Ecommerce Unlocked

Russell Steed and Emerson Hammer
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you're just starting out with an idea for a product, or you are years into your business and looking to take it to the next level, we are here to help you get to the next level. From marketing to operations and product design to management, we'll cover it all! We interview founders and operators of successful brands, giving you actionable, up-to-date information that you can quickly apply into your business. Now, let's powerup!

  1. 04/18/2024

    How AI Really Fits Into Ecommerce Marketing w/ Erik Huberman

    Summary In this episode, Russell talks with Erik Huberman, CEO and founder of Hawk Media, about the current state of marketing and the role of AI in the industry. Erik shares his background in e-commerce and how he built Hawk Media into a successful marketing agency. He emphasizes the importance of delivering on promises and executing marketing strategies effectively. Erik also discusses the work-life harmony he has created by incorporating his personal interests and experiences into his business. He explains how Hawk Media leverages AI to improve efficiency and maximize output. In this conversation, Erik Huberman discusses the use of AI in marketing and how it has revolutionized the industry. He explains how his company, Hawk Media, uses AI to analyze marketing data and provide valuable insights to clients. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic marketing strategy and the need to focus on building trust and nurturing customer relationships. Huberman also predicts that AI will continue to shape the future of marketing, particularly in content creation. He advises entrepreneurs to look for opportunities to innovate in established markets that have not seen much change. Takeaways Delivering on promises and executing marketing strategies effectively is crucial for building a good reputation as a marketing agency. Creating a work-life harmony, where personal interests and experiences are incorporated into the business, can lead to greater satisfaction and success. AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency and maximize output in marketing by automating tasks and providing valuable insights. Access to data and the ability to analyze and interpret it are key advantages in the marketing industry. Building a strong team of high-quality individuals and providing opportunities for growth and success can lead to better results and higher revenue. AI has revolutionized the marketing industry by providing valuable insights and analysis of marketing data. A holistic marketing strategy that focuses on building trust and nurturing customer relationships is crucial for long-term success. AI will continue to shape the future of marketing, particularly in content creation. Entrepreneurs should look for opportunities to innovate in established markets that have not seen much change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Erik Huberman 02:02 Delivering on Promises and Executing Effective Marketing Strategies 05:29 Creating Work-Life Harmony for a Fulfilling Entrepreneurial Journey 09:16 The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Marketing 14:59 Leveraging Data and Insights for Automated Marketing Strategies 22:02 Harnessing the Power of AI in Marketing 29:16 Innovation in Established Categories 35:25 The Future of AI in Content Creation 37:29 The Slow Adoption of AI in Marketing 39:15 Building Trust and Nurturing Customer Relationships

    42 min

  2. 04/02/2024

    From Marriage Partnership to Business Partnership with Jane and Boris from The Goodfor Company

    Summary Jane and Boris from The Goodfor Company discuss their passion for water filtration and the importance of clean water. They share their journey from the plumbing industry to e-commerce and their unique approach to educating customers about water treatment. They also talk about the challenges and benefits of working as a couple in business and their goals for the future. The Goodfor Company aims to build a national brand and expand into franchising. They emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive and knowledgeable people in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways Clean water is essential for health and wellness, and water treatment is often an underrated aspect of home appliances. Educating customers about the importance of water filtration can be a powerful marketing strategy. Working as a couple in business requires trust, respect, and clear communication. Surrounding yourself with supportive and knowledgeable people can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Goodfor Company 01:14 Passion for Water Filtration 05:02 Educational Approach to Water Filtration 06:12 The Impact of Water on Health and Wellness 07:07 Transition from Plumbing to E-commerce 08:22 Working as a Couple in Business 09:47 Dividing Workload and Maintaining a Healthy Relationship 13:46 Goals for The Goodfor Company 23:16 Tools and Resources for Business Growth 26:31 Starting a New Business and Advice for Entrepreneurs 32:16 Passion for Water Filtration and Future Plans

    35 min

  3. 03/26/2024

    Acquiring a DTC Brand and Maximizing Credit Card Rewards with Jake Geibel

    Summary In this conversation, Jake shares his experience of acquiring a smoke bomb business called Shutterbombs. He discusses his background in marketing and how he transitioned into entrepreneurship. Jake also talks about the challenges of shipping hazmat products and the due diligence process involved in acquiring a business. Additionally, he shares advice for aspiring business buyers and highlights the importance of self-motivation and continuous learning. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Jake's expertise in credit card point reward systems and how you can capitalize on the same benefits as a business owner. To connect with Jake check out his website www.jakeofalltradez.biz Takeaways Jake acquired a smoke bomb business called Shutter Bombs and discusses the challenges of shipping hazmat products. He emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and continuous learning in entrepreneurship. Jake shares insights into the due diligence process involved in acquiring a business. He offers advice for aspiring business buyers and highlights the benefits of approaching acquisitions with a balanced perspective. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:23 Working from Home and Freelancing 03:15 Self-Taught Learning and Curiosity 04:14 Acquiring Shutterbomb 05:35 Interest in Shutterbomb and Product Knowledge 06:44 Introverted Nature of E-commerce Marketers 07:26 Passion vs. Data-Driven Decision Making 08:08 Finding a Business to Buy 09:36 Acquisition Strategies and Financing 12:43 Negotiations and Acquisition Process 19:22 Due Diligence and Verification 20:06 Analyzing the Red Flags 21:34 Addressing Shipping Challenges 22:03 Researching Competitors 23:20 Dealing with Hazmat Shipping 24:20 Customer Support Challenges 25:21 Sorting Facilities and Package Handling 26:00 Tips for Buying a Business 27:28 Staying Curious and Patient 29:14 Using Credit Card Points

