UMAI Social Circle

Of course your product is delicious! But, that’s just the baseline. 😜 It takes so much more work to get your product on to grocery shelves AND into consumers’ pantries. Luckily, we have Alli Ball on our latest episode of the pod - spilling the beans on retail success! She’s the creator of Retail Ready®, host of the Food Biz Wiz® Podcast, and founder of her own CPG consulting business. And together, we discuss: 1) Problems for growing CPG brands to avoid, 2) how smaller CPG retail brands can stand out on the shelves, and 3) how to form a stronger bond with your grocery buyers + retailers. Plus, many more juicy tidbits that we know extra-small to small to medium CPG biz owners need to hear. Ya better listen now!! For more from us, head to umaimarketing.com

Do the haters deserve a response? 💬 Consumers just aren’t emailing customer support like they used to. 😅 Instead, it’s commonplace for customers to comment on your most recent social posts or ads. Meaning, convos once handled in private have now become a public affair. So, short answer: it depends. Slightly longer answer: listen to this latest episode of UMAI Social Circle. We’ve got all the tips, tricks, and examples you need for when the trolls attack. 👺

Ever heard of Mother Beverage? Okay, how about Poppi?? 😛 We’re willing to bet that 2nd one rings a bell, especially if you’ve spent some time on the ‘gram. 

After they snagged a partnership with entrepreneur Rohan Oza in the Shark Tank, they got a seriously awesome rebrand and quickly became the bubbly probiotic product that we love today. 

Learn how their new look has fueled an equally epic influencer network as well as tips to launch your own program while on a small-biz budget. We're on IG: @umaimarketing

Austin’s food, bev, and better-for-you packaged goods community is growing at an ever-more rapid pace. But, industry leaders like Emily Kealey, Naturally Austin, and Notley say it’s an atmosphere of collaboration over competition. 🙌 Learn how Emily Kealey went from spreading the good word on mangos (it’s true!) all the way to the CPG expert she is today. Follow us on Instagram at @umaimarketing!

When a huge retailer wants your product, it’s a good sign - sure! But, Nathan points out how the pressures of these kinds of partnerships can hurt your biz more than they help it. Plus, how monthly coffee shop hangs are keeping Austin’s CPG network (and beyond) connected in a time when we need it more than ever. Want more? Follow us on Instagram at @umaimarketing.

To quote Michelle Breyer’s LinkedIn: “Don’t tell me something can’t be done. Let’s work to make it a reality.” 💭🤝🛠️ 

This applies to Breyer’s current position as Chief Operating Officer at SKU as well as her founding role at NaturallyCurly.com - a leading resource for the natural and textured hair community! 💁 

Her advice for small-biz CPG owners? See a need in the market - fill it! Stay flexible as your ability to pivot is a HUGE advantage that you have over big-guy Coca-Cola. 

There are many more tips where that came from! This episode is loaded with industry experience and insights for accelerating your brand’s growth. 

Follow us on Instagram @umaimarketing! Find us on the web: umaimarketing.com 

Caroline Fabacher might’ve entered the biz world as an attorney at law. ⚖️ But, it was always her love for finances and startups that continually drew her closer to her current position: Principal at Springdale Ventures. 💸 

We chat all about -  

- Beam, the 1st Texas-based Angel Network dedicated to women-founded companies 

- What makes some pitches sing 🎵 and others screech 🦉 (to a grinding halt) 

- How the heck does one secure funding these days, from an insider's perspective 

Follow us on Instagram @umaimarketing!

Follow us on Instagram @umaimarketing!!

This is NOT your average yogurt brand, and we’re so pumped about that - ‘cause who needs the “other guys” when you’ve got Culina Yogurt. 😉 Plenty to unpack in this one. Like, what does The Rock have to do with yogurt exactly?? As well as a look at strategic retailer shoutouts, messaging buckets, and nailing an eco-minded angle. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @umaimarketing!!

We connect with Pabst Brewing Brand Director Emily Hoyle to discuss embracing industry trends, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leaning into an ever-changing day-to-day workflow. 

You’ll be reaching for a can of Lone Star before this one’s over with. Cheers! 🍻 

Follow us on Instagram @umaimarketing!!