B2B Breakthrough Podcast

Alibaba.com

Every two weeks, the B2B Breakthrough Podcast brings you the knowledge, insights and strategies that you need to continue to grow your business. By learning from industry experts, successful e-commerce business owners, and the team at Alibaba.com, you’ll be well on your way to your next big business breakthrough. If you’re facing challenges on your path to success as a small business owner, we’re here to give you the tools you need to break through and reach the next level.

  1. How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact

    7 OCT

    How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact

    How did macro photography of insect eyes inspire a bold eyewear brand that's redefining fashion and eye health? Building a fashion-forward eyewear brand that prioritizes both style and eye health requires authentic design, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Dionne Ellison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-ellison-5721261/), founder and creative force behind Vuliwear (https://vuliwear.com/), about her journey from discovering macro photography of insect eyes to creating bold, UV 400 protective sunglasses that make a statement. Learn how she navigated supply chain disruptions, built her brand while maintaining a day job, and why she believes in "out-differenting" rather than outdoing the competition. Tune in to learn: (00:00) Finding Your Lane and the Insect Eye Inspiration (04:53) Lens-First Philosophy: UV 400 vs Polarized Education (10:39) Breakthrough Moments and Customer Collaboration Strategy (17:11) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (18:30) Out-Differenting the Competition and Strategic Partnerships (25:46) Scaling with Family and Future Expansion Plans Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain) How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-nail-your-next-pitch-insights-from-power-toecj) The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit) Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group;... Chapters (00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough Podcast(00:00:56) - VouliWear(00:03:08) - Wool Wear Designer on Juggling Her Day Job(00:04:33) - The New Look: Polarized Sunglasses(00:08:13) - The New Look: Eye Health(00:10:26) - Oyster Lens Covers(00:12:41) - Beyond Woolly Wear: Collaborations With Artists(00:15:44) - Have Entrepreneurs Had to Change Their Lens Manufacturer?(00:17:13) - How to Source Like a Pro with Axio(00:18:07) - Separate Eyewear: How to Differentiate(00:21:52) - The Right Partner for Your Business(00:23:52) - Vooly Sunglasses: The Story Behind The Names(00:25:36) - George Clooney Expands Into Lifestyle Products(00:28:37) - VoliWear's Unisex Fashion(00:31:23) - Bobbi Woolly Wear(00:33:29) - Where Have You Got All of Your Inspiration?(00:35:14) - Sierra Leone on Lessons Learned From Starting a Business(00:36:57) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth

    37 min
  2. Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis

    23 SEPT

    Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis

    Why are smart entrepreneurs celebrating the end of de minimis while their competitors panic about margin compression? The suspension of the de minimis rule has left many e-commerce sellers scrambling to understand new costs and compliance requirements. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Steven Selikoff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenselikoff/), founder of Product One (https://product.one/) and author of The Complete Book of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing, and Sales, about navigating the new tariff landscape with a profit-first mindset. Steven breaks down the myths surrounding de minimis changes, reveals how tariffs and duties can actually be tax-deductible, and shares his proven strategies for achieving 9-10x multipliers even in challenging trade conditions. Learn why building a "purple cow" product is your best defense against margin compression and how smart entrepreneurs can turn trade disruption into competitive advantage. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Reality of De Minimis Rule Changes and Business Impact (08:10) The Biggest Myth: Tariffs and Duties Are Tax Deductible (13:26) Product One's Focus on Profitable Product Development (18:05) Alibaba CoCreate Event Advertisement (18:42) The Purple Cow Strategy: Differentiation for Better Margins (25:04) Audience Research and the Porsche SUV Success Story (29:53) Ten Strategies to Combat Tariff Impact (34:19) 30-Day Action Plan for Tariff Preparation Check out our three most downloaded episodes: How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain) Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-... Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Make a Business Profitable(00:00:19) - B2B Breakthrough: Tariffs & Trade(00:01:52) - What is De minimis and Is It Affecting E-Commerce(00:04:09) - What does the shift to D2C for e-commerce sellers(00:06:01) - What should e-sellers Know About the Compliance Requirement on(00:07:48) - Importing DDP(00:13:33) - What Product One Does for Small Business Owners(00:17:59) - Where AI Sourcing Engines Take You(00:18:53) - Sourcing at a Better Margin(00:25:31) - How to Find Your Purple Cow(00:29:18) - What mistakes are sellers making that can help them combat these?(00:30:28) - How to Manage Your Tariffs(00:34:45) - Tariffs: What Businesses Need to Do Now(00:37:15) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth

