CAMPUS

Think only subject matter experts make the best founders? Think again. In this post, we explore why deep expertise can sometimes hold you back — and how the most successful founders thrive not by knowing everything, but by surrounding themselves with the right people. Learn how to lead, delegate, and stay focused on what really matters: building the business.

Worried the market is too crowded? Don’t be. Saturation isn’t a stop sign — it’s a signal that opportunity exists. In this post, we explore why crowded markets are often the most profitable and how small differences in brand, audience, or product strategy can lead to massive wins.

Think you need a product sample to start your business? Think again. Sampling too early often leads to wasted money and bad decisions. In this post, we break down why clarity — not a prototype — is the true starting point, and how to build a business plan that gives your sample a real job to do.

Think product-based businesses are too expensive to start? Think again. While they come with upfront costs, they also offer predictable expenses, scalable systems, and cleaner ROI than many service-based models. This post breaks down the real difference between product and service business costs — and why strategy, not price, is what truly determines success.

A great idea doesn’t guarantee a great business — execution does. The most successful companies aren’t always the most original; they’re the ones that solve real problems, meet real needs, and function in the real world. This post unpacks why functional beats flashy, and why business success is built on clarity, not just creativity.

E-commerce gets all the attention, but it’s not the only — or even the best — way to build a product-based business. In fact, treating it like the only viable model could be limiting your growth. From wholesale and B2B to corporate gifting and hybrid strategies, this post breaks down why e-commerce isn't king — and what smarter, more sustainable options are out there.

Scaling a product-based business isn’t just about more orders—it’s about smarter operations. If sales spikes bring stress instead of excitement, your fulfillment model might be holding you back. In this final Shipping School lesson, we break down the signs it's time to evolve and five strategic ways to scale. This isn't just backend—it's brand strategy. Ready to level up?

SOPs—standard operating procedures—might sound corporate, but they’re the secret to scaling your fulfillment without constant chaos.

They turn strategy into action by documenting repeatable processes for packing, shipping, returns, inventory, and more. Whether you’re managing it all yourself or working with a 3PL, clear SOPs ensure your brand shows up consistently, your team stays aligned, and you’re not reinventing the wheel with every order.

Most founders think of shipping as an operational task—but it's actually one of your brand's most powerful touch points. Fulfillment is the final step in the customer journey and often the first physical impression someone gets of your product. In this post, we break down how to create a fulfillment experience that builds trust, feels on-brand, and supports long-term customer loyalty—without overspending on fluff.

What’s a 3PL—and do you actually need one?
In this Shipping School lesson, we’re breaking down what third-party logistics partners (3PLs) actually do, what they don’t, and how to know when it’s time to outsource your fulfillment.

If you’re spending more time packing orders than growing your brand, this one's for you.

Inventory isn’t just about keeping shelves stocked—it’s about keeping your cash flow healthy and your business scalable. In this lesson from Shipping School, we break down the basics of inventory management without the overwhelm. Learn how to calculate your par level, monitor sell-through rates, handle dead stock strategically, and avoid common founder pitfalls. No spreadsheets required (unless you like them). Just clear, repeatable systems that protect your bottom line.

Fulfillment might not be the flashiest part of building a product-based business, but it’s one of the most critical. If shipping feels like a bottleneck—or worse, a breakdown—it’s time to rethink your system. In this video, we walk through the three stages of fulfillment, the hidden costs of DIY, and how to scale your shipping strategy without burning out. Whether you’re packing orders at your kitchen table or exploring 3PL options, this is your guide to doing it smarter.

Phase Five is all about disruption. At this stage, you have a product ready to go, and it’s time to make waves. Focus on creating high-quality photography and video content for your digital channels, launch creative campaigns, and consider pre-sales to build momentum. Don’t forget to prepare your logistics and fulfillment processes in advance to ensure a smooth launch. It’s time to get your product in front of your audience and excite them for the big reveal!

In Phase Three of product development, the focus is on refining and executing the product. This includes building and testing prototypes, iterating designs, and engaging investors. Hard goods require engineering development and process validation, while soft goods undergo multiple sample runs for fit and design. Formula-based products test performance and make necessary adjustments. The goal is to create a comprehensive technical data package, essential for manufacturing and regulatory needs.

In Phase Two of product development, the focus shifts to designing innovative solutions identified in Phase One. This includes creating concept sketches and prototypes, using methods like VR for quick design testing. For soft goods and formula-based products, emphasis is on pattern designs and early ideation through AI and cloud-based software. The goal is to refine the design, ensuring marketability, saving costs, and aligning stakeholders before moving to physical sampling in Phase Three.

The "deploy phase" of product development is where products are integrated into the market. It involves working with manufacturers, managing logistics, and preparing inventory. Strategic considerations like packaging, supply chain, and market entry—whether e-commerce or physical stores—are key. The complexity of deployment ranges from simple manufacturer negotiations to large-scale international distribution, depending on the product's market and team size.

Welcome to Lesson One! Today, we’re exploring the product development process at Louder—the Define Phase. This crucial first step takes you from an initial idea (maybe even just a napkin sketch) to a clear roadmap that will guide you all the way through to shipping your first order.

Alia and Maro discuss the importance of creating a minimum viable brand (MVB) before starting a product-based business. They emphasize that early brand development should focus on visual representation and market positioning without finalizing the brand identity.

The "is and is not" exercise- a crucial tool for defining the scope in product-based businesses. This method involves creating two columns: one for what the product is and one for what it is not. They emphasize its benefits in budget control and development speed.

Alia and Maro discuss the concept of "good, fast, and cheap," explaining that in development, only two of these attributes can be achieved simultaneously. They emphasize that understanding this trade-off is crucial for decision-making in various fields.

The FBO (Features, Benefits, and Objections) framework helps you clarify your product for both your team and customers. Features are the tangible components of your product, while benefits focus on how those features solve customer problems. Objections identify potential hesitations, which you can address in your messaging. This exercise helps you stand out in a competitive market by ensuring clear communication and aligning your product with customer needs.

The 2-2-1 analysis helps you understand your competition by identifying two direct competitors, two indirect competitors, and one aspirational brand. This exercise clarifies how consumers are already engaging in the market, refines your product features, and uncovers market gaps. It also encourages strategic thinking, helping you stay focused on your business’s unique position.

Today we discuss planning your ROI and understanding your break-even goal. Touching on calculating the total investment, including your salary, purchase orders, and other expenses to know your total investment and get on the side of profit.