Holidays are a natural time to talk about traditions...and how our brands can be part of the routines & rituals on holidays...and every day!

In this more personal episode, Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods) swap stories about holiday traditions, from food-centered moments to favorite Christmas songs, and the small rituals that make the season memorable.

As the conversation wraps up, Katie and Clint connect the idea of traditions to brand building—exploring how the strongest brands don't just show up for special occasions, but become part of people's routines and rituals. Not by forcing their way in, but by fitting naturally into everyday life through emotional connection.

In this episode, Katie and Clint talk about:
 * Favorite family holiday traditions
 * Creating traditions that feel fun and meaningful
 * Food, family, and everyday moments that shape the season
 * How brands become part of people's year-round rituals

🎧 Listen in for a light, enjoyable conversation—and a simple idea about what it really means for a brand to become part of someone's everyday life.

Want to go deeper?

Get the free weekly worksheet that goes with each episode by joining the newsletter.

👉 Follow @realfoodbrands on Instagram and tap the link in the bio to sign up.

Looking for clarity on your next steps?

Katie & Clint help food business owners review their strategy, cut through noise, and move forward with a clear plan. Reply to the Weekly Newsletter or use the private scheduling link included each week to book a session.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

164. Curating Holiday Traditions & Year-Round Food Rituals

How brand pillars turn strategy into structure — and help your brand stand out.

If you've ever felt like your brand is harder to explain than it should be — or like you're doing all the right things to grow but still operating at a "product" level, you might be missing brand pillars!

Brand pillars are often talked about as a content or messaging tool, but that's only part of the story. In this episode, Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods) zoom out to show how brand pillars fit into the bigger picture of brand strategy — and why they're one of the key ways brands move from making a great product to building a strong BRAND that stands out.

You'll hear a real-life example of Clint's food business pillars, and you can visit @realfoodbrands on Instagram to see Katie's pillars for Real Food Brands — along with how she actually uses them day to day.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
 * Why brand strategy and brand pillars are about aligning your entire business — not just your messaging
 * Where brand pillars fit in the Define → Align → Activate framework (and why they're not the first step)
 * What brand pillars actually include
 * How brand pillars help you move from product-focused to brand-first thinking
 * A practical example of how structure unlocks clarity and productivity
 * How brand pillars act as filters for decisions across marketing, sales, and growth



Want to go deeper?

Get the free weekly worksheet that goes with each episode by joining the newsletter.

👉 Follow @realfoodbrands on Instagram and tap the link in the bio to sign up.

Looking for clarity on your next steps?

Katie & Clint help food business owners review their brand & sales strategy, cut through noise, and move forward with a clear plan. Reply to the Weekly Newsletter or use the private scheduling link included each week to book a session (only available to newsletter subscribers!).

Episodes Mentioned:

Ep 135. Is a Great Product Enough to Grow Your Food Business? [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/06/135-is-a-great-product-enough-to-grow-your-food-business/]

Ep 143: Ideas Spinning in Your Head? Here's How to Use (Or Lose) Them Strategically. [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/08/143-ideas-spinning-in-your-head/]

Ep 122: Start Standing Out with These 4 Steps [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/122-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-1-start-standing-out-with-these-4-steps/]

Ep 83: Understanding the Difference Between Features & Benefits [https://realfoodbrands.com/2021/04/understanding-the-difference-between-features-benefits/]



MORE OPTIONS

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can

163. Brand Pillars: The Backbone of Your Brand That Makes a Major Impact

A simple, strategic way to review what's working, regroup your resources, and refocus where you want your business to go next.

This episode is relevant any time of the year, but as we look to a new year, it's a natural moment to think about where you've been and where you're going!

In Ep 162, Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods) share a simple framework you can use now and throughout the year to review your progress, regroup your resources, and refocus your plans.

Katie & Clint start with a light conversation about BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), a concept from Jim Collins' book Built to Last that Katie first learned during her corporate brand management days at Kraft Foods. It's a helpful reminder to consider the exciting, BIG picture opportunity, and your vision for the kind of business you want to build.

Then they walk through a framework: Review, Regroup, and Refocus, including practical prompts and examples you can use to bring clarity and alignment to your next steps.

In this episode, you'll learn:
 * What a BHAG is and how it encourages big-picture, energizing thinking
 * How to review your year with curiosity using prompts like:
   * What surprised you?
   * What energized or drained you?
   * Where were you aligned? Where were you winging it?
 * What it looks like to regroup your time, money, energy, and team bandwidth
 * How your results act as either a mirror or not an accurate reflection of your brand strategy
 * Why the 3Rs support more aligned, confident decision-making
 * Why this is a helpful exercise anytime — not just at the end of the year

Links & Resources
 * Episode 143: [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/08/143-ideas-spinning-in-your-head/] Ideas Spinning in Your Head? Here's How to Make Them Work for You [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/08/143-ideas-spinning-in-your-head/]
 * Built to Last by Jim Collins (origin of the BHAG concept)

Want to go deeper?

Get the free weekly worksheet that goes with each episode by joining the newsletter.

👉 Follow @realfoodbrands on Instagram and tap the link in the bio to sign up.

Looking for clarity on your next steps?

Katie & Clint help food business owners review their strategy, cut through noise, and move forward with a clear plan. Reply to the newsletter or use the private scheduling link included each week to book a session.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

162. Your Next 12 Months: Review, Regroup & Refocus to Align With Your BHAG

How to decide which local, regional, or national shows make sense for your food business in 2026 based on your brand strategy and goals.

Planning events for 2026? In this episode, your hosts Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods) break down how to choose the events that actually support your goals — instead of getting swept up in FOMO or the pressure to "be everywhere."

From local consumer festivals and regional distributor shows to big national expos and retail-specific gatherings, there's no shortage of options. The key is choosing the ones that match *your* business stage, resources, and business goals.

You'll hear stories about events they've attended — from small community tastings to Fancy Food — and what they learned about sales, visibility, distribution, and opportunity cost along the way. Plus, they share a simple decision filter you can use to evaluate whether an event is worth your time, energy, and budget.

In this episode, you'll learn:

 * How to align event types with your 2026 business goals
 * Choosing between consumer-facing, buyer-focused, supplier, and networking events
 * Why timing, bandwidth, and inventory capacity matter
 * Clint's experience with distributor and retailer shows (and what actually paid off)
 * How to avoid overcommitting — placing your bets on the right events
 * A simple 3-question filter that helps you decide whether an event is worth attending

Whether you're just starting to think about events or you're mapping out a full calendar for 2026, this conversation will help you make confident, aligned decisions that move your business forward.

👋 Join Katie and other food business owners in the Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable on Facebook to talk about specific events & industry shows. You'll find the link in #2, below.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/]to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

161. Should You Go? Choosing Events & Shows That Will Move Your Food Brand Forward

How food business owners can stay focused & grow intentionally, while building a brand that's in alignment with their strategy.

Here's one major advantage smaller food businesses have: the ability to move fast. But that freedom can also leave room to move too quickly into new sales channels, partnerships, or operational decisions...before the business is truly ready.

In other words, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

That's why today, Katie and Clint are digging into a concept and mindset Clint and his co-founder developed early on: EXPEDITED CAUTIOUSNESS — the idea that you can move quickly, but only when you have the clarity and data to make a confident, aligned decision.

It's a fresh, practical way to navigate growth and respond to opportunities without reacting out of pressure or FOMO.

Together, we explore how this approach can help other food business owners grow smarter, avoid costly missteps, and build a business and brand they truly love.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

- Why "expedited cautiousness" can help you grow quickly and responsibly

- How to avoid reacting too quickly

- Why hoping financials "get better later" is a growth trap

- How to use your brand strategy as a decision filter for new opportunities

- Examples from Clint's business where moving too fast backfired — and what he learned

- Growth tips and mindset shifts to help you build a business & brand you love

Related Episodes:

 * Ep 152: Sharing Lessons Learned to Build a Strong Food Brand [https://open.spotify.com/episode/69sAIZq1EovTkJiGQbTZQs?si=91TGw8_zRxOuww_g90SkSA]
 * Ep 158: Using Grants to Grow Your Brand: VAPG and Beyond [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RbHAIGJqLxOO1gtvy3EWE?si=EkjfFEkAS2ydntylewWALw]
 * Ep 141: Bridging Brand Strategy & Sales: Don't Just Sell More, Sell Smarter [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gD81j2q1kVqcnkVQKTAU3?si=qiOSFDKLQoiQ4XKnOPEv7w]
 * Ep 134: How to Shift From Running a Business to Growing a Brand [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Q2itBIAvGkG9LcQkGP1hx?si=5R04yV22QG221PDvMkOsMg]

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter - including a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/]to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

160. Smart Growth for Food Brands: Are You Using "Expedited Cautiousness"?

Clear messaging doesn't start with better writing — it starts with stronger strategy.

If your message feels messy, scattered, or hard to articulate, the problem probably isn't your writing — it's your foundation.

In this solo episode, I (Katie Mleziva - Real Food Brands) build on the recent episodes with Clint about Sales and funding growth through grants. You'll hear me talk about why clear messaging starts long before you or your team ever sit down to write, and how returning to your brand strategy gives your words the structure they need to finally "have a place to land."

