ASOM Pod

ASOM Pod
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ASOM Pod

Welcome to the ASOM Pod - the only video first eCommerce podcast that offers four different unique perspectives. A(gency) S(aaS) O(perator) M(arketer). Join Jimmy Kim (CIO and founder of Sendlane) and John Roman (CEO and co-founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella) and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) as they provide a holistic view of the DTC, eCommerce, or retail by sharing our perspectives. Whether you're looking to grow your online store, optimize your marketing efforts, or enhance your overall e-commerce strategy, ASOM has you covered.

  1. 12/19/2024

    EP27: Why Organic Growth Sucks

    in this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) pull back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a brand organically. Spoiler: it’s not free, and it’s definitely not fast. From the high costs of hiring content creators to the daily grind of consistent posting, they shatter the myth that organic growth is some magical, costless path to success. With their signature mix of humor, insight, and a little debate over Midwest dinners and vegetarian breakfasts, the crew dives into the hidden expenses and long-term strategies that drive real organic growth. They share personal stories and no-nonsense advice about creating killer content, staying patient, and investing in tools and people to level up your game. What You’ll Learn: Why organic growth is far from “free” and the hidden costs you need to budget for How consistent content creation can make or break your organic strategy Real-life tips for tailoring content to different platforms (yes, even TikTok) The balancing act of short-term wins vs. long-term growth How to navigate the cost of software, salaries, and the sweat equity behind organic success Why a strong content plan is your best ally in the marathon of organic growth This episode is packed with candid advice, relatable stories, and a little tough love to help businesses build sustainable organic strategies. Stick around for the next episode, where the gang talks all things holiday strategies and bold predictions for the future. Don’t miss it! _______ Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:45 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 04:23 Defining Organic Growth 06:00 Challenges and Strategies for Organic Growth 09:57 Costs Associated with Organic Growth 13:48 Effective Organic Growth Strategies 18:13 Organic Growth and Midwest Dinners 19:14 Short Term vs Long Term Strategies 19:53 TikTok Launch and Content Challenges 21:23 B2B Content Strategies 25:48 Organic Growth Tips and Advice 34:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    36 min

  2. 12/12/2024

    EP26: How Mentors & Community Influence Your Personal Growth and Success

    How Mentors & Community Influence Your Personal Growth and Success - EP26 In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive deep into the vital role of personal growth, continuous learning, and mentorship in entrepreneurship. They discuss the delicate balance of mixing business with friendship, highlighting how both paid and informal mentors can shape business success. The crew shares their own methods for staying relevant in fast-paced industries, whether it's through engaging with communities, attending webinars, or navigating work relationships. The conversation also touches on self-directed learning, managing founder fatigue, and recognizing when to bring in premium talent. What You’ll Learn: How blending business and friendship can enhance entrepreneurial growth The value of paid mentors vs. 'friendtors' in your business journey Non-traditional learning methods that keep you ahead of the curve, from webinars to mastermind groups The importance of staying humble while building confidence as a leader A deep dive into Amir’s Book Corner, featuring Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell The power of passive mentorship and how it can shape your path to success Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing personal development with business growth! _______ Join the ASOM pod community at ⁠https://www.creatorscombine.com⁠- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at ⁠https://www.omnisend.com/⁠ Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at ⁠http://recharge.asompod.com/⁠ Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:17 Learning Beyond Traditional Education 01:35 Introducing the Hosts 03:42 The Importance of Staying Relevant 10:29 The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Growth 15:39 Non-Traditional Learning Methods 23:09 Finding Inspiration and Motivation 26:52 Diverse Influences and Inspirations 29:39 The Power of Passive Mentorship 31:33 Self-Directed Learning and Personal Growth 36:58 Avoiding the Know-It-All Trap 40:39 Amer's Book Corner: Buy Back Your Time 48:07 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    49 min

