Podcasts about producthow

Most EDI contracts never get shopped, and legacy providers price like they know it. Grace Sharkey walks through what that actually looks like on an invoice: a few thousand a month for the service, then a separate managed fee to make sure the service does not break. Orderful just raised $35 million to go after that second line item.We also cover what eight freight tech vendors are really building with AI, why nobody has this figured out yet, and how a Japanese toilet maker ended up inside the AI chip supply chain.In this episode:Why eight freight tech vendors are all pointing AI at boring, repetitive workflows instead of agent demosThe question every buyer now asks before a purchase: did you try building this yourself firstWhat Grace learned building her own lead follow-up droid, including the data mistake that broke itWhy hourly billing breaks down when execution gets cheap and judgment becomes the productHow legacy EDI pricing works: per transaction fees, managed service fees, and chargebacksInside Orderful's $35 million round and the product built to attack the managed services lineThe Every Man Jack migration: 57 trading partners in six monthsHow a Japanese toilet maker became a critical supplier in AI chip manufacturingSeven shipping containers lost when an Antarctic ice shelf calved into the seaSri Lanka's tea and cinnamon trade, and why most of its port activity is transshipmentTime Stamps: 02:33 Presented by SPI Logistics04:52 The CargoRex AI use cases guide, and what eight vendors are actually building51:40 Orderful raises $35 million, and how EDI pricing really works01:16:04 Hidden supply chain: a Japanese toilet maker inside the AI chip trade01:50:49 Favorite freight marketing: 250th anniversary fleet wraps and tall ships02:03:30 Source to Porch: containers lost off an Antarctic ice shelf, then Sri LankaLinks and resources:Connect with Grace on LinkedinGrace's work at OrderfulCargoRex AI Use Cases in Logistics GuideSolo EiL episode with Blythe's opinion on AI in Logistics‘The Two Clocks' article Grace mentionedOrderful's Every Man Jack case studyJapan's ceramic companies critical in AI supply chainMack Trucks' America250 DesignDOT Grand Canyon RailBNSF America250 WrapNorfolk Southern's Liberty Bell wrapTall Ships tour for America250Tall Ships in a storm that looks like the oil paintingsAntarctica station where containers floated awayCATA - Ceylon Artisanal Tea AssociationDonate to Sisters of Sri Lanka via Maersk's Head of Trade and Customs, Janet Labuda, by sending a check to Janet's address at: 6060 Trotters Point Ln. Gainesville, VA 20155 Watch this episode on YouTube -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers. 

Have you ever thought about creating an online course, digital product, or scalable offer... only to immediately think:But what would I even teach?Maybe you don't feel like enough of an expert.Maybe what you know feels too simple or obvious.Maybe you look around and think, There are already people teaching this. Who am I to create a course about it too?This episode is for you.Because one of the biggest things that stops people from creating an online course isn't a lack of knowledge, experience, or expertise.It's that they can't see the value in what they already know.The things that come naturally to you? The systems you've created? The problems you've already solved? The things people constantly ask you for help with?That might be your gold.In this episode of the Keeping It Real Podcast, I'm helping you uncover your own version of the “That Was Easy” button: the thing you do so naturally that you've probably never considered that someone else would happily pay to learn it.We're talking about how to find an online course idea based on your existing skills, experience, knowledge, and lived experience, without needing another certification or waiting until you feel like the world's leading expert.Inside this episode, we're diving into:✨ Why the things that feel easy to you may be incredibly valuable to someone else✨ How to identify the skills, systems, processes, and knowledge you could turn into an online course or digital product✨ The questions to ask yourself when you think, “I have nothing to teach”✨ Why you don't need to be the world's leading expert to help someone get a result✨ How perfectionism and imposter syndrome can keep you from creating something people genuinely need✨ Why your best course idea may come from a problem you've already solved for yourself or your clients✨ How to look at what people already ask you for help with to uncover potential course ideas✨ Why a simple, specific transformation can be more powerful than trying to create one giant course that teaches everything you knowIf you've been curious about creating an online course but have no idea what your course should be about, start here.You may be sitting on a powerful course idea without even realizing it.Your experience matters.Your way of doing things matters.And the thing you keep brushing off as “no big deal” might be exactly what someone else has been trying to figure out.The gold may already be there.Now it's time to find it.Ready to turn what you know into a course?If you have knowledge, experience, a process, a framework, or an idea you know could help people, but you're not sure how to turn it into an online course that actually gets results, Course Creator Bootcamp is where we do exactly that.I'll help you take what's in your head, uncover the transformation, build your framework, and turn your expertise into a course you can actually sell.JOIN COURSE CREATOR BOOTCAMP WAITLIST HEREIn this episode, you'll learn:How to find your online course ideaWhat to teach in an online courseHow to turn your knowledge into a digital productHow to create a course based on your expertise and experienceWhy you don't need to be an expert to create an online courseHow to overcome imposter syndrome as a course creatorHow to identify a profitable course topicHow to turn your skills, systems, and processes into a scalable offerWhy online courses can help you create more income, impact, and freedom in your businessIf this episode got your wheels turning, share it with a business owner who keeps saying, “I have nothing to teach.” They might just need someone to help them see the gold they're already sitting on.

What if building wealth has less to do with picking the right investments... and everything to do with having the right plan?In this episode of the Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran sits down with Keith Embree, Certified Financial Planner™, MBA, and Financial Advisor at Raymond James, to explore the human side of wealth management. While many people believe financial advisors simply buy and sell investments, Keith reveals that the real value lies in helping families build a framework for life—one that evolves through every season, opportunity, and challenge. Drawing from more than a decade at Raymond James, Keith shares how great financial planning extends far beyond portfolios. The conversation explores discipline, long-term thinking, family legacy, emotional decision-making, and why wealth is ultimately built through consistency rather than chasing the next big opportunity. In this episode, you'll discover:Why the financial plan—not the investments—is the true productHow competitive sports shaped Keith's mindset around discipline and resilienceWhy comprehensive financial planning is much more than managing investmentsThe biggest misconceptions people have about building wealthHow emotions influence financial decisions during volatile marketsWhy starting early matters more than earning moreThe difference between increasing your income and increasing your net worthHow successful families think differently about money, legacy, and future generationsWhy financial advisors often become part strategist, part coach, and part therapistThe importance of making every dollar productiveThroughout the conversation, Keith also reflects on the culture of Raymond James, the mentors who shaped his career, and why serving families—not simply managing accounts—has become the foundation of his approach.Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or thinking about the legacy you hope to leave behind, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing reminder that wealth isn't built overnight. It's built through intentional decisions, thoughtful planning, and the discipline to stay the course.

In this week's episode of Building Brand Advocacy, Verity sits down with Georgie Fox, Head of Brand at LOOKFANTASTIC, to dissect what it actually takes to rebuild a brand's foundation from the inside out, and how community became their sharpest growth lever.This episode covers the brand-partnership relationship, why consumer connection has to run deeper than product, and how brands can fill the gap left by traditional media. Georgie shares the internal culture shifts that made it possible, LOOKFANTASTIC's anti-gatekeeping approach to knowledge, and the "sausage machine" analogy that redefines what good marketing looks like.  In this episode, we cover:Rebuilding LOOKFANTASTIC's brand foundation, closing the business-social understanding gap, and why consumer connection must run deeper than productHow brands can fill the void left by traditional media and publishing, using community as the gateway through accessWhat good marketing actually looks like and how to measure it effectively using the "sausage machine" analogy Building a fuelled 360 creator and affiliate strategy, from nurturing genuine partnership relationships to scaling the brand x partner modelAnti-gatekeeping as strategy, making employee content creation part of the role and earning real buy-in across the businessChapters00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro05:47 The Home of Iconic Beauty09:09 Building Brand Foundations16:29 Proving Brand Impact21:45 Anti Gatekeeping Strategy27:30 Creators and LOOKFANTASTIC's Aspiration Balance29:43 Influencer Strategy Origins31:31 From Funnel To Flywheel37:29 Reddit And Authenticity41:12 Molly Mae's Evolution42:51 Ambassadors Within The Community53:04 The Future Of Brand Marketing54:58 Cringe Or Community Quickfire56:01 Wrap Up

Sejal Amin is the Chief Technology Officer at Priceline, where she leads product engineering, infrastructure, data, and technology operations. Pedro Gutierrez is Senior Director of Software Engineering, where he has helped drive developer experience initiatives and the adoption of Priceline's product operating model.In this episode of the Engineering Enablement podcast, Justin Reock talks with Sejal and Pedro about Priceline's journey from a project-based organization to a product operating model and the role developer experience played in making that transformation successful. They discuss how DX metrics and developer feedback helped identify organizational bottlenecks, guide structural changes, empower engineering managers, and build trust across teams. They also explore the importance of clear communication, creating a dedicated developer experience team, and how their operating model has helped prepare Priceline for AI-driven software development.Where to find Sejal Amin:  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sejal-aminWhere to find Pedro Gutierrez: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-gutierrez-b6605422Where to find Justin Reock:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinreock In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(01:07) Meet Sejal Amin and Pedro Gutierrez(01:47) How Priceline's developer experience journey began(04:55) Lessons from Priceline's first developer experience surveys(06:55) How DX improved Priceline's developer experience surveys(09:47) Identifying the causes of organizational slowness(12:33) How the product operating model changed the way Priceline works(14:10) Priceline's phased rollout with DX(18:14) How DX insights drove organizational changes(19:33) Why Priceline improved developer experience before org change was complete(22:18) How clear communication builds trust(24:25) Early results from Priceline's Core Four(25:38) Creating a culture of continuous feedback to build trust(27:40) What has changed in the engineering manager role(30:10) Resources for learning about the product operating model(32:40) What Pedro learned from implementing DX(34:51) The developer experience team(35:59) How AI tools have impacted Priceline's teams (37:20) How the product operating model supports AI-driven development(39:13) Final advice for engineering leadersReferenced:• Measuring developer productivity with the DX Core 4• Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model (Silicon Valley Product Group) • Team Topologies• Flow Framework• Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework

Most early-stage EdTech companies build in a familiar order: product first, sales next, marketing whenever there's budget left over. It's an understandable instinct in a sector where school budgets are tight and every dollar needs to prove itself quickly. But that order also means many companies spend years chasing the credibility they could have built from day one.Karen Borchert, founder and CEO of Alpaca, a school culture and teacher retention platform, took the opposite approach. When she started the company four years ago, her first hire wasn't an engineer or a salesperson. It was a marketing leader, brought on the payroll before Borchert herself was. That decision has shaped how Alpaca has grown into a trusted name among school leaders with a small team and a category that didn't fit neatly into anyone's existing playbook.The conversation traces how that early bet on marketing played out: a listening-first culture that shaped Alpaca's brand before it ever built software, a resource library that earned trust with principals long before any sales conversation began, and the hard lessons about when long-term brand building needs to give way to a more direct sales motion.What You'll LearnWhy Alpaca's founder hired a marketing leader before she was even on payroll, and what that decision signaled about how the company planned to growHow a "listen first" approach, including days spent interviewing educators for what became a book-length story, shaped Alpaca's brand and messaging from the startWhy earning trust with school principals meant giving away complete, standalone value, like a full resource library, instead of gated previews of the productHow pairing every resource download with CRM data turned free content into a warm, ready-to-call sales pipelineWhy Alpaca initially avoided conferences, and what changed once the team started booking meetings on the spot instead of just showing up with a boothHow keeping marketing and sales leaders working side by side, rather than in separate lanes, kept both teams aligned as the company scaledWhy it MattersMost EdTech marketers are told to prove ROI fast, which often means marketing gets treated as something to add later, once there's revenue to defend it. Alpaca's experience complicates that narrative. Every dollar the company put into brand and listening before it had a sales team became the foundation that made later sales conversations easier, not a distraction from them. For marketers working with tight budgets and skeptical school buyers, the lesson isn't to skip short-term tactics like conferences or paid outreach. It's to recognize that the trust those tactics eventually convert depends on credibility built well before anyone asks for a demo.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Alpaca Resources Hub Free downloadable resources created for school leaders and educators, including the staff recognition and culture-building tools referenced throughout the episode.The School Culture Report 2026 Referenced during the discussion of educator wellbeing, leadership confidence, and school culture trends.The Secret to Sales & Marketing Success? A Shared Revenue Mindset The earlier LCG episode with Dan O'Reilly that Elana references when talking about sales and marketing working in lockstep.Little Wins Newsletter Alpaca's weekly newsletter for school leaders, the same low-lift, high-trust channel Karen described building from 200 subscribers to thousands.Alpaca Karen's company site.Karen Borchert on Substack (Team Letter) Karen's real-time chronicle of building Alpaca, referenced when Elana points listeners to it for more of her story.Karen Borchert on LinkedIn

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupMeta used to let you pick your customer in the backend. Those days are over. Post-Andromeda, the creative itself carries the targeting signal, which means the old spray-and-pray playbook now works against you.Rafael Gi spent a decade in traditional creative agencies, then led marketing at a nine-figure apparel brand, and now runs strategic growth and partnerships at Pilothouse. In this one he breaks down why the algorithm is forcing marketers to be good marketers again, and what that looks like in an ad account.What he gets into:Why "creative is targeting" is now literal, not a slogan, and how Meta reads your creative for who to serve it toSalience and memory structures: how brands like Volvo, Red Bull, and AG1 got remembered, and how to build the sameThe spend discrepancy that caps scaling brands: 80 percent of budget chasing 20 percent of revenueWhy structuring an ad account by product instead of by persona burns money and buries your messageThe shift from "all revenue is good revenue" to winning the customer instead of selling the productHow to evolve one message into new occasions without breaking the memory you have already builtWho this is for: DTC founders and operators between eight and nine figures who are seeing diminishing returns on creative volume and cannot figure out why more ads are not buying more growth.What to steal: the "one tank of gas, twelve cars" test for whether your budget is spread too thin, and the account-structure fix that lines your media budget up with where your revenue comes from.Timestamps:00:00 Why Meta's Andromeda Changed Marketing02:34 Creative Is the New Targeting05:55 Building Brand Salience That Lasts14:32 How to Fix Creative Strategy at Scale24:42 Applying Salience to Better Meta AdsSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF625Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Accredited Investors: Catalina Island deal closes soon. Join waitlist: somerscapital.com/investFrom sleeping in a car to running a $60M brand in just two years—Alejandro Vela's story doesn't even sound real.In this episode, Rich sits down with Alejandro (El Barbas Hats) to break down how he went from failed restaurants, tow trucks, and street food hustles to building one of the fastest-scaling hat brands in the world. From selling at swap meets to collabs with Mexico's biggest artists and $1.3M drops in minutes—this is the blueprint for turning nothing into everything.They cover:How eight failed businesses became the foundation for a $60M empireThe exact moment he went from homeless to unstoppableWhy hats became the ultimate scalable fashion productHow he used TikTok to test, market, and blow up his brandThe mindset shift that turned every failure into fuelIf you've ever felt like you were too far behind, this episode proves you're one decision away from a whole new life.Let's get it.Connect with Rich on Instagram: @rich_somersInterested in joining The 7 Figure Creator Mastermind? Visit www.the7figurecreator.com to book a free intro call.Interested in joining our Boutique Hotel Mastermind? Visit www.somerscapital.com/mastermind to book a free call.

Most e-commerce brands pour everything into getting customers to checkout — and then hand them a generic, one-size-fits-all experience that quietly kills the sale. Avi Moskowitz, co-founder of PDQ, has processed millions of checkouts across top Shopify brands (including Jones Road Beauty), and his diagnosis is blunt: cart abandonment isn't a technical problem. It's an emotional one. And it's leaving $270 billion on the table every year.Inside the episode:Why your checkout is the one place segmentation goes to die — and how personalizing it by customer type (first-time, returning, high-value) can drive an 18% AOV lift or double-digit conversion jumpsThe "WISMO problem": why more than 50% of order-related support tickets arrive the same day the order was placed — and what it tells you about the trust gap you're creating at checkoutThe free shipping threshold mistake almost every brand is making (hint: they copied a competitor who also just guessed)Surprising checkout wins from PDQ's testing: why moving the economy shipping option down one slot meaningfully increased revenue per session — without a single new ad or productHow to think about every order as its own P&L — factoring in CAC, COGS, fulfillm—Sponsored by OMG Commerce - go to https://www.omgcommerce.com/contact and request your FREE strategy session today!—Chapters:[00:00] Intro — The $270B checkout abandonment problem[00:22] Welcome & Guest Introduction: Avi Moskowitz, Co-Founder of PDQ[01:52] Avi's Background: From Craft Beer to SaaS Founder[03:23] COVID Timing & The eCommerce Wake-Up Call[05:09] The Root Cause of Cart Abandonment: Trust, Not Technology[07:27] How PDQ Solves the Checkout Confidence Gap[14:30] Reducing Friction: Shipping, Delivery Dates & Upsells[23:00] Free Shipping Thresholds & AOV Optimization[34:00] Building a Checkout That Converts Like Amazon[43:24] Thinking in Mini P&Ls: Per-Order Profit Optimization[46:26] Personalized Checkout Logic at the Customer Level[48:24] Where to Find PDQ & Get Your Free Checkout Audit—Connect With Brett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrettcurry/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmbMwBW8LYDfFAqNqlgTGw Website: https://www.omgcommerce.com/ Request a Free Strategy Session: https://www.omgcommerce.com/contactRelevant Links: Avi's LinkedIn: /moskowitzaviPast 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, Stephane Colleu, Jeff Oxford, Bryan Porter and more

