In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts at Moxie Creative dive deep into why creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have in marketing—it’s a must. In a market saturated with safe, forgettable brands, playing it “fine” just doesn’t cut it. From identifying what sets a business apart to translating that uniqueness into a brand identity that truly resonates, the team explores how creative strategy drives impact. Tune in as they unpack the power of bold ideas, collaboration, and customer insight to elevate branding that sticks.

Takeaways:

• Creative marketing is essential for brand success.
• Settling for "fine" leads to forgettable branding.
• A great brand should feel unique and personal.
• Strategy and creative must work hand-in-hand.
• Know your audience—it’s key to effective branding.
• Good design should communicate and connect.
• Investing in creativity pays off in the long term.
• Customer feedback can reveal what makes your brand stand out.
• Collaboration strengthens the creative process.
• Growth happens when you embrace boldness in branding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Behind the Brand

01:12 The Importance of Creative Marketing

06:03 Breaking Free from 'Fine' Branding

13:57 Understanding Great Branding

15:27 The Role of Creative in Marketing Strategy

21:19 Tangible Steps to Elevate Your Brand

27:40 The Rewards of Creative Work

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Diana Puterbaugh and Carla Crane from Hops Direct share their journey of transforming a fifth-generation hop farm into a successful e-commerce business. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of adapting to the craft beer boom, the importance of storytelling and marketing, and the innovations in the hop industry. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of working in a family business and offers valuable advice for others in similar situations.

Takeaways

• Hops Direct launched in 1999, ahead of the e-commerce trend.
• The craft beer boom significantly impacted their business growth.
• Storytelling and marketing are crucial for connecting with customers.
• Innovations like hop gummies and hop water are emerging trends.
• The partnership with Moxie has been instrumental in their marketing strategy.
• Patience and flexibility are essential in a family-run business.
• They have 19 different hop varieties
• The industry is facing challenges with oversupply and competition from distilling.
• Social media plays a vital role in engaging with brewers and homebrewers.
• Independence in farming is important for success.

Chapters

00:00 The Digital Transformation of Hops Direct

05:59 Craft Beer Boom and Its Impact

11:54 Innovations in the Hop Industry

18:08 Navigating Challenges in a Family Business

24:00 Advice for Legacy Businesses

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the often misunderstood concept of networking. They explore how networking can be a powerful tool for building relationships and growing a business when approached authentically. The conversation covers various aspects of networking, including community involvement, referral-based models, and the importance of patience and consistency in cultivating connections. The hosts also share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively network both in-person and online, emphasizing the long-term benefits of relationship-building over immediate transactions.

Takeaways

• Networking can change the trajectory of your business.
• Building relationships is key to successful networking.
• Networking is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.
• Community involvement enhances networking opportunities.
• Referral-based networking groups can provide valuable connections.
• Online platforms like LinkedIn are essential for networking.
• Patience is crucial in the networking process.
• Networking should feel authentic, not transactional.
• Engaging in industry-specific groups can boost confidence.
• Effort in networking leads to greater rewards.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Networking

02:53 Building Relationships Through Networking

05:50 The Long Game of Networking

08:53 Networking in the Community

11:59 Referral-Based Networking Models

15:00 Expanding Your Network Online

18:04 Industry-Specific Networking

20:58 Overcoming Networking Challenges

23:39 Final Thoughts on Networking

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com