Episode # 55 with Dan Mack- Emerging Brand Watchouts as They Consider the Move to Brick & Mortar Retail

Dan Mack is a passionate advocate for challenger brands like those we work with and try to help here on the Road 2 Retail podcast.  Dan shares his views on what small, emerging and challenger brands really need to think through prior to making the move into a regional or national retailer.  He points out the challenges all of these brands will undoubtedly face, and he offers his views on how to best prepare to be successful at retail.  Note: it is not easy nor is the move into retail for the faint of heart!   Dan Mack is a passionate advocate for challenger brands like those we work with and try to help here on the Road 2 Retail podcast. Dan shares his views on what small, emerging and challenger brands really need to think through prior to making the move into a regional or national retailer. He points out the challenges all of these brands will undoubtedly face, and he offers his views on how to best prepare to be successful at retail. Note: it is not easy nor is the move into retail for the faint of heart! Enjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Spotify, iTunes and on LinkedIn. Please leave us a review and share the episode with those who may find the content useful. DARK HORSE: How Challenger Brands Rise to Prominence. It was 10 Years of Interviews, Research and BEST Practices from 100 companies. THE 10 TRAITS 1. Their business is personal, is an extension of their identity, and is inspired by a story. 2. They listen until it hurts, stay in alignment, and are ONE with customers, team, retailers. 3. They create a simple, flexible business blueprint and share it with their community. There are NO COMPETING INTERESTS. 4. They are experiential, storytellers who carefully pick their customers and partners. 5. They quickly co-create innovation w/ customers, becoming more invaluable. Fix Things. 6. They pay attention to emerging trends at the convergence of culture / design / tech shifts. 7. They authentically partner w/ influencers & they carry the message creating a movement. 8. They are specialists, who experiment creating brand love with their zealous followers. 9. Their corporate culture is contagious, human, and likeable, creating soulful connection. 10. They use their hidden intangible assets to create differentiating value for everyone The Intangibles Include: Ideas, Insight, unique skills digital know-how, their Network of Creative People, and corporate curiosity, agility, experimentation, speed to market and a likeable culture.