Want help building marketing that actually brings in better clients? Book a free 30-minute call here: https://ptlegends.com/30mincallwithscottIn this episode of The Profit Lifestyle for Fitness Entrepreneurs, Scott Carpenter and Andy Miller break down the 4 P's of great content creation and why most business owners are creating content the wrong way.Content is not just about posting more. It is about creating the right message for the right person, on the right platform, around the right problem. Scott and Andy explain why your content should always connect back to your product, why knowing your dream client matters more than chasing trends, and how to create posts, ads, blogs, emails, and videos that actually stop people from scrolling.They also discuss the difference between talking about your product versus speaking directly to your audience's pain points, and why solving the problem should always come before selling the product. Andy shares a simple content framework: Problem, Solution, Outcome, Call to Action, which can be used for almost any marketing piece.The episode also introduces the upcoming Profit Lifestyle University, including access to content creation training, marketing resources, community support, and an AI tool built to help business owners create content in their own brand voice.In This Episode, They Cover:Why content should lead back to your product or serviceThe 4 P's of content creation: Product, Person, Platform, and ProblemWhy your target audience matters more than follower countHow to identify where your dream clients actually spend timeWhy platforms are not just digital — they can also be physical placesThe biggest mistake business owners make when creating contentWhy you should focus more on the problem than the productHow to use the Problem, Solution, Outcome, Call to Action frameworkWhy AI can help remove the blank-screen problem in content creationHow the Profit Lifestyle University will support business owners with courses, tools, and communityKey Takeaways:Your content should not be random. It should lead people back to the thing you actually sell.Knowing your person is critical. If you do not know who you are speaking to, you cannot create content that connects.Do not chase platforms just because they are trending. Go where your actual avatar client is spending time.The best content speaks directly to a problem your audience already feels.Your product becomes more valuable when your audience clearly understands the problem it solves.Listen to the full episode to learn how to create content that attracts better clients, builds trust, and supports long-term business growth.#TheProfitLifestyle #FitnessBusiness #GymOwners #MarketingStrategy #ContentCreation #FitnessEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #HealthAndWellnessBusiness #LeadGeneration #BrandMarketing

Most ecommerce brands are collecting data… but asking the wrong questions.In this episode of the Winning With Shopify podcast, Nick shares 5 powerful questions every Shopify brand should be asking their data to improve profitability, marketing performance, and customer growth.Recorded live from SubSummit in Kansas City, this episode covers the hidden insights many brands completely miss — including order profitability, customer profitability, landing page behaviour, and channel performance.You'll learn:Why revenue alone is misleadingHow to identify your most profitable customersWhy ROAS targets shouldn't be the same for every productHow landing pages influence purchasing behaviouWhat channels are actually driving profitable growthIf you run a Shopify store, manage ecommerce marketing, or want to scale smarter using data, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Subscribe for more Shopify growth tips, ecommerce strategies, and marketing insights.Follow us on socials: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/winningwithshopifypodcast/⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@winningwithshopify⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@winningwithshopify⁠ Join our newsletter: ⁠https://wwspodcast.com/⁠ Proudly powered by Spec Digital, a world class SEO Agency and PPC Agency Become a sponsor: ⁠https://wwspodcast.com/pages/sponsorship

In this episode, I'm doing something a little different, answering your questions in an “Ask Me Anything” style episode.This episode is designed to give you clarity and practical direction if you're currently selling on Amazon or thinking about getting started.I've recently launched a free monthly event called Amazon Seller Support and Connect, where sellers (and future sellers) can come together to ask questions, share challenges, and learn from each other. This episode builds on those conversations by tackling some of the most frequently asked questions in more detail.In this episode, I cover five key Amazon selling topics:How much it costs to stand out on Amazon and get visibilityWhether you're actually making money on Amazon (and how to check)If you should focus only on your best-selling productHow much you should spend on Amazon advertisingWhether you should use FBA, FBM, or a mix of bothYou'll learn how Amazon visibility really works, including how relevance, sales history, and reviews affect your rankings.I also break down why it's important to understand your numbers early on, how to think about advertising budgets, and why relying on just one product can be risky when scaling.A key theme throughout this episode is that success on Amazon comes down to understanding your data, making informed decisions, and building a sustainable strategy rather than chasing quick wins.If you're selling on Amazon, or planning to, this episode will help you make more confident, informed decisions about your businessEpisode 327: What is the Amazon algorithm: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b3aa9cda-d8d7-4fbf-a949-5335f0473b8b/Find out more about Amazon Made Easy, my membership for Amazon sellers: https://vickiweinberg.com/membershipJoin Amazon Sellers Support & Connect, my free monthly call for Amazon sellers: https://calendly.com/vickiweinberg/new-meetingLET'S CONNECTFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportMentioned in this episode:Amazon Made Easy is now openMy membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open. It's a membership for people who are selling on Amazon (or planning to) and want regular access to support, somewhere to ask questions and talk things through, and a bit of structure and accountability as they grow. Inside, there are live Q&A calls, optional co-working sessions and a small, supportive community. Find out more: https://vickiweinberg.com/membership membershipFree call for Amazon SellersI'm running a free call on 6 May for anyone selling on Amazon (or planning to) who'd like some practical support and a chance to talk things through together. It'll be very relaxed - a mix of updates from me on how best to get Amazon reviews, Q&A and discussion. It's fine to come along and chat, or to just sit back and listen. I'd love to see you there if you're able to join.Amazon Sellers Support & Connect

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Seth Spears, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Wellnesse, a B Corp-certified brand that has sold over 1 million units in the highly competitive personal care space.Seth shares how he transitioned from building a content-driven audience over more than a decade into launching a product-based business—and why that foundation gave him a powerful advantage when entering the market. He explains how Wellnesse identified a major gap in personal care: products that are both clean and high-performing, without sacrificing one for the other.The conversation dives into the realities of building a brand in a crowded category, including how to differentiate beyond price, why most competitors fail to build long-term trust, and how storytelling, product quality, and consistency drive sustainable growth. Seth also breaks down how direct-to-consumer strategy enabled premium pricing, why customer feedback remains central to product development, and how the brand continues to evolve through testing and iteration.If you're building a product brand—especially in health, wellness, or any saturated market—this episode offers a practical blueprint for standing out, earning trust, and scaling with purpose.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Wellnesse sold over 1 million units in a competitive categoryWhy “clean” products often fail—and how to fix thatThe advantage of building an audience before launching a productHow to differentiate when competitors are copying your spaceWhy brand > product for long-term successHow to use customer feedback to drive product innovationThe role of direct-to-consumer in premium pricing strategyWhy most founders fail by chasing profits instead of purposeLessons learned from scaling too fast and hiring too earlyHow consistent storytelling builds trust and lifetime customersIf you're launching or scaling a product brand and want to stand out in a crowded market, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.To learn more about Wellnesse, visit Wellnesse.com or search for their products online.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

Before COVID mandates… There were Anthrax mandates. 

In this episode of the Women in Wool series, I'm joined by Harriet Fletcher-Gilhuys from Fashion Roundtable.Harriet is the project lead for The Great British Wool Revival and is also working with the King's Foundation on an event in May 2026 to promote the use of British wool.If you're a designer, maker or brand wanting to work with British wool but not sure where to start, the Great British Wool Revival is the resource you need to know about. It maps the entire wool supply chain from sheep to spinning, dyeing, knitting and weaving and Harriet is here to walk us through exactly how to use it.In this episode we cover:What The Great British Wool Revival is and how to use it to find farms, spinners, dyers and manufacturers near youHow to plan a traceable British wool supply chain from scratch, and why you should allow a full year from first conversation to finished productHow to get around minimum order quantities by pairing up with other small designersWhy the website is already being used in 80 countries and what that tells us about the global shift towards homegrown fibresThe two-day wool summit at Dumfries House in Scotland bringing together farmers, designers, makers and policymakers, and how to get involvedIf you care about British farming, UK manufacturing and using fibres that actually grow on our hillsides, this episode will give you a practical look at how it can be done.About the Great British Wool RevivalThe Great British Wool Revival is a free online platform built to make British wool more accessible, from farmer through to finished product. Launched in September 2024 in collaboration with the King's Foundation and funded by Yoox Net-a-Porter, it maps the entire wool supply chain and includes a terminology guide, a directory of mills, spinners and dye houses, and step-by-step guidance for designers wanting to work with British wool.The Great British Wool Revival WebsiteFashion Roundtable websiteInstagram: @greatbritishwoolrevival

