In “Meet a Member,” we highlight the people who make up the North American Guild of Beer Writers. It’s a chance to learn more about the wide collection of journalists, podcasters, bloggers, and vloggers who cover the industry. See and archive of these Q&A profiles.
Where can people find you on social media?
@notyourhobbymarketing on Facebook and Instagram
Twitter: @NotYourHobbyMS
Where can people find your work?
My website (www.notyourhobbymarketing.com), Craft Brewing Business, The Brewer Magazine, Ekos Crafthub, CODO Beer Branding Trends, Crafted For All, Craft Beer Professionals, American Cider Association, Craft Beverage Expo, NanoCon
What topics do you regularly cover?
Strategic business planning, retail beverage sales, digital marketing, distribution management practices, leadership, branding, management, women in beer, beer and feminism, inclusive hiring and infrastructure practices, equitable company cultures, chain stores sales, annual brand planning, market expansion, industry treends
What topics would you like to cover more in the future?
How you can have both profits and social justice in your craft beverage business. How strategic business planning is essential for long term growth.
People should consider me an expert on ____ … and why:
With over two decades of experience on the business side of the specialty beverage industry – supplier sales, digital marketing, and distribution management – I provide strategic sales and marketing advice to small to medium-sized beverage alcohol brands through webinars, white papers, digital courses, one on one consulting, and group coaching programs.
I write, podcast, teach and speak at industry-focused events about strategic business planning, because I want craft suppliers to know that it is possible to succeed in a saturated, macro-brand-dominated market even if you have limited resources. I would consider myself an expert on retail beverage sales, team management, leadership, social media marketing, website optimization, email marketing, sales copywriting, SEO, sales data analysis, marketing analytics, distributor management, annual brand planning, chain/national account sales, marketing/sales materials, and go-to market planning.
I have a BA in Marketing that I paid for myself by working full time while going to school. I’m a member of Pink Boots Society (chapter leader, chapter committee chair, education task force, and membership committee), Women of the Vine & Spirits, Pomme Boots, the American Cider Association, and multiple state brewery guilds. I’m also a member of the Brewers Association DEI Marketing & Communications Subcommittee, and a Mentor for the BA Mentorship Program, as well as one of the organizers of the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. Initiative, providing proactive ways for beverage organizations to prevent gender based harassment and violence.
What’s a favorite thing you’ve created in the last year?
My presentation for the Beer Culture Summit 2021: We Should All Be Beer Feminists and contributing to the creation of the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. Initiative
What’s the last great thing you read or heard? (beer or not)
Feminism, A Key Idea for Business and Society by C.V. Harquail
What’s a fun fact, hidden talent, or something you enjoy that has nothing to do with beer?
I played in a competitive billiards league for about 7 years, so I’m quite the pool shark. I still have my own cues and play any chance I get. I also love sci-fi, funky socks, and donuts.
