Ecomm Breakthrough

In this episode, host Josh interviews Rafael, founder of Share It Studio and a 3x Telly Award-winning Amazon marketing expert. Rafael shares strategies for building a successful brand on Amazon, emphasizing the importance of understanding your target audience, leveraging Amazon’s brand analytics, and creating high-quality, authentic content. The discussion covers Amazon’s evolving brand-building tools, including A+ content, brand stores, and social features like Posts and Live. Rafael offers actionable tips for optimizing listings and highlights the value of investing in content to boost trust and sales. Listeners also receive a special discount on Share It Studio services. Chapters: Introduction & Rafael’s Background (00:00:00) Josh introduces Rafael, his achievements, and Share It Studio’s success with Amazon listings. Mentorship & Entering Amazon Marketing (00:00:38) Rafael discusses the value of mentorship and how he transitioned into Amazon marketing. The Importance of Brand Building (00:02:36) Josh highlights Rafael's results and asks where sellers should start with brand building and content. Identifying Your Amazon Audience (00:03:09) Rafael explains the need to analyze data and understand the differences between Amazon and other e-commerce audiences. Using Amazon’s Brand Tools (00:04:02) Discussion on Amazon’s brand analytics, content tools, and the importance of creating a brand experience. Amazon’s Social Features & Custom Content (00:05:22) Rafael emphasizes using Amazon’s social features (Posts, Live, Follow) and creating custom content for holidays and trends. Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:06:57) Josh summarizes three key actions: analyze data, update content based on findings, and prioritize/testing content types. Content Quality Reflects Product Quality (00:10:03) Rafael stresses that high-quality, authentic content signals product quality to buyers, especially for sensitive categories. Final Thoughts & Influences (00:11:17) Rafael shares his admiration for Gary Vee and Carlos, and the importance of helping others in the e-commerce space. How to Connect with Share It Studio (00:12:55) Rafael provides contact info, offers a complimentary consultation, and a special discount for podcast listeners. Closing Remarks & Bonus Offer (00:14:00) Josh and Rafael wrap up, highlighting the 15% discount for listeners who mention the podcast. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites: Share It Studio Amazon Brand Registry Amazon Live Videos Instagram Contact Information: Email: hello@shareitstudio.com Influential Figures: Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) on LinkedIn Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today I am super excited to introduce you to Rafael. Rafael is the founder of Share It Studio. He is A3X Telly Award winning entrepreneur in marketing and film. He has 13 plus years of marketing experience, five of which are specialized in Amazon marketing. Sherritt studio sets itself apart as a boutique agency with a high level, data driven approach and bespoke full package services. The studio boasts 500 plus successful Amazon listings, with an average sales increase of 77% within the first month of launching. So welcome to the show, Rafael. Rafael 00:00:38 Josh, thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it. What you were saying about finding somebody to help you. it's the best way I found out. I did the exact same thing with my mentors. Is Josh Nelson right here? Okay, so what you're offering is actually very, very, very good. I highly recommend that anybody that's, you know, listen to this. I met Josh in person. Super cool guy. you should definitely at least talk to him. Rafael 00:01:02 maybe you're not ready, but maybe within a month, you know you'll hit the target and you'll be ready to to to, you know, reach out to Josh and he can help you scale your business. But if if somebody has a blueprint, why would you want to, like, go sideways if somebody knows what it's going to happen?...

In this episode, host Josh interviews Aaron Hovivian, CEO of The Collab Team, about scaling operations for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. Aaron shares his journey from retail and corporate project management to founding his own operations consultancy. The discussion covers the importance of identifying strengths, implementing operating systems like EOS, and documenting SOPs to streamline growth from seven to eight figures. Aaron offers practical advice for overcoming operational bottlenecks and introduces his Ops Experts Club resource hub. The episode provides actionable steps for business owners looking to delegate effectively and build scalable, efficient operations. Chapters: Introduction & Aaron’s Background (00:00:00) Aaron shares his entrepreneurial roots, early jobs, and inspiration from his father’s business journey. Discovering a Passion for Operations (00:00:49) Aaron describes his natural inclination for improving systems and his transition from retail to project management. First Entrepreneurial Leap & Founding The Collab Team (00:01:35) Aaron recounts leaving a stable job to help a friend’s business, marking the start of The Collab Team. Systems Thinking & Early Genius (00:02:54) Discussion about always thinking in systems and the importance of operating in one’s zone of genius. Complexity in Growth & The Value of Operations (00:03:31) Aaron explains how business growth brings complexity and the need to streamline through operations. The Power of Delegation & Operating Systems (00:03:48) Aaron introduces the concept of “Delegate and Elevate” from EOS and the importance of SOPs. Why Operations Matter for Scaling (00:04:37) Aaron discusses why operations are crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to scale from seven to eight figures. Visionaries vs. Operators: Identifying Strengths (00:05:02) Aaron explains the difference between visionary entrepreneurs and those skilled in operations. Common Pitfalls in Delegation & Team Structure (00:06:17) Challenges entrepreneurs face when delegating without clear processes or team roles. Intentionality & Backward Planning (00:07:06) The importance of planning from the end goal backward to reduce daily frustrations. Operations as a Business Pillar (00:07:33) Josh compares operations to a three-legged stool, emphasizing its equal importance with sales and vision. Implementing Operating Systems & Frameworks (00:08:02) Josh shares his experience implementing operating systems and frameworks like EOS and Scalable. Entrepreneurial Profiles & The Kolbe Assessment (00:08:56) Discussion about the Kolbe assessment and how most entrepreneurs are high quick starts, not high follow-through. Three Actionable Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:09:33) Josh summarizes three steps: set your goal, do a time study/gap analysis, and document SOPs for delegation. Aaron’s Additional Advice: Start with the Highest Burn (00:11:15) Aaron advises tackling the most painful or draining tasks first to maximize relief and ROI. Ops Experts Club Gift & Resources (00:12:27) Aaron introduces the Ops Experts Club, offering free access and tools like the Gap Analyzer for listeners. Closing Remarks & Gratitude (00:14:31) Josh and Aaron wrap up, expressing appreciation and encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage operations for growth. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Ops Experts Club on Facebook Gap Analyzer Books Traction by Gino Wickman on Amazon Assessments Kolbe Assessment Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Aaron Hovivian, the CEO and Project Lead at the Collaborative Team Management, or AKA the Collab Team. So welcome to the podcast, Aaron. Aaron 00:00:11 Hey Josh, thanks for having me man. So good to be here. Josh 00:00:13 Aaron, you've got a lot of experience. As we can see in operations, you've helped grow solopreneurs into multifaceted eight figure brands and helping scale people beyond that. Aaron, let's back things up and tell...

