So many founders delay growing their business because funding feels confusing or out of reach. This episode is here to change that, and give you a clearer way to think about how to fund your business growth.

If I’m honest, funding is something I didn’t really understand for a long time, and I know I won’t be the only one.

When we hear about funding, it’s often things like Dragon’s Den or venture capital, and it can feel quite far removed from everyday business. But actually, there are so many different business funding options, and understanding them can completely change how you approach growing your business.

In this episode, I’m joined by Hazel Nabarro, founder of Femfinity, and she breaks down how to fund your business growth in a way that feels much more clear and manageable.

We talk through the different types of business funding options, including bootstrapping, grants, loans, angel investors, and venture capital, and what each one really looks like in practice.

What I found really helpful about this conversation is that it’s not just about what’s available, it’s about how to make the right decision for you and your business, rather than making choices from a place of panic or pressure.

So if funding is something you’ve been thinking about, or you’re not sure what your next step should be, this will give you a much clearer picture of how to fund your business growth in a way that actually works for you.

Find Hazel here:

Website : www.femfinity.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tofemfinity/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelnabarro/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/femfinity/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Hazel and her work in funding and growth

03:20 What funding really means and why it is often misunderstood

06:00 Bootstrapping and using revenue to fund your business

09:30 Grants explained, pros, cons and how to improve your chances

15:10 Loans, risks, and what to consider before borrowing

18:45 Equity funding, angel investors and how it works

23:30 Venture capital explained and whether it is right for you

27:50 When to start thinking about funding your business

31:20 Revenue first growth and building a sustainable business

34:00 Key questions to ask before taking any funding

37:00 Can you say no to investors and why due diligence matters

38:30 Why increasing female investors is so important

41:10 How to become an angel investor and get started

44:30 Final advice on making strategic funding decisions

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

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In this episode, I’m doing something a little different, answering your questions in an “Ask Me Anything” style episode.

This episode is designed to give you clarity and practical direction if you’re currently selling on Amazon or thinking about getting started.

I’ve recently launched a free monthly event called Amazon Seller Support and Connect, where sellers (and future sellers) can come together to ask questions, share challenges, and learn from each other. This episode builds on those conversations by tackling some of the most frequently asked questions in more detail.

In this episode, I cover five key Amazon selling topics:

• How much it costs to stand out on Amazon and get visibility
• Whether you’re actually making money on Amazon (and how to check)
• If you should focus only on your best-selling product
• How much you should spend on Amazon advertising
• Whether you should use FBA, FBM, or a mix of both

You’ll learn how Amazon visibility really works, including how relevance, sales history, and reviews affect your rankings.

I also break down why it’s important to understand your numbers early on, how to think about advertising budgets, and why relying on just one product can be risky when scaling.

A key theme throughout this episode is that success on Amazon comes down to understanding your data, making informed decisions, and building a sustainable strategy rather than chasing quick wins.

If you’re selling on Amazon, or planning to, this episode will help you make more confident, informed decisions about your business

Episode 327: What is the Amazon algorithm: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b3aa9cda-d8d7-4fbf-a949-5335f0473b8b/

Find out more about Amazon Made Easy, my membership for Amazon sellers: https://vickiweinberg.com/membership

Join Amazon Sellers Support & Connect, my free monthly call for Amazon sellers: https://calendly.com/vickiweinberg/new-meeting

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

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In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Feller, co-founder of Popcorn Shed, a premium gourmet popcorn brand now stocked across the UK and beyond.

Sam shares the real story behind building a product-based business from scratch, from making popcorn in a home kitchen to scaling across multiple sales channels.

We talk about what it actually takes to launch and grow a physical product brand, including the mistakes, the lessons, and the decisions that make the biggest difference early on.

If you’re developing a product or thinking about starting a product-based business, this episode is full of practical insight you can apply straight away.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Popcorn Shed started and grew into a national brand
• What makes a product stand out in a crowded market
• Why product market fit is more important than passion alone
• The realities of product development (and why it’s so expensive to get wrong)
• How to choose the right sales channels for your product
• What founders often overlook when launching a new product
• When to hire and how to grow your team sustainably
• The biggest lessons from scaling over the past 10+ years

Sam also shares his number one piece of advice for product creators, and it’s something that could save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

If you’re building a product-based business this is a great listen.

Find Sam here:

https://popcornshed.com

https://x.com/popcornshed

http://facebook.com/popcornshed

http://instagram.com/popcornshed

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/popcornshed

LET’S CONNECT

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Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To Life

If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Ever feel like your brain is on a constant spin cycle? Like there’s always another task, another email, another decision to make… and never a moment to breathe?

That’s exactly where Finn Prevett, co-creator of The Positive Planner, found herself. She was navigating postnatal depression, juggling life with young children, and trying to find a way to care for her mental health without it taking over her life.

Her solution? Journaling. Simple, prompted journaling that became a lifeline. And from that, the Positive Planner was born, a planner designed to support mental health, wellbeing, and yes, even your business.

