And, most importantly, you have to be outrageously passionate. No exaggeration here. If anything, I’m under-exaggerating how much it takes, how connected you need to be, how much time and care you need to give the community.

PR agencies aren’t vital for local growth. You don’t need to hire marketers on your team if you don’t want. You’re far better off taking the role as marketer yourself. The best businesses (breweries especially!) have the best Presidents and the best Presidents are often the best marketers.

This all seems obvious, sure. But look at your schedule, analyze what you do each minute of your day. Are you behind the scenes? Are you in an office? Or are you out greeting people, asking where they’re from, connecting with them, sharing your knowledge of what you know about the history of your business product or service with people face-to-face?

It’s one thing to have a business logo on your shirt. It’s another to put a face to the logo and by extension, the business. Customers need to know the face of the business or organization for them to connect on a personal, committal level.

As President and the best marketer, that’s your job.

 

Stay Positive & Being The Best Locally Often Attracts National Attention

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