John is the Brand Evangelist at PickFu and Founder and CEO of Aspy, he helps businesses make data-driven decisions to optimize their product listings and marketing strategies on Amazon. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews John Aspinall, brand evangelist at Pickfu and CEO of ASPY. They discuss the critical importance of optimizing main images for Amazon product listings to boost click-through rates (CTR). John emphasizes that a compelling hero image is crucial for attracting clicks, likening it to the exterior of a house. He shares insights into consumer behavior, stressing the need for data-driven decisions and continuous testing. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for improving CTR and sales, highlighting the role of visual elements and the impact of tariffs on product costs. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Resources mentioned in this episode: Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comHelium 10Jungle ScoutSmart ScoutAmazonPickFuCanvaGoogle WhiskGoogle EffectsClaudePerplexityDeepSeekGoogle GeminiMr. BeastThe Diary Of A CEOLinkedInLa Roche-PosayChatGPTSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to ...

In this episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh and Becca Hadley about their journey working together as a married couple. They share insights into balancing business and family life, setting boundaries, and defining clear roles. The Hadleys discuss the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship as partners, offer advice for couples considering a joint venture, and highlight the importance of communication, shared vision, and prioritizing their relationship. Personal anecdotes reveal their daily routines, family priorities, and fun facts about each other, providing an honest look at blending marriage and business. Chapters: Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:00) Chad Frandsen is introduced as the interviewer; Becca and Josh Hadley are welcomed to the podcast. Working with Your Spouse: Initial Thoughts (00:00:21) Becca and Josh share their experiences and feelings about working together as a married couple. Early Days of the Business (00:01:54) Josh describes how they started working together, their routines, and the excitement of building the business. Balancing Roles and Avoiding Friction (00:03:29) Discussion on the importance of clarifying roles and responsibilities to prevent conflicts. Work-Life Boundaries and Daily Routines (00:04:46) Chad asks about setting workday boundaries; Becca and Josh explain their flexible approach and daily schedules. Family Priorities and Involvement (00:07:01) Josh emphasizes prioritizing family, coaching kids’ sports, and the importance of being present as parents. Advice Received About Working Together (00:08:24) Becca and Josh recall advice they received about working as a couple and the importance of maintaining balance. Advice for Couples Considering Business Together (00:10:23) Josh and Becca offer advice to couples thinking about starting a business together, stressing clear roles and shared vision. Working from Home: Pros and Cons (00:12:39) They discuss working from home, its benefits, challenges, and how it affects their work-life transition. Personal Insights: About Each Other (00:13:43) Chad asks Becca and Josh to share something listeners wouldn’t know about the other, revealing personal and fun facts. Closing Remarks (00:15:52) Chad wraps up the interview, thanks the guests, and offers best wishes. Links and Mentions: Company/Tool: Rise 25 Book/Quote: No success in the world can compensate for failure in the home Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm excited to introduce to you. I have two special guests with me. We have my wife, Becca Hadley, and then we have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script, and he is going to be interviewing Becca and I today. So welcome to the podcast, Chad. Chad 00:00:21 Hey, thanks so much, Josh. Great to be here with both of you. So, Becca, what is it like working with your spouse? Becca 00:00:28 Yeah, I love it. I know almost every single person I talk to always says, I don't know how you do that, or that didn't work for me or were divorced or whatever it is. We I think it's been one of the best things for us. I think we had a strong foundation before we began working with each other, and it kind of started off slow. And Josh was working in corporate America. We were working together at night, but for us, it's been it's been fun. Becca 00:00:51 It's been our hobby, I think since both of us are doing what we love, it's very fulfilling and then even more fulfilling to do it together. I think one of my favorite things is just the opportunity to, like, travel together to different conferences like we've had so many like couples trips that are business trips. and it's been so fun. We've seen so many places together. I think we're also learning new things together at the conferences we go to and the things that we listen to, the podcast, everything that we do together. So I think it takes our relationship even to the next level,...

Josh started his career at American Airlines (AA) and spent 5 years in their MBA leadership development program. Josh’s experience at AA further refined his leadership abilities and strategic decision making skills. While employed at AA Josh and his wife Becca started Hadley Designs. As the CEO of Hadley Designs, Josh led the business to gross $100,000+ in revenue within it’s first year and in 2022 Hadley Designs crossed the eight figure mark, grossing over $10,000,000 in revenue. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this podcast episode, the speaker, an experienced entrepreneur and host of the "Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast," shares a detailed seven-step process for hiring management-level staff using AI tools. The speaker emphasizes the importance of conducting a time study to allocate hiring resources effectively, creating detailed role profiles and scorecards, and leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for efficiency. They discuss innovative techniques such as group interviews and AI-driven resume screening to streamline the hiring process. By implementing rigorous vetting processes and thorough reference checks, the speaker provides actionable insights for scaling businesses to eight figures and beyond. Here are 3 short, actionable takeaways from the podcast summary: Resources mentioned in this episode: Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comUpworkCriteria CorpWorkable.phChatGPTSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Today, I'm going to be walking through how we're going to be leveraging AI to hire management level staff anywhere in the world. Okay. And I'm going to be showing you guys kind of the filters, everything that we've set up. There's a lot to dissect in 20 minutes. So we're going to be flying through all of this. But the good news is Jim and Mimi, those two things that you talked about AI and hiring leaders, like, that's exactly what I'm talking about today. All right. So this is the easy way to use AI to find incredible management level contractors overseas. as Bryce mentioned. Who am I? So first and foremost, father of four, husband to a beautiful wife. We had a baby six months ago. Five months ago. His name is Harvey and Harper. She's the one here. She's a she's my second and she's six years old. So happy to have her with us. And then we started our brand on Amazon back in 2016. We've been an eight figure brand on Amazon for three years straight now and then. Josh Hadley 00:00:49 I'm also the host of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, where I share strategies to scale from 7 to 8 figures and beyond in the e-commerce world. All right. So first up, I want to share a story. So all of us have heard the amazing opportunity to go higher $3 an hour. Filipinos that can...

