In this podcast episode, I had the honor to have as guest David Schomer of Firing The Man Podcast, an expert in self-manufacturing and product sourcing in the United States. The conversation delves into various aspects of the topic, shedding light on the benefits and challenges of starting self-manufacturing, as well as the advantages of sourcing products locally.   David emphasizes the benefits of sourcing products locally or within the USA, such as supporting domestic industries, reducing shipping costs, and fostering a sense of community and trust.The conversation explores the idea that a hybrid approach, which combines self-manufacturing with selective outsourcing for specific components, can offer the best of both worlds. David provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to embark on self-manufacturing journeys, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, cost analysis, and adapting to market changes. This podcast episode with David Schomer provides a comprehensive overview of self-manufacturing and product sourcing within the United States, highlighting the advantages and challenges of these strategies and offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business owners. In This Episode: [00:35] David Schomer on the show. [02:35] How did the idea start? [13:40] Community [15:15] Starting a factory, the decision maker. [20:00] How simple/complicated a product to be able to do in manufacturing? [28:30] The minimum. [36:20] Deciding factor. [39:50] Made in the USA. [43:59] How does it cost to start a factory? [49:40] Limitation/considerations of products to produce.   Guest Links and References: Podcast: https://firingtheman.com/ Email: support@firingtheman.com of david@firingtheman.com   Book Reference: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this episode, we have Vance Lee, Ecom entrepreneur with 13 years background as a brand growth and marketing strategist. He has 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. With his expertise, he shares his insights and guides us through the process of launching a product on Kickstarter.   Vance started by explaining why Kickstarter is an excellent platform and highlighted the benefits of building an audience and the opportunity to receive feedback from potential investors and customers. He also emphasized the importance of research, both in understanding the Kickstarter community and evaluating the feasibility of the product idea.   Vance delves into the critical aspects of setting a funding goal, strategies, costs, marketing expenses and pre-launch email list. Overall, this episode with Vance provides a comprehensive overview of the Kickstarter launch process. Gain valuable insights into crafting a successful campaign, setting realistic goals and effectively marketing their products to potential backers.   In This Episode: [00:30] Introducing Vance Lee [02:10] Backstory: Started in a trio and the rest is history. [08:30] Product research for Kickstarter. [12:25] How important are keywords in Kickstarter? [17:15] When is the right time to engage Kickstarter? [24:15] Building an audience. [30:15] Backed campaigns [35:20] Types of products in Kickstarter [40:10] Deciding on positioning. [45:10] Modifying product. [49:10] Setting the goal   Guest Links and References: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancelee/ Website: https://www.livemyplayground.com/   Book Reference: The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this podcast episode, we have the honor to have as guest, second-timer guest, Yoni Kozminski. Yoni is the Founding Partner at SouthCol and he is also the Founder and CEO of both MultiplyMii and Escala. MultiplyMii specializes in affordable offshore staffing solutions and HR outsourcing for e-commerce businesses. On the other hand, Escala offers consulting services for e-commerce companies and Amazon sellers who want to scale their businesses. That being said, Yoni is the perfect guest to have to discuss and share his insights on an entrepreneur’s odyssey; Thriving through business evolution.   Yoni begins by sharing his early entrepreneurial endeavors, jis passion for business. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong vision and purpose in order to navigate the challenges that come with building a successful venture. He also highlights the need for adaptability and the willingness to evolve as an entrepreneur.   