AM/PM Podcast

In this episode, our guest talks about YouTube growth, image optimization, selling internationally on Amazon, overcoming challenges, and top e-commerce strategies. Welcome to an insightful journey into the dynamic realms of e-commerce and content creation. In this episode, we're joined by Helium 10 Elite member David Quintieri, who shares his wealth of experience as a seasoned YouTuber with over 100 million views. Listen in as we explore the exciting intersection of YouTube and Amazon, uncovering strategies for leveraging video and user-generated content to boost e-commerce success. We highlight staggering success stories, like those of the Kelsey brothers and Joe Rogan, to illustrate the untapped potential of monetization on podcast platforms. David offers a unique perspective on bridging content creation with e-commerce, sharing valuable insights for both aspiring and established sellers.   Join us as we discuss essential strategies for enhancing your Amazon FBA business, from effective image usage in product listings to transitioning from a YouTube career into Amazon FBA selling. Learn about the importance of storytelling and emotionally resonant language in marketing images, and hear personal experiences about transitioning from selling generic products to building a unique brand. We also explore the value of educational resources and small paid groups in overcoming challenges and inspiring entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need to understand the intricacies of the Amazon selling process.   Additionally, we examine the cultural differences in entrepreneurship between the US and other countries, exploring how understanding the American consumer is crucial for international sellers. Our conversation also touches on the innovative use of AI tools for enhancing product images and Amazon listings, offering insights into staying competitive in the evolving e-commerce landscape. Finally, we reflect on the impact of relationship quality on personal and professional growth, encouraging listeners to invest in nurturing connections. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable strategies and inspiration for e-commerce success.   In episode 417 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and David discuss: 00:00 - E-Commerce Strategies and Monetizing YouTube 07:07 - Utilizing YouTube Shorts And It's Algorithm 11:29 - Importance of Quality Photo Composition 13:28 - Amazon FBA Business Journey 16:51 - Scaling Business With Amazon Selling 23:10 - Building Confidence in E-Commerce Business 27:33 - Transitioning From Nine to Five Jobs 29:23 - Business Opportunities in Canada vs USA 32:47 - Advantages of Pursuing Opportunities in the US 36:57 - Utilizing AI Tools in E-Commerce 38:08 - Amazon Comprehend for Image Analysis  43:54 - Benefits of Helium 10 Elite Membership 49:15 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Gina Perez, a former competitive college athlete and successful entrepreneur in the pet brand industry, shares her vibrant experiences from the Olympics in France. She discusses her transition from a corporate sports career to e-commerce, reflecting on the challenges of building a pet brand. Gina emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating customer loyalty and how mastermind groups like Helium 10 Elite have been instrumental in her growth. With a focus on community and unique product offerings, she highlights strategies for navigating the competitive pet market.

David Lang, a former Lufthansa pilot turned e-commerce entrepreneur, shares his remarkable transition from flying planes to thriving on Amazon, where he hit $1.2 million in sales in just five days. He discusses how aviation's detailed systems and data-driven mindset influenced his business strategies. Lang also debunks aviation myths, shares his thrilling journey of selling his Amazon venture, and reveals plans to network at the Billion Dollar Seller Summit in Iceland. It's an inspiring tale of balancing dual careers and finding financial freedom through innovation.

Picture this: Two pharmacists trading their lab coats for entrepreneurial hats, diving headfirst into the world of Amazon FBA. Janine and Brian's journey from selling closeout tanning lotion and books on eBay to becoming successful Amazon sellers is nothing short of inspiring. This episode captures their transition, highlighting how their complementary skills—Brian’s keen analytical mind and Janine’s marketing flair—propelled them to success. You'll hear about their experiences at a brainstorming event with Perry Belcher in Las Vegas, where open and honest discussions led to breakthrough business insights.   We also explore their story as Amazon entrepreneurs who scaled their business to an impressive $5 million in annual revenue through strategy and grit. The path wasn’t always smooth; from facing major safety complaints and grueling IP disputes to navigating a nightmare Amazon business exit, every challenge presented a learning opportunity. This journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and problem-solving in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.   Beyond Amazon, we dive into the diverse world of entrepreneurship. Janine and Brian share their adventures in turning around a struggling Amazon brand that they acquired after their exit and managing multiple Airbnb properties. They reveal their plans to leverage their pharmacy backgrounds by starting IV hydration clinics, illustrating their knack for balancing multiple ventures while maintaining steady income streams. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories, underscoring the power of partnership, resilience, and the human connections that drive business success. Don't miss out on this episode full of entrepreneurial wisdom!   In episode 414 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Brian, and Janine discuss: 00:00 - Brian and Janine's Amazon FBA Business Success 03:24 - Amazon Sellers Share Insights at Event 06:01 - From Pharmacists to Amazon Entrepreneurs 10:33 - Success Story of Taking Action 14:20 - Immediate Business Success Stories 15:25 - Navigating Amazon Growth and Selling Journey 20:14 - Advice to Sell Brand and Grow 22:31 - Amazon Brand Suspension and Patent Dispute 31:02 - Negotiation for Brand Acquisition 32:20 - Resolving IP Dispute With Faithful Conversation 35:58 - Business Dispute Resolution Conversations 40:42 - Turning Around a Nightmare Amazon Business Exit 40:46 - A New Brand Acquisition for $40,000 45:53 - Airbnb, Amazon, and New Entrepreneurial Ventures 49:37 - Damage Control Strategies 52:07 - Business Networking and Persistence in Amazon 53:11 - Maximizing Amazon-Selling Success 53:40 - Kevin King's Words of Wisdom

