Join us for an inspiring conversation with Trevor Lubiens, a dynamic creative who transitioned from the basketball courts of college coaching to the pulsating heart of Nashville's music scene, before founding his own innovative agency, Conflux Creative. Trevor's journey is a masterclass in adaptability and creativity, highlighting how his diverse experiences in music, graphic design, and leadership roles have shaped his unique approach to storytelling and marketing. Discover how Trevor navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as the Director of Worship, Arts, and Communication at a large church in Idaho, and learn about his passion for storytelling through impactful projects like the documentary "I'll Push You."We unlock the secrets to successful marketing with Trevor's insights on the art of storytelling and problem-solving, especially when it comes to marketing physical products. He shares invaluable advice on effective communication with video editors to craft compelling content and discusses the founding of Conflux Creative alongside his collaborator Abigail. Their collaboration underscores the importance of complementary skills, blending social media expertise with client relationship management to drive the agency's success. This conversation is a treasure trove of practical strategies for anyone looking to elevate their marketing efforts through creativity and entrepreneurship.Explore the dynamic world of professional content creation as Trevor outlines the differences between DIY projects and engaging a professional agency like Conflux Creative. From the agency's three-phase process of discovery, design, and delivery, to strategies for capturing shrinking attention spans, Trevor provides actionable insights for creating engaging content. With a versatile range of services in video, photography, branding, and graphic design, Conflux Creative is poised to help clients advance along their buyer's journey. Don't miss our exploration of how professional storytelling can transform your brand and captivate audiences in a competitive market.Resources Mentioned:Conflux Creative – Video and Photography AgencyTrevor’s Instagram: @confluxcreativeBook: Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce BrownTools: Video editing software, iPhone for DIY filmingConnect with Trevor:Website: conflux-creative.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflux-creative/about/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflux.creative/ Support the show

Episode Summary:Discover the secrets of e-commerce mastery with Parag Mamnani, founder and CEO of WebGility, as he shares his journey from a computer science graduate during the dot-com bust to a leading figure in e-commerce automation. Parag opens up about the critical challenges e-commerce businesses face today, such as financial reconciliation across multiple platforms and cash flow management, and how WebGility is revolutionizing the way businesses operate. Learn how to harness the power of data-driven decision-making and customer feedback, strategies Parag honed during his time at Amazon, to improve operational excellence and achieve sustainable business growth.Explore the nuances of selling on platforms like Amazon, understanding deductions and fees, and how these elements can impact your revenue. We unpack the intricacies of expanding to new markets, including the challenges of currency fluctuations and the importance of mastering one sales channel before venturing into others. Whether you're looking to leverage marketplaces or build an independent brand, automation emerges as the key to efficiently managing multiple sales channels and uncovering hidden growth opportunities. Through insightful discussions, we highlight how e-commerce entrepreneurs can streamline operations and enhance profitability.The episode also delves into the transformative potential of AI in e-commerce, exploring how emerging technologies are set to change the landscape. From AI-driven interactions to the challenges faced by small businesses in maintaining financial clarity amidst evolving fee structures, we cover it all. Parag's story is a testament to resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship, offering listeners invaluable lessons on the attributes that distinguish successful entrepreneurs. This episode promises to equip you with the tools and insights to optimize your e-commerce operations and pave the way to success in the digital marketplace.Resources Mentioned:Webgility – E-commerce automation platformBook: The Art of Living by EpictetusConnect with Parag Mamnani:Website: https://www.webgility.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/webgility/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webgilityinc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0hLo8JM9BAOeLGK_aVWqFATikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@webgilityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/webgility Support the show

Episode Summary: Join us as military veteran turned entrepreneur Amy Wees takes us on a journey from her Air Force days to becoming a powerhouse in the world of e-commerce. Discover how a simple need to tackle her pets' litter box odor led Amy down a path of innovation, resulting in a successful product that changed the game for her and many others. With a focus on creativity and resilience, Amy reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and empowered her to assist other budding business owners through her consultancy, Amazing at Home.Amy doesn't just share her story; she offers valuable lessons on product development and profitability. From the art of validating ideas with real market feedback to the nuances of building a working prototype, Amy provides a roadmap for turning concepts into viable products. Learn how to navigate the complex landscape of supplier negotiations, likened to the stages of dating, and the critical steps in forming lasting partnerships with manufacturers. Her expertise is a treasure trove for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry.Beyond the technicalities of business, Amy delves into the mindset needed to thrive in e-commerce. She discusses effective marketing strategies and the importance of community building, emphasizing the psychological elements that drive consumer decisions. Amy's personal interests, like bodybuilding and Krav Maga, offer a glimpse into the grit and determination that fuel her success. Tune in for an enriching conversation packed with insights, and be inspired by Amy's passion for helping others succeed.Resources Mentioned:Amazing at Home WebsiteBooks:The Inner Work (Personal growth book that changed Amy's life)Platforms:Amazing at Home YouTubeAmazing at Home Facebook GroupConect with Amy WeesWebsite: https://www.amazingathome.com/about/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amazingathome/X, Formerly known as Twitter: https://x.com/amazingathomeInsta: https://www.instagram.com/amazingathomeLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazingathome/ Support the show

