#102: Here are 4 Common Reasons Why You Are Experiencing A Sales Plateau or Capped Growth
Release Date: 03/13/2024
#117: Why Early-Stage Brands Fail: The Expectation Mismatch Killing Innovation
Build an Obsession Brand
The truth no one talks about: incredible challenger brands aren't failing because they lack strategy—they're being crushed by a system that was never built for them. In this raw, unfiltered episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why mission-driven brands like Ami Cole are shutting down despite doing everything "right." We're diving deep into the expectation mismatch that's killing these brands, what the data actually shows, and what needs to change if we want innovation to survive. This isn't just about business metrics—it's about legacy, identity, and protecting the...
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#116: Why Sephora Isn't a Discovery Store Anymore (And How Small Brands Can Win)
Build an Obsession Brand
Walking into Sephora for my sister's 21st birthday skincare haul completely changed how I view beauty retail. What I discovered wasn't just overwhelming—it was eye-opening. The narrow aisles, tiny shelf space, and massive brand signage told a story that every challenger brand needs to understand. Sephora has quietly transformed from a discovery destination into what I call a "fulfillment center"—a place where customers come to collect brands they already love, not discover new ones. And if you're building a challenger brand, this changes everything about your strategy. What You'll Learn: ...
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#115: The Retail Truth No One Tells Founders with Allison Ball
Build an Obsession Brand
Retail won’t save you and free samples won’t land the deal. In this episode, I’m joined by retail strategist and former grocery buyer Allison Ball to bust some of the biggest myths about getting your product on shelves. From the real cost of sampling to the metrics that actually matter to retail buyers, this conversation is a must-listen for any founder dreaming of Whole Foods or Target. If you’ve ever wondered how to pitch without losing profit or how to compete when big brands dominate the shelf space, this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn: Why free samples often backfire (and...
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#114. Building a Brand That Competes: The Power of Strategy and Data with Eleanor Beaton
Build an Obsession Brand
You are not your business, but you do owe it your leadership. In this episode, I’m joined by powerhouse founder, coach, and podcast host Eleanor Beaton to unpack what it really takes to build an enduring brand. From mastering premium positioning to separating your personal identity from your product, Eleanor drops truth bombs every product-based founder needs to hear. What You’ll Learn: Why being obsessed with your customer is your most underutilized advantage The mindset shift every founder must make to scale sustainably Why women entrepreneurs over-rely on marketing and how to fix...
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#113. Mac vs. Maybelline: How Two Brands Sell the Same Product Differently
Build an Obsession Brand
Growing up, I learned to only speak when I had something important to say. I was raised in a culture where being quiet wasn’t a flaw, it was a way of life. Today, that quiet confidence shapes everything I know about building magnetic brands. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about identity, visibility, and the power of knowing exactly who you’re speaking to. Using Mac and Maybelline as a case study, I’m breaking down why two products in the same category can perform entirely differently and what that means for your brand. Whether you’re feeling invisible in a saturated...
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#112: How To Pitch Your Product and Actually Get Featured in Top Media with Gloria Chou
Build an Obsession Brand
Big brands don’t land in Vogue by accident and guess what? Neither will yours. In this episode, I’m sitting down with PR powerhouse Gloria Chou, a former U.S. diplomat turned media strategist who’s helped over 10,000 small businesses get featured without hiring expensive agencies. She’s breaking down her signature CPR pitching method and giving you the exact framework to pitch your product to top-tier media outlets, no fancy connections or massive ad budget required. If you’ve ever wondered how to get real media coverage that builds brand trust, boosts your SEO, and puts your product...
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#111: Building with Intention: Navigating Postpartum Challenges as a New Mom and Entrepreneur
Build an Obsession Brand
Motherhood is a journey full of transitions and unexpected lessons. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey through postpartum and the lessons it taught me about being present, building with intention, and embracing the seasons of life. From nursing struggles to finding balance as a new mom and entrepreneur, this episode dives into how the postpartum experience mirrored the growth process in business. I’m breaking down why you can’t skip steps in either life or business and how slowing down and embracing your current season is key to growth. If you’re in a season of...
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#110: Using AI Without Losing Your Voice or Vision
Build an Obsession Brand
AI isn’t just a buzzword, it’s evolving fast, and it’s changing how we do business. But when it comes to branding, the question isn’t if we should use AI, it’s how. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down how AI fits into the branding space and where it falls flat. We’re talking content, creativity, brand voice, and how to stay human in a tech-driven world. Spoiler: AI can be powerful, but your brand still needs you. So if you’ve ever wondered how to leverage AI tools without losing what makes your brand unique, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. What You’ll...
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#109: My Break Wasn’t a Breakdown—It Was a Reset
Build an Obsession Brand
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—I’ve been quiet. And there’s a reason. This episode is personal. I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing where I’ve been, why I hit pause, and what’s shifting as I step back into my company with more clarity than ever. Because the truth is, building a brand doesn’t always look like forward momentum—and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building something that no longer feels aligned… or if you’ve felt the pressure to keep showing up even when it’s not working for you...
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#108: Why Trusting the Process Led to My Biggest Business Breakthrough
Build an Obsession Brand
Building a brand isn’t just about what you sell, it’s about how you show up, what you stand for, and how you connect with your audience. And today, we’re taking that concept to a whole new level with an episode that flips the script on traditional branding. I’m answering 18 questions about building your brand, growing your business, and making an impact. From strategy and messaging to personal growth and mindset, we’re covering it all. If you’ve ever wanted a candid, unfiltered look at the realities of brand-building, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: The...
info_outlineAs we head into Q2, you may be pouring over the bills on the table with a heavy heart.
It probably feels like there’s not enough to work with—too little in the bank, too many expenses popping up, and no room to breathe in between.
You may have even seen your sales plateau, despite doing EVERYTHING right. You’re showing up, you’re putting in the work, and yet, your sales aren’t matching your energy.
If this hits close to home for you right now, then I’m here to share one of the most important things you’ll ever read when it comes to your brand:
You do not need a lot of money to build a really successful brand.
Let me repeat that: you do not need a lot of money to build a successful brand.
You ALSO don’t need a lot of money to break out of that sales plateau and get your growth back on track.
So that leaves the question: what do you need?
That’s the key question we’re diving into in this week’s podcast episode! This week, we’re digging into real, tangible ways to break out of your capped growth and get your brand momentum back, including:
✨ How being brave in your business can open doors you never thought possible
✨ How marketing is a skill that ANYONE can master—no bubbly personality required!
✨ How to break through in even the most saturated markets
And more!
There is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to your brand’s progress this year. If you’re tired of crunching the numbers in a panic, then be sure to tune in and see how your brand growth strategy can make that dreaded sales plateau a thing of the past!
✨ FREE TRAINING:
Ready to identify the One Growth Strategy You Need to Focus on First to Increase Sales Now? Watch the most recent training: Uncap Your Growth & Bring in More Product Sales without Changing Your Branding or Packaging
✨ WORK WITH MAUREEN:
Ready to revolutionize your brand by mapping and mastering the brand growth levers your brand needs to get increased visibility, sales certainty and cash confidence? Schedule a strategy call.
✨ CONNECT WITH MAUREEN:
🖥 Website: Startward Consulting
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