  3. 12/05/2024

    EP25: How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing and eCommerce

    EP25: How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing and eCommerce Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) roll up their sleeves and tackle the wild, wonderful, and sometimes messy world of affiliate marketing. From TikTok Shop’s rising stardom to Glossier’s affiliate finesse and even the chaos of the Fyre Festival, this episode has it all. The crew dives headfirst into what makes affiliate marketing tick, debates its ROI versus traditional media, and doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about over-reliance on affiliates potentially watering down a brand. What You’ll Learn: Why affiliate marketing is the not-so-secret weapon for DTC brands (when done right) TikTok Shop vs. traditional affiliate strategies: the ultimate showdown Behind-the-scenes success stories from Glossier to Gymshark (and a peek at the Fyre Festival debacle) The double-edged sword of affiliate marketing—when it helps and when it hurts What the future holds for affiliate marketing (spoiler: it’s not as simple as you think) A generational look at how affiliate channels are evolving, from Millennials to Gen Z Whether you’re a marketing pro ready to geek out or just curious if TikTok is the future of shopping, this episode is your ticket to staying ahead of the affiliate marketing curve! _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:56 Wine Talk and Podcast Intro 02:58 Deep Dive into Affiliate Marketing 10:05 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Channels 15:39 Success Stories in Affiliate Marketing 18:49 The Fyre Festival Case Study 21:28 TikTok as an Affiliate Marketing Channel 24:29 The Lipstick King Phenomenon 24:59 Challenges of QVC-Style Shows in the US 26:16 TikTok as an Affiliate Marketing Channel 28:22 Generational Shifts in Social Media Usage 31:10 The Future of Affiliate Marketing 38:59 Buy or Sell: Affiliate Marketing Insights 45:21 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    47 min

  4. 11/21/2024

    EP24: The Secret to Successful Founder Marketing: Strategies, Challenges, Success Tips

    Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into the dynamic world of founder-led marketing, unraveling its influence on brand success and exploring real-world examples like MailChimp, Barstool Sports, and Tesla. They discuss the unique advantages and challenges of founder-led branding, compare it to traditional marketing approaches, and examine the trend of building in public. Along the way, they analyze how personal branding and generational shifts shape marketing strategies and contribute to business growth. What You’ll Learn: How founder-led marketing can build a brand’s identity—and when it can backfire The pros and cons of personal branding and building in public How founders like Elon Musk and Dave Portnoy shape their companies’ reputations The challenges of scaling beyond a founder's influence Creative debates about leveraging mascots versus human faces in branding A behind-the-scenes look at Barstool Sports' founder-driven growth Key strategies for transitioning from founder-led marketing to scalable systems The episode wraps up with a lively “Buy or Sell” segment, where the hosts debate hot takes on founder-led marketing strategies. If you're curious about how founders influence modern brands or want actionable tips for leveraging personal branding, this episode is for you! _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:16 The Success and Pitfalls of Founder Led Brands 00:59 The Slack Notification Dilemma 02:09 Welcome to The ASOM Pod 03:13 Deep Dive into Founder Marketing 08:47 The Barstool Sports Story 22:47 Building in Public: Strategy or Trend? 25:32 Purpose of Building in Public 25:53 Different Strategies of Building in Public 26:04 Critique of Founder-Led Public Building 26:25 Consumer Connection and Organic Social 27:16 Examples of Successful Public Building 27:52 Challenges and Misconceptions 33:14 Scaling Beyond Founder-Led Marketing 33:36 Barstool's Talent and Growth Issues 40:25 Buy or Sell: Marketing Strategies 45:56 Future Topics _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    48 min