In this week’s episode, Finn shares her journey from first starting to journal, to crowdfunding her first planners, building a supportive community online, and eventually partnering with Penguin so she and her co-creator could focus on the creative side of their business, without burning out.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about how to take care of yourself while growing a business, this conversation will give you insight, inspiration, and practical ideas.

Find Finn here:

Website - www.thepositiveplanners.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thepositiveplanner/?locale=en_GB

Instagram - thttps://www.instagram.com/the_positive_planner/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/finn-prevett-9975351a2/

LET’S CONNECT

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Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To Life

If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Burnout in business is something we hear about all the time, but do you actually know what it really is, and how to recognise it before it takes hold?

In this episode, I’m joined by Tamrin Dicks, who helps business owners make more money, keep more cash in the bank, and create more time to actually enjoy their lives. After experiencing burnout herself more than once, Tamrin now works with business owners to help them avoid it, or recover from it if they’re already there.

We talk about what burnout in business really means, and how it’s very different from just feeling stressed, busy, or tired. This was something I personally found really eye-opening, and I think you will too.

If you’ve ever felt constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost the enjoyment in your business, this episode will really resonate. And even if you’re not feeling that way right now, it’s an important conversation to help you spot the signs early, both in yourself and in others.

Find Tamryn:

Website: www.pharsyde.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharsydesolutions/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamryndicks-gracefulgrowth/

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and why burnout in business matters

03:30 What burnout really is and how it’s different from stress

07:00 Signs you might be heading towards burnout

10:15 How burnout affects your focus, energy, and decision making

13:30 Common myths about burnout in business

17:30 Why taking time off doesn’t fix burnout

20:30 The root cause of burnout, what’s really going on in your business

25:00 Why you need to focus on yourself before fixing the business

29:00 Boundaries, time management, and protecting your energy

32:30 Why working harder won’t solve burnout

35:30 A simple way to take back control of your week

38:30 The danger of comparing yourself to other business owners

41:00 Practical first steps if you’re feeling exhausted or stuck

LET’S CONNECT

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Suzanne Moore, the founder of Nom Nom Kids, who shares how she turned an idea she had on her holiday in America into a business that’s been running for over 12 years, all while navigating life as a busy mum.

Suzanne talks honestly about how she got started designing a reusable pouch to solve her own parenting problem and how she quickly realised that other parents needed it too. We chat about her early mistakes, the leaps of faith she took with manufacturers, and how observing her customers shaped new products she hadn’t even planned for.

We also talk about the challenges of growing a product business, including how to sell to a bigger audience without losing the personal touch, and why showing the person behind the product can make all the difference. Suzanne’s story is a great reminder that even if you’re unsure at the start, taking that first step is often the best way to learn and grow.

This episode is full of practical insights for anyone looking to launch and scale a product business, especially if you’re juggling family life and trying to figure out the best way to turn an idea into something people actually want to buy.

Find Suzanne and Nom Nom Kids here:

https://nomnomkids.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/NomNomKids/

https://www.instagram.com/nomnomkids

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-moore-22ba873/

00:00 – Introduction

00:44 – Suzanne shares her background and how Nom Nom Kids started

02:56 – Early mistakes and lessons learned in product development

06:44 – Finding manufacturers and taking a leap of faith with production

11:44 – Handling challenges like batch issues and customer complaints

16:07 – Launching products, social media strategies, and early marketing

21:18 – Discovering unexpected ways customers use your products

26:12 – Making products different without trying to please everyone

32:17 – Scaling the business and growth challenges

39:42 – Supporting other businesses and building community

LET’S CONNECT

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

40:19 – Suzanne’s final advice for anyone starting a product business

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop with Amazon seller support, sending messages back and forth and not really getting anywhere, this episode is for you.

Because while Amazon is an amazing marketplace, it isn’t always straightforward. Things do go wrong, and often they happen when you least expect it, whether that’s a listing being taken down, a product being incorrectly restricted, or something just not working the way it should.

In this episode, I’m talking you through how to get the best outcome from Amazon seller support, based on real situations I’m dealing with right now for clients. So this is practical, honest, and based on what actually works, not just theory.

I’m also sharing the kinds of issues you might run into when selling on Amazon, why they happen, and most importantly, how to deal with them without losing time, energy, or patience.

Because the truth is, most issues are fixable. It’s just knowing how to approach Amazon seller support in the right way that makes all the difference.

I’ve also created a free guide, How to get the best out of Amazon Seller Support, which walks you through everything step by step. You can download that below, so there’s no need to take notes while you’re listening.

Get my free guide - how to get the best out of Amazon Seller Support: https://checklist.vickiweinberg.com/sellersupport

Episode chapters:

00:00 Why things don’t always run smoothly on Amazon

01:40 Real examples of Amazon issues and what can go wrong

04:30 What happens if problems aren’t resolved

06:45 How to reduce the chances of issues in the first place

08:40 Understanding Amazon seller support

10:25 How to write a clear and effective support case

12:10 Common mistakes that slow everything down

13:40 When to use chat or phone support

14:55 How to escalate your case

16:25 The mindset that will help you get results

17:40 When to get extra support

18:30 Final thoughts and reassurance

LET’S CONNECT

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

membership

If you run a product based business, your website plays a huge role in whether customers buy from you or leave within seconds.

