ASOM Pod

ASOM Pod

By ASOM PodBusinessEntrepreneurship
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ASOM Pod episodes

  • EP30: 2025 Goal Setting: Personal and Professional Perspectives

    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive deep into setting and achieving personal and professional goals for 2025.


    The team reflects on 2024, they reveal the biggest challenges they faced, share their best success stories and discuss strategies for balancing ambition with realism. Packed with insights and actionable learnings, this episode offers raw and honest advice for rising entrepreneurs.


    What You’ll Learn:

    * Why having a debt facility can help free up cash for growth and other ventures

    * The value of taking small steps towards big goals instead of trying to achieve everything overnight

    * How hiring unconventional thinkers can drive innovation and success

    * The importance of trusting your team and hiring the right people to avoid bottlenecks in your business

    * How stepping into the right roles can help you focus on what really matters in your business

    * Detailed strategies on how to set achievable and impactful goals for the new year


    _______


    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠


    _______


    01:57 Podcast Introduction and Team Introductions

    05:45 Reflecting on 2024 and Setting Goals for 2025

    33:21 Trust and Hiring the Right People

    33:36 Incremental Progress and Avoiding Bottlenecks

    34:43 Adapting Roles and Visionary Leadership

    35:09 Reflecting on Past Ideas and Future Projections

    36:05 Hiring Experienced vs. Inexperienced Employees

    40:13 Scaling Business and Personal Goals for 2025

    52:34 Building a Successful Sales Organization

    54:31 Personal Reflections and Advice for Goal Setting

    57:46 Amir's Book Corner: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

    01:04:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser


    _______


    Follow Jimmy Kim at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠


    #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

    1 hr 6 min
  • EP29: eCommerce SaaS Hot or Not — What’s Thriving and What’s Dying in 2025

    In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) explore all things SaaS and the evolving role of AI in eCommerce. From loyalty programs to personalization engines, the team breaks down how AI is reshaping the SaaS landscape and debates its potential to disrupt key areas like subscription billing, marketing automation, customer service, and affiliate marketing platforms.

    Bringing their signature mix of humor and sharp insights, the hosts challenge whether loyalty programs truly foster loyalty and explore how AI tools can optimize payment systems, inventory management, and personalized shopping experiences. They also dig into the limitations of current AI solutions and what the future might hold for brands adopting these technologies.


    What You’ll Learn:

    Are loyalty programs genuinely effective, or just a marketing gimmick?
    How AI is transforming subscription billing and personalization engines
    The evolving role of AI in marketing automation and customer service
    Why video reviews are becoming essential for younger generations
    Current limitations of AI-powered tools in e-commerce
    Predictions for AI’s future impact on SaaS platforms and affiliate marketing

    This episode is a must-listen for eCommerce leaders and marketers curious about how AI is reshaping the industry. Tune in for bold insights, practical takeaways, and a few spicy debates along the way!

    _______
    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠

    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    00:44 Welcome to The ASOM Pod

    01:14 Introducing the Hosts

    02:16 SaaS Hot or Not: Kicking Off the Discussion

    03:28 Marketing Automation: Hot or Not?

    06:27 Loyalty Programs: Hot or Not?

    14:36 Reviews and Ratings: Hot or Not?

    18:26 Subscription Billing and Management: Hot or Not?

    20:58 Personalization Engines: Hot or Not?

    23:33 Debating Personalization in AI

    28:50 Challenges in AI-Powered Customer Service

    33:38 Optimizing Payments and Checkout with AI

    36:51 Revolutionizing Inventory and Order Management

    39:00 The Future of Affiliate Marketing with AI

    42:18 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead


    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠


    #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips 

    45 min
  • EP28: Hot Takes and Predictions for eCommerce in 2025

    In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive headfirst into bold predictions for 2025. Covering everything from the rise of subscription-based businesses to the seismic shifts driven by AI, the crew explores the future of eCommerce, social commerce, and beyond.

    With their trademark humor and sharp insights, they debate the continued dominance of Shopify, the challenges of creator-led brands, and whether live shopping will finally break through in the U.S. They also tackle weighty topics like quantum computing, tariffs, and how economic and political shifts will reshape global markets.

    What You’ll Learn:

    The future of subscription models: Will they dominate or decline?
    Why cryptocurrencies may revolutionize eCommerce
    How AI and AGI are reshaping team structures and business efficiencies
    The growing importance of creator-led brands and social commerce
    Tariffs, global production shifts, and the challenges for brands relying on cheap goods
    Predictions on Google’s relevance, quantum computing, and the impact of generational shifts
    Why live shopping might finally take off in the U.S.
    The potential implications of a TikTok ban and its aftermath

    This episode is packed with expert opinions, thought-provoking debates, and predictions that will have you rethinking your strategies for this new year.

