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Meenu Seda from IMGadgets joins us on the podcast to talk about her experience selling Temu. She explains how products are sent to Temu customers, what the commission fees are on Temu, and how their sales compare against Amazon. Get mystery shopped for your brand and 2 competitors of your choice FOR FREE! Stord will provide a detailed report that outlines the specific areas you are out performing your competitors and where your competitors are outperforming you. Learn how your consumers truly experience your brand today! In today's episode, we have a special guest who does things a little different compared to the rest of us. Meenu Seda is the CEO of IMGadgets, and sells on Temu as an additional revenue stream alongside Amazon. She's here today to talk about Temu and how different it is compared to Amazon, particularly in regards to their commission fees, their pricing system, and their delivery system. If you're a seller looking to expand your audience, this episode is just for you! Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Temu and E-commerce Opportunities 02:54 - The Journey of a Canadian Seller on Temu 05:57 - Understanding the Product Landscape and Market Dynamics 09:00 - Sales Performance and Comparison to Other Channels 11:47 - Marketing Strategies and Advertising Tools on Temu 14:54 - Pricing Models and Commission Structure 17:57 - Creating High-Converting Listings on Temu 21:04 - How Reviews Work on Temu 24:00 - Returns and Customer Service on Temu 26:55 - Final Thoughts and Tips for Success on Temu Meenu, thanks for coming on the podcast! We really appreciate your candor and informing us (and the audience) about what its like to be selling on Temu. As always, if you have any questions or anything that you need help with, leave a comment down below if you're interested. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes if you enjoy our content. Thanks for listening! Until next time, happy selling!
As Leslie Witt took to the stage Sept. 3 to deliver the keynote at Kaleidoscope, 8am's inaugural customer conference, it was the culmination of a whirlwind summer. It had been just four months since she had joined the company formerly known as AffiniPay as chief product officer, responsible for leading product transformation and strategy for established legal tech brands LawPay, MyCase, CASEpeer and Docketwise. In the intervening 16 weeks, the company had undergone a major rebrand and finalized details of its first major conference. Now, two weeks after the rebrand and as the conference got underway, Witt stood before the keynote audience detailing the company's newest product initiatives, including its upcoming launch of its generative AI-driven 8AM IQ. Not long after Witt wrapped up her keynote, LawNext host Bob Ambrogi sat down with her live for this extended conversation. They spoke at the Kaleidoscope venue in Austin in a recording studio provided by 8am, where they discussed her background and career, her reasons for joining 8am, and the product announcements she had made earlier that day. Those announcements included the beta launch of an AI “Chat with Cases” feature that allows lawyers to ask questions of and search their case files, the integration of three core 8am products — LawPay, MyCase and SmartSpend — on a single technology platform, and more. Before joining 8am in May, Witt had more than two decades of experience in leading product teams. Most recently, she had served as the chief product and design officer at the mental health and wellness technology company Headspace. She previously held senior positions at Intuit, where she led global design, research and innovation initiatives focused on small businesses. Thank You To Our Sponsors This episode of LawNext is generously made possible by our sponsors. We appreciate their support and hope you will check them out. Paradigm, home to the practice management platforms PracticePanther, Bill4Time, MerusCase and LollyLaw; the e-payments platform Headnote; and the legal accounting software TrustBooks. Briefpoint, eliminating routine discovery response and request drafting tasks so you can focus on drafting what matters (or just make it home for dinner). Paxton, Rapidly conduct research, accelerate drafting, and analyze documents with Paxton. What do you need to get done today? If you enjoy listening to LawNext, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 8AM and Leslie Witt 01:43 Leslie Witt's Background and Experience 09:53 Brand Transformation from Affinipay to 8AM 15:44 Product Design Philosophy and Customer Engagement 20:22 Platform Integration and New Features 24:57 Future Directions and Industry Impact
Alex Theuma speaks with Colin Nederkoorn, CEO & Co-Founder of Customer.io, about the 12 year journey to (almost) $100M ARR, running a fully distributed team across 30+ countries, and how AI is reshaping the future of SaaS. Colin shares: - How Customer.io scaled to 7,800+ customers worldwide. - Why AI is no longer optional for SaaS companies, and how Customer.io has adapted. - The challenges and opportunities of building SaaS in the AI era. - Why growth, resilience, and adaptability are key for long-term success. - His personal experience with AI tools and how they use AI internally at Customer.io Guest links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinnederkoorn/ Website - https://customer.io/ Check out the other ways SaaStock is helping SaaS founders move their business forward:
Send us a textIn this episode of Navigating the Customer Experience, we welcome back Joseph Michelli, a certified customer experience professional, New York Times and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling author, and internationally sought-after keynote speaker. Known for his books on iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks, Zappos, and Airbnb, Joseph brings decades of insight on how leaders and frontline teams can elevate human experiences.We dive into his latest book, All Business Is Personal: One Medical's Human-Centered, Technology-Powered Approach to Customer Engagement. Joseph highlights how One Medical—now part of Amazon—revolutionized healthcare delivery by combining AI and digital convenience with deeply personal human connections. He explains how technology can remove inefficiencies, like long waits and scheduling frustrations, while still keeping care human-centered. His insights underscore the importance of balancing automation with empathy—especially as industries increasingly adopt AI.On the topic of patient comfort with digital healthcare, Joseph notes the learning curve. While technology can enhance convenience, it must never replace the human connection where it matters most. He shares examples of how One Medical redesigned workflows so patients were seen promptly, providers spent less time on charts, and the overall experience felt more personal, not less. The takeaway: technology should enable more meaningful human interactions, not eliminate them.Looking ahead to 2026, Joseph outlines three key priorities for CX leaders:AI-readiness – Organizations must understand how AI is influencing customer interactions and ensure their brand is positioned effectively in AI-driven recommendations.Convenience and hyper-personalization – Customers expect seamless, tailored experiences; tone-deaf or generic messaging erodes loyalty.Human-empowered service – Well-trained, emotionally intelligent employees remain essential for delivering authentic, personalized experiences.Joseph also shares exciting news: the launch of a fully online Master's Degree in Customer Experience at Campbellsville University. This program equips professionals with academic and practical tools—from persona-based journey mapping to ecosystem design—to advance CX as a business-driving discipline.When discussing the core competencies for CX representatives, Joseph emphasizes emotional intelligence as the foundation. Empathy, self-awareness, managing emotions, and understanding what customers should feel in every interaction are crucial across all industries. Leaders, meanwhile, must also master influence, persistence, vision, and the ability to deliver measurable business outcomes.Joseph closes with a guiding philosophy he leans on during challenges: “Service serves us.” By focusing on creating value for others, we in turn are enriched. Yet he also reminds us that service must be balanced with self-respect—serving up to the point where we are valued, not devalued.This rich conversation covers Joseph's career journey, the evolving role of AI, the future of CX leadership, and the enduring importance of empathy in business. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in customer experience.Links Mentioned:All Business Is Personal: One Medical's Human-Centered, Technology-Powered Approach to Customer Engagement by Joseph A. MichelliCampbellsville University's Master of Science in Customer Experience programFree guide: The ABC's of a Fantastic Customer ExperienceConnect with us on X @navigatingcx and join our private Facebook community, Navigating the Customer Experience.
