https://youtu.be/T0OtpwWPfBgWelcome to today's episode! Our host Eitan Koter set with Jason Somerville, co-founder of GW Partners, a boutique advisory firm that uniquely combines business consulting and M&A advisory services. Jason and his team work closely with founders, engaging one to two years before a strategic transaction, to optimize every aspect of their business from HR to marketing to ensure a successful outcome.In this episode, I discuss with Jason the current state of the M&A market, and the challenges brands face with rising acquisition costs and the increased need for efficient marketing strategies. Jason emphasizes the importance of profitability, operational excellence, and strategic planning for direct-to-consumer brands.We explore the critical role of founders and their teams in ensuring a brand's success and how GW Partners assists in building strong, sustainable businesses. Jason shares insights into the valuation trends, the importance of diversified go-to-market channels, and the rising interest in consumer brands from venture capital investors.Join us for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable advice for founders looking to navigate the complexities of scaling and selling their businesses in today's competitive landscape.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Jason Somerville, co-founder of GW PartnersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-somerville-7273b71a/GW Partners: https://www.gw.partners/Takeaways:The e-commerce market is going through a transition period, with changes in consumer behavior and increased competition.Acquisition costs in digital advertising are rising, and brands need to approach marketing funnels differently.Valuations in the M&A market have decreased from their peak in 2021, but there are still opportunities for brands with good metrics and a diverse go-to-market strategy.The team is a crucial factor in the success of a brand, and buyers are placing more importance on the expertise and knowledge of the team.GW Partners is a boutique advisory firm that works with clients to prepare for strategic transactions, focusing on all aspects of the business to achieve the desired outcome.Founders need to shift from a tactical mindset to a strategic one when preparing for a strategic transaction.Managing ego is crucial during the transaction process, and having a steady presence can help guide founders.There is an increased focus on profitability, and leaders who can execute consistently are highly valued.Venture capital investment in consumer products is seeing an uptick, particularly in the health and beauty and food and beverage sectors.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Overview11:41 Valuations in the M&A Market: Opportunities and Challenges28:19 The Importance of Operational Focus and Consistent Execution39:52 Trends in Venture Capital Investment in Consumer Products

https://youtu.be/iVnDFwWvPmsKatharine McKee, founder and principal of Morphology Consulting, discusses her passion for consulting and working with brands in the e-commerce industry.Katharine provides digital commerce consulting services focused on profitability and efficiency. She analyzes broad demand signals and customer behavior to help brands make actionable decisions.Katharine advises brands to test everything and trust their gut instincts while also seeking outside perspectives to identify areas for improvement.I've also discussed with Katharine the key considerations for brands in optimizing their websites and online presence. She emphasizes the importance of understanding what the target audience wants and ensuring a user-friendly experience. Additionally, she highlights the significance of addressing bigger problems, such as high bounce rates and low conversion rates, which require research and analysis.The discussion continues to address the challenges brands face with Google's updates and the need to provide helpful content as a result. Katharine advises brands to divorce themselves from hype, manage egos, and focus on organic and direct traffic. She concludes by encouraging brands to embrace their uniqueness and provide value to customers.Dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges brands face, Katharine understands the importance of solving the big problems and the personal and professional satisfaction that comes from doing so.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Katharine McKee, founder and principal of Morphology ConsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-mckee-78301a9/Morphology Consulting: https://www.morphologyconsulting.com/Takeaways:Consulting allows McKee to solve problems and provide personal satisfaction.Digital commerce consulting focuses on profitability and efficiency.Analyzing broad demand signals and customer behavior helps brands make actionable decisions.Testing everything and seeking outside perspectives are key to identifying areas for improvement. Understand what your target audience wants and ensure a user-friendly experience on your website.Address bigger problems like high bounce rates and low conversion rates, which require research and analysis.Provide helpful content and avoid keyword stuffing or marketing-focused blogs.Manage egos and focus on delivering value to customers.Embrace your uniqueness and focus on organic and direct traffic.Chapters:00:00 Passion for Consulting and Problem Solving04:42 Driving Profitability and Efficiency in Digital Commerce09:34 Analyzing Demand Signals and Customer Behavior15:52 Testing and Seeking Outside Perspectives for Improvement30:13 Divorcing Yourself from the Hype34:16 Embracing Uniqueness: Delivering Value and Organic Traffic