We're excited to welcome Lea Khasidi, product management freelancer, founder and CEO of MaPott, and soon‑to‑be author, for a powerful conversation on gender-based data analytics for product managers.Lea shares her journey from intelligence work in the IDF, through product roles in EdTech, cybersecurity, and beyond, to founding a health management app for women with chronic conditions. Along the way, one pivotal discovery while consolidating four cybersecurity platforms, seeing men and women use the same filtering feature in completely different ways, sparked her deep focus on how gender shapes behavior in our products, especially in B2B contexts where it's often ignored.Join Matt and Moshe as they explore with Lea:How a real-world analytics puzzle revealed stark gender differences in workflow, and changed how she thinks about usage dataThe three pillars of context we can't change (who users are, how they act, where they work) and the one we can: what we give them in the productHow “hacks” and workarounds used by different genders can hint at your next featuresA practical system for existing products: using analytics to segment by gender, spotting behavioral differences, then following up with observation and interviewsHow to approach gender representation when validating new products, and why balanced samples matter even for seemingly “neutral” toolsWays to lean on existing research about gender patterns in your domain (health, education, finance, etc.) instead of guessing from scratchWhy early-stage startups should ship faster and learn from usage, while mature products might rely more on A/B tests and targeted outreachThe risk of building solely from our own biases and assumptions, and why gender should be on the PM checklist, even if it's not always the first lensLea's upcoming book on gender-based analytics for PMsOne piece of advice she has for founders learning to trust their insight while staying open to the dataAnd much more!Want to connect with Lea or learn more?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-khasidi/ Website: https://leakhasidi.comMaPott: https://www.ma-pott.com/ You can also connect with us and find more episodes:Product for Product Podcast: http://linkedin.com/company/product-for-product-podcastMatt Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgreenproduct/Moshe Mikanovsky: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikanovskyNote: Any views mentioned in the podcast are the sole views of our hosts and guests, and do not represent the products mentioned in any way.Please leave us a review and feedback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Most organisations are obsessed with growing things — revenue, products, reach, customer numbers.But the flourishing organisations understand something deeper:Your business will never outgrow your people.The real question is not how fast your company is expanding.The real question is this:Are your people better because they work for you?In this episode of Leadership Insider, I challenge leaders to rethink what growth actually means.Because people don't leave jobs — they leave cultures.They leave leaders.They leave environments where they feel unseen, unheard, or slowly diminished.If your team is growing outside of work just to survive what happens inside of work, something is wrong.When people flourish:Creativity increasesOwnership increasesLoyalty increasesPsychological safety increasesEnergy and engagement multiplyBut when people feel marginalised, managed instead of developed, or treated as tools for outcomes — they shrink.And when people shrink, businesses plateau.In this episode, I explore:Why people matter more than the productHow culture quietly determines performanceWhy staff happiness is not soft — it's strategicThe uncomfortable truth about why people really leaveWhat it looks like to build a people-first organisation in practiceThe best marketing you will ever have is a staff member who says,“I'm a better person because I work here.”That doesn't happen by accident.It happens by leadership.If this episode challenges you — good.That means it's doing its job.Please subscribe and share your thoughts with me @paulscanlonuk

Why is my podcast not growing in 2026?Most creators think they need better promotion, more episodes, or more content. The real issue is structural. Your podcast is not the product, and treating it like one is quietly stalling your growth.If your podcast is the only thing you're building, your growth will always feel fragile.Most creators are trying to grow downloads, followers, and subscribers. But they're building their podcast like it's the final product instead of what it actually is: the front door to everything else they do.In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini breaks down the biggest mindset shift in podcast growth for 2026. Your show is not the business. It's the introduction to your thinking. It shapes belief. It builds trust. It opens the relationship.And when you treat it like the end goal instead of the ecosystem entry point, growth stalls.You'll learn why trust always precedes conversion, how episodes build authority over time, and why the real value of your podcast happens after the listen. This episode also covers why owning your audience matters more than chasing algorithms, how clear call to actions increase momentum, and why strategy will always beat volume.If your podcast feels stuck, this conversation will help you rebuild it as an asset instead of a fragile content stream.This is about building something that compounds.Inside this episode:Why your podcast is the front door, not the productHow episodes shape belief before they sellWhy trust precedes conversion every timeThe mistake of selling too earlyWhy the real value happens after the listenEmail lists, communities, and owning your audienceWhy algorithms cannot replace direct relationshipsHow clear call to actions increase conversionsWhy too many CTAs kill momentumStrategy over volume in podcast growthIntent over outputHow to align your show with your larger ecosystemWhy systems and clarity create sustainable growthResources:Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about:00:00 Why podcast growth feels fragile01:00 The “grow, grow, grow” trap02:00 Your show as the front door03:00 Authority compounds over time04:00 Trust before conversion

Re-shooting all the videos for a product that's generated over $8 million sounds like a straightforward business upgrade… until it isn't.In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it was really like to re-record every single video inside the Ultimate Bundle®. Spoiler alert: this was about way more than lighting, scripts, or batch recording. It cracked open a lot for me — about grief, seasons of business, fear of slowing down, and the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly “improve” things that are already working.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a big project, nostalgic for earlier seasons of your business, or quietly scared of what might happen if you let yourself rest, this episode is for you.In this episode, you'll hear…Why re-shooting the Ultimate Bundle® felt more like reliving the bar exam than a simple content updateWhat building an MVP actually looks like over eight years of growthThe hidden cost of having a wildly successful signature productHow grief, loss, and survival mode quietly shaped my business from 2020 onWhy “easy” seasons of business can feel surprisingly uncomfortableWhat early-stage hustle teaches you that success sometimes takes awayHow I approached updating a proven product without burning it all downClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get Sam's free weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarGet Sam's book "When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy"Kit :what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pages (affiliate link)Register for my free LIVE legal training “5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business in 2026”Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramSam on YouTubeDISCLAIMER

You've started a business, and suddenly—you're the brand. But now what? In this episode, Lianne Kim sits down with Becky Launder, CEO of Modern Direct Seller and Oh My Hi, to unpack what it really takes to grow a business when you are the face of it. From accidental entrepreneur to personal brand strategist, Becky shares her journey and the framework she uses to help others thrive in the online space.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by content creation, unsure how to attract leads, or resistant to showing up online, this episode is your roadmap. Becky breaks down her 3-part framework for building a personal brand that converts, and offers practical advice for showing up with confidence and clarity.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌Why most personal brands start by accidentThe mindset shift from “just a blog” to full-blown businessBecky's 3-part framework: Content, Capture, ConvertHow to create long-form content that fuels your marketingWhy people buy from you—not just your productHow to embrace your personality and lifestyle in your brandWhat to do if you're resisting the “personal brand” labelTips for staying in your lane when working with familyTimestamps:‌ ‌04:00 – Becky's journey from corporate to entrepreneurship10:00 – Building a business around your lifestyle15:00 – What is a personal brand, really?20:00 – Becky's 3-part framework for growth26:00 – How to attract leads and convert them32:00 – Showing up online with confidence38:00 – Final thoughts on personal brand mastery Connect with Becky:Website: https://www.moderndirectseller.comInstagram: @beckylaunderCRM & Website Tools: https://www.ohmyhi.com— ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

Harish spent 9 months building Deliver and could barely get 10 customers. The product worked. Merchants liked the fast delivery promise. But nobody was signing up.Then he made two changes—and scaled to $100M in revenue in 2 years. Shopify acquired them for over $2B.Harish says it wasn't about finding product-market fit. It was about finding product-PRICE-market fit. The product was fine. The pricing model was killing them. This episode breaks down why pricing often isn't just a business decision—it's part of your product, how to build self-serve systems that scale to thousands of customers without talking to anyone, and why you must obsess about end users AND economic buyers if you actually want adoption.Harish is now building Augment, an AI company for logistics that just raised an $85M Series A. He shares what he learned shadow-sitting operators for 60 days and why demos mean nothing in the AI era.Why You Should Listen:Why PMF is often not enough—you need  product-price-market fitWhy subtle changes can have huge resultsWhy you need both users AND buyers to love your productHow to master self-serve Keywords:startup podcast, startup podcast for founders, product market fit, pricing strategy, $2B exit, Shopify acquisition, product-price fit, logistics startup, self-serve systems, Amazon fulfillment00:00:00 Intro00:07:06 Starting Deliver in 201700:14:24 Struggling with only 10 customers after 9 months00:19:53 The two changes that changed everything00:23:43 Zero to $100M in 2 years and product-price-market fit00:29:32 How the $2B+ Shopify acquisition happened00:32:07 Starting Augment AI for logistics00:47:35 PMF moments and top advice Send me a message to let me know what you think!

You've got a product idea that means the world to you… maybe it's cultural, personal, or rooted in your own childhood traditions. But making it retail-ready without losing your mission? That's the challenge.In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I'm coaching Durrat, Toy Creators Academy alum, Accelerator grad, and founder of Dcraftsource, a culturally-inspired craft kit brand built to celebrate every kid and every culture.It all started with one handmade Ramadan kit for her daughter. And now, her card-making craft kits for Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and birthdays are bringing diverse celebrations into homes, classrooms, and (hopefully soon!) retail stores.Here's what we talked about:The packaging tip that instantly leveled up her productHow crafting can spark deeper cultural connection for kids and familiesHow she turned one niche seasonal kit into a scalable product lineWhat's stopping her from breaking into retail and how she's moving past itHow her Amazon launch blew up with no big ad spendIf you're trying to figure out how to go from maker to brand, or you're wondering how to bring more authenticity into your product line, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting and start building.Listen for these Important Moments![00:04:52] – Durrat reveals how one shift in her packaging design instantly elevated the perceived value of her product.[00:07:18] – Starting with a single Ramadan craft kit, Durrat shares how she built a full product line simply by keeping the structure the same and swapping out the themes.[00:10:34] – We explore how hands-on crafting opens the door to powerful conversations about identity, tradition, and cultural pride for kids and families.[00:21:47] – From hesitation around trade shows to confusion about retail outreach, we uncover what's been holding Durrat back and how she's building a smarter path forward.[00:29:13] – Her Christmas kit hit #1 in Amazon's new releases category and she did it with no paid ads or big campaigns, just smart positioning and great timing.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Send us a textYou can reach out to Garth at:Website: https://powerservice.com/Product Page: https://powerservice.com/products/Contact Info:Garth RediferVice President of Sales Power Service Products, Inc.253-355-0929Gredifer@powerservice.com Your HostChris Harris, Safety Dawgchris@safetydawg.comIn this episode of the Trekking Risk and Insurance Podcast, host Chris Harris sits down with Garth Redifer, Vice President of Sales at Power Service Products, to discuss their groundbreaking new diesel injector and DPF flush product—the company's first new product in over 20 years. Garth shares insights into the development process, the product's immediate impact on diesel engine performance, and its positive effects on emissions and the environment.Key Topics Covered:Introduction to Power Service Products and Garth Redifer's backgroundThe need for innovation in diesel additives and what inspired the new productHow the diesel injector and DPF flush works, and why it's different from other solutionsReal-world results: immediate engine performance improvements and code clearing within an hourEnvironmental benefits: measurable reductions in NOx emissions and improved fuel efficiencyThe role of preventative maintenance and how fleets are using the productPower Service's commitment to sustainability and future product developmentAddressing industry misconceptions about emissions regulations and diesel technologyNotable Quotes:“Within an hour of runtime, you're going to start seeing the initial benefits.”“We've seen up to 50% reduction in NOx emissions on light duty trucks, and over 80% on class 7 and 8 trucks.”“Our goal is to provide products that not only benefit the environment but also solve real problems for diesel engine users.”Guest Bio:Garth Redifer is the Vice President of Sales at Power Service Products, a third-generation family-owned business specializing in diesel additives since 1956. Garth brings decades of experience in the industry and a passion for innovation and sustainability.Connect with Power Service Products:00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome02:00 – Garth's background and company overview05:00 – The inspiration behind the new product10:00 – How the injector and DPF flush works15:00 – Real-world results and customer stories20:00 – Environmental impact and emissions testing25:00 – Preventative maintenance and fleet adoption30:00 – Future of diesel technology and Power Service's vision35:00 – Final thoughts and where to learn moreSubscribe & Follow:Don't miss future episodes—subscribe to the Trekking Risk and Insurance Podcast on your favorite platform!Keeping it Safety Dawg Simple!#trucksafety #truckinsurance #truckpodcast

