Work experience, without a question, may provide us with the most valuable life skills and experiences that we can apply as we move forward in our new ventures, whether it's changing careers or putting on a business hat. You could even notice that some of the strategies you're doing today at our business are something you've done before, or have seen in your previous employers.In this two-part episode, Ken and David recall their previous jobs and the lessons they've gained that helped shape them into the business people they are today.This is another episode full of nuggets from our host. Let’s get started![06:54 - 15:30] Opening SegmentKen talks about his former jobs as a fruit vendor, a laborer, and a lawnmowerDavid’s experience working in the family business, cleaning pig barns, and spending consecutive summers working at a medical store[06:54 - 15:30] What Ken & David Learned From Their Previous JobsEasy upselling techniqueDelivering great customer service is your best marketing strategyConsumers pay for a better experienceThe toxic environment of a family businessInvesting in technology for your business is advantageousEquipment is a business asset and proper maintenance could avoid liabilityYou could consume information with limited time. You just have to know what works for you and stick to it.How to close dealsSelling high-quality products is beneficial in the long termWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[15:31 - 26:16] Closing SegmentTune in next week for part 2!Quotes:“Thinking creatively can earn you more profit.” - David Schomer“I don't think it's a really good idea (family in business), I think you should rethink it, or put some rather strong policies in place to prevent those unwanted things.” - Ken Wilson“I learned very early in life that there are more ways to earn an income than a nine to five.”- David Schomer “It doesn't matter what you do for a living as long as you do it to the best of your ability. It may not be glamorous, but like, if you're doing your best, you can hang your hat on.” - David Schomer “Self-employment isn't for the faint of heart, it is very challenging.” - David Schomer------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

When you rely on a supplier to deliver your items, you lose control. Your request may not be fulfilled, resulting in delays, dissatisfied consumers, and lower profitability. As a result, entrepreneurs are looking into self-manufacturing to acquire control over their production and company.The road to self-manufacturing is not a walk in the park but with mastery, you may reap rewards that are not possible when you are sourcing. Our hosts, David and Ken, discuss the important lessons they've learned along the way, from finding the right suppliers, and processing to human resource management.If you want to see if this is the appropriate road for you, tune in until the end. Let’s get started.[00:00 - 06:53] Opening SegmentSelf-manufacturing versus sourcing from ChinaA retrospect on the self-manufacturing journey[06:54 - 15:30] Things We Wish We Had Known About Self-ManufacturingHow to prepare for unexpected machinery breakdownsReady your suppliesHire a handymanNegotiate with your suppliers but ensure their profitabilitySelf-Manufacturing: Pros & ConsHow to find and work with suppliersThe importance of finding the right, quality team membersWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[15:31 - 26:16] Closing SegmentThe intrinsic reward of self-manufacturingFinal wordsQuotes:“Most people are more than willing to share information with you, so long as you're not one of their competitors.”------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

The culture at Amazon is one of empowerment and ownership. Employees are encouraged to take charge of their careers and work to make a difference in the company. This focus on empowerment has helped the company grow and remain successful for over twenty years. And today, Ex-Amazon Executive John Rossman is going to share with us the culture of success at Amazon. Business Advisor, Author, and Keynote Speaker John Rossman is the author of The Amazon Way book series which is based on his experiences serving as the Director of Enterprise Services while employed at Amazon.com. After leaving Amazon, John founded Rossman Partners which helps businesses grow and scale in most industry verticals on digital strategy, operations and culture. Let’s jump right in and learn why customer obsession is the top leadership principle that allowed Amazon to focus on systemic problems and create a supportive and collaborative environment.[00:00 - 06:55] Opening SegmentWe introduce John to the showJohn’s book, “The Amazon Way”John stresses the importance of understanding what people really see[06:56 - 21:44] Amazon Through the YearsJohn shares some background about the formative years of AmazonFocusing on building a marketplace that could support tens of thousands of sellersPutting the customer first and has a friendly culture to its employeesFocusing on results rather than individual inputJohn talks about the 14th leadership principle at AmazonWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[21:45 - 32:37] The Amazon WaySeeing both sides of the coinRecognizing that you can’t fix everythingDifferentiation as a key to succeedJohn talks about how the platforms at Amazon are optimal in the digital era[32:38 - 34:55] Closing SegmentSuccessful ecommerce entrepreneurs are typically very passionate about their businesses, have a great product and are able to create a unique customer experience. They also have a strong understanding of how to grow and scale their businesses.[34:55 - 37:00]Know more about John in the Fire Round!Connect with John through the links belowFinal wordsQuotes:"You can't just have customer obsession and run a great business." - John Rossman "like the product details, the cost details, the availability details, the advertising details that you have to be super clever at really understanding, like the nuances and the little winning details that are going to matter." - John Rossman "In small companies, especially in this marketplace ecosystem space, I think the two things that I look for are a kind of a theory of differentiation. Like what is it going to be? How do you compete? What's your theory or what's your strategy for how you're going to be different and compete." - John Rossman “The successful ecommerce entrepreneurs are those who are able to balance their work with their personal lives in a way that allows them to be successful. They also have a clear vision for their business and are able to execute on that vision.” - John Rossman  Resources Mentioned:The Amazon Way - John Rossman Support the show

