ASOM Pod

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

Get ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday with thrilling marketing insights! Discover how giveaways can supercharge customer engagement and boost brand loyalty. Learn about the magic of live video shopping to connect with audiences. Hear personal stories about navigating eCommerce during the pandemic and unravel strategies to maximize customer lifetime value. With a focus on effective recovery and retention methods, these expert tips will elevate your marketing game significantly!

Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before - EP21 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, the 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 realities of startup life, tackling the tough (and sometimes hard to swallow) truths about surviving in today’s economic landscape. We reveal why startups seem to be hitting roadblocks more than ever—thanks to issues like over-reliance on agencies, lack of financial savvy, and misaligned marketing tactics. But it’s not all doom and gloom; they share practical advice and actionable tips to help founders stay afloat and focus on what really matters. What You’ll Learn: Why genuine marketing matters more than flashy tactics How to boost financial literacy and why it’s essential The importance of product-market fit and adaptability Why internal strategies often beat outsourcing The hard but necessary decisions to ensure profitability How founders can stay close to customers for real insights A preview on the pros and cons of funding versus bootstrapping Whether you’re battling budget cuts, rethinking your customer approach, or just in need of some fresh motivation, this conversation will leave you ready to take on the next challenge with confidence! _______ 00:00 Happy Halloween! 01:46 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 02:09 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds 02:42 Creators Combine Community 03:14 Why Are Startups Dying Quicker Than Ever? 04:46 Challenges in Starting a New Business 11:05 Importance of Product Market Fit 12:01 Starting a New Agency: Lessons Learned 18:09 Current Economics and Their Impact on Startups 26:32 Challenges of Early-Stage Startups 27:29 Why Startups Are Failing Now 28:04 The Missteps of Pandemic-Era Companies 29:13 The Role of Investors and Founders 33:17 Marketing Failures in Modern Startups 43:43 Advice for Struggling Startups 49:37 The Importance of Financial Literacy 52:03 Conclusion 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

Fundraising, Acquisitions, & Market Valuations — What to Know and Critical Mistakes to Avoid - EP20 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/ _______ This week’s episode of the ASOM Pod celebrates 20 episodes of podcasting magic with a no-nonsense, real-talk dive into fundraising, valuations, and business strategy. Hosts Jimmy Kim (CIO and 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) serve up personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and unfiltered advice on everything from startup funding to buying back businesses. If you’re a founder, operator, or just love a good business comeback story, this one’s for you. Listen in as the team breaks down: How Jimmy raised millions in startup funding—and the messy meetings along the way. Why EBITDA over revenue is key when it comes to business valuations. The wild story of John selling and buying back BattlBox—and why sometimes, the second time’s the charm. Build vs. Buy: When to develop in-house and when to purchase someone else’s solution. Why retention and recurring revenue are more valuable for valuations than hype. Planning for long-term wins—because sustainable growth beats overnight success every time. Future opportunities in elder care—an overlooked but promising market. How financial literacy empowers business leaders to make smarter decisions. This episode brings the perfect blend of real talk, practical tips, and founder energy. Whether you’re scaling, selling, or buying back, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.  _______ 00:00 Intro and Episode Kickoff 00:14 Podcasting Success Rates and Milestones 01:00 Host Introductions and Show Overview 01:56 Community Engagement and Upcoming Events 02:28 Fundraising Journey and Challenges 04:40 Valuation Realities and Market Trends 10:04 Agency Valuations and Retention Strategies 15:28 Family Business Dynamics and Growth 20:54 Acquisition Stories and Lessons Learned 24:16 The Buyback Dilemma 25:57 Founder Stories: Tony Shea and Zappos 26:51 Amers Agency Journey 30:46 The Challenges of Acquisitions 38:43 The Importance of Distribution 39:11 Future Opportunities in Elderly Care 43:57 Concluding Thoughts and Advice _____ 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