  5. 11/14/2024

    EP23: Funding vs. Bootstrapping: An Entrepreneur's Biggest Decision

    Are you ready for BFCM? Head to https://www.ASOMpod.com to subscribe and get your Must-Have DTC Black Friday & Cyber Monday Prep Checklist! Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into one of the most pivotal decisions for entrepreneurs: choosing between external funding and bootstrapping. They bring together insights from their own entrepreneurial journeys and perspectives from other founders, exploring how each approach shapes a business’s growth, control, and risk profile. What You’ll Learn: * The pros and cons of fundraising versus bootstrapping for new ventures * How growth speed and business control differ between funded and self-funded businesses * Key market trends, including crowdfunding and venture capital shifts * How economic cycles influence funding opportunities * Personal stories of fundraising wins, bootstrapping challenges, and lessons learned * Tips for assessing whether to raise capital or stick to bootstrapping based on your goals Whether you’re weighing funding options or simply interested in understanding how these choices impact long-term success, this episode offers a balanced guide to help entrepreneurs navigate growth, risks, and the evolving investment landscape. _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:09 Personal Experiences with Bootstrapping 00:43 Pizza Talk and Casual Banter 01:30 Starting the Podcast: Meet the Hosts 02:44 Fundraising vs. Bootstrapping: Key Considerations 10:22 Deep Dive: Timing and Growth in Fundraising 14:38 Investor Perspectives and Risk Tolerance 19:03 Mindset and Growth Strategies 26:01 Investor Relationships vs. Entrepreneurial Freedom 29:18 John's Acquisition Journey 30:17 The Freedom of Entrepreneurship 32:38 Bootstrapping Challenges and Strategies 36:18 Fundraising Failures and Lessons 42:19 The Future of Investment and SaaS 48:54 Buy or Sell: Business Insights 52:21 Closing Remarks and Future Topics _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at: X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    55 min

  6. 11/07/2024

    EP22: 4 Must-Have eCommerce Marketing Tactics

    It's time to prep for BFCM! Head to https://www.ASOMpod.com to subscribe and get your Must-Have DTC Black Friday & Cyber Monday Prep Checklist! Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ In this episode of the ASOM Pod, the hosts — Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) — explore their favorite marketing tactics and strategies, sharing both unconventional approaches and proven methods that have driven success in their own ventures. From using giveaways to fuel customer engagement to transforming customer service into a profit center, they reveal actionable insights that can elevate any marketing game. What You’ll Learn: * How to leverage giveaways to build engagement and brand loyalty * Why live video shopping is a powerful tool for connecting with audiences * Creative ways to use event marketing to build pre-launch excitement * How customer service can evolve into a profit center * Strategies to improve customer retention through win-back phone calls * How to adapt marketing tactics across different sectors, including SaaS Whether you’re looking to deepen customer engagement, increase retention, or just need fresh marketing inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable tactics to drive business growth. _______ 00:00 Recap of BattlGames Event 01:09 Introduction to the ASOM Pod 01:42 Meet the Hosts 02:53 Marketing Tactics Discussion 03:29 Giveaways as a Marketing Strategy 04:21 Live Video Shopping Experience 05:56 The Power of Giveaways 15:26 Creating a Buzz 17:59 Innovative Marketing in Restricted Industry19:31 Applying Marketing Tactics to SaaS 21:36 BattlBox's Customer Service Transformation 25:28 Retention Strategies and Customer Feedback 30:19 Event Marketing Strategies 35:40 Wrapping Up _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at: X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    37 min