In this Throwback episode, host Josh interviews patent attorney Rich Goldstein about the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection for businesses, especially e-commerce sellers. Rich explains the differences between copyrights, design patents, utility patents, and trademarks, highlighting why registering trademarks in China is crucial for those sourcing products there. They discuss how IP protection helps prevent copycats, increases business value, and is essential for a successful exit. Rich also shares actionable tips for building an IP strategy and recommends resources for further learning. The episode concludes with advice on connecting with top experts in the Amazon and e-commerce space. Chapters: Introduction to Rich Goldstein and His Background (00:00:00) Josh introduces Rich Goldstein, his experience, and his role in helping businesses obtain patent protection. Josh’s IP Mistake and the Importance of Early Protection (00:01:39) Josh shares his mistake of not getting IP protection early and discusses the risks of product copying on Amazon. Copyrights vs. Design Patents for Product Protection (00:02:56) Rich explains the difference between copyrights and design patents, and when each is applicable for product protection. The Importance of Registering Trademarks in China (00:04:33) Discussion about the risks of not registering trademarks in China and the potential consequences for e-commerce sellers. Understanding Utility Patents (00:06:16) Rich explains what utility patents are, what they protect, and how they differ from design patents. Three Actionable IP Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:08:44) Josh summarizes three key IP action items: trademarks, patents, and the value of IP for business exits. The Value of an IP Budget and Learning About IP (00:10:25) Rich emphasizes budgeting for IP as a business grows and the importance of entrepreneurs educating themselves about IP. Recommended Thought Leaders in E-commerce (00:12:06) Rich shares names of influential people and groups in the e-commerce and Amazon seller space. Where to Find Rich Goldstein and His Resources (00:14:32) Rich provides information on where listeners can find his website, book, podcast, and event updates. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Goldstein Patent Law Books The ABA Consumer Guide to Obtaining a Patent Podcasts Innovations and Breakthroughs Podcast Notable Individuals and Groups Kevin King Brandon Young Titan Group Norm Farrar Danny McMillan Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm excited to introduce to you Rich Goldstein, who is on a mission to connect, protect, and educate. He helps small businesses, startups, and in e-commerce and digital marketers and inventors in their quest to obtain patent protection. Along with his team of attorneys. He counsels individual inventors and startups regarding the best steps to take for patent protection and when patent protection is available. Over the past 28 years, he has obtained more than £2,000 for his clients. And Rich is the host of the Innovations and Breakthroughs podcast and is the author of The Consumer Guide to Obtaining a Patent, published by the American Bar Association. So Rich, welcome to the podcast. Rich 00:00:46 Thanks so much, Josh. Thanks. Thanks for the warm introduction. And and really great to be on your podcast. Josh 00:00:51 Rich, I'm happy to say that we are a part of that number of 2000 plus, you know, patent successful patterns that you've been able to obtain and counting. Right. Rich 00:01:03 And counting. Josh 00:01:03 Yep. So thank you for your help and helping us get some of those design patterns that we've received for our business. Josh 00:01:10 So rich. Absolutely is the man. Rich 00:01:12 Absolutely. My pleasure. It's really exciting to see kind of what we're creating there in your company in terms of, asset value and protection, you know, against competitors. So, it's really cool. And someday we'll, we'll do a, you...

Andrew co-founded Reason Automation after years at Amazon, working on their retail and vendor businesses. There, he learned data wasn’t just a resource—it was the backbone of every decision being made. To be successful, you had to dive into the numbers yourself, without a team of analysts to rely on. That hands-on experience shaped his approach to data and inspired him to create a company that helps other businesses tap into the power of their own analytics. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Andrew Hamada, co-founder of Recent Automation. They discuss two pivotal factors for scaling e-commerce businesses: effective data analytics and task prioritization. Andrew, leveraging his experience at Amazon, emphasizes the importance of transforming data into actionable insights without getting overwhelmed. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on key tasks that drive growth and to understand product-level profitability. The episode also highlights the necessity of regular monitoring and the value of constructive feedback in leadership. This conversation offers invaluable guidance for scaling seven-figure brands to eight figures and beyond. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Prioritize What Matters Most Track SKU-Level Profitability Act Fast with Real-Time Data Resources mentioned in this episode: Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonAmazon Seller CentralSelling Partner APIData KioskMidjourneyLinkedInJason BoyceSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInNeil Patel on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez, and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Andrew Hamada, and today we are going to be talking about the two things that are going to set you and your business apart from the competition and allow your brand to be able to scale and win in today's competitive environment. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for a partner or coach who can help take your business to the next level, reach out to me at Ecomm Breakthrough. Com. That's ecom with two ends and let's turn your dreams into reality. Today I am excited to introduce you all to Andrew Hamada. Andrew co-founded Recent Automation after years at Amazon working on their retail and vendor businesses....

