With so many creative people making products people love, why are some brands making them on retail shelves and online stores while others never get their products into the average consumer’s hands? Ann Anderson has been in the retail industry for over 30 years and explains how big-box retailers have changed, current trends in consumer behavior and which group of consumers are leading these trends. Learn how to Level-Up your product brands to bridge the gap between brands, retailers, and consumers.

Ann’s positivity and joy radiate through the sound waves as we start with how she separates her identity from her business cash flow fluctuations, from one product launch to the next and from one client to the next. We continue with Ann’s experience as a new business owner and what her retail expertise and services can do to get your products on store shelves and in the hands of consumers.

The flow of our conversation is organized so you can engage in learning without feeling overwhelmed. Ann is a fast talker releasing a plethora of valuable content. I found myself inspired to take notes as I listened several times.

Leveling-Up topics we discuss:

• What Leveling-Up your brand means and how to do it.
  • What it takes to get products into specialty stores, grocery stores of all types, regionally expand and increase chances of getting into mass retailers.
  • The gestation period for getting products online and on big-box retail shelves.
  • Certifying your business, if you qualify, can be a game-changer with big-box retailers. Certification websites are outlined in the Episode Resource Notes.
  • Social media from the client perspective or consumer, and what big-box retailers look at and consider when going with a brand or not.

• Benefits of pro bono work as a brand strategy.
• Wholesale Case Study: How to modify a product strategy from two perspectives; a retailer perspective and a channel perspective.
• Building Buyer Relationships. Ann’s extensive database of buyers and different levels within big-box retailers (the chain of command) and what you need to know.

• E-Commerce Product Process: determining where you are.
• Supply Chain Logistics: scaling capabilities, quantity, timeliness to replenishing store shelves. What to be aware of right now within supply chains.

• Marketing and Customizing Brand Sheets. What information to include when approaching a retailer.
• Handling Negotiations. What you need to know.

• Product Differentiator. Sustainable products and packaging are in: reduce, reuse, recycle. Find out how else you can differentiate your products and services.
• Trends Affecting Big-Box Retailers and Consumer Behavior. Do a quick search exercise on Target.com.
  • Being responsive to consumer behavior changes.

We finish with Ann highlighting critical Up-Leveling strategies so you can close the gap between your brand, retailers, and consumers. DOWNLOAD    

After listening, complete below, the Conscious Attentive Leadership Mentoring (C.A.L.M.) Activities.