Wu-Tang's Product Management Ain't Nothing to F*CK With
BRAND rules everything around me. Line extensions y’all.
Assembled in the 1990s, Wu-Tang defied musical conventions. They rolled 10 members deep, favored dusty, eccentric soul and "blaxploitation" movie soundtracks as source material, and they signed with RCA as a group but released solo albums on a variety of other labels.
I’ve turned to Wu-Tang to focus my energy prior to a big meeting, but I am starting to use them for portfolio management inspiration.
Here’s what I mean - I manage a coffee portfolio, including Nitro Cold Brew, Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Iced Espresso…How do I harness the collective power and also let each product shine?
The answer is I channel Wu-Tang.
Figure out the genius in each product. RZA was a composer, Ol’ Dirty Bastard had an unconventional flow.
Assign distinct identities and respect those differences. Don’t try to make Raekwon into U-God.
Give each product its moment to shine. M.E.T.H.O.D MAN.
Use line extensions to reach new audiences and tap into new occasions. Liquid Swords was a GZA record, but the thread tied to the base via sampling and production.
Execute choiceful partnerships that reinforce your equity. Wu-Tang partnered with Wallabees because the shoe was a fixture of their NYC hip-hop identity. Killa Bees.