    38 min
  3. Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies

    2 SEPT

    Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies

    How can a simple 1-2-3 framework (brand, product, industry) transform confused entrepreneurs into data-driven decision makers? Audience research doesn't require big budgets or big teams—it requires the right approach and free tools at your fingertips. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Tsvetta Kaleynska (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsvetta/), founder of RILA Global Consulting (https://rilaglobalconsulting.com/), about how small business owners can uncover who their customers really are and use those insights to grow smarter and faster. Learn how to transform data into compelling stories, leverage AI as a multiplier for your efforts, and turn free social media platforms into powerful research engines. Whether you're launching your first product or scaling an existing business, Tsvetta reveals the systematic approach to audience research that drives real results. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling (05:07) Why Audience Research is Essential, Not Optional (10:02) Qualitative vs Quantitative: Understanding the Numbers and Colors (15:22) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (20:47) Co-Create Las Vegas Event Advertisement (21:25) The 1-2-3 Framework: Brand, Product, Industry Research (28:49) Adapting Your Product Vision as Your Audience Reveals Itself (34:52) Integrating All Data Sources for Complete Growth Strategy (41:05) Just Do It: Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri ( Chapters (00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough: How to Scale Your Audience Research(00:00:56) - Interview with Sveta Järvi(00:01:27) - How a data analyst started her own business in 2017(00:04:56) - Why Audience Research is Essential for Small Businesses(00:07:26) - How to Launch a New Product to a Large Audience?(00:09:33) - Quantitative Research vs. In-depth Analysis(00:15:13) - Small Business: AI as a Multipractor(00:17:49) - How to Integrate AI into Your Business?(00:21:15) - How to Start a Sales Communication with Social Media(00:27:49) - How to Adapt and Expand Your Product Market(00:32:00) - How to Integrate Quantitative Data with Indirect Insight(00:34:33) - Free Online Surveys for Small Businesses(00:36:19) - How to Tell a Story from Data and AI(00:38:14) - Good Audience Research(00:40:53) - Boskoe Ventures(00:41:56) - B2B Breakthrough: Giving Back

    44 min
  4. Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success

    19 AUG

    Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success

    Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Crowdfunding isn't just about money—it's about community validation and smart risk-taking. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Nathan Nalevanko (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-nalevanko-29014133), Senior Design and Tech Outreach Lead at Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/), about what makes for a successful campaign. Learn how to validate product-market fit through live community feedback, build lasting relationships with passionate backers, and navigate the challenges of bringing physical products to market. Whether you're testing your first idea or scaling your third product launch, Nathan breaks down the strategies that turn side hustles into million-dollar businesses. Tune in to learn: (00:00) Introduction: Crowdfunding as Community Validation and Smart Risk-Taking (02:17) Case Study: Christian Reed's $1.2M Recon Tools Success Story (08:06) Understanding the Passionate Backer Community and Customer Loyalty (15:59) Managing Product Evolution and Setting Expectations (21:10) Capital Requirements and Supply Chain Challenges (25:22) Post-Campaign Growth and Second Launch Success (28:01) Common Pitfalls and Product Development Requirements (33:06) Resources and Getting Started on Kickstarter Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or... Chapters (00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough: Crowdfunding(00:00:46) - Crowdfunding for Design: B2B Breakthrough(00:02:14) - Kickstarter Success Story: Recon Tools(00:05:03) - How to Marketing Your Kickstarter Campaign(00:07:33) - What Kind of Unifying Features Do You Find in the Backer(00:09:18) - What Would You Say About Long Term Customers on Kickstarter?(00:11:29) - The Role of Backers on Kickstarter(00:17:21) - Kickstarter Creators on the Supply Chain(00:20:55) - Crowdfunding 101: The Challenges Creators Face(00:23:58) - Kickstarter and Retail: Where Do Projects Live Post-Kickstarter(00:25:05) - What's Their Take on Round 2 of a Kickstarter Campaign?(00:27:27) - What are the Biggest Pitfalls on Kickstarter?(00:32:25) - Kickstarter: How to Start a Campaign on the Internet

