Empire Flippers Podcast

Justin Cooke and Joe Magnotti
Empire Flippers Podcast

Fast. Safe. Simple. Investing in online business has never been easier. The Empire Flippers Podcast discusses buying and selling websites, investing in online assets and businesses, and discusses the successes and failures that come with online entrepreneurship.

  1. Using the 80/20 Principle to Grow Your Business Beyond 7-Figures

    4 DAYS AGO

    Using the 80/20 Principle to Grow Your Business Beyond 7-Figures

    Growing a business to 7 figures is a huge achievement—but pushing past that million-dollar milestone can feel like hitting a wall. Scaling from $1 million to $10 million is a whole different ballgame. So, how do you navigate this tricky terrain and break through the “seven-figure desert”? Perry Marshall believes the key to unlocking exponential growth is the 80/20 principle. Perry is an experienced business strategist and the author of 80/20 Sales and Marketing. He also wrote Ultimate Guide to Google Ads, the world’s best-selling book on internet advertising. In this episode, Perry shares how applying the 80/20 rule—where 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts—can transform the way you approach your business. As businesses grow, so do their complexities. Perry explains that moving into the high 7-figure range means shifting your skillset from running your business to leading the people who run it. At this level, simply being busy isn’t enough to achieve success. You have to be busy doing the right things. It may surprise some entrepreneurs, but doing the right thing also includes taking time away from your business. According to Perry, “If you don't have empty space in your day,  you'll never be able to think. Your most productive time is almost never sitting in front of your computer. It's having space to think. I call it Renaissance time. You have to have space to think about your business, outside of your business.” If you want to unlock massive growth, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed in this episode: How employee equity helped Perry start his first online business (02:52) The indicators that a business is ready to scale and how to prepare for growth (12:19) The five levels of 80/20 (18:48) How to apply the 80/20 principle to a business’s growth (25:47) Why you can’t build your business without ‘renaissance time’ (34:23)  Common bottlenecks that hinder growth (45:35) How to grow while avoiding the pitfalls of rapid growth (51:00) The first step to reigniting growth after hitting a plateau (55:03) Perry’s predictions on how AI will affect the future of Google in SEO and PPC (57:27) The best business advice Perry has ever received (1:04:22) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter PerryMarshall.com/podcast  American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to unlock exponential growth using the 80/20 principle!

    1h 25m
  2. Optimizing a Content Agency through Automations & AI

    12/26/2024

    Optimizing a Content Agency through Automations & AI

    As a business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. It’s easy to get bogged down by day-to-day tasks that pull you away from what really matters—growing your business. Finding ways to take back your time is key to running your business smoothly and efficiently. This is exactly the challenge Mahmoud Elsaid, founder of the content agency Content Wish, faced. Managing over 50 contractors, Mahmoud was drowning in manual tasks like processing orders, invoicing, and hiring. To fix this, he built automations that now save him more than 3 hours every single day. In this episode, Mahmoud shares how he scaled his agency using automations and AI. He opens up about the struggles he encountered along the way and walks us through the tools and processes that helped him streamline operations. Mahmoud also gives advice to fellow entrepreneurs who are looking to automate their agencies: “Before you can automate your agency, you have to fix and test your processes with clear KPIs.  If your processes don't work or don't achieve the required KPIs, there is no point in stressing over automation.” If you’re ready to reclaim your time, optimize your operations, and take your agency to the next level, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Topics Discussed in this episode: How Mahmoud earned his first dollar online at age 15 and what he’s up to now (03:20) The catalyst that inspired Mahmoud to start his own agency (09:21) Scaling ContentWish and the critical decisions that led to growth (11:54) Adapting a content agency to thrive in the age of AI (16:18) The most common SEO issues Mahmoud’s clients encounter (20:26) The automations that transformed Mahmoud’s agency and the AI tools he used (22:24) Mahmoud’s advice to agency owners looking to automate their operations (26:03) How to ensure that automations don’t compromise personal touch (28:55) The challenges Mahmoud faced when automating his agency (31:42) Trends and opportunities in SEO and AI in the next few years (33:41) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter ContentWish Mahmoud’s LinkedIn Make.com Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to streamline your operations using automations!