In this episode, I’m joined by Simon Pryce, Managing Director of Skylight Media, who works with businesses to improve how their websites function, convert and support growth.

We talk about the real role of a product business website, why many websites struggle to convert visitors into customers, and the surprisingly simple changes that can make a big difference.

Simon shares what he sees again and again when businesses come to him because their website “isn’t working”, including the common mistakes that quietly cost sales. We also talk about the importance of product descriptions, strong photography, user experience, and how customers actually behave when they land on a website for the first time.

If you’ve ever looked at your website and wondered whether it’s really doing its job, this conversation will help you think about your product business website in a completely new way.

Towards the end of the episode we also explore something many businesses haven’t considered yet, the impact of AI and what the future could look like when machines begin purchasing products automatically on behalf of customers.

If you want your product business website to work harder for you this year, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Find Simon here:

skylightmedia.co.uk

linkedin.com/in/simondavidpryce

00:00 Introduction to Simon Pryce and Skylight Media

02:00 The true role of a website for a product business

05:10 The biggest website mistakes product businesses make

09:00 Understanding customer behaviour on websites

14:30 Why some websites don’t convert visitors into buyers

18:30 Design, messaging and functionality, what matters most

22:00 How often should you review or refresh your website

27:00 Improving your website without a huge budget

30:30 What to do if you feel embarrassed by your website

32:00 The future of websites, AI and agentic commerce

38:40 Final advice for making more of your website

LET’S CONNECT

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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In this episode, I speak with product innovator Charles Shert about how to develop and launch a product idea.

If you’ve ever had an idea for a product but felt unsure where to start, this conversation is for you. We talk about solving real problems, creating rough prototypes and using customer feedback to shape your design. You don’t need perfection to begin; progress usually starts with curiosity and willingness to test your idea.

Charles shares how he moved from identifying a simple problem to building and refining a patented product. We also explore why understanding your customer is more important than adding complicated features when you are learning how to develop and launch a product idea.

If you are sitting on a product idea, this episode is a gentle reminder that small steps matter, persistence counts and testing early can help you move forward with confidence.

Find Charlie here:

Website: https://getthemozy.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/getthemozy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthemozy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_the_mozy/#

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getthemozy

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Finding a real problem to solve

04:00 Designing products using thermodynamics principles

07:00 Moving from prototype to sellable product

10:30 Using Kickstarter to validate demand

12:00 Starting sales through small markets and events

14:30 Marketing physical products online

16:30 Learning from product development mistakes

18:30 Simplifying product ranges for efficiency

20:40 Advice for first time product creators

23:20 Persistence in entrepreneurship

24:30 Final thoughts on product ideas

LET’S CONNECT

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If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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If you’ve ever wondered why selling on Amazon feels harder than it should, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I unpack why selling on Amazon can feel so complicated, even when you’re capable and experienced. From navigating Amazon Seller Central to dealing with inconsistent updates, suppressed listings and unclear responses from Seller Support, the platform often creates unnecessary complexity.

But it is not just a systems issue.

It is the mental load of not knowing whether something is normal.

The second guessing when a change works on one SKU but not another.

The time lost searching Google or watching tutorials that may not apply to your situation.

Selling on Amazon becomes heavier when you are trying to figure it all out alone.

In this episode, I also talk about what actually helps. Faster answers. Ongoing guidance. Being able to sense check decisions. Learning from other Amazon sellers who are navigating the same challenges.

I share more about the Amazon Sellers Support and Connect call I held recently, and my new-and-improved membership, Amazon Made Easy.

Amazon Made Easy is for product based business owners who are already selling on Amazon, or actively preparing to launch, and want practical, ongoing support without paying for full account management. It’s designed to help you take action, grow your account, get support when you need it and feel more confident in your decisions, without carrying the weight of it on your own.

Because while we can’t change how Amazon is built, we can change how supported you feel while building your business on it.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome, and why selling on Amazon feels harder than it should

01:20 Seller Central, outdated systems and lack of clear training

02:45 The isolation of selling on Amazon alone

04:10 Inconsistencies, suppressed listings and second guessing yourself

05:50 Where most sellers look for help, Google, YouTube and Seller Support

07:10 Why quick answers and ongoing support make such a difference

08:30 The power of community and learning from other Amazon sellers

09:50 Introducing Amazon Sellers Support and Connect

10:40 Amazon Made Easy, what’s changing and why

12:00 Who the membership is for, and who it is not for

13:20 Final thoughts, selling on Amazon does not have to feel this hard

LET’S CONNECT

Episode 338: Why selling on Amazon feels overwhelming (even when you’re doing things ‘right’): https://vickiweinberg.com/membership/

Join Amazon Made Easy: https://vickiweinberg.com/membership/

Follow me on YouTube

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Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To Life

If you enjoy this podcast, and you’d like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

membership