Join Our FREE Start Repairing Credit Challenge: http://startrepairingcredit.com/ Imagine building a 7-figure credit repair empire without spending a single dime on ads and while barely speaking English… It sounds crazy, but that's exactly what today's guest, Bruno Fleuridort, did! Bruno is an immigrant from Haiti who started his journey with no car, no money, no connections, and no backup plan. He taught himself credit repair by watching videos on YouTube and designed a system that prints money using nothing but social media and authentic testimonials. Today, he's here to pull back the curtain and show you how you can do the same even if you're starting from zero. Plus, you'll learn how to build business credit, even with bad personal credit, and how to raise capital using other people's profiles.Starting from scratch or trying to scale without any starting capital? This episode is for you!Tune in. Key Takeaways:00:00 Intro 03:10 Bruno's Background 05:50 How Bruno Got Into Credit Repair07:58 The Role of Testimonials and Customer Engagement 16:54 Growing a Team 18:14 Systems Bruno Built in His Business22:05 Inspiring Client Success Stories 25:35 Advice for Aspiring Credit Heroes30:23 Influencer Marketing 32:10 Best Way to Build Business Credit 34:13 Bruno's Top Credit Repair Strategies 39:10 The Truth About Cloud Mail 41:39 Rapid Fire Questions43:34 OutroAdditional Resources:Bruno's Website: https://www.brunofleuridortenterprises.comBruno on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bruno.fleuridort1Bruno on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunofleuridortGet a free trial to Credit Repair CloudGet my free credit repair training Credit Repair Marketing: 6 Simple Ways to Get Clients for Free!Make sure to subscribe so you stay up to date with our latest episodes.
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Adriana Brusi, founder of Crowds Now, takes us through her entrepreneurial journey from restaurants and a chocolate franchise to creating an innovative app with over 500K users. Crowds Now empowers everyday people to earn as brand ambassadors, redefining influencer marketing while helping businesses grow and communities thrive. In this episode, Adriana shares her insights on resilience, scaling ventures, and building lasting impact through innovation and people-first leadership. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. She explained that even one toxic hire can destabilize a company, making recruitment, culture protection, and team management the most challenging aspects of scaling successfully. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Adriana Brusi shared that her favorite business book, which has helped her the most, is Unreasonable Hospitality. She recommends it even for those outside the hospitality industry, as it offers powerful lessons on service, leadership, and creating exceptional customer experiences. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that one of the great podcasts she recommends for professional development is Diary of a CEO. She values its diverse topics and practical insights, noting that it provides a wide range of perspectives useful for entrepreneurs looking to grow a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Adriana Brusi shared that a key tool she recommends for growing a small business is a CRM system. She emphasized that it doesn't need to be complex – platforms like Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor, or Mailchimp are enough – as long as they help maintain data integrity, manage customer relationships, and drive growth effectively. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Adriana Brusi shared that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to “just keep going.” She explained that the journey will be hard and messy, with moments of doubt and setbacks, but persistence and resilience are what ultimately lead to success. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Hire the person, not the resume – skills can be taught, values cannot – Adriana Brusi In business, resilience turns obstacles into stepping stones – Adriana Brusi Your people are your greatest asset—or your biggest liability – Adriana Brusi
Successful people don't become that way overnight.most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose-is the results of hard work and hustle over time. -- Learn More // Premium Episode Released Weekly // See Episode Description -- MORE FROM OUR NETWORK
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I explore the critical role of signature dishes in restaurant marketing. I share why effective marketing is less about offering a large menu and more about creating standout items that truly resonate with guests. I walk through strategies for identifying, crafting, and promoting a signature dish so it becomes a magnet that draws customers in and keeps them coming back. I also highlight the importance of consistency in execution and show how building a brand story around that dish can strengthen engagement and loyalty. Takeaways:Most restaurant marketing fails because it's built on guesswork.Menus don't go viral. Heroes do.Create the thing the guests dream about.People don't remember lists, they remember legends.Your signature item sets expectations.Rituals turn signatures into traditions.It's a magnet and it functions like one.Give it an iconic name and a one-sentence story.In today's competitive landscape, it just isn't enough.If this conversation made you realize the gourmet you need to magnet.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Full Comp and Restaurant Marketing01:44 The Importance of a Signature Dish05:38 Operationalizing and Ritualizing Your Signature ItemIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
In this episode, Welf Weiger, Associate Professor of Digital Marketing and Chair of the Marketing Department at Alfaisal University, joins us to discuss research he and his colleagues conducted on social media marketing and customer engagement. Together, their work uncovers surprising findings about how brand advocacy and criticism influence not just public perception, but also the purchasing behavior of the advocate or critic themselves.
Don't stop when you're tired. Stop when you're done -- Learn More // Premium Episode Released Weekly // See Episode Description -- MORE FROM OUR NETWORK
Jordan Peterson talks about how you can overcome and defeat depression. -- Learn More // Premium Episode Released Weekly // See Episode Description -- MORE FROM OUR NETWORK
Powerful speeches from Brian Bullock, Marcus Taylor, Coach Pain, Walter Bond, Eric Thomas, Bobby Maximus and many more! -- Learn More // Premium Episode Released Weekly // See Episode Description -- MORE FROM OUR NETWORK
MY PAST DOES NOT EQUAL MY FUTURE. I AM IN CHARGE HERE. MY FUTURE IS WHATEVER I MAKE IT. MY BEST IS YET TO COME. -- Learn More // Premium Episode Released Weekly // See Episode Description -- MORE FROM OUR NETWORK
Konuklar: Nilgün Yılmaz, Cantürk Şen 82. bölümümüzde konuğumuz Customer Engagement Management ekibi oldu. Ekip yapısını, projelerini, teknoloji stack seçimlerini ve çok daha fazlasını konuştuk!Trendyol Talks'da Trendyol'daki kültürümüzü, kültürümüzden beslenen iş yapış biçimlerimizi ve ritüellerimizi konuşuyoruz. Trendyol Talks podcast kanalımızı takip etmeyi unutmayın!