    _______
    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠

    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    01:52 Intro to The ASOM Pod

    04:33 2025 Predictions

    10:06 Subscription Models Debate

    16:51 Cryptocurrency and eCommerce

    20:31 Rise of Creator-led Brands

    22:21 SaaS Market Shifts

    33:46 Debating Meta's Future in Social Commerce

    34:47 Historical Comparison: Google vs. Meta

    36:02 The Decline of Google Search and Rise of AI

    37:14 Generational Shifts in Internet Usage

    38:26 The Future of Google and Quantum Computing

    40:01 Challenges for Brands Relying on Cheap Goods

    42:35 Tariffs and Global Production Diversification

    47:09 Shopify's Dominance and Social Commerce

    48:37 The Potential TikTok Ban and Its Implications

    52:13 Live Shopping's Breakthrough in the U.S.

    54:58 AI and AGI Transforming Team Structures

    01:00:36 Predictions for Brand Survival and Market Trends

    01:01:39 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠

    1 hr 5 min
  • EP27: Why Organic Growth Sucks

    in this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) pull back the curtain on what it really takes to grow a brand organically. Spoiler: it’s not free, and it’s definitely not fast. From the high costs of hiring content creators to the daily grind of consistent posting, they shatter the myth that organic growth is some magical, costless path to success.

    With their signature mix of humor, insight, and a little debate over Midwest dinners and vegetarian breakfasts, the crew dives into the hidden expenses and long-term strategies that drive real organic growth. They share personal stories and no-nonsense advice about creating killer content, staying patient, and investing in tools and people to level up your game.

    What You’ll Learn:

    Why organic growth is far from “free” and the hidden costs you need to budget for
    How consistent content creation can make or break your organic strategy
    Real-life tips for tailoring content to different platforms (yes, even TikTok)
    The balancing act of short-term wins vs. long-term growth
    How to navigate the cost of software, salaries, and the sweat equity behind organic success
    Why a strong content plan is your best ally in the marathon of organic growth

    This episode is packed with candid advice, relatable stories, and a little tough love to help businesses build sustainable organic strategies. Stick around for the next episode, where the gang talks all things holiday strategies and bold predictions for the future. Don’t miss it!

    _______
    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/


    Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/


    Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠


    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    01:45 Welcome to the ASOM Pod

    04:23 Defining Organic Growth

    06:00 Challenges and Strategies for Organic Growth

    09:57 Costs Associated with Organic Growth

    13:48 Effective Organic Growth Strategies

    18:13 Organic Growth and Midwest Dinners

    19:14 Short Term vs Long Term Strategies

    19:53 TikTok Launch and Content Challenges

    21:23 B2B Content Strategies

    25:48 Organic Growth Tips and Advice

    34:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser


    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠

    37 min
  • EP26: How Mentors & Community Influence Your Personal Growth and Success

    How Mentors & Community Influence Your Personal Growth and Success - EP26


    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive deep into the vital role of personal growth, continuous learning, and mentorship in entrepreneurship. They discuss the delicate balance of mixing business with friendship, highlighting how both paid and informal mentors can shape business success. The crew shares their own methods for staying relevant in fast-paced industries, whether it's through engaging with communities, attending webinars, or navigating work relationships. The conversation also touches on self-directed learning, managing founder fatigue, and recognizing when to bring in premium talent.

    What You’ll Learn:

    How blending business and friendship can enhance entrepreneurial growth
    The value of paid mentors vs. 'friendtors' in your business journey
    Non-traditional learning methods that keep you ahead of the curve, from webinars to mastermind groups
    The importance of staying humble while building confidence as a leader
    A deep dive into Amir’s Book Corner, featuring Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
    The power of passive mentorship and how it can shape your path to success

    Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing personal development with business growth!

    _______

    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at ⁠https://www.omnisend.com/⁠


    Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at ⁠http://recharge.asompod.com/⁠


    Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠

    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    00:17 Learning Beyond Traditional Education

    01:35 Introducing the Hosts

    03:42 The Importance of Staying Relevant

    10:29 The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Growth

    15:39 Non-Traditional Learning Methods

    23:09 Finding Inspiration and Motivation

    26:52 Diverse Influences and Inspirations

    29:39 The Power of Passive Mentorship

    31:33 Self-Directed Learning and Personal Growth

    36:58 Avoiding the Know-It-All Trap

    40:39 Amer's Book Corner: Buy Back Your Time

    48:07 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead


    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠

    50 min
  • EP25: How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing and eCommerce

    EP25: How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing and eCommerce

    Big thanks to Omnisend for sponsoring the pod! With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/


    Thank you to Recharge for [sponsoring the pod! Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/


    Shout out to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod! Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠


    _______


    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) roll up their sleeves and tackle the wild, wonderful, and sometimes messy world of affiliate marketing. From TikTok Shop’s rising stardom to Glossier’s affiliate finesse and even the chaos of the Fyre Festival, this episode has it all. The crew dives headfirst into what makes affiliate marketing tick, debates its ROI versus traditional media, and doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about over-reliance on affiliates potentially watering down a brand.

