#48 How a lockdown idea grew to 50k customers with Sam Smith, Founder of Pot Gang

“You see some people go mega viral, but that engagement's not gonna get you anything… ” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the CEO & Co-Founder of Flexa careers.  Flexa is a workplace platform, allowing people to discover companies that make them unique in this modern world. Molly aims to build a better future of work, by bringing transparency to a ‘horribly opaque job hunting process’. Flexa is now used by 3 million people all over the world, and trusted by global names like Mars, and BT to build inclusive employer brands that attract aligned talent. She is also the Co-host of podcast show ‘Working on it’ where she busts all the workplace myths with a very open and honest approach. Tune in to hear Molly chat about her personal growth on LinkedIn, highlighting her humble beginnings to now having 75k followers, plus so much more. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [02:50] The Power of LinkedIn for Business Growth [05:55] Navigating Work-Life Integration vs. Balance [09:08] Role Modeling and Individuality in the Workplace [11:56] Understanding Flexible Working Expectations [14:55] The Complexity of Work-Life Dynamics [17:49] Candidate Strategies for Navigating Work Culture [21:08] Performance Management in a Flexible Environment [23:58] Brand Building in B2B Spaces [27:25] Building a Strong Brand Identity [31:07] The Art of Sales and Education [39:20] Mastering Webinars for Engagement [43:02] Navigating TikTok Challenges *This episode is brought to you by Be A Bear, find out how you can grow your audience here: https://www.beabear.co.uk/  Connect with Molly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/ Explore Flexa: https://flexa.careers/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://www.up-club.co/?utm_source=MarketingHustle&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=marketing_hustle_podcast 

“Big budget energy is about getting more value…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Co-Founder of NICE wine, Jeremy May.  NICE began when two freelancers joined forces to take over the world of canned wine. They went on to become known as the start-up with bold ideas, standing out on the shelves and also in aeroplane magazines. They are a masterclass of big budget energy. Tune in to hear Jeremy chat about their Travis Kelce hoax, what the traits are of the best marketers, and how entrepreneurial spirits form part of their hiring strategy… along with some great facts about wine, of course. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [02:52] The Importance of Marketing and Distribution [06:07] Building a Strong Marketing Team [08:58] Understanding Marketing Beyond Campaigns [12:08] Product Development and Market Positioning [14:57] Innovations in Wine Packaging [17:49] Consumer Behavior and Market Trends [21:05] Expanding Product Range and Consumer Choices [24:01] Navigating the On-Trade Market [32:19] Brand Identity and Product Innovation [34:15] The Role of Marketing in Product Launches [36:36] Big Budget Energy: Maximizing Impact with Limited Resources [40:43] Adapting Marketing Strategies in Uncertain Times [48:12] The Traits of Successful Marketers [51:01] Collaborative Brainstorming for Creative Ideas [54:43] Learning from Failures in Marketing Campaigns [58:48] The Future of AI in Marketing *This episode is brought to you by Be A Bear, find out how you can grow your audience here: https://www.beabear.co.uk/  Connect with Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-may-0a645614/ Explore NICE: https://nice-drinks.co.uk/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

“What makes a great marketer? People who realise that the consumer isn’t them…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Co-Founder of BOTIVO, Imme Ermgassen.  BOTIVO have taken non-alc, indulgent drinks to a whole new level with their magnetising brand visuals, and confidently stand for artisanal hedonism, in a world where we are told less is best. They're on a mission to make a great drink that does not live in opposition to alcohol, but in a category of its own. Tune in to hear Imme chat about creating an incredible storybook of brand characters, balancing founder life as a mum of twins and what really makes a good marketer. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [01:33] Introduction to Bativo  [03:13] The Role of a Founder and Balancing Responsibilities [06:00] Building a Strong Brand Strategy [08:53] Cultural Insights and Consumer Understanding [11:55] Artisanal Hedonism: The Brand's Core Philosophy [14:51] The Importance of Clarity in Brand Messaging [18:02] Navigating the Challenges of Marketing and Distribution [21:04] Addressing Ageism in Marketing [24:07] Creating a Diverse Brand Character [26:49] The Learning Curve of Running a Startup [29:56] The Need for Consumer Feedback [33:11] Final Thoughts and Call to Action *This episode is brought to you by Be A Bear, find out how you can grow your audience here: https://www.beabear.co.uk/  Connect with Imme: https://www.linkedin.com/in/immeermgassen/ Explore BOTIVO: https://www.botivodrinks.com/our-story Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World: https://www.up-club.co/?utm_source=MarketingHustle&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=marketing_hustle_podcast

“We thought Waitrose was going to be the end of our journey…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Co-Founder of MOTH cocktails, Rob Wallis.  MOTH have taken the RTD category by storm since their launch in 2018, and have created the best-selling margarita in the UK along the way. You’ll recognise their petite cans, with excellent branding at Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.  Tune in to hear Rob chat candidly about getting into retail, their focus on doing one thing really really well and how they unexpectedly became the drink of choice at Glasto 2024.  Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Moth Cocktails and Focus [03:01] The Impact of COVID-19 on Moth's Journey [05:47] The Growth of Ready-to-Drink Cocktails [09:07] Marketing Evolution and Brand Development [11:47] Building a Strong Team and Company Culture [14:46] Data-Driven Marketing and Category Management [22:45] Being The Drink Headliner of Glastonbury [24:03] In-House Marketing and Design Strategies [29:01] Navigating Investment Challenges [31:59] A Dive Into The Marketing Team [33:47] Integrating Sales, Marketing, and Operations [36:48] The Importance of Advisors and Networking *This episode is brought to you by Be A Bear, find out how you can grow your audience here: https://www.beabear.co.uk/  Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8D%B8-rob-wallis-162801113/ Explore MOTH: https://mothdrinks.com/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

“Marketers need to stop being marketers…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Founder of Be A Bear, Max Maharajh.  Be A Bear is a 360 degree strategy agency that focuses on driving solutions for any brand in the digital space. Their published content was seen over 2 Billion times in 2022! Tune in to hear Max chat candidly about all the marketing myths, busting customer personas and how we seem to be in a performance marketing rut. Oh, and some interesting facts about Killer Whales, for good measure. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [05:01] Career Beginnings and Lessons Learned [09:59] Founding Be A Bear and Audience Engagement Strategies [14:52] The Importance of Networking in Marketing [19:57] Busting Marketing Myths and Real-World Insights [28:35] The Fascination with Surreal Marketing [30:47] Understanding Consumer Behavior in Marketing [34:30] Navigating the Challenges of Running an Agency [37:32] Learning from Mistakes in Leadership [40:16] The Dichotomy of Founders: Risk and Security [43:04] The Value of Time in Business [46:13] Defining Success and Personal Growth *This episode is brought to you by Be A Bear, find out how you can grow your audience here: https://www.beabear.co.uk/ Connect with Max: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmaharajh/ Explore Be A Bear: https://www.beabear.co.uk/   Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

“We WhatsApp Steven Bartlett every single day…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to Co-Founder of Perfect Ted, Marisa Poster. You’ll know the brand from the widely loved Dragon’s Den show, the beaming partnership and of course the green matcha tins on the shelves at the supermarket.  Perfect Ted are on a mission to spread positive energy through matcha green tea, after suffering from the negative side effects of caffeine and sugar. Marisa talks openly about how she deals with her ADHD as a Founder, the bold bet they took on Russ Cook aka The Hardest Geezer and what it’s REALLY like working with Steven Bartlett. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [03:10] The Competitive Advantage of In-Person Work [05:46] Managing ADHD as a Founder [08:51] The Importance of Strategic Planning [12:07] Balancing Work and Self-Care [17:55] Navigating Self-Talk and Perfectionism [23:52] Experiences with Dragon's Den and Steven Bartlett [26:58] Marketing Strategies and Bold Risks: The Hardest Geezer [29:50] Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth [33:04] The Power of Video Content in Branding Connect with Marisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-poster/ Explore Pefect Ted: https://www.perfectted.com/pages/about-us Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

From the rugby pitch to high growth CBD brand with George Kruis, Co-Founder of fourfive “I’m definitely a Founder for life but I really want to do different chapters…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that brings you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to Co-Founder of fourfive, George Kruis. An idea that grew from experiencing rugby injuries with his business partner, Dom Day, fourfive is now a wellness brand that focuses on leading a healthy life with the help of top quality CBD products.  They have made it their mission to ‘empower the movements that matter’, and have been on quite the journey since launching in 2018 and are now backed by world class athletes. George dives into his transformation from sport to business, the power of ruffling a few feathers and unlocking retail success. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [00:48] The reality of being a first-time Founder [06:59] Harnessing PR for launch [13:36] Fool me three times as a new business owner  [15:12] Lessons from sport: stress and company culture  [21:37] Being a Founder for life and adding chapters  [25:58] Shifting from a winning and losing mindset [30:12] Idea > Product > Retail: the origin of fourfive [35:30] Focusing on one step at a time in entrepreneurship Connect with George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgekruis/ Explore fourfive: https://fourfive.com/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

