The D2Z Podcast (Brandon Amoroso)

Brandon talks with Blake Imperl, Head of Partner Community for text marketing leader Attentive. Blake and Brandon talk about the most powerful way to use SMS, the importance of customer relationships through personalization and conversations, and what’s coming next with conversational SMS. They discuss creating a strong customer experience and focusing on customer retention. Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Blake Imperl at https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeimperl/ and https://www.attentivemobile.com/.

Brandon talks with Steven Finn, Co-Founder and General Partner of food and beverage venture capital firm Siddhi Capital. Steven and Brandon talk about the food and beverage space and how to get funding and commercialize food products. They go into the difference between establishing a new market and entering an established one, retail versus DTC, managing margin for scale, and the emerging FoodTech industry, including the creation of new types of meats.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Steven Finn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-finn-bb206011/ and https://www.siddhicapital.co.

Brandon welcomes Dane Baker, co-founder and CEO of an incredible company EcoCart who is on the frontlines of e-commerce sustainability. Dane and Brandon talk about how internet businesses can make a positive impact on the environment and the importance of giving consumers the choice to make net zero transactions. Also, what does it mean to be a young entrepreneur.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Dane Baker at https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneaustinbaker/ and https://ecocart.io/business/.

Brandon talks with Lewis Schenk, an Australia-based entrepreneur and founder of three companies, including Boost Media Agency who focuses on personal branding and strengthening their online presence. Lewis and Brandon talk about entrepreneurship and cultivating a mindset that embraces and learns from failure, the correlation of business and
 sports, personal branding tips, building a team and culture. They explore the hiring process, remote and global teams, connecting people when remote, and growing business through referrals.

 Links: Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Lewis Schenk at https://www.instagram.com/lewisschenk/?hl=en, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-schenk/, and https://www.boostmediaofficial.page.

Brandon talks with Rich Watson, Founder of Augmented Hype an augmented reality ad filter technology. They talk about the challenges of customer acquisition, how AR can create connections with customers, the power of immersion for e-commerce, and how effective AR Is compared to traditional ads. They talk about use cases for AR, AR for NFTs, and elevating AR beyond standard marketing tactics.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Rich Watson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-s-watson/ and at https://www.augmentedhype.com/.

Meta AR Ad Study:

https://www.facebook.com/business/news/insights/groundbreaking-ar-ad-study-quantifies-the-value-of-immersive-

Brandon talks with Chathri Ali, Technology Partnerships for email/SMS and customer data platform Klaviyo, one of the most powerful technology integrators in the Shopify ecosystem. They talk about technology integrations, how integrations can make tech stacks more powerful, and how integration strategies should drive development. They also explore how SMS is becoming more important for partners and on Klaviyo’s Consumer Data Platform (CDP).

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Chathri Ali at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chathri/ and https://www.klaviyo.com/. 
 

Brandon talks with Andy Cloyd and Anders Bill, the Co-Founders of Superfiliate, a new player in word of mouth. Superfiliate automates the creation of personalized storefronts for customers and creators. They talk about the problem with customer acquisition, the importance of diversifying the marketing mix and not relying on paid media, optimizing channels beyond traditional marketing tactics, and focusing on word of mouth. They explore how authenticity drives effective influencer marketing, aligning influencer and brand values, and effective loyalty programs that provide value.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Andy Cloyd at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycloyd/ and

Anders Bill https://www.linkedin.com/in/anders-bill/ at and Superfiliate at https://www.superfiliate.com/. 

Brandon talks with Ashland Stansbury, Founder, and CEO of Because Intelligence, a product page content automation platform. Ashland and Brandon talk about entrepreneurship, entering the e-commerce industry, and being a gen Z business leader. They explore the importance of the product page to improve the customer journey and the difficulties around personalization and customization of product pages at scale. They also dive into pricing strategies in the Shopify ecosystem and how to balance business needs and customer expectations. And some closing advice for entrepreneurs!

Links: Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Ashland Stansbury at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashland-stansbury-7b0a64b0/ and https://www.becauseintelligence.com/home. 

Brandon talks with Eddie Cmehil and Jennifer McGowan from e-commerce platform Malomo. This is a special D2Z episode because they all dive deep into a particular success story that demonstrates the power of using transactional emails, like shipping tracking, to capture revenue and automated sales. Brandon, Eddie, and Jennifer talk about the importance of creating relationships with customers and taking advantage of every touch point you have with them. Links: Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.comFind Malomo at https://gomalomo.com/

Brandon talks with Jordan Buckner, founder of Food and Beverage industry community and platform Foodbevy. Jordan and Brandon talk about the CPG space, solving food and beverage CPG problems, and what to consider when launching a new consumable brand. They go into industry challenges in DTC, the role of Amazon in CPG, and how to build an effective DTC team for your brand.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Jordan Buckner at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanbuckner/ and https://foodbevy.com/ and the Startup to Scale Podcast at https://podcast.foodbevy.com/.

Brandon talks with Shanif Dhanani, the CEO of Apteo, a platform that helps ecommerce brands create hyper-personalized marketing from their customer data. They talk about collecting data and the importance of using it to make a good experience for the customer. Shanif and Brandon discuss educating customers on technology and how AI can grow the business and what is working these days on successful marketing strategies, including segmentation and personalization. They dive into team-building and the importance of working with people you trust, have different skill sets, and who have the right attitude..

Also Brandon decides to coin Retention as a Service (RaaS) and will use it enough that it will catch on!

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Shanif at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanifdhanani/ and https://www.apteo.co/.

Shanif has a special offer for D2Z listeners!

An extended free Apteo trial–just mention this episode and they’ll get you set up!

Brandon talks with Matt Bahr, CEO of Fairing, formerly EnquireLabs, a marketing insights technology company. They talk about the potential of technology and consumer data, the shift to retention as a strategy, and using data to build a competitive advantage. They go into how to create effective segments, identifying what data to analyze, where to capture it, and what to do with it, building a customer profile, and the importance of understanding your customer and building personas.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Matt Bahr at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbahr/ and at https://fairing.co/. 

 

Brandon talks with Zac Brandenberg, co-founder and CEO of DRINKS, the online leader in adult beverage who pioneered the world’s first Wine as a Service (WaaS) platform and now the parent company of Electriq Marketing. They talk about the DRINKS acquisition of Electriq and the need to bring innovation to a highly regulated and fragmented industry that hasn’t changed since Prohibition. Zac and Brandon dive into the need to bring the power of Shopify to wineries so they can apply the same efficiencies, data, and customer experiences as other D2C brands. They unveil the upcoming DRINKS app on Shopify that will provide tax and compliance in the check-out system for wineries. They also use alcohol puns.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Zac Brandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-brandenberg/ and http://www.drinks.com.

Brandon talks with John Erck, co-founder and CEO of Rebuy, an e-commerce omnichannel personalization engine. John and Brandon talk about the latest in e-commerce strategies including personalization and how to scale into multiple channels. They go into how a good shopping experience is key to success in the highly volatile DTC space.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find John Erck at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnerck/ and https://www.rebuyengine.com/.

Brandon debuts The D2Z Podcast with Rachel Tyers, e-commerce veteran and VP of Strategic Partnerships at Okendo. They discuss her journey from selling flash tattoos to building and leading Okendo partnership teams and then talk about the latest in e-commerce trends: zero party data, review tools, headless commerce, the metaverse, and NFTs.   

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Rachel Tyers at https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheltyers/ and https://www.okendo.io/

Brandon talks with Cameron Faist, Director of E-Commerce at Aura Bora the beverage company that wants you to drink weird water and who creates amazing herb, fruit, and flower sparkling water. Cameron and Brandon talk about e-commerce and CPG marketing, best practices and pitfalls in the beverage space, and how to take care of your customers. They explore making marketing natural and fun and building a good team culture.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find Cameron Faist at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfaist/ and https://aurabora.com/.

Brandon talks with David McCormick, Partner at Siddhi Capital, an investment firm focused on food, beverage, and food tech. David and Brandon discuss the importance of creating the right business strategies and the trade-offs when chasing only growth, why solving problems is critical for businesses today, and rising above features and attributes. They go into hiring for culture first, the biggest financial mistakes businesses make, and some new exciting trends.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 Find David McComrick at at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mccormick-9273bbb1/  and https://www.siddhicapital.co/.

Brandon talks with Dan Sweeney, Chief Operating Officer of Torque Detail, a leading
automotive detailing product company. They talk about distribution in e-commerce and brick and  mortar, the benefits of brick and mortar for some products and getting into retail, using database segmentation for local activations and community building for retail, and e-commerce tactics that are working. They explore landing pages, building a good offer, email strategies, and copywriting.
 
Links:
 
Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and
https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Dan Sweeney at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweeneydaniel/ and
https://www.torquedetail.com/. 

Brandon talks with Billy McClennan, Director of Partnerships at customer service platform Gorgias. They go into Billy’s journey from chemist to e-commerce platform Gorgias, customer service platform, and the e-commerce industry. They explore driving revenue and retention with customer service, using automation for improving the customer experience, and building self-service processes. They parse the different modes of customer service, preferred methods and trends, and educating brands around the impact of customer service on business.

 Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and
https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Billy McClennan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-mcclennan-27bb3484/ and
https://www.gorgias.com/.

Find the Gorgias eBook The Support Performance Flywheel:
https://www.gorgias.com/ebook/support-performance-flywheel 

Brandon talks with Yash Chavan, founder of the DTC influencer marketing management platform SARAL. They talk about the pitfalls and issues around influencer marketing, nurturing influencer relationships, and aligning influencers with your brand. They also go into influencer marketing trends and building a business.

 Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and  https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

 
Find Yash Chavan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yctheman/ and https://www.getsaral.com/  

Brandon talks with Hiral Zalavadia, Founder and CEO at Stately, a men’s fashion subscription service and innovator in the space. They talk about entrepreneurship and Hiral’s journey,  growing a business, and getting past pain points and bottlenecks, how to assess and mitigate risks, and navigating toward the future. They explore the ins and outs of the online subscription model, leading with subscriptions, and structuring products for success.

 
Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com

 
Find Hiral Zalavadia at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ hiralzalavadia/ and Stately at  

https://statelymen.com.

Brandon talks with Bill Boulden, a serial tech startup CTO who focuses on bringing products from the idea phase to launch. They explore Bill’s unique approach to building start-ups as a  fractional CTO, and they go into some common mistakes start-up founders will make. Brandon and Bill discuss building a minimum viable product, success strategies, and start-up trends.

 Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Bill Boulden at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/billboulden/  and 

https://www.billboulden.com/.

Brandon talks with Alexej Pikovsky, CEO & Co-Founder of Alphawell Brands and NUOPTIMA (formerly the Alphagreen Group), a global health and wellness e-commerce platform. They talk about building health and wellness brands online, how to determine what brands to acquire or pursue, the anatomy of product supply chain and distribution channels, and Health and Wellness trends. They explore authentic brands, social proof, and building a business.

 Links:

 Find Brandon Amoroso at  https://www.brandonamoroso.com and  https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Alexej Pikovsky at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/ and Alphawell Brands at https://www.alphawellbrands.com/.

Brandon talks with Kausambi Manjita, Founder of Mason, an e-commerce conversion platform. They talk about the nuances of building a technology company, the need for conversion services for e-commerce brands, and solving the customer acquisition cost problem. They explore making effective promotions,  helping the customer as a driver of promotions, and missed opportunities for customer conversions.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Kausambi Manjita at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmanjita/ and Mason at  https://getmason.io/.

Brandon talks with Philip Portman, CEO of Textdrip, a text-focused business growth platform. They talk about the power of text drip campaigns, keeping up on SMS/Text compliance, and how the text will help growth through automation. They also go into changing old-school mindsets to address business problems, the Gen Z mindset, business culture, how to be innovative, imposter syndrome, and more.

Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and

https://www.electriqmarketing.com

Find Philip Portman at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philportman/ and

https://philportman.com/

Brandon talks with Andrea Popova, CEO of CPGD, an investor-backed community of 5,000 founders, creators, and investors in the DTC industry.

 
They talk about how emerging consumer brands can get off the ground with the right marketing and operations resources to build them. In matching brands and agencies, brands are enabled to amplify their digital footprint and, build effective relationships between their founder, their audience, and generate community. With the right tech stack tools, brands can bypass technical hurdles in their sales journey. They explore strategic integration trends to unlock growth and opportunity in the physical marketplace and the digital marketspace for client discovery, acquisition, and retention. They discuss the potential of creating and leveraging synergistic market flows by providing in-person experiences in retail, pop-ups and events, followed by nurturing sales and loyalty through e-commerce channels.

Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

 
Find CPDG at https://www.cpgd.xyz/ and @cpdg.xyz. 

 
Find Andrea Popova at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-popova/ and https://www.andreapopova.com/ 

Brandon talks with Christine Russo, Principal and Founder of Retail Creative & Consulting Agency, a Retail Technology B2B Communications Consultancy, Sales and Marketing agency. 