  7. 10/31/2024

    EP21: Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before

    Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before - EP21 It's time to prep for BFCM! Head to https://www.ASOMpod.com to subscribe and get your Must-Have DTC Black Friday & Cyber Monday Prep Checklist! Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ In this episode of the ASOM Pod, the hosts — Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into the realities of startup life, tackling the tough (and sometimes hard to swallow) truths about surviving in today’s economic landscape. We reveal why startups seem to be hitting roadblocks more than ever—thanks to issues like over-reliance on agencies, lack of financial savvy, and misaligned marketing tactics. But it’s not all doom and gloom; they share practical advice and actionable tips to help founders stay afloat and focus on what really matters. What You’ll Learn: Why genuine marketing matters more than flashy tactics How to boost financial literacy and why it’s essential The importance of product-market fit and adaptability Why internal strategies often beat outsourcing The hard but necessary decisions to ensure profitability How founders can stay close to customers for real insights A preview on the pros and cons of funding versus bootstrapping Whether you’re battling budget cuts, rethinking your customer approach, or just in need of some fresh motivation, this conversation will leave you ready to take on the next challenge with confidence! _______ 00:00 Happy Halloween! 01:46 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 02:09 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds 02:42 Creators Combine Community 03:14 Why Are Startups Dying Quicker Than Ever? 04:46 Challenges in Starting a New Business 11:05 Importance of Product Market Fit 12:01 Starting a New Agency: Lessons Learned 18:09 Current Economics and Their Impact on Startups 26:32 Challenges of Early-Stage Startups 27:29 Why Startups Are Failing Now 28:04 The Missteps of Pandemic-Era Companies 29:13 The Role of Investors and Founders 33:17 Marketing Failures in Modern Startups 43:43 Advice for Struggling Startups 49:37 The Importance of Financial Literacy 52:03 Conclusion and Future Topics _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

    53 min

  8. 10/24/2024

    EP20: Fundraising, Acquisitions, & Market Valuations — What to Know and Critical Mistakes to Avoid

    Fundraising, Acquisitions, & Market Valuations — What to Know and Critical Mistakes to Avoid - EP20 It's time to prep for BFCM! Head to https://www.ASOMpod.com to subscribe and get your Must-Have DTC Black Friday & Cyber Monday Prep Checklist! Join the ASOM pod community at https://www.creatorscombine.com- Mastermind with likeminded Agency owners, SaaS founders, brand Operators, and Marketers. Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/ Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/ _______ This week’s episode of the ASOM Pod celebrates 20 episodes of podcasting magic with a no-nonsense, real-talk dive into fundraising, valuations, and business strategy. Hosts Jimmy Kim (CIO and Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) serve up personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and unfiltered advice on everything from startup funding to buying back businesses. If you’re a founder, operator, or just love a good business comeback story, this one’s for you. Listen in as the team breaks down: How Jimmy raised millions in startup funding—and the messy meetings along the way. Why EBITDA over revenue is key when it comes to business valuations. The wild story of John selling and buying back BattlBox—and why sometimes, the second time’s the charm. Build vs. Buy: When to develop in-house and when to purchase someone else’s solution. Why retention and recurring revenue are more valuable for valuations than hype. Planning for long-term wins—because sustainable growth beats overnight success every time. Future opportunities in elder care—an overlooked but promising market. How financial literacy empowers business leaders to make smarter decisions. This episode brings the perfect blend of real talk, practical tips, and founder energy. Whether you’re scaling, selling, or buying back, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.  _______ 00:00 Intro and Episode Kickoff 00:14 Podcasting Success Rates and Milestones 01:00 Host Introductions and Show Overview 01:56 Community Engagement and Upcoming Events 02:28 Fundraising Journey and Challenges 04:40 Valuation Realities and Market Trends 10:04 Agency Valuations and Retention Strategies 15:28 Family Business Dynamics and Growth 20:54 Acquisition Stories and Lessons Learned 24:16 The Buyback Dilemma 25:57 Founder Stories: Tony Shea and Zappos 26:51 Amers Agency Journey 30:46 The Challenges of Acquisitions 38:43 The Importance of Distribution 39:11 Future Opportunities in Elderly Care 43:57 Concluding Thoughts and Advice _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, i

    47 min
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4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to the ASOM Pod - the only video first eCommerce podcast that offers four different unique perspectives. A(gency) S(aaS) O(perator) M(arketer). Join Jimmy Kim (CIO and founder of Sendlane) and John Roman (CEO and co-founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella) and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) as they provide a holistic view of the DTC, eCommerce, or retail by sharing our perspectives. Whether you're looking to grow your online store, optimize your marketing efforts, or enhance your overall e-commerce strategy, ASOM has you covered.

Information

  • Creator
    ASOM Pod
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ASOM Pod
  • Show Website
    ASOM Pod

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