Talk Commerce

Brent W. Peterson
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

If you are seeking new ways to increase your ROI on marketing with your commerce platform, or you may be an entrepreneur who wants to grow your team and be more efficient with your online business. Talk Commerce with Brent W. Peterson draws stories from merchants, marketers, and entrepreneurs who share their experiences in the trenches to help you learn what works and what may not in your business. Keep up with the current news on commerce platforms, marketing trends, and what is new in the entrepreneurial world. Episodes drop every Tuesday with the occasional bonus episodes. You can check out our daily blog post and signup for our newsletter here https://talk-commerce.com

  1. The Next Trillion Dollar Commerce Opportunity Is Local with Chaitra Vedullapalli

    1d ago

    The Next Trillion Dollar Commerce Opportunity Is Local with Chaitra Vedullapalli

    Chaitra Vedullapalli from Women in Cloud discusses the future of local commerce, the impact of AI, and the importance of adaptive leadership in the economic landscape. Chaitra discusses a topic that should be on every business leader's radar: the shift toward local commerce and how AI, community partnerships, and economic access are reshaping the way we buy, sell, and connect.  Key Takeaways Women in Cloud's mission and accomplishmentsThe shift towards local commerce and trust-buildingThe role of AI in personalization and scalabilityEcosystem orchestration and powered marketplacesResponsible AI use and human element in technology Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chaitra and Her Mission 02:36Women in Cloud: Empowering Women in the AI Economy 05:16The Next Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Local Commerce 08:06Community Powered Marketplaces and Economic Engagement 10:58The Role of AI in Local Commerce 13:59Human Element in AI and Commerce 16:39Hot Takes on Current Trends and Future Opportunities 22:13Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Connect with Chaitra and Women in Cloud https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/ https://in.linkedin.com/company/women-in-cloud

    23 min
  2. AI is Merging Customer Support and Sales Into One Powerful Experience with Michelle Donnelly

    Jun 23

    AI is Merging Customer Support and Sales Into One Powerful Experience with Michelle Donnelly

    Brent Peterson sits down with Michelle Donnelly, Chief Revenue Officer at Crescendo, to explore how AI-native customer experience solutions are transforming the way brands interact with their customers. The conversation covers everything from autonomous digital agents to the critical role humans still play in customer support. Michelle brings a wealth of experience from her time at Salesforce and the AI chip industry, and she shares fascinating real-world examples of how Crescendo's approach is turning traditional cost centers into profit centers. If you care about customer experience, this episode deserves your full attention. Key Takeaways AI agents must work seamlessly with human agents. A digital-only approach without a human fallback creates frustrating loops that drive customers away.Customer support is becoming a revenue channel. By combining personalization, memory, and business context, AI agents can turn a simple support interaction into an upsell opportunity.Speed to value matters. Crescendo deploys in under four weeks, a dramatic improvement over traditional SaaS implementations that can take months.Outcome-based pricing changes the game. Rather than selling seats, Crescendo charges based on outcomes, aligning their success with the customer's success.Multimodal interactions let customers choose. Whether through chat, voice, WhatsApp, or email, the customer decides how they want to engage, and the AI adapts accordingly.Quality assurance reveals powerful patterns. Analyzing interactions across the customer base surfaces product issues and opportunities that brands would otherwise miss.Knowledge bases improve over time. The AI learns from every interaction and actually enhances the brand's existing knowledge base rather than relying on static content.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crescendo and Michelle's Journey03:53 The Role of AI in Customer Experience09:30 Seamless Integration of Digital and Human Agents15:02 Multimodal Customer Interactions18:52 Quality Assurance and Content Relevance22:26 Transforming Customer Support into Profit Centers28:22 Democratizing AI for All Businesses Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledonnelly/https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescendocx/

    29 min
  3. Influencer Management Bridges Creativity and Commerce with Paige Kosinski

