I had the pleasure to talk with Ido (via Skype) from his office in San Francisco, CA to talk about strategies and solutions that he utilized in conquering many of the problems product businesses face.
Be sure to get a pen and a pad, his story is jam-packed with ideas and tips to grow your business.
Interview with Ido Leffler
Sponsored by: Hanley’s Foods — Louisiana-inspired, natural, fresh foods. Enter “docast” at checkout for $4 off.
- The process of the oh-so-important product development. (3:55)
- “Virtually every time we [rushed product development] we had to put out numerous fires.” (Tweet this)
- “You’ve gotta work with people that truly understand the industry you’re in.” (Tweet this)
- Book mention: The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason (9:30)
- Finding focus groups. (10:25)
- How Yes To Carrots went from 16 stores to distribution with Walgreens. (13:35)
- “We were so confident, that we didn’t really leave too many questions out there about our dedication to what we were going to build.”
- “When you’re in the water [surfing] and you feel the wave pulling back, that’s when you need to start swimming.” (Tweet this)
- Yes To’s manufacturing experience. (21:10)
- “One of the keys with a manufacturer is getting them to truly believe in your dream.” (Tweet this)
- Ido’s advice on tradeshows. (27:45)
- “You’ve got to treat a tradeshow the way you treat your wedding.” (Tweet this)
- What Ido wishes he had done differently. (34:50)
- What’s a book, a song, and a quote that you love?
- Book: Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz & Marching Powder by Thomas McFadden, Rusty Young.
- Music: Anything Bob Marley.
Richard: I picked one for him (my favorite) Don’t Worry Be Happy (video) - Quote: “For things to change, you have to change. For things to get better, you have to get better.”
— Jim Rohn
- Check out the Global Entrepreneurship Council. Ido is working with this organization of the United Nations to level up entrepreneurship worldwide!
- [Yes To’s mantra] “Incredible People, Kick-ass Product, and Awesome cause.” (Tweet this)
- Ido’s official endorsement for Hanley’s salad dressings. (44:40)
Check out Ido at:
Twitter: @IdoLeffler
Twitter: @YesToCarrots
Facebook: /YesToCarrots
Web: YesToCarrots.com
Play the interview
The DOcast is a podcast of interviews from amazing entrepreneurs who are doing the unthinkable. With topics on how they got started, where they’re going, and how you can learn from them.
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Hi Richard,
At 48 years old, my heart was 100% blocked on the right side ( not the “widow maker” as it’s called with 100% blockage on the left side). I had a stent put in and have been fine since; knock on wood. But diet , hereditary reasons and stress where the leading factors. I immediately sought out to change my diet. I am now 51 years old. I have been a financial advisor for 28 years and looking to build another brand. I love salads and CANNOT find one I like with NO SALT. My stepfather has an old recipe for one and I was thinking of running with it like you did. As most folks do, I googled it ♂️ You and article came up first. My biggest question is government regulations. Can you just bottle something, stick labels on it and sell it ? The ingredients are all in my house, like you started. So I am doing my due diligence more or less out of personal story, to help others who have had the same challenges and build another brand. Am I way off here? Thanks very much !!! Congratulations on your current and continued success. I appreciate the time.