Social Media has been very important for us. We have implemented a grass roots strategy in which we engage with regular people and micro influencers to connect them with the brand.
Introducing Brian McAlister hailing from New Albany, Ohio and Graduating from the Ohio State University. He is the founder and creator of King & Fifth Supply Co. which specializes in stylish headwear for men.
Where did the idea for King & Fifth Supply Co. come from?
The idea started from my early days in college. My roommate had an awesome beanie which his grandma made. This inspired me to teach myself how to crochet. Mixing my pasion for style and entreprenuership, the business was born.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I try to end my day with a concise todo list, so the start of my next day is well prepared. Being the owner I still wear many hats from finance, social media, marketing, and product development. To stay productive I’ve kicked the facebook, and let non revenue producing tasks slip through the cracks.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I get them on paper and strategize whether they can move the needle. Then add them to the work calendar
What’s one trend that excites you?
Amazon Private Label. The market is on fire with lots of competition, but room for growth
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I try to limit email as much as possible. It’s hard at times, but learning to not respond to every single email will help you get more important work done. I also limit chit chat
What advice would you give your younger self?
Hahaha… spend money on hiring the right people and to have done it sooner
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Nothing on this one
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I self educate via podcasts and listen to the same podcast several times
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Social Media has been very important for us. We have implemented a grass roots strategy in which we engage with regular people and micro influencers to connect them with the brand.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I experienced a decline in my wholesale business in 2015. I dove head first into social media which revamped and grew the business
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Send free product to the right people on instagram. They will feel more invested in your business and share your story in an organic tone. At the end of the day, its so much cheaper than paying for a click.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I just bought a $900 tub for $125. I got it on a liquidation site and am stoked for my master bath remodel to start.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Audience Insights in the Facebook Ads Manager. It helps us find pages or businesses that are more likely to be interested in us. We then can tailor our content to show to them, which will lower our cost per follow or acquisition
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Shoe Dog” which tells the story of Phil Knight. I think its important to think and dream big. This book excited me at a time when I needed a pickmeup.
What is your favorite quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you dont take.” Wayne Gretzky. This is so true. I remember when I told my friends I was about to buy 8000 beanies and start a company. They thought I was crazy…haha. What if I never did?
Key Learnings:
⦁ For the Retail Space, stay focused on driving web traffic and sales. You work list will follow suite.
⦁ Be mindfull of the online tools and social channels you use to drive your business. Research and stay ahead of the curve because when they change, you most definitaly have to change with them.
⦁ Save your cash. Its always better to live under our means. Build up your own personal line of credit for when times are tough
⦁ Be ok with spending on growth. Measure strategically but be ok if it doesnt pan out. Move on to the next.
connect:
www.kingandfifth.com
Brian McAlister on Linkedin:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.