eCom@One with Richard Hill

With over 30 years of experience in the business world and 15 years as a leadership, mindset and public speaking coach, Tony Brooks has a wealth of experience supporting leaders in senior roles to be the best version of themselves. By focusing on mindset, he believes that individuals are more likely to succeed and thrive in their career.

In this podcast, Tony dives into the critical topics of leadership, mindset and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. With an emphasis on the significance of recharging, avoiding burnout and nurturing a growth mindset, this conversation provides valuable insights for leaders within fast-paced industries like tech and eCommerce. 

From strategies for handling negative self-talk to the art of public speaking and managing remote teams, this episode covers it all. Stay tuned for an enriching dialogue that explores the power of mindset in driving strategy, fostering team engagement and achieving personal and professional growth.

Topics Covered

04:25 - Finding space, both physical and psychological. It is important for emotional regulation and decision-making. Leaders should prioritise reflection over reactive behaviour

07:33 - People need breaks to avoid burnout, leaders should prioritise their recharge and consider seeking support or delegating tasks

10:12 - The importance of building a strong leadership team to empower employees and allow the business owner to take time off

13:12 - Scaling a business requires investing in training and team growth

17:53 - Encouraging self-talk for struggling individuals in senior positions

19:53 - Recognising vulnerability and the power of conscious choice

25:30 - Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. It is important to avoid pushing people into a panic zone

26:17- Encourage gradual comfort zone expansion for personal and team growth and adapt to new technology

31:37 - Teams now working from anywhere, international teams and how to support them

32:53 - The pandemic pushed a mindset shift towards focusing on results over time worked and office presence

38:05 - How to improve public speaking

41:29 - Overcoming fear, enjoying the moment, and downplaying pressure for TEDx talk

42:49 - Importance of public speaking and persuasion for business growth

46:34 - Parenting style influences children's ability to speak for themselves; emphasises letting kids order for themselves at a young age

51:12 - AI journey enables greater work-life balance and creative opportunities in the future of business

54:59 - Understanding resilience and personal growth in business leadership

56:03 - Striving for consistency and coping with difficulty

Is cash really king? Of course it is! In this podcast episode Michael Appel, Managing Director at Getzler Henrich and Associates, discusses how to turnaround a failing business. 

With over 40 years of experience leading and advising retail and consumer companies, working with the likes of Baccarat, Inc., Laura Ashley N.A., Caswell Massey, Ciro, Inc., MacKenzie-Childs, and Wilkes Bashford, Michael knows a thing or two about the challenges facing the retail industry.

He shares invaluable insights on the challenges and successes of retail businesses, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and engaging with customers. 

Michael discussed his opinion on the future of retail, how to turn around a failing company and protect your mindset during a stressful period. With a focus on innovation, product offerings, and financial restructuring, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for retailers navigating tough times.

Tune in to future proof your business for longevity and scalability. Listen now! 

Topics Covered

0:25 - Michael’s diverse and well respected career in retail 

05:52 - How he has saved companies from liquidation

09:56 - Analysing cash flow, managing assets, understanding customers

11:06 - Retail requires understanding diverse customer segments

14:55 - Retailers adapting technology to stay competitive and profitable

18:01 - Analysing merchandise sales with predictive analytics

21:28 - How he managed an eCom business that struggled with sales 

26:03 - Difficult to find the right people

28:41 - CEO from Target tried private labels at Bed Bath and Beyond

33:47 - Consumers engage in-store. Capturing feedback with focus groups and phone calls 

34:28 - Research, analysis, and customer feedback are crucial

38:19 - Retailers need to focus on omnichannel eCommerce

40:52 - Lululemon focuses on customer experience and retention

45:30 - Excite consumers with newness and innovation

47:48 - Book recommendation

Steve Toth is the man behind seonotebooks.com and works with global companies around the world. He’s the man that took Freshbooks to rank position 1 for a 300,000 volume keyword, quadrupling organic traffic within a year. 

This episode is dedicated to SEO (search engine optimisation), the latest core update and what that means for your business. He covers the heavily debated topic of AI and shares a tactic that very few people use when it comes to improving their organic rankings. 

