Blue Light Special Podcast Blue Light Special Podcast

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the role of consultants in the CPG industry, both for emerging brands and established brands. They highlight the growth of consultants after the pandemic and the need for specialized expertise in different channels. They also mention the importance of bringing outside insight into businesses. The hosts explore the different types of consultants, such as broker consultants and Amazon consultants, and how they can help brands launch into retail or gain premium space. They also discuss the rise of experiential marketing and the importance of interacting with consumers. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their daily routines and reflecting on the importance of growth through failure.

Takeaways


The role of consultants has grown in the CPG
industry, with more brands seeking specialized expertise in different channels.
Consultants can help brands launch into
retail or gain premium space by leveraging their knowledge and relationships.
Experiential marketing is on the rise, with
brands creating unique and interactive experiences for consumers.
Daily routines and morning rituals play a crucial role in setting the tone for a productive day.
Growth often comes through failure, and it's
important to take corrective action and learn from mistakes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:13 Specialized Expertise: The Key to Launching into Retail

09:14 Experiential Marketing: Creating Memorable Brand Experiences

29:39 Growth Through Failure

Summary

In this episode, hosts Christine Wright and Trevor Lewis discuss how emerging brands can leverage events to get noticed and drive sales. They highlight the importance of authenticity, partnerships, and understanding the consumer journey. The guest, Justin Stephens, shares key insights and emerging trends from the Natural Products Expo West. He emphasizes the need for brands to invest in marketing and build relationships to succeed in the competitive retail landscape. The hosts also share their own tips for success and the importance of staying focused and grateful.

 

Takeaways


Emerging brands can make a big impact at events without large booth expenses by leveraging content creation, hosting offsite events, or investing in smaller booth spaces.
Authenticity and understanding the consumer journey are key to enhancing brand experience and engagement with
consumers.
Partnerships, alliances, and advocates are crucial for emerging brands to succeed in the retail industry.
Investing in marketing is essential for emerging brands, and it should be a priority rather than an afterthought.
Sustainability messaging is important but
should not overshadow the product itself, and there is potential for a packaging revolution in the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:30 Show & Tell: Who’s Doing it Right with Tradeshow
Events

09:08 Guest Interview: Insights and Emerging Trends from
Expo West with Justin Stephens

30:47 Lightning Round with Justin Stephens

37:36 Christine and Trevor's insights on finding balance



Resources

Justin Stephens of JWS Partnerships

Podcastvideos.com

Mark Samuel of IWON Organics

Brooks Powell of Cheers

Nightcap

Guru Nanda

Bloom Nutrition

Teema BlanketOLIPOP Soda

Summary

In this episode, host Christine Wright and Trevor Lewis interview Jackie Berra, Director of Design Operations at InStore Design Display, to learn how to nail display design. They explore the challenges of creating unique displays in a market saturated with color blocking and the importance of differentiation. Jackie shares insights into the design process and emphasizes the need for budget alignment and transparency. She also discusses the role of AI in design, including its impact on renderings and efficiencies. The hosts end the episode with personal reflections and reminders.



Takeaways


Creating unique displays is a challenge in a market saturated with color blocking.
Budget alignment and transparency are crucial for effective display design.
AI can enhance the design process by improving renderings and efficiency.
Personal reflections and reminders can help navigate challenges and maintain authenticity.
 


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Display Design with Guest Jackie Berra

02:51 Pattern Interrupt No More: Color Blocking

05:03 Brands Getting It Right

08:37 Case Study: Designing Headers for Husqvarna

11:55 Interview with Jackie Berra, Director of Design
Operations with InStore Design Display

22:55 Lightening Round

27:37 Personal Reflections and Reminders

 

Resources

Venmo for teens

Green Light card for teens and kids

You Are Enough Co.

12-Point Preparation Check List

Vizcom.ai

Podcast: Accidental Creative with Todd Henry

Podcast: How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

Summary

In this episode, hosts Christine Wright and Trevor Lewis discuss the naming of the podcast and the nostalgic reference to retail. They then explore the staying power of brick-and-mortar stores and the trend of direct-to-consumer brands transitioning into physical retail. The importance of visual storytelling in sales presentations is highlighted, along with personal experiences in retail. The hosts give shout outs to brands with impactful Super Bowl ads and share lessons learned and advice for their younger selves. The episode concludes with Trevor’s “Memo to Myself” and Christine’s “I am” for the day plus a preview of the next episode on display design.