Ever wondered how a kid from a cul-de-sac in Oregon could grow up to become a powerhouse in the business world? Meet Neil Twa, our guest on today's episode, who proves that resilience and adaptability are crucial to entrepreneurial success. From dreaming of being a fighter pilot to holding a senior position at IBM, Neil's journey is a rollercoaster of career pivots and learning curves. He shares his transition from a stable corporate life to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, offering wisdom from his experiences in lead generation, Amazon FBA, and overcoming financial adversity.We take a deep dive into the strategic mindset that propelled Neil from consultancy to thriving business leadership. Neil opens up about the mantra "sales fixes everything" and how it became his guiding principle, especially during challenging times, including financial setbacks and bankruptcy. His story of reinventing himself through Amazon's logistics showcases the importance of adapting and evolving as an entrepreneur. Neil discusses his approach to building sustainable businesses, leveraging data-driven decisions, and the strategic steps he took to carve out a niche in competitive markets.In our conversation, the focus shifts to the power of mindset in achieving business success. Neil shares insights on the importance of execution over formal education and the value of tenacity and grit. We explore the evolution of Amazon's advertising strategies, Neil's vision for future PPC models, and how understanding market dynamics can lead to enduring brand growth. He also offers a sneak peek into the resources available through Voltage Digital Marketing, aiming to guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward creating profitable lifestyle businesses. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories for anyone looking to thrive in the business world.Connect with Neil Twa:https://www.voltagedm.com/https://www.facebook.com/neiltwa/https://x.com/voltagefbahttps://www.youtube.com/c/NeilTwavoltagehttps://www.instagram.com/neiltwa/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiltwa/https://www.tiktok.com/@fbabusinessbuilders Support the show

Unlock the secrets to Etsy success with Dylan Jahraus, a top seller and creator of the Ultimate Etsy Course. In this episode, Dylan shares her inspiring journey from working in corporate e-commerce at Zappos and Zulily to building a thriving Etsy business—all while balancing life as a military spouse. She’ll show you how she transformed her side hustles into a flourishing venture and how you can do the same by tapping into the unique opportunities Etsy offers.Learn how to avoid common mistakes and craft a standout Etsy shop with Dylan's proven strategies. She breaks down the key steps to set yourself apart from innovation to photography and mobile-friendly designs. You’ll also get her 10-step checklist for evaluating products and discover her "more, better, new" approach to scaling your business.Plus, connect with Dylan for even more guidance. Her YouTube channel is packed with tutorials and advice; we have a downloadable checklist to help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to optimize your shop or just getting started, Dylan’s insights and practical tips will give you the structure and support you need to succeed. Get ready to kickstart your Etsy journey with this inspiring episode!Connect with Dylan Jahraus:• The Ultimate Etsy Course by Dylan Jahraus• Etsy Seller Success with Dylan Jahraus on Apple Podcasts•Dylan Jahraus | $1.5+ Top 0.1% Seller & Etsy Coach (@dylanjahraus) • Instagram photos and videos• https://www.facebook.com/dylanjahrausofficial• THIS is the BRAND NEW Ultimate Etsy Course and 1:1 Etsy Coaching [OFFICIAL TRAILER] (youtube.com)  Support the show

Curious about how to level up your Amazon selling strategy? In this episode, we chat with Kathleen kobel, a seasoned Amazon expert who’s been in the game since 2009, starting out by selling her grad school textbooks. Kathleen shares her inspiring journey from working with her entrepreneurial uncle to building her own successful Amazon business. Now, through her Amazon-focused agency, she’s helped launch over 1,000 brands and knows the ins and outs of what it takes to thrive on the platform. She also reveals how the Amazon Influencer Program can be a game-changer for your business.Kathleen breaks down the key strategies for optimizing your product listings, running effective ad campaigns, and avoiding common pitfalls like launching ads too early. From mastering keyword research and creating compelling imagery to engaging influencers for maximum visibility, her tips are pure gold. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, Kathleen's insights will help you take your Amazon game to the next level.We also dive into Amazon's influencer and affiliate programs how they work, how to get noticed, and how to build relationships with influencers that actually drive results. Kathleen shares her strategies for using tools like Creator Connections and brand attribution links to grow your brand while keeping costs in check. Beyond business, Kathleen’s passion for networking, playing classical piano, and her love for the book Chill and Prosper give this episode a personal touch you won’t want to miss. Follow her on YouTube and social media for even more tips and free resources!Connect with Kathleen Kobel:• www.kathleenkobel.com Support the show