In this Throwback episode, host Josh interviews Steven Pope from My Amazon Guy about advanced strategies for Amazon sellers, especially those with mature or seven-figure brands. Steven details the importance of focusing on SEO, PPC, merchandising, and design, and explains why SEO should be continuously optimized. He shares a case study on using Amazon’s search query performance report to find untapped keywords, and discusses practical tactics like updating product images and A/B testing. The episode wraps up with Steven’s favorite business resources and advice to take action and keep improving your Amazon business. Chapters: Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:00) Josh introduces Steven Pope and sets up the discussion on advanced Amazon content strategies for mature brands. The Four Pillars of Amazon Success (00:00:40) Steven outlines the four key areas: SEO, PPC, merchandising, and design, emphasizing their importance for traffic and conversion. Challenges Facing Amazon Sellers (00:02:10) Discussion of increased competition, shrinking margins, and the need to focus on fundamentals instead of hacks or blackhat tactics. Deep Dive: SEO is Not Set-and-Forget (00:03:51) Steven explains his multi-phase SEO approach and stresses the importance of continuous optimization. Case Study: Using Search Query Performance Report (00:04:12) Steven introduces the ICAP marketing funnel and demonstrates how to use Amazon’s search query performance report to find valuable keywords. Market Share Growth Example (00:06:18) Steven shares a real-world example of tripling market share for a previously overlooked keyword using data-driven SEO. Image Optimization & A/B Testing (00:08:15) Discussion on improving product images (e.g., adding age ranges) and the impact on click-through rates, with a live example. Implementing Data-Driven Content Changes (00:09:59) How to use search data to inform content updates, including A/B testing and targeting specific demographics. Three Actionable Takeaways (00:11:30) Josh summarizes key steps: analyze search query data, implement keyword-driven content changes, and A/B test main images and A+ content. Favorite Business Book (00:13:17) Steven shares his most influential book, "The Road Less Stupid," and its impact on his decision-making. Favorite Productivity Tool (00:13:48) Steven discusses his upcoming productivity tool, Hybrid, and mentions the value of tools like Calendly. Recommended Ecommerce Influencer (00:14:33) Steven recommends following Harry Joiner for unique ecommerce insights and strategy frameworks. Final Words of Wisdom (00:15:18) Steven encourages listeners to take action and shares his contact info for feedback and stories. Podcast Closing (00:15:41) Josh thanks Steven for joining the podcast and wraps up the episode. Links and Mentions: Tools and Resources Seller Central Pickfu Calendly Books The Road Less Stupid Traction Scaling Up People to Follow Harry Joiner on LinkedIn Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm speaking with Steven Pope of my Amazon guy, and we will be talking a lot about content, strategies and how to uplevel your game on Amazon to capture more traffic and drive more revenue. We talked about this prior to recording Hitting the record button on this podcast, but I want to learn from you. And our audience is going to be interested, Steven, to learn. What would you recommend? Seven figure sellers and those that are maybe experienced on Amazon? They have a mature brand, so to speak. What should they be focusing on? Amazon, especially knowing where, you know, kind of the puck is going in the future with Amazon where things are going. What strategies would you recommend sellers be implementing right now? Steven 00:00:40 Anything that generates traffic and improves conversion rates. Full stop. That's it. That's all you got to focus on those two basic parameters. Now I can break those two down one layer deeper. Yep. Under traffic there's PPC...

Brandon is a seasoned Amazon entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Innovate, and he is the driving force behind a successful Kitchenware Brand with years of experience building and scaling e-commerce businesses. Brandon brings a unique perspective, shaped by both his entrepreneurial journey and his background as an attorney. Today we're going to be diving into his business. What is he doing with the challenges we're all faced with tariffs and Amazon fees and increasing competition? He's going to be sharing his journey and his tips and strategies he's implementing in his business today. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brandon Fuhrmann, Amazon entrepreneur and co-founder of Innovate. Brandon shares advanced strategies for scaling e-commerce brands, including optimizing pricing, ad spend, and product listings amid rising tariffs and fierce competition. He discusses leveraging international markets, building a lean team, and the importance of continuous product innovation. Brandon also offers actionable insights on legal protections, customer feedback, and multichannel expansion. Listeners gain practical, high-level tactics to drive profitability and resilience, plus an exclusive invitation to the Innovate conference for elite sellers aiming to reach 8 figures and beyond. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Play the Price–Ad Spend Game: Adjust pricing & PPC together. Drop prices to rank faster, then raise and boost ads to keep momentum. Keep Listings Fresh: Constantly update images & copy based on split tests and customer feedback. Have backups ready to pivot fast. Diversify or Die: Sell in multiple marketplaces (EU, CA, Walmart, Shopify) so you can shift inventory when tariffs or demand change. Resources mentioned in this episode: Insiders AgencyHelium 10Jungle ScoutShopifyWalmartFaireSellaMetricsAmazonFBAPPCE-myth by Michael E. GerberGrit by Angela DuckworthDeep Work by Cal NewportLinkedInInnovate ConferenceSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast Episode Sponsor This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Brandon 00:00:00 When you look at profitability, there's the two biggest levers are really pricing and ad spend. Right. So you can you can price your product cheap and have lower ad spend and make the same amount as having a price that's expensive. But you've got to pump the ad spend, right. So it's kind of a fine balance between the two and kind of seeing, you know, can I lower ad spend here but keep pricing the same? Can I lower pricing and then lower AD spend to make up for that. Host 00:00:24 Right. Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level. Josh 00:00:37 Welcome...

