Greg Larkin’s Post

Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?   As a small independent business, your brand is probably one of the most important attributes of your go-to-market strategy; it’s your identity, your values, your hard work, your innovation, your essence and often it’s a reflection of you. So when another brand looks to muscle in with a mirror image version, for me it’s more than business; it’s personal.    For Porky Whites Ltd our brand stand for our heritage, family values and the promise of a great tasting sausage! It’s what our customers (new and regular) see, it tells our story and helps us stand out on the shelf and so protecting it from imposters and the try harder’s is mission critical. This recent piece from The Grocer on the battle between Jump Ship Brewing and BrewDog (https://lnkd.in/ePvv8_2f) is yet another important reminder that in business, imitation (in my opinion) goes beyond flattery and moves into the world of consequence. I’ve seen first-hand of how this copycat behaviour from brands and the discounters can impact not only your bottom line but your whole strategy and mental health.   I’d love to hear (in the comments) about your experiences and how you’re battling to protect your own brand integrity from the imitators and copycats.   https://lnkd.in/ePvv8_2f   #IP #IntellectualProperty #BrandProtection #SmallBusiness #BusinessStrategy #ImitationInBusiness #ProtectYourBrand #OriginalityMatters #MarketDifferentiation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #porkywhites

An entrepreneur looking to successfully build your brand? Your name? Your business? I sat down with Duncan Keith and Mike Gammell, co-founders of the non-alcoholic beer brand, Days, to see how they built their growing success. The key? Authenticity. Read more on how the lively two behind the brand put their consumers first in City AM’s latest on entrepreneurship today: https://lnkd.in/dpAEMQPu

How can a single act of ambitious curiosity lead to a billion-dollar empire? 💡 A recent Forbes article highlighted Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest, Inc. Weaver built a billion-dollar spirits empire by prioritizing ownership and rejecting venture capital, relying instead on individual investors. Weaver's journey to building a billion-dollar whiskey empire started with a desire to honor a forgotten hero. Inspired by the story of Nearest Green, a formerly enslaved master distiller whose name had been erased from history, Weaver set out to build a whiskey brand that celebrated his legacy. She built Uncle Nearest—the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history—while resisting the usual path of venture capital and instead securing funding from over 160 individuals. Weaver’s ultimate goal? To build a $50 billion company, not for her own profit, but to ensure the future prosperity of Green’s descendants. This incredible story highlights the importance of: ✔ Building for the long-term ✔ Determination and resilience  ✔ Steadfast ambition Click here to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e82ngGPU Want to learn more about the world’s first known African-American Master Distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green? Check out this unique virtual team experience: https://lnkd.in/eNerWtcY You'll taste two Tennessee whiskeys, learn the history of the Lincoln County Process, and create a delicious cocktail together—all while fostering connection, inclusion, and a sense of shared purpose. #entrepreneurship #whiskey #teambuilding #inclusion #ownership #teamraderie

Being perceived as "authentic" has helped many businesses gain fans and business, but getting and keeping the halo can be tricky -- as this new EIX | Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange article by Stanislav Dobrev and J. Cameron Verhaal points out. The authors studied the #craftbeer industry and discovered that authenticity is a lot like fight club: the first rule of authenticity is that you never talk about authenticity. Instead, let your legions of fans beat the drum for you. And whatever you do, don't disappoint them by acting "corporate." https://lnkd.in/eZJzMBhQ

Launching a wine business? TAKE THE HELP. And more great advice from Tom Mann... Check out our guide on how to start a wine business for more guidance and advice. Link in comments. https://ow.ly/MmYK50SPTzh #winebusiness #howtostartawinebusiness #startup #entrepreneur #wine

Are we what you expected? I'm sat on my stand BrauBeviale as I write this. We are on day 3 and it is safe to say that I have talked a LOT met some incredible people, shared updates, grown existing relationships and begun to pave the way for new ones. It's notably quieter today, with the exception of the ( relentless ) accordion music playing from UBC's stand, and I fear I am disappointing the traffic of 'merch collectors'. As I sip coffee and reflect on the busy moments I am minded to ask - 'Are we what you expected? or perhaps more importantly 'Did we deliver what was needed?' I could share details on stainless fobs, my growing passion for couplers, development of online shops and incredibly powerful conversations... but those aren't the moments ringing right now. Instead I think of the moments where we have delivered ... - couplers and cups HH Point Of Sale Julian Barber Ian Locke Glen Houston - lip balm, coffee, beer and water Booth Dispensers Limited Martin Cooke Stewart Parr - seals and customers Beer Piper International Ltd Hance McGhie - ham and cheese Ian Barsby - humbugs and a chair Andy Pottinger Morepour Ltd - Drinks dispense technical services UK - a space to work Michael Harper . Avani Solutions - a place to put a coat Rob Grant - a place to eat Ian Olner - company KFLEX LTD Melonie Frost Xavier Bertran - a space to party over a beer kindly gifted from BrewDog with Richard Harris Three Nations Dispense Limited Molson Coors Beverage Company Drinksflow Mark Berry Jonathan Smith There's is a post in each of these 'deliveries' and whilst I would likely lose you in the detail - each one has been an opportunity for the people in TecFlo to share the broader nature of who we are, what we do and how we do it. These moments have been values led behaviours - they form part of the incredibly rich fabric of who we are at TecFlo and what I am boundlessly proud of. Until the next time ... #brewing #beer #manufacturing #drinksindustry #entrepreneurship

[Q&A] He may be "in complete control" as TailGate Brewery's owner and founder, but Wesley Keegan has some tough truths if you're thinking about starting your own business. Read more from the 40 Under 40 winner in his profile. #nbj40 #breweries #entrepreneurs #youngprofessionals #nashville #nashvillebiz

What a great story about honing your business, preserving and bolstering legacy, importance of family, and engaging all communities. I proudly shop here and now I know more :-) #keepaustinwierd #localbusiness #entrepreneurship

Coffee: The fuel for hustle.☕ Tea: The calm for focus.🍵 Both essential for business success. Which drink fuels your entrepreneurial spirit? Tell us your story! #atdigital #atdigitalph #businessowner #smallbusinessowner #entrepreneurmindset #coffee #coffeelover #tea #teatime

Discover the secret behind Corrsy's Kitchen's success with their unique and delicious cheese pimiento! Learn how they started with just Php 4,800 and expanded their business to the local market. Check out this and other amazing business ideas on businessideas.ph now!" #BusinessIdeasPH #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStory