Capsule 4: Product Development

In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons, along with co-hosts Cataanda James and Heloise Lanoix, dive deep into the intricacies of product development with special guest Desiree Crenshaw, also known as Desi or the Glam Scientist. Desi, a seasoned chemist and entrepreneur, shares essential insights on formulating standout products, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring scalability. The episode also covers the importance of owning your formulas, navigating contract manufacturers, and understanding regulatory and testing requirements. Additionally, Desi provides practical advice for indie brand founders on how to successfully bring their concepts to market, emphasizing the significance of thorough research, proper packaging, and realistic timelines. This episode is packed with valuable knowledge for anyone looking to elevate their brand's product development process. 00:00 Introduction to Product Development 00:20 Meet the Glam Scientist: Desiree Crenshaw 02:54 Rapid Fire Questions with Desi 05:47 Diving into the Main Interview 15:17 The Importance of Owning Your Formula 17:13 Challenges with Contract Manufacturers 29:28 The Cost of Not Getting Formulation Right 45:08 Understanding Contract Manufacturers 45:43 The Importance of Owning Your Formula 46:35 Challenges with Contract Manufacturers 49:51 Claims Testing and Validation 56:51 Navigating Production and Manufacturing 01:09:50 Packaging and Design Considerations 01:16:54 Final Advice and Contact Information

In this episode of the Brand Blueprint podcast, host Dana Ammons welcomes back personal branding and digital strategy expert, Trish Lindo. Trish, who boasts a robust background working with top media names like LinkedIn, Buzzfeed, and Oprah's network, delves into the impact of AI on personal branding. The discussion highlights key areas where AI can boost efficiency in branding work, the importance of maintaining authenticity while using AI tools, and practical tips for founders and brand owners to leverage AI effectively. Trish also shares insights on current trends and future predictions for AI in branding. The episode includes a rapid-fire segment revealing Trishs preferences and routines, as well as extensive tips on using AI for marketing, data analysis, and content creation. Trish's concluding advice is a reminder to approach AI with caution and ensure it enhances, rather than defines, your brands voice. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:18 Guest Introduction: Trish Lindo 00:44 AI and Its Impact on Branding 02:00 Rapid Fire Questions with Trish 13:31 Personal Branding and AI 29:53 The Importance of AI Memory and Premium Services 30:27 Streamlining Blog Writing with AI 32:30 Exploring Different AI Tools 33:11 Challenges in AI Image Creation 34:22 Understanding AI Platforms and Their Differences 41:15 Using AI for Data Analysis and Trend Identification 45:05 AI in Social Media and Marketing 46:53 The Future of AI in Business 54:39 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, Dana Ammons sits down with Phil Irvine to explore the development, marketing, and distribution of cannabis-infused beverages, MXXN and Bare. Phil, a key figure in these innovative brands, dives into the unique challenges of the industry, including how to balance growth and profitability while navigating a highly regulated market. The discussion also touches on strategic approaches to e-commerce, with insights on using platforms like Shopify and Klaviyo, and how the Farm Bill has opened new opportunities for retail and direct-to-consumer sales. Phil shares his expertise on maintaining product flexibility, educating consumers about cannabis-infused beverages, and leveraging data to optimize customer lifetime value against acquisition costs. The episode also highlights the importance of brand evolution, strategic planning, and the benefits of staying adaptable in an ever-changing market. Key Takeaways: • The journey behind MXXN and Bare in the cannabis beverage space. • Overcoming regulatory challenges and understanding the evolving market landscape. • How e-commerce P&L insights impact growth and profitability. • The value of customer lifetime value and strategies to optimize acquisition costs. • Tools and platforms to streamline e-commerce success and customer engagement. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Setup 00:38 Welcome to The Brand Blueprint 01:31 Founders and Brand Origins 04:23 Challenges in the Cannabis Market 05:09 Regulatory Changes and Strategies 11:12 Balancing DTC and Wholesale Strategies 15:18 E-commerce P&L Insights 22:17 Customer Acquisition and Lifetime Value 24:48 Tools for E-commerce Success 27:19 Marketing and Positioning in Evolving Markets 32:08 Educational Content and Consumer Engagement 36:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders 43:11 Conclusion