    41 min

  4. 03/19/2024

    The Dyper Difference: Use Storytelling to Build Brand and Loyalty with Alex Vailas

    Summary In this episode, Alex Vailas, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Dyper, shares insights on how Dyper stands out in a competitive market dominated by big brands. She discusses the importance of storytelling and how Dyper focuses on the future of children and the planet. Alex also talks about their innovative marketing strategies, including their Dyper card and re-diaper programs. She emphasizes the need for brands to think outside the box and challenge the status quo to make a real impact. In this conversation, Alex Vailas discusses the importance of authenticity and honesty in marketing, particularly in the e-commerce space. She emphasizes the need for transparency and straightforwardness in product information, as consumers have become tired of manipulation and gimmicky marketing tactics. Trust is a crucial factor in building a successful brand, and independent certifications can help establish credibility. We also touch on the pitfalls of clickbait and manipulative marketing strategies. Overall, the key takeaway is that consumers deserve the truth and the best care, especially when it comes to products for vulnerable individuals like babies. Takeaways In a competitive market, it's important for brands to find unique ways to stand out and differentiate themselves. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with consumers and creating a strong brand identity. Innovation and thinking outside the box can lead to new and impactful marketing strategies. Focusing on the future and addressing sustainability concerns can resonate with consumers and set a brand apart. The full customer experience, from product to mission, can make a lasting impression and build brand loyalty. Authenticity and honesty are crucial in marketing, particularly in the e-commerce space. Transparency and straightforwardness in product information are important to consumers. Trust is a key factor in building a successful brand. Clickbait and manipulative marketing strategies are not sustainable in the long term. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Transition to Brand Side 05:49 Joining Diaper and Brand Side Experience 08:23 Standing Out in a Competitive Market 11:50 Innovative Marketing Strategies 16:46 Telling the Diaper Story 20:44 Acquisition Strategy and Channels 25:35 Innovation and Full Circle Experience 32:15 The Importance of Storytelling 34:53 Authenticity and Manipulation in Marketing 36:01 The Importance of Honesty and Trust in Branding 37:00 The Pitfalls of Clickbait and Manipulative Marketing 37:29 Wrap-up and Where to Find Alex Vailas

    39 min

  5. 02/27/2024

    Trust and Transparency: Pillars of 3PL Fulfillment Success with Irene Scharmack

    Summary In this episode, Russell and Emerson chat with Irene Scharmack, CEO of Quick Box Fulfillment, about the changes in the fulfillment industry since COVID-19. Irene discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, including labor shortages and carrier capacity issues. She also highlights the opportunities in the warehouse space and the benefits of zone skipping. Irene emphasizes the importance of choosing the right warehouse management system and building trust and transparency with clients. She shares her vision for a gender neutral cosmetics brand and provides contact information for Quick Box Fulfillment. Takeaways The fulfillment industry faced numerous challenges during COVID-19, including labor shortages and carrier capacity issues. Opportunities in the warehouse space have emerged, with strategic location and zone skipping offering cost and time-saving benefits. Choosing the right warehouse management system is crucial for efficient operations. Building trust and transparency with clients is essential for a successful partnership. Considerations for brands in warehouse selection include system capabilities, team alignment, and trustworthiness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quick Box Fulfillment 01:06 Impact of COVID-19 on the Fulfillment Industry 03:15 Challenges Faced During COVID-19 05:37 Opportunities and Challenges in the Warehouse Space 06:02 Adapting to Changes in the Logistics Space 08:42 Strategic Location of Warehouses 10:09 Zone Skipping and its Benefits 12:50 Choosing the Right Warehouse Management System 17:00 Building Trust and Transparency with Clients 22:15 Key Considerations for Brands in Warehouse Selection 25:19 Top Three Things for Brands to Look for in a Warehouse 28:45 Irene's Vision for a Gender Neutral Cosmetics Brand 30:00 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