EP19: The Surprising Truth About Influencer Marketing & Going Viral  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. Salvia 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/ _______ This week’s episode of the ASOM pod delivers a deep dive into the fascinating world of social media and influencer marketing. Hosts Jimmy Kim (CIO and 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) unpack the emotional nuances of viral marketing, discuss strategic timing for content success, and explore how different platforms (hello, TikTok) play distinct roles in the social game. Listen in as the team discusses: How to create viral content by focusing on emotional connections and timing. Why platform selection matters and how different platforms drive distinct results. The differences between micro and macro influencers and how to leverage each. Why founders should build personal brands to stand out as thought leaders in B2B. How influencers can drive both retail foot traffic and online engagement. The importance of authenticity in building lasting connections with your audience. Why creators and influencers are different, and how that distinction matters. Predictions on future social media trends and the impact of upcoming tech mergers. Catch the episode and prepare to level up your influencer and social media strategy! _______ 00:00 ASOM Pod squad practices their clapping skills 00:13 Reflecting on Guest Appearances 00:32 Dream Guests for the Podcast 02:09 Introducing the ASOM Pod Team 03:06 Discussing the Creators Combine Community 03:31 Going Viral and Influencer Marketing 04:20 Emotional Connection in Viral Content 05:33 Visual Strategy for Viral Content 06:58 Timing and Platform for Viral Success 10:10 Influencer Marketing and Going Viral 11:25 Micro vs. Macro Influencers 23:44 Retail Influence and Community Engagement 26:36 Retail Traffic and Influencer Marketing 27:15 Managing Influencer Quality and Control 28:14 Collaborations and Content Creation 28:53 Influencers vs. Creators 30:57 The Future of the Creator Economy 36:42 B2B Influencer Strategies 40:02 The Evolution of Marketing and Sales 44:25 Event Marketing and Community Building 47:56 Conclusion 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/ _______ Get ready to uncover the secrets of successful rebranding in this tell-all episode of The ASOM Pod! 

Join industry powerhouses Jimmy Kim (CIO and 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), alongside special guest Jen Gray, SVP of Marketing at Recharge, as they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to transform a brand. From navigating financial literacy to adapting to fast-changing market dynamics, this episode is bursting with real talk and juicy insider tips.
 Listen in as the team: * Spills the tea on how to make your rebrand truly resonate with new audiences * Breaks down what Abercrombie did right and where JCPenney went oh-so-wrong * Shares the game-changing strategies for positioning products * Reveals how to turn customer feedback into rebrand fuel * Discusses the tricky balance between preserving brand legacy and embracing fresh, modern vibes * Dives into the nitty-gritty of leadership challenges during a rebrand—prepare for some hard truths * Debates the must-haves for aligning your team and keeping everyone hyped about the new direction
 Whether you're knee-deep in a rebrand or just thinking about shaking things up, this episode has the insights you didn’t know you needed. Expect stories, laughs, and a few “we’ve been there” moments. Don’t miss out—hit play and get ready to rethink your brand game! _______ 00:00 Post-Commerce Roundtable Reactions 00:44 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 01:12 Introducing the Hosts and Special Guest 01:46 Jen Gray on Rebranding and Marketing 02:53 Deep Dive into Rebranding Strategies 04:08 Challenges and Insights in Rebranding 07:21 The Importance of Mission and Connection 21:34 Bryan’s Rebranding Journey with a Family Business 27:18 Building Personal Connections in Branding 27:56 Transitioning from a Restricted Industry to Pet Food 28:22 Challenges with Farmer's Dog 29:17 Rebranding Strategies and Success Stories 35:09 Abercrombie's Major Rebrand 39:56 JCPenney's Failed Rebrand Attempt 46:33 Tips for Successful Rebranding 52:07 Conclusion and Wrap-Up _______ 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

Get ready for a lively debate on the future of eCommerce! The hosts tackle whether to drop the 'e' from commerce, while exploring community engagement as a tool for brand loyalty. Insights into the evolving dropshipping landscape are shared, alongside strategies for retail expansion amid changing consumer behavior. Plus, discover the rise of omni-channel shopping and the power of content creation. Engage with unique perspectives and personal anecdotes that reflect the dynamic challenges and trends in today's commerce.

