Luke, the Chief Marketing Officer at Dennis Food Service and a seasoned marketing expert, shares invaluable insights drawn from his wealth of experience.

Recorded live from the main stage at Maine-Stay 2023, this episode offers a front-row seat to Luke’s insightful discussion on maximizing your marketing impact without breaking the bank. From traditional methods to cutting-edge digital solutions, Luke unpacks a diverse array of strategies designed to elevate your business’s visibility and drive growth.

Join us as Luke delves into topics such as common marketing tactics, budget-friendly technology solutions, untapped platforms, and the DIY power of “the free stuff.” Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, this episode is brimming with actionable insights to reignite your enthusiasm and propel your brand to new heights.

Ready to revolutionize your marketing approach and unlock untapped potential—all without emptying your pockets? Dive into episode 74 and embark on a journey to supercharge your marketing efforts, affordably!

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Available as a video with slides and captions.
Dive deeper into “Do the Free Stuff First” with the keynote presentation video.
GO TO THE VIDEO

Dennis Knows Food Podcast   podcast@dennisfoodservice.com

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“This episode is perfect for small/medium independent businesses interested in creating a podcast.”

In this episode of Dennis Knows Food, we’re diving into the world of podcasting with Michael Mirarchi, a professional “toilet paper” salesperson, author, and returning guest. Joined by Samantha Hammond, and your host Luke LaBree, this conversation is honest and refreshingly frugal advice for a friend, which has been recorded for posterity.

This isn’t a how-to guide. Click here for that. This is a breakdown that incorporates real experience and dives deeper into what it means to have a podcast as a business. Discover the often-overlooked challenges of podcasting, such as finding your niche, maintaining consistency, growing and improving, and handling technical hiccups.

Michael Mirarchi returns as a continually fascinating guest, and shares his excitement about the potential benefits of podcasting for your brand, expertise, and revenue. “This is great advice… I’m sure other’s would benefit from this to.” And that’s exactly what’s we’ve done, turning a meeting on podcasting, into an episode of podcast insights.

It might “sound” easy but there are plenty of challenges, remember that podcasting is all about connecting with an audience and building a community around content you care about. Tune in to “Dennis Knows Food” for more interesting guest, food service insight, and small business marketing marketing tips. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Hardware/Software/Audio Recording recommendations for podcasting that won’t break the bank!
The Best Budget Podcasting Stuff

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Here’s a list of free to low-cost audio editing apps, podcast editing apps, and podcast hosting platforms. As well as budget-friendly recommendations for recording quality audio for a podcast episode.

Free or Low-Cost Audio Editing Apps:

1. Audacity: Audacity is a popular, open-source audio editing software that’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a wide range of editing features and is completely free.
2. Ocenaudio: Ocenaudio is a user-friendly, cross-platform audio editor that’s suitable for basic to intermediate audio editing tasks. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
3. WavePad: WavePad is a simple and intuitive audio editing software available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. While it has a free version, it also offers a more feature-rich paid version.
4. Cakewalk by BandLab: Cakewalk is a professional-grade digital audio workstation (DAW) for Windows. It’s free and offers advanced features for music and audio production.
5. Ardour: Ardour is an open-source DAW suitable for more advanced audio editing and music production. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
6. LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio): LMMS is a free digital audio workstation for music production and editing. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Podcast Editing Apps:

1. Adobe Audition: While not free, Adobe Audition is a powerful audio editing software widely used for podcast production. It offers a 7-day free trial.
2. Hindenburg Journalist: Hindenburg Journalist is a podcast-focused audio editing software available for both Windows and macOS. It offers a free trial and a paid version.
3. GarageBand: If you’re a Mac user, GarageBand is a free DAW that’s great for podcast editing. It’s user-friendly and comes pre-installed on Mac computers.