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I dive into the biggest mistakes operators make when it comes to restaurant marketing—and why most of us are focused on the wrong things. I break down the myth that awareness equals success and explain why understanding your customer's behavior matters more than visibility. We get into the strategies I've used to align with what guests already want, how to create urgency that drives action, and the systems that turn casual interest into consistent bookings.Takeaways:Most restaurant marketing fails because it's built on guesswork.Awareness doesn't pay the rent, behavior does.If it doesn't move a booking, a purchase or return visit, then it's just noise.We want to align with behavior, not alter it.Triggers turn offers into rituals.The fastest money you can make is in the list you already own.Stop chasing strangers while your regulars gather dust.Create experiences that use desire that already exists.If it wouldn't move you, it probably won't move them.Your marketing must move the needle in your business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Marketing Challenges02:44 Understanding Customer Behavior and Marketing Effectiveness05:39 Strategies for Effective Restaurant MarketingIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
Marketing Capital Equipment: Lessons from Wintersteiger Solutions & Kohler Leveling North AmericaMarketing industrial equipment is complex — long sales cycles, high-stakes investments, and the need for absolute trust.In this episode of B2B Marketing Excellence & AI, Donna Peterson sits down with Brent Fischmann, Managing Director ofWintersteiger Solutions, to explore how companies under the Wintersteiger umbrella — including Kohler Leveling North America —approach these challenges.Brent shares how his team uses trade shows like FABTECH to stand out in crowded halls, engage with decision-makers,and move conversations forward by demonstrating technology live and addressing ROI concerns head-on. The discussion emphasizesthe importance of trust, relationships, and meaningful follow-up — the foundation for shortening long sales cycles in industrial markets.Listeners will also hear how Wintersteiger and its brands balance proven trade show strategies with modern tools like AIto create more targeted content and enhance customer interactions.What you'll learn in this episode:How industrial brands like Kohler Leveling use trade shows to connect with buyers.Why technical support and live demonstrations build trust faster than brochures.Strategies to create content that addresses customer challenges and ROI directly.The role of relationships and follow-up in converting interest into partnerships.Where AI fits in strengthening — not replacing — human connections in B2B sales.Please comment and rank this episode so we can continue to produce the content that is most helpful for you and the industry.
In a recent episode of CSP's "At Your Convenience" podcast recorded live at the Outlook Leadership conference, Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at CSP, and Max Clark, vice president of growth at PAR Retail, shared insights on the concept of "loyalty everywhere."Clark emphasized that loyalty has evolved beyond traditional engagement points like mobile apps to encompass the entire customer journey. "It's the app, the forecourt, the pump, the associate checkout, self-checkout kiosks and connected cars," he said.He stressed the importance of creating an integrated system where all touchpoints work together to deliver a frictionless experience. Clark also highlighted PAR's growing focus on developing direct relationships with CPG partners to create more streamlined value across the entire retail ecosystem.
Jeffrey Mosher welcomes David Conn, VP of Business Development and Policy at Exceleron, Baltimore, MD. Jeffrey had several questions for David in their conversation: With Michigan facing significant rate hikes, (from the likes of DTE and Consumers), how can prepaid utility programs help consumers, and businesses better manage rising energy costs? From a utility's perspective, how does a prepay model improve cash flow and reduce delinquency-related expenses? What have you seen in other markets that demonstrates the long-term business value of offering prepay options? How can prepaid programs drive business-customer engagement and satisfaction while also promoting energy efficiency? What barriers—technical, regulatory, or cultural—must utilities overcome to successfully implement prepay solutions? Exceleron, a platform that works with utilities to provide customers with a prepay program to stay ahead and lower their energy bill costs. Michigan consumers are facing significant increases in their energy bills as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have proposed rate hikes. DTE Energy has requested a $574.1 million increase, and Consumers Energy is seeking a $436 million increase. Consumers are becoming concerned about how this will impact the affordability of utilities. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
This episode is available in audio format on our Let's Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV.In today's episode Aaron Dauphinee, from the Wise Marketer Group speaks with Lisa Copeland who is the VP of Loyalty and Customer Engagement for Amtrak. Amtrak is the national passenger railroad company for the United States with more than 32 million passengers stepping aboard Amtrak's trains in 2024 and the rail line also sees 87K rides on 300+ trains daily. Prior to Lisa's career she held a balance of Customer Engagement and Brand roles at powerhouse brands such as Lowe's, Hilton and Pandora. This has her bringing forward a set of changes at Amtrak that will properly see Brand Marketing and Customer Loyalty delivered in unison to provide their customers with experiences, benefits and rewards, and product innovation (i.e. new train design and features) to create a viable alternative to air and car travel. It's a conversation about delivering big "L" loyalty that you will not want to miss.Show Notes:1) Lisa Copeland2) Amtrak3) The Wise Marketer™4) Unreasonable Hospitality - AudioBook5) Unreasonable Hospitality - Book
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we're joined by Sandeep Seth, Chief Growth Officer and President of Tapestry. Sandeep shares his mission to future-proof growth by transforming Tapestry into a brand growth engine. He explores the importance of consumer focus, continuous learning, and creating seamless experiences both online and offline.-------------------Key Takeaways:Strategies to future-proof growth by focusing on consumer insightsHow to balance authenticity and innovation for younger generationsThe seamless integration of physical and digital experiences-------------------“ The magic doesn't come from what [consumers] tell us. The magic comes from what they don't tell us. And how do you sense that tension that's kind of going on there? It's not easy, but a true insight is that unexpressed emotion or that unexpressed need and how the brand, in an authentic way, can fulfill that.” – Sandeep Seth-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:57) - Sandeep's mission at Tapestry*(03:29 - Sandeep's approach to growth and brand relevance*(12:02) - An exciting shift in consumer behavior*(21:09) - Gen Z, digital vs. physical, and evolving consumer behavior*(28:29) - Balancing near-term performance with long-term brand equity*(37:39) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Sandeep on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what's next? Learn more at twilio.com.
"AI can create decent poetry way before it can deal with engineering work."This blew my mind during our conversation with Francesco Iorio, CEO of Augmenta.The construction industry is facing a massive problem. The gap between what technology can do and how we actually build is bigger than almost any other field.Francesco shared how his team is tackling electrical design automation - one of the most complex problems in construction. They're not just speeding up workflows. They're completely rethinking how buildings get designed.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Francesco and we got to learn about why electrical design is so complicated, how AI misconceptions are holding back the industry, and why automation is the only path to sustainable building design... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why recreating software like Revit costs over 500 million dollars ✅ How labor shortage is driving construction tech innovation ✅ Why error-free design is still years away but getting closer ✅ How automation will change construction contracts and insuranceListen now on Spotify and join the conversation about the future of construction technology.------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:45 Introduction to Generative Design in AEC07:51 Francesco Iorio's Background and Journey12:33 Identifying the Need for Augmentor17:31 The Evolution of Augmentor's Focus22:41 Challenges in Electrical Design27:39 Augmentor's Current Capabilities and Future Goals33:02 Addressing Labor Shortages in Electrical Design35:23 Funding Journey and Investor Conviction39:05 Sustainability and Automation in Design41:49 Integration Challenges in AEC Solutions45:18 The Quest for Error-Free Design50:33 AI's Role in Generative Design54:46 Customer Engagement and Sales Strategies59:13 Demographics of Early Adopters01:02:49 Future Expansion Beyond Electrical Design
Darshan Mehta celebrates the 100th episode of Getting to Aha! Be welcoming Anne-Sophie Baret, Head of Product and Trade Marketing at Club Med. Together, they explore how the iconic brand has thrived for 75 years by prioritising meaningful travel experiences and human connection. From the rise of wellness and solo social travel to trends like astrotourism, Anne-Sophie shares powerful insights for marketers and hospitality leaders looking to innovate while staying true to timeless values.