    What You’ll Learn:

    Why affiliate marketing is the not-so-secret weapon for DTC brands (when done right)
    TikTok Shop vs. traditional affiliate strategies: the ultimate showdown
    Behind-the-scenes success stories from Glossier to Gymshark (and a peek at the Fyre Festival debacle)
    The double-edged sword of affiliate marketing—when it helps and when it hurts
    What the future holds for affiliate marketing (spoiler: it’s not as simple as you think)
    A generational look at how affiliate channels are evolving, from Millennials to Gen Z

    Whether you’re a marketing pro ready to geek out or just curious if TikTok is the future of shopping, this episode is your ticket to staying ahead of the affiliate marketing curve!

    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    00:56 Wine Talk and Podcast Intro

    02:58 Deep Dive into Affiliate Marketing

    10:05 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Channels

    15:39 Success Stories in Affiliate Marketing

    18:49 The Fyre Festival Case Study

    21:28 TikTok as an Affiliate Marketing Channel

    24:29 The Lipstick King Phenomenon

    24:59 Challenges of QVC-Style Shows in the US

    26:16 TikTok as an Affiliate Marketing Channel

    28:22 Generational Shifts in Social Media Usage

    31:10 The Future of Affiliate Marketing

    38:59 Buy or Sell: Affiliate Marketing Insights

    45:21 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview


    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    47 min
  • EP24: The Secret to Successful Founder Marketing: Strategies, Challenges, Success Tips

    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠


    Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/


    Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/


    _______


    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into the dynamic world of founder-led marketing, unraveling its influence on brand success and exploring real-world examples like MailChimp, Barstool Sports, and Tesla. They discuss the unique advantages and challenges of founder-led branding, compare it to traditional marketing approaches, and examine the trend of building in public. Along the way, they analyze how personal branding and generational shifts shape marketing strategies and contribute to business growth.


    What You’ll Learn:

    How founder-led marketing can build a brand’s identity—and when it can backfire
    The pros and cons of personal branding and building in public
    How founders like Elon Musk and Dave Portnoy shape their companies’ reputations
    The challenges of scaling beyond a founder's influence
    Creative debates about leveraging mascots versus human faces in branding
    A behind-the-scenes look at Barstool Sports' founder-driven growth
    Key strategies for transitioning from founder-led marketing to scalable systems

    The episode wraps up with a lively “Buy or Sell” segment, where the hosts debate hot takes on founder-led marketing strategies. If you're curious about how founders influence modern brands or want actionable tips for leveraging personal branding, this episode is for you!

    _______


    00:00 Teaser Trailer

    00:16 The Success and Pitfalls of Founder Led Brands

    00:59 The Slack Notification Dilemma

    02:09 Welcome to The ASOM Pod

    03:13 Deep Dive into Founder Marketing

    08:47 The Barstool Sports Story

    22:47 Building in Public: Strategy or Trend?

    25:32 Purpose of Building in Public

    25:53 Different Strategies of Building in Public

    26:04 Critique of Founder-Led Public Building

    26:25 Consumer Connection and Organic Social

    27:16 Examples of Successful Public Building

    27:52 Challenges and Misconceptions

    33:14 Scaling Beyond Founder-Led Marketing

    33:36 Barstool's Talent and Growth Issues

    40:25 Buy or Sell: Marketing Strategies

    45:56 Future Topics


    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    48 min
  • EP23: Funding vs. Bootstrapping: An Entrepreneur's Biggest Decision

    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/
    Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/
    _______
    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into one of the most pivotal decisions for entrepreneurs: choosing between external funding and bootstrapping. They bring together insights from their own entrepreneurial journeys and perspectives from other founders, exploring how each approach shapes a business’s growth, control, and risk profile.
    What You’ll Learn:
    * The pros and cons of fundraising versus bootstrapping for new ventures
    * How growth speed and business control differ between funded and self-funded businesses
    * Key market trends, including crowdfunding and venture capital shifts
    * How economic cycles influence funding opportunities
    * Personal stories of fundraising wins, bootstrapping challenges, and lessons learned
    * Tips for assessing whether to raise capital or stick to bootstrapping based on your goals
    Whether you’re weighing funding options or simply interested in understanding how these choices impact long-term success, this episode offers a balanced guide to help entrepreneurs navigate growth, risks, and the evolving investment landscape.
    _______
    00:00 Teaser Trailer
    00:09 Personal Experiences with Bootstrapping
    00:43 Pizza Talk and Casual Banter
    01:30 Starting the Podcast: Meet the Hosts
    02:44 Fundraising vs. Bootstrapping: Key Considerations
    10:22 Deep Dive: Timing and Growth in Fundraising
    14:38 Investor Perspectives and Risk Tolerance
    19:03 Mindset and Growth Strategies
    26:01 Investor Relationships vs. Entrepreneurial Freedom
    29:18 John's Acquisition Journey
    30:17 The Freedom of Entrepreneurship
    32:38 Bootstrapping Challenges and Strategies
    36:18 Fundraising Failures and Lessons
    42:19 The Future of Investment and SaaS
    48:54 Buy or Sell: Business Insights
    52:21 Closing Remarks and Future Topics
    _____
    Follow Jimmy Kim at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
    Follow John Roman at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
    Follow Amer Grozdanic at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    55 min
  • EP22: 4 Must-Have eCommerce Marketing Tactics

    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/
    Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/
    _______
    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, the hosts — Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) — explore their favorite marketing tactics and strategies, sharing both unconventional approaches and proven methods that have driven success in their own ventures. From using giveaways to fuel customer engagement to transforming customer service into a profit center, they reveal actionable insights that can elevate any marketing game.
    What You’ll Learn:
    * How to leverage giveaways to build engagement and brand loyalty
    * Why live video shopping is a powerful tool for connecting with audiences
    * Creative ways to use event marketing to build pre-launch excitement
    * How customer service can evolve into a profit center
    * Strategies to improve customer retention through win-back phone calls
    * How to adapt marketing tactics across different sectors, including SaaS
    Whether you’re looking to deepen customer engagement, increase retention, or just need fresh marketing inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable tactics to drive business growth.
    _______
    00:00 Recap of BattlGames Event
    01:09 Introduction to the ASOM Pod
    01:42 Meet the Hosts
    02:53 Marketing Tactics Discussion
    03:29 Giveaways as a Marketing Strategy
    04:21 Live Video Shopping Experience
    05:56 The Power of Giveaways
    15:26 Creating a Buzz
    17:59 Innovative Marketing in Restricted Industry19:31 Applying Marketing Tactics to SaaS
    21:36 BattlBox's Customer Service Transformation
    25:28 Retention Strategies and Customer Feedback
    30:19 Event Marketing Strategies
    35:40 Wrapping Up
    _____
    Follow Jimmy Kim at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
    Follow John Roman at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
    Follow Amer Grozdanic at:
    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    37 min
  • EP21: Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before

    Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before - EP21

    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠


    Thank you to Recharge for sponsoring the pod. Trusted by over 20,000 brands, Recharge is the #1 platform for your eCommerce subscription needs. Learn more at http://recharge.asompod.com/


    Thank you to Salvit Advisors for sponsoring the pod. Salvit Advisors help eCommerce brands make profitable decisions by tailoring data-driven sights that are unique to your business. Learn more at https://www.salvit.com/

    _______


    In this episode of the ASOM Pod, the hosts — Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into the realities of startup life, tackling the tough (and sometimes hard to swallow) truths about surviving in today’s economic landscape. We reveal why startups seem to be hitting roadblocks more than ever—thanks to issues like over-reliance on agencies, lack of financial savvy, and misaligned marketing tactics. But it’s not all doom and gloom; they share practical advice and actionable tips to help founders stay afloat and focus on what really matters.


    What You’ll Learn:

    Why genuine marketing matters more than flashy tactics
    How to boost financial literacy and why it’s essential
    The importance of product-market fit and adaptability
    Why internal strategies often beat outsourcing
    The hard but necessary decisions to ensure profitability
    How founders can stay close to customers for real insights
    A preview on the pros and cons of funding versus bootstrapping


    Whether you’re battling budget cuts, rethinking your customer approach, or just in need of some fresh motivation, this conversation will leave you ready to take on the next challenge with confidence!

    _______


    00:00 Happy Halloween!

    01:46 Welcome to the ASOM Pod

    02:09 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds

    02:42 Creators Combine Community

    03:14 Why Are Startups Dying Quicker Than Ever?

    04:46 Challenges in Starting a New Business

    11:05 Importance of Product Market Fit

    12:01 Starting a New Agency: Lessons Learned

    18:09 Current Economics and Their Impact on Startups

    26:32 Challenges of Early-Stage Startups

    27:29 Why Startups Are Failing Now

    28:04 The Missteps of Pandemic-Era Companies

    29:13 The Role of Investors and Founders

    33:17 Marketing Failures in Modern Startups

    43:43 Advice for Struggling Startups

    49:37 The Importance of Financial Literacy

    52:03 Conclusion and Future Topics

    _____


    Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

    X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

    Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim


    Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

    X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad


    Follow John Roman at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman


    Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

    X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic


    Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!


    Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asompod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    54 min

About ASOM Pod

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the ASOM Pod - the only video first eCommerce podcast that offers four different unique perspectives. A(gency) S(aaS) O(perator) M(arketer).

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