Seller Sessions Amazon FBA and Private Label Danny McMillan

In-depth with 8 Figure Amazon Sellers Sim & Jack Introduction Welcome back to Seller Sessions! In this episode, host Danny interviews Sim and Jack, two UK-based entrepreneurs who have built an impressive eight-figure business. Their journey, which began in 2017, is filled with valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to scale their e-commerce venture.
Getting Started: The Early Days Sim's Story: Sim shares his beginnings in e-commerce, influenced by his father's old-school marketing business that started in 1977. Initially, they ventured into eBay around 2004-2005, experimenting with auctions. By 2008, they began selling on Amazon, where one of their first products remains a best-seller. Jack's Journey: Jack, a chartered accountant with a lower risk appetite, joined the company through a family connection, marrying Sim's sister. His background in big firms and a stint in politics provided a stable foundation for their business. Building the Business: Key Milestones The Vendor Program: They entered Amazon’s Vendor Program in 2018, which was a double-edged sword. It offered high volume but low margins and significant operational challenges. Despite the initial success, it was unsustainable due to the low-profit margins and heavy demands from Amazon. Covid-19 Challenges: The pandemic brought unexpected opportunities and challenges. They pivoted to selling PPE but faced issues like price gouging accusations and operational strain. Lockdown periods forced them to streamline operations, with the core team handling all tasks to keep the business running. Strategic Changes and Growth Operational Overhaul: Realizing the inefficiencies in their system, Sim and Jack embarked on a massive reorganization with the help of external consultants. They attended bootcamps and implemented structured business practices, which were crucial for scaling. Data and Technology: They developed a custom product data management system, integrating various data sources to streamline decision-making and operations. This system helps manage their large catalog and provides insights to optimize their strategy. Brand and Product Development New Brands: Sim and Jack are now focusing on developing distinct brands rather than a single umbrella brand, addressing consumer preferences for niche, quality products. They are particularly excited about a new kitchen brand, leveraging local manufacturing for better cash flow and rapid product development. Customer Engagement: Building an email list of 5,500 subscribers has become an integral part of their product validation process. They engage with this community for feedback and product testing, ensuring their offerings meet market needs. Future Plans Scaling Up: The goal is to reach higher figures sustainably, focusing on strategic brand building and efficient operations. They aim to maintain their family business ethos while ensuring it can operate independently in the future. Community and Networking: Networking and learning from other successful entrepreneurs have been pivotal. They participate in masterminds and industry events to stay ahead of trends and challenges. Conclusion Sim and Jack’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. From navigating the complexities of Amazon’s programs to leveraging data for informed decisions, their story offers invaluable lessons for aspiring and established e-commerce entrepreneurs alike.
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The Art of War on Amazon: Part 2 Welcome back to Seller Sessions. Following part one in the series, we delve deeper into your mental game and its impact on your business. It's tough out there for sellers right now, and no hack will fix your mental game. Mastering the 12 parts below will win you half the battle. This is short and sweet, but give me five minutes of your time and you'll see what I mean.
1. Develop a Moral Philosophy 2. The Person You Lay Down With 3. A Calm Mind, a Fit Body, a House Full of Love 4. Money, Power, and Status Cannot Buy Desire 5. Build a Formidable Circle not a Winners Circle 6. What is a True Friend 7. Avoid God Mode at All Costs 8. Wise vs Smart 9. Fastest Way To Remove Toxic People from Your Life 10. Past Behaviours Predict Future Behaviours Unless there are Changed Behaviours 11. Never Scatter Your Troops 12. The Wise Warrior Avoids the Battle To close, mastering these twelve principles will fortify your mental game, significantly impacting your success as an Amazon seller. Developing a moral philosophy, choosing your partners wisely, and fostering a calm mind and fit body are foundational. Understand that money, power, and status can't buy genuine desire. Build a formidable circle rather than a winner's circle and recognize what a true friend is. Avoid the pitfalls of god mode, differentiate between being wise and being smart, and swiftly remove toxic influences. Remember, past behaviours often predict future ones unless genuine change occurs. Keep your team focused and know that sometimes the wisest move is to avoid the battle altogether. Nail these elements, and you'll be well on your way to winning half the battle in your business journey.

