Startup Confidential

It’s not uncommon for brands to scale mostly as B2B enterprises with minimal emphasis on sophisticated consumer marketing. When product design carries you that far, it can be easy to overlook the marketing department. Then, when you turn to ask them for acceleration, you realize you do not have the right team at all. Or, even worse, you don’t even believe. For the founders who delay and doubt the power of marketing, please have a listen. 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

I never urge anyone to become an entrepreneur. Ever. That’s because I am one. Sometimes, continuing the business could endanger more than your finances. In this episode, I give you five clear signals that, when combined, make it clear you should wind down. Remember, you can always try again later in your life. Always. 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

Believe it or not, I used the same fieldwork techniques to build my own B2B brand that I urge you to deploy in my book. In this episode, I explain how I used a flywheel of goodwill connecting tradeshows to LinkedIn to build my business. Fans are critical oxygen for any entrepreneur.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

 In ten days, the updated and expanded edition of Ramping Your Brand goes live in all formats. In this episode, I go over what has changed and why you should grab a copy even if you have the 1st edition. 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

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