Mastering a habit takes a lot of self-discipline and focus. But it is in mastering your habits that you could achieve success.In this episode, Blaine Oelkers shares what it takes to truly develop a habit without falling back to your usual routine and procrastinating. We can learn from his experience as someone who’s been working from home for 27 years, how he’s able to push himself forward and kept himself motivated regardless of how he’s feeling physically or emotionally.Blaine is the founder of Selfluence & WYTAYBA (What You Think About You Bring About). Blaine has a degree from Purdue University & Stanford’s Executive program in Entrepreneurship and has been featured as a TEDx speaker. Blaine fired the man over 27 years ago and has been running his own business ever since.[00:01 - 07:03] Opening Segment Welcoming Blaine to the showThe two reasons why Blaine fired the manHow focus is a key to success[07:04 - 24:54] Master Yourself, Master Your LifeThe What You Think About You Bring About (WYTAYBA) mindsetWhat is Guilt Free Hours and how it could bring more meaning to your lifeDiscover when people are normally more productiveThe PDF Method (Plan. Delegate. Focus)Single-tasking versus multi-tasking versus batch tasking: Which is suitable to complete your tasks?Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDAPromo code: FTM400[24:55 - 36:24] Stay Productive Even When No One is WatchingLet’s recap the strategies shared by BlaineBlaine’s productivity tips after working from home for 27 yearsHow to keep yourself disciplined during work from homeWhat he learned from the last pages of Think and Grow Rich[27:01 - 35:34] Closing Segment Build a habit through habit-linkingThe Fire RoundConnect with Blaine on the links below!Quotes  “Do more of what works and less of what doesn't. - Blaine Oelkers “You want to maximize those freedoms [working from home], but at the same time, you got to put in some controls and some self-discipline to make sure that it's productive.” - Blaine Oelkers “When you want to start a new habit, what you do is link it to an existing habit. And then serve some kind of urge.” - Blaine Oelkers  Connect with Blaine Oelkers on LinkedIn and check out his masterclass if you’d like to develop that new habit in 21 seconds, or check his TEDx! Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedGETIDAEarl NightingalePareto PrincipleBook Think and Grow RichEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!   Support the show

Does your lack of funds get in the way of launching a successful business? In this episode, Vance Lee talks about crowdfunding, its advantages, and disadvantages that could help you assess if this is right for you.Vance co-founded the Playground Theory that helps eCom entrepreneurs grow and transform their brands. Since starting Amazon FBA in 2015, he’s mastered crowdfunding and the pre-order launch strategy to launch products and grow brands. He’s raised over $7M in successful launches and broke records with 2 of his launches–both #1 Most Funded in their niches and ranking in the top 1% of crowdfunding projects of all time.Originally from Canada, now he’s a full-time nomad traveling and living in different countries around the world.[00:01 - 09:21] Opening SegmentVance talks about his e-commerce journeyThe launch of KickstarterVance shares the story of his failed product launches [09:22 - 17:39] Guide to Successful CrowdfundingWhat is CrowdfundingHow can Kickstarters help with your fundingWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDAPromo code: FTM400What happens when your Amazon Ad Campaign goals are not met?[17:40 - 27:00] Grow and Scale with EaseHow to determine a market fit for a productReasons to use crowdfundingWant to try Kickstarter? Here are the things you need to prepare to get funded[27:01 - 35:34] Closing SegmentVance talks about Playground TheoryWhat crowdfunding is notThe Fire RoundQuotes “If I were to be super stubborn about my ideas of how I thought this is going to work, to be able to screen and scale this brand, I probably wouldn't be able to have all these interesting ways to explore if it's going to be more effective, or maybe equally effective, whatever it might be. Just being open-minded to challenging what you know, is going to be super important.” - Vance LeeConnect with Vance Lee on LinkedIn and check out the Playground Theory if you’d like to learn how to launch and scale your brand. Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedGETIDABookThe Way of the Superior ManEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!      Support the show

