Episode Introduction: In episode two, the hosts discusscritical marketing investments early-stage companies should make. From building a strong website to developing clear messaging and value propositions, the show outlines important steps that promote brand awareness and growth.

They share insights on how marketing needs evolve as the company grows. Topics include when to hire a generalist vs. specialized marketing firm, how to build and support a marketing team, and common investment mistakes to avoid.

Guest Bio: This is a roundtable discussion with the regular hosts – Bethany Hale, AmandaBoatright, NishaBagipalli, Julia Goebel, and Laura Hill. The panelists bring decades of marketing experience working with brands at every stage of development to the conversation.

Main Topic 1: First Critical Marketing Investments (8:59)The hosts discuss crucial early marketing investments. This includes leveraging a high-functioning website to achieve a tailored online presence. It also includes developing a clearly defined brand message and value proposition to achieve a product market fit.

Main Topic 2: Building and Supporting a Marketing Team (22:24)The hosts describe steps to take as the business grows and marketing needs evolve. They reflect on when to go from a Swiss Army Knife-esque marketing generalist to a specialist team. The discussion focuses on everything from hiring complementary experts to supporting career growth and role transitions overtime.

Main Topic 3: Investment Mistakes to Avoid (35:00)Amanda, Bethan, Laura, Nisha, and Julia discuss common mistakes newly emerging brands often make. These include overspending on digital ads without a strategy, investing in trade shows without sales alignment, and a lack of agile testing or measurement.

The hosts advise taking a thoughtful, metric-driven approach to marketing at allstages of brand development.

Main Topic 4: Marketing Maturity and Agile Testing (42:43)Marketing maturity is discussed as the panel wraps up the conversation with reflections on how strategies should evolve over time.