Podcast Hosting Platforms:

1. Anchor: Anchor is a free podcast hosting platform that offers tools for recording, editing, and distributing your podcast. It’s user-friendly and suitable for beginners.
2. Podbean: Podbean offers both free and paid podcast hosting plans. It provides reliable hosting, analytics, and monetization options for podcasters.
3. Libsyn (Liberated Syndication): Libsyn is a popular podcast hosting service with various pricing tiers. It provides detailed analytics and distribution to podcast directories.
4. Transistor: Transistor is a podcast hosting platform that offers a free trial period. It provides analytics, multiple show hosting, and easy-to-use tools.
5. Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout offers free and paid podcast hosting plans. It includes features like podcast analytics, automatic episode optimization, and easy distribution.
6. Spreaker: Spreaker provides podcast hosting with both free and paid plans. It also offers live broadcasting options and monetization opportunities.

10 frugal tips for recording quality podcast audio:

1. Smartphone Recording: Modern smartphones often have good-quality built-in microphones. You can use apps like Voice Memos (iOS) or Voice Recorder (Android) to record audio. For even better audio quality, consider investing in a lavalier microphone or an external microphone that can plug into your smartphone’s audio jack or USB-C port.
2. USB Microphones: USB microphones are affordable and offer decent audio quality. Popular options include the Blue Snowball and the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. These microphones can be connected directly to your computer or smartphone for recording.
3. Headphones with a Built-in Microphone: If you already have a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone, you can use them for recording. Many headphones that come with smartphones have decent microphones for voice recording.
4. DIY Soundproofing: To improve the quality of your recordings, you can create DIY soundproofing solutions. This can involve using blankets, pillows, or foam panels to reduce background noise and echo in your recording space.
5. Free or Low-Cost Recording Software: As mentioned earlier, free or low-cost audio recording software like Audacity or GarageBand can be used to record audio on your computer. These tools offer basic recording and editing capabilities.
6. Quiet and Controlled Environment: Choosing a quiet location for recording is crucial. Pick a room with minimal background noise and consider recording during times when there is less outside noise. You can also use soft furnishings and curtains to dampen sound reflections.
7. Script and Practice: To avoid the need for extensive editing, write a script or outline for your recording and practice before hitting the record button. This can help reduce recording time and the need for re-takes.
8. Audacity Noise Reduction: If you’re using Audacity, take advantage of its noise reduction tool. It can help remove background noise and improve the overall quality of your recordings.
9. Basic Audio Editing Skills: Learn some basic audio editing skills to clean up your recordings. This includes tasks like trimming, adjusting volume levels, and removing background noise or hiss.
10. Online Resources and Tutorials: There are many free online resources and tutorials available that can help you improve your recording and audio editing skills. Websites like YouTube and forums like Reddit’s r/podcasting can be valuable sources of information.

Listen to Episode 73 / So You Want to Make a Podcast?

In this episode, I hope to convince you of why it’s important for your restaurant to have a website even if you’re utilizing social media.

In today’s internet-driven digital age, a strong online presence is essential for any business. Yet, surprisingly, many restaurants and food-focused operations still operate without a dedicated website. By doing so, they unwittingly limit their potential reach and allow others to shape their brand’s perception online.

Don’t let the fear of complexity or cost deter you. Embrace the power of a website–your digital storefront, seize the opportunity to showcase your business, and unlock the potential growth that comes from a well-branded digital presence. [more]

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In episode 71, Luke LaBree talks with Christine Schindler about her invention PathSpot, which scans hands and detects for harmful contaminants on employee hands.

Christine is an entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor who focuses on using technology to protect businesses and their customers from the threat of illnesses and outbreaks. Her creation, PathSpot, is a Hand Hygiene System used at thousands of restaurants, airports, schools, offices, and manufacturing facilities worldwide. In just two seconds, PathSpot scans hands and detects harmful contaminants that spread common illnesses. Simply wash, dry, and scan hands to determine your team’s handwashing frequency and effectiveness. PathSpot lands right at the intersection of technology and food service.

To learn more about PathSpot, and the work that Christine and her team are doing to improve hygiene practices and processes, check out their website: www.pathspot.com

Dennis Knows Food Podcast   podcast@dennisexpress.com

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In episode 70, Dennis Food Service account executive Josh Henderson joins Luke and Samantha to discuss menu pricing and managing your restaurant’s menu for margin and profit.