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Grow A Small Business, host Amanda Jones chats with Troy Trewin, founder of Grow A Small Business, about the critical role marketing plays in driving small business growth. Troy shares how unlocking 15 extra hours per week through better delegation transformed one client's marketing efforts and boosted profits. They discuss the importance of strategy before tactics, the power of email marketing, and building a strong personal and business brand. The conversation also highlights professional development as a key driver for staying ahead in marketing. Packed with real examples and practical tips, this episode offers actionable insights for sustainable scaling. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Unlock Time for Marketing – Delegate tasks to free up at least 15 extra hours a week for focused marketing work, especially in the mornings when energy is highest. Prioritize Strategy Before Tactics – Avoid jumping straight into promotions; build a clear marketing strategy aligned with your business goals first. Leverage Email Marketing – Regular, well-crafted emails to your audience deliver one of the highest returns on marketing investment. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Invest in Professional Development – Dedicate at least 2.5 hours a week to learning through podcasts, books, and courses to keep your marketing skills sharp. Track the Right Metrics – Monitor key data like lifetime value to customer acquisition cost (LTV:CAC) and test campaigns thoroughly before deciding on results. Build Brand Consistency – Focus on both personal and business branding to strengthen market presence and trust over time. One action small business owners can take: According to Troy Trewin, one action small business owners can take is to block out dedicated time each week—starting with at least two one-hour sessions in the mornings—solely for working on marketing strategy and execution without distractions. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.
In-person meetings will always be the gold standard for building relationships. But in B2B, you can't always sit across the table right away. That's why B2B Personalized Video Marketing is such a powerful tool—it lets people see you, hear you, and understand your perspective before the first handshake.At World Innovators, we've seen this work firsthand. When I send an email with a short, personal video, people who have never met me before click because they want to see what I have to say. That video starts a conversation—viewers hear my tone, see my face, and begin to understand that I'm here to help them succeed.In this episode, I'll cover:What makes a B2B video truly personalized.Why videos in email campaigns increase engagement.How to make sure the right people see your video.Simple ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT to plan and repurpose content.If you have a video you're proud of but aren't sure how to get it in front of your ideal audience, let's make sure the right people are clicking, watching, and starting the conversation with you.Thank you for listening, please comment below and let me know what you are doing with your B2B Personalized Video Marketing.
In an era where retail often feels transactional, Akira has spent 23 years proving that personal connection drives business success. Eric Hsueh, co-owner of the Chicago-based fashion brand, reveals how their 40-store chain has scaled authentic relationships without losing its boutique DNA. Eric expands on how technology can enable human relationship, rather than replace it.“I Believe In Stores”Key takeaways:Authenticity over automation: Akira actively combats formulaic retail interactions, training stylists to engage genuinely rather than asking "Can I help you find anything?" which Eric calls "nails on a chalkboard." - Eric [07:12]Micro-wins build macro loyalty: Individual moments—like finding the perfect jeans after 90 minutes—create lasting relationships that compound over years. "That's authenticity. And that is micro wins leading to building a business." - Eric [21:03]Technology enables, doesn't replace: Tools like texting and client data enhance personal relationships rather than scaling impersonal outreach. The focus remains "the one on one relationship, the personal connection." - Eric [16:14]Character comes first: When hiring, Eric prioritizes "energy, intelligence and integrity," with integrity being "first and foremost" because authentic relationships require genuine people. - Eric [09:14]Associated Links:Learn more about EndearCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
After 33 years of redefining retail, Anthropologie has mastered creating stores that serve communities rather than just selling to them. Mindy Massey, who oversees stores across North America and the UK after 26 years with the brand, reveals how they've shifted from conversion to connection—empowering 10,000+ employees as community curators while maintaining authentic relationships at scale. Her insights offer a masterclass in why this approach matters more than ever as younger generations reshape retail expectations.The Multi-Gen EffectKey takeaways:Amplification over transformation: Anthropologie didn't reinvent their service strategy—they amplified 33 years of authentic relationship-building with better tools and deeper community integration. "I would say more than transformation. It's been like amplification... Our service strategy has always been built on a foundation of genuine connection." - Mindy [02:52]Wide lanes, strong guardrails: Success requires high accountability and clear brand standards while giving local teams wide creative latitude to serve their specific communities. "We do provide guardrails. But the lanes are kind of wide open for a localized approach." - Mindy [06:41]Authenticity drives KPIs, not vice versa: The brand prioritizes genuine relationships over metrics, trusting that real connections naturally generate better business outcomes. "The authenticity of the relationships is what drives the KPIs versus the KPIs driving the relationships." - Mindy [09:26]Ordinary to extraordinary: Every element, from yarn window displays to finance team creativity, embraces the philosophy of transforming simple materials into unexpected beauty. "So much of our heritage is steeped in making the ordinary extraordinary. You find something really simple and you make it super innovative." - Mindy [13:36]In-Show Mentions:Tricia Smith (CEO, Anthropologie)Rockefeller Center store holiday displayAssociated Links:Learn more about EndearCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
Running a dispensary isn't just about selling cannabis — it's about creating a brand that people trust, love, and recommend. In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Christa Peay from Greenery Spot in Johnson City, NY, to talk about how they built one of the most community-connected dispensaries in the state.Christa shares:- How strategic partnerships with local businesses — from coffee shops to yoga studios — drive awareness.- Ways to normalize cannabis by linking it to everyday life and wellness.- How to leverage local media, events, and word-of-mouth to build a loyal customer base.- Real stories of customers whose lives were changed through safe, legal cannabis.From navigating stigma to collaborating with breweries, sports teams, and farmers, Christa reveals how Greenery Spot keeps momentum in a saturated market by focusing on education, relationships, and authenticity.If you're in cannabis retail, community marketing, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
Send us a textCustomer engagement is rapidly evolving, with CRM systems playing a pivotal role in shaping how brands connect with their audiences. Today's CRM platforms go beyond simple contact management—they harness data and AI to deliver personalized, timely interactions that resonate on a deeper level. This shift means businesses must move from transactional exchanges to building genuine relationships, creating experiences that foster loyalty and long-term customer value.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Thomas Wieberneit, CEO, aheadCRM, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss CRM and customer engagement trends.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we're joined by Jon Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer at Quickbase. John discusses how Quickbase is helping businesses innovate through its no-code platform, enabling users to build custom solutions swiftly. He shares insights into the challenges of scaling a global engineering team, the importance of fostering an empowering work culture, and the transformative potential of AI in low-code development.-------------------Key Takeaways:The importance of empowering non-technical users, or "citizen developers," through Quickbase's no-code platform.The critical balance between fostering rapid innovation and maintaining strong governance, security, and reliability standards.Effective leadership and organizational transformation rely heavily on listening and adaptability.-------------------“ It's very empowering, like, I solved this problem. And guess what? You built a computer application and you're not a computer programmer. I think it's pretty empowering for somebody that is not a technologist to be able to solve a real world problem like that.” – Jon Kennedy-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:59) - How Quickbase is helping businesses solve complex problems*(09:08) - How customers are pushing the boundaries of what's possible *(11:04) - AI's role in transforming the low-code space *(16:01) - Navigating speed and stability at scale*(21:24) - Successes and challenges of integrating FastField into Quickbase*(28:23) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Jon on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what's next? Learn more at twilio.com.