If you take your product packaging for granted, you might be surprised how this affects consumers’ purchase decisions and how much money you are leaving on the table.In this episode, Tom Meyer shares how product packaging could boost your brand awareness, and the timeline and stages of packaging you need to consider.Tom is an Accounting Manager of Shillington Box Company LLC, a manufacturer of corrugated packaging products located in Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. He focuses on helping customers find low-cost packaging solutions that are reliable, sturdy, and environmentally friendly. He is passionate about finding the common link between buyer and seller and is known for delivering an excellent client experience.[00:01 - 08:01] Opening SegmentLet’s get to know Tom MeyerWhy does Tom always go the extra mile for his clients[08:02 - 12:35] All About Product Packaging The different types of packaging and what's suitable for your productTom's focus: Corrugated PackagingWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDAPromo code: FTM400The ideal color combinations for corrugated packagingWhy is packaging important?[12:36 - 26:31] Relationship Between Product Packaging and Consumer Buying BehaviorAt what stage should you start planning product packaging?The importance and benefits of package testingTom shares stories of how packaging impacted his clients' business[33:34 - 37:51] Closing SegmentNeed help with your packaging? Visit shillingtonbox.comConnect with Tom on the links belowThe Fire RoundQuotes “Packaging is so important. Because if you have a good idea, you must have the packaging to go along with it. The packaging can identify your product, it can have a lot of necessary information on there. And it can build a brand image for somebody looking for that item down the road.” - Tom Meyer“Test to make sure that your product gets to the consumer.” - Tom Meyer “Most importantly, where I see people fail out. Number one is that you can have a great idea. But if you don't sell it, it will never be anything more than a good idea.” - Tom Meyer  Connect with Tom Meyer at shillingtonbox.com or email him at tmeyer@shillingtonbox.comSend us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedGETIDABookHearts in AtlantisEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!      Support the show

Thinking of selling your business? There are a lot of preparations that need to be made before the big day.In this episode, Michael Sirpilla, CEO of Society Brands who just went through a $205 million capital raise with the i80 Group, talks about the things the key considerations when exiting the business. He dives deeper into the reasons why you need to sell, when is the best time to do it, do you need a broker and how to find the best deals.If this is something you’re looking at in the future, definitely tune in for some golden nuggets! Let’s go.[00:00 - 13:49 Opening SegmentLet’s get to know MichaelMichael shares his first entrepreneurial ventureHow he assembles his teamWant to grow your business? Here’s what you need to know[13:50 - 28:45] Be A Part of Something BiggerWhat is Society Brands?The strategy used by the Socitey Brands growMichael talks about Society Brands unique value propositionWhat makes a company a good partner[28:46 - 33:33] Timing is EverythingWant to exit your business? Hear what Michael has to sayWhen is the right time to sell your businessWhat kills a business deal[33:34 - 37:51] Closing SegmentThe Fire RoundConnect with Society BrandsQuotes “If you're trying to grow a business to exponential levels, you can't just do it by yourself, you have to have a team around you.” - Michael Sirpilla “A clean conscience is a comfortable pillow.” - David Connect with Michael through societybrands.comSend us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedGETIDAEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!      Support the show

Even with the impending recession or slow season, your e-commerce business could still continue to grow as long as it’s relevant and is using the right strategies.In this episode, we talk about the different strategies that you could implement in your business to help keep it afloat. It could be cutting costs, proper inventory management, finding the right supplier and partnering with suitable lenders. We’ll also talk about the market outlook so if you’d like to prepare for what’s coming, make sure you tune in till the end. Let’s get started![00:01 - 03:27] Opening SegmentDavid’s forecast on the economic dipIncorporate these tips into your processes and do it on a regular basis[03:28 - 26:16] Let’s Talk About Strategies That Work Be profit margin focusedFocus on high profit-high velocity productsRemove products that do not sellCreate a product timelineDo not be led by your emotionsIncrease your profit by taking advantage of split testingAssess your marketClassify needs versus wantsLook for wasted PPC ads spentRun an entire auditRevisit old campaignsMonthly reports and analyticsWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDAPromo code: FTM400Refinance debt by utilizing different lending options to get the best rateCancel services and subscriptions that are not necessary to run the businessLiquidate slow-moving inventoryCollaboration of the marketing and inventory team is the keyBreak-even analysis[26:17 - 30:39] Closing SegmentWhat is GETIDA and why it’s the duo’s favorite softwareConnect with us!Final wordsQuotes “I think to add products into your portfolio that level it out and minimize your risk, it’ll increase the value of your business, for sure.” “At the end of the day, profit is the name of the game.” Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramGETIDAEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!      Support the show