Join Dana Ammons on The Brand Blueprint Podcast as he welcomes back Phil Irvine for his second appearance to discuss his latest venture, Feed Me. This innovative food recommendation app aims to revolutionize how people discover and choose meals at restaurants. Phil delves into the challenges and successes of developing the app, the unique predictive analytics at its core, and the strategy behind building partnerships with restaurants. The episode also covers Phil's personal journey as a founder, offering insightful advice for entrepreneurs looking to launch tech products. Tune in for an engaging conversation that combines humor, personal anecdotes, and expert insights into the future of culinary experiences. 00:00 Welcome to the Brand Blueprint 00:21 Introducing Phil Irvine and His Ventures 02:09 Rapid Fire Questions with Phil 04:16 Phil's Food Preferences and Fun Facts 13:44 Diving into the Feed Me App 22:49 Partnering with Restaurants for App Promotion 23:36 Beta Launch and Contest at Cal State Fullerton 24:18 Onboarding Survey and User Experience 24:51 Generating Beta Users and Marketing Strategy 25:51 Challenges in Building the Tech Team 27:20 Engaging the Community and Leveraging Social Media 29:16 Forming Restaurant Partnerships 34:55 Leveraging Data for Business Insights 38:48 Future Expansion and AI Integration 39:32 Advice for Aspiring App Founders 42:19 How to Get Involved with Feed Me 44:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Dana Ammons on the Brand Blueprint Podcast as he welcomes Prakash Nagpal, a renowned leader in technology and marketing, to discuss the intricacies of brand management in the digital age. Prakash shares his extensive experience in B2B and B2C markets, delving into topics such as digital transformation, rapid brand adoption, and effective marketing strategies. The episode highlights the importance of understanding your target audience, utilizing technology, and telling compelling stories to build iconic brands. Prakash also touches on the impact of AI and offers key KPIs for measuring marketing success. Tune in to gain invaluable insights for taking your brand to the next level. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:59 Rapid Fire Questions with Prakash 09:34 Diving into Prakash's Career Journey 17:34 The Impact of Digital Transformation 21:56 Accelerating Brand Development 27:40 Iconic Brand Building 32:18 Branding Strategies of Major Companies 33:08 Understanding Your Target Audience 34:18 Digital Marketing Essentials 37:35 B2B vs B2C Marketing Tactics 39:34 The Marketing Flywheel 42:12 Resource Allocation in Early Stages 48:17 Measuring Marketing Success 01:00:26 Innovative Marketing Trends 01:05:38 Conclusion and Future Topics

In this episode of the Brand Blueprint Podcast, host Dana Ammons welcomes guest Trish Lindo, a seasoned expert in media and technology. Trish shares her journey from working with influential brands like Buzzfeed, LinkedIn, and Oprah's OWN network, highlighting her experiences in content strategy, digital branding, and helping founders make an impact. The conversation covers her career evolution, the importance of building relationships, the value of HBCUs, and tips for founders on using LinkedIn effectively for branding and networking. Trish also provides insights into creating engaging content and the importance of authenticity and consistency across different platforms. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:39 Trish Lindo's Career Journey 03:30 Navigating the Media Industry 05:49 BuzzFeed Experience and Challenges 08:48 Importance of Networking and Personal Branding 25:58 Transition to LinkedIn and Working with Founders 47:40 Reinforcing Your Brand with Intentionality 48:08 Navigating Personal and Professional Content 50:34 Engaging with Followers on LinkedIn 53:09 The Power of Asking and Building Community 55:02 Understanding and Utilizing Metrics 01:01:49 Consistency and Authenticity in Content Creation 01:03:22 Staying Relevant with Trending Topics 01:13:48 Trish Lindo's Career Journey and Networking Tips 01:37:40 Reflecting on BuzzFeed and Transition to LinkedIn 01:38:17 Navigating the Pandemic and Burnout 01:39:32 The LinkedIn Opportunity

In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Heloise Lanoix examines the critical role of product development in a brand's success or failure by presenting two contrasting case studies: the success of The Ordinary by DECIEM and the failure of Sally Beauty's Texture My Way haircare line. Heloise highlights key factors behind The Ordinary's success, including streamlined product development, consumer education, and robust supply chain management. In contrast, she outlines the reasons behind Texture My Way's downfall, such as underfunded product development and supply chain inefficiencies. The episode concludes with six essential takeaways for successful product development, emphasizing understanding the audience, aligning with brand identity, embracing feedback, maintaining quality, and optimizing the supply chain. 00:00 - Introduction to Product Development 00:46 - Case Study: The Success of The Ordinary 01:06 - Key Factors Behind The Ordinary's Success 02:39 - Consumer Education and Engagement 05:47 - Supply Chain Management and Affordability 07:28 - Case Study: The Failure of Texture My Way 11:40 - Lessons Learned from Success and Failure 14:26 - Conclusion and Future Insights

In this episode of 'The Brand Blueprint,' host Dana Ammons welcomes Patrice Malloy, also known as the Affluent CFO and the Financial Theory, to discuss essential financial strategies for founders, particularly around tax season. The conversation covers a range of critical topics including the importance of year-round tax planning, favorite tax saving tips, managing crypto investments, the value of proper business structuring, and the necessity of tracking documentation. Furthermore, Patrice stresses the need for proactive retirement planning and the complex considerations surrounding business valuations and investments. This episode provides a wealth of practical advice aimed at helping founders optimize their finances, reduce tax stress, and build wealth. 00:00 Welcome to the Brand Blueprint 00:09 Introducing Patrice Malloy: The Affluent CFO 00:18 The Importance of Tax Preparation 01:39 Rapid Fire Q&A with Patrice 02:04 Surprising Tax Facts and Tips 03:40 Crypto and Taxes: What You Need to Know 07:01 Advice for Founders Facing Financial Challenges 10:44 Setting Up Your Business Finances 13:26 Leveraging Business Credit 16:04 Overlooked Tax Deductions 19:46 Retirement Planning for Entrepreneurs 23:20 Understanding Quarterly Taxes 24:07 Understanding Payroll and Quarterly Taxes 25:17 Choosing the Right Business Structure 28:02 Common Tax Filing Mistakes 35:35 Handling Investments and Valuations 44:38 Preparing for Tax Season 46:02 The Importance of Professional Tax Services 47:24 Conclusion and Contact Information