In this episode, host Josh interviews Steve Simonsen, CEO of SYMO Global, about strategies for private label sellers and brands facing economic challenges like inflation, rising Amazon fees, and shrinking margins. Steve shares actionable advice on SKU-level profitability analysis, disciplined inventory management, negotiating with suppliers, and liquidating slow-moving products. He emphasizes the importance of understanding financial statements and maintaining financial discipline. The conversation offers practical tips for navigating uncertain demand and highlights the need for proactive, data-driven decision-making to thrive during tough economic times. Chapters: Introduction & Economic Context (00:00:00) Josh introduces Steve Simonsen and sets the stage: inflation, rising Amazon fees, squeezed margins, and a pending recession. State of the Economy & Inventory Focus (00:00:55) Steve discusses the reality of the recession, economic slowdown, and the importance of managing inventory on the balance sheet. SKU-Level Profitability & Declining Unit Sales (00:02:03) Emphasis on granular SKU-level profitability analysis and the impact of declining unit sales despite higher top-line revenue. Supplier Negotiations & Cost Control (00:04:04) Strategies for negotiating with suppliers, leveraging currency shifts, and pushing back on costs to improve margins. Inventory Valuation & Trash to Cash (00:05:58) Advice on devaluing inventory, taking write-offs, and converting slow-moving inventory into cash. Liquidation Strategies & Q4 Considerations (00:07:21) How to liquidate inventory, use Q4 for retail-value sales, and categorize inventory for effective action. Actionable Takeaways Recap (00:08:46) Josh summarizes three actionable takeaways: SKU-level analysis, turning trash to cash, and cautious inventory forecasting. Financial Discipline & Mindset (00:11:06) Steve stresses the importance of understanding financials, cash flow, and developing discipline during tough economic times. Closing Thoughts & Contact Info (00:13:44) Final advice on mindset, encouragement for entrepreneurs, and where to follow or contact Steve. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Parsimony Additional Resources Steve Simonsen on LinkedIn Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm speaking with Steve Simonsen, owner and CEO of SYMO Global. Steve, you've got such great experience. You have. It sounds like a great network in terms of supplier relationships. Because of your vast experience with SYMO Global, you've already got so many different contacts in those different countries as we were in a difficult economic period right now. Right. We have inflation that's been going up. Amazon fees continue to go up, right. margins are getting squeezed. And then we have this pending recession on our hands where consumers are starting to pull back on some of the consumer spending. I think we're seeing that. I want to ask what you're seeing from your perspective. And then for our audience that are established brands that want to take it to the next level. What should they be doing? What strategies should they be employing over the next little while? Steve 00:00:55 Gosh, yeah, that's there's a lot in there. And the truth is, like we're already in a recession, right? It doesn't matter what the politicians say. Steve 00:01:04 It matters only what the numbers say. And the numbers are very clear, right? There is a slowdown, not just a slowdown, a reduction of economic output. And that doesn't mean the world's coming to an end. It just means there are some economic, reasonable laws that have to be dealt with. Right. It's like gravity. You can't argue whether gravity exists or not. It's there and you have to deal with it. So, what that means to us is like dealing with, you know, a reducing kind of economy and an increasing level of inflation. This is the ultimate squeeze. Nobody wants to see it, but where it's upon us. So we're we're we approached this from a very...

Athena is the mastermind behind the mastermind. Founder of China Magic - a 12-Day Sourcing Trip for Amazon Sellers, she helps Amazon Sellers scale to 7-8 figures through unique Events, Sourcing Trips and Masterminds to make life and business changing shifts towards more profit, prosperous relationships, and ultimate freedom. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Athena Severi, co-founder of Titan Network. Athena shares her expertise on scaling e-commerce businesses from seven to eight figures, emphasizing leadership, goal clarity, and the power of networking. Key insights include the importance of actionable steps, perseverance, and continuous learning. Athena also highlights the value of meaningful relationships and hiring the right talent. The episode provides practical advice for business owners aiming for sustainable growth, encouraging them to embrace challenges and focus on high-impact activities. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Resources mentioned in this episode: Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonTitan NetworkChina Magic TripAmazonAmazonBillion Dollar Seller SummitAmazonInstagramSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInNeil Patel on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Athena Severi, the co-founder of Titan Network. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for that coach or consultant who can help take your business to the next level, reach out to me directly at Josh at Ecomm Breakthrough. Com. That's E-comm with two M's. And let's turn your dreams into reality. Today I'm excited to introduce you all to Athena Safari. Athena is the mastermind behind the mastermind. She is the ...

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews business leader Josh, who shares his proven framework for rapidly enhancing business performance. Josh outlines four key drivers of growth: product innovation, hiring talented people, sales and marketing, and implementing effective operational systems. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Josh provides practical examples and actionable advice for each area. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on these core levers to achieve quick, sustainable results. The episode offers valuable insights and resources for entrepreneurs looking to improve their businesses, with Josh inviting listeners to connect for further guidance. Chapters: Introduction and Framework Overview (00:00:00) Josh introduces Chad as the interviewer and outlines his four-part framework for enhancing business performance. Product Innovation (00:01:50) Josh discusses the importance of unique product innovation, sharing an example of educational posters during COVID-19. Hiring Smart People (00:05:29) Josh explains why hiring talented people is crucial, with examples of improving processes through expert team members. Sales and Marketing (00:10:54) Josh emphasizes sales and marketing as the lifeblood of any business, necessary before scaling other areas. Operations and Implementing an Operating System (00:11:59) Josh details the importance of operational systems for scaling, describing their meeting structure and management processes. Getting Started with Operating Systems (00:15:47) Josh gives advice on how to begin implementing an operating system, recommending resources and offering help. Conclusion and Farewell (00:17:23) Chad and Josh wrap up the episode and say goodbye to listeners. Links and Mentions: Meetings and Frameworks L10 Meeting 4-1-1 Meetings EOS Framework Websites Ecomm Breakthrough Rise25 Books The E-Myth Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 I have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he's going to be interviewing me today. Welcome, Chad. Chad 00:00:12 Hey, Josh, thanks. It's great to be here. today, I would love to talk about your approach to, enhancing the performance of a business in your years as a business leader. What kind of framework have you developed where you can just step in and kind of implement ways to enhance the performance of a business pretty quickly. Josh 00:00:28 Over the last few years, I think, as our own business has continued to grow in scale, and I needed to build out a leadership team, I needed to myself write down what I felt were the biggest drivers, needle movers, biggest levers that I can pull inside the business. And so it forced me to kind of like narrow it down to like, there's a million different things that I could be working on with inside the business, right? I could be working on just HR in and of itself. Josh 00:00:59 I could be working on marketing, social media. I could be working on, you know, accounting, finance. There's the list goes on and on and on. Right. So what I decided to do is just create like four areas where if we focus on these four areas within our business and we make strategic decisions, this should be able to make an impact if we pull this particular lever. So that's how I kind of identified these. And I have specific examples here that I'll share with you that that walk through kind of why I decided like this is a core area of the business rather than, you know, maybe accounting for example, and finance, although important, you know, these are the four core things that I can move into a business, make changes, and then be able to see growth happen real quick. Does that make sense? Chad 00:01:50 Yeah, absolutely. So the first one that you listed, of the four was product innovation. Tell me a little bit more about you know obviously it's very important, but tell me a little bit more about your thoughts on...

