Behind the Review

Social media strategy can seem daunting to small business owners, or like just another task that takes attention away from increasing revenue. In this episode of Behind the Review, Crystal Vilkaitis, owner of Crystal Media, says social media cannot be ignored by small businesses. She uses her expertise in the ever-changing landscape of social media strategy to help local retailers harness the power of social media for increased sales, exposure, and brand recognition.

Crystal Media Rooted in Retail podcast

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There’s a coffee house on just about every corner in America now, so it can be hard to stand out among the crowds. That’s not a problem for Cream + Sugar in Cincinnati. Between the warm and welcoming atmosphere and the simple but delicious menu, owner Taren Kinebrew keeps people in her community coming back for more.

Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse More about the episode Theme Music by - Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound

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Around 15 miles away from Disneyland, Sunbliss Cafe echoes the bright happy energy of the theme park. With an Instagrammable interior and colorful dishes, Sunbliss has become a popular destination for smoothie bowls, coffee drinks, and avocado toast. Hear from owner Tani Ahmed how she brought her creativity to Sunbliss’s menu and fostered a sunny spirit in her team members to make all customers, including reviewer Alyssa Mae L., feel welcomed and valued.

Sunbliss Cafe More about the episode Theme Music by - Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound

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As Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine and author of Build for Tomorrow, Jason Feifer knows a lot about change. According to him, change is inevitable in any business, whether it’s a small bakery or a Fortune 500 company. How you adapt to that change is the key to turning that change into a success story. This week, he sat down with Yelp’s Small Business Expert Emily Washcovick to talk change strategy, learning to ask questions, and creating an identity outside of your business.

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Located in a strip mall in Oahu, Hawaii, Adela’s Country Eatery has grown a name for itself beyond its small takeout counter, winning the #5 spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat. Founded with a mission of sustainability, Adela’s integrates locally grown Hawaiian produce into its colorful noodle dishes. Hear from co-owner Millie Chan and her daughter Elizabeth Chan how they make everyone feel like family by giving customers a behind-the-scenes look into the noodle-making process.

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A sneak preview of Season Two of Behind the Review. The first episode drops on April 6!

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Emily takes a walk down memory lane as Behind the Review celebrates 100 episodes of small business experience, talking about everything from review response to great customer service, to hiring and firing employees. It’s all in anticipation of Season Two of the podcast, launching in early April 2023.

Behind the Review Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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Growing up, Dogpatch Games owner Shannon Newton played board games as a way to connect with his busy family. Years later, Shannon created Dogpatch Games, a board game store, to connect members of the San Francisco community during the pandemic. In this episode, hear how Shannon used customer service and event planning to turn Dogpatch Games into a community staple — and more than a board game store. You’ll also hear what made it memorable and review worthy for customer Jenny.

Dogpatch Games Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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Small business owners know that they put their heart and soul into their businesses, but how much of their own personality should shine through? In some cases, all of who you are as a person and a business owner can make your product or service more meaningful to your customers. This week’s podcast takes a closer look at how using authenticity in person and online can build a bigger and stronger business.

Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound

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