    31 min

  6. 02/12/2024

    26. Become Profitable on Amazon Using PPC & DSP Advertising With Will Haire

    Summary In this episode, Will Haire, co-founder of BellaVix, shares his expertise on becoming profitable on Amazon using PPC and DSP advertising strategies. He explains the difference between PPC (pay per click) and DSP (demand side platform) advertising and how they can be used to target different stages of the customer journey. Will also discusses the importance of mitigating cannibalization when selling on Amazon and provides tips for brands looking to scale their advertising efforts. He emphasizes the role of branding on Amazon and the impact it can have on advertising success. Finally, Will shares his thoughts on starting an e-commerce business on Amazon and offers personal business ideas. Takeaways PPC (pay per click) advertising on Amazon targets bottom-of-the-funnel traffic, while DSP (demand side platform) advertising focuses on programmatic advertising and building audiences using Amazon's data. To mitigate cannibalization when selling on Amazon, exclude existing customers from advertising campaigns and focus on new-to-brand customers. A full-funnel advertising strategy is crucial for long-term success on Amazon, combining PPC and DSP to target customers at different stages of the customer journey. Branding plays a role in advertising success on Amazon, with strong brands benefiting from lower cost per acquisition and higher brand awareness. When starting an e-commerce business on Amazon, a minimum ad spend of $1000 to $1500 per parent product is recommended, and it may take 12 to 18 months to see significant organic sales. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:21 Understanding PPC and DSP 03:03 Mitigating Cannibalization on Amazon 07:19 Top Tips for Advertising on Amazon 10:36 The Importance of Full Funnel Strategy 14:17 The Role of Branding on Amazon 18:28 Minimum Ad Spend and Timeline for Success 25:16 The Impact of Dropshipping on Amazon 26:07 The Importance of Brand on Amazon 31:53 Starting an E-commerce Business on Amazon 33:17 Personal Business Ideas 35:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

    35 min

  7. 02/06/2024

    25. Spicy Take: The Surprising Future of UPS

    Summary In this episode, Russell and Emerson discuss the future of UPS and its focus on returns. They start by sharing their spicy takes on UPS and its reputation. They then dive into the volume of Amazon returns at UPS and the impact of the Teamsters Union strike. They also analyze UPS's stock performance and earnings, including the layoffs and cost pressures the company is facing. The conversation shifts to UPS's acquisition of Happy Returns and the potential it holds for the company. They explore the challenges and opportunities of reverse logistics for UPS and discuss the efficiency and cost savings associated with it. Takeaways UPS is heavily involved in processing Amazon returns, with over 90% of their business being returns-related. UPS has faced challenges in its stock performance and earnings, including the impact of the Teamsters Union strike. The acquisition of Happy Returns allows UPS to expand its presence in the returns market and optimize its reverse logistics processes. UPS has the opportunity to corner the returns market and differentiate itself from competitors like FedEx and Amazon. Efficiency and cost savings can be achieved through consolidating returns and leveraging existing infrastructure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Spicy Takes on UPS 01:11 The Volume of Amazon Returns at UPS 04:04 UPS Stock Performance and the Teamsters Union Strike 06:36 UPS Earnings and Profit Margins 08:45 Layoffs and Cost Pressures at UPS 11:29 UPS Acquires Happy Returns 16:06 UPS's Strategy with Happy Returns 18:09 The Tech and Real Estate Challenges for UPS 21:30 The Potential of Reverse Logistics for UPS 24:20 Efficiency and Cost Savings with Happy Returns 25:37 Considerations for Shipping Rates and Contracts 26:04 Conclusion

    26 min

  8. 01/22/2024

    24. What You Need to Know About Shipping carriers in 2024 with Josh Taylor

    SummaryIn this episode, Russell and Emerson interview Josh Taylor from Shipware, a cost reduction company specializing in shipping. They discuss the complexity of shipping rates, when brands should consider breaking off from 3PL rates, negotiating 3PL contracts, balancing shipping costs, the impact of the UPS strike and USPS, expectations for 2024, and low-hanging fruit practices during GRI season. In this conversation, Josh Taylor discusses various aspects of the supply chain and the shipping industry. The conversation covers the profitability of complexity, the ever-changing landscape of the shipping industry, and the importance of avoiding the use of declared value. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the shipping industry. TakeawaysUnderstanding the complexity of shipping rates is crucial for brands to optimize their shipping costs. Brands should evaluate their shipping profile to determine if they should break off from 3PL rates and negotiate their own rates directly with carriers. Auditing shipping invoices and understanding surcharges can help brands identify potential cost savings. The shipping landscape is evolving, with more regional carriers and innovative solutions emerging. During GRI season, brands should review their shipping contracts and negotiate discounts on surcharges like fuel surcharge. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background 03:23 The Complexity of Shipping Rates 08:23 When to Break Off from 3PL Rates 15:17 Negotiating 3PL Contracts 19:16 Balancing Shipping Costs 25:41 Impact of UPS Strike and USPS 31:01 Expectations for 2024 35:08 GRI Season and Low-Hanging Fruit Practices 40:42 Profit in Complexity 41:00 The Ever-Changing Landscape of the Shipping Industry 41:30 Avoid Using Declared Value

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Whether you're just starting out with an idea for a product, or you are years into your business and looking to take it to the next level, we are here to help you get to the next level. From marketing to operations and product design to management, we'll cover it all! We interview founders and operators of successful brands, giving you actionable, up-to-date information that you can quickly apply into your business. Now, let's powerup!

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Steed and Emerson Hammer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Russell Steed and Emerson Hammer
  • Show Website
    Ecommerce Unlocked