The BroadMatch Show: SSL2024 Review, ADHD Diagnosis, Side Events, and More In this engaging episode of Seller Sessions, host Danny McMillan welcomes back co-host, Adam Heist to discuss a wide range of topics, from the latest insights into Seller Sessions Live to personal health challenges and the entrepreneurial mindset.
Seller Sessions Live: The Evolution and Impact Refining the Format One-Day Event: Adam praises the one-day format of Seller Sessions Live, highlighting its efficiency and effectiveness compared to longer events. Quality Over Quantity: Danny explains that maintaining high-quality content throughout a multi-day event can lead to diminishing returns, hence the decision to keep it short but impactful. Audience and Atmosphere Seller-Centric Approach: The event remains focused on sellers ensuring meaningful and genuine interactions. Unique Speaker Line-Up: Danny and Adam emphasise the importance of featuring new faces and fresh insights, avoiding the repetition. Logistics and Challenges Travel Considerations: The convenience of a one-day event minimises travel fatigue and maximises attendee energy and engagement. Cost Management: By keeping the event to one day, Danny manages to keep costs down, making it accessible without compromising on quality. Addressing Side Events The Problem with Side Events Danny's Stance: Danny addresses the issue of side events organised around major events without prior consultation. He emphasises the importance of respect and proper communication when planning such activities. Exclusive Contracts: To prevent conflicts, Danny mentions that all speakers for next year will be under exclusive contracts, restricting their participation in other events around the same timeframe of Seller Sessions Live. Impact on Events Draining Resources: Danny explains how unauthorised side events can drain resources and detract from the main event, making it clear that he will not tolerate such actions in the future. Personal Journeys and Health Challenges Adam's Stroke Recovery Three and a Half Months In: Adam shares his progress since experiencing a stroke in Bali, discussing the slow but steady recovery and the importance of incremental gains. Life Lessons: Reflecting on his journey, Adam draws parallels between business challenges and personal health, emphasising resilience and the power of small steps. Danny's ADHD Diagnosis Discovery and Management: Danny recounts his recent ADHD diagnosis and the profound impact it has had on his life and work. He shares practical tips on managing ADHD through micro-dosing and nootropic stacks. Embracing the Superpower: Rather than seeing ADHD as a hindrance, Danny views it as a superpower that, when leveraged correctly, can lead to hyper focus and significant productivity gains. Entrepreneurial Insights and Mental Health Mental Health in Entrepreneurship Shared Struggles: Both Danny and Adam discuss the mental health challenges common among entrepreneurs, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Importance of Vulnerability: They highlight the value of open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and fostering a supportive community. Building a Mental Fortress Upcoming Workshop: Danny introduces his concept of a "Mental Fortress" workshop aimed at helping entrepreneurs build resilience and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Toolkit for Success: The workshop will cover essential topics like boundaries, emotional literacy, and attachment styles, providing attendees with practical tools to improve both their personal and professional lives. Future Plans and Projects Adam's Summer Plans Reconnecting with Roots: Adam plans to spend the summer in Canada, focusing on personal and professional catch-up while enjoying time with family and friends. Exploring Austin: He also considers moving to Austin, Texas, for the winter to explore new opportunities and experiences. Danny's Upcoming Ventures Tech Development: Danny hints at exciting new

The Biggest Hack This Seller Used To Reach 9 Figures Welcome back to another insightful episode of Seller Sessions, hosted by Danny McMillan. In this episode, we are rejoined by Mels Terlouw, a seasoned entrepreneur peaking at 9 figures in sales. Together, they delve into the critical but often overlooked topic of addressing customer objections, a vital component of successful sales strategies.
Key Insights from Mels Terlouw Understanding Psychological Warfare in Sales: Mels emphasises that selling is akin to psychological warfare where the goal is to win the customer’s heart. He gets frustrated with the common reliance on hacks and algorithms, urging sellers to focus on genuine customer engagement. Addressing Customer Objections is Crucial: Many sellers neglect addressing objections because it is perceived as tedious and unglamorous. However, Mels argues that understanding and addressing these objections is fundamental to transforming potential customers into actual buyers. The Importance of Product Presentation: Mels discusses how subtle changes in product listings, like simplifying installation instructions or using psychological cues in images, can significantly impact customer perception and overcome objections. Strategies for Overcoming Objections Tailored Product Features: By focusing on specific customer objections, sellers can tailor their products to meet these needs, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and sales. Visual and Psychological Cues: Mels points out the power of visual cues in influencing customer decisions, suggesting that sellers employ strategies that align with subconscious customer expectations and preferences. Effective Communication and Testing Continuous Testing and Feedback: Both Danny and Mels highlight the necessity of continuous product testing and gathering feedback to refine product offerings and address emerging customer objections effectively. Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways Engage Directly with Customers: One of Mels' key pieces of advice is for sellers to engage directly with customers to gain firsthand insights into their objections and preferences. Innovation in Addressing Objections: Mels encourages innovation in how objections are addressed, suggesting that meeting and exceeding customer expectations in creative ways can set a product apart in competitive markets. Summary This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of not just meeting but deeply understanding customer needs and objections. Mels Terlouw’s insights provide valuable strategies for sellers looking to enhance their engagement and conversion rates through thoughtful, customer-centric product development and marketing.
 