Send us a textIn the current world of customer loyalty, payments and incentives are no longer just transactional, they are foundational elements that shape how customers feel about a brand. For Vince Chiofolo, Senior Vice President of Revenue Strategy at Dash Solutions, the future of loyalty lies in marrying seamless payments with meaningful engagement. “You can have the best product, service, and price,” Chiofolo explains, “but the payment experience should also be best-in-class.” Dash Solutions, a fintech pioneer with nearly 30 years of experience, is reshaping how brands deliver rewards and payments. By replacing slow, outdated processes like mailing paper checks with digital, real-time payment options, Dash Solutions makes it easier and faster for businesses to pay customers and employees, while boosting engagement. “At Dash, our rally cry is ‘make payments mean more,'” Chiofolo says. “We don't just process payments; we create experiences that motivate behavior and foster loyalty.”
In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Aaron Stokes, a seasoned expert in the automotive repair industry. They discuss Aaron's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach. The conversation covers essential business concepts such as understanding financial metrics, the importance of gross profit by the hour, effective sales techniques, and the significance of live events in fostering community and growth. Aaron emphasizes the need for business owners to embrace change, understand their numbers, and create a supportive environment for their employees. The discussion concludes with insights on personal growth and the challenges of scaling a business. Don't forget to register for Tommy's event, Freedom 2025! This is the event where Tommy's billion-dollar network will break down exactly how to accelerate your business and dominate your market in 2025. For more details visit freedomevent.com Timestamps: 00:00 Embracing the Future 01:07 Introduction to Aaron Stokes 03:04 Aaron's Journey in the Automotive Industry 06:03 Understanding Business Numbers 15:03 The Importance of Gross Profit by the Hour 25:00 Staffing and Employee Management 34:29 Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement 44:32 The Power of Live Events 54:31 Final Thoughts and Advice
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I talk about the importance of internal reflection in the hospitality industry. I believe restaurant owners should build their businesses around their own desires and experiences, instead of constantly trying to guess what customers want. I share some actionable strategies for creating authentic marketing campaigns that truly resonate—by marketing like a fan and designing offers that we, as owners, would genuinely be excited about. For me, alignment and truth in marketing are key to deeper customer engagement and long-term profitability.Takeaways:Most restaurant owners think they need more guests.Profit isn't random, it's engineered.Stop guessing what guests want and start solving your own problems.You are your target customer.Design your next event or menu through your own desires.The most profitable thing you can do is build for you.Marketing like a fan creates genuine engagement.Audit your last three campaigns honestly.The right people show up when you build from truth.Create offers that you would buy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hospitality Insights01:50 The Importance of Internal Reflection in Marketing03:44 Building for Yourself: The Key to Success07:33 Creating Magnetic Marketing Through AuthenticityIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
How To Optimize B2B Marketing Campaigns For ROIHave you ever tried to finish a round of golf as the sun goes down? It gets dark, you swing, but you can't really see where the hole is — you're just hitting into the dark. That's what many B2B brands are doing with their marketing: they're executing campaigns without clearly knowing where the target is or how to measure success.In this episode, I talk with Lori Turner Wilson, CEO of RedRover Sales & Marketing Strategy and author of The B2B Marketing Revolution. Lori shares her 12 Battles Framework, which gives companies a roadmap to bring clarity, focus, and measurable outcomes to their marketing.Together, we discuss how to:Use market research so you know exactly who you're targeting and why.Personalize your outreach to connect with prospects in meaningful ways.Integrate traditional channels like direct mail to complement digital campaigns and reach decision-makers effectively.Adopt authority marketing to position your brand as a trusted resource and help shorten the sales cycle.If you're serious about improving your marketing ROI, this conversation offers practical steps you can start implementing now — so you're no longer “hitting in the dark.”About Lori:Lori Turner Wilson is the CEO of RedRover Sales & Marketing Strategy and author of The B2B Marketing Revolution.URL - marketingresultsguaranteed.com/podcast -- use code "podcast" for special offersA quote from my book - "Defy the apathy the industry expects of you and declare, 'I deserve guaranteed marketing outcomes and anyone standing in my way will be lovingly removed.'" Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Challenge of B2B Marketing00:35 – Meet Lori Turner Wilson: Author and CEO02:52 – The Importance of Market Research04:17 – ROI and Marketing Strategies07:33 – Diversification and Risk Mitigation09:29 – The Power of Direct Mail11:03 – Personalization in Marketing14:53 – The 12 Battles Framework22:30 – Authority Marketing and Giving Value24:31 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you found this conversation helpful, subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence podcast, leave a comment, and rank the show. Your feedback helps us continue sharing grounded, practical insights to help you succeed.
