Episode Summary
In this episode of the 7-Figures & Beyond podcast, host Greg Shuey interviews Dan Barnes, one of the founders of PhoneSoap, a company that manufactures and sells UV light phone sanitizers. They discuss the impact of appearing on Shark Tank, the spike in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges faced after the pandemic. Barnes shares how they had to shift their messaging and marketing strategies to adapt to changing customer behavior and increased competition. He emphasizes the importance of putting the customer first and being data-driven in decision-making. Barnes also advises businesses experiencing a massive shift to assess the sustainability of the growth and prioritize customer and employee satisfaction.
You can read the full transcript here.
Key Takeaways
- Entrepreneurial Growth and Resilience: Dan Barnes’ narrative from early entrepreneurial activities to co-founding PhoneSoap underscores the essence of resilience, the courage to innovate, and the ability to seize market opportunities. His journey highlights the critical role of embracing diverse experiences and the persistence required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.
- Leveraging Media Exposure for Business Growth: The experience of appearing on Shark Tank and partnering with Lori Greiner illustrates the transformative impact of strategic media exposure. This experience not only propelled PhoneSoap’s brand recognition but also significantly accelerated its sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of media visibility and strategic alliances in business expansion.
- Strategic Adaptation During Unprecedented Times: PhoneSoap’s rapid response to the increased demand for sanitation products during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the ability to adapt strategically to unforeseen market demands. This segment of the conversation reveals how agility and responsiveness to market needs can fuel business growth during times of crisis.
- Overcoming Post-Pandemic Market Shifts: The challenges encountered by PhoneSoap, including regulatory issues and increased competition, post-pandemic, highlight the need for businesses to remain adaptable and innovative. Barnes’ discussion on navigating these hurdles reflects the importance of strategic thinking and the continuous search for differentiation in a crowded market.
- Evolving Marketing Strategies for Brand Relevance: The shift in PhoneSoap’s marketing strategy to align with a broader health and wellness focus post-pandemic offers insights into the necessity of evolving marketing approaches. Adapting brand messaging to resonate with changing consumer preferences and values is crucial for maintaining relevance and engagement in a dynamic market environment.
Links
Greg Shuey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-shuey/
Dan Barnes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhb/
Phone Soap: https://www.phonesoap.com/
Shark Tank Episode: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2v00o1
Greg is a digital marketing strategist, ecommerce owner, e-commerce marketing agency owner, and recognized leader in the D2C industry.
With 18 years of experience working with small, medium, and large organizations, Greg knows how to build and execute marketing strategies that drive growth.