 
They talk about the challenges and opportunities of creating a tightly integrated shopping experience for customers, regardless of where they purchase, whether digitally through your website or mobile app, or at your physical location. An optimized UE across each of your company’s assets is accomplished by creating a seamless rather than disconnected online and in-store experience through eCommerce and POS integrations, which improves everything from real-time inventory, product knowledge, CRM, UE, shipping, and the accuracy of sales data tracking and insight. While technological innovation is expanding in all directions in the eCommerce space, many retailers operate these systems separately due to interface issues, migration challenges, and overwhelm in determining the best solution in an ecosystem of endless choices. They explore differentiation factors to consider when selecting software to solve or support the fragmentation problem such as quality and integration level - from omnichannel platforms, plug-in applications and tech stack tools, or custom design. They also discuss tactics to blend the UE between digital and physical structures by leveraging tech developments for acquisition, engagement, and retention. And finally, if it’s all about meeting the customer where they’re at, let’s all consider getting into the metaverse sooner than later.


Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

Find Christine Russo at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-russo-3684604/ and www.russochristine.com. Check out her video podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7DdDLHi3YI4BfHnnNXWxLg 

Connect with Christine directly at RCCA at https://rccagency.com/nail-that-meeting/ 

Brandon talks with Monica Sharma-Patnekar, a Brand and Growth Strategy Consultant/Coach at Business with Monica, who helps conscious and creative D2C companies with a clear and focused vision know how to communicate and connect with their real audience in order to grow and scale. They talk about the power of purpose-driven brand strategies to establish loyalty, build trust, create growth and foster longevity. They explore the value of understanding your real customer through empathy and the intimate insights that may be gained with conversation-led market research, with applications to emotional marketing. They discuss caring about the 5 Ps of business principles, niching down, as well as using clear and defined brand purpose as an internal and external tool to attract and align people around meaning and add value to their lives. 

 
 Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

 
Find Monica at https://www.businesswithmonica.com/ and at @businesswithmonica, or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasharmapatnekar/ 

 
Download “Desires over Demographics” to find the 4 types of questions to ask your customers to reveal their true needs, wants and desires here: https://www.businesswithmonica.com/resources/ 

Brandon talks with Emilio Di Marco, CEO & Founder at Aument, the eCommerce toolbox to get new sales easily by providing customers with the best practice, product and experience. They talk about simplifying communications tools for small brands and solo-founders to help them make the most of their resources with omnichannel marketing automations, personalizations through email/SMS campaigns, and leverage data, through deliverability, strategy and design solutions. They discuss the importance of customer education, as being key to enable the use of a tool to its fullest capacity, in order to extract the full ROI it can provide. With regards to growth and development, they highlight the value of understanding marketplace pain points and staying focused on solving a problem, and determining how to balance your internal roadmap and objectives with prioritizing customer feedback. They explore the urgency for start-ups to let go of perfectionism and get a product to market, when to scale and hire, as well as the opportunity and challenge of remote work environments.

 
Links:

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.

Find Emilio Di Marco at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliodimarco/ and find Aument at https://aument.io/ 

Brandon talks with Josh Fonger, CEO & Owner at WTS Enterprises, a business operations consultancy that helps ambitious business owners develop and implement systematic solutions that optimize operations, enabling them to break free from the day-to-day and generate powerful growth. 

 
They talk about the power of systemizing business operations into a collection of streamlined processes and standardized procedures, enabling delegation, automation, consistency, efficiency, quality, and ultimately, the foundational momentum and clarity to scale. Developing infrastructure through segmentation and documentation extracts the foundational intelligence from the founder, allowing them to mentally elevate above and separate from their business operations, repositioning them to plan, innovate and grow. They discuss the power of coordinating strategic objectives, general operating principles and culture, and systemized operations to attain success. They explore best practices on how to work with teams as a consultant, integrating leadership goals with your plan of action, and including all team members in the process. 

Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

Find Josh Fonger on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfonger/ and find WTS Enterprises at https://wtsenterprises.com 

Brandon talks with Richie Jones, CEO & Owner at vvast, a B Corp certifying D2C at vvast scale, where he blends his agency and brand side experience by bringing a market disruption approach for lifestyle, retail and action sports brands seeking low capital EMEA market entry.
 
They talk about the vvast direct to consumer marketing playbook that delivers a comprehensive framework and strategy to scale brands globally. They explore the differences and similarities between the North American and European markets in terms of thought leadership best practices of localization of sales when expanding geographically. They discuss the power of leveraging cultural context and linguistic nuances, and the importance of translation, to reach and connect with consumers in smart and innovative ways in specific markets.
 
Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Richie Jones on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richiejones/ and find vvast at https://vvast.net/ 

This week D2Z Podcast producer Mark Havenner puts Brandon in the hot seat so we can all learn more about him and his journey. They talk about what “the Gen Z” mindset means, Brandon’s approach to business and building teams, and the story of Electriq. They also reveal Brandon is working on a book about his journey as a Gen Z entrepreneur.

Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com  and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

Brandon talks with Pranay Prakash, Founder & CEO at Windsor, an AI video-marketing platform that helps D2C brands acquire, grow, and retain customers through an AI video-personalization tool that enables brands to level-up customer communication from email to mass personalized video at scale. Using their tech, a founder or marketer can record a single video and send out millions of personalized copies to their customers in seconds. 

They talk about the fundraising component of entrepreneurship with a venture-backed technology innovation company, and the value of the age-old advice that the best way to learn how to swim is by jumping in. They explore how to balance the skill sets and roles of being a creator (operations, team curation and product development), a financial manager (securing capital, managing spend, and reporting to investors), and salesperson of your vision, culture and product across customer, employee and investor contexts. 

They discuss the opportunities for app developers to grow in the Shopify business model, which goes beyond the product platform into investment in Shopify-app development, contributing to entrepreneurial innovation and increasing the value of Shopify for everyone. 

 Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Pranay Prakash on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranaygp/ and find Windsor at https://www.windsor.io/ 

Brandon talks with Michael Charleston, Sr. eCommerce Product Manager at Nordic Naturals, an award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients company committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. 

They talk about the technological side of building a strong omnichannel brand at various levels of development and maturity. From the front-end focus of start-ups, where the focus is on launching products and customer acquisition, towards growing an established brand with equity where activity expands to increasing subscriptions and building retention, finding the right software integrations for the entire customer journey is key. 

They explore the value of investing in customer service as a vital part of brand experience and the importance of transparency and simplicity to drive a return and strengthen relationships for high lifetime value with the company. They discuss collaborative team empowerment as key to creating long-term success in a company, with the perspective of delegating business objectives with full strategic and operative ownership to get the best out of your team. 

 
Links:   

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Michael Charleston on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcharleston/ and find Nordic Naturals at https://www.nordic.com/ 

Brandon talks with Benjamin Mitchell the founder and CEO of Privé Creative, a performance marketing creative agency and studio for digitally native DTC brands. They talk about building a founding team and start-ups, scaling businesses, and the importance of honing your practice so you can be confident with your service offering. 

They also discuss entrepreneurship, taking the plunge into creating your own business and seizing opportunities. They go into how to build empowered teams and structured processes so you can scale easier, and dive into performance marketing and conversion strategies. 

Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Benjamin Mitchell on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmitchell1/  and find Privé Creative at https://www.privedesign.co/. 

Brandon talks with Tyler Grech with data as a service company Daasity. They talk about Tyler’s experience in the Shopify ecosystem, how to align with partners to go to market with technology, and leveraging ecosystems like Shopify, as well as DTC technology trends. They go into the importance of data-driven customer communication, retention strategies, and the power of data in marketing. 

They also discuss overall DTC business trends around social media, building and managing teams, and the importance of process-building and iteration. 

Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Tyler Grech on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylergrech/?originalSubdomain=ca  and find Daasity at https://www.daasity.com/. 

Brandon talks with Roman Yoffe, Founder and CEO of Absolute Web, a digital commerce agency. They talk about creating and sustaining a founding team for start-ups, specialization and the importance of focusing your practice, and recent DTC platform trends. They go into the business of Shopify, what to expect with the tech companies in the Shopify ecosystem, and how to make companies resilient during economic uncertainty. 

They also discuss the EEE eCommerce event hosted by Absolute Web and what to expect from this exclusive event, including a keynote by Kevin O’Leary. 

Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Roman Yoffe at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanyoffe and find Absolute Web at https://www.absoluteweb.com/. 

Find more information on EEE at https://eeemiami.com/. 

Brandon talks with Kevin Kline, Director of Agency Partners at Recharge, a recurring payments and retention optimization company. They talk about the recent Shopify Editions report which dives into Shopify solutions for merchants, creating strong communications after the sale, and how to optimize every part of the ecommerce journey. They go into the psychology of today’s customers and their ecommerce expectations, reducing friction with the customer experience, and focusing on lifetime value. 

They also talk about technology integrations in the Shopify ecosystem and the importance of partnerships within the industry, as well as the role of agencies in the ecommerce space, and how to measure success with your content in new channels like TikTok. 

Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Kevin Kline on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kline-a327341b/and find Recharge at https://rechargepayments.com/. 

Find more information on EEE at https://eeemiami.com/. 

In this episode, Brandon talks with Noah Rahimzadeh, partnerships at Malomo, a platform that specializes in post-purchase and customer journey solutions. The discussion focuses on improving the order tracking experience to enhance customer lifetime value and retention, and the importance of upselling opportunities on the order tracking page.

The conversation also delves into the significance of enhancing the overall customer experience to increase customer loyalty. Noah and Brandon discuss how an agency can leverage a tool like Malomo to help ecommerce businesses achieve their goals, the importance of strategic partnerships in business, and building the ideal ecomm tech stack to achieve optimal results.

They also share their insights on navigating the Shopify ecosystem, choosing the right apps, and making the most of integrations. 

Links: 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com. 

Find Noah Rahimzadeh at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-rahimzadeh-91667bb1/  and find Malomo at https://gomalomo.com/ 

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon speaks with Dan Deren, senior partnership manager at Klaviyo. Dan shares his insights on the importance of partnerships in ecommerce and the Shopify ecosystem, and how ecommerce businesses can get the true value of Klaviyo as a customer data platform through integrations. 

The conversation focuses on the post-purchase journey and the significance of personalization strategies in ecommerce. Dan also shares what a typical day looks like for a partnership manager, and how he keeps up with rapidly changing features and new opportunities in the industry. 

Listeners can expect to learn about the role of agencies when working with tech stacks, and how DTC technology companies can benefit from working with agencies. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving success in ecommerce, and how strategic partnerships can help businesses achieve their goals. 

Links:  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Dan Deren on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dderen/  and find Klaviyo at https://www.klaviyo.com/. 

In this special one-year anniversary episode of D2Z, Brandon is joined by Alissa Taggart, VP of Electriq, to discuss agency life and the story of Electriq. Alissa shares her experience of joining the team just before the company's acquisition and how Electriq has evolved over the past year. 

The conversation delves into the importance of having a strong team in an agency, and the significance of feedback and iteration. The discussion highlights key learnings from building effective and strong teams, including the importance of humility and the role of team leaders in embracing the growth of team members. 

Alissa stresses the importance of being real human beings and embracing work/life balance while also prioritizing business success. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the critical nature of focusing the agency and authentically having the team's interests at heart. 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.  

Find Alissa Taggart at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissataggart/. 

Alissa’s recommended book:  Good to Great Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't 

In this episode of the podcast, Brandon speaks with Megan Blissick from Retention.com. The discussion centers around partnership programs and how they operate within the ecommerce ecosystem. They also highlight Retention.com's unique approach is the use of tracking technology in ecommerce to capture potential customers with abandoned carts across devices. 

The conversation touches on the differences between working at a big company versus a growing startup, and the importance of building processes while navigating the sunk-cost bias. Megan also shares insights on leveraging partnerships for sales and business development, building mutual success and referrals, and educating partners on how to work with the product. Megan also shares tips and tricks on growing and scaling a team, including hiring tips and diversity. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of putting dogs on websites.  

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Megan Blissick at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganblissick/.  

Find the behind-the-scenes YouTube series on Rentention.com here: https://www.youtube.com/@retentiondotcom  

And the Ten Years In The Making Podcast: https://retention.com/podcast_episodes/ten-years-in-the-making-podcast/ 

In this episode, Brandon speaks with Adrian Alfieri, Founder of Verbatim, on the topic of e-commerce content marketing. Adrian shares valuable insights on what e-commerce companies need to focus on when it comes to content, and the logistics and production involved in creating content. 

The discussion centers around using content to generate revenue, and the importance of strategy on content distribution. Adrian discusses the production of content for on-site, social, and email marketing, and shares tips and strategies on converting customers using content. 

Listeners can expect to learn about the importance of social proof in leveraging networks, and how to report on content metrics and revenue to prove ROI. Adrian also shares insights on building a team for a fast-growing organization, and how to structure agency and client relations and account management. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a team that can deliver and identifying points of contact. Tune in to learn from Adrian's expertise and take your content marketing to the next level. 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Adrian Alfieriat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-alfieri/.  

Find Verbatim at https://www.verbatimlabs.com/  

In this episode of the podcast, Brandon speaks with Arvind Krishnan, CEO of the shopper engagement platform Swym.  

Arvind shares insights on how to capture what shoppers want and convert them to sell, emphasizing the importance of capturing as much information about the shopper as possible to create the best possible experience. The conversation also covers how Swym's integrations are driven by merchant requests for feedback and the strategic roadmap. 

They discuss the importance of improving conversion rates and how technology providers can make sure merchants are successful. Arvind also stresses the value of a customer support team for technology companies, as well as customer success for proactive service to ensure merchants are successful. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on how ecommerce brands will navigate a competitive technology environment, and how agencies can bolster and power technology sales and growth. Arvind also shares key learnings from building and sustaining a software business for 10 years, and navigating the challenges of remote work. 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Arvind Krishnan on Twitter at https://twitter.com/arvindax and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/arvindkkrishnan/.  

Find Swym at  https://swym.it/. 

🎙️An amazing conversation with Wesley Magness, R&D Lead at Recharge, on the podcast! 

🚀We talked about automating business retention processes for businesses, how to handle bundling and managing different apps with overlap, and how many Shopify apps are too many. 

💻Wesley also shared insights on technology's tendency to complicate things, and the importance of keeping data in one place for seamless, frictionless distribution. 

🌟We discussed his entrepreneurial journey with ElectricSMS, the concept of minessence, and how it describes Recharge Flows, his main focus for the past 9 months. Wesley also shared his thoughts on strategic acquisition processes and philosophical alignment, and how founder-led companies can be successful. 

🔥We dove into the importance of retention and ease-of-use, and how they relate to bundling and consolidation. Wesley also shared his insights on the impact of macroeconomic headwinds. 

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Wesley Magness on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymagness/.  

Find Recharge at  https://rechargepayments.com/. 

The Minessence Group: https://www.minessence.net/ 

LLM: https://github.com/promptslab/Awesome-Prompt-Engineering 

🎙️ In this episode of D2Z, I had a great conversation with Nikki Kessler, Email and SMS Lead for Electriq, one of the company's first team members.

Nikki shared her insights on the evolution of Electriq's processes from their early days of not knowing what to do to formalizing them. She also discussed the importance of having an open-door policy and collaboration, even in a big organization.

We talked about the Electriq podcast and how it has helped the company, as well as the importance of continually learning.

Nikki then went on to discuss Electriq's approach to email and SMS, and what it's like working at an agency and the agency culture.

We also touched on Nikki's excitement for ChargeX and how it's a great opportunity to meet with other industry leaders and continue learning.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Nikki Kessler on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-kessler/.

In this episode of D2Z, we speak with Lindsey Rosenberg, a Fractional CMO and co-founder of Dryft Sleep.

Lindsey discusses the role of a Fractional CMO and how it can benefit startups. She emphasizes the importance of branding and how it can help differentiate a company in today's market.

We also delve into the effectiveness of ads and why authentic brand engagement is more important. Lindsey provides branding advice for founders and emphasizes the importance of content and building relationships with your community.

The conversation also touches on what "brand" means and how it can be adapted and changed over time. Lindsey shares what goes into branding and how to measure its success with branding metrics.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of putting the right effort into the right marketing activities, and how a fractional CMO can help startups make strategic decisions in this area.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Lindsey Rosenberg on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseymrosenberg/ and at https://www.lindseyrosenberg.com/.

Mentioned Duckbill: https://www.getduckbill.com/

Drew Owen, Shopify's PE & VC Practice lead, discusses global business development and partnerships, including DRINKS, and how Shopify seeks partnerships to open up access to new industries. He also shares insights into how Shopify supports companies when they move to the platform, building out their platform based on their needs and priorities.

Drew emphasizes the importance of focusing on a retention strategy in the face of high acquisition costs, choosing the right tech partners for the right merchants, and utilizing customer engagement strategies. He also discusses macro trends in the Shopify ecosystem, the wine industry on Shopify, and the significance of content for brands.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Drew Owen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/owendrew/. 

This episode of the D2Z Podcast is presented by Gorgias, the number one Shopify customer support platform, helping brands like BrüMate and 11,000 more turn their customer support into a profit center.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Parker Amoroso, CEO and Co-founder of SCALIS found at scalis.ai. SCALIS is a fully integrated ATS and Job Board platform that aims to democratize hiring in the era of AI.

We dive into the pressing issues surrounding hiring and the challenges of finding qualified candidates for job openings. Parker shares insights into the terrible experience of job hunting from both the candidate and employer perspectives.

We discuss the limitations of traditional job boards and how they often fail to deliver effective results. Parker introduces SCALIS' tagline, "hiring shouldn't suck," and explains how the platform seeks to address these inefficiencies in the hiring process.

Parker also shares the inspiration behind the idea for SCALIS and the journey they embarked on to launch the company. We explore the challenges they encountered along the way and the big inefficiencies they sought to tackle in the job market.

Join us for an insightful conversation as we delve into the world of hiring, job boards, and the mission to revolutionize the hiring experience with SCALIS.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Parker Amoroso on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkeramoroso/ and SCALIS at https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalis-ai/.

This episode of the D2Z Podcast is presented by Gorgias, the number one Shopify customer support platform, helping brands like BrüMate and 11,000 more turn their customer support into a profit center.

In this episode, we welcome Adena Merabi, Partnerships Manager at Okendo, a leading customer reviews and marketing platform.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the biggest changes in the e-commerce landscape in 2023, including macro trends and shifts in consumer behavior. Adena shares insights into the challenges merchants face with customer acquisition and how Okendo is addressing these challenges through their product offerings.

We delve into the additional product lines that Okendo has developed to enhance customer experience, retention, and referrals, and how these solutions are evolving alongside the DTC industry. We also explore the expansion and integration of different platforms in the competitive market and the importance of quality tech offerings over tech bundling.

Finally, we dive into the role of agencies in the DTC marketplace and how they contribute to the success of e-commerce brands. Adena shares her perspectives on the unique value agencies bring to the table and the symbiotic relationship between agencies and brands.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Adena Merabi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adena-merabi/ and Okendo at https://www.okendo.io/.

This episode of the D2Z Podcast is presented by Gorgias, the number one Shopify customer support platform, helping brands like BrüMate and 11,000 more turn their customer support into a profit center.

In today's episode of the D2Z podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marco Shinouda, Partnerships Manager at Gorgias, an e-commerce integrated Helpdesk platform.

We kicked off the conversation by diving into the importance of integrations within the Shopify ecosystem. Marco shared insights on how Gorgias prioritizes which platforms to integrate with and how they collaborate with tech partners to create seamless integrations.

One of the unique aspects of Gorgias is that it is specifically designed for e-commerce customer service. We explored the differences between Gorgias and legacy help desks like Zendesk, highlighting the features and functionalities that make Gorgias stand out.

We then delved into a discussion comparing the Shopify ecosystem with other popular e-commerce platforms like BigCommerce and WooCommerce. Marco shared his perspectives on the strengths and benefits of the Shopify ecosystem for merchants.

Customer service plays a crucial role in retention, so we explored how businesses can leverage it as a retention strategy. Marco shared best practices for customer support and highlighted the importance of automation in delivering efficient and personalized customer service.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Marco Shinouda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-shinouda/ and Gorgias at https://gorgias.grsm.io/brandon.

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Wyatt Shane, Partner Manager at Recharge, a leading subscription management platform.

We began by discussing the latest product updates from Recharge and how agencies are playing a crucial role in testing new features for tech partners with their clients. Wyatt emphasized the importance of addressing client feedback and incorporating it into the development of tech solutions.

We explored the delicate balance between introducing new features, considering client feedback, and staying aware of competitor roadmaps. The evolution of e-commerce technology was a key topic of discussion, highlighting the ever-changing landscape and the need for continuous innovation.

Listening to customers is a vital aspect of product development, and Wyatt emphasized the significance of engaging with customers and understanding their needs. We touched on the collaborative nature of innovation and how it truly takes a village to drive meaningful progress.

We then turned our attention to the relationship between subscriptions and memberships in the DTC space. Wyatt shared insights on how these models can work together to enhance customer experience and drive business growth.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Wyatt Shane at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wyatt-shane and Recharge at https://rechargepayments.com/.

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Aaron Roper from Rebuy, a leading platform in the Shopify ecosystem.

We start by exploring the evolution of the Shopify ecosystem over time and how agencies have transformed into big conglomerates through mergers and acquisitions. Aaron sheds light on the changing dynamics and the impact it has on the industry as a whole.

We then dive into how Rebuy collaborates with agencies and interacts with tech partners to deliver exceptional solutions. Aaron shares insights into how Rebuy empowers and facilitates agency partners, highlighting the important role they play in the success of tech solution providers.

Certification programs have become increasingly crucial, and we discuss the significance of doing them well. Aaron shares his perspectives on how Rebuy ensures its certification programs meet the highest standards and deliver value to partners and customers alike.

As the platform evolves, we explore what to expect from Rebuy in the future. Aaron provides exciting glimpses into upcoming developments and enhancements, giving listeners a sneak peek into the future of the platform.

Lastly, we delve into the world of referral programs and their importance in driving growth and expanding customer reach. Aaron shares valuable insights on how businesses can leverage referral programs effectively to foster customer loyalty and generate new business opportunities.

Find Brandon Amoroso at https://www.brandonamoroso.com and https://www.electriqmarketing.com.   

Find Aaron Roper at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronroper/ and Rebuy at https://www.rebuyengine.com/.

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, I'm speaking with Phil Sblendorio, the CRO at AMB Interactive. Phil uncovers the secret sauce behind building, growing, and scaling successful businesses. We share our firsthand experiences, highlighting the importance of brand experience, navigating market challenges, and the pros and cons of partnering in business. We'll also discuss the significance of celebrating milestones throughout your entrepreneurial journey.

Scaling an agency requires assembling the right team, and Phil and I delve deep into effective hiring strategies. We explore the practicality of utilizing referrals and questionnaires to filter out unqualified candidates, and reveal how to incentivize team members for optimal performance. We also shed light on the importance of a unified reporting system and accurate data when working with clients. It's not just about the numbers; finding the right people and enabling their growth within the company is key.

We discuss the financial implications of transitioning from juggling multiple jobs to focusing solely on your business. Additionally, we share our personal experiences on scaling our own businesses and the decision-making process behind transitioning certain roles from outsourcing to in-house operations. 

Join us for this jam-packed episode as we take your business to new heights! 🚀

Welcome back to the D2Z Podcast with your host, Brandon Amoroso. Today, we're joined by Patrick Pazos, the new Sales Manager of DRINKS.com and Electriq, to discuss the fascinating intersection of wine and e-commerce.

We start by discussing the huge opportunity that wine producers have in the e-commerce space with Shopify. Patrick sheds light on why it's important for wineries to move away from traditional, legacy technology and embrace the advanced tech stacks and integrations offered by Shopify.

The conversation then moves to the importance of a cohesive Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) system. It's surprising to see that even major, revenue-generating wine producers are still stuck using antiquated systems. 

Marketing, or the lack thereof, is a big topic too. We talk about the gap in market research within the wine industry and the potential improvements that can be made. Patrick stresses the crucial need for wineries to establish a direct relationship with their customers for long-term success.

We also explore how businesses can go beyond the website to truly engage with customers. We talk about the vital role of branding and brand positioning in a saturated marketplace. 

Closing out our chat, we delve into the future role of AI. We talk about how AI is shaping the marketplace and where it might be particularly beneficial for wineries.

Tune into this episode of the D2Z Podcast for a great conversation on digital strategy, marketing, and e-commerce. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more insights and discussions. Enjoy the show!

Andrew Case, co-founder of Noonbrew, joins me to talk about its growth into a diverse brand offering popular products like their nighttime tea, Andrew shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective. We talk about everything from the critical role of customer surveys in validating product effectiveness, to how the unexpected success of their nighttime tea has caused a stir in their sales charts.

We also take you through the intricate process of product development. Hear about the pitfalls to avoid, and the significance of testing your product before heavy investment in branding. Andrew highlights the potential of cross-store selling apps and Shopify's shop app for a unified customer experience. But there's more; we dive into the art of delegation, scaling your team, and the thrills of entrepreneurship that come with its unique challenges.

Finally, Andrew and I delve into the cutting-edge world of AI in e-commerce operations. Learn how AI is revolutionizing creative iteration, video production, and content creation at scale. Andrew offers his insights on Amazon's role in a business' channel mix, its impact on customer data and relationships, along with the importance of ideation. Stay tuned for our chat about effective retention strategies for e-commerce brands, including loyalty programs and 'surprise and delight' through merch kits.

Get a firsthand look into the world of start-ups and entrepreneurship from Roger Beaman, the founder of Novel, a successful e-commerce platform. We have the pleasure of hosting Roger for an enlightening chat about the rollercoaster ride that's entrepreneurship. We traverse through Roger's entrepreneurial journey, dwelling on the unexpected challenges and the inspiring moments. Together, we highlight the importance of forming a connection with customers and fostering loyalty.

We dive into the realm of venturing into start-ups, discussing the motivation that fuels such ambition. Roger shares his insights on the differences between creating a novel product versus entering an existing market, and the challenges that come with attempting to make a dent in a well-established space. We also recount our venture business launch experiences, and how we faced up against multi-billion dollar enterprises. The conversation evolves further to unravel the challenges that ambitious projects bring along and the delicate balance of risk-taking and sticking to a defined path.