In this insightful summer bonus episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, we welcome Stuart Hogue, Lands' End, Senior Vice President, US Consumer, for a fast-paced conversation recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City. Stuart brings a wealth of brand experience—spanning time at Nike and a passion for brand strategy shaped by none other than fellow podcast guest Scott Galloway—and shares how Lands; End is evolving while staying grounded in its heritage.Founded in 1963 as a sailing outfitter, Lands' End has evolved over the decades from a catalogue stalwart to a digitally savvy harmonized retailer. Stuart walks us through how the company continues to build on its legacy of quality, durability, and classic American style, while embracing modern retail strategies—from digital marketplaces and fashion drops to AI-driven customer discovery.Stuart details Land's Ends; successful expansion into platforms like Nordstrom.com and Amazon, where clever use of data helped make their Bedford quarter-zip sweater a top seller. He emphasizes the importance of aligning product selection with platform-specific customer mindsets, demonstrating a sharp and disciplined approach to marketplace strategy.We also delve into how Lands' End achieved surprising viral success through personalized tote bag pop-ups in Soho, which not only drove younger customer engagement but also created powerful emotional brand moments that were amplified organically through TikTok. The brand's strategic move toward monthly product drops has helped introduce newness while preserving customer loyalty around legacy franchises, such as Tugless swimsuits, no-iron chinos, and its legendary Squall jackets.Stuart shares thoughtful insight into omnichannel retail, calling it less about technology and more about being present at key customer moments across touchpoints. He highlights the growing influence of AI agents. He emphasizes the need for brands to prepare for a new era of product discovery, where brand authority and relevance across marketplaces become increasingly crucial for staying top of mind. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
In this episode of Mainframe Voices, we dive into the critical role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) within the Open Mainframe Project. Featuring insights from esteemed TAC leaders, this episode explores how their leadership fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth in the open-source mainframe ecosystem.Our distinguished guests share their personal journeys in mainframe technology and highlight the value the TAC brings to advancing open-source initiatives. From shaping technical strategies to building a vibrant community, learn how the TAC is driving the future of mainframe technology.Guests:Lauren Valenti – Director, Mainframe Education, Customer Engagement, Vitality and Mainframe Expert Program at Broadcom SoftwareDonna Hudi – Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Business Development at Phoenix Software InternationalTom Slanda – Program Coordinator at The Linux FoundationJoe Bostian – Senior Technical Staff Member at IBMThe Mainframe Connect podcast, including the I am a Mainframer and Riveting Mainframe Voices series, under the Open Mainframe Project, an initiative dedicated to building community and adoption of open source on the mainframe.Watch the full episode to discover how TAC leadership is shaping the future of open-source mainframe technology!#Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices #TACLeadership #OpenSource #MainframeInnovation
S5:E5 Leading with Values: How Naturepedic Builds a Better Brand, with Arin SchultzWhat does it take to lead growth at the forefront of a movement for safer, healthier sleep? In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, we sit down with Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic, a pioneering brand in certified organic mattresses and bedding. With over eleven years in the organic sleep industry, Arin shares how he's helped Naturepedic expand its market share, launch innovative products, and build a trusted brand committed to health, sustainability, and safety. We talk about the evolution of the organic mattress category, how purpose-driven growth strategies translate to retail success, and the balancing act of leading multiple departments—sales, marketing, retail, R&D, and more. Whether you're in retail, health-conscious consumer products, or looking to build a values-based, mission-led brand, this episode delivers sharp insights from one of the industry's most committed and capable leaders!Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://retailrazor.substack.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/RRShowYouTubeAbout our GuestArin Schultz is Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic, the leading organic mattress brand. As the lead on all Naturepedic marketing efforts, Arin develops and implements strategies that support the company's business growth, customer retention, product innovation, consumer education initiatives and sustainability goals. Working for the certified organic, non-toxic mattress pioneer opened Arin's eyes to the dangers of harmful chemicals and their pervasive presence in households across the globe. This knowledge has added a deeper purpose to his relentless push to help transform the brand's vision into reality. A father of four and an empathetic listener, Arin's success at Naturepedic is centered on his authentic understanding of the Naturepedic customer and his genuine desire to help families make the safest, healthiest sleep choices.00:00 Preview 01:45 Show Intro 07:21 Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer, Naturepedic - The Mission 08:43 The Founding Story of Naturepedic 12:09 Challenges and Growth in the Mattress Industry 17:13 Retail Expansion and Customer Engagement 19:30 Product Innovation and Sustainability 23:10 Industry Environmental Impact and Continuous Product Improvement 35:20 Customer Experience and Meeting Their Needs 38:21 Replacing Your Mattress & Customer Service Excellence 43:20 Sourcing and Tariffs Impact 49:53 Embracing AI in Marketing and Operations 56:28 Advice for Growing a Values-Based Brand 59:23 Final Thoughts 01:00:38 Show CloseMeet your hosts, helping you cut through the clutter in retail & retail tech:Ricardo Belmar is an NRF Top Retail Voices for 2025 & a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2021 – 2025. Thinkers 360 has named him a Top 10 Retail Thought Leader, Top 50 Management Thought Leader, & Top 100 Digital Transformation Thought Leader, plus a Top Digital Voice for 2024. He is an advisory council member at George Mason University's Center for Retail Transformation, and is the director partner marketing for retail & consumer goods at Microsoft.Casey Golden, is CEO of Luxlock, a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2023 - 2025, and Retail Cloud Alliance advisory council member. Obsessed with the customer relationship between the brand and the consumer. After a career on the fashion and supply chain technology side of the business, now slaying franken-stacks and building retail tech!Includes music provided by imunobeats.com, featuring Overclocked, and E-Motive from the album Beat Hype, written by Heston Mimms, published by Imuno.
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I talked about why we need to rethink loyalty programs in the hospitality industry. To me, loyalty isn't about handing out discounts—it's about creating emotional connections with our guests. I shared how designing programs that reward status and access, rather than just transactions, can help restaurant owners build a real sense of belonging. I also touched on how important it is to involve our team in these programs and why they can serve as powerful marketing tools to boost both engagement and sales.Takeaways:Most restaurant owners think they need more guests.Profit isn't random, it's engineered.Loyalty isn't transactional. It's emotional.Discounts don't build loyalty, identity does.Your loyalty program should sell, not just retain.Engagement trumps size every day.Make loyalty a part of service, not a side hustle.Your team is the engine.Audit your current program.Reward it with a feeling of belonging.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hospitality Insights01:20 Rethinking Loyalty Programs04:43 Building Emotional Connections with CustomersIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