    Jun 16

    Influencer Management Bridges Creativity and Commerce with Paige Kosinski

    Brent is joined by Paige Kosinski, co-founder of Odyssey Entertainment Group, an influencer talent management company that has grown from a boutique operation into a mid-size powerhouse. The conversation covers the evolution of the creator economy, the art of matching talent with brands, and the practical steps aspiring creators need to take to build sustainable careers. Whether you are a merchant looking to leverage influencer marketing or a creator hoping to monetize your platform, this episode delivers real-world guidance from someone who lives and breathes this space every single day. Key Takeaways Consistency beats follower count. Algorithms reward creators who show up regularly, and brands now prioritize engaged communities over raw follower numbers.Start with one clear focus. Creators should establish expertise in a single area before expanding into lifestyle content. That focus gives audiences a reason to stick around.Brand partnerships drive the bulk of creator revenue. Beyond one-off deals, long-term collaborations with aligned brands create stability for both the creator and the company.AI-generated content can backfire. Audiences are quick to spot avatar-driven or AI-produced material, and brands are even adding contract clauses to limit AI use in creative deliverables.The creator economy welcomes every generation. Gen X influencers are thriving on social platforms, proving that audience-building has no age requirement.Personal branding comes first. Monetization follows naturally when a creator invests in building a genuine, recognizable brand with clear content pillars.Cross-platform presence matters. Successful creators post across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest depending on where their audience lives.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Odyssey Entertainment Group01:53 The Evolution of Influencer Management05:11 Matching Influencers with Brands09:03 The Importance of Community and Niche10:07 Engaging Older Audiences11:11 Navigating Different Platforms12:39 Building a Personal Brand13:31 Public Speaking and Influencer Opportunities14:33 The Role of AI in Content Creation17:21 Getting Started as an Influencer18:55 Closing Thoughts and Promotions  Resources Odyssey Entertainment Group - https://www.odysseyentertainmentgroup.comErica Ver - PianyandHoney - https://www.instagram.com/pianyandhoneyWall Blush Modern Manor Collection - https://wallblush.com/collections/modern-manor

    20 min
  4. B2B Marketers Are Under Pressure and the C-Suite Needs to Pay Attention

    Jun 9

    B2B Marketers Are Under Pressure and the C-Suite Needs to Pay Attention

    Kathy Floam-Greenspan, founder of Palm Marketing, shares insights from her recent survey on B2B marketing challenges, the impact of AI, and strategies for maintaining focus in a rapidly changing environment. Takeaways Expectations are outpacing staffing and budgets in B2B marketing.Only 29% of marketers are confident in proving ROI with current tools.AI impacts strategy but is not a magic solution; human touch remains essential.Maintaining focus and a quarterly plan is key to marketing success. The full "Marketing Under Pressure" report is available for download athttps://pomagency.com/marketing-under-pressure-b2b-leaders/Learn more at https://pomagency.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cathy Floan-Greenspan and Palm Marketing02:45 The Evolution of B2B Marketing and Survey Insights05:30 Challenges in B2B Marketing: Resource Gaps and ROI08:03 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies10:57 The Importance of Focus in Marketing13:45 Navigating Change in B2B Leadership16:29 The Wake-Up Call for C-Suite Executives19:06 Final Thoughts and Resources for Marketers

    22 min
  5. eTail Built a 25-Year Legacy in E-Commerce Events | Chet Silverman

    Jun 8

    eTail Built a 25-Year Legacy in E-Commerce Events | Chet Silverman

    Brent Peterson sits down with Chet Silverman, aka Mr. eTail, the Director of Sponsorships at eTail. With 25 years in the e-commerce conference space, Chet shares stories from the early dot-com crash days, how he convinced Google to exhibit before they were a household name, and why conferences remain the best way to connect with retail executives in a post-COVID world. He also breaks down the current AI startup boom and predicts where the technology is heading. Chapters 00:00 - Meet Mr. eTail: Chet's origin story and joining eTail after the dot-com bust01:05 - The evolution of e-commerce technology over 25 years01:59 - Cold-calling Google and convincing them to sponsor eTail Boston03:07 - The rise and fall of hot tech categories: CRM, mobile shopping, social commerce03:56 - Watching companies grow up at eTail, from startups to acquisitions05:12 - The AI explosion and why it will follow the mobile shopping pattern06:15 - Why companies should sponsor eTail and how COVID changed B2B sales07:23 - Quality vs. quantity: the 50/50 retailer-to-vendor ratio07:56 - Strategic timing: Palm Springs in February, Boston in August09:08 - eTail as a community and kicking off the e-commerce conference seasonKey Takeaways eTail maintains a rare 50/50 ratio of retailers to solution providersCOVID made conferences essential since decision-makers now work from homeAI will eventually become a standard feature from every retail tech vendor, not a standalone categoryeTail actively supports startups by offering free passes to help them enter the ecosystemPalm Springs kicks off the e-commerce season; Boston is the last stop before holiday lockdownGuest Info Chet Silverman - Director of Sponsorships, eTailKnown as Mr. eTail | 25 years in e-commerce events This has been produced in cooperation with Content Cucumberhttps://www.contentcucumber.com/ Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

