In this episode the Operators interview Will Nitze, the founder of IQ Bar, a rapidly growing nutrition bar company. They discuss Will's journey from the software industry to launching IQ Bar, the challenges of introducing a consumable product, and the impact of market dynamics such as cocoa prices on business operations. The conversation also delves into the current state of the CPG industry, investment trends, and the role of crowdfunding in startup success. Will shares insights on building a profitable business in a competitive landscape and the importance of survival in the ever-evolving food and beverage market. 00:00 Introduction 02:52 The Growth of IQ Bar and Market Strategy05:50 Challenges in Launching a Consumable Product09:05 The Impact of Cocoa Prices on Business11:55 Navigating the E-commerce Landscape17:52 The Role of Crowdfunding in Startups21:12 Building a Profitable Business in CPG24:00 The Future of Food and Beverage Industry41:14 The Challenges of E-Commerce and Brand Adaptation45:51 Navigating Supply Chain and Ingredient Sourcing50:45 Building a Brand: From Kickstarter to Retail Success55:51 The Importance of Trend Adaptation in Business01:00:11 The Risks and Rewards of Entering Mass Retail01:07:52 The Long Game: Strategies for Retail Success01:12:46 Maintaining a Long-Term Perspective in BusinessOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwDr James Richardson's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/premiumgrowthsolutions/ Powered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:36:14
E108: The SMS Kingpin
In this episode, Sean and Jason speak with Alex Beller from Postscript, discussing the evolution of SMS marketing, the competitive landscape, and the future of messaging technology. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the e-commerce space, particularly focusing on the role of AI and the importance of effective communication strategies as Postscript scales its operations.00:00 Introduction10:06 The Evolution of SMS Marketing19:51 Navigating the Competitive Landscape29:49 The Future of SMS and RCS Technology39:55 Managing Growth and Communication in a Scaling Business41:46 Navigating Asynchronous Communication48:50 Effective Communication Strategies in Remote Teams55:21 Hiring Challenges and Strategic Growth01:00:10 Building a Sustainable SaaS Business01:06:24 Leveraging AI for Marketing Efficiency01:18:06 Advocating for E-commerce: The EIA InitiativeOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:24:49
E107: Tips for Impending Doom
In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges of navigating chaos and uncertainty in the current economic climate. They explore strategies for managing inventory, cutting costs, and adapting to market changes while emphasizing the importance of personal growth during difficult times. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to make informed decisions amidst unpredictability and to focus on resilience and adaptability. 00:00 Introduction02:04 The Economic Landscape and Its Challenges07:24 Strategies for Managing Inventory and Costs21:25 Adapting to Market Changes and Consumer Behavior35:00 Personal Growth Through Adversity39:52 Cost-Cutting Strategies in Business41:18 The Importance of Early and Decisive Cuts42:12 Negotiating with Vendors and Creditors43:38 Evaluating Software and Operational Costs46:54 Identifying and Reducing Organizational Bloat49:31 The Balance Between Cuts and Growth53:50 The Cost of Complexity in Business56:30 Embracing Change and Growth Opportunities58:52 Recognizing Market Trends and Risks01:04:33 Leveraging Debt and Negotiation Tactics01:06:42 Streamlining Processes for Efficiency01:11:25 Identifying Vestigial Processes in OrganizationsOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:19:24
E106: The Tariffs Emergency Episode
In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the current chaos surrounding tariffs and their implications on the economy. They discuss the macro and microeconomic factors at play, the psychological aspects of market predictions, and the complexities of global supply chains. The conversation highlights the uncertainty in the market and the potential long-term impacts of current policies, especially in relation to consumer discretionary sectors and technological advancements.00:00 Introduction03:08 The Current Economic Climate and Tariff Chaos05:56 Macro Economic Factors Influencing Tariffs09:14 The Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Discretionary14:53 The Complexity of Global Supply Chains18:13 The Role of Technology in Economic Change32:40 Understanding Second and Third Order Effects38:00 Consumer Spending Trends and Historical Context43:11 Competitive Positioning and Pricing Strategies48:48 The Role of Manufacturing and Geopolitical Risks01:05:48 Understanding Tariffs and Compliance01:11:00 Navigating Cost Structures and Operational Efficiency01:19:20 Manufacturing in the U.S.: Challenges and Opportunities01:25:02 Analyzing the Super Bowl Ad Impact01:35:09 The Importance of Data-Driven DecisionsOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://www.sarasanalytics.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=operators+podcast&utm_id=9operatorSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:37:43
E105: How to Define Your Customer Profiles with Sarah Levinger
00:00 Introduction02:55 Understanding Customer Avatars and Personas06:02 Defining Customer Profiles and Their Importance08:53 The Role of Customer Names in Marketing12:09 Discovering Customer Avatars Through Observation15:00 The Complexity of Customer Archetypes18:08 Balancing Brand and Growth Marketing20:57 Identifying Customer Identities23:49 Leveraging Subconscious Data for Marketing33:11 Innovative Survey Techniques38:13 Understanding Customer Bias44:02 The Importance of Identity in Marketing49:16 Emotional Triggers in Consumer Behavior55:20 Cultural Influence on Consumer Choices01:00:43 The Role of Reach in Shaping MarketsOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://www.sarasanalytics.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=operators+podcast&utm_id=9operatorSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumoured to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The worlds biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share its wealth of knowledge with people like you.