 

Takeaways


Brick-and-mortar stores are still a significant part of the retail landscape, with direct-to-consumer brands transitioning into physical retail.
Visual storytelling is crucial in sales presentations, as it helps to engage and persuade buyers.
Personal experiences in retail can provide valuable insights and inspiration for improving the customer experience.
Super Bowl ads offer a unique opportunity for brands to make a big impact and reach a wide audience.
Reflecting on past experiences and offering advice to younger selves can provide valuable lessons and insights.
 


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Naming of the Podcast

03:15 The Staying Power of Brick-and-Mortar Stores

07:37 The Importance of Visual Storytelling in Sales Presentations

10:22 Personal Experiences in Retail

13:23 Segment: Shout Outs to Brands with Impactful Super Bowl Ads

16:28 Segment: Lessons Learned and Advice for Our Younger Selves

28:09 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Summary

In this episode, the hosts Christine Wright and Trevor Lewis discuss lessons learned from watching the Kansas City Chiefs’ season and Superbowl win, the importance of packaging for CPG brands wanting their product to stand out on shelf, and emerging trends in the retail industry. They also give shout outs to local brands and share their personal reflections. The episode concludes with Trevor’s “Memo to Myself” and Christine’s “I am” for the day plus a preview of the next episode.

Takeaways      


Packaging plays a crucial role in the success of a brand on the shelf.
Technology platforms like Shelfgram can provide valuable insights into brand performance and competition.
Local brands like Cherry Co. and Meat Mitch are making waves in Kansas City.
Emerging brands need to consider how their packaging will transition from online to brick-and-mortar stores.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs

08:49 Shout Outs: Cherry Co., Meat Mitch

11:25 Trends: Packaging for Emerging Brands

16:04 Lightning Round

23:12 Conclusion: Trevor’s “Memo to Myself” and Christine’s “I am” for the day.

Resources

Shelfgram

⁠Nickle & Suede⁠

Kilee Nickels on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Cherry Co.

Thalia Cherry on LinkedIn

Meat Mitch

Monday.com

Exit 5 Podcast

Refined Labs Podcast

New Heights Show

In the inaugural episode of the Blue Light Special podcast, hosts Christine Wright and Trevor Lewis introduce the podcast and its purpose of helping shopper marketers improve at their day-to-day jobs. They discuss the influence of social media on consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations, and share personal retail experiences. The hosts also give shout outs to brands that are getting it right and discuss trends in retail and branding. They explore the concept of segmenting in-store marketing budgets based on store volume and the need for flexibility and nimbleness in the industry. The episode concludes with a segment on personal reflections and advice.

Takeaways


The Blue Light Special podcast aims to empower shopper marketers and provide them with valuable insights and resources.
Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, has a significant influence on consumer behavior, especially among younger generations.
Segmenting in-store marketing budgets based on store volume can help brands allocate their resources more effectively.
Being flexible and nimble is crucial in the ever-changing retail industry.
Personal reflections and positive mindset are important for personal and professional growth.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Who, What, Why, and How of the Podcast

01:27 Goal of Empowering Shopper Marketers

02:49 Segment: Show and Tell - Personal Retail Experiences

03:14 Observing Consumer Behavior Influenced by Social Media

04:12 TikTok Influencers and Purchasing Decisions

05:08 The Impact of Social Media on Kids' Purchasing Behavior

06:01 Segment: Shout Outs to Brands Getting It Right

07:00 Trends in Retail and Branding

11:49 Segment: Heard on the Street - Trends in In-Store Marketing

13:14 Segment: Lightning Round of Questions with Christine Wright

16:06 Segment: Memo to Myself and I Am

23:34 Closing and Gratitude



Resources:

⁠Nickle & Suede⁠

Kilee Nickels on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Kristen Juszczyk⁠

⁠Casa Azul Tequila Soda