This episode features Chris Mead, co-founder of CrossNet, who shares how to build and scale a brand beyond Amazon. Learn how CrossNet leveraged real-world customer interaction, strategic content creation, and a direct-to-consumer focus to achieve widespread retail distribution and significant growth. This is a must-listen for brands looking to diversify sales channels and build a strong, independent presence.
Key takeaways
CrossNet's initial market validation involved setting up nets at popular beaches, directly engaging with potential customers, and gathering immediate feedback crucial for product refinement and early sales.
The brand strategically shifted from direct beach sales to focusing on a strong e-commerce presence, leveraging influencer content and a well-designed Shopify website to drive online sales before approaching large retailers.
CrossNet prioritized direct-to-consumer sales via their Shopify site due to higher margins, using it as a foundation for growth before allocating inventory to big-box stores.
Chris Mead's sales experience from Uber was instrumental in cold-calling, negotiation, and building relationships with retail buyers, often using LinkedIn for warm introductions.
When approaching large retailers, CrossNet adopted a low-risk strategy, suggesting pilot programs in a limited number of high-potential stores to prove concept and manage cash flow effectively before scaling nationwide.
In this episode we talk about how to grow your brand outside of Amazon. We have a special guest Chris Meade, the co-founder of CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game. CROSSNET combines elements of the childhood game four square and volleyball in a competitive game to 11, win by 2. CROSSNET is now available at Walmart, Target, DICKS, Academy Sports, Amazon, and 20+ other retailers. Contact eCommerce Nurse: Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us on LinkedIn and Inst...
CrossNet's initial market validation involved setting up nets at popular beaches, directly engaging with potential customers, and gathering immediate feedback crucial for product refinement and early sales.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
The brand strategically shifted from direct beach sales to focusing on a strong e-commerce presence, leveraging influencer content and a well-designed Shopify website to drive online sales before approaching large retailers.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
CrossNet prioritized direct-to-consumer sales via their Shopify site due to higher margins, using it as a foundation for growth before allocating inventory to big-box stores.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Chris Mead's sales experience from Uber was instrumental in cold-calling, negotiation, and building relationships with retail buyers, often using LinkedIn for warm introductions.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
When approaching large retailers, CrossNet adopted a low-risk strategy, suggesting pilot programs in a limited number of high-potential stores to prove concept and manage cash flow effectively before scaling nationwide.
