We hear about overnight success stories of marketing and selling lots of products and services via the web, in a short time. In the new world of customers who are completely-in-charge of when they learn about and analyze new products and services it’s fun to find out exactly how some of these successes unfold. So at Small Company, Big Image, we like to share examples of companies that have gotten it right.
Under Development, Inc., with their new product, The Beer Belly, is a brand new company that did just that. I posted about the entrepreneur and his successful product launch here.
My partner, Jim Butz, recorded an interview with Under Development’s president, Brooks Lambert, and if you have 14 extra minutes you might want to listen to his success story. The audio file (Podcast) is here—you can listen on a PC, iPod or other MP3 player. You can download the file (download takes about 3 minutes to download on a high-speed Internet connection) and listen immediately, or save to listen later.
Brooks reached out, with a brand new product, brand new web site, and drew the attention of a very popular blog Gizmodo—The Gadget Guide—in November 2005. Hear how Gizmodo’s posting about TheBeerBelly got lots of media attention, CNN interviews and more and turbo charged sales, and still does.
Brooks is not only is an entrepreneur with a passion for designing products, he also volunteers in the Bay Area helping special needs kids experience surfing. He tells us how he combined his product design passion with helping out others. Enjoy!
Knowing what is important to your customers and supporting that is key. We are a small community, a tight community. Church, schools, and social events are very important. We are a family and community driven town and the more money we can put towards what matters most helps everyone; and everyone helps everyone.
Product wise: High quality, consistent, and excellent customer service. Every customer counts, no exceptions. I realize that sounds obvious, but a business cannot afford to lose even one client.