    43 min
  3. From Zero to a 6-Figure Exit in Just One Year

    12/10/2024

    From Zero to a 6-Figure Exit in Just One Year

    Some of the best businesses start organically —by solving a real problem. Jordan Saniuk’s business was no different. As a realtor, Jordan had trouble selling a property and noticed a bigger issue: Realtors needed a better way to connect. So, he created a platform where they could share listings, price reductions, bonuses, and more. Realtors loved it, and within a year, Jordan’s idea grew to 500 clients and 43,000 subscribers. In our latest podcast episode, Jordan shares how he built this business from scratch and sold it for six figures—all in just 12 months. Jordan opens up about the challenges he encountered while scaling his business and the tools and techniques that helped him succeed. One of the keys to Jordan’s success was his effective use of email marketing. He found a way to connect with potential clients without overwhelming them, building trust and credibility along the way. But Jordan didn’t stop at digital marketing. He also tapped into the power of in-person networking. Jordan explains, “Lots of people want to start an online business and market it through social media and paid online ads, but there's no replacement for in-person networking. Telling people about what you're doing in real life, getting them excited about it, and having them tell other people. Real social proof of concept is much more powerful than reposting someone's story on Instagram.” This mix of online and offline efforts gave Jordan’s business the edge it needed to fuel its explosive growth. After just one year, Jordan decided to sell the business—a big move that came with valuable lessons of its own. Tune into this episode to hear how Jordan turned a simple idea into a six-figure success story. Topics Discussed in this episode: Jordan’s background and how he became a digital entrepreneur (02:13) The power of email as a growth tool (06:10) How Jordan scaled his email list to 43,000 subscribers in just one year (09:00) The challenges Jordan faced as he rapidly grew his business (18:19) Why Jordan decided to sell his business (26:55) The untapped power of direct mail (34:19) What has changed for Jordan since he sold this business (38:30) What Jordan would have done differently if he had to start again (43:11) Jordan’s advice to first-time business sellers (45:43) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Postoff.ca Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how effective email marketing helped build a six-figure business in just one year!

    54 min
  4. Boosting Amazon Sales Using the Power of Split Testing

    10/29/2024

    Boosting Amazon Sales Using the Power of Split Testing

    Having a great product is one thing. Ensuring that it actually appeals to your target audience is a whole different thing entirely. A product that doesn’t convert is essentially useless. That is why split testing is so important. Even a 10% improvement in your conversions can result in massive growth for your business. In this episode, we chat with Andri Sadlak, the founder of Product Pinion, a split-testing platform designed specifically for Amazon sellers. Andri dives into why split testing matters—from refining your product’s appeal and optimizing ad spend to gathering insights about your customers and staying a step ahead of the competition. Andri breaks down the split testing process into four simple steps: Step 1 - Gather feedback from your target audience using things like surveys and Facebook communities.  Step 2 - Create multiple versions of whatever you’re testing based on that audience feedback.  Step 3 - Conduct split tests in a simulated environment. Step 4 - Move to Amazon and test again.  The best part? Improving your conversions doesn’t require years of experience, special skills, or a huge budget. It’s a powerful approach that is accessible to any business, at every stage of your growth. As Andri explains, “Optimizing conversions is a never-ending process. There's a huge benefit to constant improvement. It’s the principle of compounding. As long as you stay on top of things and always improve, little by little, you benefit from that compounding because very few of your competitors will be as resilient and committed to perfection as you are.” If you want to take your Amazon sales to a whole new level, then tune in for Andri’s expert tips on split testing and unlocking a deeper understanding of your audience! Topics Discussed in this episode: Why many Boutique aggregators are failing (04:29) Why Andri had to sell his house to save his business (06:57) What drove Andri to sell his FBA business (11:34) How selling his business empowered Andri to start a new business (15:25) The origins of Andri’s market research SaaS business (17:29) Consumer research trends on Amazon (21:51) How to set up effective split testing (23:58) Tips on how to get ahead in the current Amazon seller landscape (35:00) How the Amazon marketplace will evolve in the next few years (42:45) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Product Pinion Andri’s LinkedIn  Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn the secret to creating a long-lasting boost to your Amazon sales!