To cap it off, Roger shares his nuggets of wisdom on surviving in the entrepreneurial world, emphasizing on the importance of faith in oneself, having a committed team, and the power of long-lasting relationships. We also explore the significance of embracing small innovations and how technology helps in the creation of a successful venture. Listen to this episode to understand the dynamics of start-ups and entrepreneurship from someone who's been there, done that.

Today I'm with co-founder of Postpilot, Michael Epstein and we unpack his journey from revamping an e-commerce brand to transforming direct mail for the new era. Michael reveals insider secrets on the role of Postpilot in making direct mail more efficient, automated, and user-friendly, and how it has changed the game for digitally native brands.

Michael shares insights on these two technologies that are helping to convert potential customers and the nitty-gritty of lookalike modeling. We also peek into the future of Postpilot, discussing Klaviyo integrations, potential Shopify admin blocks, and the exciting plans Michael has for the second half of the year.

I also pick his brain on data security, the importance of understanding customer pain points, and building an effective SaaS team. Plus, he lets us in on his experience in transitioning from the SaaS and agency world to the brand side, and the successful retention programs for D2C brands. 

Jonathan Snow, with the Snow Agency, takes us on his entrepreneurial journey. Drawing on his own experiences he built an affiliate marketing platform and launched a Shopify holding company, which later transformed into a cutting-edge performance marketing agency. This is a rare chance to glean practical insights from his experiences and learn how to strike the perfect balance between work and life.

What does a modern-day agency look like? Jon discusses how public relations and paid media can synergize to create compelling narratives and the importance of scaling out these narratives to ensure they reach the right audience at the right time.  

We also discuss the exciting realm of AI, as we explore how it is revolutionizing the alcohol industry. We discuss the pioneering work of the team at Electriq and DRINKS and how they are elevating their online sales process. 

Talking with marketing and communications advisor Mark Havenner who has worked with DRINKS and Electriq on thought leadership programs and who has worked on the production of Brandon's upcoming book "Think Z."  We talk about the world of business, fueled by the tenacity and resilience of the youngest generation of leaders. We take you through our journey, peppered with lessons learned and aha moments, as we highlight the significant role of customer retention and the value of deep-rooted relationships in a business's success path.

We discuss the imminent launch of the "Think Z" book, which explores the immense power of the Gen Z mindset in business, what is uncovered in the book, highlights, and the journey of writing it.

I'm with speaking with Matt Goodman, the co-founder and CEO of Okendo. Matt walks us through Okendo's suite of solutions explicitly designed to combat the rising cost of customer acquisition by creating super fans for your brand. From reviews to quizzes, referrals to loyalty programs, Okendo's comprehensive stack guarantees to deliver high-quality, actionable data that brands can use to thrive in the digital landscape.

Matt chats up the upcoming Okendo World Tour Roadshow, where brands worldwide will share their customer marketing strategies, an invaluable resource for those looking to learn from the best. 

Whether you're a brand seeking to reduce your dependence on social media platforms for customer acquisition or are curious about how Okendo is helping brands maximize their customers' value, this episode is packed with insights!

Carter Snyder of the Sasha Group helps us traverse the evolving landscape of media consumption and advertising. We discuss how the giants of digital platforms - like Walmart and Amazon, and dominant streaming services - are molding the way we consume media. From the rise of social media apps like TikTok, challenging Facebook's reign, to the diversion from linear TV to streaming, we examine these seismic shifts, and also share our personal experiences and the benefits of career adaptability in this fast-paced world.

Carter and I delve into how TikTok is shaking up Google search, exploring the paradigm shift in information consumption. We discuss the significance of discovering your niche, the power of authenticity, and the crucial understanding of media mix across channels. Balancing the delicate act of collaborating with existing teams while strategizing with client's budget, business objectives, and data in mind is also on our conversation menu.

We also dive into the art of managing teams and building brands and on striking the right balance between learning for growth and accommodating various working styles. We share insights on providing guidance without overwhelming team members and handling situations when performance doesn't meet expectations.

I am joined this week by David Conforti, co-founder and CEO of the Varfaj Group. Together, we trace Varfaj's journey from its inception at NYU to its present-day management of large-scale projects on the Shopify Plus platform. We also shine a light on the stark digital divide between small businesses and legacy enterprises, and discuss how this gap can be bridged using the right balance of compliance and innovation.

We zoom into the human element of business, by evaluating the role of project/client success managers in our organizations. The shift from a traditional hierarchical structure to a more fluid pod structure, the necessary blend of senior and junior talent, and possible pitfalls in the hiring process are all discussed in detail.

Finally, we dive into the world of working capital. David Conforti and I reflect on the merits and demerits of traditional hiring methods versus leveraging existing networks, and why a trial period before full-time offers could prove beneficial. We also discuss the importance of swift cash conversion for sustained growth. 

From raising over $300 million before the age of 25 to investing in service-based businesses, Tim Calise has a lot to say about founding companies. In our discussion, Tim spills the beans on the essential ingredients for a successful business – a relationship-based model, considering multiple buying decisions, focusing on longevity, and understanding customer pain points. He also emphasizes the need to carve a niche by honing one particular area of expertise. 

Tim offers an in-depth perspective on the potential risks and rewards associated with having a co-founder and the alternative of hiring vendors for immediate needs. 

We also talk about personal growth and achieving a work-life balance. Tim narrates his inspiring journey from a salesperson to a sales manager, and then a consultant and investor. He outlines the importance of understanding one's desires and setting priorities accordingly. 

Mike Sill, co-founder of thriving CBD business, Sunday Scaries offers a trove of insights as we delve into his entrepreneurial journey, from the inception of his first venture, a photography business, to owning a bar and grill in San Diego, and eventually stepping into the CBD industry. Discover how Mike overcame challenges, navigated restrictions, and harnessed AI to revolutionize customer interactions.

Mike, with his rich experience leveraging AI tools, provides a fascinating walkthrough. He shares how he uses tools like ChatGPT and Bard to craft engaging and human-like interactions with customers. But the learning doesn't stop there. We dive into the realm of content creation, video editing, and SEO in the context of AI assistance. Mike also enlightens us on the art of task delegation and prioritization, a critical skill for every entrepreneur.

We move into the intricacies of CBD advertising. Mike unveils unique strategies to navigate the complex rules and restrictions that surround CBD products. We also delve into the importance of profitability in the CPG industry and the significance of brand partnerships. 

Cade Proulx, Head of Partnerships at Sendlane, joins host Brandon Amoroso to delve into his fascinating entrepreneurial journey and the dynamic world of e-commerce partnerships. Cade's journey spans from brokering a $10 million series C deal at a young age to his current role at Sendlane, where he spearheads partnership initiatives. He shares insights into the challenges of pivoting a business, the critical role trust plays between entrepreneurs and investors, and the evolving dynamics in the post-COVID business landscape.

One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the emphasis on quality over quantity in partnerships. Cade highlights the importance of fostering meaningful relationships where there's a mutual exchange of value and trust. Whether partnering with large agencies or boutique firms, Cade believes that the percentage of business contributed to each other is more valuable than sheer numbers. This perspective offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to establish and maintain strong partnerships in the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem.

The episode also sheds light on Sendlane's unique position in the email marketing landscape, with its competitive pricing, robust features, and strong support system. As businesses explore alternatives to other email marketing platforms, Cade discusses Sendlane's growth and its commitment to building a partnerships program that collaborates with more agencies and tech partners.

For professionals in the tech startup and e-commerce space, this episode offers a wealth of insights and lessons on navigating these dynamic industries. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and stay tuned for more episodes like this.

Lily Comba, Head of Agency Partnerships at Superfiliate and CEO of Superbloom, joins Brandon Amoroso in the D2Z podcast for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the dynamic world of influencer and affiliate marketing. 

In this episode, Lily shares her extensive background in influencer and affiliate marketing, including her pioneering work with Thrive Market on influencer collaborations. She discusses the challenges posed by outdated tracking methods and underscores the pivotal role technology plays in optimizing influencer and affiliate programs.

Lily's journey takes an intriguing turn as she discovers Superfiliate, a platform poised to revolutionize referral and loyalty programs. She highlights how this platform streamlines processes, offers data-driven insights, and enhances the overall customer experience. Brandon and Lily delve into the significance of a sister agency like Superbloom in supporting brands to unlock the full potential of tech solutions like Superfiliate.

The conversation also explores the evolving influencer landscape, the importance of upholding the integrity of influencer marketing, and the role agencies play in providing consulting and formal support to brands navigating the creator economy. Lily's passion for optimizing influencer marketing shines through, making this episode an invaluable resource for marketers and entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their strategies.

Tune in for a profound discussion on influencer and affiliate marketing, the transformative power of technology, and the ongoing importance of preserving the essence of influencer marketing in an ever-changing digital landscape.

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Alejandro Chaban, the visionary CEO and founder of Yes You Can!, a renowned health and wellness company. Alejandro's journey is nothing short of incredible, having battled obesity, bulimia, and anorexia at just 15 years old, only to emerge as a highly successful entrepreneur.

Brandon and Alejandro explore the intricacies of building and leading a thriving team. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, fostering innovation, and maintaining accountability within a growing organization. Alejandro's insights highlight the significance of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of marketing and communication in the health and wellness industry, showcasing how Yes You Can! continues to evolve and succeed.

The discussion also delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, where Brandon and Alejandro stress the essential qualities of resilience, adaptability, and customer-centricity. They emphasize the value of embracing change, staying open to innovation, and listening to the needs of the audience. This episode offers a ton of entrepreneurial wisdom, providing invaluable insights for aspiring and established business leaders alike.

Oisin O'Connor is the co-founder and CEO of Recharge, a leading platform powering subscription growth for e-commerce brands. In this episode, Brandon and Oisin explore entrepreneurship, customer insights, and the evolving e-commerce landscape.

One of the central themes of this episode is the significance of listening to customers deeply. Oisin and Brandon stress the importance of understanding not only the surface-level problems but also the underlying issues that customers face. 

Scaling an organization takes center stage as Oisin shares his valuable experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to adapt the organizational structure and attract the right talent to fuel growth successfully. The episode also sheds light on the pivotal role of founders in shaping a company's culture through intentional actions, including the innovative strategy of polarizing job postings. Throughout the conversation, the importance of maintaining alignment within a growing company resonates, with a focus on identifying and retaining team members aligned with the company's vision. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights, real-world experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that will inspire, inform, and entertain. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and the ever-dynamic world of e-commerce.

Oisin O'Connor:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisino/

Recharge - https://rechargepayments.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of D2Z, Gen Z entrepreneur Brandon Amoroso, founder and president of Electriq, engages in a dynamic conversation with Brennan Tobin, the founder of Odd Duck, a fractional growth marketing group and full-service performance marketing agency. Together, they explore the intricate world of entrepreneurship, marketing, and agency pricing strategies.

This episode offers invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of agency pricing, client relationships, and leadership approaches in the entrepreneurial landscape. If you're seeking to navigate the multifaceted world of agency services or gain fresh perspectives on growth marketing, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to discover actionable takeaways and strategies to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.

Brennan Tobin

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennan-tobin-a5716b133/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Join Brandon Amoroso and Jared Mintzlaff in this enlightening episode as they explore the world of loyalty programs and customer engagement. Discover the frustrations of generic loyalty initiatives and the need for tailored programs that nurture genuine customer retention. Gain insights into measuring program success, crafting unique loyalty experiences, and the importance of building authentic connections with customers. Learn about key metrics for program evaluation and the optimal timing for program implementation. Whether you're an e-commerce enthusiast or a business owner, this episode offers strategic advice to elevate your customer engagement and loyalty strategies. Don't miss their practical tips for preparing your brand for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Jared Mintzlaff

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmintzlaff/

Nifty Bridge - https://www.niftybridge.io/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Gen-Z entrepreneur Brandon Amoroso engages in a captivating conversation with Richard Robert, a seasoned #marketing expert with over a decade of diverse industry experience. Rich unravels the intricate world of #fieldmarketing, stressing the paramount importance of collaboration with sales and customer success. Together, they explore effective ways to quantify return on investment (#ROI) and unveil a spectrum of event marketing strategies, ranging from intimate gatherings to grand conferences. The episode also casts a spotlight on Rich's forthcoming Art Basel event in Miami and delves into the dynamics of Account-Based Marketing (ABM). With Rich's invaluable insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of field marketing strategies tailored to businesses of all sizes and industries.

Timestamps:
🎙️ Introduction and Background of Richard Robert (00:00:02)
📊 Explaining Field Marketing (00:01:27)
💡 Quantifying ROI in Field Marketing (00:02:30)
🤝 Collaboration with Sales and Customer Success (00:03:57)
🎉 Event Marketing Preferences (00:05:00)
🌟 Exciting Upcoming Event: Art Basel (00:09:13)
🎯 Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Explanation (00:11:30)
📋 Event Planning and Checklists (00:12:47)
📈 Lead Generation and Account Mapping (00:14:29)
🔌 Technology's Role in Field Marketing (00:15:45)
🏢 Preferences for Small vs. Large Companies (00:18:11)
🚀 Advantages of Working with Established Brands (00:19:27)
🤖 Humanizing Field Marketing Approaches (00:23:59)
💎 Providing Value to Event Attendees (00:25:47)
⏰ Consider Timing and Logistics (00:26:09)
🚗 Traffic and Transportation Challenges (00:26:38)
🌟 Enhancing Attendee Experience (00:27:29)
🤝 Closing remarks (00:29:59)

Richard Robert
LinkedIn

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso explores the world of eCommerce and brand building with Bryan Alston, co-founder and managing partner at Brand Castle Growth Partners. With 12 years of experience in launching and scaling eCommerce startups, Bryan shares valuable insights into successful brand development. He emphasizes the shift towards prioritizing customer relationships over platform optimization and the growing importance of personalized marketing.