This conversation explores actionable strategies for improving SEO, the importance of staying updated with industry changes, and the impact of recent updates in the SEO and eCommerce space. 

Join us as we uncover valuable tips and perspectives from a seasoned SEO professional. 

Topics Covered

00:24 - Steve’s experience in SEO has spanned over 15 years

04:41 - Managing accounts and sharing actionable SEO tips

07:25 - Google cracking down on AI content abuse

10:10 - AI detecting and impacting website rankings significantly

15:52 - Use popular words from SERP for AI title

18:33 - Softwares to help automate SEO 

23:10 - Similarities between eCom and SEO project plateau

24:48 - Brand building through digital PR improves click-through rate.

28:01 - Analysing current trends, using social media data

32:22 - Matt Diggity's SEO strategy for backlinks analysis

35:00 - High impression keywords with low search volume are valuable. Discover them in various places like Google Auto Suggest, customer data, and customer questions for SEO success

39:30 - Utilise Google Search Console for keyword optimisation

41:35 - Drive links to category pages for ranking

44:08 - Avoid being in trouble with Google by doing this

You can cut your costs and scale your eCommerce business at the same time. It’s all about prioritisation and actually focusing on what moves the needle. 

In this episode of the eCom@One Podcast Benjamin Lang, Head of Northern Europe and Dach for Partnership at Shopify, delves deep into the rapidly changing world of eCommerce. He shares actionable insights from his portfolio of global clients. 

Shopify is the leading platform for mid-sized eCommerce businesses, trusted by millions of companies worldwide. They work with some of the most well-known brands.

Together, Richard and Ben discuss the need for a unified commerce experience, the importance of customer loyalty, the personalised brand experiences and the strategies and challenges of accelerating growth in the eCommerce space. 

They also highlight the latest innovations and features released by Shopify, the complexities of replatforming and the evolving landscape of customer behaviour and regulations. He also touches on his experience as an Olympic athlete and how he uses those experiences to shape his future career. 

Tune in to find out how you can overcome a plateau and the key tactics and trends that are shaping the eCommerce industry.

Paula Short is the ex Co-Founder of Beauty Boulevard, a successful cosmetics company that stocked products globally in stores, salons and airlines. After exiting the company in 2021, Paula went on a journey of self-discovery to become a Freelance Business Advisor focusing on strategic growth.

As we navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the evolving landscape of consumer behaviour and the economic market, Paula shares her experience of exiting her successful business, Beauty Boulevard, and delves into the emotional journey of letting go. 

From the impact of COVID-19 to the importance of understanding customer patterns and behaviours, Paula and Richard explore the value of seeking external expertise, taking breaks, and the significance of trusted consultants in guiding business growth. 

Listen to this episode to hear about the raw truth of exiting a business and what happens after. Paula shares where many companies go wrong with their strategy, where to spend your marketing budget and how to improve your valuation. 

Join us as we uncover the wisdom, practical advice, and personal experiences shared by Paula Short in this compelling episode.

Topics Covered

00:20 - Proud achievement in business, sold shares before COVID

03:08 - Business shutdown despite successful showcase in NYC

09:12 - Business consultant with vast experience discusses strategies

10:07 - Know your customer and guide businesses to success 

16:57 - Business ups and downs require trusted support

21:15 - Challenges of getting products into big stores

28:05 - Traveling to Europe and US trade shows

31:19 - Realising capabilities, enjoying self-investment and need for balance

35:11 - Embrace the present and notice the world around us

38:17 - Strategically target marketing, analyse customer data wisely

41:45 - Writing thoughts for better sleep, unlikely business sale

45:01 - Unfamiliar changes forced, but necessary for growth

46:42 - Maximising valuation post-sale and during COVID

49:34 - Investing in consultancy to help others succeed

52:47 - Connect with me on LinkedIn and book recommendation

Kalin Karakehayov is the Founder of Edoms, Seo.Domains and I.GY. With over 15 years of experience in Google SEO and link building, he has learnt a fair amount of tactics that actually impact results with link building and domains. 