Listen to this insightful episode as we chat with Steve Yates, the founder of Prime Guidance, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Dick's Sporting Goods, Amazon, and Woot. Steve shares valuable strategies for liquidating inventory, controlling the buy box, and optimizing brand presence on major platforms like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. We explore the benefits of using Woot for your inventory liquidations and discuss effective methods for brands to establish and enhance their e-commerce footprint.   In our discussion, we cover the intricacies of e-commerce consultancy and growth strategies, highlighting the options available for liquidating or donating excess inventory and the benefits of each approach. Steve explains how Prime Guidance supports sellers in optimizing their marketplace presence by providing tailored consultancy services, training internal teams, and offering strategic advice. We also touch on the challenges brands face when transitioning to Amazon and the importance of channel control policies and managing their own sales to improve profitability.   Finally, we talk about the complexities of inventory and pricing strategy, discussing the importance of channel control, product serialization, and the Amazon Transparency program. Steve shares insights on maintaining good relationships with retail giants and the significance of product differentiation in retail success. We also explore the emerging e-commerce opportunities on platforms like Walmart.com and TikTok, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt their strategies to each platform's unique algorithms and consumer expectations. Tune in to learn how to navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape and accelerate your brand's growth. In episode 413 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Steve discuss: 00:00 - Opportunities in E-Commerce for Big Brands 01:38 - Amazon's Acquisition of Woot.com 06:16 - Retail Strategy of Daily Deal Website 08:26 - E-Commerce Consultancy and Growth Strategy 14:40 - Revenue-Based vs. Fixed Fee Agency Services 17:21 - Navigating Resistance to Amazon Marketplace 20:25 - Strategies for Brand Channel Control 26:11 - Controlling Inventory and Pricing Strategy 28:50 - Dealing With Amazon Resellers 32:54 - Channel Strategy and Marketplace Differentiation 33:59 - Business Strategies for Retail Success 37:35 - Key Price Points for Product Placement 40:40 - Brand Strategy in E-Commerce Marketplaces 45:21 - Branding Strategies for Amazon Success 47:27 - Emerging E-Commerce Opportunities 50:59 - Optimizing Walmart Listings for Success 54:20 - Unscripted Conversations on AM/PM Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Melanie Shabangu-Katsaris, co-founder of Avask, dives into the exciting world of global e-commerce. She highlights the significant opportunities for sellers to expand into Europe, emphasizing the importance of understanding local regulations like VAT compliance. With a nod to the vibrant Amazon-seller community, Melanie shares memorable industry moments, including a Beyoncé concert. Ultimately, she outlines how her company simplifies the complexities of international compliance and logistics, supporting sellers to thrive across borders.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Coleman, a Helium 10 Elite member, shares his entrepreneurial journey of launching a brand on TikTok using a mix of design and data-driven strategies. He highlights the importance of understanding audience needs and effective marketing on new platforms. The conversation dives into the challenges of transitioning from Amazon to TikTok Shop, emphasizing the role of influencer marketing and inventory management. Josh also emphasizes community support and the value of experiential learning in building a successful brand.