In this week's episode of the podcast, I speak with Daphne Tideman, a product growth expert who runs the Growth Waves newsletter. The topic of our conversation is "zero-to-one growth": the tactics developers can utilize to validate and optimize their product to ultimately enable scaled user acquisition.Among other things, we cover:The purpose of early audience validationHow monetization can be validated without actually being implemented in a productHow developers can assess product-market fit at various points in the development cycleHow a developer can recognize that their optimal audience isn't being servedHow user feedback can contribute to a developer's understanding of product-market fitWhether and how a developer can quantify the scale of their product's opportunityHow to recognize product-market fit in the soft launch / beta stageThanks to the sponsors of this week's episode of the Mobile Dev Memo podcast:Xsolla. With the Xsolla Web Shop, you can create a direct storefront, cut fees down to as low as 5%, and keep players engaged with bundles, rewards, and analytics.INCRMNTAL⁠⁠. True attribution measures incrementality, always on.Universal Ads is Comcast's self-serve TV ads platform that lets you launch campaigns in minutes across premium inventory from NBC, Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, Roku, and more.Interested in sponsoring the Mobile Dev Memo podcast? Contact ⁠Marketecture⁠.The Mobile Dev Memo podcast is available on:Apple PodcastsSpotify

In this episode, Chris shares his journey from pro football player to clean beauty founder, and how intention, education, and integrity shaped Chella into a studio staple for pros worldwide

This week, Dan and Ian continue the “Get Rich on X” saga with fresh updates, and a reality check. From hiring $4K ghostwriters to creating a new online persona, is X really worth the hype for growing fast—and getting rich—in 2025? LINKS Hang out with us at DCBKK this October (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) This week's sponsor: https://spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) Remote First Recruiting: Hire Your Next Remote Team Member in 21 Days or Less (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) X's Head of Product's projections for the algorithm (https://x.com/nikitabier/status/1969057240578748723) LindyMan: an example of using a character or persona online (https://x.com/PaulSkallas) Moving From A Solopreneur Mindset To An Operator Mindset with Leila Hormozi (https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/moving-from-a-solopreneur-mindset-to-an/id1663834553?i=1000681647344) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS Audio: (00:00:34) Business Lessons from the Lemonade Stand (00:02:41) How to Get Rich on X: New Thoughts
 (00:10:16) Be Yourself… Or Create an Online Character? (00:13:49) The Realistic Cost of Hiring a Ghostwriter for X (00:16:46) Sponsor Shout-out: SPP.co
 (00:17:47) Leila Hormozi's Simple System for Delegation (00:26:12) Location as Leverage: What if the USA Were More Affordable? CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: X's Head of Product: How to Get Rich in 6 Months (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/outsourcing-shake-up) How to Instantly Improve Your Lead Pipeline by 20-50% (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/improve-your-lead-pipeline) Location Is Leverage: How Advanced Digital Nomads Build Faster (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/location-is-leverage)

From sleeping in a car to running a $60M brand in just two years—Alejandro Vela's story doesn't even sound real.In this episode, Rich sits down with Alejandro (El Barbas Hats) to break down how he went from failed restaurants, tow trucks, and street food hustles to building one of the fastest-scaling hat brands in the world. From selling at swap meets to collabs with Mexico's biggest artists and $1.3M drops in minutes—this is the blueprint for turning nothing into everything.They cover:How eight failed businesses became the foundation for a $60M empireThe exact moment he went from homeless to unstoppableWhy hats became the ultimate scalable fashion productHow he used TikTok to test, market, and blow up his brandThe mindset shift that turned every failure into fuelIf you've ever felt like you were too far behind, this episode proves you're one decision away from a whole new life.Let's get it.Join our investor waitlist and stay in the know about our next investor opportunity with Somers Capital: www.somerscapital.com/invest. Want to join our Boutique Hotel Mastermind Community? Book a free strategy call with our team: www.hotelinvesting.com. If you're committed to scaling your personal brand and achieving 7-figure success, it's time to level up with the 7 Figure Creator Mastermind Community. Book your exclusive intro call today at www.the7figurecreator.com and gain access to the strategies that will accelerate your growth.

Why Sellers Are Ignoring You (And How to Fix It)Ever feel frustrated when sellers overlook you, discount your value, or choose someone else? Here's the surprising truth: Sellers don't care about you—they care about your solution.In this episode from the REDX Podcast, Brendan Bartic breaks down exactly why most listing strategies fail—and reveals the powerful shift that instantly increases commissions, eliminates rejection, and positions you as the clear solution every seller wants.Listen now to learn:Why sellers choose solutions—not peopleExactly how to package and present your listing service as an irresistible productHow to stop discounting your commission forever (and have sellers happily pay more!)Unlock the 5 Money Models of a Listing BEAST [FREE]: https://bit.ly/4efpO5S

Overthinking everything about Etsy? Here are 5 things to let go of.If you've ever spent a whole afternoon choosing between two fonts, this episode is for you.Because as smart and creative as Etsy sellers are, we can also spiral into major decision fatigue trying to make everything perfect before we hit publish, post, or promote.So today, I'm handing out permission slips. I'm sharing 5 common decisions that most sellers overthink way too much and what to focus on instead.If you've been stuck in your head and second-guessing every move, this is your reminder that simple decisions scale businesses. Not perfect ones.What you'll learn:Why chasing trends doesn't work if you hate your productHow to choose one marketing platform that actually fits your brainThe truth about keyword research tools (hot take alert)What branding actually matters and what doesn'tHow to move forward even when you don't feel “ready”Mentioned in the episode:Book your free consult: https://calendly.com/theheartlandcreative/etsy-visibility-acceleratorYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

In this Part 2 conversation, I'm back with Aaron Millar, award-winning travel writer and host of The Armchair Explorerpodcast. If you haven't heard Part 1 yet — jump back and catch up — because in this episode, we go deeper into the world of adventure travel, travel writing, storytelling, and podcasting with purpose.Aaron shares epic stories from his adventures — from descending into a volcano in Iceland to trekking with Shugendo monks in Japan, meditating beneath icy waterfalls and reflecting on the power of discomfort and growth. But this isn't just about the adventure — it's about how to tell the story in a way that moves people.We dive into:How to create powerful podcast intros that hook your audience in secondsWhy the first 30–45 seconds of a podcast episode are make or breakThe difference between travel writing vs. holiday bloggingWhat makes a story repeatable and relevant for editors and listeners alikeTips for immersive storytelling using ambient sound, music, and editingWhy planning your story arc before the trip can make or break the final productHow to deal with disappointing travel experiences and still create magicWhether you're a travel writer, podcaster, or someone with a passion for storytelling, Aaron's insights into narrative structure, authenticity, and the ethics of travel content will inspire you to level up your craft — and maybe even go book that bucket list adventure.

