Strategic planning for consumer product businesses
Building a successful consumer product business requires more than just a great idea and manufacturing know-how. The strategic decisions you make early on will determine whether you create a profitable, sustainable business or struggle with preventable challenges for years.
Unlike service-based businesses, product companies face complex, interconnected decisions about manufacturing, financing, logistics, and go-to-market strategies before generating any revenue. Through my collaborative strategic planning process, specifically designed for product businesses, we'll create a comprehensive roadmap that transforms your product vision into a viable business strategy.
Drawing from 10 years of hands-on experience building my own international consumer product business from concept to profitable success, I understand every challenge you'll encounter because I've successfully navigated them all firsthand.
The strategic decisions that make or break consumer product businesses
Production and manufacturing strategy
US vs. overseas manufacturing analysis and implications
Quality control systems and supplier relationship strategies
Engineering, tooling, and production process decisions
Scaling from prototypes to mass production
Market strategy and positioning
Target audience identification and competitive positioning
Wholesale vs. retail channel strategy and pricing implications
Distribution channel development and partner relationships
Go-to-market timing and launch strategy
Financial planning and cash flow management
Detailed financial projections for long product development cycles
Inventory financing and working capital strategies
Cash flow modeling from samples through production to sales
Managing Net 30/60 payment terms and seasonal fluctuations
Operations and growth planning
Supply chain design and international logistics
Warehousing, fulfillment, and inventory management
Scaling operations as demand grows
Building systems that support sustainable growth
My product business experience
As Founder and Managing Director of OOTS! for 10 years, I built an international product business from concept to successful exit. I designed, manufactured, and distributed consumer products globally, navigating every challenge you'll face:
Created fully functioning international distribution channels
Managed complex supply chains across multiple countries
Secured major media placements (O: The Oprah Magazine, New York Times, Good Morning America)
Developed financial systems to manage long cash flow cycles
Built and managed international virtual teams
Successfully scaled from startup to profitable exit