    52 min
  5. Is PR Still Valuable? The Truth About Press Coverage

    10/14/2024

    Is PR Still Valuable? The Truth About Press Coverage

    Oscar Wilde once said, “There’s only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Getting your business mentioned in the right places at the right time can take you from obscurity to virality overnight. Nowadays, businesses tend to rely on social media, but traditional PR and press coverage still play a key role in brand recognition and lead generation. In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Shankman, the founder of HARO, and most recently, Source of Sources, a platform that helps journalists find the sources they need, and businesses get the publicity they seek. Peter discusses the state of modern-day PR, explains the many benefits of press coverage, and offers practical tips on how to get your business featured in popular publications. According to Peter,  “When it comes to getting PR or press for your company, your job is to make a reporter's life easier. Email them saying “This is what I do. Here’s my website. Here's what I know. Here's what I can help you say,” and they will respond to you. Anything you can do to make their job easier will get you the press you’re so desperately seeking.” Beyond PR, Peter also founded Mental Capital Consulting, which helps businesses attract, hire, and retain neurodiverse employees. Having grown up with ADHD, Peter knows firsthand how neurodiversity can be a business superpower if you understand how to leverage it. He talks about the value neurodiverse employees bring to companies and offers advice for neurodiverse entrepreneurs on using their unique abilities to gain an edge in business. Whether you're looking to land press coverage or discover how to turn neurodivergence into an advantage, this episode has something for every business owner! Topics Discussed in this episode: Peter’s background and why he started Source of Sources (02:29) Posting bad AI-generated content on HARO? Peter will find you! (04:18) The inspiration behind Mental Capital - turning neurodiversity into a superpower (07:36) The benefits of building a neurodiverse team for your business (14:37) Peter’s productivity tips for neurodiverse entrepreneurs (19:50) How to get more media coverage on a limited budget (25:42) The value of press coverage in the modern world (28:10) Press agencies - are they worth it? (35:30) How to build stronger relationships with journalists and publishers (39:02) The death of PR (42:37) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Source of Sources Faster than Normal by Peter Shankman Mental Capital Consulting Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn how to generate press coverage and PR like a pro!

    52 min
  6. My Journey to Becoming the CEO of Empire Flippers

    10/01/2024

    My Journey to Becoming the CEO of Empire Flippers

    From our humble origins selling small niche websites to successfully selling over 2,300 online businesses and helping more than 70 entrepreneurs become millionaires, Empire Flippers has come a long way. Now, we're entering an exciting new chapter with Andy Allaway taking the helm as our new CEO. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at Empire Flippers, where Andy shares his journey from Director of Operations, to Chief of Staff, and now CEO. He talks about the rapid growth we experienced during the 2020/2021 online business boom and the challenges that followed in the post-pandemic downturn. Andy also explains the strategies he put in place to get Empire Flippers back on track. According to Andy, “You have to make a conscious decision about what culture you want in your business. You have to decide what it is that you're about. That helps you identify the right people for the business who share your values and are able to maximize what you offer. Then, let that bleed through into everything you do in the business.” We also dive into what makes a great leader and how CEOs must adapt their leadership style in both good times and tough ones. Andy explains, “To be a really really good leader, you have to be able to flex your style depending on the situation that faces you. The way you lead in calm waters is not the way you lead when your back is up against the wall.” If you're an employee looking to gain the kind of leadership skills that you need to become a CEO, then this is also a fantastic podcast for you. Topics Discussed in this episode: Andy’s background and his early days at Empire Flippers (03:10) The changes Andy made to streamline Empire Flipper's operations (08:08) The chaos of 2020 and how it negatively affected Empire Flipper (09:50) Building company culture in a remote environment (20:22) How to find a CEO for your business (22:49) Becoming the CEO of Empire Flippers (25:44) How Andy turned the ship around and helped Empire Flippers recover (32:33) What entrepreneurs should focus on when rebuilding their business (36:32) What makes a good leader and peace-time CEOs vs war-time CEOs (40:30) Andy’s advice to entrepreneurs holding off on selling their business (46:18) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Andy’s LinkedIn Influence by Robert Cialdini Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn what it takes to rise through the ranks and become a CEO.

    59 min
  7. Support, Solve, and Scale: Amazon Seller Support Solutions

    09/24/2024

    Support, Solve, and Scale: Amazon Seller Support Solutions

    Amazon Seller Support is notoriously tedious. Many sellers find themselves wasting hours dealing with support tickets, only to end up stuck in the same cycle of slow responses and unresolved issues. Dealing with Seller Support is a necessary evil, but what if someone could handle all of that for you? This is where John Cavendish spotted an opportunity. John is the co-founder of Seller Candy, an agency that deals with Seller Support on behalf of Amazon sellers. Whether it's handling emergencies like suspended accounts, fixing listing problems, managing flat files, or securing reimbursements, Seller Candy shoulders that workload so that you to focus on what you do best: growing your business. In this episode, John shares his expert tips on how to handle the most common challenges Amazon sellers face. He walks us through how to keep your account in good health and why it’s key to long-term success on the platform. Plus, with the holiday season fast approaching, John offers advice on how to get your business ready for the seasonal rush. But the conversation doesn’t just stop at FBA sellers. If you run an eCommerce agency or are thinking about starting one, John’s experience building Seller Candy offers valuable lessons. He talks about the challenges he faced, how he built a remote team, and what it takes to scale an agency in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Whether you're an Amazon FBA seller bogged down by support issues or an agency owner looking for growth strategies, this episode is full of useful advice to help you move forward. Topics Discussed in this episode: Seller Candy’s origins and how it helps Amazon sellers (02:00) Common Seller Support challenges and how Seller Candy solves these (06:35) What is Amazon account health and why is it so important? (10:10) John’s tips to ensure smooth operations during the holiday season rush (15:30) How to forecast your holiday season inventory (17:15) The common characteristics that successful Amazon businesses share (19:26) What John wishes he’d known when he first started his Amazon business (23:48) Why John decided to pivot and start his own agency (29:31) How John built out his remote team and created a good team culture (36:10) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Seller Candy Refundify Magnet VA Sit back, grab a coffee, and discover an easier way to navigate Amazon Seller Support.

    52 min
  8. Shopify Simplified: How to Launch, Sell, and Scale

    09/17/2024

    Shopify Simplified: How to Launch, Sell, and Scale

    Choosing the right eCommerce platform can be a game-changer for your business. With so many options available, it’s important to find the platform that sets you up for success. In this episode, we chat with Kurt Elster, an expert who believes Shopify is the go-to platform for any eCommerce entrepreneur. Kurt has been running a Shopify services agency for over a decade, helping store owners with theme development, migrations, and support. He’s also the host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast and has interviewed more than 500 eCommerce entrepreneurs. Kurt shares why Shopify is not just a software company but a champion for entrepreneurs. He dives into everything you need to know about selling on Shopify—from funding your store through Kickstarter-style campaigns to building an audience and optimizing conversions to boost sales. Driving traffic to a Shopify store is often a lot harder than attracting customers on Amazon. To combat this, eCommerce entrepreneurs need to think outside the box and keep their eyes open for hidden opportunities. According to Kurt,  “People are ignoring SEO because they think AI is going to destroy it, which means a lot of people are not investing in SEO right now. But where are these AI tools getting the answers from? They're still doing Google searches!  So, building content like long-form, ultimate guide content is a missed opportunity for a lot of folks. And, it's easier than ever to create the content because ChatGPT and other tools can help you write it.” Kurt also discusses the advantages of expanding into the Amazon marketplace and gives tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify. Whether you're thinking about starting a Shopify business or looking to grow your current one, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed! Topics Discussed in this episode: How eCommerce stores have evolved over the last decade (06:38) The most common mistakes eCommerce sellers make (10:23) The pros and cons of Kickstart-style campaigns (14:06) How to build an audience for a Shopify store (22:28) How to build an audience for your eCommerce business on Reddit (27:06) The benefits of expanding into the Amazon marketplace (30:18) Tips for Amazon FBA sellers looking to diversify with Shopify (34:25) The core pillars of good conversion rate optimization (38:02) Personal vs professional brands (42:32) Kurt's advice for entrepreneurs looking to build an agency (47:54) Mentions:  Empire Flippers Podcasts Empire Flippers Marketplace Create an Empire Flippers account Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Kurt’s website The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Matrixify Sit back, grab a coffee, and learn Shopify tools and tactics to skyrocket your sales!

    1h 2m
4.9
out of 5
237 Ratings

About

Fast. Safe. Simple. Investing in online business has never been easier. The Empire Flippers Podcast discusses buying and selling websites, investing in online assets and businesses, and discusses the successes and failures that come with online entrepreneurship.

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