Send us a textIf your monthly paycheck isn't what it used to be and your team isn't working like they once did, this episode is for you. Rachel speaks directly to the top-performing leader who's done everything right—but feels a shift coming. Maybe you're still making money, but you're tired. Frustrated. Wondering, “Is this it?”This episode is your sign to take the skills you've built and turn them into something that's YOURS—a digital product. Rachel shares dozens of examples, from recruiting bundles to customer care templates, and breaks down how to create a simple, sellable offer in 30 days or less.What You'll Learn:Why your direct sales knowledge is the productHow to create a digital offer without being techy or a coachSimple product ideas based on your experience, like:Script packsRecruiting challengesSystems templatesPaid workshopsMeal plans, beauty consults, crafting guides + moreHow to sell without relying on your team or compensation plan changesWhy digital products give you back ownership and peace of mindCall to Action: ➡️ Want 75 digital product ideas? DM 75 to Rachel on Instagram. ➡️ Already have an idea and want help bringing it to life? DM Rachel and say, "I listened to the podcast and I'm ready to build!"Closing Reminder: This doesn't mean leaving your company. It just means building something that's yours. You've already proven you can sell and lead—now it's time to own something you can grow on your terms.Hang out with me more! Send me the message PODCAST over on Instagram at @rachelaperry and I'll send you my "Parties-Optional Profit Plan!"For Additional Resources for Direct Sellers:www.rachelaperry.com

Think community-building is only for influencers or digital brands? Think again. In this episode of Small Business PR, host Gloria Chou sits down with Madison Page—business growth strategist and host of The Small Business Growth Podcast—to break down exactly how physical product businesses can turn customers into loyal superfans through emotional connection and relationship-first marketing.Whether you're selling candles, skincare, or wellness products, Madison shares three high-impact strategies to help you create a brand community that drives sales, referrals, and long-term retention—without needing a complicated platform or massive team.Build a Loyal Brand Community That Drives Repeat Sales, Customer Referrals, and Emotional Engagement—Without Relying on Ads Why community drives recurring revenue, customer retention, and organic referralsThe difference between transactional vs. relationship marketing—and why younger buyers care3 actionable ways to build a loyal brand community around your physical productHow to use Instagram Stories to foster emotional connection and boost engagementWhy marketing means repeating your brand message a thousand different waysCreative examples like step challenges, polls, and value-based missions that convertIn a crowded marketplace where ads are expensive and attention spans are short, building a loyal customer community isn't optional—it's essential. As Madison Page shared, product-based businesses that focus on relationship marketing win in the long run with higher repeat purchase rates, stronger brand advocacy, and sustainable organic growth.Whether you're just starting out or scaling your ecommerce brand, remember: it's not about how many followers you have—it's about how deeply you connect. So start showing up, share your brand values consistently, and create a two-way dialogue that turns buyers into lifelong fans.Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Follow Madison Page :Instagram: @thisismadisonpage

In this powerful episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, we sit down with Marcia Hacker, founder of Sauipe Swim—a sustainable, size-inclusive swimwear brand that has been featured in Oprah Daily (print + online!), BuzzFeed, and Brides.Once skeptical and burned by traditional PR agencies, Marcia reveals how she took control of her media strategy using Gloria's PR Starter Pack—and landed national press coverage without spending a dime on traditional PR or sending out dozens of free samples.If you're a product-based business owner, eCommerce founder, or indie brand looking for high-impact, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint for media success.How to Land Free Press by Serving Journalists, Not Selling—The CPR Pitching Method, PR Mistakes to Avoid, and a Year-Round Gift Guide StrategyWhy pitching journalists is about serving their audience—not selling your productHow to use LinkedIn and email tracking tools to build lasting media relationshipsThe CPR pitching method to land both press features and wholesale accountsHow to avoid the most common PR mistakes—like sample overspending or vague pitchesA repeatable, seasonal PR system to land spots in gift guides and holiday roundupsIf you're a small business or product-based founder, you don't need a pricey PR agency to get featured in top-tier media. Marcia Hacker's story proves that strategic, relationship-driven pitching can land major wins—like Oprah, BuzzFeed, and Brides—without ad spend or free samples.Focus on audience relevance, use tools like LinkedIn and email tracking, and apply the CPR method to build lasting media relationships. With a repeatable system, you can land press year-round—especially during high-ROI seasons like holiday gift guides.Start pitching, follow up consistently, and watch your visibility grow.Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Connect with Marcia & Sauipe SwimWebsite: https://www.sauipeswim.comInstagram: @sauipeswim

What do people really want? Not just a paycheck. Not just a promotion.They want goodness, truth, beauty, unity… They want to be seen, respected, and part of something that means something.In this episode, Dave dives deep into the most misunderstood driver of success in any organization: culture. From his early days struggling in sales to building a franchise that stood out among hundreds, Dave shares the personal and leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building teams that actually thrive.You'll hear:Why culture is more important than productHow to “optimize your personality” as a leaderThe Rich Dad, Poor Dad approach to leadership developmentWhy most companies fail before they ever start — because they ignore this one thingThis isn't about fluff. This is about building something that lasts.

“It really broke my heart, actually. . . . For the rest of my life, it will break my heart.” A.S. King gets honest about what happened when the publishing industry failed her book.What happens after you edit your book?What happens after you've bared the story of your heart, crafted it into an excellent novel, and presented it to the world?What happens when you get traditionally published, when you receive awards and accolades, and when it looks like you've won the author career lottery?Last month, I brought author A.S. King on the podcast to share how she revises award-winning novels—complex, intense, surrealist, mind-bending stories meant to challenge her readers to think.But that wasn't the end of the conversation. In fact, it wasn't even the start.The conversation began months earlier, when I heard the story of her book launch for her latest novel.I won't spoil the ending here, but I will say: it did not go how she expected.So today, I'm bringing Amy back on the podcast to tell us her publishing story and give us a glimpse of what comes after all the writing and all the revising.You'll hear:What really happened during A.S. King's latest book launchHow a publisher's big promises fell through—and what that meant for the bookWhy even revising an excellent novel doesn't guarantee industry supportWhat it feels like when the book of your heart gets treated like just another productHow gender, genre, and power shape what gets promoted (and what doesn't)What it takes to keep going when publishing knocks you off courseAnd moreIt's a peek into traditional publishing—and a reality check on what the industry feels like from the inside, even for an award-winning author in her prime.And above all, it's a reminder of what really matters when it comes to measuring your book's success.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Share your thoughts about this conversation in the comments hereOrder a signed copy of Pick the Lock from Aaron's BooksHear more about A.S. King's book launch in this conversation on the #AmWriting podcastHear how A.S. King revised Pick the Lock in this conversation on Your Next DraftSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

The era of duty-free imports under $800 from China and Hong Kong is officially over—and it's sending shockwaves through the U.S. e-commerce ecosystem. In this episode, we explore how the end of the de minimis loophole impacts dropshipping businesses that depend on low-cost overseas fulfillment. Drawing from The Future of Commerce's coverage of this breaking change titled - End of de minimis loophole in US puts squeeze on dropshippers, we look at:The origin and function of the de minimis ruleWhy U.S. Customs shut it down for Chinese goodsThe steep costs dropshippers now face—either 30% of item value or $25 per productHow this affects sellers, platforms like Temu and Shein, and even everyday consumersWhether you're an online seller or just trying to understand why your favorite item is suddenly more expensive or out of stock, this episode explains what's happening and what's coming next.What You'll Learn in This Episode:

If you've been thinking about selling on Amazon, you've probably heard all sorts of advice - some of it helpful, and some of it... not so much.In today's episode, I'm busting 10 common myths about selling on Amazon, including:Why you don't need thousands of pounds to startWhat it really takes to get sales (hint: it's not automatic!)Why you don't have to be the cheapest to succeedHow much control you actually have over your brand on AmazonWhy it's definitely not too late to start selling in 2025Whether you can start with just one productHow ads fit into the picture - and if you really have to run themWhat really happens with account suspensions (and how to stay safe)Why having your own website still mattersAnd why it's not as impossible as it might feel!If you've been feeling overwhelmed by mixed messages or just want a bit of clarity before you dive in, this episode is for you.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Amazon Made Easy: https://vickiweinberg.com/membership/My FREE Amazon set up checklist: https://mailchi.mp/72c24952cf50/amazon_checklistLET'S CONNECTJoin my free Facebook group for product makers and creatorsFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportMentioned in this episode:Amazon Made Easy is openI've got great news – my Amazon Made Easy membership is now open! No more waiting – you can join anytime and get the guidance, resources, and support you need to grow your Amazon business. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, you'll have access to expert advice, a supportive community, and ongoing help whenever you need it. Ready to make selling on Amazon easier? Head to vickiweinberg.com/membership to join today! membershipSupport this podcast for the price of a coffeeif you loved this episode please consider sending me a one-off tip. It helps me to keep bringing this podcast to you, for free. If you'd like to support this podcast, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Meet Marty Gilbert. His WHY.os is Better Way - Make Sense - Mastery.Marty Gilbert is the founder and CEO of North Shore Executive Networking Group (NSENG), the largest job search organization in the U.S. With over 12,000 members and one person landing a new job every day, Marty has helped more than 3,000 professionals find their next role. He brings a fresh, no-nonsense approach to job hunting, using his background in marketing and global business to teach people how to stand out and get hired.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your job search is a marketing effort—and how to treat yourself like the productHow to reach decision-makers and break through hiring systems that keep most people outThe “What the Hell” approach: bold moves that get results in today's job marketListen now to hear real, practical advice you can use right away.Contact Marty or join the FREE NSENGINC X Dr. Gary LinkedIn Event on 4/1/25 at 11am MT: Register for the FREE Event:https://lnkd.in/gePDvfQs Website URL:http://www.nsenginc.com LinkedIn URL:www.linkedin.com/martygilbert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the world of measurement marketing with Chris Mercer, co-founder of Measure U and Profit School. Learn how to transform your marketing efforts through data-driven insights, embrace messy action, and build a business that grows strategically. We'll unpack the power of podcasts, community-based marketing, and why good enough is often better than perfect. Get ready for a raw, authentic conversation about scaling your business without getting stuck in the details. In this episode, Mischa and Chris Mercer explore:The power of "messy action" and minimal viable productHow to use measurement to optimize your marketing strategiesBuilding a community-based approach to marketingLeveraging podcasts and long-tail content for business growthThe importance of brand building in the age of AIPractical tips for delegating and creating efficient business systemsWhy you don't need to scale to millions to have a successful businessKey Takeaways:Embrace "good enough" and take action over perfectionMeasurement is about listening to your users' conversationCommunity marketing is the future of digital engagementPodcasts can be a powerful, long-term marketing toolFocus on serving your audience, and success will followRecommended Resources:Measure U: measureu.comProfit School: profitschool.comMeasure Summit: measuresummit.com Mischa's Stuff!Join my Podcast guest speaking Masterclass: https://www.influencetour.com/goThis Masterclass will teach you:How to speak with confidence and authenticity.How to find podcasts that attract your ideal audience.How to get booked without the hassle.Ideal for coaches, course creators, and heart-centered entrepreneurs who want to generate leads, customers, and sales in a genuine way.Join us and start your journey to becoming a podcast guest-speaking pro!Register Now