Russell Breuer, founder of Spot & Tango, shares the remarkable journey of building a $100+ million pet food company from a New York studio apartment in just seven years. What makes this story even more impressive? They've remained profitable while operating as a subscription-only, direct-to-consumer brand in the competitive pet food space. Russell reveals the strategic decisions that set them apart—from their innovative "Unkibble" fresh-dry process to building their own 70,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. This conversation is packed with actionable insights on vertical integration, subscription model optimization, and performance marketing excellence.This episode is essential listening for any D2C founder looking to build sustainable, profitable growth while maintaining premium positioning in their market.—Sponsored by OMG Commerce - go to (https://www.omgcommerce.com/contact) and request your FREE strategy session today!—Chapters: (00:00) Introducing Spot & Tango: The Value Proposition of Fresh Pet Food(06:15) The Importance of Vertical Integration(11:56) Subscription-Only Model: A Strategic Choice(15:52) Key Lessons for Increasing Conversion Rates(19:03) The Role of Education in Customer Engagement & Relationships(23:09) Understanding Return on Invested Capital(28:58) Growth Levers & Marketing Strategies(32:29) The Role of AI in Performance Marketing(35:05) What's Next for Spot & Tango—Connect With Brett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrettcurry/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omgcommerce Website: https://www.omgcommerce.com/ Relevant Links:Russell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-breuer-0b3b57Spot & Tango Website: https://spotandtango.com/_Past guests on eCommerce Evolution include Ezra Firestone, Steve Chou, Drew Sanocki, Jacques Spitzer, Jeremy Horowitz, Ryan Moran, Sean Frank, Andrew Youderian, Ryan McKenzie, Joseph Wilkins, Cody Wittick, Miki Agrawal, Justin Brooke, Nish Samantray, Kurt Elster, John Parkes, Chris Mercer, Rabah Rahil, Bear Handlon, JC Hite, Frederick Vallaeys, Preston Rutherford, Anthony Mink, Bill D'Allessandro, Jeff Oxford, Bryan Porter and more
How to Effectively Market High-Value Offers in a Long Sales CycleEpisode Summary:In this episode, Donna Peterson, President of World Innovators, shares practical strategies for marketing offers with longer decision timelines and higher price points.Whether you're promoting an executive education program, industrial equipment, or a multi-thousand-dollar event registration, Donna explains why relationship-building across multiple touchpoints is essential. The conversation focuses on how to educate prospects in advance, use consistent messaging across email, postal, banner, and phone outreach, and apply AI tools like ChatGPT and Descript to support your efforts.This episode is for leaders who want to create thoughtful campaigns that align with how people actually buy.“Give people the information they're searching for before they ask — that's how you earn the meeting and build long-term trust.” – Donna PetersonWhat You'll Learn:Why long sales cycles require an education-first approachHow to structure a multi-channel campaign that builds familiarity and trustWays to use AI tools to increase consistency and save timeThe value of including traditional channels like postal and phoneWhy helpful, relevant messaging leads to stronger engagementEpisode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction: Understanding long sales cycles00:52 – Clarifying buyer needs and timing01:42 – Marketing strategies that align with how people buy02:32 – Using AI to support marketing and sales efforts04:02 – Leading with education to guide prospects05:38 – Benefits of a multi-channel strategy08:49 – Importance of timing and thoughtful follow-up11:10 – How traditional channels support digital outreach17:36 – Using personal touches to deepen relationships23:34 – Closing thoughts: Focus on relevance and consistencyWant to Discuss Your Approach?If you'd like to talk about your specific offer and what we have seen work, schedule a Complementary 30 minute call with Donna Peterson -https://meetings.hubspot.com/dpeterson/time-to-talk
Discover how to turn decades of data into a competitive edge, build lasting customer relationships beyond the first click, and apply AI in ways that truly drive impact. Joining us is Vineet Mahajan, CTO of US News & World Report, who shares how he's led the 90-year-old brand through a sweeping digital transformation. From rearchitecting infrastructure to deploying semantic search, generative AI, and agentic tools, Vineet explains how his team is reimagining what a legacy institution can become—and what every tech leader can take from that journey.Key Moments:00:00 Meet Vineet Mahajan, CTO of US News & World Report04:45 How to Unlock the True Value of Your Data09:55 Why First-Party Data Is Key to Building Customer Relationships14:32 What Is Semantic Search and How Can Generative AI Improve UX?18:39 How to Overcome Data Cleaning and Structuring Challenges21:18 How to Evaluate Emerging Tech Trends (Like Agentic AI)25:43 How to Lead Change: Data Governance and Digital Transformation32:38 What's Next for US News & World Report and the Future of AI-Driven Strategy -- Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. Trusted by some of the world's leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.---This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.
Send us a textKathleen Lord shares a rare blend of personal grit and professional insight in this dynamic episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025. From her early passion for equestrian sports to her executive leadership at Zensai, we explore how personal connection, smart systems, and human-centric tech drive real change.Kathleen dives into the realities of horse training, animal instincts, and performance ethics before pivoting into Zensai's mission: helping MSPs deliver post-sale value with ease. Her team's LMS, deeply integrated with Microsoft Teams, offers an elegant solution to a messy problem — keeping end-users engaged and trained without draining MSP resources.We also unpack how AI is reshaping sales funnels and why human connection still matters most — whether in the saddle or the boardroom.
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we are joined by Deepak Singh, Vice President of Developer Agents and Experiences at AWS, and Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer and Head of R&D at Twilio. They discuss what it means to build with AI, the evolution of developer tools, and how they are assisting customers in leveraging AI for customer engagement and innovation. The conversation covers the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and trust in this new era of AI-powered development.-------------------Key Takeaways:Developers need to be curious and adaptable to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.Successful AI implementation relies on building trust, simplifying processes, and focusing on customer outcomes.Enabling experimentation while managing risk helps organizations fully leverage the potential of AI.-------------------“It is very easy for a dev team or a product team to say, ah, this is the best way of doing something and we are going to follow this through wherever we want to. Instead of working with customers to understand, do you even care? I think with AI it's very important to take constraints away. So if you combine listening to customers and unconstraining your thinking, you can accomplish a lot.” – Deepak Singh“ When you're using AI, you need to understand that using a model, training a model, having the data, having a feedback loop, all of that is not a magical thing that just happens by itself. It requires investment and you need to be serious about it. When looking to take AI into production, you need to understand what is the complexity of the problem you're trying to solve, and how to deploy the right AI solution to really solve that problem versus swinging by.” – Inbal Shani-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(02:35) - What it means to be a builder and the hardest part about building tools *(10:50) - The most exciting shift happening in the developer ecosystem*(21:17) - How to manage risk with the pace of innovation *(26:15) - What people underestimate about building AI products at scale *(40:57) - A recent signal that excites Deepak and Inbal about the future *(43:52) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Deepak on LinkedInConnect with Inbal on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what's next? Learn more at twilio.com.