Do you want to learn how to double your income? If yes, then try focusing on less.In this episode, David Wood, the founder at Focus.CEO, will be discussing how to focus on what's important and avoid getting distracted by shiny objects. David built the world’s largest coaching business, becoming #1 on Google for “life coaching”. David coaches rock-star business owners to double their revenue and achieve more in less time. We'll also talk about how to develop a system for healthy relationships and how to stay persistent in the face of obstacles. Listen to David and start earning more![00:00 - 10:59] Opening SegmentWe introduce David Wood to the showRelying on ourselves to succeedShiny object syndromeBeing disciplined to achieve our goals.[11:00 - 21:15] Having a Personal System as an EntrepreneurDavid talks about how successful people utilize systemsEntrepreneurs should say no more often than yesHaving a clear understanding of your targetHow having a system also benefits our healthWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[21:15 - 30:48] Keeping Focus How having a healthy eating habit affects performanceFocusing on less important tasks can help you move fasterDavid shares his approach to coachingFocusing on a specific goal for a given period of time[30:48 - 40:38] Closing SegmentKnow more about David in the Fire Round!Connect with David with the links belowFinal wordsYou can connect with David through Linkedin and Instagram, or you can email him at dwood@gmail.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Quotes:"You can't be top of the food chain if you're trying to serve different target markets and be good at different traffic sources and have four different funnels." - David Wood"You still may fall off the horse, and not get what you said will be done in 25 minutes. But give yourself a fighting chance to actually focus and do what you said matters most." - David Wood Support the show

Jarrod Reichelt is a purpose coach who uses empathy, cognitive restructuring, and journaling to help individuals balance their priorities and achieve their goals. Jarrod has a Masters of Psychology and he has worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression for many years. Jarrod believes that it is important to identify what is most important to you and to develop systems that help you track your progress. He also believes in having the passion and drive to see your goals through.Key Highlights:[00:01 - 05:06] Opening SegmentWanting to be a police officer to eventually becoming a therapist[05:06 - 15:04] Fear and Other ThoughtsHumans are pleasure seeking and pain avoiding beingsChanging how we relate and respond to our thoughts.Creating a list of the values that are most meaningful and important to you[15:04 - 27:10] The Brain is a MuscleSeparating thoughts from your feelingsmake better decisions based on those thoughtsNeuroplasticityPracticing with mindfulnessThe dopamine addiction caused by smartphones[27:10 - 38:22] Getting Back On TrackTips for getting out of the rutBalancing work and family lifeIdentifying their values and committing to working towards those values[38:22 - 43:23] Closing SegmentKnow more abour Jerrod in the Fire Round!Connect with Jerrod with the links belowFinal wordsQuotes:"And so the biggest thing that I try and do is really kind of take a step back and understand, okay, what's going on with my fear right now? And so oftentimes it's just something petty that I'm afraid of, like I'm not going to make enough money or I'm not good enough. And then I start to Label that emotion. Like this is fear, this is anger, this is sadness, and then I can start to work on releasing that emotion. So it's not just like pushing it away, it's actually releasing it." - Jarrod Reichelt"When you're making the decision to neglect the values, then you're also then adversely affecting your wellness, your health, your mood, your happiness. And so there's all those things to consider and to contemplate when trying to find that balance is if I go too strong in one way, then I'm going to be missing out on the other." - Jarrod ReicheltConnect with Jarrod through Instagram, or by emailing him at jarrod.reichelt@gmail.com. Watch out for his upcoming Youtube channel and Podcast!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW! Support the show