https://youtu.be/KPCuFRtQcgYWelcome to today’s episode where our host Eitan Koter explores the current state of global supply chain and logistics in e-commerce with our guest, Burak Yolga. Burak brings an international perspective, having lived and worked across Turkey, China, and now the United States, where he operates from Miami.As the CEO of Forceget, a global supply chain and logistics company, Burak has a wealth of knowledge of the intricacies of global shipping and e-commerce operations.In this discussion, Burak unpacks the current challenges and opportunities within the logistics sector, particularly how recent global events have reshaped shipping routes and costs. He provides significant insights into the strategic positioning of logistics operations across the globe, including the impact of rising costs and tighter margins on e-commerce platforms like Amazon.Burak also offers insights into new market opportunities and the importance of diversifying sales channels beyond Amazon to platforms like Walmart and TikTok.Listeners will learn about the critical role of inventory management in maintaining profitability, the increasing importance of understanding detailed fee structures on e-commerce platforms, and strategies for expanding into international markets to maximize revenue streams.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Burak YolgaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burakyolga1/Forceget Supply Chain Logistics: https://forceget.com/Takeaways:Rising shipping costs and increasing fees are impacting sellers' profit margins on platforms like Amazon.Competition between Amazon and other marketplaces like TikTok and Walmart is changing the e-commerce landscape.Visibility and optimization in supply chain management are crucial for sellers to navigate the challenges of global e-commerce.Understanding costs and focusing on profitability is essential for sellers to sustain their businesses.Companies like ForgeGate provide logistics and tracking solutions to help sellers manage their supply chains effectively.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Miami as a Logistics Hub05:36 The Changing Landscape of E-commerce and Competition Between Marketplaces13:20 The Importance of Visibility and Optimization in Supply Chain Management26:18 The Need for Understanding Costs and Focusing on Profitability32:44 Introduction to ForgeGate and its Solutions for Sellers

https://youtu.be/gZS2B8aPXaELocated in Dubai, Lina Gallagher is regarded as the e-commerce guru of the Middle East.I've discussed the growth and opportunities in the Middle East market. She highlights the importance of understanding the Middle East consumer and tailoring strategies to their preferences. Lina emphasizes the need for localization, including using the Arabic language for customer service and considering cultural values.She also advises international brands on the best process for entering the region, including launching ads locally, partnering with local marketplaces, and considering retail distribution. Lina shares insights on the competitive landscape, delivery expectations, and the role of major freight forwarders in the region. In this conversation, Lina Gallagher shares insights on e-commerce in the Middle East, including the support provided by the government, the local players in the market, and the challenges faced by local brands.Lina emphasizes the importance of understanding the local consumer and conducting thorough research before expanding internationally. Lina also provides tips for startups, including the focus on cash flow, the use of email and other marketing channels for retention, and the importance of execution and passion.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Lina GallagherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linagallagher/Emerce Consulting: https://emerceconsulting.com/Takeaways:Understanding the Middle East consumer and tailoring strategies to their preferences is crucial for success in the region.Localization, including using Arabic language for customer service and considering cultural values, is important for building trust and connecting with consumers.International brands can enter the Middle East market by launching ads locally, partnering with local marketplaces, and considering retail distribution.The Middle East market is highly competitive, and brands need to differentiate themselves by understanding the nuances of each country and offering unique value propositions.Delivery expectations in the region are high, with same-day or next-day delivery becoming the norm.Major freight forwarders like DHL and UPS play a crucial role in providing warehousing and last-mile delivery services in the region. The government in the Middle East provides support for e-commerce brands, making it easier to obtain licenses and access resources.Local players, such as 3PLs and automated warehouses, offer services and partnerships for e-commerce businesses.Expanding across the GCC countries is a common growth strategy for local brands.Understanding the local consumer and conducting research is crucial for successful expansion into international markets.Cash flow is essential for startups, and cost-cutting measures may be necessary to ensure survival.Email marketing, along with other channels like WhatsApp and notifications, is a critical tool for customer retention.Execution and passion are key factors for success in the startup world.Hiring full-time resources should be carefully considered, and contractors can be a more flexible and cost-effective option.