The conversation delves into budget allocation for top-of-funnel marketing efforts, with Bryan highlighting the significance of understanding your customer base and tailoring strategies accordingly. They discuss the evolving eCommerce landscape, the impact of privacy updates on attribution, and the resurgence of physical retail stores.

Bryan also offers tips for brands preparing for 2024, including exploring Reddit as an advertising channel and considering alternative channels for brick-and-mortar expansion. The discussion touches on the importance of starting locally, building a community, and pursuing slow and sustainable growth over "growth at all costs."

Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on growing and scaling your business, Gen Z style, and gain insights into the changing dynamics of the eCommerce industry.

Timestamps:

🎙️ 00:00:36 - Introduction and Background of Bryan Alston (00:00:00)

⚠️ 00:07:03 - Pitfalls in Growing and Scaling Brands

🤝 00:09:26 - Prioritizing Customer Relationships Over Platform Optimization

🏢 00:11:57 - The Role of E-commerce in Brick-and-Mortar Success

🌐 00:12:54 - Benefits of Having an Online Community

📊 00:13:58 - Leveraging E-commerce for Data and Insights

🚶‍♂️ 00:15:04 - Driving Foot Traffic to In-Store Products

💰 00:15:22 - Budget Allocation for Top-of-Funnel Marketing

📊 00:15:55 - Understanding Customer Demographics

👥 00:17:40 - Targeting Key Influencers

🔄 00:23:25 - Shifting E-commerce Landscape

🔄 00:24:18 - Focus on Customer Retention

💼 00:26:20 - Marketing as a Revenue-Generating Channel

📅 00:29:52 - Preparing for 2024

🌐 00:30:20 - Exploring Reddit as a Potential Advertising Channel

🏢 00:31:43 - Considering Alternative Channels for Brick-and-Mortar Expansion

🏘️ 00:36:27 - Starting Locally and Building a Community

🌱 00:37:02 - Slow and Sustainable Growth Versus "Growth at All Costs"

💼 00:39:50 - The Importance of Proper Capital Structure

📉 00:41:37 - Investments Driven by Hype and Their Consequences

🎤 00:42:21 - Conclusion and Where to Find Bryan Online

Bryan Alston

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bralston/

Website - https://www.brandcastle.co/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso and Ben Hindman, co-founder and CMO of Peel Insights, delve into the world of retention analytics and AI-driven insights. Together, they explore the intersection of data analysis and actionable marketing strategies, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to enhance their retention efforts.

Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur who takes us on a whirlwind tour of his career—from his roots in event planning to the inception of Splash, a trailblazing event marketing software, and his current role at Peel Insights.

The heart of the conversation lies in Peel Insights' groundbreaking creation: Magic Dash. This AI-powered marvel is designed to be a compass for businesses, particularly those in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) arena, navigating the vast sea of data. Ben expertly navigates the complexities faced by businesses generating annual revenues between $5 million and $50 million, highlighting the hurdles they face in harnessing their data effectively.

Ben and Brandon also embark on a visionary exploration of data analysis's future, with the potential to reshape the e-commerce landscape. The future? Automated recommendations and actions galore, driven by data insights. Yet, they acknowledge the yawning chasm that separates the present from this utopian vision.

As we near the end of this podcast episode, Brandon and Ben naturally gravitate toward the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce. It wouldn't be a D2Z Podcast episode without some insights into the e-commerce landscape, right?

So, here's the bottom line: to thrive in today's cutthroat business arena, businesses need to master two key strategies—keeping customers engaged and diversifying marketing channels. It's the winning formula for profitability and long-term success, especially when investors are looking for both. Consider this episode your compass in this ever-evolving journey.

Tune in for an enriching journey through retention analytics, AI-powered revelations, and the evolving landscape of data-driven marketing. Discover the compass to navigate the labyrinth of data and emerge as a victor in the competitive arena of business.

Timestamps:

🎙️ (00:00:00) Introduction and Background of Ben Hindman

🚀 (00:01:47) Evolution of Peel Insights and Introduction to Magic Dash

📊 (00:05:57) The Gap in Analytics Tools for Mid-Market Businesses

🔍 (00:06:42) Bridging the Gap with Magic Dash

🤖 (00:10:14) The Role of AI in Data Analysis

🔍 (00:11:18) Trust and Clarity in Data Analysis

🌟 (00:11:48) The Future of Data Analysis and Marketing Integration

🔮 (00:12:26) The future of data analysis and automation

🚧 (00:12:58) Gap between current capabilities and automation vision

🧠 (00:13:27) Factors affecting progress: Consumer psychology and technology

📲 (00:13:56) Potential for reduced importance of interfaces

🌐 (00:14:08) Emerging apps automating data capture and analysis

🛍️ (00:14:28) Importance of AI-driven website personalization

🌐 (00:15:13) Challenges in website personalization compared to email

📈 (00:15:49) Discussion on e-commerce trends and retention

🔄 (00:16:12) Necessity for cross-dimensional data analysis

💼 (00:17:00) The shift towards profitability and retention

🔑 (00:17:30) The significance of retaining customers

🌱 (00:18:39) Focus on slow, profitable growth

🎯 (00:19:25) Targeting specific customer archetypes

🔊 (00:26:55) The importance of resonating deeply with the audience

Brandon Amoroso sits down with Jess Cervellon, former VP of Customer Experience at Feastables and a fractional CMO for various eCommerce businesses.

Jess Cervellon takes us on a thrilling journey through her early days at Feastables, a startup that experienced remarkable growth. She shares the excitement of launching a business, adapting strategies, and the importance of flexibility in scaling.

Join us as we explore the challenges of building brand communities without a prominent figurehead and uncover strategies for engaging audiences across various platforms. Jess reveals the secrets behind creating captivating content and using gamification in email and SMS marketing.

We also delve into the power of a founder's social presence and brand storytelling, emphasizing the impact of personal connections in successful brands. Discover the world of interactive emails and the intricacies of transitioning from e-commerce to retail while maintaining control over the customer journey and data.

Throughout the episode, Jess and Brandon share invaluable insights on brand building, AI-generated content, and the significance of nurturing customer relationships for long-term success. Tune in to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and eCommerce!

Timestamps:

👋 Meet Jess Cervellon and Her Background (00:00:02)

🚀 Jess's Startup Journey as Employee #4 at Feastables (00:01:10)

🎢 The Rollercoaster Ride of a Startup (00:01:24)

🔄 Pivoting Strategies: Key to Success (00:02:06)

🤹‍♂️ The Art of Adaptability in Business (00:03:26)

👩‍💼 From Employee to Fractional CMO (00:06:13)

📚 Balancing Specialization and Diverse Challenges (00:07:59)

👥 Building a Brand Community without a Figurehead (00:11:07)

🏰 Community Building Strategies: Discord & Interactive Emails (00:12:28)

🗣️ Founder's Social Presence and Brand Story (00:14:40)

💬 Connecting with Consumers through Founder Stories (00:15:00)

🌟 "Fly by Jing" Brand Storytelling Example (00:15:20)

💌 Interactive Emails and Software Tools (00:17:22)

📱 The Two-Way Nature of SMS Marketing (00:18:24)

🏬 Transitioning from E-commerce to Retail Challenges (00:20:16)

📊 Gathering Customer Data and Brand Control (00:21:36)

📜 Marketing in Regulated Industries (00:24:30)

⚖️ Lawyers' Use of Chad GPT (00:25:26)

🌐 Potential Impact of AI in Business (00:25:45)

✍️ AI-Generated Content and Copywriting (00:26:5)

🤖 Ethical Concerns about AI (00:27:23)

🗣️ AI in Voice Mimicry (00:28:28)

🤝 AI in Negotiation (00:29:12)

🛒 AI's Influence on Customer Experience (00:32:56)

📈 Challenges in Marketing Analytics (00:34:17)

📊 The Need for Comprehensive Analytics Tools (00:35:23)

🌐 Community Building and Brand Storytelling (00:37:55)

Jess Cervellon

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/

Website - https://jesscervellon.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso welcomes Ryan Burrer, Principal Sales Engineer for New Products at Attentive. Together, they delve into the intriguing intersection of marketing, AI, and personalization.

Ryan, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in the email service provider domain, unveils valuable insights into the ever-evolving marketing landscape. They explore the shift from traditional, channel-centric strategies to a more unified, customer-centric approach that meets the rising expectations of today's consumers.

One key highlight of their conversation is the significance of consolidating various marketing channels into a single platform. This approach not only provides marketers with a comprehensive view of customer behavior but also empowers them to tailor communications according to individual preferences, thus enhancing the overall customer experience.

Ryan and Brandon discuss how AI can automate decision-making processes, generate personalized content, and predict customer behavior. The result? A more engaging and personalized customer journey.

Ryan provides valuable insights into how Attentive leverages AI to craft highly personalized and engaging email campaigns. Moreover, they peek into the future of AI in marketing, where it plays a pivotal role in guiding marketers on audience building, timing, and messaging strategies.

The conversation also delves into the challenges of a post-cookie world and the need to transition to more reliable tracking methods, such as device tracking and IP-based identification.

As the episode unfolds, Brandon and Ryan explore the emerging trend of marketers expanding their communication channels beyond email and SMS. They contemplate the use of platforms like physical mail and WhatsApp to engage customers effectively, providing a glimpse into the future of customer communication solutions.

Tune in to this captivating episode of the D2Z Podcast to gain valuable insights into the evolving world of marketing, AI, and personalization.

Timestamps:

🎙️ Exploring Marketing Evolution with Ryan Burrer (00:00:00)

📈 The Shifting Landscape of Marketing Channels (00:00:36)

🌟 The Power of Customer-Centric Approaches (00:03:08)

🎯 Precision through Personalization and Segmentation (00:04:19)

🤖 Unveiling AI's Impact on Marketing (00:08:00)

🚀 The Future Unleashed: AI in Marketing (00:11:50)

📱 Attentive's Innovative SMS and Email Approach (00:13:11)

🍪 Challenges in a Post-Cookie World (00:13:41)

🔍 Towards Deterministic Tracking (00:14:06)

📦 The Magic of Product Recommendation Feeds (00:15:05)

📊 Trends Shaping Marketing and Customer Engagement (00:20:27)

🤔 WhatsApp Limitations: Unraveling Marketing Challenges (00:25:40)

🚀 Future Avenues in Marketing: What Lies Ahead (00:26:30)

🌐 The Quest for a Unified Platform in Customer Communication (00:27:05)

🔮 Speculating on the Future of Marketing Tools (00:28:01)

🛠️ Build vs. Buy: Deciphering Decision-Making in Marketing (00:28:48)

⚖️ Balancing Innovation and Customer Trust (00:34:47)

Ryan Burrer

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-burrer-60332852/

Attentive - https://www.attentive.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - 

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, join host and Gen Z entrepreneur Brandon Amoroso as he delves into the dynamic world of e-commerce and web development with special guest Maier Bianchi, the founder of Bemeir, a digital commerce and UX design agency. Get ready to embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of online commerce.

Maier Bianchi shares his captivating journey into e-commerce, from early family exposure to his family's Halloween store to becoming a technology and web development expert. With years of experience across various e-commerce platforms, Maier offers unique insights into the market's evolution.

Discover the shifting dynamics of e-commerce platforms, including Shopify's remarkable ascent in recent years, and how each platform caters to specific industry needs.

Explore exciting e-commerce trends, like the concept of e-commerce empowerment and the significance of loyalty and membership programs in building strong customer communities.

Join us for a deep dive into e-commerce's competitive landscape, future possibilities, and Maier's impactful project, 'Hearts of Commerce,' dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart disease within the e-commerce community. Stay ahead in the ever-changing world of e-commerce and web development.

Timestamps:

🎙️ Introduction to Maier Bianchi and Bemeir - (00:00:00)

💼 From Family Business to E-Commerce Development - (00:02:20)

💻 Learning HTML, CSS, and Web Development - (00:03:07)

🚀 Journey to Starting Bemeir - (00:04:33)

🔄 Evolution of E-Commerce Platforms - (00:05:48)

🛍️ Shopify's Dominance in the Market - (00:06:01)

🔌 Importance of Integration and Scalability - (00:09:55)

💲 Pricing and Negotiations with E-Commerce Platforms - (00:10:26)

🚀 E-commerce Trends for 2024 - (00:13:22)

🤝 Loyalty and Memberships - (00:16:14)

🤝 Collaborative Commerce - (00:17:12)

📦 Building Second Orders and Customer Communication - (00:18:38)

🌐 Ecosystems of E-commerce Platforms - (00:22:08)

🌍 Impact vs. Making Money - (00:28:18)

🚀 The Future of E-commerce Platforms - (00:31:32)

❤️ Hearts of Commerce Project - (00:36:17)

Maier Bianchi

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maierbianchi/

Bemir - https://bemeir.com/

Cryptan Labs - https://cryptanlabs.com/

Hearts of Commerce - https://www.heartsofcommerce.org/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso, engages in a compelling discussion about the world of e-commerce with Ben Sharf, the founder of Platter, a Shopify theme and app bundle. Delve into the world of e-commerce optimization from a Gen Z perspective as they discuss the challenges of app overload, consolidation, and enhancing the customer shopping experience. Discover how Platter simplifies e-commerce functionality, saving money, and boosting conversion rates.

