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cover of episode Advice Line with Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield

Advice Line with Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield

2024/11/14
logo of podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Key Insights

Why is a social mission important for a consumer product today?

A social mission is more important today because consumers, especially younger generations, demand transparency and care about environmental, social, and equity issues. This can be a competitive advantage for brands that emphasize these values.

How can early-stage founders build brand loyalty for their products?

Founders should focus on engaging with consumers directly, whether through influencers, farm visits, or other forms of interaction. Building a conversation with consumers around mission, product, taste, or price can create loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

What should entrepreneurs consider when deciding between direct-to-consumer sales and B2B opportunities?

Entrepreneurs should ensure their direct-to-consumer brand is strong and profitable before diverting resources to B2B opportunities. The brand's success is crucial for cash flow and credibility, which can support broader mission-driven initiatives.

How can a brand effectively reach consumers who are not yet aware of their product category?

Brands should focus on creating a compelling pitch that highlights the unique benefits of their product. Engaging with local communities, such as hiking clubs, and leveraging testimonials from influential figures can help create awareness and demand.

What are some effective ways to find the right person for a multi-functional role in a small business?

Networking with local businesses, community colleges, and industry professionals can help identify potential candidates. Defining the role and being open about the mission and culture of the business can attract the right person who aligns with the company's values.

Chapters

Gary Hirshberg shares strategies for building consumer loyalty and getting products into retailers like Whole Foods, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven marketing and influencer engagement.
  • Build loyalty through mission-driven marketing and influencer engagement.
  • Consumers can help pull products into retailers by creating demand.
  • Early pioneers in sustainable practices can leverage their mission for competitive advantage.

Shownotes Transcript

Stonyfield co-founder and former CEO Gary Hirshberg joins Guy on the Advice Line where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Gary explains how a social mission can be a competitive advantage for a consumer product.

First we meet Cate in Oregon, who’s trying to figure out the best way for her leather goods company to stop cow hides from going to waste. Then Jamie in Santa Barbara, whose gourmet vegan camping meals are speaking to a customer demographic she wasn’t expecting. And Dianna in the Bay Area, who’s ready to hire a right hand for her seeded cracker company but isn’t sure where to look.

Thank you to the founders of Range Revolution, Poe & Co. Folk Foods, and Cult Crackers for being a part of our show.

If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

And be sure to listen to Stonyfield’s founding story) as told by Gary on the show in 2017.

This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.

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