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Climate Change06:10 The Middle East Market: Leading in Customer Service12:56 Entering the Middle East Market: Best Practices27:16 Challenges and Strategies for Local Brands39:16 The Importance of Understanding the Local Consumer

https://youtu.be/c6HWUi-sRAAOn today's episode, I welcome Zvika Baida, the former CEO of Shufersal Online. Zvika has navigated a career path starting from practicing law to managing Israel’s leading online grocery service, bringing a unique perspective on the intersection of legal acumen and business innovation.In our conversation, Zvika shares his experiences with transforming Shufersal Online into a leader in the grocery sector. He emphasizes the significance of aligning business operations with customer needs and the role of technology in enhancing the shopping experience.This episode offers an in-depth look at the strategies behind Shufersal Online’s success and the lessons Zvika learned about maintaining relevance and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tune in to gain insights into effective leadership and innovation in the online commerce industry and how being customer-centric and focusing on the real needs of customers is crucial for success in the online grocery industry.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Zvika BaidaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zvi-baida-2ab9281/Takeaways:Being customer-centric and focusing on the real needs of customers is crucial for success in the online grocery industry.Automation and robotics can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in the industry.Prioritizing the most important aspects of the customer journey and hiring talented individuals are key strategies for digital leaders.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:46 Becoming Customer-Centric10:11 The Unique Challenges of the Israeli Market13:53 The Importance of Customer Service25:53 Navigating the Post-COVID Era31:52 The Role of Automation and Robotics38:02 Tips for Digital Leaders40:57 Fun Fact and Conclusion

https://youtu.be/OETdFQzWUUoMatt Ezyk, Director of E-commerce at Pet Supermarket, discusses the challenges and trends in digital transformation and omnichannel retail. He emphasizes the importance of AI and personalization in enhancing the customer experience.Matt also shares insights on managing multiple channels, optimizing inventory, and building relationships in the industry. As a former professional musician, he highlights the value of teamwork and not overdoing it in both music and e-commerce.Additionally, we discussed the importance of understanding the backend technology and architecture of e-commerce platforms for non-technical professionals.In order to ensure career growth and project success, Matt emphasizes the importance of establishing relationships, networking, being flexible, and learning constantly.It is inspiring to see the wealth of knowledge Matt has accumulated as an e-commerce professional. Let's get started with this episode and learn from Matt about what is required to be an e-commerce leader.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Matt Ezyk, Director of E-commerce at Pet SupermarketLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mezyk/Pet Supermarket - https://www.petsupermarket.com/Takeaways:AI and personalization are key trends in digital transformation, enhancing the customer experience and driving customer loyalty.Managing multiple channels requires automated inventory systems and real-time visibility to optimize order fulfillment.Building relationships and networking are crucial for career growth and successful project delivery.Understanding the backend technology and architecture of e-commerce platforms is valuable for non-technical professionals.Teamwork and not overdoing it are important in both music and e-commerce, fostering collaboration and delivering successful outcomes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFUGHCfLXcOur host Eitan Koter, discussed with Alex Nyezhnyk, the CEO of Profit Whales, an e-commerce growth agency, on product launches and the challenges involved in launching new products on Amazon.Alex explains that the private label model is no longer effective due to increased Amazon commissions and expensive Amazon PPC. Instead, he recommends launching brands outside of Amazon and using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to drive traffic with influencer marketing.Alex emphasizes the importance of researching and developing unique products and selling the idea rather than just the product features. He also mentions the need for a higher profit margin to cover advertising costs.Another key insight is that driving traffic from outside platforms to Amazon can improve organic ranking and CPC costs.We also discussed the role of influencers in driving traffic and the need to create authentic and engaging content. Alex highlights the significance of understanding customer preferences and adapting your product and branding accordingly. Additionally, he advises against relying solely on Amazon and suggests diversifying sales channels.