Can a laid-off Wall Street analyst turn a small vacuum cleaner parts store into a thriving e-commerce empire? Chad Rubin did just that, and in this episode, he shares his remarkable journey from the financial crisis of 2008 to becoming a pioneer in the world of Amazon selling. We explore how Chad's commitment to high-quality products and strategic pricing propelled his private-label business to success. Discover the pivotal moments that led to the birth of Skubana, a multi-marketplace management powerhouse, and his latest venture, Profasee, which revolutionizes dynamic pricing for sellers.   Chad's story is a testament to the power of continuous innovation in e-commerce. We discuss the relentless need for product iteration, the complexities of protecting intellectual property in China, and the creation of Skubana as a response to the inefficiencies in existing inventory management systems. From transitioning between platforms like Volusion, Magento, and Shopify to addressing the unique challenges of the e-commerce landscape, Chad provides invaluable insights that every entrepreneur can learn from.    But Chad's contributions go beyond his own businesses. Tune in to hear about the evolution of the Prosper Show conferences, a leading event for Amazon sellers co-founded by Chad to foster community and knowledge sharing. We also dive into the intricacies of dynamic pricing strategies with Profasee, comparing them to Uber's surge pricing and exploring their impact on profitability. Whether you're an e-commerce novice or a seasoned seller, Chad's expertise and passion for the industry will leave you inspired and armed with strategies to elevate your own Amazon business. In episode 410 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Chad discuss: 08:17 - Evolution of Aftermarket Parts Industry 11:09 - Constant Innovation in E-Commerce Business 13:39 - Challenges of Protecting Intellectual Property 18:47 - Evolution of Prosper Show Conferences 18:48 - Entrepreneur Launches Various Business Ventures 24:12 - Evolution of International Seller Conference 29:45 - The Truth About E-Commerce Conferences 35:10 - Advanced Pricing Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers 39:59 - Enhancing E-Commerce Pricing Strategies 40:43 - Effectiveness of Static Pricing Strategy 46:03 - More Strategies for E-Commerce Success 51:52 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Adam Heist, famously known as Adam Runquist, shares his extraordinary journey from the corporate energy sector to becoming a top-tier Amazon seller. Discover how Adam's expertise in mergers and acquisitions led him to identify the untapped potential of physical products, eventually leading to the creation and a 7-figure exit of his own Amazon brand. We'll also hear about his adventurous travels in Bali, insights into the transformative impact of branding and AI on Amazon sellers, and his continued ventures managing multiple brands and a thriving YouTube channel.   Join us as Adam opens up about the challenges of content creation, balancing a high-demand executive job while running multiple Amazon brands, and the strategic decision to transition from a corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship. He dives into the emotional and financial turbulence he faced, including a life-changing stroke recovery, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to business and life. From navigating divorce to leveraging affiliate marketing and online courses, Adam's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability.   Finally, explore the intricate world of Amazon selling with a focus on AI-driven strategies, the necessity of building robust business teams, and the importance of personalized organic rankings. Adam provides practical advice on creating resilient operations, leveraging Filipino talent for scaling, and the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce. Get ready to be inspired by Adam's invaluable lessons on staying ahead in the competitive market, the power of personal reinvention, and the future of Amazon selling. In episode 409 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Adam discuss: 00:00 - Amazon-Seller Journey With Adam Heist 00:30 - Is It Adam Heist Or Adam Adam Runquist?? 06:52 - Entrepreneurship, Life Change, and Reflection 16:30 - Van Life Experience in Australia 17:37 - Stroke Recovery and Unexpected Setback 22:36 - Building a Resilient Business Team 23:46 - Lesson on Business Operations Independence 26:55 - Business Operations Supply Chain Management 29:13 - Business Building and Content Creation 32:59 - Business Growth Through Investments and Learning 38:19 - Ethics in Amazon Agency Industry 38:35 - Expanding Perspectives for Amazon Sellers 45:51 - Future of Amazon Selling With AI 46:50 - Personal Growth and Business Success 49:39 - Future of Keyword Targeting on Amazon 53:36 - Future of Amazon Organic Ranking 55:32 - Preparing for E-Commerce Success 59:26 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

What if artificial intelligence could revolutionize your e-commerce business? That's exactly what Max Sinclair, a former Amazon insider turned AI entrepreneur, believes and shares with us in this eye-opening episode. With six years of experience in various strategic roles at Amazon, Max's journey from managing top European accounts to founding an AI company dedicated to Amazon sellers is nothing short of inspiring. His transition from Amazon to launching his AI venture, spurred by an early demonstration of stable diffusion and the release of ChatGPT, provides a fascinating backdrop for understanding the transformative potential of AI in online marketplaces.   Throughout our conversation, Max dives into the challenges and future potential of AI-generated content, particularly in text and image creation. He explains the limitations of current models like GPT-4 and offers insights into how future models will evolve and improve. We also discuss the broader implications of AI technology, touching on concerns about misinformation and the role of trusted sources in mitigating these risks. Max shares compelling arguments on why staying informed and engaged with AI advancements is crucial for anyone involved in e-commerce.   Max's expertise shines as he introduces an advanced e-commerce tool designed to optimize product listings with remarkable speed and accuracy. This tool, integrating seamlessly with platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, offers a leap in efficiency for sellers by generating comprehensive listings, including text, infographics, and images, with just one click. We also explore the success stories of sellers who have leveraged AI to significantly improve their listing visibility and consumer preference, underscoring the transformative impact of AI in the e-commerce space. Don't miss this insightful episode where we uncover the future of AI in e-commerce with a true industry expert. In episode 408 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Max discuss: 00:00 - AI in E-Commerce With Max Sinclair 03:10 - Strategic Account Management and Product Innovation 05:25 - Lessons From Amazon's Culture 07:55 - Opportunities in AI and E-Commerce 11:04 - Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Image Generation 17:16 - Challenges With Photorealistic Image Generation 20:11 - Future of Distinguishing Real From Fake 24:39 - Impact of AI on Society 24:50 - Future of AI Generative Content Models 32:05 - AI Product Listing Optimization and Generation 36:42 - Insights on AI in E-Commerce 39:09 - ChatGPT Prompting for Genuine Responses 42:43 - Future of E-Commerce and AI 48:58 - AI in E-Commerce Evolution 51:46 - Exploring E-Commerce Content and AI 53:33 - Kevin's Market Masters Event Announcement 54:05 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom