Running a B2B Business with D2C Principles | Gilmar Arellano | HAY!
Honest Ecommerce · with Gilmar Arellano · June 20, 2022 · 29 min
Summary
This episode features Gilmar Arellano, co-founder and CEO of HAY! Straws, discussing the journey of building a B2B business by applying D2C principles. He shares insights on identifying market opportunities, the importance of timing in product launches, effective B2B outreach strategies like cold emails, and scaling a sustainable business. This is a must-listen for ecommerce operators looking to bridge the gap between B2B and D2C, particularly those in the sustainable product space.
Key takeaways
HAY! Straws successfully leveraged the prevailing public sentiment against plastic straws, demonstrating the critical role of market timing in achieving rapid growth and product-market fit.
The company initially validated market demand for its product by providing samples to a restaurant owner who complained about paper straws, proving that direct, real-world feedback can quickly confirm product viability.
HAY! Straws utilized cold emails as a primary strategy for B2B outreach, emphasizing the need for compelling subject lines and personalized approaches to stand out.
The focus on empowering employees instead of micromanaging them contributed to building a strong, devoted team committed to the company's mission.
Transitioning a B2B business to incorporate D2C principles, such as having an online presence, can broaden customer reach and diversify sales channels.
On this podcast, we talk about how Gil’s previous startup paved their commitment to sustainability, the most challenging part of running a straw business, how they succeeded at cold email outreach, and so much more!
HAY! Straws successfully leveraged the prevailing public sentiment against plastic straws, demonstrating the critical role of market timing in achieving rapid growth and product-market fit.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
The company initially validated market demand for its product by providing samples to a restaurant owner who complained about paper straws, proving that direct, real-world feedback can quickly confirm product viability.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
HAY! Straws utilized cold emails as a primary strategy for B2B outreach, emphasizing the need for compelling subject lines and personalized approaches to stand out.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
The focus on empowering employees instead of micromanaging them contributed to building a strong, devoted team committed to the company's mission.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Transitioning a B2B business to incorporate D2C principles, such as having an online presence, can broaden customer reach and diversify sales channels.