Ben Sharf shares his journey, from his college hockey days to his involvement with an early-stage COVID testing startup, and later, his experiences at Gopuff, which provided him with valuable insights into the Shopify ecosystem. The episode dives deep into several crucial e-commerce topics, including the overwhelming issue of app overload and the pressing need for consolidation within the industry.

The conversation highlights the significance of optimizing the customer shopping experience and the role Platter plays in streamlining e-commerce functionality to enhance conversion rates and save money. Furthermore, the episode underscores the value of productized delivery and explores the scalability of Platter's solutions, making it an informative and engaging discussion for anyone interested in e-commerce.

Throughout the episode, Brandon and Ben also touch on the concept of "bad revenue" and how Platter leverages client requests for research and development. They provide insights into the delicate balance between customer demand and a brand's vision for product development. Additionally, the episode delves into the potential pitfalls of making last-minute changes before critical shopping seasons like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offering valuable lessons for businesses.

The discussion wraps up by examining the pros and cons of headless websites in e-commerce, shedding light on when and how brands should consider adopting this approach. Overall, this episode of the D2Z Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the e-commerce landscape, providing valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to navigate the complex world of online retail.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation for e-commerce enthusiasts seeking to navigate the complexities of the industry. 

Timestamps:

🌟 Ben Sharf's background and journey to founding Platter (00:00:00)

🔥 Challenges of app overload on client websites (00:02:54)

💡 Debunking the myth of expensive and time-consuming storefronts (00:05:16)

🌐 Market trends towards app consolidation and simplification (00:08:56)

🤔 Handling pushback from new clients (00:09:52)

📊 Variations in brands' pain points and opinions (00:10:14)

🚀 Upcoming self-serve option for the Platter app (00:18:50)

💼 Scaling the team and building processes (00:19:11)

🔄 The process of scaling and team building (00:19:35)

🤝 Balancing white-glove service with scalability (00:19:11)

🛠️ Leveraging client requests for R&D and product improvement (00:20:37)

💡 Discussing the challenges of product development and client requests (00:21:45)

🗣️ The importance of listening to customer feedback in product development (00:22:15)

💻 Pros and cons of headless websites in ecommerce (00:23:21)

🔄 The value of incremental improvements in storefronts (00:24:04)

🌐 The role of high traffic and high volume in considering headless websites (00:24:39)

🧩 The complexity and challenges of managing a headless store (00:25:26)

🤯 The drawbacks of managing large teams and meetings (00:26:37)

🤔 The misconceptions and complexities of headless websites (00:31:54)

🌐 Get in touch with Ben (00:40:10)

Ben Sharf

In this episode, host Brandon Amoroso delves into the dynamic world of e-commerce with Alex Back, the founder of Couch.com. The conversation kicks off with Alex's journey, from the success of Apartments Hub to the inception of Couch.com, a platform aimed at simplifying furniture shopping in the digital age. Together, they explore the challenges faced by the furniture retail industry in its transition to the online space.

Alex provides a compelling glimpse into Couch.com's mission, which involves bridging the gap between furniture manufacturers and retailers to create a tailored marketplace for users. They delve into the intricacies of building a marketplace, tackling the "chicken and egg" dilemma, and the platform's strategy of platform development and organic growth through content and SEO.

The discussion takes a deep dive into marketing, examining the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and the impact of authenticity. The value of strategic partnerships, the build-versus-buy dilemma, and the future of comprehensive platforms like Shopify are also explored.

Join this insightful conversation to gain invaluable insights into the e-commerce and furniture retail landscape, discovering how Couch.com aims to revolutionize the way we shop for home furnishings.

Timestamps

🎙️ Introduction of Alex Back and Couch.com (00:00:02)

🤝 The gap between furniture manufacturers and retailers (00:01:50)

🛠️ Marketplace tech build versus buy decision (00:06:33)

🐣 The chicken and egg problem in building a marketplace (00:12:45)

📈 Leveraging content and SEO for organic growth (00:15:00)

🪑 Creating a furniture-first advertising platform (00:17:48)

💼 Couch.com's Business Model (00:18:17)

🎯 Niche Marketing vs. Broad Marketing (00:20:38)

🌍 The Challenge of Being Everywhere (00:21:48)

📚 Lessons from Previous Business (00:25:12)

📢 Focus on Marketing (00:30:02)

💼 Challenges of Multiple Apps in Shopify (00:33:57)

🤔 Pros and Cons of Specialization and Consolidation (00:35:27)

🚀 The Potential of Shopify and Market Dominance (00:37:53)

🌟 Alex's Journey to Starting Couch.com (00:38:11)

🚀 Launching Couch.com - A New Opportunity (00:43:06)

Alex Back:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-back-49784435/

Couch.com - https://couch.com/

Apt2B - https://www.apt2b.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode, Brandon Amoroso hosts Dean Ginsberg, founder of Winback, as they embark on an illuminating exploration of the email marketing landscape. Join both entrepreneurs as they delve into Dean's journey from agency work to founding Winback, uncovering the intricate nuances of email deliverability and entrepreneurship challenges along the way.

Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations and deliverability challenges associated with reactivating dormant email subscribers. Through Dean's expert analysis, distinctions between client-side and server-side tracking are clarified, shedding light on the significance of predictive pop-ups in email marketing strategies.

Furthermore, Dean unveils Winback's innovative strategies for driving incremental revenue while mitigating risks through targeted approaches and meticulous deliverability monitoring. From exploring the complexities of email marketing deliverability to discussing Winback's performance-based pricing model, this episode offers a comprehensive view of the evolving digital marketing landscape.

Join Brandon and Dean as they navigate the intricacies of email marketing, providing listeners with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions on optimizing email deliverability and enhancing business performance in today's dynamic digital age.

Timestamps

🎙️ Introduction of Alex Back and Couch.com (00:00:02)

🤝 The gap between furniture manufacturers and retailers (00:01:50)

🛠️ Marketplace tech build versus buy decision (00:06:33)

🐣 The chicken and egg problem in building a marketplace (00:12:45)

📈 Leveraging content and SEO for organic growth (00:15:00)

🪑 Creating a furniture-first advertising platform (00:17:48)

💼 Couch.com's Business Model (00:18:17)

🎯 Niche Marketing vs. Broad Marketing (00:20:38)

🌍 The Challenge of Being Everywhere (00:21:48)

📚 Lessons from Previous Business (00:25:12)

📢 Focus on Marketing (00:30:02)

💼 Challenges of Multiple Apps in Shopify (00:33:57)

🤔 Pros and Cons of Specialization and Consolidation (00:35:27)

🚀 The Potential of Shopify and Market Dominance (00:37:53)

🌟 Alex's Journey to Starting Couch.com (00:38:11)

🚀 Launching Couch.com - A New Opportunity (00:43:06)

Dean Ginsberg:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ginsberg-53bb3030/

Winback - https://winback.pro/

Stacked - https://www.stackedco.co/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of D2Z, Brandon sits down with Juan Meisel, the visionary founder and CEO of GRIP, an innovative e-commerce fulfillment platform specializing in perishable goods. Discover Juan's insightful reflections from his tenure at Butcher Box and the pivotal challenges that inspired the creation of Grip, revolutionizing the landscape of e-commerce fulfillment.

Brandon and Juan explore the intricate balance between transparency and focus within a team, unveiling the secrets to fostering genuine connections and propelling business growth. Juan's emphasis on transparent communication underscores the importance of aligning organizational goals while avoiding information overload, igniting a discourse on the transformative power of personal relationships in professional environments.

Juan imparts invaluable wisdom for budding entrepreneurs, advocating for a customer-centric approach to product development and embracing rapid iteration cycles to fuel relentless innovation. From transparent communication to customer satisfaction-driven growth, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for those embarking on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship.

Timestamps

🌟 Juan's Background and Butcher Box Experience (00:00:43)

📦 Identifying Market Gaps for Perishable Goods (00:01:58)

🔧 GRIP's Technology and Fulfillment Services (00:03:13)

🚀 Dynamic Shipping Engine and Order Management (00:04:16)

🌦️ Impact of Weather Events on Fulfillment (00:06:04)

🛍️ Customer Experience and Reduced Shipping Costs (00:08:40)

💰 ROI and Lifetime Value for E-commerce Brands (00:08:58)

🔍 Challenges and Opportunities in E-commerce Attribution (00:11:07)

👥 Empowering Teams and Scaling Company Culture (00:12:58)

🎯 Setting Clear Goals for Team Alignment (00:16:33)

🔍 Balancing Transparency and Focus (00:17:29)

🤝 Importance of In-Person Interactions (00:20:09)

💼 Significance of Personal Relationships in Professional Settings (00:22:23)

💻 Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work (00:24:02)

📈 Leveraging Customer Referrals for Business Growth (00:26:05)

🌟 Providing an Exceptional Customer Experience (00:25:39)

🎓 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (00:30:17)

Juan Meisel:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-camilo-meisel/

Grip - https://gripshipping.com/

Butcher Box - https://www.butcherbox.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso welcomes Chris Moe, the founder of Cartograph, a top-tier Amazon agency specializing in CPG and DTC brands. Together, they dive deep into the world of e-commerce, uncovering valuable strategies and insights for listeners eager to excel in the digital marketplace.

Chris shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complexities of Amazon, shedding light on the importance of product reviews, omnichannel presence, and understanding consumer behavior. From beginners to seasoned entrepreneurs, this episode offers practical advice and actionable tips for anyone looking to make waves on the Amazon platform.

As the conversation unfolds, Chris offers a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of agency growth and management. From building cohesive teams to nurturing client relationships and planning for future expansion, his insights resonate with entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

This episode serves as a beacon of inspiration for those striving to succeed in the competitive world of e-commerce. With its wealth of practical wisdom and insider knowledge, it's a must-listen for anyone looking to carve out their niche and thrive in the dynamic landscape of online retail.

Timestamps

🎙️ Introducing Chris Moe, founder and CEO of Cartograph (00:00:29)

📜 Chris's background and journey to founding Cartograph (00:00:55)

🛒 Contrasts between Amazon and Shopify (00:02:40)

⭐ Importance of Amazon reviews and strategies for building them (00:04:01)

⚠️ Challenges and risks associated with Amazon's policies (00:07:49)

🛠️ Essential services for brands launching on Amazon (00:10:04)

🔄 Transitioning from Shopify to Amazon or vice versa (00:14:08)

📦 Product categories that perform well on Amazon (00:15:09)

🔍 Brand discovery on Amazon vs. traditional e-commerce (00:20:16)

📊 Trends in consumer products on Amazon (00:21:20)

🌐 Positioning of Cartograph in the agency landscape (00:22:26)

🏆 Factors contributing to Cartograph's success (00:24:29)

🏢 Specialization and Timing in Agency Growth (00:26:16)

👥 Challenges of Building and Scaling a Team (00:27:32)

📝 Importance of Process and Training (00:28:20)

💼 Client Relationship Management (00:31:08)

💬 Effective Communication and Setting Expectations (00:33:52)

🔥 Knowing When to Fire a Client (00:37:42)

📈 Future Growth Strategies for Cartograph (00:40:05)

💡 Tips for Brands on Amazon (00:42:20)

🔗 Connect with Chris Moe (00:49:50)

Chris Moe:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismoe1/

Cartograph - https://www.gocartograph.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, Brandon Amoroso interviews Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings, shedding light on the transformative journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Neil's narrative is not just about personal triumph; it's a testament to the courage required to navigate uncharted waters, emphasizing the essence of risk-taking and resilience in carving one's path.

Join Brandon and Neil as they embark on Neil's Amazon odyssey, uncovering the platform's dynamic evolution and its profound implications for e-commerce enthusiasts. From discussing the unconventional use of TikTok for organic traffic to refining product selection strategies, Neil shares invaluable insights to navigate the ever-shifting terrain of online retail. Together, they delve into the strategic imperative of embracing an omnichannel approach and skillfully adapting to emerging platforms like TikTok Shop, offering listeners a roadmap to thrive in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Throughout the episode, Neil and Brandon dissect the multifaceted realm of Amazon FBA, dissecting e-commerce strategies, product categorization, and advertising dynamics. Delve into the intricate interplay between product quality and marketing efforts, illuminated by Neil's seasoned perspective on driving sales and fostering sustainable growth in the competitive Amazon ecosystem.