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Alex Nyezhnyk, CEO of Profit WhalesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyezhnyk/Profit Whales - https://profitwhales.com/Takeaways:The private label model is no longer effective on Amazon due to increased commissions and expensive PPC.Launching brands outside of Amazon and using existing platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be more successful.Innovative products or ideas and selling the idea rather than just the product is crucial.A higher profit margin is needed to cover advertising costs.Bringing traffic from outside platforms to Amazon can improve organic ranking and CPC costs. Prove your idea before investing in manufacturing and marketing.Utilize influencers to drive traffic and create authentic content.Understand customer preferences and adapt your product and branding accordingly.Diversify sales channels and don't rely solely on Amazon.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Weather in Los Angeles04:07 Transition to Google AdWords and Script Development09:03 Selling the Idea, Not Just the Product13:20 Changes in the E-commerce Landscape26:03 Harnessing the Power of Influencers to Drive Traffic33:23 Diversifying Sales Channels for Long-Term Success

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLwVTBkeW9YWelcome to today’s episode where we explore the collectibles industry, with a special focus on the rare coin market. Our guest, Kate Ovodova, Head of eCommerce @ Bullion Shark, which is a prominent player in the collectible coin industry. Kate brings her experience and passion for the market, offering a unique perspective on the marketing and sales of rare coins, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary treasures.In this episode, Kate shares intriguing insights into the nuances of the collectible coin market, including the discovery and acquisition of rare coins, the intricate research involved, and the captivating stories each coin carries. We'll explore the challenges and strategies of marketing such unique items in a digital age, focusing on customer engagement, retention, and the impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on reaching new audiences.You'll gain insight into the innovative strategies Bullion Shark employs to engage and expand their customer base through social media and digital marketing, and how they balance the demands of new customer acquisition with customer retention. This discussion will unveil the behind-the-scenes operations of the collectibles market, the passion of its collectors, and the sophisticated tactics used to captivate and educate potential buyers.Join us for a journey through time and commerce, exploring how ancient coins find their place in modern collections.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Kate Ovodova, Head of eCommerce @ Bullion SharkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterina-ovodova/Bullion Shark - https://bullionexchanges.com/Takeaways:The collectible industry, specifically dealing with rare coins, offers a fascinating blend of history, storytelling, and unique items.Research plays a crucial role in finding and valuing rare coins, with each coin having its own story and characteristics.Managing inventory and meeting customer demands in the collectible industry can be challenging, requiring constant readiness and a diverse range of coins.Building trust with customers is essential, and social media and email marketing are effective tools for engaging with and educating the audience.While AI can be a valuable tool in e-commerce, it should be used cautiously, with human oversight to ensure authenticity and quality.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Collectible Industry04:48 Managing Inventory and Meeting Customer Demands10:22 The Role of AI in E-commerce

https://youtu.be/7f_WhsgYGJY UniCargo is a logistics company that focuses on providing freight forwarding and logistics services to e-commerce businesses. They specialize in serving online entrepreneurs who have unique logistics needs but are often overlooked by traditional freight forwarding companies. UniCargo offers services such as import of record, warehousing, last mile distribution, and reverse logistics. They have developed an inventory management system that provides transparency and unified data for their clients' stock levels. They also use technology and analytics to help e-commerce brands improve their transit times, reduce costs, and optimize their packaging. In this conversation, Refael Elbaz, the founder and President of Unicargo, discusses the importance of optimizing packaging and logistics in e-commerce businesses. He emphasizes the need to reduce packaging size and weight to save on shipping costs. Refael also highlights the benefits of consolidating shipments and using ocean freight for cost-effective transportation. He advises businesses to prioritize compliance and understand the regulations and requirements of new markets before expanding internationally. Refael also shares valuable insights on the importance of building the right team and knowing one's limits in order to scale a business successfully. Website: www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast Talk to us on Social: LinkedIn Vimmi: il.linkedin.com/company/vimmi LinkedIn Eitan Koter: linkedin.com/in/eitankoter YouTube: @VimmiCommunications Guest: Refael Elbaz, founder and President of Unicargo LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/refael-elbaz Unicargo - unicargo.