How I Built This with Guy Raz Advice Line: Tapping AI as a Resource for Your Business
21 snips
Jan 1, 2026 
Randy Hetrick, founder of TRX, returns with insights on product sampling and influencer strategies. Avni, co-founder of Modi Toys, seeks advice on scaling her culturally inspired plush toys and books after a sales decline. They discuss leveraging micro-influencers and AI-driven content to enhance brand engagement. Ideas for animated shorts and interactive AI dolls emerge as innovative solutions to reignite growth, showcasing the intersection of creativity and technology in today's marketplace.
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Prioritize Scalable Sampling Programs
- Scale sampling rather than paid ads to drive trial for food products; tasting converts at high rates.
- Hire or train a demo team when momentum shows you're ready to amplify sampling efforts.
Let Organic Wins Guide Scaling Decisions
- Be patient when self-funded: prioritize proving product-market fit before scaling broadly.
- Use small organic wins to signal when to invest in larger amplification moves.
Leverage Micro-Influencers Over Broad Ads
- Use micro-influencers (10k–50k) to amplify sensory products with video and tasting moments.
- Allocate a multi-month budget and vet engagement before committing big ad spend.