Concluding the episode, Neil offers a sneak peek into his latest book, inviting you to connect with him and tap into his wealth of experience to drive your entrepreneurial journey forward. Dive into this conversation filled with actionable insights and strategic wisdom, crafted to empower you in navigating the complexities of Amazon FBA and beyond.

Timestamps

🚀 Introduction of Neil Twa and his Entrepreneurial Journey (00:00:02)

🛒 Introduction to Amazon FBA (00:10:29)

💪 Embracing Risk and Persistence (00:01:46)

📉 Learning from Failures (00:03:58)

🛡️ Mitigating Business Risks (00:06:22)

🌱 Importance of Gradual Growth (00:07:52)

📈 Leveraging TikTok Shop (00:14:41)

📊 TikTok Traffic to Amazon (00:16:41)

🔁 Adapting to E-commerce Shifts (00:18:26)

🏷️ Exploring Amazon Product Categories (00:19:13)

💡 Neil's Product Category Insights (00:19:16)

📈 Expanding Product Offerings (00:19:46)

🌟 Market Segmentation Strategies (00:20:27)

🚀 Amazon Ads for Ranking (00:22:52)

💲 Pricing Strategies and Amazon Ads Evolution (00:25:03)

🎯 Target Audience and Investor Engagement (00:26:11)

🔑 Prioritizing Sales on Amazon (00:29:18)

📚 Neil's Book and Contact Information (00:32:54)

Neil Twa:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiltwa/

Voltage - https://www.voltagedm.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, Brandon Amoroso kicks off a great conversation with Tom Mercer, a partner and director at Bean Ninjas, to shed light on the intricate financial landscape of e-commerce. As an expert in e-commerce bookkeeping and financial reporting, Tom brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table, offering valuable guidance to online businesses striving for financial clarity and success. From his background as a chartered accountant to his journey with Bean Ninjas, Tom shares the pivotal moments that led him to specialize in supporting digital nomads and online entrepreneurs.

Throughout the discussion, Brandon and Tom delve deep into the nuances of U.S. sales tax compliance, uncovering the complexities and challenges that e-commerce businesses face in navigating tax regulations across different states. They explore the importance of preemptive tax planning and the role of innovative software solutions in automating sales tax calculations and payments. Additionally, Tom provides recommendations for tax software tailored to the needs of e-commerce merchants, emphasizing the significance of choosing the right tools for streamlined financial management.

Come along with Brandon and Tom as we dive deep into the world of e-commerce finance! Get ready to uncover the ins and outs of managing finances in the online business world and gain actionable insights to help you thrive. 

Timestamps

👨‍💼 Introduction of Tom Mercer and Bean Ninjas (00:00:01)

💰 Understanding the Importance of E-commerce Finance (00:00:56)

📊 Challenges in U.S. Sales Tax Compliance (00:03:18)

💡 Solutions for Managing Sales Tax (00:06:02)

🛠️ Recommendations for Tax Software (00:08:38)

🌐 Exploring Different E-commerce Platforms (00:09:36)

💼 Tax Implications for Digital Nomads and Online Agencies (00:10:23)

🎯 Client Demographics and Business Focus of Bean Ninjas (00:11:38)

🚀 Tom's Journey into E-commerce Finance and Remote Work (00:12:45)

🏠 Remote work advantages and challenges (00:14:45)

🔌 Impact of technology on tax compliance (00:17:07)

🔄 Transitioning from in-house to outsourcing accounting (00:19:38)

💼 Hiring strategies for remote teams (00:22:12)

⏳ Importance of early tax planning and seeking professional help (00:25:01)

Tom Mercer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomnmercer/

Bean Ninjas - https://beanninjas.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, join Brandon Amoroso and Parker Amoroso in a captivating discussion about SCALIS' recent acquisition, Apex. With over 200,000 subscribers, Apex provides internship and early career opportunities to individuals entering the workforce. Brandon and Parker delve into the strategic reasons behind this acquisition, highlighting the value of scale in talent acquisition and the unique revenue streams it offers.

Explore how Apex provides access to a vast pool of talent, aligning with SCALIS' mission to revolutionize talent acquisition. The conversation delves into the intersection of e-commerce and advertising within the newsletter, emphasizing its role in diversifying media spend and expanding brand outreach. Additionally, they examine the evolving landscape of job boards, emphasizing the importance of targeted advertising to reach specific demographics effectively.

Throughout the episode, Brandon and Parker share insights into the future of Apex, discussing plans for expansion and segmentation to cater to diverse industry needs. They also explore the symbiotic relationship between Apex and SCALIS, highlighting the opportunity for revenue generation and burn mitigation. With a focus on innovation and adaptation, they offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for both companies.

Timestamps:

🔍 Introduction of SCALIS' recent acquisition, Apex (00:00:29)

🎯 Strategic reasons behind the acquisition and the value of talent acquisition (00:01:16)

💼 Intersection of e-commerce and advertising within the newsletter (00:02:06)

🚀 Plans for expansion and segmentation of Apex (00:09:45)

📊 Benefits of targeted advertising on the Apex newsletter (00:10:14)

🔄 Insights into the evolving landscape of job boards (00:11:06)

💡 Future prospects and revenue generation strategies for Apex (00:14:03)

🛠️ Importance of product feedback and iteration in software development (00:17:06)

Parker Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkeramoroso/

SCALIS - https://scalis.ai/

Apex - https://apexignite.substack.com/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-newsletter/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Michael True, the co-founder and CEO of Prescient A.I., for a great discussion on the evolution of media measurement and optimization in the digital age. Mike shares his journey from the realm of big tech giants like Oracle and IBM to the founding of Prescient A.I., offering invaluable insights into the platform's transformative trajectory. From predicting profitable tours for midsize record labels to its current focus on media analytics for the music industry and e-commerce, the conversation delves deep into the challenges and innovations driving ROI in today's digital landscape.

Explore the nuances of advertising measurement across various platforms, from the complexities of attributing sales in the music industry to navigating the post-pandemic e-commerce terrain. Brandon and Michael dissect the differences between selling on Amazon versus Shopify, unraveling the intricacies of customer acquisition strategies and brand margins in an ever-evolving market. With candid reflections on agency growth and product development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandon shares his journey from freelancing at USC to spearheading a tech startup, while Mike True offers invaluable insights into aligning teams and gathering user feedback to sculpt product features.

From roadmap visibility to the importance of strategic conversations in shaping product direction, this episode offers a holistic exploration of media analytics, e-commerce dynamics, and entrepreneurial wisdom. Join Brandon and Michael as they navigate the digital landscape, offering profound insights into adapting to change, driving innovation, and staying ahead in today's competitive market.

Timestamps

• 🎙️ Introduction and background of Mike True and Prescient A.I. (00:00:00)
• 🎵 Transition from music industry focus to e-commerce (00:06:55)
• 📈 Challenges and opportunities in measuring advertising impact across channels (00:13:22)
• 💼 Ideal size of merchants for using Prescient A.I.'s solution (00:17:35)
• 🛒 Challenges of customer acquisition and brand margins (00:18:58)
• 👥 Prioritization for CEOs and team building (00:22:14)
• 💰 Unexpected challenges in startup fundraising (00:24:17)
• 📢 Acquisition of early adopter customers and roadshows (00:26:12)
• 🤝 Importance of relationships in the e-commerce community (00:27:23)
• 🔮 Exciting prospects for the future and research-driven approach (00:29:07)
• 🎓 Brandon's beginnings freelancing for small businesses during college at USC. (00:31:50)
• 💼 Reflections on the differences between agency revenue models and tech product development. (00:36:00)
• 🤝 Importance of aligning people with the vision and gathering user feedback for product development. (00:39:18)
• 💡Plans for the future, including investing in ventures and helping entrepreneurs. (00:42:21)

Maichael True

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljtrue/

Prescient AI - https://www.prescient-ai.io/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode, Brandon Amoroso welcomes Roy Mathew, CTO of SCALIS, to discuss the innovative approach behind the platform revolutionizing candidate-company matchmaking. From cultural alignment to scalability strategies, Roy shares insights into SCALIS's evolution and its transformative potential. Join them as they navigate the intricacies of product development, offering a glimpse into SCALIS's journey toward redefining the recruitment landscape.

Timestamps

• 🎙️ Introduction to SCALIS and Roy Mathew (00:00:00)
• 🏢 Contrasts between navigating big corporations versus startup ecosystems (00:03:34)
• 🚀 Exploring the nexus of innovation and cultural dynamics in organizations (00:07:00)
• 💻 Adapting to remote work and hybrid team structures in modern environments (00:09:57)
• 🌈 Joining SCALIS: Triumphs, trials, and the scalability mission (00:17:40)
• 🔍 Unveiling the origin story behind "Scalis" and its symbolic essence (00:20:23)
• 🔧 The conductor's role: Navigating communication and coordination in development (00:23:50)
• 🤝 Cultivating alignment and shared understanding within the company culture (00:24:20)
• 🔍 Balancing the feedback tightrope: Customer input versus product vision (00:27:18)
• 💬 Transparency as currency: Overdelivering while underpromising to customers (00:31:00)
• 🔨 Navigating the MVP maze: Prioritizing features and functionality (00:33:37)
• 🌐 Envisioning Scalis as a dynamic, customizable framework for the future (00:41:05)
• 🌏 Charting expansion voyages: Opportunities and hurdles in the Asian market (00:43:14)

Roy Mathew

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-mathew-0a6137/

SCALIS - https://scalis.ai/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Discover the secrets to thriving in Latin American e-commerce as Brandon Amoroso sits down with Mateo Velayos, Klaviyo's seasoned account focusing on Latin America. From navigating cultural nuances to leveraging strategic partnerships, explore the dynamic landscape of Latin American markets and uncover invaluable insights to fuel your business growth. Don't miss out—tune in now!

Timestamps
🌎 Introduction to Latin American e-commerce market (00:00:00)
🛒 Differences between US and Latin American e-commerce markets (00:02:26)
💼 Sales perspectives and buyer behavior in Latin America (00:03:58)
🤝 Importance of relationship-building in Latin American market (00:05:27)
🔧 Existing tools and technologies in Latin American market (00:06:27)
📈 Strategies for enterprise and mid-market targeting (00:07:38)
🚀 Challenges in adopting new technologies (00:14:18)
💰 Challenges in Latin American Markets (00:18:57)
💵 Price Sensitivity and Value Proposition (00:21:04)
🤝 Focus on Partnerships (00:23:27)
⚖️ Scaling and Division of Responsibilities (00:24:52)
🌱 Ecosystem Development and Emerging Markets (00:25:31)
🗣️ Overcoming Language Barriers (00:29:13)

Mateo Velayos
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-velayos/
Klaviyo - https://www.klaviyo.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, host Brandon Amoroso and guest Cade Proulx dive into the power of leveraging the Gen Z mindset for business growth. From insights on transitioning clients between e-commerce platforms to discussions on process optimization and industry innovation, this episode offers valuable strategies for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses effectively. Tune in to gain actionable insights and unlock the potential for growth in your own business journey.

Timestamps

👋 Introduction of Cade Proulx and endlane (00:00:00)

📝 Overview of Sendlane's implementation program and its purpose (00:01:39)

🚀 Importance of scaling quickly and leveraging the agency community (00:03:02)

🏗️ Building a successful process and predicting growth for scalability (00:05:22)

💼 Tailoring processes and pricing based on agency and client needs (00:08:00)

🔍 Importance of questioning and refining processes for optimization (00:09:54)

❓ Challenges agencies face with new tools and technologies in the market (00:11:04)

💡 Setting expectations and providing value to clients during implementation (00:14:19)

🗣️ Communication, feedback, and setting expectations for successful migration (00:16:13)

🛒 Observations on the changing landscape of e-commerce tools and platforms (00:18:03)

📢 Importance of providing direct feedback to solutions providers (00:20:54)

🔄 Transition from Carro to Sendlane (00:25:21)

🔍 Analyzing Customer Experience (00:25:50)

🏢 Building Processes and Culture (00:26:43)

📈 Future Growth Plans (00:30:49)

🏗️ Setting Foundation for Growth (00:32:56)

Cade Proulx

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-velayos/

Sendlane - https://www.sendlane.com/

Website - https://cadeproulx.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

Join Brandon Amoroso and Noah Rahimzadeh as they dive into the world of personalized marketing in e-commerce. From Noah's journey in health IT to Digioh’s innovative approach, discover how zero-party data is transforming customer interactions. Explore the nuts and bolts of building a partner program from scratch, emphasizing clear goals and streamlined processes. Don't miss out on insights into co-marketing initiatives and the value they bring to agency partnerships.  