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f_WhsgYGJY Takeaways: UniCargo focuses on providing logistics services to e-commerce businesses with unique needs. They offer services such as import of record, warehousing, last mile distribution, and reverse logistics. UniCargo has developed an inventory management system that provides transparency and unified data for their clients' stock levels. They use technology and analytics to help e-commerce brands improve transit times, reduce costs, and optimize packaging. Optimizing packaging size and weight can significantly reduce shipping costs for e-commerce businesses. Consolidating shipments and using ocean freight can lead to immediate cost savings. Prioritize compliance and understand the regulations and requirements of new markets before expanding internationally. Building the right team is crucial for scaling a business successfully. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to UniCargo and their Focus on E-commerce 03:30 Import of Record and Warehousing for E-commerce 14:09 UniCargo's Inventory Management System 24:19 Optimizing Packaging and Logistics 31:19 Compliance and Regulations in International Expansion 36:08 Building the Right Team for Business Growth

https://youtu.be/XmUDEkSm8VkNikki Lindgren, founder and managing partner at Pennock, a paid media agency, discusses her background and the inspiration behind starting her agency. Nikki shares insights on the evolving landscape of paid media, including the impact of AI and machine learning. We've discussed the importance of a balanced approach between earned and owned media, and the need for a strong inbound strategy to boost ROAS.Nikki also provides recommendations for new brands starting out in 2024, including leveraging Amazon and Google Ads, as well as utilizing TikTok and Meta for brand awareness. She highlights the significance of creator-led content and the importance of education and third-party credibility in marketing campaigns.We've explored various aspects of digital marketing, including budget allocation, A/B testing, the impact of cookie deprecation, marketing efficiency ratios, attribution, and the future of the industry. She emphasizes the importance of middle-of-funnel placements like Amazon and Google for brands starting out, and the need to balance top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel campaigns. She shares her criteria for working with brands and offers career advice for those interested in the industry.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiLinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Nikki Lindgren, founder and managing partner at PennockLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilindgren/Pennock - https://www.pennock.co/Takeaways:Paid media agencies should have a seamless integration with in-house teams to better serve brands.A balanced approach between paid and owned media is crucial for brand success.New brands should consider leveraging Amazon and Google Ads for high return on ad spend.TikTok and Meta are effective platforms for brand awareness, and integrating shops on these platforms can lead to higher conversions.Creator-led content that focuses on education and third-party credibility is key to successful marketing campaigns. For brands starting out, it's important to focus on middle-of-funnel placements like Amazon and Google, while gradually moving up the funnel to reach a wider audience.Cookie deprecation is having a significant impact on the industry, and marketers are adapting by focusing on marketing efficiency ratios (MER) as a key metric.Attribution is challenging, but understanding lag time and touch points can help inform marketing strategies.AI is being tested in marketing, but current solutions are not yet impressive enough to replace manual efforts.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:48 The Evolution of Paid Media and the Role of AI06:45 Balancing Paid and Owned Media for Brand Success09:23 Leveraging Amazon and Google Ads for High ROI14:20 TikTok and Meta: Platforms for Brand Awareness22:23 Optimizing Budget Allocation and A/B Testing25:04 Navigating the Impact of Cookie Deprecation27:47 The Importance of Marketing Efficiency Ratios29:36 Understanding Attribution and Funnel Positions35:02 The Future of the Industry: Connected TV and Audio Ads36:20 Exploring the Potential of AI in Marketing37:12 Working with Emerging Brands in the Beauty and Lifestyle Space38:33 Career Lessons in the Fast-Paced World of Digital Marketing39:02 Getting to Know Nikki: Soccer Mom and Aerial Skills Enthusiast