Independent retailers don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, some of the most effective growth strategies come from teaming up with other businesses and organizations. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on the power of partnerships.

Partnerships allow you to borrow credibility, reach new customers, and create memorable experiences that big-box competitors can’t match. As Jantsch reminds us: “Collaboration is the small business secret weapon.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why partnerships multiply your marketing reach without multiplying costs
• Six types of collaborations retailers can use: cross-promotions, joint events, cause partnerships, bundled offers, co-branding, and online collaborations
• Real-world examples of Main Street businesses using partnerships to boost sales and community engagement
• A simple step-by-step process for finding and forming win-win partnerships
• Three easy actions you can take this week to start growing through collaboration

If you want to expand your reach, strengthen community ties, and create marketing momentum without going it alone, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, retail partnerships, collaboration, Main Street marketing, joint promotions, community events, word-of-mouth marketing, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Most independent retailers' marketing strategies don’t fail because they lack ideas; they fail because they lack consistency. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a focus on creating a marketing calendar that turns chaos into clarity.

Instead of scrambling to promote holidays, rushing last-minute social media posts, or missing out on local events, a simple calendar helps you plan ahead and stay consistent. As Jantsch reminds us: “Consistency builds momentum. Chaos kills it.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why consistency is the foundation of effective retail marketing
• How a 90-day rolling calendar helps you plan without overwhelm
• Step-by-step instructions for building your own calendar with holidays, events, themes, and promotions
  Real-world examples of Main Street retailers using calendars to drive sales and community engagement
• Three simple actions you can take this week to bring order to your marketing efforts

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start building a repeatable, stress-free marketing rhythm, this episode is for you.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, marketing calendar, marketing consistency, retail planning, Main Street marketing, customer journey, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing

Every retailer loves referrals — but few have a system to generate them consistently. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into the referral stage of the Marketing Hourglass.

Referrals are the most powerful form of marketing because trust is already built in. Referred customers spend more, stay longer, and become loyal advocates. But as Jantsch reminds us: “Every business gets referrals. The problem is, they don’t get them on purpose.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why referrals are so valuable for independent retailers
• The psychology of why people refer businesses they love
• Five components of a successful referral system (remarkable experiences, asking, tools, rewards, and partnerships)
• Real-world Main Street examples of referral programs that work
• Three simple steps you can take this week to start generating referrals on purpose

If you want to stop leaving referrals to chance and start turning happy customers into your best marketers, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, referral marketing, word-of-mouth, customer loyalty, retail growth strategies, Main Street marketing, customer referrals, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing