Back in the 90’s, Garry Kieves, founder, and owner of Anagram International, wanted a better way of marketing mylar balloons and in the process, get into mass market where more consumers shop.

Traditionally, balloons were stuffed on a shelf in a back room within party stores, florists, and grocery chains, with a few dusty inflated balloons pasted on the wall for consumers to see. Plus, no mass market retailer carried balloons. The Anagram’s sales and marketing groups brainstormed and identified that the balloons needed to be packaged. But mylar balloons were slippery to grab, fold, and insert into a package.

Garry, an engineer and machining expert, tinkered with Anagram’s on-site manufacturing lines. He ultimately invented a revolutionary manufacturing process that folded the slippery mylar balloons and inserted them into small plastic packages. Sandhill consultant Kris Tarantino and others developed the planogrammed spinners and pegged packaging programs that held the balloons. No longer would balloons be stuffed into a back closet. Now they would be front-and-center for consumers to actively engage and “experience”.

Anagram immediately went to market with the new Anagram Balloon Centers or ABC. These ranged from smaller corrugated floor and counter 24 peg-facing to a 72 peg-facing balloon wire spinner which held hundreds of balloon packages that consumers could finger through. These innovative planograms were an instant hit. The result? Mass market retailers, including Toys R Us, added the ABC system.

Sandhill consultant Kris Tarantino, and the Sandhill team, all worked in different consumer products companies on disruptive marketing and experiential merchandising systems. Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can benefit from Sandhill’s breadth of entrepreneurial thinking.

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Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to innovation, high expectation for excellence, and ability to lead through transition were just a few of the skills needed to be successful. He quickly developed a consistent business plan that would become a platform for more acquisitions. Rick was able to implement professional processes and systems that drove the sales and profitability forward. The new company needed a new name and value proposition that brought together the values of both companies—enter PlayCore. The company was able to attract a strong management team and other added divisions which eventually took over the market. Today, PlayCore is a leader in building communities through play and recreation.

PlayCore designs and builds indoor and outdoor play, fitness and climbing, site essentials like dog parks and bike storage, aquatic timing and amenities, and recreation surfacing, all in North America.  The company continues to believe that healthy communities are rooted in shared spaces, strong relationships, and authentic curiosity. Is your company thinking about an acquisition or repositioning? Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can grow from Sandhill’s breadth of experience and creativity in processes and systems.

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Under the direction of Rick Contino (Sandhill Consultant), a highly visible merchandising system of products and packaging was developed for Anchor Hocking, called C.R.O.S.S. – Coordinated Retail Optics Selling Systems. A special see thru plastic four pack was developed for each glassware line. Color coded and sized for optimum shelve space, this system gave a clear and organized approach to selling retail glassware for mass merchants.

Do you need to drive sales and attract new consumers?  Package redesign and creating merchandising systems that work will make a difference. 

Sandhill consultants Rick Contino and George Hamilton have extensive experience in driving company growth. 

Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can benefit from Sandhill’s breadth of experience and knowledge in merchandising and packaging.

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Western Publishing’s promotions, sales, marketing, and licensing groups worked together to create 4’ – 40’ of permanent multi-teared wooden racks. They were visually appealing and offered consumers books, activity products, puzzles, crayons, and later, video—the right mix of products in one place. Result: Success! Rack systems were sold into 100,000 retail outlets across the country. These planogrammed racks were an early form of “experiential marketing”.  

Experiential marketing is the process of creating an experience, engagement and memorable experiences for the customer rather than approaching them through traditional marketing methods. 

Fast forward to the 90’s and Western was determined to further elevate the consumer experience at retail. The answer: corrugated point-of-purchase promotional displays. 

In the heyday of Western’s point-of-purchase success, over 250,000 were sold annually. They even entered the P.O.P.A.I Competition (Point of Purchase Advertising Institute)and received a Bronze Award for their Tootle the Train display which featured 616 Golden products. The following year, they won the highest Gold Award with a huge Disneyland Castle that held 1,100 Golden products. 

Today these large 3-D displays, Pop Ups, Store within a Store concepts all offer consumers a “location-based entertainment” experience and sweep them away in the theme and wonderment of the moment filled with alluring products. Experiential marketing is not just another buzz word it is here to stay! 

Sandhill consultants Nick Clementi and Kris Tarantino were part of the Western Publishing change-making team that created retail experiences through award-winning POP’s.

Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can benefit from Sandhill’s breadth of experience and creativity in experiential marketing, packaging and planogram systems.

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In the face of challenges in traditional markets, a $70 Million glass company recognized the need to explore more promising markets. Discovering immense potential in the glass candle jar industry, the company pivoted its focus. However, existing manufacturing processes weren’t aligned with the unique requirements of this expanding business.

The Company adopted a groundbreaking strategy, transforming manufacturing processes to cater to the specific needs of the candle jar business. This strategic adaptation created the process flexibility to not only allow the Company to seize opportunities in the candle jar market but also strengthen its position in its existing high-volume traditional markets.

The outcome was extraordinary – a resurgence in growth and a prominent presence in the booming scented candle market, currently valued at $3 billion and projected to exceed $6 billion by 2030.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, agility is key to success. Consultant George Hamilton, from Sandhill, played a pivotal role in leading transformative efforts that not only revitalized the company but also positioned it as a major player in a multi-billion-dollar market.  Join us in crafting your success story! Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can benefit from Sandhill’s breadth of experience and knowledge in strategy, trends, transformation, and manufacturing.

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History Channel Sunday evening https://lnkd.in/eYWYNJBm

hashtag#toysthatbuiltamerica

hashtag

#historychannel

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A change maker is someone who creatively sets about innovating to accelerate an opportunity. They inspire and influence others to join and support them, persisting until the desired outcome is achieved.

Under Rick’s direction, the company became reenergized and refocused with new business and marketing plans that optimized its quality line of products, aimed at the independent retailer. Utilizing basic planning and market discipline, the company surged forward and added other bolt-on divisions. Based on this success it was later divested at a significantly increased multiple. This became a win-win for management and the corporate parent.

Like Rick, change makers are the movers, shakers, and agitators leading the growth of a company by influencing others and making things happen.

Sandhill consultants Rick Contino, Nick Clementi, Elisa Webb Hill, George Hamilton and Richard Longabaugh were all change makers in different industries throughout their careers.

Contact Sandhill Consulting Group at info@sandhillconsultinggroup.com to see how your business can benefit from Sandhill’s change makers and how they moved the needle.

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Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

Small business owners often have to wear multiple hats and juggle various responsibilities. However, they may not possess all the specialized skills required to address every aspect of their operations effectively. Consulting firms bridge this gap by bringing in a team of experts with diverse backgrounds and experience. These professionals can offer valuable insights in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, and technology.

Objective Assessment and Analysis

Operating a small business can be emotionally taxing, and decision-making may become clouded by personal biases or attachments to particular strategies. Consulting firms provide an objective perspective by conducting thorough assessments of the business, identifying areas that need improvement, and recommending appropriate solutions. These assessments may involve market analysis, competitive benchmarking, financial evaluations, and organizational audits.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring full-time specialists to tackle specific challenges can be costly for small businesses. Engaging a consulting firm provides access to high-quality expertise without the long-term commitment and expenses associated with full-time hires. Moreover, consulting firms can be hired on an as-needed basis, allowing small businesses to control their expenditure and prioritize essential services.

Strategic Planning and Growth

Consulting firms assist in creating short-term and long-term strategic plans that align with the business’s vision and objectives. Consultants can help define achievable goals, set performance indicators, and establish actionable plans to realize growth. Through this partnership, small businesses can build robust strategies that adapt to changing market conditions and position them for sustainable success.

Industry Insights and Best Practices

Staying informed about industry trends and best practices can be challenging for small business owners who are already occupied with daily operations. Consulting firms, however, specialize in keeping abreast of the latest market developments, emerging technologies, and successful strategies used by competitors. By leveraging this knowledge, small businesses can gain a competitive edge and make informed decisions to stay ahead in their niche.

Risk Mitigation

For small businesses with limited resources, making costly mistakes can be detrimental to their survival. Consulting firms can help identify potential risks and develop risk management strategies to minimize negative outcomes. These strategies encompass everything from financial risk assessments to cybersecurity measures, safeguarding the business’s interests and protecting its reputation.

Looking for a Consulting Firm for your Small Business?

By partnering with Sandhill Consulting Group small businesses can improve their operational efficiency, minimize risks, and navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with confidence.

If you want your business operations or finances taken care of with minimal stress involved and maximum outcome achieved, our team of experts may be the right choice for you! We serve multiple locations across the United States, so no matter where you are in the country, we will ensure your needs are met efficiently.

Investing in a consulting partnership is not only a wise decision, but also a critical factor for sustained growth and success in the long run. Visit our website today to learn more about us and see what makes us different from other consulting firms out there!

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Staying Ahead of the Competition

Digital transformation is a term that refers to the adoption of digital technologies to transform business operations. This can include anything from automating manual processes to developing new products and services to enhance customer experience. Companies that embrace digital transformation can achieve greater efficiency, agility, and innovation, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition.

• Enhancing Customer Experience: Companies are leveraging digital technology to gather customer data and improve their understanding of consumer behavior. By using digital channels such as social media, chatbots, and mobile apps, companies can interact with customers more efficiently and provide personalized experiences. This allows companies to build stronger relationships with their customers and improve customer satisfaction levels.
• Optimizing Operations: Digital transformation and cloud services allow companies to automate processes, streamline workflows, and reduce manual labor. This leads to greater efficiency and productivity, enabling companies to operate more cost-effectively. By incorporating technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI-powered tools, companies can optimize their operations and gain a competitive advantage.
• Developing New Products and Services: Digital transformation is enabling companies to create new products and services that would not have been possible without technology. Companies are using data-driven insights to identify new market opportunities and develop innovative solutions to meet customer needs. By staying at the forefront of technology, companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors and carve out a unique position in the market.
• Embracing Agility: In today’s business landscape, companies must be agile and adaptable to succeed. Digital transformation allows companies to pivot business strategies, respond to new regulations and compliance requirements, and embrace new business models. By being agile, companies can stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in a constantly changing market.
• Enhancing Data Security: With cyber threats becoming more prevalent, companies are using digital transformation and cloud services to enhance their data security measures. This includes implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, developing robust disaster recovery plans, and ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory standards. By enhancing data security, companies can protect their critical business information and maintain customer trust.

Digital technology is a crucial element for companies to remain competitive in today’s business landscape. Companies that embrace digital transformation and cloud services can enhance customer experience, optimize operations, develop new products and services, embrace agility, and enhance data security. By staying at the forefront of technology, companies can gain a competitive advantage and stay ahead of the competition.

Looking for Digital Transformation and Cloud Services?

Sandhill Consulting Group advises in digital transformation and cloud services. We understand how important it is for businesses to have secure access to their data, which is why we offer personalized service and advanced cybersecurity protocols for each of our clients. Our services are designed to help enhance customer experience while keeping your critical information safe from potential threats.

With our help, you can make sure that not only will your data be protected but also increase efficiency in IT operations across the board. This way, your team can focus on what’s important: growing the business. Plus, we offer an unbeatable level of personalization; everything is tailored specifically for the individual client’s needs with no cookie-cutter approaches here!

Contact us to know more about our digital transformation and cloud services.

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This blog post will explore this topic in further detail by examining research into startup failure – exploring potential risks like misguided strategy, poor planning, or limited resources – as well as pinpointing practical steps that could help prevent them from happening.

Understand the Market

Before starting any business venture, it’s crucial to understand your target market and their needs. Market research offers invaluable insight into the consumer mindset, which allows you to tailor your products or services accordingly. This can help to boost customer satisfaction and lead to long-term business success. By gaining a deeper understanding of your target customers, you will be able to establish more meaningful connections with them, allowing you to foster a loyal customer base.

Avoid Over-Funding

Starting a business involves a lot of financial planning and decision-making. One common mistake that many entrepreneurs make is over-funding. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of receiving investments or loans, but taking more money than necessary can harm your business in the long run. It can lead to overspending, a lack of focus, and a false sense of security. Instead, it’s essential to know the exact amount of money you need to sustain your business and stick to that budget. This approach will help you manage your resources more efficiently and ensure that your business remains on track toward its goals. This is especially true today when increased fiscal responsibility is tantamount and the days of “free money” are long gone.

Hire Slow, Fire Fast

For building a strong team, the hiring process is crucial. Many companies make the mistake of rushing through interviews and onboarding, only to discover that the new hire is not a good fit for the team. Take your time to get to know the candidate, assess their skills and personality, and make sure they align with the company culture. It may take longer, but it’s worth it in the long run to avoid the cost and disruption of a bad hire.

Remember, it’s better to have a smaller, more cohesive team than a larger, dysfunctional one. Don’t be afraid to let someone go quickly if it’s clear they aren’t a good fit. Your team and your business will thank you for it.

Test Out Your Ideas

Proper idea testing lets you assess the potential success of your concept without investing a significant amount of time and money upfront. By testing out your ideas, you can make the necessary tweaks and adjustments to your plan before fully committing to it. This not only helps to mitigate the risks involved, but also gives you more confidence in the success of your venture.

Get the Help You Need

No business is an island. The days of inexperienced people breaking through on their good ideas alone are gone. Today, to make an impact, you need to fire on all cylinders. That’s where the Sandhill Consulting Group (sandhillconsultinggroup.com/) can help. Our team of dedicated experts can help you at every step of your entrepreneurial journey, from ideation through execution and growth management. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get the boost you need to reach success. Read more about how fractional executives can benefit your startup here.

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