Startup Confidential

American media loves to reinforce the ideal of the visionary entrepreneur who ‘bootstraps’ to glory with no initial resources. The reality is that those who do pull this off usually have one or more superpowers as they started. My growing case study research suggests that having one of the following superpowers is key to beating the odds of making it through the Phases. Make sure you have one BEFORE you start. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

Delve into the complexities of artisan pricing in the consumer packaged goods market. Learn how excessive pricing can alienate consumers and limit scalability. Discover the phenomenon of creating a holiday 'gift' business rather than a sustainable model. Uncover insights on developing pricing tiers to align better with market expectations. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to compete effectively without relying solely on premium price tags.

Explore the fascinating world of food innovation tailored for GLP-1 users, a growing segment driven by new weight management solutions. Delve into the unique challenges and opportunities brands face in catering to this market. Is this just a marketing opportunity, or can it lead to genuine innovation? Discover fresh insights and strategies that could steer businesses toward success in a landscape often dominated by traditional diet foods.

Discover why many startups struggle to create entertainment-focused brands instead of just marketing their products. Explore the shift towards engaging brand communications and the internal culture needed to succeed. Learn the importance of connecting with passionate audiences and how brands like Dr. Squatch resonate by prioritizing empathy. Uncover the secrets behind successful entertainment-driven strategies that can elevate consumer experiences and reshape perceptions in various categories.

 In 2025, the Trump administration’s stated policy moves may easily trigger a recession in the U.S. by late in the year or in 2026.  This is a great time of year to create a Plan B for your marketing playbook to adjust how recessions impact premium-priced early-stage CPG brands. Have a listen and spend a day getting ready in advance. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

The perils of the first $500,000 in recurring sales are many. Most are related to cash flow and getting paid by distributors or retailers. Without the proper seed monies, many companies evaporate despite the power of their innovation. In this episode, I’m updating the episode that launched this tough love podcast. There is less space on shelves than ever before, slotting fees have risen, and competition for access is worse than ever.  Learn how to get through it and thrive.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

As 2025 approaches, the focus shifts to strategic planning for growth. Discover the essential elements that shape a successful plan, especially for consumer brands. Effective budgeting and smart resource management are crucial for undercapitalized businesses. The discussion delves into creating actionable strategies while forecasting risks, pushing entrepreneurs to approach planning realistically and thoughtfully. Get ready to elevate your growth game!

You may be an amateur with an idea. A great idea. And you may be smart, organized and well-funded. But you still should have at least one other person on your team with 10 years plus functional experience in the early stage world. Most likely, this should be an ops person. This is the skill most founders simply do not have. And it often shows.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

Let’s get real on seed financing. Judging by the sheer volume of founders complaining about all the hidden costs in third-party distributed retail, it’s clear to me that way too many middle-class people tried to jump on the bandwagon designed from top to bottom for the rich. Poor financial planning remains the number one reason that consumer startups die fast.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

During this funding lull, we should all step back and absorb the key mistakes that so many amateur founders made in the 2010s and the pandemic. In this episode, I start with the big one: You started looking way too late. Want the rest. Then, listen in! Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com