In this podcast, he shares some of the rarest strategies we have heard when it comes to improving your organic performance. From tried and tested solutions, Kalin shares what actually matters when you are trying to get Google to like you and make it appear on the first page of the search results. 

He delves into the evolving landscape of PBNs (Private Blog Networks) and their relevance in modern SEO. He also discusses the intricacies of domain trading, unveiling the staggering numbers and strategies involved. 

From discussing the impact of page redirects on domain and subpages to sharing valuable tips on valuing domain names and negotiating deals, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in eCommerce and SEO. 

Topics Covered

00:10 - Kalin’s background in eCommerce, domains and link building 

04:46 - Domains expire, requiring global tech responses daily

08:56 - Received cease and desist letter from Google

11:49 - Domain market relies on strategic pricing tactics

15:33 - Negotiation over domain name purchase and margin

18:31 - Key software for competitive advantage

21:30 - SEO changes and how eCom domains help 

24:36 - Linking boosts product rank and trustworthiness

27:09 - Redirects are hit and miss for link building

31:43 - Having money gives more control over links

36:03 - Redirecting technique to increase page visibility in SEO

39:33 - Limit redirects to avoid SEO devaluation by Google

40:27 - Effort to redirect pages may be counterproductive

44:40 - Book recommendation

Mid-market merchants, do you feel lost and forgotten in a rapidly evolving eCommerce landscape? 

Jason Nyhus, General Manager and President at Shopware, joins Richard in this episode to delve into the mid-market merchant world. He brings 20-years of expertise to the table, specialising in software development during his career. Shopware is a German born open source eCommerce platform that helps merchants increase their online sales. 

Listen in to hear the key findings from the “Forgotten Mid-Market Report” - an unbiased piece of research funded by Shopware and conducted by Rick Watson. It explores those merchants stuck with a legacy platform and discusses how to evaluate solution providers and approaches, and which to consider in a selection set. 

He shares crucial advice for eCommerce companies, especially the neglected mid-market segment and the impact of major acquisitions. Discover how technology can be leveraged to optimise customer experiences and increase the profitability of your business. 

Jason also shares insights into the power of digital sales rooms and the importance of product roadmaps in the eCommerce space. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful conversation that could revolutionise the way your business approaches your online strategies.

Topics Covered

0:23 - His 20 year journey in eCommerce that has led him to become the President of Shopware

04:14 - Online merchants should focus on complexity over revenue

07:53 - Report titled "Journey of the Mid Market Merchant". Unbiased research

10:54 - Key takeaways from the forgotten tech market

14:45 - Discussion about global channels

18:21 - Choosing software providers is confusing for merchants

22:54 - Advising on diverse products, securing funding for growth

26:59 - Upgrade to self-funding modern commerce platform

30:02 - Shopware seeks innovation, raises $100M in funding 

31:42 - Complex statement simplifies experiences, revamps digital sales

35:45 - How to connect with Jason and his book recommendation 

Are you interested in outsourcing and building global teams? If the answer is yes, this podcast episode is for you. 

Janus Basnov is the Chief Sales Officer at Aristo Sourcing. They help entrepreneurs and businesses grow their business by sourcing high-quality and a cost-effective workforce. Listen to this conversation as they delve into the world of event organisation and hiring. 

He discusses the highs and lows of event organisation, the impact of learning from industry experts and the benefits of outsourcing talent globally. Richard and Janus have an honest and frank conversation about the nuances of managing outsourced teams, how to make sure they deliver high-quality work and treating them as part of the team. If you are on the fence about international outsourcing, listen in. 

Janus organises one of the biggest SEO conferences in the world, so he definitely knows a thing or two about managing an event at scale. He shares strategies to help you secure sponsorship and attract the right ICPs to your events. 

Sit back and relax as we dive straight into the world of eCommerce, events and outsourcing with Janus Basnov on the eCom@One Podcast.

