Ecommerce Conversations

In late 2020, host Eric Bandholz interviewed a developer who had launched a Shopify app for sending manual text messages to cart abandoners. Eighteen months later, they spoke again, this time to discuss his sale of that company and purchase of another, an app that offered upsells in a Shopify checkout.By early 2023 he had sold the second company and launched a third one, an app to recover coupon leaks. Which brings us to Eric's fourth conversation with Dennis Hegstad. He has shut down the coupon-leak app business and started his fourth, a data provider for the ecommerce industry called Internet Research Unit. What, exactly, is Internet Research Uniit? Eric asked him that question and more in this episode.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tGAFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Host Eric Bandholz has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs for this podcast. Most are problem solvers and optimists, confident in their ability to fulfill a need.Take Lloyd Armbrust. He's an editor turned software founder, having launched OwnLocal, a Y Combinator-backed portal for local newspapers. When the pandemic hit, he observed doctors and nurses struggling to obtain protective masks and gloves. He thought, "This is ridiculous. How hard could it be to make these things?"His solution was Armbrust American, an Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of personal protective equipment, which he started in May 2020 and remains viable despite the dramatic drop in demand.He shares his lessons in this episode, addressing manufacturing, ecommerce, and family-first priorities. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tC7For all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com

Scaling down a business can be just as challenging as growing it. The host shares his tough experience of switching third-party logistics providers after losing a major customer. He faced unexpected costs and subpar service, prompting a move back to Texas for better fulfillment. There are valuable lessons on management and communication throughout this journey. The insights aim to help others navigate the tricky waters of logistics in their own ventures.

Nik Sharma, owner of Sharma Brands, shares insights on the importance of branding over short-term profits. He argues that companies focusing solely on quick sales often face long-term challenges due to high advertising costs. Nik emphasizes creating a positive brand identity first, which leads to affordable customer acquisition and retention. He also explores the significance of engaging with culture through influencer partnerships for brand recognition and offers strategies for crafting effective e-commerce site designs that boost conversions.

Mark Berkowitz is an attorney and partner at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP in New York who works extensively with ecommerce merchants, including Amazon sellers, handling various forms of litigation.Last year, host Eric Bandholz's company, Beardbrand, was sued for alleged violations of New York laws similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The claim was frivolous. Bandholz hired Berkowitz, who is experienced in accessibility matters. He made Beardbrand's refusal to pay the claim clear to the plaintiff's attorney, who eventually dropped the case.Berkowitz recaps the lawsuit in this episode and offers advice for other merchants in similar circumstances. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6toHFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Jacob Posel, a software engineer specializing in AI integration at Common Thread Collective, shares his insights on using AI to streamline business operations. He discusses the balance between AI and human creativity, the evolution of image and video generation, and the accessibility of AI tools for non-coders. Jacob also highlights the costs associated with AI content creation and the importance of effective collaboration with AI through skilled prompting. His practical tips offer a fresh perspective on enhancing e-commerce strategies through innovation.

David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-founder of Basecamp, shares his journey as a modern-day polymath. He discusses the rise of Rails and its impact on e-commerce platforms, interlacing personal anecdotes about his passion for race car driving. DHH advocates for a minimalist management approach to enhance productivity, emphasizing work-life balance and the importance of efficient communication. He also examines the implications of SaaS business models and how cultural shifts can strengthen a company's core values.

Resilience comes to mind when describing Hunter Durham. In eight years, he went from a college graduate to a Facebook employee to a company owner to bankruptcy.Fortunately, he’s willing to share his experience in this episode. It’s a helpful case study on borrowing money, riding an ecommerce boom, and relying on a single client.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6taNFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Nathan Chan, owner of Foundr, a business merging media with entrepreneurship training, shares his journey through burnout after achieving success. He emphasizes the need for self-care and finding joy in entrepreneurship despite challenges. Chan discusses the intricacies of hiring high-level talent, offering practical strategies for attracting the right leaders. He highlights the importance of clear expectations and thorough evaluation processes in recruitment, all while navigating the dynamic landscape of growth and leadership in business.

Lauren Johnson says high-performing entrepreneurs have similar characteristics as professional athletes. Both have mental traits that lead to inevitable success. She first observed those qualities when working for the New York Yankees, teaching mental performance to accomplished baseball players.For an edited and condensed transcript of this episode with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?4OlJFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com