In part 2, we meet again with Mike Jackness , Mike has been in the e-commerce space for over a decade and has a wealth of experience in e-commerce, marketing, search engine optimization, and much more. Mike currently owns and operates several businesses in the e-commerce space and has been a featured speaker and presenter for countless events over the past several years. You might have also heard Mike on his own podcast, The Ecomcrew Ecommerce Podcast, where he and Dave Bryant have created a unique and transparent environment where they open the hood and share everything that’s working for them, and what’s not.Listen to Mike and learn from an e-commerce superstar![00:01 - 09:52] Buying InventoryWhat e-commerce sellers should know about storage feesMike was once against taking debt to buy inventoryWhat changed his mind?[09:53 - 19:38] Risk Profiles of EntrepreneursPersonal risk profiles also matter in e-commerce businessesIs there a business that is worth the stress?Listen to our conversationThe different kinds of entrepreneurs according to Mike[19:39 - 27:07] Community-Building in E-CommerceMike talks about his podcast, The Ecomcrew Ecommerce PodcastWhat is it like to build a community of likeminded e-commerce entrepreneurs?Mike gives us a sneak peek into their paid subscription service[27:08 - 33:11] Closing Segment Know more about Mike in the Fire Round!Connect with Mike!Links belowFinal wordsTweetable Quote/s:“There will be dark days of entrepreneurship. That is guaranteed, and if you aren't willing to stay the course and deal with it, then you probably just shouldn't get started at all.” - Mike JacknessResources mentioned:Jungle Scout™SplitlyHelium 10Book: TractionEmail michael@protosmarketing.com to connect with Mike or follow him on LinkedIn. Visit Protos Marketing now for your Amazon-related marketing needs!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW! Support the show

Mike Jackness has been in the e-commerce space for over a decade and has a wealth of experience in e-commerce, marketing, search engine optimization, and much more. Mike currently owns and operates several businesses in the e-commerce space and has been a featured speaker and presenter for countless events over the past several years. You might have also heard Mike on his own podcast, The Ecomcrew Ecommerce Podcast, where he and Dave Bryant have created a unique and transparent environment where they open the hood and share everything that’s working for them, and what’s not.Listen to Mike and learn from an e-commerce superstar![00:01 - 06:07] Opening SegmentWhy Mike Jackness chose a career in e-commerceHe talks about his first experience as an e-commerce seller[06:08 - 16:16] Transition from Corporate America to E-CommerceAre you working in corporate America but planning to jump to e-commerce?Your corporate experience can be valuable, and here’s howHere’s an important tip about profit margins that you should hearIf the cost of acquiring a product has increased, this is what you should do[16:17 - 26:19] Pay-Per-Click Advertising ModelHow to split test product prices the right wayWhat e-commerce sellers should know about pay-per-click advertisingHow adding a lot of negative keywords made Mike’s business profitableWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[26:20 - 37:41] What Amazon Sellers Should Expect in the Inventory SideThe Total Advertising Cost of Sale or TACOS is another major considerationWhy Mike is dialing in on this numberWe have an interesting conversation about inventory that you should not missThe reason Mike is currently taking a wait-and-see approach Tweetable Quote/s:“I think there's also a personal risk profile overlay that you should [consider]…some people are inherently very risk-averse and some people are inherently willing to take huge chances, and sometimes that could be the same person, depending on what time in their life it is.” - Mike JacknessResources mentioned:Jungle Scout™SplitlyHelium 10Book: TractionEmail michael@protosmarketing.com to connect with Mike or follow him on LinkedIn. Visit Protos Marketing now for your Amazon-related marketing needs!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTube Support the show