Brian Williams, and he leads Primal Power, a new energy bar company, the first grass fed, pasture raised beef liver energy bar that tastes amazing. He is known for using a unique tripwire sales funnel to build DTC brands and large qualified lists of buyers. Prior to Primal Power, Brian ran then exited G-Sight a firearms accessories company and has invested a lifetime career in eCommerce dating back to 1997 when he was the CMO for an early eCommerce company uBid.com. Brian Williams, Brian is a member of the MDS (MillionDollarSellers.com) community of 7, 8 and 9 Figure eCommerce Founders. He is also an Investor Owner in Health, Wellness and Fitness CPG brands. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brian Williams, leader of Primal Power and an e-commerce veteran since 1997. Brian shares his expertise on scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon using tripwire sales funnels and strategic demand generation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, leveraging grassroots marketing, and creating compelling offers to pre-qualify leads. The discussion also highlights the benefits of subscription models for recurring revenue and the use of social media advertising to drive traffic. Brian's insights provide a roadmap for 6-7 figure business owners aiming to scale to 8 figures and beyond. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Diversify Beyond Amazon – Relying solely on Amazon is risky due to increasing competition and rising fees. Build a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy by focusing on demand generation and external traffic sources. Leverage Tripwire Sales Funnels – Offer a low-cost or free product to capture leads, qualify potential customers, and upsell them to higher-value purchases, increasing overall revenue. Implement a Subscription Model – Choose products that encourage repeat purchases and introduce a subscription option to improve customer retention and boost profitability. Resources & Links Section Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonShopifyKlaviyoWooCommerceChatGPTCostcoWhole FoodsTarget“Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Thomas E. BrownMetaSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Josh 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin Keene, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Brian Williams, and we're going to be talking about how to scale off of Amazon using tripwires and sales funnels that are going to create a massive moat...

In this Throwback episode, Amazon brand-building expert Kevin shares advanced strategies for established sellers aiming to scale to eight figures and beyond. He emphasizes the shift from selling generic products to building authentic brands, leveraging Amazon as a distribution channel rather than the sole platform. Kevin discusses creative tactics for collecting customer data—like compelling insert cards and personalized experiences—and highlights the importance of nurturing an engaged email list. The conversation covers email marketing best practices, the challenges of today’s Amazon landscape, and actionable steps for long-term brand growth both on and off Amazon. Chapters: The Shift to Real Brand Building on Amazon (00:00:00) Discussion on the end of "me-too" products and the need for genuine brand building to scale on Amazon. What Makes a Real Brand (00:01:41) Explains the difference between a product and a true brand, using search volume and customer recognition as benchmarks. Owning Customer Data & Creative Inserts (00:02:37) Importance of collecting customer data, using creative insert cards, and leveraging off-Amazon channels for customer relationships. Pet Brand Example: Insert Offers & Birthday Campaigns (00:03:27) Detailed example of using free sample offers, pet registration, and birthday postcards to build loyalty and collect data. Email Marketing Challenges & Deliverability (00:07:40) Covers issues with email engagement, deliverability, and strategies to stay out of spam folders. Email Frequency & Value-Driven Content (00:09:18) Best practices for email frequency, balancing value and promotions, and the importance of testing. Testing Offers & Audience Warmth (00:10:42) The need to test different offers and tailor messaging based on audience familiarity with the brand. Actionable Takeaways for Amazon Sellers (00:12:01) Summarizes three key actions: build a real brand, create an email list, and provide value to your audience. Top Billion Dollar Seller Summit Speakers (00:13:45) Kevin names top speakers/attendees to follow for Amazon growth insights: Brandon Young, Casey Goss, and Josh Hadley. How to Connect with Kevin (00:16:33) Kevin shares the best way to contact him—primarily via Facebook. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Shopify WooCommerce Amazon Prime now Prime Video TaxJar Billion Dollar Seller Summit Recommended Speakers Brandon Young on LinkedIn Transcript: Josh 00:00:00 You talked a lot about how important brand building is on Amazon now, as our audience primarily has established Amazon businesses, they've already found success, but they're looking to go to eight figures and beyond. You know, what do you see going on in the Amazon space right now? And some of the advice and strategies that you would recommend to establish sellers right now? Kevin 00:00:23 Yeah, that's a tough one because some of them are going to need to pivot, and it's going to be a little bit of a hard pivot because in the past on Amazon, there's a lot of people that built successful businesses and even exited successful businesses just basically finding opportunities. Sticking a name on it, you know, on a label on it and selling it, then selling that to an aggregator. But that's those days are pretty much over. I'm not going to say it doesn't happen. It could still happen here and there. And then there's a lot of people, as you know, that may have started with a small amount of money, and that's way more difficult now. Kevin 00:00:52 Not that you can't do it, but, you know, I always say, I always hear stories that people say, yeah, I started with 500 bucks and now I got an eight figure business. And I always say, RBS, you might have started with $500. That may be true. But two weeks later, your uncle gave you ten grand. Or somebody. You got a credit card or you did something. There's just no way it did. That just flat out does not happen. from 500. There was something else along the way. It...