Additionally, Yoni discusses the role of collaboration, partnership and hiring. He emphasizes the need to seek out strategic alliances and synergies that can help accelerate and grow. Throughout the episode, Yoni provides valuable insights that keep coming and advice for entrepreneurs looking to thrive through business evolution. So, Listen in!   In This Episode: [01:00] Introducing Yoni Kozminski [04:20] The process. [09:50] Challenges; Accountability [14:00] Common mistakes newbies make. [21:50] Training a new staff or hiring an expert? [26:20] 4Rs [30:00] Vetting, hiring agencies. [37:00] Brands   Guest Links and References website: https://www.southcol.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonkoz/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonkoz?originalSubdomain=il   Book References: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Multipliers by Liz Wiseman Good to Great by Jim Collins   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

In this episode, we have a very special guest, a mentor and friend, Manuel Suarez, an expert in this area of e-commerce to delve into the topic of using AI to accelerate success in the e-commerce industry. Manuel shares very valuable insights and experiences in leveraging AI to enhance various aspects of e-commerce from avatar, to creating content, to finding your audience.   Manuel emphasizes the importance of AI in data analysis by utilizing AI-driven tools, market trends and even competitor analysis. Throughout the episode, Manuel underscores the need for businesses, regardless of area, to embrace AI and unlock its potential to accelerate e-commerce growth. He also talked about his book, Marketing Magic that also touch the subject AI.   Manuel’s vast experience and insights make this episode a must-listen for e-commerce looking to enhance their business operations and stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.   In This Episode: [00:40] Introducing Manuel Suarez [014:15] Manuel’s Book [05:55] AI 16 years ago. [11:45] AI for Today. [13:10] Using AI to accelerate an area of your business. [16:00] Finding your ideal target. [27:45] Creating an avatar. [29:35] AI impact on Amazon sellers.   Guest Links and References: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmanuelsuarez/ Website: https://www.themarketingmagicbook.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CodmnLnIHc3MpzOOC92ml   Book References: Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this episode, we are joined by Layla Pomper, an expert in SOP. Layla is the Creator and CEO at ProcessDriven where she helps small teams turn chaos into process. Since 2018, Layla has been combining software, operations, and storytelling to guide 1,600+ teams to “Enjoy the Process!” while building a scalable foundation of business systems. The episode begins with Layla explaining the meaning of SOP and the processes. Layla dives into components, effectiveness and complexity of SOPs and using SOPs as tools and improving them overtime and getting clear of the outcome. This podcast with Layla provides a comprehensive overview of SOP mastery. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of SOPs, practical tips for creating effective procedures and strategies for success implementation and maintenance within organizations. In This Episode: [00:50] Introducing Layla Pomper [01:20] SOPs according to Layla. [01:48] How often and when to do SOP? [04:45] Components and effectiveness. [06:25] Complexity. [10:10] Process maps. [13:30] Advice [18:00] KPI [22:00] Learning to write SOPs   Guest Links and References: Website: https://processdriven.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/processdriven.co/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/processdriven Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/laylapomper   Book References: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

Guest Freddie Chatt, an experienced ecommerce lover specializing in growing brands with SEO, discusses the importance of understanding and utilizing SEO, optimizing titles and descriptions, determining success and failure, using email lists, paid ads, AI and SEO, consulting, and the power of newsletters.