Topics Covered

00:24 - Janus discusses outsourcing talent and building a strong work culture in ecommerce

05:53 - Janus describes encountering diverse professionals in unconventional work environments

07:49 - COVID has changed recruitment, with access to a larger talent pool worldwide

10:51 - South Africa new to outsourcing, benefits to working from home, lower salaries, Philippines experienced in remote work

13:23 - Identify low-value tasks for outsourcing, followed by hiring sales development representatives in South Africa

16:04 - Focus on bookkeeping skills; coach sales employees initially

22:09 - Seeking out qualified candidates by thorough assessment and a unique approach

26:05 - Outsources payment and team management

30:04 - Entrepreneurial community conferences in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were impactful

34:30 - Emphasising networking and sharing for success

36:18 - Discussing business challenges and benefits of networking in a diverse group. Resulted in a new business initiative

40:29 - Advice on making small adjustments for big impact

42:00 - Encouraging words about attending events despite nervousness

45:59 - Have a strong team, expect mistakes and be flexible

48:57 - Industry-specific outdoor event sponsorship tips and advice

51:37 - Attending conferences recharges and inspires business owners

54:19 - The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart is a life-changing book about living by chance

In this episode, Richard Hill sits down with Dan Temple, Director and Lead Trainer at Cobalt Human Solutions. By focusing on the most important element of your business, your staff, they take the Human Factors learning from safety critical industries such as aviation and healthcare and apply it to your business, regardless of industry.

Humans are invariably highly motivated, trained and skilled people yet they make mistakes. Cobalt doesn't help organisations come to the conclusion it was 'human error', it helps them work out why the error was made in the first place through engagement and training.

Richard and Dan explore the essential qualities of effective leadership and the impact of employee engagement on business performance. Dan, with nearly 20 years of military experience, offers valuable insights on cultivating a supportive and resilient team culture, discussing the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and nurturing individual strengths. 

Join us as we delve into the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can drive organisational success and employee wellbeing. Save the headache and support your team today.

Topics Covered

00:20 - Understanding human behaviour and teaching human factors

06:01 - How Dan’s Military experience translates to the corporate world, using stories to connect with others emotionally

13:44 - Reflecting on biases and seeking self-awareness

18:05 - Change and repeating past mistakes

26:15 - Questioning discrepancies between training and actual performance and understanding employee behavior

34:02 - Curious, active team members use Slack frequently.

38:40 - Encouragement for young leaders to invest in people and reflection for business success

41:51- Focus on incremental motivation and common aim for team success

51:19 - Dan’s wife becomes Assistant Head at a school in Lincoln City after a competitive interview. Emphasizes the importance of people in leadership

54:06 - Supporting team members struggling with mental health is important for leaders

01:02:23 - Book recommendation 

TikTok is changing buying habits and this can’t be ignored

In this episode, Rowan Payne chats to Dave Morrissey (Head of Lifestyle Retail and eCommerce at TikTok) and Liam Phillips (Head of Partnerships at TikTok Shop). They talk about how businesses are using one of the fastest growing platforms in the UK right now to grow their revenue online. 

They head straight into how TikTok is quickly becoming a master at end to end shopping experiences, how businesses can leverage human to human connection to increase their return on investment, and why TikTok Shop and Ads are quickly becoming a match made in heaven. 

TiKTok is revolutionising the relationship between creators, brands and consumers. Find out how this social media channel is shifting to a shopping hub and what that means for you. There is ample opportunity for eCommerce brands to leverage consumer behaviour changes to be successful on TikTok. 

Sit back and listen as Dave and Liam share valuable insights to help you grow your business.

Topics Covered

00:40 - Their responsibilities at TikTok

06:14 - The evolution of TikTok’s perception since breaking into UK market

09:36 - TikTok's user experience and eCommerce improvements. Learning from different markets.

10:34 - TikTok Shop allows creators to pin products. It builds trust and brand awareness for eCommerce companies

15:57 - TikTok breaks down the screen-viewer barrier, facilitates purchases, unique experiences, and handles payment gateways

22:24 - Discussion on the importance of the real people element in marketing, using various platforms and creators for better results

24:12 - How the US and China shops differ from the UK

27:31 - Shops target specific niches for better results

31:51 - Content needs to be entertaining for viral success

37:32 - The history of visual perception 

38:56 - Discussing the impact of diverse reading, fashion trends, and influence on social media algorithms from historical context

42:38 - Book recommendations