Elise Hodge knows a thing or two about words that sell – and building highly strategic funnels. She built her business as a top-tier conversion copywriter, crafting high-converting sales pages and launch copy for clients. But after years of juggling done-for-you services while growing her family (baby #3 is due any day!), she realized she wanted a business model that was more... kiddo + lifestyle friendly.So she made the leap into digital products. And spoiler alert: it paid off. In this episode, Elise breaks down exactly how she replaced her client work with profitable digital products like templates and courses, the tweaks that made her funnels actually convert, and why she thinks more people need to stop overcomplicating online sales.What's Inside This Episode:The real reason Elise moved from services to digital products (it wasn't just about scaling)The first product she sold – and the surprising tweak that doubled her conversion rate from a $7 productHow she repurposed old content to launch an incredibly successful low-ticket offerHow Elise used Facebook ads to go from testing to consistent, growing revenueWhat to focus on first if you're new to selling digital productsThe mindset shift that made her finally commit to making this model workHow she's setting up her business for a stress-free maternity leaveThe exact tweaks she's making next to scale her business even furtherElise Hodge is a funnel strategist and conversion copywriter helping coaches and course creators make more sales from their live launches and evergreen funnels.Connect with Elise: On Instagram @connectioncopycoElise's podcast: Expert Copy ShowSnag Elise's free Funnel RoadmapGet Elise's free Welcome Email Copy TemplateConnect with Adriane: Adriane's Instagram Visionaries' Instagram Adriane's LinkedIn Visit the Visionaries website ⭐️ Love this episode? We'd GREATLY appreciate a 5-star review! ⭐️

Have you ever wished you had one book to learn from early in your career, and avoid many mistakes? We found one of those for product professionals, and this episode is all about that!“Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders” by Bruce McCarthy and Melissa Appel is a must read for every product person. It will help you understand the intricacies of stakeholder management, and put into action a plan to build a healthy relationship with your stakeholders, one that you need to nurture and grow in order to be successful in your job.On our first episode of 2025 we had the pleasure to meet with Bruce, Founder at Product Culture, and Melissa, Executive Product Management Coach at Product Culture, co-authors of the book.In the episode, Bruce and Melissa shared with us how they each got to Product Management and eventually to write Aligned, who the book is for, how they approached writing it, and so much more!Join Matt and Moshe as they learn from Bruce and Melissa:The challenges product people have with stakeholders, such as saying no, cultural and language differences, remote environments, etcTools to establish rapport with stakeholders, such as socializing, 1-on-1s, discovery interviews, mirroring, etcThe biggest thing that will help you grow your career in productHow to get stakeholders involved in ways that will get their buy-insThe book's structure, weaved into it a story with examples on how to use the listed toolsSome of the tools in the book, such as the Stakeholders CanvasCan stakeholders benefit from reading the book?Tools they love using as product professionalsAnd so much more…Connect with Bruce and Melissa:Bruce's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemccarthy/ Melissa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melappel/ Aligned book's resources: Alignedthebook.com Product Culture: Productculture.com Connect with Matt and Moshe on LinkedIn:Matt Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgreenanalytics Moshe Mikanovsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikanovsky Note: any views mentioned in the podcast are the sole views of our hosts and guests, and do not represent the products mentioned in any way.Please leave us a review and feedback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Karthiga Seturaj: The Right And The Wrong Metrics For Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Karthiga shares a team story where metrics like Flow Efficiency were implemented to improve understanding of work processes. Despite leadership support and training, the team became overly focused on “making metrics look good,” reflecting Goodhart's Law. This led to discussions on aligning the purpose of metrics with improving workflows, not chasing numbers. Self-reflection Question: Are your team's metrics driving the right behaviors and outcomes? Featured Book of the Week: Project to Product by Mik Kersten Karthiga recommends Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework for its introduction to the Flow Framework and its impact on understanding value stream management. This book transformed her approach to metrics, highlighting bottlenecks and improving flow efficiency. She particularly appreciated its simplicity and practical application in bridging business and technical team gaps. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

DescriptionTate started doing commercial fishing at 16. He took that money and started lending it— on Craigslist! By 23 years old, he'd lent out $250,000. Then he found out about cash advances, and decided to start ZayZoon, a platform to help employers pay their employees faster.Tate was one of the early pioneers of the entire Earned Wage Access space. By partnering with payroll companies and employers, ZayZoon lets employees access their earned wages faster.It took Tate and his co-founders 4 years to get to their first million of ARR. And as soon as they felt they had it,  revenue crashed 60% in a quarter. The team got things back on track and since then has grown from 20 to 200 employees—  revenue is now closer to $100M than $10M. Here's the story.Why you should listen:Why you need to be all-in at the early stagesHow to arm channel patterns to sell your productHow to re-position your product so it's clear you solve customer problemsWhy it can take years for a new category to take offKeywordsentrepreneurship, lending, FinTech, earned wage access, startup journey, mentorship, risk management, payroll integration, business challenges, market challenges, growth strategies, employer empowerment, product-market fit, exponential growth, timing, customer engagementTimestamps:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:25) Lending Money on Craigslist in Highschool(00:13:06) The Origin of Zayzoon(00:19:18) The Next Step After the Aha Moment(00:24:44) Problems Starting Off(00:29:08) Launching First Payroll(00:30:58) Fundraising(00:34:11) Making the Product Easy to use (00:45:32) Hitting a Million Dollars(00:48:53) Why timing matters(00:53:34) Finding Product Market Fit(00:54:27) One Piece of Advice(00:56:29) How all in were you?Send me a message to let me know what you think!

Dr. Manju Dawkins is a board certified dermatologist who received her B.A. from Columbia University. She then returned to her home state to obtain her M.D. from the University of Maryland. She completed her dermatology residency and served as Chief Resident at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. She was Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine where she was twice named Teacher of the Year.  She has practiced in academic, private, hospital based, and group practice settings in New York and Los Angeles. She is also the creator and co-founder of Thimble, the first easy, safe, and comprehensive solution for alleviating needle pain and stress. Needle aversion stops millions from participating in other forms of essential care, including early disease detection, blood donation and life-saving treatments. We're building a holistic platform of pain and stress reducing products for common needle procedures. THIMBLE is changing the way healthcare feels.Fun fact: She is 5'2" (on a good day).Even more fun fact: She played Division I basketball at Columbia University and served as captain her senior year. She is a founding and current member of the Columbia Women's Basketball Advisory Board and a member of the Columbia Athletics Women's Leadership Council.Some of the topics we discussed were:How much detail to go into about your product at the very beginning when you're interviewing potential members of the team to help create the productHow to evaluate and decide if the people you're working with are right for your needsWhen Dr. Dawkins started on the journey to create Thimble, how long development took, and how long each step tookWhat Dr. Dawkins would recommend to women physicians who have an amazing idea for creating something that will be really helpful but don't know where to startThe main obstacles Dr. Dawkins faced throughout the process and what helped her overcome themWhat lessons Dr. Dawkins learned from the obstacles she faced along the wayThe process of raising money for the company and how it worksHow to successfully present your product to potential investorsParts of Dr. Dawkins' journey that surprised herDetails on Thimble's prepare patch before injection, recover patch after injection, and app with supportive techniquesHow Thimble uses an integrative approach to combine all kinds of medicinal techniques from all cultures to create more effective, comprehensive solutionsWhen to apply each of the patches and how long to leave each of them onThe meaning behind why Dr. Dawkins chose to name her company Thimble3 pieces of advice from Dr. Dawkins for entrepreneurs who have something in mind and would love to launch but are stuck in the idea phaseAnd more!Learn more about me or schedule a FREE coaching call:https://www.joyfulsuccessliving.com/ Join the Voices of Women Physicians Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190596326343825/ Connect with Dr. Dawkins: Website: http://thimblehealth.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thimble.health/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thimble.healthLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thimblehealth/Email:manju@thimblehealth.com