Shreya Banerjee and Paul Counts team up to empower entrepreneurs to generate more traffic, sales, and leads with their cutting-edge digital marketing and social media marketing tips and tricks. Pulling from their combined 30+ years of marketing online, they will help you unleash the power of the web for your business!  This powerful duo dives share the best marketing best practices, the strategies they use that keeps their client satisfaction on the roof, where you should focus your efforts as a marketer and a lot more nuggets!If you are keen to take your email marketing to the next level, tune in till the end.[00:01 - 07:08] Opening SegmentGet to know Paul and ShreyaShreya: From a mechanical engineering background to co-creating Marketing CountsPaul: Started marketing at 13, now with over 23 years of marketing experience On why they both value education[7:09 - 13:40] Elements of a Successful Marketing StrategyThe impact of Apple privacy policy to digital marketingBuilding a list versus growing social media following: Which is more important?Don’t just follow what others are doing! Use Facebook ads strategicallyThe difference between social media platforms and problem solving platforms[13:41 - 24:55] The Secret Weapon for MarketingUnderstanding the customer journeyKnow your Google Analytics numberThe secret to higher conversion rate: GamificationThe KPIs of Google Analytics to focus onThe biggest traffic sources:Email campaign plus timingSEO Paid adsWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[24:56 - 33:54] Get started with Email MarketingNew Google Analytics updateWhen is it best to jump in on a new trend?The FTE formulaThe top three email marketing tips to engage the audience and increase revenue[33:55 -  44:58] Let’s Talk About Search Engine Optimization (SEO)How to optimize your product and detail pagesHow to find the best keywordsThe SEO mistakes to avoidThe duo’s top three copywriting and conversion boosting hacksHow important are headlines?[44:58 - 53:05] Closing SegmentWho is Marketing Counts?The Fire RoundQuotes “The only thing you can control online is your audience, your customer base, your list.” - Paul Counts“Build your following first build your email list, don't just build a social media following because that will go as soon as Facebook changes or some other platform comes along and changes your algorithm will, you know will change your reach in a snap of a finger you know, and you have no control. So you always want to be building your list.” - Paul Counts“It's okay to jump in on the new, hot trends. But if you're just focusing on trend marketing, you're gonna have a trendy business, you know, and that's a tough spot to be on.” - Paul Counts Connect with  Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee Website: https://marketingcounts.com / https://www.buzzsprout.com/350633 / Email: workwithus@marketingcounts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketingcounts/aboutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketingcounts  Support the show

Greg is the Director of Marketing for Empire Flippers. Empire Flippers is an Inc. 500 company and the #1 curated marketplace for buying and selling established, profitable online businesses. Empire Flippers have helped customers buy and sell nearly $300 million worth of Ecommerce, Adsense, Affiliate, SaaS, FBA, and many other revenue-generating assets. In this episode, Greg shares helpful tips on how you could fine-tune the process to guarantee a secure buying and selling experience, how to protect yourself when entering these transactions, and the market outlook for the next 12 months.Let’s get started![00:01 - 05:40] Opening SegmentFrom a self-taught internet marketer to being the head of the marketing department[05:41 - 18:05] Keep Up with The Market TrendWhat’s changed in digital business this 2022?Moving to buyer's marketThings to watch out for in the preparation for the market in 12 monthsGreg’s tips for operators and investors who are new to buying an FBA business: Split your capitalHow Google will affect the online marketing in the next 6 to 12 months[18:06 - 22:48]  Do Better Marketing with The Right AudienceThe best business model with the best return on timeOne of the biggest SEO mistakes: Not understanding the true value of trafficLeveraging your audience to grow your businessBuild content sites that are not all about affiliates and display adsWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[22:49 - 46:46] What To Know About Selling  Your BusinessCheck out Empire FlippersSelling a business? Here’s why you should get a brokerWhat’s an Earn-Out and the things you should watch out for Greg shares some questions to ask yourself when looking to sellMust be based on your personal and business goals[40:41 - 21:51] Closing SegmentGreg’s recommended strategy: Diversify on different business modelsThe Fire RoundQuotes:“The best thing you can do is make your business as least risky as possible.” - Greg Elfrink  “I tell people all the time, if you can't afford it, as you say, you know, your lifestyle was taken care of in terms of expenses and stuff, if you can afford it, always choose to build an audience over building revenue, because then the audience becomes an endless supply of potential stuff for you”  - Greg Elfrink Connect with  Greg Elfrink!Website: empireflippers.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/empire-flippersFacebook: Empire FlippersSend us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramResources MentionedBlood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the WestNo Country for Old MenEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!    Support the show

