We explain why sponsoring niche podcasters and YouTubers beats mass ads for small businesses and local services. We share pricing ranges, performance tactics like affiliate links, and how authenticity drives trust and conversion.

• housekeeping, health update, and sponsorship changes
• local referrals and side projects including game trailer and indoor media billboards
• limited-time free ad screens for early indoor media adopters
• why micro-influencers outperform celebrity and mass media for SMEs
• host-read authenticity and trust from real experience
• measurable ROI with affiliate links, codes, and custom URLs
• pricing bands for 1k–100k creators and budget planning
• local vs national targeting for relevance and cost control
• B2B focus on credibility, guesting, and long-term trust
• action plan: test 3–5 creators and allocate 5–10% budget

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Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

After a brief hiatus due to illness, I return to discuss my career pivot and new entrepreneurial plans. I'm scaling back my work at Metro Trading Association to pursue substitute teaching and explore starting a cottage food business.

• Transitioning to part-time work at MTA due to changing economic landscape
• Starting substitute teaching as a stable career option amidst AI advancements
• Planning to launch a cottage food business under Michigan's $25,000 sales cap
• Exploring food business ideas with low overhead and high profit margins
• Considering the example of a successful but mediocre BBQ vendor at a campground
• Evaluating multiple income streams for better work-life balance

Visit the Renaissance Festival for their final weekend! Metro Trading Association members can get tickets on trade.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

Sustainability means more than recycling—sometimes it's about getting creative and maximizing what you already have, whether it's grilling equipment or business resources.

• The dilemma of repairing versus replacing a Weber kettle with rusted vents
• How spending $126 on repairs proved better than $1,800 on a new gravity smoker
• Preserving valuable accessories, knowledge, and muscle memory when upgrading
• Business owners resist change for similar reasons: comfort with existing processes
• Finding value in teaching children hands-on approaches rather than automation
• Smart, sustainable moves: audit what you have before replacing it
• Upgrade or repair before buying new, especially when already invested in tools
• Resistance from your team might signal a need for training rather than overhaul
• Resourcefulness is something to celebrate and share with customers

Hit me up if you want to trade stories, join MTA, or just chat business or barbecue!

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.