Meeting Customers Where They Want Shep interviews Dave Baxter, CEO of Solutions by Text. He discusses how text messaging has evolved into an essential tool for customer communication that improves the customer experience. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: How has text messaging evolved as a preferred channel for customer communication for customers? Why do customers prefer receiving communications from businesses via mobile devices? What role does trust play when a customer provides their mobile number to a business? How can businesses avoid abusing the privilege of texting their customers? What impact does timely and relevant text communication have on customer loyalty? Top Takeaways: Texting is fast and direct, and people are already glued to their phones for hours each day. 95% of texts are opened and read within five minutes of being received, making it one of the most preferred method of communication for customers. Customers now have more choices than ever, from the products they want to buy to the brands they want to do business with. If a company doesn't meet them on their terms, they are likely to simply take their business elsewhere. Giving customers what they want, the way they want it, is the best way to earn their loyalty. When a customer gives you their phone number, it is a sign of trust. For some people, a phone number is almost as personal as their home address or, in some cases, even their social security number. When that trust is abused by spamming irrelevant messages, customers can easily block a business… forever! Texting has evolved over the years. It's no longer just plain words in a message. Rich Communication Services (RCS) now allows images, video, branded messages, and even interactive options. Text messaging can help answer questions and solve problems more quickly than making a call or sending an email. Texting provides speed and accuracy. Depending on the interaction, it can also provide a level of anonymity and comfort to customers who may not feel comfortable talking on the phone. Building communication around customers' preferences helps businesses get their message across effectively and quickly. But remember, the customer will always win. With so many choices and tools, customers have the final say in how they do business. Be mindful of what you text, how often, etc. Don't abuse the customer's trust in you. Plus, Shep and Dave discuss why Millennials and Gen Z are willing to leave brands that don't offer text communication. Tune in! Quote: "Businesses are met with the challenge to send messages to their customers where they want to be met. 95% of text messages are open and read in under 5 minutes while only 22% of emails are actually ever read." About: Dave Baxter is the CEO of Solutions by Text, a company that helps businesses from the payment and financial space communicate with customers in a reliable, effective, and compliant way. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Koester-Wanner reconnects with Casey Fanta, seedstock manager at Wulf Cattle, to explore how the beef industry is evolving—especially when it comes to online bull sales. Casey shares how COVID-19 accelerated their transition to digital auctions, the value of customer relationships, and how the beef quality landscape has changed over the years. From open houses to impulse buying, you'll get a deep look at the pros, cons, and practicalities of selling bulls online. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Reconnecting and Industry Insights 01:51 – The Evolution of Beef Quality 03:56 – Transitioning to Online Bull Sales 07:12 – Customer Engagement in the Digital Age 10:31 – Balancing Tradition and Innovation 14:14 – Adapting to Online Sales 18:20 – Customer Relationships and New Clientele 21:07 – Reflections on the Beef Industry Journey Key Takeaways: How online sales reduce impulse buying The critical role of communication in bull marketing Wulf Cattle's approach to customer education and long-term relationships Beef quality trends and industry shifts over the decades Episode Resources Noble Research: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0 Wulf Cattle: https://bit.ly/3I8Yri4 Cattle Marketing Series: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/sell-smarter Pluck: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I dig into something I wish I'd learned a lot sooner — how to build a profitable restaurant that doesn't eat you alive. Hustle alone won't cut it. I talk about what it really takes to break free from burnout: shifting your mindset and reconnecting with what genuinely fires you up. When we chase what excites us, we craft experiences our guests can't resist. I share how showing up authentically — in how we engage with folks and how we market our businesses — draws in the right people and keeps them coming back. Because at the end of the day, if you build a restaurant that feeds your soul, it'll feed your bank account too.Takeaways:Most restaurant owners think they need more guests.Profit isn't random, it's engineered.You need to change you and the way you see your restaurant.Design a restaurant that you love.Your best customers don't need a great reason to come back.Stop pushing lazy offers.Write marketing campaigns that would make you come in.Audit your menu and guest experience.Build a brand that you would fall in love with.Engage with customers authentically.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Full Comp and Profitability Masterclass01:37 Transforming Your Restaurant's Approach to Marketing05:04 Creating Irresistible Experiences for Guests07:41 Engaging with Customers AuthenticallyIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
In this conversation, Brian Gottlieb shares his insights on the importance of management in shaping organizational culture, the challenges and strategies in the home improvement industry, and the significance of leadership and decision-making in business success. He emphasizes the need for effective recruitment, innovative marketing strategies, and the five pillars of leadership that can drive a company towards growth and excellence. The discussion also touches on the importance of financial management and the role of culture in employee engagement and retention. Don't forget to register for Tommy's event, Freedom 2025! This is the event where Tommy's billion-dollar network will break down exactly how to accelerate your business and dominate your market in 2025. For more details visit freedomevent.com 00:00 The Role of Management in Organizational Culture 04:16 Navigating the Home Improvement Industry 08:47 The Journey of Starting a Business 13:00 Sales Strategies and Customer Engagement 19:44 Building a Strong Company Culture 24:36 Leadership and Decision-Making 30:16 The Importance of Financial Management 35:27 Recruitment and Talent Acquisition 39:23 Innovative Marketing Strategies 46:27 The Five Pillars of Leadership 53:33 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways
In this episode of your favorite smart home podcast, Ryan Okimoto -- Senior Director of Customer Engagement at Brilliant -- joins as guest host. We walk through the week's news such as Nomad's new Find My Leather MagSafe wallet, price increases for Hue products, and product leaks in Apple's code. Finally, we get into some Q&A around the return of Brilliant, maker of a smart wall panel that works with Apple Home.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showRecent code leaksGE A19 bulb at TargetSignify announces price increasesNomad Leather Mag WalletBest Find My Wallets (video)Brilliant's websiteThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com
The landscape of retail is cluttered with messages, distractions, gimmicks, and desperate bids for scraps of customers attention. After a while, it all starts to look, sound, and feel the same. How do you stand out for the right reasons and engage with your customers and future customers in ways that provide something sustainable and unique? In today's episode we will be discussing some great ways that you can be engaged with your customers, and the community around you so you solidify your relationship and reputation with your existing customers, and are better positioned to gain new ones as you go! Listen to these related episodes! 215 : Communication and Marketing Master Class w/ Spencer M. Ross, PH.D. 282 : How to Listen to your Customers 443: Want Impactful Messaging? Keep it Simple! w/ Author Ben Guttmann 433: Winning Staff and Customer Loyalty KEYS TO THE SHOP OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now: https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs! www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com
My guest today is Graham Weaver. My guest today is Graham Weaver. Graham is the founder of Alpine Investors, a large private equity firm targeting an interesting market inefficiency. Alpine focuses on the thousands of $20 million revenue businesses whose baby boomer owners want to retire, but lack succession plans. Alpine buys companies and installs 28-year-old military veterans and top MBA graduates as CEOs, leveraging 25 years of intellectual property on how young executives can successfully run established businesses. Alpine's CEO-in-training program is now the most applied-to job at Harvard, Stanford, and Kellogg business schools. We discuss the past, present and future of their unique approach. Please enjoy my conversation with Graham Weaver. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by Ramp. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to Ramp.com/invest to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. – This episode is brought to you by AlphaSense. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at Alpha-Sense.com/Invest and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. – This episode is brought to you by Ridgeline. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to ridgelineapps.com to learn more about the platform. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:05:13) The Journey to Private Equity (00:06:59) Early Influences and Personal Growth (00:09:54) The Power of Wrestling and Rowing (00:11:45) Choosing Your Path and Making Decisions (00:14:48) College Goals and Rowing Success (00:18:05) Lessons from Early Business Ventures (00:26:24) Founding Alpine and Early Challenges (00:34:46) Core Beliefs and Talent Development (00:39:07) Fun Board Meetings and Team Dynamics (00:40:42) Platform Building 101 (00:44:08) Talent and Training Programs (00:49:12) Employee and Customer Engagement (00:52:27) Financial Outcomes and Asymmetric Returns (00:55:52) Incentivizing Young CEOs (01:00:26) The Role of Emotional Intelligence (01:02:45) The Alpine CEO in Training Program (01:03:40) Teaching at Stanford and Influential Mentors (01:07:58) Helping Students Find Their Passion (01:10:22) Visualizing Your Future Self (01:11:19) Scalability of Coaching (01:12:15) Personal Growth Through Teaching (01:16:16) The Role of Executive Coaching (01:24:45) Lessons from a Bad Deal (01:31:50) Daily Routines and Success (01:36:13) The Future of Private Equity (01:35:24) Unleashing Heroes at Alpine (01:38:09) The Journey of Building Alpine (01:41:31) The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done For Graham