Chelsea Cohen is the Co-Founder of SoStocked, a fully customizable Amazon Inventory Management, and Forecasting Software.  She started as an Amazon Seller in 2014 and has been featured on stages and podcasts all around the world, teaching people how to solve their inventory management problems. In this episode, Chelsea takes a deep dive into the importance of inventory management and its crucial impact on profitability and business growth. Passionate at optimizing logistics and cash flow, she shares tips on how this process could be improved plus helpful tools that you can use right away. [00:01 - 06:41] Opening SegmentGet to know Chelsea and what led her to co-found So Stocks[06:42 - 21:51] Why You Need an Inventory Management SystemThe consequences of not having an inventory management systemHow to keep up with constantly changing Amazon program policiesHow to know if you are overstocking and understockingLogistics flexibility and strategyWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[21:52 - 35:05]  Effective eCommerce Strategies: Work Smarter  Beat your competition this 2022Increase profitability through Supply Chain ManagementCheck out the free FBA calculator from www.sostocked.com/tools[35:06 - 43:20] Closing SegmentIf you are still using spreadsheets for inventory management, Chelsea has a message for youCheck out sostocked.comThe Fire RoundQuotes:“If you want to spend more time on things more valuable, and if you could save extra 10 hours a week or 10 hours a month by automating something, then do so. If you’re going to expand and grow, you need to start looking at a system that actually works in an automated way.” - Chelsea Cohen Connect with ChelseaWebsiteLinkedInFacebookYoutube If you need help with inventory management,  check out So Stocked! Resources Mentioned piertopier/loadcalc  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!     Support the show

John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son venture inspired by co-founder John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome. John’s affinity for crazy socks paired with his love of making people smile made their mission clear: to spread happiness.Listen to this fun-filled episode this father and son duo talks about how they were able to put up and run the business successfully while bringing a positive impact not only to their clients but their team members. [00:01 - 18:22] Spreading Happiness and InspirationJohn and Mark on how they started the father and son businessJohn's eureka moment: Create crazy creative socksWhat makes John’s Crazy Socks differentWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[18:23 - 22:20] Learning in the ProcessThe marketing strategy that helped John’s Crazy Socks grow consistentlyHow to keep your business during the off-season Expanding the business by manufacturingThe Ready-Fire-Aim. Don’t wait to get started[22:23 - 32:19] The Real Secret to Business SuccessWhat's John's typical looks like Providing opportunities to people who are differently-abledNurturing customer relationships by making everything personal[32:21 - 40:00] Closing SegmentThe future for John's Crazy SocksThe Fire RoundQuotes: “You can be like the New York Yankees and have an endless amount of money. But too much money makes you stupid. If you don't have money, you got to be creative. And you got to work.” “Once you make a decision, go forward, take action. You have to watch your data. You have to keep learning from it. But you can't wait to make everything perfect.” You can connect with John and Mark through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or you can visit www.johnscrazysocks.com.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!    Support the show

This is a continuation of a two-part episode where Ken and David share their previous jobs and the lessons they've gained that shaped what they are today. Tune in till the end and pick up a thing or two from this delightful duo. Let’s get it![00:01 - 30:11] What Ken & David Learned From Their Previous JobsCharacter development is more important than profitabilityWays you could lose your customersThe impact of rules and how it affects behavior Finding true friends in difficult situationsOvercoming challenges and developing self-confidenceSet a high standard for yourselfThe surprising things Ken learned while working for the governmentWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[30:12 - 32:39] Closing SegmentFinal thoughtsShare your previous job experiences with Ken & David!Quotes:“I learned from this job to always tip people well in the service industry. And I would say that has been something that I've carried with me throughout my life is that the service industry is hard.” - David Schomer“You can’t do everything by yourself. You need help.” - David Schomer “I think taking care of a large set of the best assets and your businesses, your people, and there was something missing from a lot of jobs that we had gone over some of them. However, some of the jobs that we discussed, on these last few episodes, we really liked, some of them, we didn't, but all of them were a good fit at that point in time where we were. And so in hindsight, we can always reflect back and say, what we did and what we didn't like out of them, but they taught us something on our journey. “ - Ken Wilson------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.com Leave us a review as it really helps the show!   Support the show