Ben Arneberg began his career as a US Air Force satellite engineer and member of the Air Force Parachute Team where he learned to take calculated risks that end in success. He’s a serial entrepreneur with three exits. Founder of PetHonesty, a consumer brand improving pet health. He’s an investor, passionate about disruptive technologies, education, and helping others find and live out their dreams. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ben Arneberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Pet Honesty. Ben shares his journey from a U.S. Air Force satellite engineer to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur with three business exits. He discusses scaling Pet Honesty from zero to $70 million in revenue in three years, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring, cash flow management, and leveraging a strong network. Ben also highlights the value of having an advisory board and the significance of personal development and clear vision in achieving entrepreneurial success. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Focus on One Venture for Scalable Growth Instead of spreading resources across multiple ventures, commit to one business with strong market potential. Prioritize product-market fit and allocate energy toward scaling efficiently. Hire Strategically and Build a Strong Network Invest in top talent early to delegate operational tasks and focus on high-level strategy. Leverage industry connections and referrals to attract skilled professionals who align with the company’s vision. Manage Cash Flow Proactively for Sustainable Scaling Use creative financial strategies such as leveraging credit lines and optimizing manufacturing processes to maintain liquidity. Consider local production to secure better terms and reduce working capital requirements. Resources mentioned in this episode: Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonKickstarterLinkedInEssentialism by Greg McKeownWho Not HowHigh Growth HandbookThe One ThingPet HonestyKeith CunninghamSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more. Transcript Area Josh 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Ben Arneberg, and we're going to be talking about timeless business principles that allowed him to exit three different brands, and how he's on a journey now where he doesn't even care about money because he is focused on the intrinsic value of what he's giving back to society. I think...

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh, who shares his proven seven-step hiring process designed for business owners scaling to 8 figures and beyond. Josh details how to define roles, set KPIs, attract top talent, and rigorously assess candidates through assessments, test projects, and in-depth interviews. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to efficiently filter large applicant pools and secure high-performing team members. Chad and Josh’s discussion is packed with practical tips and real-world examples, offering a blueprint for building world-class teams and accelerating business growth. Chapters: Overview of the Seven Steps (00:00:00) Josh outlines the seven-step process for hiring effective team players, giving a broad overview. Introduction of Chad Frandsen and Episode Context (00:01:18) Chad is introduced as the interviewer, and the episode’s focus on hiring is set. Step 1: Define the Role and Success Criteria (00:01:52) Discussion on clearly defining the role, identifying business bottlenecks, and conducting a time study. Step 2: Set KPIs and Responsibilities (00:03:21) Explains how to set measurable KPIs and clarify day-to-day responsibilities for the role. Step 3: List the Job on Multiple Sites (00:04:37) Covers creating a compelling job description and posting it on various job sites, especially for international hires. Step 4: Applicant Assessments (00:06:06) Describes using assessments (like Criteria Corp) to quickly filter a large pool of applicants. Step 5: Test Projects for Applicants (00:07:44) Explains giving test projects to shortlisted candidates and provides examples of effective test assignments. Step 6: Conduct Interviews (00:12:09) Details the interview process, focusing on identifying patterns of success and using reference-based questions. Step 7: Extend Offer and Role Profile (00:14:23) Discusses making the final offer, sometimes to multiple candidates, and ensuring clarity with a role profile document. Reflections and Closing Remarks (00:15:27) Josh reflects on the process’s effectiveness, and both speakers conclude the episode. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Upwork now Fiverr Online Jobs Indeed Criteria Corp Books and Case Studies Harvard Business Review Case Studies Transcript: Chad 00:00:00 Why don't you go through the seven steps? Just kind of a broad view of the seven steps, and then we'll dive into each one individually. Awesome. All right. Josh 00:00:07 So there's seven main steps to hiring a effective a team player for your business. Number one is you've got to define the role and what success looks like. Number two you've got to set KPIs and identify what the day to day responsibilities and tasks are going to be. Number three, you've got to list the job and on multiple websites and promote it on multiple websites. Step number four is once you start receiving applicants, you need to have those applicants take assessments. Step number five you need to give those applicants that pass your assessments test projects to complete. And step number six, those people that pass your test projects that you give them. You need to actually do interviews with them. Okay. And during these interviews you'll be looking for a pattern of success in their career. We'll dive into all of these in more detail, but step number seven is to extend the offer in correlation with having them sign a role profile document so that everybody is on the same page in terms of what the expectations are, so that when they start, they understand that this is a probationary time. Josh 00:01:18 They've got to earn the job. Today I'm excited to introduce to you Chad Franzen. He is here with rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he will be interviewing me today. Chad 00:01:34 the last time we spoke, we spoke about kind of the some of the difficulties you had getting going with various things....

Aaron Young is a renowned entrepreneur with more than 40 years experience and several dozen multi-million dollar companies under his belt. Aaron has made it his life’s work to arm business owners with success formulas that immediately provide exponential growth and protection. Fully embodying his concept of the Unshackled Owner, he inspires others to do the same by empowering them to build strong companies while proactively protecting their dreams. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Aaron Young, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of "The Unshackled." Aaron shares invaluable insights on scaling e-commerce businesses from seven to eight figures. Key topics include the importance of building autonomous business systems, defining personal success, and leveraging team strengths. Aaron emphasizes hiring for cultural fit, creating forward-looking organizational charts, and implementing KPIs for accountability. He also discusses the significance of a strong corporate culture and legacy building. This episode offers practical strategies for business owners aiming to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: 1. Systematize and Automate for Scalability – Develop detailed operating procedures and leverage automation to reduce manual effort. This ensures the business can run efficiently without requiring constant oversight, freeing up time for strategic growth. 2. Build a Team That Complements Your Skills – Identify your strengths and weaknesses, then hire team members who fill the gaps. Prioritize cultural fit and empower your team to make decisions, fostering a self-sustaining and innovative work environment. 3. Set Clear, Incremental Goals with a Defined 'Why' – Clearly define what success means to you and break down large objectives into manageable milestones. Understanding your motivation behind these goals helps maintain long-term focus and drive. Resources mentioned in this episode: Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comThe E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber ChatGPTMagnify Your WealthThe Unshackled Owner"Who Not How"The Science of Getting RichLinkedInIndeedSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode Sponsor Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years. I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks. If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at josh@ecommbreakthrough.com and in your subject line say “strategy audit” for the chance to win a $10,000 comprehensive business strategy audit at no cost! Transcript Area Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Aaron Young, the author of the book The Unshackled. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I...

