ASOM Pod

In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) take a deep dive into the evolving world of sales, breaking down why the traditional hard-sell approach is fading and why consultative selling is the future. They emphasize the critical role of human connection, proper sales education, and the dangers of over-relying on automation and AI. The conversation explores how modern sales practices have become too dependent on technology, often at the cost of personalized engagement and effective communication. What You’ll Learn: Why consultative selling outperforms hard selling in today’s market The risks of over-automation and how to bring human connection back to sales Effective strategies for LinkedIn sales engagement and cold outreach The role of AI in sales—where it helps and where it hurts Key takeaways from Hundred Million Dollar Offers on pricing and value positioning This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals, marketers, and business leaders looking to refine their sales approach and stay ahead in an evolving landscape. Tune in for actionable strategies, expert insights, and a few spicy takes on modern sales trends! _______ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.com Workspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io  _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:42 Meet the Hosts 01:58 Sales Discussion Kickoff 03:49 Sales Evolution and Challenges 04:02 Car Sales Experience 04:21 Modern Salesperson Issues 04:25 Cold Outreach and Sales Roles 07:29 Sales Methodologies and Training 08:03 Evaluating Salespeople 09:35 Sales Team Development 18:52 Cold Calls and Effectiveness 20:17 Generational Differences in Sales 21:52 Hiring Great Salespeople 32:28 Retail Sales Strategies 35:55 The Importance of Training in Sales 37:36 Challenges with Modern Sales Techniques 38:16 The Role of AI and Automation in Sales 40:45 Building Personal Connections in Sales 42:14 Effective Sales Strategies and Techniques 45:02 The Importance of Relationship Building 57:27 Advice for Modern Salespeople 01:09:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

The hosts dive into the often murky world of eCommerce agencies, highlighting the importance of clear KPIs and communication for success. They explore the pros and cons of various agency types, from full-service giants to freelancers, and share practical advice for selecting the right partners. The discussion turns to the evolving impact of AI on agencies, predicting potential cost reductions and increased efficiency. With a mix of humor and real-life anecdotes, they tackle the complexities of agency relationships and strategies for navigating them effectively.

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive deep into setting and achieving personal and professional goals for 2025. The team reflects on 2024, they reveal the biggest challenges they faced, share their best success stories and discuss strategies for balancing ambition with realism. Packed with insights and actionable learnings, this episode offers raw and honest advice for rising entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn: * Why having a debt facility can help free up cash for growth and other ventures * The value of taking small steps towards big goals instead of trying to achieve everything overnight * How hiring unconventional thinkers can drive innovation and success * The importance of trusting your team and hiring the right people to avoid bottlenecks in your business * How stepping into the right roles can help you focus on what really matters in your business * Detailed strategies on how to set achievable and impactful goals for the new year _______ Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠ _______ 01:57 Podcast Introduction and Team Introductions 05:45 Reflecting on 2024 and Setting Goals for 2025 33:21 Trust and Hiring the Right People 33:36 Incremental Progress and Avoiding Bottlenecks 34:43 Adapting Roles and Visionary Leadership 35:09 Reflecting on Past Ideas and Future Projections 36:05 Hiring Experienced vs. Inexperienced Employees 40:13 Scaling Business and Personal Goals for 2025 52:34 Building a Successful Sales Organization 54:31 Personal Reflections and Advice for Goal Setting 57:46 Amir's Book Corner: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight 01:04:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser _______ Follow Jimmy Kim at: X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠ #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

The hosts delve into the effectiveness of loyalty programs, questioning whether they truly build customer loyalty. They explore AI's transformative role in subscription billing and marketing automation, while also discussing the rising trend of video reviews among younger consumers. The challenges faced by eCommerce SaaS, including market saturation and the need for authenticity, are examined. They balance the potential of AI tools with current limitations, emphasizing the future impact on payments, inventory management, and customer service.

In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive headfirst into bold predictions for 2025. Covering everything from the rise of subscription-based businesses to the seismic shifts driven by AI, the crew explores the future of eCommerce, social commerce, and beyond. With their trademark humor and sharp insights, they debate the continued dominance of Shopify, the challenges of creator-led brands, and whether live shopping will finally break through in the U.S. They also tackle weighty topics like quantum computing, tariffs, and how economic and political shifts will reshape global markets. What You’ll Learn: The future of subscription models: Will they dominate or decline? Why cryptocurrencies may revolutionize eCommerce How AI and AGI are reshaping team structures and business efficiencies The growing importance of creator-led brands and social commerce Tariffs, global production shifts, and the challenges for brands relying on cheap goods Predictions on Google’s relevance, quantum computing, and the impact of generational shifts Why live shopping might finally take off in the U.S. The potential implications of a TikTok ban and its aftermath This episode is packed with expert opinions, thought-provoking debates, and predictions that will have you rethinking your strategies for this new year. _______ Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠ _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:52 Intro to The ASOM Pod 04:33 2025 Predictions 10:06 Subscription Models Debate 16:51 Cryptocurrency and eCommerce 20:31 Rise of Creator-led Brands 22:21 SaaS Market Shifts 33:46 Debating Meta's Future in Social Commerce 34:47 Historical Comparison: Google vs. Meta 36:02 The Decline of Google Search and Rise of AI 37:14 Generational Shifts in Internet Usage 38:26 The Future of Google and Quantum Computing 40:01 Challenges for Brands Relying on Cheap Goods 42:35 Tariffs and Global Production Diversification 47:09 Shopify's Dominance and Social Commerce 48:37 The Potential TikTok Ban and Its Implications 52:13 Live Shopping's Breakthrough in the U.S. 54:58 AI and AGI Transforming Team Structures 01:00:36 Predictions for Brand Survival and Market Trends 01:01:39 Conclusion and Future Episodes _____ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠

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

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

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

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

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