    35 min
  5. The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit

    5 AUG

    The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit

    Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Building a toy business that sparks imagination while navigating supply chain challenges requires persistence, creativity, and direct customer feedback. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jeff Lawber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflawber/), the creative force behind Marmals (https://www.marmals.com/), an adorable modular magnetic toy fostering imaginative play. Jeff shares his path from industrial designer to toy entrepreneur, revealing how he's built lasting relationships with over two dozen suppliers through Alibaba.com while maintaining his vision as a solopreneur. Learn how trade shows became his testing ground for innovation, why direct customer feedback drives product development, and how he weathered tariff challenges through creative problem-solving and domestic innovation. Tune in to learn: (00:00) Welcome and Marmal Origin Story (08:00) Solopreneur Challenges and Manufacturing Relationships (14:06) Trade Shows as Product Development Laboratory (20:22) Dual Market Demographics and Modular Design (22:09) Supply Chain Challenges and Tariff Navigation (26:42) Upcoming Product Launches and Comic-Con Circuit (30:35) Building Community and Future Vision Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain) Chapters (00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough Podcast(00:00:40) - Meet the Toy Maker(00:01:14) - Marmal's Magnetic Art Toys: Where Everything Clicks(00:04:07) - The Making of 'Magnus'(00:05:25) - The Toy Maker's Collaboration With Suppliers(00:09:22) - Marmalades: Five Years in the Business(00:11:22) - Jeff Lauber on Will Meets Way(00:13:07) - Bob Ley on the Toy Trade Show(00:14:33) - Have You Received a Feedback Letter From a Customer?(00:15:43) - The Toy Line's Marketing(00:17:19) - What Do You Need To Know About Prototyping?(00:18:49) - How To Market Your Fidget Toy(00:20:30) - Challenging the Supply Chain(00:23:06) - What does balance look like for a solopreneur?(00:24:14) - The 3-D Animation of Kids(00:25:29) - Marvel's Chris Jones on Moving Forward(00:26:15) - Comic Cons: A Community(00:28:23) - Minimals: When Can we Expect to See Them?(00:29:02) - B2B Breakthrough: Comic Con 2017

    31 min
  6. How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver

    22 JUL

    How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver

    Why are founders who avoid buzzwords and rhetorical questions 10x more likely to secure follow-up meetings with investors? The difference isn't having the most innovative product or the slickest presentation—it's understanding the psychology behind investor decision-making and communicating with the confidence that comes from genuine preparation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kat Weaver (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katweaver/), founder of Power to Pitch (https://powertopitch.com), about mastering the art of fundraising through clear communication and confident pitching. From winning 22 of 23 pitches to helping founders raise over $50 million in grants and venture capital, Kat shares the psychology behind successful funding conversations and reveals why less than 2% of venture capital goes to US businesses, with only 2.9% of that reaching female founders. Learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, avoid common pitch mistakes, and navigate the challenging landscape of fundraising while building authentic investor relationships that extend far beyond the initial meeting. Tune in to learn: (00:00) From Accidental Entrepreneur to Pitch Coach (03:08) Gender Bias in Fundraising: Real Stories and Strategic Responses (08:49) The Preparation and Psychology Behind Successful Pitching (15:44) Hook Strategies: Avoiding Buzzwords and Rhetorical Questions (23:06) Pitching Without Visual Aids and Building Clear Narratives (28:30) Competition vs Investment Pitching: Tailoring Your Approach (33:26) Mastering the Close: Memorable Endings That Drive Action (38:13) Follow-Up Protocols and LinkedIn Networking for Long-Term Success Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Build a Business Breakthrough Podcast(00:00:33) - Power to Pitch With Kat Weaver(00:01:03) - Power to Pitch: How to Get Funded(00:02:56) - Have Female Founders Got What They Needed?(00:03:35) - The Bias Female Founders Experience While Trying To Get Funding(00:08:14) - How To Pitch Your Investor(00:11:15) - How to Pitch With Less Confidence(00:14:50) - How To Make A Fundment Pitch(00:18:56) - AI Sourcing: The Ultimate Search Engine(00:19:50) - How To Make an Investment Pitch(00:22:25) - How To Write a Good Pitch Deck(00:24:40) - The Next Meeting: An Investor Pitch vs. Competition Pitch(00:28:48) - How To Manage the End of Your Pitch(00:31:03) - Next Steps: Avoid Cliches and Over-Polished Language(00:33:38) - How To Write A Memorable Closing Pitch(00:37:05) - How to Prepare Your Pitch(00:38:42) - B2B Breakthrough: Accelerating Business Growth

