Firing The Man

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/Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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/@fbabusinessbuildersReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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) Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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.comReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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/Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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_QReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon 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.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Unlock the secrets behind Amazon’s unprecedented growth with our special guest, Steve Anderson, author of the bestselling book "The Bezos Letters." Steve, an expert in analyzing business risks, shares invaluable insights from Jeff Bezos' letters to Amazon shareholders. Learn how Amazon’s principles of experimentation, risk-taking, and customer obsession have fueled its meteoric rise. Steve breaks down Bezos’ strategic cycles of testing, building, accelerating, and scaling, offering practical advice for businesses aspiring to achieve similar success.Explore Amazon's notable failures, like the Fire Phone, and the crucial lessons they provided, leading to triumphs such as the Echo and Alexa. Discover how Bezos' approach to decision-making—differentiating between high-stakes and routine decisions—has played a pivotal role in Amazon's growth. We delve into the importance of persistence and long-term thinking for entrepreneurial success, drawing inspiration from Bezos' visionary mindset. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights and actionable strategies from Steve Anderson’s in-depth analysis of one of the world's most successful companies.Helium10   50% OFF first month OR 10% OFF LIFETIME subscription = PROMO CODE “FTM”SoStockedStart Your 30-Day Free TrialYour 1st Month Is Free For Any Plan You Choose!If You receive value from this content please SUPPORT The PodcastPaypal → CLICK HERE▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🗣️ TALK TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 👇Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/firingtheman/Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/FiringTheManWebsite ► https://firingtheman.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬💥LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 👇On Apple Podcasts ►https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/firingtheman/id1493680004On Spotify► https://open.spotify.coReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Unlock the mysteries of Amazon selling with Vanessa Hung, the Venezuelan powerhouse at the helm of Online Seller Solutions. She's not only mastered the platform's complexities but is ready to share her treasure trove of strategies, from maintaining a healthy seller account to navigating the labyrinthine policies that could make or break your business. Vanessa's approach strips away the fluff, offering tangible insights into the critical, and often overlooked, aspects of Amazon's ecosystem, ensuring you're equipped to thrive in the competitive marketplace.Dive into the nuances of Amazon listing optimization as Vanessa dissects the importance of keyword compliance and the transformative role of AI tools. She sheds light on how to sidestep content pitfalls that could lead to suspensions and provides guidance on how to safeguard your listings against the ever-vigilant eyes of Amazon's AI. With her, you'll learn how to anticipate policy shifts and leverage innovative technologies to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring your listings resonate with both the algorithm and your customers.As the conversation shifts to logistics, Vanessa doesn't shy away from the gritty details of inventory management amidst Amazon's evolving fee structure. She illuminates the path to circumventing the pitfalls of new FBA fees and shares strategies for optimizing costs, including the savvy use of Amazon Warehouse Deals. Ending on a high note, Vanessa introduces Seller Assist, a beacon for sellers navigating the operational demands of Seller Central, and extends an invitation to connect on Ninting for a daily dose of wisdom and updates. Tune in for an episode that promises to arm you with the knowledge and tactics needed for Amazon success.How can the guests contact?  website, email, social?https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaamazonproblemsolver/https://www.carbon6.io/sellerassisthttps://vanessahung.com/Helium10   50% OFF first month OR 10% OFF LIFETIME subscription = PROMO CODE “FTM”SoStockedStart Your 30-Day Free TrialYour 1st Month Is Free For Any Plan You Choose!If You receive value from this content please SUPPORT The PodcastPaypal → CLICK HERE▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🗣️ TALK TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 👇Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/firingtheman/Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/FiringTheManWebsite ► https://firingtheman.com/▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬💥LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 👇On Apple Podcasts ►https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/firingtheman/id1493680004On Spotify► https://open.spotify.coReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show