Leah Solivan, CEO of TaskRabbit, and Scott and Ally Svenson, founders of MOD Pizza, along with Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop!, share insights on reaching new customers. They tackle innovative approaches to introducing businesses, enhance customer engagement, and discuss the importance of blending empathy with expertise in marketing. From simplifying the divorce process to branding premium olive oil, they emphasize storytelling, collaboration, and community to thrive in competitive spaces, offering valuable strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Quick takeaways
Building trust through transparency and storytelling is crucial for disrupting traditional industries and reassuring hesitant customers.
Engaging customers through experiential marketing at events can strengthen brand connections and facilitate wider distribution for new products.
Deep dives
TaskRabbit's Insights on Trust and Branding
Building trust is essential for businesses that disrupt traditional industries, as exemplified by TaskRabbit. The founder emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of security for customers who may feel hesitant about using unfamiliar services. Trust can be fostered through transparency, such as background checks and customer testimonials. Educating potential clients on the benefits of the service, as well as sharing success stories, can help to alleviate fears and build confidence in the brand.
Hello Divorce: Overcoming Misconceptions
Hello Divorce aims to simplify the divorce process and provide an affordable alternative to traditional legal services. The founder addresses the challenge of changing perceptions among potential clients who still believe hiring a lawyer is necessary. Highlighting the platform’s ability to offer flat-fee services and expert support creates a compelling case for those considering it. By emphasizing the emotional and practical benefits through storytelling and testimonials, the company can build trust and encourage more individuals to use their services.
Aficio 22's Path for Nationwide Growth
Aficio 22, a premium olive oil company, seeks to expand its presence beyond California while maintaining strong relationships with customers. The founder shares their strategy of engaging with clients at farmers markets and wine festivals, showcasing the product through hands-on experiences. Establishing partnerships with retail outlets like Nordstrom has proven beneficial, but the quest for wider distribution remains a challenge. Focusing on creating emotional connections with consumers, coupled with a clear understanding of the product's quality, is essential for the brand’s expansion.
JetSetMeds: Educating Consumers on Travel Health
JetSetMeds provides curated medical kits to travelers, addressing the challenge of accessing necessary medications abroad. The founder discusses the importance of educating consumers about the product's benefits, especially in a crowded market. By targeting employers to offer this service as an employee benefit, the brand can tap into a steady customer base while demonstrating the convenience and necessity of the kits. Leveraging their medical expertise can also enhance credibility and strengthen relationships with consumers, making them feel more secure in their travel preparations.
This week, Guy is joined by Leah Solivan of TaskRabbit, Scott and Ally Svenson of MOD Pizza, and Holly Thaggard of Supergoop! to answer questions about reaching new customers from three early-stage founders in this special “mashup” episode of the How I Built This Lab Advice Line.
First, Erin from Alameda, California wants to introduce users to an online divorce platform so the legal process isn’t any harder than it has to be. Then, Kaveh in San Diego seeks to bring his olive oil beyond the farmers market and into kitchens nationwide. And finally, Erik from New Jersey offers on-the-go medical kits to make travel prep that much easier.
Thank you to the founders of Hello Divorce, aficio22 and JetSet Meds for being a part of our show.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
This episode was produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineers were Gilly Moon and Robert Rodriguez.
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