What to do BEFORE you open your small business location.

On this episode of The Main Thing Show podcast, host John T. Peters is joined by guest Roberto Cartagena from Sunmed in Hackensack. John watched Roberto and his fiance Toni do some incredible things to promote their business even BEFORE they opened. Roberto talks with John about making friends, embedding yourself in the community, partnerships, and so much more.

THE MAIN THING SHOW is a video podcast guiding small businesses through the trials and tribulations of starting, running, operating, growing, and marketing their businesses. Episodes feature business owners of newly opened restaurants, bars, boutiques, tech shops, and many others. Guests also include experts in all these areas to help small businesses thrive on Main Street, USA. John T. Peters is the Executive Director of the Main Street Business Alliance, managing Downtown Hackensack's Special Improvement District with 375 businesses. He is also the Executive Director of the Hackensack Performing Arts Center. A serial entrepreneur since 1990, he has built and successfully sold two startups, including one international yacht cruise line and a travel technology company. John has also held senior executive roles, including President of USA Today’s Travel Media Group, and has been featured in major publications like the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal and many others.

Known for his expertise in business marketing and strategic partnerships, he provides innovative guidance to businesses and startups. He authored "Marketing on Main Street - Winning Strategies to Grow Your Small Business" and was recognized as an industry “Innovator of the Year.” A frequent speaker at global conferences, John has driven numerous successful ventures and initiatives. He proudly says he knows first-hand the stress of making payroll on Fridays. Topics of the Podcast Include... Branding Traditional & Digital Marketing Strategic Partnerships Grants & Funding Service Excellence Using AI and GenAI