In this Throwback episode, Josh interviews Tyler Greg, founder of Ampd, about the game-changing strategy of driving Google Ads traffic directly to Amazon listings. Tyler explains how leveraging Google Ads—rather than sending traffic to standalone e-commerce sites—enables sellers to capitalize on Amazon’s superior conversion rates and boost keyword rankings. They discuss Amazon’s own traffic arbitrage, the benefits of Amazon-compliant (white hat) tactics, and how sellers can maximize ROI, reduce fees, and build defensible brands by combining external traffic with Amazon’s brand-building tools. Actionable tips for scaling to 8 figures and beyond are shared throughout. Chapters: Amazon’s Google Ads Arbitrage Explained (00:00:00) How Amazon buys Google Ads cheaply, drives traffic to search result pages, and resells clicks at a higher price. Introduction to Tyler and Ampd (00:00:40) Josh introduces Tyler Greg and Ampd’s expertise in Google Ads to Amazon traffic. Ampd’s Origin Story (00:01:12) Tyler shares how Ampd started as a data science platform for Google Ads to DTC stores in 2015. Transition to Automated Bidding (00:02:04) Google’s shift to automated bidding forced Ampd to rethink their approach and product offering. Early Focus on Shopify and BigCommerce (00:03:08) Ampd built tools for Shopify/BigCommerce, but struggled with low conversion rates on DTC stores. Switching Traffic to Amazon (00:04:23) Ampd decided to send Google Ads traffic to Amazon for higher conversion rates and better results. Amazon Affiliate Program Insights (00:05:18) Using Amazon’s affiliate program, Ampd discovered 30% of Google Ads clicks resulted in Amazon purchases. Conversion Rate Analysis (00:05:50) Discussion on how often external traffic buys advertised vs. other products, and the impact on conversion rates. Why Amazon Incentivizes External Traffic (00:07:18) Explains Amazon’s motivation for encouraging sellers to drive external traffic due to high overall conversion. Amazon’s Massive Google Ads Spend (00:08:18) Tyler discusses Amazon’s huge annual spend on Google Ads and the two main ad types: Shopping and Search. Difference Between Shopping and Search Ads (00:08:34) Breakdown of how Amazon uses Shopping ads for direct listings and Search ads for broader traffic. How Brands Can Compete with Amazon Ads (00:10:06) Case studies on replacing Amazon’s ads with your own to get cheaper, more direct traffic to listings. Building a Competitive Moat with External Traffic (00:10:39) Josh explains how external Google Ads traffic can help brands dominate and protect their Amazon position. Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:11:19) Summary of strategies: boosting keyword rankings, using white hat tactics, and testing Google Ads to Amazon. Three Key Focus Areas for Google Ads to Amazon (00:12:19) Emphasizes keyword selection, ad copy, and optimizing landing/store pages for best results. Shopify vs. Amazon for Google Ads Traffic (00:13:35) Tyler compares benefits of sending Google Ads to Amazon vs. Shopify, including conversion rates and branding. Brand Referral Bonus and Seller Fees (00:14:32) Explains Amazon’s 10% brand referral bonus, making fees competitive with Shopify for Google Ads traffic. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:15:09) Wrap-up and final remarks on the value of sending Google Ads traffic to Amazon. Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites Ampd Shopify BigCommerce Amazon Affiliate Program Amazon Attribution Transcript: Tyler 00:00:00 But what Amazon does with search ads is they buy it on Google often, you know, 30, 40, $0.50 per click. The average CPC on Google is about $0.60. They buy it first, call it $0.60, and they send it to a search result page. They do search, find, buy and you're not allowed to do it. Amazon. Yeah, of course they sent it to a search result page where they then have that page covered in sponsored ads. Yeah, that all cost $1.30 per click. Yeah. And so Amazon buys it for 60....

Kris Dehnert, he is the owner of Dugout Mugs, Bigg Golf, and Dehnert Media, and has been a digital entrepreneur since 2006 where he leveraged the power of a "new site" called Facebook to revolutionize the gym industry. Since then, he boasts over $70M in online sales, is a 3 time Inc. 5000 finalist, made the cover of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine, been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur Fast 50. Seen on CBS Morning, FOX & Friends, World News Tonight & Good Morning America! Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley engages with Kris Dehnert, CEO of Dugout Mugs. Kris shares his journey from digital marketing to achieving over $70 million in online sales. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your core customer, nurturing relationships, and leveraging innovative marketing strategies. Kris discusses building a loyal customer base, effective use of technology, and creative product development. He also highlights the significance of long-term vision and personal fulfillment in entrepreneurship. This episode offers valuable insights for 6-7 figure business owners aiming to scale to 8 figures and beyond. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Deeply Understand Your Customers to Drive Sales Conduct regular surveys and analyze customer data to identify purchase patterns and unmet needs. Segment your audience based on demographics and behavior to personalize marketing efforts. Implement tripwire offers and upsells to maximize customer lifetime value. Leverage Innovation and Collaboration for Growth Continuously seek customer feedback to improve and expand product offerings. Partner with complementary brands and explore affiliate marketing to lower customer acquisition costs. Test new product ideas on a small scale, iterate based on feedback, and scale successful innovations. Prioritize Long-Term Vision and Work-Life Balance Set long-term business goals that align with your values and contribute to personal fulfillment. Balance daily tasks between immediate revenue generation and future growth initiatives. Focus on creating meaningful relationships with customers and partners to sustain long-term success. Resources mentioned in this episode: Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastJosh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonTeespringShopifySurveyMonkeyFacebookKlaviyoGo High LevelYotpoEmotiveShopify CollectiveClaudeChatGPTDugout MugsLinkedInThe SandlotThe Four Hour Workweek by Tim FerrissStart With Why by Simon SinekThe One Thing by Gary KellerHold On to Your Kids by Gordon NeufeldStrong Father, Strong Daughter by Meg MeekerGary VaynerchukSpecial Mention(s): Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s): “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on ...