Mik Kersten on transforming value streams with the flow framework What's the best way to connect strategy to delivery? Dr. Mik Kersten wrote the book on it. This week Clinton is joined by Dr. Mik Kersten, the CTO at Planview and author of Project to Product, and Keith Buehlman, Senior Director of Business Value Acceleration at Launch by NTT DATA, to discuss how teams can move from project thinking to product thinking. Dr. Mik explains what separates product based versus project based thinking and shares the 3 epiphanies he had when researching how to make teams more effective and how to reduce bottlenecks. Links: Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow FrameworkPlanview See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of The Terrific Teacherpreneur, I discuss how to make a stand-out product that meets your buyers' needs in that irresistible kind of way. Listen in to hear all about how finding and creating your store's ‘diamond' can be a cornerstone of your business. In this episode, I share:How to know if you have a diamond in your product line upWhat to do with your current diamond to tap into its full earning potentialWhat to do if your store is missing an irresistible sparkly productHow to know if there's room for a product to stand out Why it's beneficial to invest a significant amount of time into a diamond resourceIt's time to focus on the one right thing, and that is your diamond resource. Best of luck as you polish and perfect it for bountiful sales!Join me on Instagram @TerrificSellingTacticsJoin the waitlist for Secrets for Success!- Like what you're hearing? Feel free to leave a review for this podcast!- Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so that you don't miss an episode!Interested in learning more about TPT, Pinterest, or email marketing? Check out my TPT seller courses here!

Paul built a startup that was acquired for $2.2B. He worked on AI at Uber and Oculus. But when a farmer told him about some of the problems he was facing, he quit and went all-in on farming. He built a robot that attaches to the back of tractors, uses computer vision to identify weeds and lasers to shoot and kill them. He sells each robot for $1.5M. He's sold nearly 100 so far— & generated nearly $150M in revenue.Whether you're working on a hardware startup or not, you'll want to listen to this episode to see how to do proper customer discovery, how to raise pre-product, and how to get millions of dollars in pre-sales without having to ship.Why you should listenWhy hardware is hard-- but easier than it's ever been.How to tell a story to raise $10M pre-revenueHow to set up milestones for fundraisingHow to generate $10M in pre-orders before shipping productHow to get a sense of product market fit even before the product is fully developedKeywordsCarbon Robotics, deep tech, AI neural nets, deep learning, weed control, farming, manual labor, lasers, research and development, funding, seed round, prototype,  Series A, pre-orders, manufacturing challenges, revenueTimestamps:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:09) A Background in Deep Tech(00:05:50) Problem and Solution Interest(00:07:35) Find the Passion(00:07:37) Get Behind the Mission(00:09:39) Back to Seattle(00:11:40) The Epiphany(00:16:50) A Human Affair(00:18:00) The Money Flows to the Best Storyteller(00:21:45) A Farmer's Weed Control Dilemma(00:25:56) Weed-Shooting Lasers(00:28:11) Funding the Prototype(00:30:13) Hardware is Hard But Rewarding(00:36:46) Why Laser Weeding Works(00:41:19) Series A(00:42:51) Robot Autonomy(00:45:42) Pricing(00:48:12) Telling the Story After It Happened(00:51:44) Fighting Through Disaster(00:54:50) Finding True PMF(00:55:41) One Piece of AdviceSend me a message to let me know what you think!

Sarah Doody is a user research experience designer and researcher. She's also the founder of Career Strategy Lab, a UX career coaching program. In 2011, she co-created the curriculum and taught for General Assembly's first 11-week UX intensive program in New York City. She has extensive experience doing experience design, product strategy, and user research for companies including Fatherly, Sling, Citi Bike, We Work, Domino Magazine, Tictail, the Muse, Dow Jones and more. She speaks at conferences and teaches workshops worldwide. Today, we talk about designing your career and user experience for small businesses. Listen to learn about: >> Creating a career roadmap >> Career marketing materials and messaging >> The importance of stories and storytelling when interviewing Our GuestSarah Doody is the founder of Career Strategy Lab™, a program that helps UX and product professionals at all career stages navigate their job search and articulate their skills and experience through individualized and group coaching. She is also the host of the Career Strategy Lab podcast. Since 2021, professionals who have worked with Sarah have increased their salaries by 40% on average and have been hired at prestigious brands such as Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Nordstrom, Spotify, Blue Origin on average in 3.5 months. She has been featured as an expert in Forbes, Fast Company, Insider, Fox Business, and more.  Show Highlights [01:43] Sarah originally planned to have a career in neuroscience. [02:19] During a gap year, she ended up in graphic and web design instead, which led to a focus on information architecture. [2:50] From there, Sarah turned to product and user experience design and user research. [3:43] Launching her own consulting company. [04:40] How creating and teaching a workshop about building a design portfolio launched Sarah's new career coaching business. [06:07] One mistake many make when it comes to their careers. [07:57] Sarah's company helps people do research on themselves to help them find jobs and careers that fulfill them professionally and personally. [09:04] Being more intentional when thinking about your career. [10:47] Creating a career roadmap. [15:08] Sarah's advice for those who are trying to figure out their next career moves. [15:30] The importance of business relationships. [18:01] The three core career marketing materials. [19:41] Focus on outcomes. [21:31] Tailoring messaging for the job you want next. [26:26] As a job candidate, you're a product and companies hiring are your customers. [27:35] Researching companies before the interview. [29:16] Anders Ericsson and the 10,000 hour rule. [30:30] Using stories in interviews. [34:09] Think like a lawyer when interviewing. [39:16] How Sarah and her team work on projects. [42:02] Where to find out more about Sarah and her work. [43:27] Sarah's last advice about career planning. Links Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah's website Sarah on YouTube Sarah on Instagram Sarah on Medium Sarah on Forbes Sarah on Inside Design Sarah on UX Magazine Career Strategy Lab Career Strategy Podcast Sarah Doody on the democratization of UX and thinking like a designer 3 Signs Your Team Isn't Doing Enough User Research The NN/g UX Podcast: Designing a UX Career The UX Growth Podcast, Season 2 Episode 12 People of Product: How to Finally Land a Job in UX DT 101 EpisodesUX + Design Teams with Nick Finck — DT101 E117 UX + Into, Through, and (Almost) Out of Design with Kara DeFrias — DT101 E103 UX Research + Research Teams + UX Camp DC with Glenette Clark — DT101 E80

Jiaona “JZ” Zhang is the Chief Product Officer at Linktree, the world's leading link-in-bio platform empowering 45M+ creators, brands and SMBs. JZ joined Linktree from Webflow, where she served as SVP of Product. Before that, she spent four years at Airbnb where she built and led numerous teams on the host side. JZ's also held leadership roles at the likes of Wework, Dropbox and teaches at Stanford University and Reforge. In Today's Episode with Jiaona Zhang We Discuss: Entry into the World of Product How did JZ first fall in love with product? Why does JZ believe the best PMs have experience in the gaming industry? Does JZ think Linktree could be a $100BN business? How could Linktree become a $100BN business? Mastering Product Metrics Why does JZ think product is the most chameleon role? Where does product start & end?  Why does JZ think every function should have tension with product? What is a KPI tree? How does JZ branch business & product metrics? When does JZ think startups should set up a metric infrastructure? What are the three levers of product? How does JZ determine which ones to trade off? How to Run Product: Planning, Strategy, & Rituals Why does JZ think planning should not exist? What are strategy and rituals? When should founders do either? What are JZ's three core rituals? What is the scorecard method? How do they help team transparency? What are product jams? When does it work? When does it not work? Product Career Advice When does JZ think founders hire a product person?  What are the most common mistakes early stage founders make when hiring for product? Does JZ think domain expertise is important? What does she look for in product hires? What is JZ's advice to PMs who want to get promoted today?  What is JZ's advice to young people who want to get into product?  

Vickie Peng is a Product Partner at Sequoia and the co-creator of Arc, their company-building immersion programme for pre-seed and seed stage founders. Prior to Sequoia, Vickie was a product manager at Polyvore (acquired by Yahoo for $200M) and Instagram, where she grew SMB advertising from $200M to $1BN. In Today's Episode with Vickie Peng We Discuss: Lessons from 15 Years in Product How did Vickie make her way into the world of product? How did Vickie turn a small side business into a massive revenue machine at TrialPay? How did Vickie scale Instagram SMB ads to $1BN? What were her takeaways? What was Vickie's business model at Polyvore that eventually led to the $200M acquisition by Yahoo? Lessons from Scaling 100+ Companies in Sequoia What does Vickie believe are the biggest mistakes early stage founders make when telling stories? Which 2 components does Vickie believe every great product mission should include? How should pre-product-market fit founders set their north star metric? Perfecting Product Strategy What was Vickie's biggest product mistake? What were her lessons? Why does Vickie think the best product people build less product? What is Vickie's advice to product leaders starting their first day on the job? What are the most common mistakes founders make when hiring product teams? Product-Market Fit Masterclass Why does Vickie believe product-market fit is a journey not a destination? What are the biggest reasons founders fail to get product-market fit? What are the 3 types of product-market fit? How does Vickie advise founders to differentiate themselves in competitive markets? What is Vickie's framework for competing against incumbents?