Timestamps

🌟 Introduction and Background of Noah Rahimzadeh (00:00:00)
🔄 Transition from Enterprise Martech to Entrepreneurship (00:01:37)
🔍 Overview of Digioh’s Focus on Marketing Efficiency (00:04:19)
🛍️ Product Offerings: Zero-Party Data Suite and Identification Layer (00:05:03)
🤝 Approach to Partnerships: Tech vs. Agency Partners (00:10:15)
🤝 Leveraging Shared Merchant Opportunities (00:16:13)
🤝 Importance of Mutual Success in Partnerships (00:17:00)
🤝 Building Agency Relationships and Driving Referrals (00:17:52)
💻 Technical build-out and partner program structure considerations (00:18:59)
📈 Lead requirements and partner enablement (00:19:47)
📊 Tracking referrals and managing agency relationships (00:20:33)
🎁 Prioritizing benefits and perks in the partner program (00:22:10)
📣 Co-marketing strategies and joint initiatives (00:22:59)
📈 Case studies and success stories (00:24:37)
🎯 Importance of clear goals and streamlined processes (00:26:11)
📋 Lightweight case studies and marketing opportunities (00:35:05)

Noah Rahumzadeh

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-rahimzadeh-91667bb1/

Digioh - https://www.digioh.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, host Brandon Amoroso delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce and retail with Jessica Kogan, a partner at Connect the Dots Collective. They explore the seismic shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing how consumer behavior has rapidly transformed, leading to a convergence of online and offline experiences. From the rise of digitally native brands to the innovative strategies employed by retail giants like Target and Walmart, Brandon and Jessica dissect the intricate relationship between digital technologies and physical retail spaces. Their conversation sheds light on the future of commerce, where community engagement and seamless integration between online and offline channels will play pivotal roles in driving brand growth and customer loyalty.

Timestamps

🎙️ Introduction and Background of Jessica Kogan (00:00:00)

🌐 Impact of COVID-19 on E-commerce (00:03:39)

💻 Evolution of Digitally Native Businesses (00:05:46)

🛒 Integration of Digital and Physical Experiences (00:08:52)

🤝 Community-Building and In-Person Activations (00:11:17)

🔮 Future of Retail and Consumer Behavior (00:14:27)

🛍️ Strategies for Digitally Native and Traditional Retailers (00:19:44)

🔍 Conclusion and Speculation on Trader Joe's Strategy (00:26:04)

Jessica Kogan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kogan-43a455/

Connect the Dots Collective - https://www.ctdcollective.net/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Mike Begg, founder and CEO of AMZ Advisors, to uncover the latest trends shaping e-commerce on Amazon. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of launching brands on the platform, strategies to build strong client relationships, and how to leverage diverse traffic channels for long-term success. Tune in to learn the essential tactics for thriving in today's competitive Amazon ecosystem while getting a sneak peek at future trends in off-platform advertising and live-stream shopping.

Timestamps

🛤️ Mike Begg's Background & Journey into E-commerce (00:00:00)

🏢 Challenges of Building an Agency (00:03:00)

🌎 Relocating to Mexico (00:06:38)

🎯 Client Profile & Sweet Spot (00:08:16)

⚖️ Positive and Negative Changes on Amazon (00:11:42)

🛡️ Intellectual Property & Supply Chain Challenges (00:14:16)

⭐ Gaining Initial Reviews for New Brands (00:17:13)

📈 Media Buying On and Off Amazon (00:19:15)

🚀 Launching a Brand on Amazon in 2024 (00:20:53)

🌟 Growth Prospects for Amazon (00:23:02)

💸 Reducing AWS Costs via Investor Credits (00:26:07)

📧 Contact Information & Closing Thoughts (00:27:09)

Mike Begg

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbegg/

AMZ Advisers - https://amzadvisers.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso dives into the niche yet impactful world of unboxing marketing with Tyler DeLarm, Head of Marketing at UnDigital. This conversation unfolds the often overlooked yet critical marketing touchpoint—the unboxing experience. Tyler emphasizes the strategic potential of personalized unboxing, where direct-to-consumer brands can leverage custom messaging not just to enhance customer delight but to significantly boost re-engagement and retention rates. The discussion reveals how brands traditionally focus on packaging aesthetics while missing opportunities for deeper customer engagement through personalized inserts and targeted messaging. Tyler shares how simple it is to implement these strategies and their direct correlation with increased customer loyalty and order frequency, demonstrating that even the smallest details can drive substantial business outcomes.

Timestamps:

🎤 Introduction to Tyler DeLarm and Unboxing Marketing (00:00:12)

📦 The Concept and Impact of Unboxing Marketing (00:00:33)

🌱 Origins and Evolution of UN digital (00:02:30)

🎁 Examples and Benefits of Personalized Unboxing (00:03:36)

🔄 Integrating Unboxing with Fulfillment Processes (00:05:09)

🚀 Strategies for Small Brands and Scaling Up (00:11:55)

🛠️ Effective Implementation and Client Support by UN digital (00:20:09)

📈 Expanding Awareness and Adoption of Unboxing Marketing (00:27:16)

🗣️ Tyler's Closing Thoughts and Contact Information (00:32:59)

Tyler DeLarm:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdelarm/

Tyler DeLarm Website - https://www.tylerdelarm.com/

UnDigital - https://undigital.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Patrick Barnes, CEO of AMP, to dissect the evolving landscape of eCommerce and entrepreneurial strategies. They delve into Barnes's journey from building Shopify apps to leading a company that aims to revolutionize online business operations by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated platform. The discussion spans the intricacies of venture capital, the challenges of scaling business models, and the importance of customer retention in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace. Join them as they explore practical insights and the future of integrating physical and online retail.

Timestamps:
🎤 Introduction to Patrick Barnes and AMP (00:00:00)
🚀 Patrick Barnes's Background in Shopify and Entrepreneurial Journey (00:01:16)
🎯 Founding Philosophy and Goals of AMP (00:02:43)
🛠️ Challenges with Current App Ecosystems and AMP’s Integrated Solution
Approach (00:03:16)
🌟 Inspirations from Other Business Models and Future Aspirations (00:04:09)
💲 Discussion on Current SaaS Pricing Trends and Future Predictions (00:10:19)
👥 Transitioning from Product Focus to Leadership and Management in Remote Settings (00:19:43)
🔚 Closing Thoughts on Software Development and Team Dynamics (00:25:21)
💼 Contrasting Bootstrapping and Venture Funding (00:28:48)
🔍 Misconceptions and Realities of Startup Financing (00:29:11)
🌱 Strategic Focus and Long-term Vision in Business (00:32:06)
🛒 Evolving E-Commerce and Retail Landscapes (00:38:05)
📊 Integration of Advanced Analytics in Business Strategy (00:42:21)
🧑‍💻 Importance of Customer-Centric Product Development (00:48:43)
📈 Future Directions for AMP and E-Commerce Tools (00:56:04)
👋 Final Thoughts and Closing (00:58:12)

Patrick Barnes
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickcbarnes/
AMP - https://useamp.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

Join Brandon Amoroso for a great discussion with Dan Moshkovich from Chargeflow on the latest D2Z podcast episode. They unravel the complexities of e-commerce chargebacks and how businesses can effectively manage them using advanced AI-driven solutions. Learn why early implementation of chargeback management systems is crucial and discover the potential impacts on your business’s financial health and operational efficiency.

Here's what you'll learn:

🔍 The Evolution of Fraud Prevention: How artificial intelligence has transformed fraud detection in e-commerce from basic rules to advanced predictive systems.

🛡️ The Concept of 'Friendly Fraud': Understanding the challenge of legitimate transactions being disputed dishonestly, and how this affects merchants beyond traditional fraud.

🛡️ Importance of Early Chargeback, Management: Why starting chargeback defense strategies early in your business lifecycle is crucial, similar to having insurance against future disputes.

⚖️ Legal and Financial Impacts of Chargebacks: The serious consequences of mishandling chargebacks, including potential legal issues and significant financial burdens like increased processing fees or having to resort to high-risk merchant accounts.

📊 Utilizing Data Across Merchant Networks: How leveraging shared data from a network of merchants can enhance the effectiveness of chargeback resolutions and improve win rates significantly through AI technology.

Listening to this discussion will equip you with strategies and insights to protect your e-commerce operations from the pervasive issue of chargebacks.

Timestamps

🎤 Introduction to Dan Moshkovich (00:00:00)

🔍 Evolution of Fraud Prevention in E-commerce (00:01:30)

🛡️ Introduction to Chargebacks and 'Friendly Fraud' (00:03:58)

🚨 Challenges in Identifying and Managing Chargebacks (00:05:52)

💼 Impact of Chargebacks on Business and Importance of Early Management (00:10:47)

🔧 Strategic Advantages of Managing Chargebacks through Chargeflow (00:14:12)

⚖️ Legal and Financial Repercussions of Mishandling Chargebacks (00:18:23)

🤖 Optimizing Chargeback Processes with AI and Data Analytics (00:24:37)

🔚 Closing Remarks and Where to Find Chargeflow (00:34:06)

Dan Moshkovich

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmoshkovich/

Chargeflow - https://www.chargeflow.io/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

Dive into the transformative world of experiential retail in this episode of the D2Z podcast with Brandon Amoroso and Mark Sandeno, CEO of Experiences App, a booking management Shopify app for merchants who want to create memorable, meaningful experiences for their customers. 

Discover how memorable, bookable moments can elevate your brand and connect deeply with modern consumers who value experiences over products. A must-listen for retailers aiming to thrive in the Experience Economy!

Here's what you'll learn:

🛍️ How to transform standard retail environments into engaging spaces that forge lasting connections with consumers.

🎢 Insights into the "Experience Economy" and how it enhances the value of physical and digital consumer interactions.

🎉 The importance of creating memorable moments that resonate deeply with modern consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials.

🐐 Examples of unique experiential offerings that have successfully captivated audiences, from goat yoga to candle-making workshops.

🚀 Strategies for leveraging experiential retail to create a competitive edge and ensure brand longevity in a rapidly changing market.

Timestamps

🎙️ Introduction to Mark Sandeno and Experiential Retail (00:00:00)

🤝 The Role of In-Person Experiences in Marketing (00:06:37)

🔄 Generational Impact on Consumer Preferences (00:08:02)

📈 Expanding the Experience Economy Beyond Conventional Sectors (00:10:17)

🛠️ Strategic Application of Experiential Concepts in Retail (00:26:19)

📞 Closing Insights and Contact Details for Mark Sandeno (00:39:2)

Mark Sandeno

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksandeno/

Experiences - https://www.experiencesapp.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso dives deep into the world of lifecycle marketing with Sammy Tran, founder and CEO of BMO Media. Sammy shares his journey from a burgeoning intern to leading one of the top lifecycle marketing agencies, discussing the evolution of digital strategies in ecommerce and providing a roadmap for effective customer engagement across multiple channels.

Here's what you'll learn:
🚀 The transformative journey from an intern to a CEO in the digital marketing space.📧 The importance and impact of focusing on lifecycle marketing rather than just paid channels.
🤹 Strategies for managing hypergrowth in a digital agency.
🔄 The benefits of using a full-stack approach to lifecycle marketing, covering everything from email to loyalty programs.
🛠 Tips on balancing internal resources and freelancers to optimize business growth and client satisfaction.
🎯 How specialization in certain industry verticals can amplify client success.
🌐 The future trends in digital marketing technologies and the shift towards platform consolidation.

Timestamps
🎤 Introduction and Background of Sammy Tran and BMO Media (00:00:00)
💼 Sammy Tran's Entry into Digital Marketing and E-commerce (00:00:47)
🚀 Transition from Middlesex to Starting BMO Media (00:02:02)
📈 Growth Strategies and Differences in Agency Focus (00:02:58)
🔄 Specializing in Lifecycle Marketing Channels at BMO Media (00:03:49)
👥 Team Structure and Scaling at BMO Media (00:04:39)
⚖️ Balancing Resources Between Full-time Employees and Freelancers (00:05:30)
🎯 Specialization in Industry Verticals (00:06:53)
🌱 Future Growth Opportunities in Lifecycle Marketing (00:09:10)
🛠 Challenges with Platform Consolidation and Technology Evolution (00:14:15)

Sammy Tran:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammy-tran-157825b7/
BMO Media - https://bmomedia.co/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Erik Huberman, the visionary behind Hawke Media and a driving force in modern marketing. As they delve into the transformative power of AI in marketing and the intricacies of managing expansive growth, Erik shares invaluable insights from his journey of turning entrepreneurial visions into substantial realities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers a deep dive into leveraging AI for business innovation and the continuous evolution required to stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Here's what you'll learn:

🧠 The transformative impact of AI on marketing strategies and business operations.

📈 Strategies for effectively managing and scaling a multi-faceted marketing agency.

🚀 Real-life lessons on navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurial growth.

💡 How to integrate AI technology to streamline and enhance marketing efforts.

🌐 The future of e-commerce and digital marketing platforms in an AI-driven world.

Timestamps

🎤 Introduction and Guest Background: (00:00:00)

💼 Foundation and Growth of Hawke Media: (00:02:05)

🤖 AI's Impact and Future in Business: (00:03:06)

📊 Developing and Integrating AI Tools at Hawke Media: (00:04:45)

🔍 Market Analytics and AI Advancements: (00:06:10)

🌐 Strategic Business Growth and AI's Role: (00:08:59)

📝 Business Strategy and Management Insights: (00:10:59)

🔧 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Realities: (00:15:08)

💡 Financial Management and Cost Control: (00:17:39)

🌍 Macro Changes in Investment and Market Dynamics: (00:25:54)

🔗 E-commerce Trends and Predictions: (00:30:04)

🤝 Investment Philosophy and Decision-making: (00:31:16)

Erik Huberman

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhuberman/

Hawke Media - https://hawkemedia.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/