Through a few of my own stories (including a real-life garage + basement cleanout), I will show you how clutter in our physical spaces parallels the mental clutter that happens when your strategy isn't fully defined. Without shelves, racks, or systems, everything in your closet becomes a jumbled pile — and the same is true for your message.

You'll learn:

 * Why messy messaging is a symptom, not the problem, and how to get to the core issue
 * How brand strategy acts as the structure your words depend on, and make it so much easier to find the right words
 * The foundational questions that bring clarity back into focus
 * The role of brand pillars in creating consistency - a structure you can rely on
 * Why clarity leads to confidence, which in turn fuels smart growth.

Whether you're writing for buyers, consumers, investors, or grant reviewers, this episode will help you reconnect your message to your mission…before you write another word.

Episodes Mentioned:

--Ep 8. How to Identify Your Ideal Audience Using Personas [https://realfoodbrands.com/2018/06/podcast-ep-8-how-to-define-your-ideal-audience-using-personas/] (from 2018, but still a good one...warning I sound a little stiff! And you can see my original podcast art)

--Ep 65. Setting Your Food Business Apart Step 2: Identifying Your Ideal Consumer [https://realfoodbrands.com/2020/09/brand-strategy-series-setting-your-food-business-apart-step-2-identifying-your-ideal-consumer/]

--Ep 83. Understanding the Difference Between Features & Benefits [https://realfoodbrands.com/2021/04/understanding-the-difference-between-features-benefits/]



WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Sign up for my Friday Newsletter, which includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

159. Does Your Message Feel Messy? Start With Strategy Before You Start Writing

How food and farm businesses can fund intentional growth through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) and other aligned grant opportunities.

If you've been thinking about how to fund your next stage of growth, this episode will help you explore one of the most practical and accessible options — grants for food and farm businesses.

Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) and Clint Matthews (StartRight Foods) are joined by Stephen Ussery of Stewards Unlimited to break down the USDA's Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) — along with other grant funding opportunities that can help small food brands, farms, and makers expand production, marketing, or new product lines without drifting from their brand strategy or purpose.

In this episode, you'll learn:

 * What the VAPG (Value-Added Producer Grant) is and who qualifies
 * Why brand alignment and strategy matter when applying for grants
 * Real examples of how food producers and makers have used grant funding to scale
 * What to expect from the application, funds available, and the reporting process
 * How grants can accelerate growth when they align with your long-term goals
 * How Stewards Unlimited can help you get started

Whether you're a farmer, maker, or packaged food brand owner, this conversation will help you understand how to use grants as a tool for intentional, sustainable business growth — so you can build your brand and your impact at the same time.

--> Join their email list at StewardsUnlimited.com [https://stewardsunlimited.com/] to get grant alerts that apply to your business based on the criteria you select. I love getting grant alerts myself because I'm always looking for ways to support all of you!

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to the podcast, then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food & farm business owner community - to ask questions and meet other people who love producing real food as much as you do!

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand or integrating your brand + sales strategy, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss the ways we work with food, farm, and natural product brands.

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

158. Using Grants to Grow Your Brand: VAPG and Beyond

Sometimes sales can feel stressful in your food business, but we're here to help you take a brand-first approach so you can feel aligned, confident, and excited about your sales plans!

In the prior four episodes of our 4PS's Sales Process series, you've planned, prepped, and pitched...now what?

In the final episode of the series, I'm joined by Clint Matthews from Start Right Foods to talk about what happens after you hear back from a buyer. Whether it's a yes or a no this time, your next move matters. And if it's a yes, the work is really just beginning...and that's a good thing as long as you know what to do next! (and if you need help, just reach out to us and we're happy to talk).

We're digging into:

 * What to do after the pitch — how to keep the momentum going.
 * When you get a "yes" — why the real work begins once you're on the shelf, and how to nurture the relationship.
 * When you get a "no" — how to handle rejection with professionalism, ask for feedback, and turn it into an opportunity to learn and grow.
 * Persistence in practice — why following up consistently (but NOT constantly!) builds trust with buyers and may open future doors.
 * Mindset vs. process challenges — how to recognize whether your sales challenges stem from confidence, clarity, or consistency so we can address the right problem.

From real-life stories to practical follow-up strategies, this episode is all about staying proactive, professional, and positive throughout the sales process.

WHAT NEXT?

1. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

2. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to hear the full conversation and then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food business owner community - to share your own lessons and what you need next in your business.

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss ways we can work together.

OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED:

Playlist of 4Ps Sales Process episodes on Spotify (or search on your favorite podcast player!) [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5d6FlQHSOWMThblysvaG23?si=YpNlVya4QMKTXQFrOaaP4Q]

148. Motivation + Discipline: Your Mindset Shift for Sustainable Food Business Growth Ep 114 – Intentional Marketing: Getting ON the Shelf, IN the Cart, and OUT of the Pantry (or Fridge!)

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

Ep 157: PERSIST: After the Sales Pitch...How to Turn a Yes or No into Next Steps

What if pitching your food business to a new buyer felt natural instead of nerve-wracking?

We want to help you think differently about pitching. And even if you never enjoy sales quite as much as Clint does, we can help you turn your pitch from a stressful presentation into a confident, brand-aligned conversation that captures the attention of buyers from your "right fit" accounts.

In this episode of the Food Business Marketing Podcast, Katie shares why sales "should" come naturally to her, and Clint walks us through his actual retail pitch deck and what makes buyers say yes.

From how to tell your story to when to stop talking, this conversation between Katie and Clint is full of insights you can apply before your next buyer meeting.

You'll learn:

 * How to see your pitch as a conversation, not just a presentation.
 * Why preparation and practice are the antidotes to nerves.
 * The value of leading with your story before diving into data.
 * Tips for customizing your pitch to each retailer's goals.
 * When to say less and sell more by letting buyers lead the next step.

By the end, you'll know how to show up with cool, confident energy—ready to pitch your food business like a pro.

WHAT NEXT?

1. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to hear the full conversation and then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food business owner community - to share your own lessons and what you need next in your business.

2. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter, which includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a memorable and meaningful, cohesive brand, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss ways we can work together.

OTHER LINKS:

Clint's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-matthews-6102457/] - let him know you listened when you connect!

--> Spotify playlist for this 4Ps Sales Process Series [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5d6FlQHSOWMThblysvaG23?si=8UZB7a4YTy6VWquuPUq1sQ]

Thanks for listening – let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

156. PITCH: How to Present Your Food Business Like a Pro (4Ps Sales Series Part 4 of 5)

Before you ever pitch your food brand and products, preparation is what will set you apart. Learn how to prep with purpose so you can approach the right buyers for your business with a clear and compelling message they can't help but want to learn more about!

In Part 2 of our 4Ps Sales Process series (episode 3 of 5 in this series), Clint and I I talk about how to prep with purpose—because success in sales goes beyond luck. Preparation builds a strong storyline, and also builds your confidence.

In this episode, we cover how to:

 1. Sharpen your story – Know what makes your brand different and communicate it clearly and concisely.
 2. Back it up with data – Whether it’s SPINS reports, subcategory trends, or farmers market feedback, use what you have to support your story.
 3. Design a brand-aligned presentation – Create a clear, consistent deck that highlights your brand and products in a way that highlights what matters most to buyers.

When preparation meets opportunity, that’s when the "luck" starts to happen!

WHAT TO DO NEXT

1. 💬 Join the Conversation! Tune in to hear the full conversation and then join us in the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealFoodBrands] - a free food business owner community - to share your own lessons and what you need next in your business.

2. 📧 Katie's Friday Newsletter includes a Weekly Worksheet to help you apply these ideas directly to your food business. Sign up here. [l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frealfoodbrands96684.ac-page.com%2Femail-list%3Ftest%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf-m_XfTB9_IuxuZ-7ZB-8JilqawV1qQE6U8f8-Y9svH6BJD08YcD8HatYvwA_aem_tDuGl-SXcdHde-xvJT-MAg&e=AT2ZjpMDjuL2Xc7007wjP8EVZx_Sj919AnmddxOXCgNRE7Ga_4n10DVcAa4-18dAagJfoAogWuVB_PRgTN8egedhtvENUHodlTNPffaMLCanNtEVkoyYxsBaPg]

3. 📞 If you're ready to talk about building a clear, cohesive brand, you can Request an Intro Call [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to discuss ways we can work together.

OTHER LINKS:

Ep 102: Are You Inviting People into a Brand Story or Sharing Brand History? [https://realfoodbrands.com/2022/01/102-are-you-inviting-people-into-a-brand-story-or-sharing-brand-history/]

--> Stay tuned for another Spotify playlist coming soon with our Sales episodes.

Thanks for listening – let’s go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

155. PREP: Practice Makes Perfect, But Preparation Before the Pitch is Powerful  (4 Ps Sales Process Part 2)

Looking for ways grow your natural food or beverage business? Find actionable tips and insights from industry experts regarding why building a strong brand strategy matters not only to connect with your ideal audience but also when building relationships with external stakeholders like buyers, suppliers and investors. Continue the conversation by joining the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table group on Facebook! Brought to you by Real Food Brands (www.RealFoodBrands.com) and hosted by Katie Mleziva.

kmleziva

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