The Coming Economy & the Case for Going Low-Cost
The U.S. economy shed 92,000 jobs last month, a stunning miss against economist expectations of adding 50,000. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.4%. December was quietly revised from a gain to a loss of 17,000 jobs. This jobs report is a reminder that economic uncertainty isn’t a prediction anymore — it’s the new normal.
Big things are happening at Pricklee. 🌵
The team just closed a $2M seed round and completed a full brand repositioning — evolving from a niche cactus water brand into a mainstream natural hydration powerhouse for everyday consumers.
Your marketing has outgrown your team. But you’re not ready for a $250K (or more) CMO or COO. A fractional executive is the smart move.
You’ve outgrown your home-grown marketing, but you’re not ready (or able) to commit $250K+ to a full-time CMO or COO. There’s a solution for that gap. It’s where a fractional CMO or COO comes is.
Challenger to Category Leader: The Marketing and Operations Shifts That Matter
Most challenger CPG and consumer appliance brands stall because they keep operating like insurgents long after the insurgency phase has paid off. Moving from niche to category leader requires a deliberate shift in behavior, not just more SKUs or sales channels. Here are the actions that matter most.
Most CPG founders only think they’ve made it when they reach $20M. But the real achievement isn’t $20M it’s $2M.
Most CPG founders only think they’ve made it when they reach $20M. But the real achievement isn’t $20M it’s $2M.
Unlocking Growth: The Business Case for Hiring a Fractional CMO
Running a small or mid-sized business means wearing many hats. You move fast & make calls. But when it comes to marketing, speed and instinct aren’t enough. Marketing is different—it’s strategic, detail-driven, and requires consistent focus. That’s where a Fractional CMO can help.
Navigating Innovation During Turbulence
To thrive during an economic turbulence, companies must change their innovation strategy. Budgets must be cut while continuing to invest in innovation. The key is having a balance and making strategic shifts. This approach can help companies emerge as leaders.
Leaders F-Up Innovation By Believing Users Will Tell You What They Want
When it comes to innovation, it might seem simple—just ask consumers what they want and how much they’re willing to pay, right? But the reality is far more complex.
Chasing Unicorns Over a Cliff: The Hidden Costs of Pursuing Breakthrough Innovation
Despite steady growth, this company’s founder was dissatisfied—not with the company’s success, but with the methods behind it. Captivated by the glamor and allure of breakthrough innovation, they redirected resources towards disruptive ideas they thought would capture headlines and venture capital.
INNOVATIONS AT THE 2024 FANCY FOOD SHOW
Almost every booth at the 2024 Fancy Food Show claimed they offered something new, an innovation. But I found most were not more than incremental changes to existing products; new flavors, formats or packaging. However, a few booths did stand out to me as being both innovative and aligned with market trends.