Episode 118Emmett Kilduff is the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at The Fortia Group. He has had a strong interest in e-commerce since he completed a Master's in e-commerce way back in 1999. With over a decade in leading M&A firms, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse, Emmett brings billions of dollars of acquisition expertise to your e-commerce exit strategy. Listen to Emmett and learn more about FBA aggregators and the state of the e-commerce market![00:01 - 05:33] Opening SegmentThe story behind Emmett Kilduff’s love for e-commerceHis goal is to be the Morgan Stanley or Goldman Sachs of e-commerceHere’s how he plans to do it[05:34 - 15:12] State and Outlook on E-CommerceThis is the current state of e-commerce according to EmmettWhat’s next for the e-commerce industry in the next 12 months?Here’s an important discussion about valuations that you should not miss[15:13 - 25:43] How to Exit Properly from Your BusinessHe talks about his company’s Exit Readiness ProgrammeWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Don’t miss our conversation about FBA aggregators[25:44 - 35:46] Thoughts About FBA Aggregators How to be a successful aggregatorWill the consolidators be consolidated?Listen to EmmettThese are the services that The Fortia Group offers[35:47 - 42:59] Closing Segment Know more about Emmett in the Fire Round!Connect with Emmett!Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“The winners in [e-commerce] will be the operators, not the M&A geeks like me.” - Emmett Kilduff“Entrepreneurs are doers, not talkers, who simply never give up.” - Emmett KilduffResources mentioned:ThrasioMorgan StanleyGoldman SachsBook: The 5AM ClubEmail Emmett at ekilduff@gmail.com or follow him on LinkedIn. Visit The Fortia Group to connect with an M&A firm focused on e-commerce exits!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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

Episode 117David and I have been selling on Walmart in the last 12 months. In this episode, we will share the lessons that we have learned so far and how you can apply them to your own e-commerce business. Some of the topics that we will also discuss are the benefits of selling on Walmart and the criteria to become a top-rated seller on this platform. [00:01 - 06:31] Opening SegmentWhy David and I are selling on WalmartWhere does Walmart rank among Fortune 500 companies?[06:32 - 17:45] Signing Up on WalmartWalmart is not as big as Amazon in terms of marketplaceBut here’s what you need to knowHow to set up your listings after setting up your Walmart accountWhat you need to know about the Walmart Fulfillment Services[17:46 - 22:22] What to Know About 3PL and PPC on WalmartCan you use a third-party logistics provider on Walmart?Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400We share our experience on pay-per-clicks at Walmart[22:23 - 32:30] How to be a Top-Rated Seller on WalmartHere’s how Walmart is utilizing feedback to improve user experienceHow to get Walmart’s Pro Seller Badge Listen to our final thoughts regarding our current experience with Walmart[32:31 - 34:32] Closing Segment Connect with us! Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“[You] can launch more products on Amazon or you can take your existing catalog and go to Walmart...really sit down and think about that and make a business case.” -  Ken Wilson“There’s a different type of customer on Walmart. You may find that you have a product that doesn’t sell great on Amazon but because of this customer avatar of your typical Walmart customer, maybe you’ll get better volume there.” -  David SchomerResources mentioned:Launch on Walmart by downloading this FREE document from usHelium10DeliverrAmazon Vine------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW! Support the show

Episode 116Why should you consider self-manufacturing your products?In this episode, we will answer that question and discuss why we decided to source products here in the United States. The expectation from e-commerce gurus is that they will tell you to go to Alibaba and source your products from China. However, we discovered in our case study that sourcing in the United States has its own advantages too, some of which are even better than sourcing overseas.We also talk about the benefits of self-manufacturing. We found out a few interesting positive impacts that both new and experienced e-commerce owners should consider. Unlike other people who only promise the “good,” we want to be honest with our Firing the Man Nation. That is why we will discuss the downsides of self-manufacturing too. [00:01 - 07:27] Opening SegmentWe give you a sneak peek into our topic for todayThe advantages of sourcing products from the USThe 3 words you can stamp on products to raise conversion rates[07:28 - 13:55] Making the Business ProfitableWhat e-commerce business owners should know about tariffsThis is the number that we really care about[13:56 - 26:20] Our Journey to Self-ManufacturingWhy we decide to self manufacture FBA productsWe share our process in choosing the product to self manufactureThe 2 types of people when it comes to self-manufacturing[26:21 - 36:35] Impacts of Self-ManufacturingWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400We talk about the impacts of self-manufacturing on our business so farHow to capitalize on the Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) methodHow we generated additional profit margins from our businesses[36:36 - 50:48] The Pros and Cons of Self-ManufacturingThe downsides of self-manufacturing that we have experiencedHow satisfying it is to manufacture your own productsIf you want to self manufacture too, these are the things to consider[50:49 - 53:22] Closing Segment We share our key takeaways from our current experience on self-manufacturingConnect with us!Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“If you’re self-manufacturing, quality control is on your lap. That’s well within your control.” -  Ken Wilson“The ability to make something is incredibly satisfying and it creates value.” -  David SchomerResources mentioned:DOWNLOAD our case study on firingtheman.com/usaBook: Who Not HowThomasnet.comMFGMaker’s RowMade in America------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know how we can help you fire the man! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLE Support the show