The start of a new year is always a good time for restaurants to evaluate and update menus for profitability. But, as you’ll hear in this episode, given inflation and rising overhead costs, it’s best to build this task into your regular workflow, helping ensure your menu consistently meets expectations and desired margins. Menu management is one of Josh’s favorite parts of the job. In this episode, he draws from his years of hands-on experience consulting with restaurant operators to share key takeaways. With more and more operators working IN their restaurants lately, it’s important to remember to set aside adequate time to work ON your business.

For more factors to consider when adjusting menu prices in 2023, check out Luke’s article “New Year, New Menu Prices.” And for more about restaurant menus, marketing, and profitable strategies for your restaurant check out our blog.

To see Josh’s example comparing the results of trying to shave costs on ingredients vs. building in profitability to your menu, click here: Example Video

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In this episode Luke and Samantha go off the rails discussing how restaurants can create and use free QR codes. You’re guaranteed to leave with at least one important takeaway. This episode is also the first of our new two-person format; casual conversation that compliments, shares, and simplifies topics and trends that are valuable to independent food service businesses.

Whether you were driven to QR codes by the touchless adaptations of the pandemic or attracted by the convenience, customization, and extended business engagement offered to anyone with a smartphone in their pocket—you’ve decided it’s time. You are ready to use QR codes in your restaurant. Just one question remains. What the heck is a QR code? In this fresh new take on Dennis Knows Food we’re discussing what a QR code is and what it does–to help you better understand how your establishment can effectively start using them.

For more a more detailed breakdown, check out FREE QR Codes for Restaurant Menus and Online Ordering.

Dennis Knows Food Podcast   podcast@dennisexpress.com

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In this episode writer and marketing professional Marisa Sanfilippo joins the podcast to discuss scent marketing. Tapping into this powerful consumer sense can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.

In her article “The Smells That Make Shoppers Spend More” Marisa discusses how smell has a strong link to emotion and, therefore, spending. How scent marketing and scent branding are complex strategies involving science and art, intended to enhance customer loyalty and spending. And how using ambient scents to make your business smell good can have other applications, such as decreasing stress and anxiety. In this episode we’re connect the topic to food service to hopefully help you make more cents with your scents, if that makes sense…

For more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com. For the original article from Marissa Sanfilippo click here: businessnewsdaily.com/3469-smells-shoppers-spend-more.html

Dennis Knows Food Podcast   podcast@dennisexpress.com

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In this follow-up to episode 67, Peter Anania and Dustyn Bailey return to tackle the topic “What goes into a well-branded website?” You asked, we answered. We’re focusing this conversation around questions received, and answers given, following our first discussion.

Do you need an agency-built website or is DIY for you? What other digital marketing opportunities should you consider? How does your social presence factor in? Why does design affect user experience? If your gears started turning following episode 67 part 1. If questions came to mind. If you’re now motivated to dive deeper… Well, you know what to, hit play on episode 67 part 2! Special thanks to the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Eaton Peabody, and Anania Bailey.

For more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com.

Dennis Knows Food Podcast   podcast@dennisexpress.com

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In this 2-part episode, host Luke LaBree talks with the website development and marketing experts Peter Anania and Dustyn Bailey about what goes into a well-branded website and how that can lead to better business across the board.

The best practices covered in this episode go deep and apply to your business–whether you’re a multi-million dollar operation working with an agency or a small family-owned business going the DIY route. No matter the size of your business, your brand needs to put its best foot forward on the internet. It is quite literally a digital battleground for the hearts and minds of potential customers. And as we approach the busy summer selling season in New England, now is a good time to make sure your online presence is dialed in!

Part 2 of episode 67 will include answers to questions received during the live recording of this webinar. Special thanks to the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Eaton Peabody, and Anania Bailey.

For more foodservice news, resources, products and business insights visit us online at www.dennisexpress.com.

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