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to Gorgias for sponsoring the pod. The #1 eCommerce Customer Experience platform designed to give brands the tools to create amazing customer experiences to grow your online store. Learn more at https://www.gorgias.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/ _______ Get ready for a spicy discussion on one of the biggest workplace debates of our time: remote, hybrid, or in-office—where do you stand? In this episode of The ASOM Pod, the crew dives into the ongoing tug-of-war between remote work and office life, breaking down key issues like productivity, leadership challenges, and how it all impacts employee well-being. From Dell’s surprising move to bring people back to the office for promotions to Salesforce’s push for mandatory office time, the team doesn’t hold back in unpacking how these policies are reshaping companies across the board. And, of course, the hosts dish out their own personal war stories from managing remote teams, giving you a sneak peek into what the future of work might look like. Join the ASOM Pod squad as they: - Break down how remote work is shaking up employee retention, productivity, and the overall company vibe. - Unpack Dell and Salesforce’s office return policies—are they innovative or just outdated? - Debate whether hybrid models are the perfect blend of flexibility and structure, or a headache waiting to happen. - Share actionable strategies for keeping remote teams not just surviving, but thriving. - Explore the tricky world of global outsourcing, talent acquisition, and the future of remote hiring across borders. - Discuss the role of technology in bridging the gap between remote and in-office teams—what tools are game-changers? Whether you're leading a remote squad, navigating a hybrid work setup, or just trying to stay sane juggling it all, this episode is packed with hot takes and expert insights. Trust us—you won’t want to miss this one! _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:50 Intro to The ASOM Pod 03:40 Remote Work Trends and CEO Quotes 06:42 Management and Leadership in Remote Work 07:43 Hybrid Work Models and Team Dynamics 17:33 Tracking Performance in Remote Teams 24:54 Communication and Collaboration Challenges 28:25 Employee Well-being and Company Culture 29:30 The Cost of Remote Work 29:50 Employee Retention Trends 30:39 Work-Life Balance Strategies 32:04 Challenges of Remote Work 33:22 The Need for Oversight 38:28 Creating a Positive Work Culture 40:35 Talent Acquisition and Retention 42:37 Technology, Infrastructure, and Costs 47:57 The Future of Work 53:52 Upcoming 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 Thank you to Gorgias for sponsoring the pod. The #1 eCommerce Customer Experience platform designed to give brands the tools to create amazing customer experiences to grow your online store. Learn more at https://www.gorgias.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/ _______ Get ready to jump headfirst into the future of eCom as TikTok Shop, Temu, Shein, and Amazon flip the script on online shopping! In this jam-packed episode of The ASOM Pod, Jimmy Kim (CIO and Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO and Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of eCommerce, focusing on the game-changing platforms TikTok Shop, Temu, Shein, and Amazon. They explore how these platforms are revolutionizing consumer behavior and what it means for American brands trying to stay competitive in a landscape dominated by direct-to-consumer sales from China. From challenges faced by traditional retailers to the importance of branding and quality control, this episode covers it all. Plus, don’t miss the heated debate on whether brands should lose money to gain market share and what future strategies businesses must adopt to thrive on these new platforms! Join the ASOM Pod squad as they: * Unpack how TikTok Shop and Temu are taking over the global eCom scene * Dive into how Chinese DTC sales are shaking the table for American brands * Argue whether brands should play the long game and lose money to win market dominance * Reveal the tough shipping and quality standards these platforms demand * Spill the secrets of why strong branding and consumer trust are make-or-break in eCommerce Whether you’re a seasoned eCom pro or just getting started, this episode is stacked with fresh takes and expert insights on how to crush it in the ever-changing world of online retail. Don’t miss out! _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:39 Intro to The ASOM Pod 03:26 Discussing TikTok Shop and eCommerce Trends 04:32 The Role of Impulse Buying and Inflation 06:35 Exploring TikTok Shop's Funnel and Strategy 09:14 Challenges and Opportunities for Brands on TikTok 12:32 TikTok Shop's Impact on Brand Awareness 14:37 TikTok Shop's Customer Experience and Policies 24:07 Knives and TikTok Shop 25:21 YouTube's Revenue Potential 27:20 Economic Policies and Trade Deficit 30:14 Temu and Direct Selling 34:05 Amazon's New Strategy 42:22 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 Thank you to Gorgias for sponsoring the pod. The #1 eCommerce Customer Experience platform designed to give brands the tools to create amazing customer experiences to grow your online store. Learn more at https://www.gorgias.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/ _______ Get ready to uncover the secrets behind some of the most successful eCommerce launch strategies in the game! In this action-packed episode of The ASOM Pod, Jimmy Kim (CIO and Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO and Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) spill the secrets on how they’ve navigated the highs and lows of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) and retail world. They don’t hold back on sharing the lessons they’ve learned from crafting compelling upsell strategies to orchestrating award-winning product launches. From mystery boxes to celebrity collaborations, this episode is packed with game-changing insights for anyone looking to elevate their eCommerce strategy. Plus, stick around as the team hints at future discussions on trending platforms like TikTok Shop and Temu! Join the ASOM Pod squad as they: - Reveal how a simple mystery box upsell strategy generated millions in revenue - Break down the key elements of a successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday launch - Share the story behind a high-profile perfume launch for Billie Eilish that snagged a Webby Award - Discuss the power of pre-launch teasing and VIP programs in creating buzz and driving sales - Dive into the art of balancing inventory management with innovative product launch strategies - Highlight the importance of leveraging relationships and consumer behavior to maximize profits Whether you’re a seasoned eCom pro or just dipping your toes in the water, this episode is a masterclass in launching a product, creating memorable customer experiences, and driving growth through strategic planning. Don’t miss it! _______ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:54 Intro to the ASOM Pod 03:06 Sponsor Shoutouts and Partnerships 03:39 Tactical Marketing Insights 03:49 Success Stories and Lessons Learned 04:28 Launching a New Venture During COVID 06:05 Challenges in the Ammo Industry 08:48 Innovative Revenue Streams 10:10 The Importance of Relationships in Business 16:13 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Strategies 22:46 Sharing Success Stories 22:56 The Mystery Box Strategy 25:57 Pre-Launch Campaigns and VIP Programs 31:43 Fragrance Launch with Billie Eilish 41:18 Concluding Thoughts 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!