Ever wondered how a company can grow from $5 million to $200 million in revenue and eventually go public on the New York Stock Exchange? You're in for a treat! In this episode, we sit down with Eric Eden, a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience leading internet service and SaaS companies. Eric shares his incredible journey, from working at the original dot-com domain registry to playing key roles at Vario and Cvent. He offers fascinating insights into the evolution of e-commerce and SaaS, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic vision it takes to achieve massive business growth.But that's not all what does it really take to leave the corporate world and launch your own startup? We dive into the entrepreneurial story of two colleagues who, after their previous successes, pooled $5 million to start a self-funded company. They share their game-changing marketing strategies, using everything from guerrilla marketing to partnerships, and even newer channels like podcasting and YouTube. Their focus on maximizing ROI for every marketing move is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to make the most of their marketing efforts.Curious about where AI fits into all of this? Eric also explores how AI is reshaping marketing, from simplifying attribution with tools like Dig Growth to streamlining content creation with Descript for audio and video editing. We cover the importance of personalized buyer journeys, traffic strategies that work, and why some traditional tactics, like long blog posts, may no longer be effective. Plus, get a sneak peek into a new platform launch, the growing trend of fractional hiring, and what sets successful entrepreneurs apart. Whether you're deep into marketing or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.Connect With Eric Eden:• http://www.x.com/ericjeden• https://www.instagram.com/ericjeden• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmo-ericeden/ Support the show

Ever wondered how a teenager's passion for tech could evolve into a successful digital marketing empire? Join us in this episode as Clayton Patterson, founder and CEO of Digital Space Marketing, takes us on his incredible journey from developing websites at 15 to navigating the complexities of digital marketing. Clayton's path is anything but linear, involving a detour through law school, running a marshmallow company, and even establishing his own law firm. Hear firsthand about the obstacles he faced and how he transitioned from law to the digital marketing world, where he now excels at building websites and driving traffic through innovative SEO strategies.Discover the strategies that helped Digital Space Marketing skyrocket by over 600% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clayton dives deep into the importance of building enterprise value by hiring top talent and creating efficient processes. His insights are drawn from personal experiences and readings like "Built to Sell," making them incredibly actionable for businesses looking to align with market demands and prepare for future opportunities. We also explore how shifting the focus to brand awareness and future consultations helped businesses, such as dental clinics, navigate through these challenging times.In the latter part of our conversation, Clayton offers a masterclass on e-commerce platforms, comparing the strengths of Shopify and WordPress for different business needs. He shares invaluable tips on selecting the right developer and the essential considerations for effective website development. As we delve into the intricate world of digital marketing, Clayton emphasizes the use of Facebook ads, AI, and networking with other entrepreneurs to improve conversion rates and drive growth. Wrapping up, Clayton underscores the crucial role of mindset in entrepreneurship, sharing his personal experiences of failure and success to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss this treasure trove of practical tips and inspiring stories!Connect with Clay Patersonhttps://claytonpatterson.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/claytonpatterson/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5254907https://www.instagram.com/claypatterson_/Digital Space Marketinghttps://digitalspacemarketing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/digitalspacemarketing/ https://facebook.com/pages/category/Internet-Company/Digital-Space-Marketing-2027882707486003/https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-space-marketing/about/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC030XQkpa7CwZNMAgC4Lx_Q Support the show

Is the e-commerce M&A market really as challenging as they say? Tune in as Emmett Kilduff, the insightful co-founder and CEO of the Fortia Group, returns to share his expert take on the current state of e-commerce valuations and M&A activity. From navigating a tough market landscape to discovering acquisition opportunities, Emmett walks us through key strategies for scaling your business and getting creative with financing. He breaks down essential valuation factors, such as revenue quantum and market positioning, providing a comprehensive roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to thrive.What secrets do successful e-commerce entrepreneurs hold? Emmett reveals them all, emphasizing the importance of leveraging data science and AI. He shares invaluable M&A strategies, including the "flirt, date, marry" approach and the necessity of professional advisors. Facing capital-raising challenges? Learn about innovative solutions like cashless mergers. Emmett also opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on the impact of co-founding a boutique investment bank and his all-time favorite book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Don't miss these actionable insights and personal anecdotes that can help you maximize your M&A success. Support the show

What if a simple label could revolutionize how you manage your health? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we chat with Leanna Gant, an award-winning inventor recommended by Suzanne Fontaine, who turned her personal struggle with breast cancer into an ingenious solution for medication tracking. Leanna's journey takes us from her diverse roles as a creative director, art studio owner, and nonprofit manager, to the pivotal moment when she invented TukTuk. Listen as she shares the trials and triumphs of bringing her invention to life, the crucial lessons learned in packaging design, and the heartfelt feedback from her first users.The story unfolds further as we discuss the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 on Leanna’s retail dreams and how she successfully pivoted to e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Discover the hurdles she faced in penetrating big retail chains, the strategic benefits of diversifying sales channels, and the significant wins she scored early on. Leanna also imparts wisdom on transitioning from a career in design and advertising to launching her startup, TookTake, underscoring the importance of starting small, leveraging past experiences, and seeking valuable advice. We close with rapid-fire questions that reveal her favorite books, hobbies, and the liberating experience of being her own boss, offering a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Support the show