“It required a huge amount of sacrifice and wasn’t a pleasant lifestyle at the time…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that cuts through the BS to bring you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Founder of POT GANG, Sam Smith. A lockdown business that stood the test of time, POT GANG is all about getting people into growing their own fruit, veg and herbs, via monthly subscription boxes… not a biz that helps you grow pot! Sam has been on an incredible journey with the brand, which started trying to grow his own fruit and veg during lockdown. Fast forward to today, Pot Gang now has over 50k customers and is officially The Sunday Times Best Gardening Subscription.  Tune in to hear Lottie & Sam talk openly about their mental health challenges, reaching 100k monthly web visitors and the powerhouse of community marketing. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [00:49] Where POT GANG originated [06:16] The eras of start-up growth [14:14] The pot line: WhatsApp for business [21:25] The chapter of ads and consumer behaviour [30:15] Transitioning acquisition models [34:02] How to build subscription retention  [37:69] From Co-Founder to Solo Founder [43:30] Generalised Anxiety Disorder: An insight  [48:17] The price for bootstrapped growth? A mental health reality [50:26] Cheerleading for sustainable start-up Purdy & Figg Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambsmith96/ Explore POT GANG: https://www.potgang.co.uk/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/ 

“The glass isn’t half full or half empty, it’s actually both, simultaneously…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that cuts through the BS to bring you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Co-Founder of SURI, Mark Rushmore. Every year over 4 billion toothbrushes end up in landfill or in our oceans. That's enough to circle the globe twelve times SURI may seem like the new kids on the electrical toothbrush block, but they are the highest rated toothbrush on TrustPilot… yes, surpassing Oral-B. Their journey began back in 2021 with a mission to develop products that bring joy to the rituals people live by, while continually pushing the boundaries on what it means to be sustainable. They really are transforming one daily ritual at a time… Tune in to discover Lottie & Mark discuss the ultimate power of product, focusing on consumer pinpoints and going back to business basics. Finally… if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [1:02] Throwback to the P&G days [3:58] Why SURI exists  [7:19] Their first customer service lesson [8:24] The key to SURI’s scale: biz basics [14:55] The power of keeping things simple [20:26] Having a complimentary Co-Founder [22:48] Dealing with founder stress [31:00] The equation for building teams [38:30] Having a hustle mindset in startup world [42:03] The edge to look for in top talent [47:55] Staying on the sustainable path Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rushmore-b1240a19/ Explore SURI: https://www.trysuri.com/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/

“We are there for the people who don’t use Vinted…” Welcome back to The Marketing Hustle, the podcast that cuts through the BS to bring you unfiltered stories from start-up Founders of bold brands. This week, your host Lottie chats to the Founder & CEO of Thrift+, Joe Metcalfe.  Thrift+ journey began back in 2017 with one aim: to solve fashion resale, at scale. To date, the second hand market place has sold over 1 million items on their journey to ending fashion waste and are the biggest seller of second hand clothes on eBay. As a brand, they have seen crazy growth, 80% in Q1 this year alone, but it has not come without its challenges… Tune in to discover Lottie & Joe discuss the role that marketing plays (or lack of!) in this growing category, the real truth behind charity shops and the power of partnerships in brand evolution. Finally, if you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review, it helps more than you know. Now let’s get stuck in! Chapters: [01:28] Vinted & reframing the target audience [06:18] The power of partnering with eBay [10:30] Are charity shops brainwashing us? [17:35] The effect of AI on fashion marketplaces [20:16] Not relying on marketing to grow [25:48] Focusing on a smaller community [34:13] Aiming for ASOS success in the second hand world [38:54] The draining reality of raising money [46:05] Startup Founder lessons, 7 years in [49:18] A reminder to speak to others on the same path Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-metcalfe/  Explore Thrift+: https://thrift.plus/ Follow your host, Lottie Unwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-unwin-she-her-7b577742/ Discover Up World + Brand Hackers: https://up-world.co/