1.Knowing who to partner with and at what point in your company’s growth - Which retailers? Which brokers? Which service providers? Which manufacturing and fulfillment partners?

2.Understanding that your network & reputation matters

3.Understanding the true costs of doing business - how much to pay for what

4.Knowing which retailers to avoid early in your company’s growth - the wrong retailers can hurt more than they help

5.Understanding the ins and outs of manufacturing, ingredient sourcing and the hidden costs related to distribution and fulfillment

6.Understanding that building one great product alone will not produce a growing company - building a strong “connection” with the consumer, continual product innovation and investing in education through the retailer are the keys

7.Knowing the right time to “go mass” - many young brands literally destroy their young company by succumbing to the allure of “mass appeal” and going to drug, grocery or club stores too early in their growth