Episode Notes

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 of Retail Partner Solutions 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 business owner and what her 30 years of 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 as inspired to take notes as I did when I first aired our conversation on August 16, 2021.

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 can be a game-changer with big-box retailers if you qualify. Certification websites are outlined in the Episode Notes.
  • Social media from the client’s 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 a retailer and 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, and 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 can be reduced, reused, and recycled. 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.
• Ways to be 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

NEXT STEP: Challenge yourself and do the Conscious Attentive Leadership Mentoring (C.A.L.M.) Activities, below.