    11 min
  6. Africa's Investment Future Depends on Its Diaspora with Kanessa Muluneh

    Jun 2

    Africa's Investment Future Depends on Its Diaspora with Kanessa Muluneh

    Brent Peterson sits down with Kanessa Muluneh, the founder of Nyle Investment Group, to discuss what it really takes to build businesses and invest across the African continent. From navigating trust issues and cultural differences to launching a gaming company and a vitamin brand, this conversation covers the rewards and realities of emerging market investment. Whether you're a business owner exploring international expansion or a member of the diaspora considering a return to your roots, this episode delivers practical wisdom you won't find in a textbook. Key Takeaways Africa offers significant ROI, but requires serious due diligence. Kanessa stresses that the returns on investment across African markets can be substantial, yet the risks are equally real. Working with the wrong professionals or skipping proper vetting can lead to financial loss.PR and marketing expertise can transform small businesses. Kanessa's first investment involved trading her marketing skills for equity in a small plumbing company. That trade turned into a thriving business and sparked her career as an investor.The diaspora plays a critical role in Africa's economic growth. Nyle focuses on investing across the continent while encouraging Africans abroad to do the same, because many diaspora members have spent years building knowledge and seeing how strong economic systems work.Trust and local representation matter, but they can work both ways. In several African markets, consumers distrust locally made products by default, which creates a frustrating barrier for entrepreneurs building high-quality goods on the continent.Cultural intelligence is non-negotiable for market entry. Understanding how business gets done in a specific region requires more than speaking the language. It requires grasping negotiation styles, social dynamics, and local expectations.About Kanessa Muluneh Kanessa Muluneh is an Ethiopian-born, Netherlands-raised serial entrepreneur and investor currently based in Dubai. She has launched six businesses, selling four of them for a combined sum of over US$9.5 million. After building and scaling ventures across Europe, Muluneh returned to African markets with fluency in Western systems and an on-the-ground understanding of how business operates on the continent. That perspective now anchors Nyle, a pan-African investment firm connecting diaspora capital to scalable African businesses. She is also the founder of Mulu, a family lifestyle brand spanning more than 15 countries, and she shifted from medical studies to business early in her career, even Chapters:0:00 Introduction and Meet Kanessa Muluneh0:45 From Medical School to Building Businesses1:24 The Free Joke Project2:35 How Kanessa Started Investing in Africa5:00 Business Mistakes and Lessons Learned6:13 Why Africa's ROI Is Worth the Risk7:18 Selling Into India and Asian Markets8:35 Negotiation Culture and Pricing Psychology10:10 Selling Services Into Developing Countries11:14 Local Representation and Trust Issues13:21 Building a Vitamin Brand for Africa14:15 Rise of Fearless and the Gaming Industry17:50 Cultural Differences in Business Communication20:21 Bridging Cultural Gaps as a Diaspora Investor22:30 Ethiopia as an Investment Market24:40 Shameless Plug and Final Advice26:00 How to Connect with Kanessa Connect with Kanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanessa-muluneh-297984b2/ Follow Kanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanessamuluneh/orhttps://www.instagram.com/europeanhabesha/ This has been produced in cooperation with Content Cucumberhttps://www.contentcucumber.com/ Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

    23 min
  7. Adapt or Die: AI's Real Impact on Ecommerce Development with Paul Byrne