  In this episode, we have Anthony Cofrancesco is the Director of Business Development at Data Dive, the previous owner of Virtuous Graphics, a marketing agency offering copywriting, graphic design, photography, and videography to Amazon sellers to help us in this discussion as he shares insights on how to develop a pro mindset for crafting the perfect product research approach. Anthony begins by emphasizing the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness when conducting product research. He suggests that researchers should adopt a beginner’s mindset, constantly questioning assumptions and being willing to explore new avenues. He believes that this approach allows more comprehensive and innovative insights. He then went on discussing the step-by-step process you wouldn’t want to miss. Keywords are the number one component in this process. Listen to the detailed procedure and all the valuable insights Anthony shared. In This Episode: [00:30] Introducing Anthony Cofrancesco [01:35] Mindset you will need to do product research. 03:50] First step you should do. [04:00] Criteria for the research [07:00[ Search for products in the same niche. [08:20] Product validation [10:30] Pricing. [16:30] Getting rid of keywords. [28:20] Advice to people going for high-risk niche. [29:20] product scorecard. [39:00] Design differentiation. [52:50] Budget   Guest Links and References: website: https://datadive.tools/ Email: anthony.cofrancesco@datadive.tools Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonycofran/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antcofranc/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCH0A7CeY0o76KiRa0VDy4A   Book References: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki 4-Hr Work Week by Timothy Ferris Family First Entrepreneur by Steve Chou   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this podcast episode, I have the honor to have Afolabi Oyerokun, 3rd timer in the show and co-founder of Honu Worldwide to discuss the factors that sellers should take into consideration when selecting a third-party logistics or 3PL partner. Afolabi, and experienced supply chain professional, provides valuable insights on what sellers should really consider during this crucial decision-making process.   The discussion begins by highlighting the differences or types of 3PL and importance of understanding the specific needs of the seller’s business. Afolabi also emphasizes the significance of geographical reach and network capabilities. Assessing the volume, size and nature of the product being sold is crucial as well and emphasized.   In a fast-paced business environment, communication is a crucial thing to consider as well in deciding for a 3PL partner. Considering factors such as business needs, geographical reach, technology, communication and insurance are things to look at and Afolabi provided valuable insights in this episode for you to consider in finding a successful partner 3PL.   In This Episode: [00:25] Welcoming Afolabi Oyerokun in the show. [02:00] First time using 3PL. [03:35] 3PL; Order fulfillment, Prep center, Hybrid [08:20] When to use hybrid 3PL? [11:05] 5 things sellers should consider. [13:30] Return. [22:35] Software. [24:45] Is 3PL expensive? [28:00] Communication.   Guest Links and References: Website: https://honuworldwide.com/ Email: savings@honuworldwide.com  3pl@honu3pl.com   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this podcast episode, our guest Amanda Horvarth, a successful content creator, YouTuber and coach shares her insights and strategies for earning money online in an authentic approach. Amanda emphasizes the importance of being genuine and authentic when building online presence to attract and engage an audience.   Amanda begins by discussing the significance of identifying your passion, interest and niche. She suggests focusing on creating content that truly resonates with your audience and learning to work on camera.She also shares human design. Overall, this episode with Amanda Horvath provides valuable insights for content creators looking to monetize their contents in an authentic way. Amanda’s emphasis on passion, consistency and adaptability provides practical approach to building successful content.   In This Episode:     [01:10] Introducing Amanda Horvath [03:50] How it started. [06:10] Content creation. [11:10] Starting Youtube now. [20:45] Best mic and gadgets for your content. [29:20] Human design. [36:22] Strength finder                                                                        Guest Links and References: Website: https://amandahorvath.com/ Instagram: @ahvisions Youtube: www.youtube.com/amandahorvath   Book Reference: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/

  In this episode, we have a second-timer in the show, a good friend, best known as the founder of Beast Gear, Ben Leonard. Ben is a classic millennial entrepreneur, a successful one at that. And he is in to discuss the hidden struggles that exist beyond the glamorous facade of starting and running an online business.   Our conversation delves into various struggles faced by e-commerce entrepreneurs, the hidden challenges and handling set-backs and failures. Aside from financial struggles, social and mental struggles have been discussed as some that are often not talked about.   The episode concludes with advice and aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs and Ben provides valuable insights in this episode.   In This Episode: [01:10] Introduction of Ben Leonard. [02:40] Being a content creator. [03:55] Releasing a book soon. [07:35] Imposter syndrome. [14:45] Struggles and dealing with them. [16:00] Finding a motivator. [20:30] Handling set-backs and failures.   Guest Links and References: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benleonardpro https://www.instagram.com/ecombrokers/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjleonard/ Website offer:https://quitstallingbook.com/ecomwizards Guest notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jNY0EBLKmmXw35JR6kv3yKJszy5V4QQaFjEIcyOtsNI/edit   Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: https://wizardsofamazon.mykajabi.com/a/27566/x6Kwkz6p Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/