The Art Of Winning on Amazon Part 1 Building a Better Mental Fortress Welcome back to Seller Sessions.
Danny explores critical, non-tactical aspects of life that are essential for Amazon sellers and entrepreneurs. Use this knowledge to strengthen your mental resilience, as it will greatly enhance your business and overall life experiences. Remember, the body tends to give up long before the mind does. Amazon remains a mental challenge in the competitive arena.
It's only eight minutes long, so make sure you listen until the end, take notes, and watch your life and the lives of those around you improve immensely.
Episode Highlights: 1. The War Within: How the internal battles you fight impact your business and life. The necessity of internal peace to avoid chaos and find success. 2. Emotional Literacy: Embracing and understanding your emotional triggers for better decision-making. The importance of fixing emotional wounds and not suppressing emotions. 3. Self-Reliance: Life’s toughness and how a 'saviour' mentality can be detrimental. Transforming problems into triumphs with the right mindset and network. 4. Envy and Its Pitfalls: Exploring the destructive nature of envy and how to navigate the people afflicted. 5. Balancing Greed and Purpose: A look at the impact of money and greed on life and decision-making. How a genuine purpose can navigate through difficult times. 6. Beware of Projections: Self-awareness and its role in understanding and managing unconscious emotional projections. 7. Emotional Regulation: The significance of managing reactions to maintain control over emotions and actions. 8. Valuing Solitude: The power of being alone, strategizing, and finding peace in silence. 9. Boundaries and Consequences: Understanding, setting, and respecting boundaries in business and personal life. Handling challenges and demands with a firm stance and assertiveness. 10. Criticism Comes from Below: The source, impact, and effective handling of criticism in the business world. 11. You Can’t Have it All Understanding life’s checks and balances, and making peace with not having it all. 12. Know the Enemy: A practical application of Sun Tzu’s teachings in dealing with competition and battles in the business realm. Additional Notes: Danny empathetically delves into aspects like mental health, stress, relationships, and challenges faced by Amazon sellers.
He articulates the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing and how these aspects influence business decisions and life.
The episode intertwines profound life principles with the gritty realities of running an Amazon business, especially

One of the Top Amazon Ranking Experts You Haven't Heard Of In an in-depth episode of Seller Sessions, host Danny McMillan sits down with Garfield, a pioneer in understanding and applying the concept of Geo Rank and is way ahead of the curve than most when it comes to ranking on Amazon. This podcast sheds light on how Geo Rank affects sellers and offers a critical look at common misconceptions in the industry.
It has taken four years to get him on Seller Sessions and well worth the wait…
Key Insights from Garfield: Understanding Geo Rank: Geo Rank does not rely on inventory levels but is driven by local shopping activities following a search. This is a significant shift from the common misconception that inventory levels directly influence rankings. The Impact of Inventory: Garfield explains that while inventory levels don't drive rankings, they can penalise them if the inventory is too low for the demand in a specific area, thus preventing potential stock-outs and customer dissatisfaction. Debunking Myths: Many sellers believe that Geo Rank normalises rankings across different regions, but Garfield clarifies that each of the 400-500 geographic zones has unique shopping activities which affect rankings individually. Localized Advertising: By understanding regional ranking differences, sellers can tailor their marketing strategies to boost visibility and sales in areas where their products are not performing well. Cost-Effective Campaigns: With detailed insights provided by Geo Rank analytics, sellers can allocate their budgets more efficiently, ensuring that they are not spending on ads in regions where they already dominate the market. Inventory as a Modifier: If a seller's inventory drops below what is needed to meet the demand for a specific keyword in a locale, Amazon may lower the product's ranking to prevent customer dissatisfaction from unavailability. Strategic Inventory Management: Effective inventory management becomes crucial to maintaining high rankings in key markets, making it a strategic area of focus for sellers to avoid penalties. Limitations of Common Tracking Tools: Single Sample Issue: Most keyword tracking tools used by sellers capture data from a single location or a very limited number of locations. Garfield emphasises that these tools might be reporting ranking data from just one of the approximately 500 geographic zones that Amazon uses. This approach gives a very narrow view of a product's overall performance across the market. Misleading Data Representation: Because these tools often pull data from random, singular points, they do not accurately reflect the broader performance of a product. For sellers, this can lead to misguided strategies, as they might believe a product performs well universally based on its rank in one zone or poorly based on another. The lack of comprehensive geographic data can lead sellers to allocate their marketing and inventory efforts inefficiently. Randomised IP Sampling: Tools that do attempt to gather broader data often use randomised IP addresses to scrape Amazon, which might access different geographic data points at each scrape. However, they typically do not control for or even identify from which geographic zone the data comes, leading to a patchwork of information that does not accurately represent any cohesive market performance. Financial Traps and Underreporting: Adversarial Nature of Amazon Advertising: Garfield describes the relationship between sellers and Amazon advertising as adversarial, where Amazon aims to maximise its revenue from each click, while sellers strive to minimise cost per click. He warns that tools and metrics provided by Amazon often serve Amazon's interests more than the sellers’. Brand Share and Impressions: Garfield criticises the use and effectiveness of brand share metrics provided by Amazon. He argues that these metrics are often promoted by Amazon to encourage increased spending without delivering meaningful benefits to