by Amy Kasza A recent poll demonstrated what many of us are experiencing in our everyday lives: Americans just don’t seem to trust each other as much as they used to. This phenomenon encompasses every area of our lives, whether it’s trusting our elected leaders, our employers, or the organizations that provide products and services to … Read More
Brand
The value of your brand — part one
Posted by Megan Moyer There are a lot of companies that struggle to find success with a new product introduction. While there can be any number of contributing factors to success or failure, one that is avoidable with proper planning and focus (and is most important!) is knowing and carrying through the value of your brand. I see … Read More
A tradeshow display is a terrible thing to waste
by Jenny Kosek If you’re going to a trade show or a large-scale buyer’s meeting, you need to set a scene that tells everyone what your product is, what your brand is about, and what sets you apart from the competition in seconds. How? With a great display. Approach your trade show display from a theatrical … Read More
Does your package still pop?
Posted by Megan Moyer Just what is it that makes your product package stand out on the shelf? Can you pinpoint the elements that help consumers decide to choose it over a competing product? We’ve worked with multiple manufacturers that successfully secured distribution and were accepted into stores but then had problems selling their product. Of … Read More
Turn your “likes” into advocates
Posted by Dave Wendland One challenge facing organizations who have added social media to their marketing mix is how to measure return on investment and gauge the medium’s effectiveness. I’ve spoken to too many companies – large and small – who feel the success of social media (e.g., Facebook; Twitter; blog; Pinterest; etc.) is how many … Read More
Brandvocates can promote your brand at retail
Posted by Jen Johnston What’s a brandvocate? Quite simply, it’s a brand advocate – a consumer who is passionate about your product’s efficacy and eager to share your brand message with others. Savvy suppliers are relying on their brandvocates to share their brand messages with their peers. That’s a great idea, but if consumers can’t find … Read More
Don’t let the forest block your view of the trees
by Amy Kasza I once worked with a small manufacturing account that was new to the OTC field. They had big dreams, like most brands. In their minds’ eye, they saw multiple facings of their blockbuster product on every Wal-mart, Walgreens, Target, and CVS shelf from coast to coast. So convinced of their product’s value to … Read More
Some products make it, some fail
by Megan Moyer I consider myself an early adopter when it comes to personal care items, so working at HRGÂ might be viewed as my destiny. Believe it or not, our analysts reviewed an average of 205 new HBW products each month in 2012. There are always new products coming to market that I probably need … Read More
You can’t put lipstick on a pig — or false claims on your product.
by Dave Wendland A phrase common in the car sales industry used to describe taking a hunk of junk, brushing on a fresh coat of paint, and selling it for full price may also apply to the consumer healthcare market. Although consumers are savvy shoppers, they may be fooled into believing that the claims on certain … Read More
How is your brand holding up?
by Megan Moyer At what point in its lifecycle is your product? Introduction, growth, maturity, or decline? If you’re in maturity or decline, it may be time to conduct a brandformation – an assessment of consumer perception of your brand. Once you’ve reached the maturity stage, that’s the time to explore how consumers view the brand … Read More