    39 min
  7. Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri

    8 JUL

    Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri

    Why does treating "every production as the first time" prevent the kind of complacency that turns mass production into mass disaster? Turning disruption into opportunity requires more than just quick thinking—it demands the right mindset, strategic preparation, and a willingness to embrace chaos as fuel for innovation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kerim Kfuri (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/), President and CEO of The Atlas Network (https://theatlasnetwork.com) and global supply chain strategist, about mastering the art of leading through uncertainty. With decades of experience helping businesses navigate everything from tariff disruptions to pandemic-induced shortages, Kerim reveals his three-step methodology for controlling the controllable factors while building resilience against the unforeseeable. Learn how to transform your biggest challenges into competitive advantages through strategic supplier relationships, proactive risk assessment, and the power of adaptable thinking. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Right Mindset for Navigating Supply Chain Chaos (04:45) The Atlas Network Three-Step Methodology (12:02) Cultural Adaptability in Global Supplier Relationships (15:32) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (19:32) Leading Through Chaos and Finding Opportunity (28:07) Strategic Approaches to Tariff Management (33:56) Future-Proofing Through Flexibility and Openness Kerim Kfuri is President and CEO of The Atlas Network, a global supply chain management company with over 20 years of experience helping businesses navigate disruptions across industries. Leading a network of close to 2,000 suppliers worldwide, Kerim has developed proven methodologies focused on risk mitigation, transparency, and visibility that have guided countless organizations through major global challenges including the pandemic, tariff conflicts, and supply chain volatility. As a supply chain optimist and thought leader, he believes that chaos creates the greatest opportunities for businesses willing to adapt and innovate. Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/ep... Chapters (00:00:00) - B2B Breakthrough Podcast(00:01:00) - How to navigate the disruption in the supply chain(00:02:32) - Will There Be Disruption in the Supply Chain?(00:04:17) - Disruption Proof: The Controllable vs. Unre(00:10:15) - The Secret to Finding the Right Supplier(00:15:32) - AI Sourcing: The Best Sourcing Engine(00:16:26) - How to Identify a Good Supplier(00:19:15) - Disruptions in the Global Supply Chain(00:20:52) - Trade tariffs, how to offset them?(00:22:58) - Five Rules for a Proactive Supply Chain(00:28:07) - Tariffs: How to Manage them?(00:36:11) - B2B Breakthrough: Talking Business With Karim

    37 min
  8. How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling

    24 JUN

    How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling

    How did three people with no social media following turn handwritten notes and free samples into a multi-million dollar snacking empire? Building a successful food brand in today's market requires more than just great products—it takes authentic storytelling, community building, and the courage to do things differently. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jake Karls (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/), co-founder and “Chief Rainmaker” of Mid-Day Squares (https://www.middaysquares.com), about revolutionizing the snacking industry through documentary-style marketing and direct-to-consumer innovation. Learn how they built a loyal following by sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of entrepreneurship, scaled from handwritten notes to millions of customers, and created a brand that makes people feel like they're buying from friends. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Serendipity Philosophy and Building Through Relationships (03:50) From DTC Origins to Building Community Through Storytelling (09:00) Transitioning from Direct-to-Consumer to Retail Success (13:22) Why Traditional Food Marketing Fails and Fear Holds Brands Back (16:57) Visual Branding Strategy - Bringing Lifestyle to Grocery Stores (19:03) Manufacturing In-House - The Hard Choice That Creates Stories (28:30) The ROI of Showing Up and Trusting Your Gut Over External Noise Jake Karls is the co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a revolutionary snacking company that has disrupted the traditional food industry through authentic storytelling and community building. Known for his documentary-style approach to brand marketing, Jake has helped build Mid-Day Squares from three people with no social media following to a multi-million dollar business available across North America. With a background in event planning and brand building, Jake specializes in creating authentic connections between brands and consumers through vulnerability, transparency, and genuine human relationships that drive both loyalty and growth. Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried

    35 min
See All (57)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Every two weeks, the B2B Breakthrough Podcast brings you the knowledge, insights and strategies that you need to continue to grow your business. By learning from industry experts, successful e-commerce business owners, and the team at Alibaba.com, you’ll be well on your way to your next big business breakthrough. If you’re facing challenges on your path to success as a small business owner, we’re here to give you the tools you need to break through and reach the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Alibaba.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyrights © 2024 All Rights Reserved by Alibaba
  • Show Website
    B2B Breakthrough Podcast

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