    May 26

    Adapt or Die: AI's Real Impact on Ecommerce Development with Paul Byrne

    Brent Peterson and Paul Byrne discuss the near future of AI, particularly its implications for software development and coding. Paul shares insights from his new book 'Adapt or Die', focusing on the different types of AI learning, the importance of human oversight in AI applications, and the challenges faced in integrating AI into development processes. They explore the democratization of coding through AI tools, the economic implications for software agencies, and the future trajectory of AI technology. Takeaways AI is currently limited to type one learning, which is reactive.Type two learning in AI requires reflective thinking and goal-seeking capabilities.Human oversight is crucial in AI applications to handle exceptions and ensure quality.AI tools can significantly speed up development processes but cannot replace human developers.The democratization of coding allows non-technical individuals to engage in software development.AI's limitations can lead to wasted resources if not properly understood.The economic model for software development may shift towards fixed pricing due to AI efficiencies.AI can handle tedious tasks, freeing up developers for more complex work.The future of AI may involve running models on local machines for better control and privacy.Continuous adaptation to AI advancements is necessary for developers and agencies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and E-commerce02:46 Understanding AI Learning Types05:27 AI in Development: Tools and Use Cases07:58 The Role of Humans in AI Workflows10:59 Challenges and Limitations of AI13:50 Future of Software Development with AI16:17 The Democratization of Coding19:07 Economic Implications of AI in Development21:51 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion 🔗 Get "Adapt or Die: The Real AI Playbook" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adapt-Die-Playbook-Founders-Successfully-ebook/dp/B0GHPBGM7C 🔗  Learn more about Razoyo: https://razoyo.com

    27 min
  8. B2B Medical Aesthetics Desperately Needs a Digital Makeover | Keri Concannon & Olivia Schmid | Beauty Rep

    May 19

    B2B Medical Aesthetics Desperately Needs a Digital Makeover | Keri Concannon & Olivia Schmid | Beauty Rep

    Brent Peterson sits down with Keri Concannon, CEO and Co-Founder, and Olivia Schmid, COO of Beauty Rep — a groundbreaking platform transforming the way medical aesthetics practices discover, learn about, and purchase products from brands. Keri draws on over 20 years of sales experience in the aesthetics industry, including nearly a decade at Obagi Medical, to explain the frustrations that inspired Beauty Rep. From siloed teams to inefficient ordering processes (yes, some practices still fax orders!), the B2B side of medical aesthetics has long lagged behind the consumer world. Meanwhile, Olivia brings a unique perspective shaped by her time at Amazon, Galderma, Allergan, and even a career in law, all of which fuel her mission to bring a seamless, consumer-grade experience to the professional side of the business. Together, they discuss how Beauty Rep serves as a centralized hub where practices — from solo estheticians to large hospital systems — can access multiple brands, educational materials, marketing assets, and place orders in one intuitive platform. They explore the challenges of getting legacy sales reps on board, how AI is being woven into the platform under their trademarked "AesthetiTech" banner, and why the average practice now carries around 14 different brands, making streamlined access more critical than ever. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of medical aesthetics, including the convergence of regenerative medicine, longevity, and wellness with traditional aesthetics, as well as how AI is influencing everything from injector training to the development of new product formulations. Keri and Olivia also share their outlook on the economy and the exciting momentum building in both the US and European markets. If you're in ecommerce, B2B sales, or the medical aesthetics industry, this is a must-watch episode packed with insights on digital transformation, the future of sales, and how to build platforms that truly serve the customer. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Backgrounds2:48 – Passions Outside of Work3:23 – Hockey, Minnesota & Life in Kona4:21 – The Free Joke Project5:05 – What Is Beauty Rep & Why It Exists6:47 – The 35% Sales Rep Problem8:18 – Bringing D2C Experience to B2B9:12 – Legacy Reps & Adapting to Digital Change11:13 – Adoption Challenges & "What's the Catch?"13:00 – How Beauty Rep Helps Sales Reps Daily14:49 – Industry Expectations & Education Access16:33 – AI, AesthetiTech & Smarter Selling18:13 – Legacy Systems: Faxes, PDFs & Hospital POs19:28 – Who Are Beauty Rep's Customers?20:26 – AI in Content & Medical Training22:57 – Economic Outlook: US & Europe25:03 – Shameless Plug: BeautyRep.com

    24 min
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5
out of 5
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About

If you are seeking new ways to increase your ROI on marketing with your commerce platform, or you may be an entrepreneur who wants to grow your team and be more efficient with your online business. Talk Commerce with Brent W. Peterson draws stories from merchants, marketers, and entrepreneurs who share their experiences in the trenches to help you learn what works and what may not in your business. Keep up with the current news on commerce platforms, marketing trends, and what is new in the entrepreneurial world. Episodes drop every Tuesday with the occasional bonus episodes. You can check out our daily blog post and signup for our newsletter here https://talk-commerce.com

Information

  • Creator
    Brent W. Peterson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    432
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2024 - Talk Commerce
  • Show Website
    Talk Commerce