Firing The Man

Episode 70

In today’s episode, David will share his failed business experience and the lessons he learned from it. He realized later on, which you should realize as early as now, that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it. You should consider this thought especially if you also want to fire the man. David is willing to try this business again, though, but this time, he’ll do some things differently. 

Listen to this episode and learn from this failed e-commerce business! 

[00:01 - 01:52] Opening Segment

• We introduce our topic for today
• Key lessons in a failed business venture 

[01:53 - 10:19] Woodworking Business 

• How did David start his woodworking business 
  • Don’t miss this pro tip from David
• The biggest investment in David’s woodworking business
• Why was this business model not enough to fire the man?
  • Great hobby but not a great career 

[10:20 - 21:07] Lessons from David’s Failed Business 

• “Having fun” and “firing the man:” Can they work together?
  • Points to consider 
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400
• Lessons David learned from his unsuccessful business venture
  • “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”
  • Proof of concept 
  • Understand cash flows 
  • The true purpose of a hobby
• What David will do differently this time

[21:08 - 23:54] Closing Segment 

• Will David try this business again? 
• Connect with us. Links below
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“If your goal is to fire the man, get a good understanding of how much annual cash flow you’re gonna need or even monthly cash flow or weekly cash flow.” - David Schomer

“When you learn a tough lesson firsthand, it sticks.” - David Schomer

“I think when you get emotions into business, it’s to the detriment of yourself, your time.” - Ken Wilson

Resources Mentioned:

• SawStop

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Episode 69

In today’s episode, we talk with Don Henig, Co-Founder of AccrueMe, LLC. AccrueMe is providing growth capital for Amazon sellers with 0% interest and no payment requirements. You don’t even need to let go parts of the ownership when you work with Don’s team. The only way they will win is if your Amazon business wins. Does this sound too good to be true? 

Listen to this episode and learn how to grow your Amazon business! 

[00:01 - 08:23] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Don Henig
• His path to helping Amazon sellers 

[08:24 - 18:47] 2X Capital, 0% Interest, 0% Ownership

• Don breaks down the unique business model of AccrueMe
• Why Amazon sellers can benefit from AccrueMe
• What part of your business will AccrueMe support? 

[18:48 - 27:34] Not A Loan 

• The only way you don’t win with AccrueMe 
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400
• Don clarifies that their model is not a loan 

[27:35- 39:44] Timing is Everything 

• Successful businesses have done this according to Don 
• A true story about building a business  from Don
• Why timing is important in any business 

[39:45- 48:03] AccrueMe’s No. 1 Rule

• The no. 1 rule of AccrueMe
• Let’s get to know more about Don in the Fire Round!
• What separates success from failure according to Don 

[48:04 - 50:45] Closing Segment 

• Connect with Don. Links below
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“I love to do things where it’s a win-win. Everybody should be able to win.” - Don Henig

“My idea is to provide you capital when you have the opportunities to grow.” - Don Henig

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Compound Effect

Email [email protected] to reach out to Don or connect with him on LinkedIn. Check out AccrueMe and grow your Amazon business now! 

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Episode 68

In today’s episode, we are going to talk about the top 5 articles in the eCommerce industry in the first quarter of 2021. We have talked about Amazon and where it will go upon the departure of Jeff Bezos. We’ve also shared our insights about Walmart, Target, and Shopify and their respective business models that contribute to their recent growth. David and I ended this episode on a high note with our thoughts about the almost $800-billion sales of US eCommerce in 2020.  

Listen to this episode and get updated on the recent happenings in our industry! 

[00:01 - 03:24] Opening Segment

• We introduce our topic for today
  • Why we’ll discuss these news articles

[03:25 - 13:26] Alternative Business Models 

• Listen to our exchange on Target’s invite-only membership
• Walmart is on a tear and we tell you why 
  • Should Amazon be worried? 

[13:27 - 23:52] What to Learn from Shopify’s Growth 

• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400
• Watch out for Shopify 
  • How is it different from Walmart? 

[23:53- 33:48] Amazon’s Future Direction 

• Hear our insights about Jeff Bezos leaving Amazon
• Two more Jeffs are leaving Amazon
  • Find out who they are
  • What this means for Amazon

[33:49 - 37:52] Closing Segment 

• Here’s another reason you should go into eCommerce 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Once you create a habit, it’s really hard to break.” - Ken Wilson

“...as you build a good team around you, you become less and less important.” - David Schomer

Resources Mentioned:

• Marketplace Pulse article on Target: Target’s Marketplace Still Tiny Two Years Later
• Digital Commerce 360 article on Walmart: Walmart's online sales grow 79% in its just‑ended fiscal year
• Marketplace Pulse article on Shopify: Shopify Is 40% As Big as Amazon Marketplace
• CNBC article on Amazon: What Jeff Bezos told Amazon employees about stepping down as CEO: ‘I’ve never had more energy, and this isn’t about retiring’
• Marketplace Pulse: US E-Commerce Sales Nearly $800 Billion in 2020
• Firing the Man Episode 65: Navigating Walmart's E-Commerce Platform with Experienced Seller Miro Posavec

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Do you want to fire the man yourself? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! 

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Episode 67

Are you planning to start an eCommerce business? Well, you’ve come to the right podcast episode. Today, Ken and I made a deep dive discussion about it, which we divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the needs of a business such as business name, employee identification number, and business bank account. The second part is all about Wants. They’re not really required, but they can make your life--and business--a lot better. 

Listen to this episode and start your eCommerce journey! 

[00:01 - 05:07] Opening Segment

• We introduce our topic for today
• Start with your business name
  • What to consider in choosing a name

[05:08 - 10:03] Setting Up the Business 

• Get an Employee Identification Number in 10 minutes  
  • Follow David’s tips 
• Open a separate business bank account and checking account
  • How to get a 5% cashback on your PPC (Pay-Per-Click)? 
• Product vs. Inventory
  • Listen to our exchange 

[10:04 - 16:10] Physical and Digital Assets 

• The physical asset you should have for your business 
• Backup your important files with a dedicated cloud storage 
  • You need internet access for this
• Hear our thoughts about having a separate workspace
  • Can be a simple corner in your house 

[16:11- 20:17] Ways to Learn Business 

• Is a mentor a need or a want? 
• The other ways to learn your business 
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400

[20:18- 26:37] Ergonomic Office Setup 

• The Mercedes Benz of office chairs according to David 
• The perks of having a dual monitor setup for Ken 
• How to set up an ergonomic office set up
  • Link below

[26:38- 33:04] Ecommerce Hacks for Beginners 

• Why have overflow storage for inventory? 
• This is what David wished he has done earlier 
• How to use product research tools for free for more than 30 days?

[33:05 - 39:04] Closing Segment 

• Other physical assets you can buy 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you’re stuck on [choosing a business name] and not moving forward, outsource it.” - Ken Wilson

“It’s a good way to skip to the head of the line...just get a mentor.” - David Schomer

Resources Mentioned:

• United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Internal Revenue Service
• LegalZoom
• Chase Ink Business Credit Cards
• Starlink
• Herman Miller
• Wall Street Journal video: Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Set Up Your Desk | WSJ
• A6 Binder Journal Refillable Notebook
• Onlinejobs.ph
• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Jungle Scout
• Helium10

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Do you want to fire the man yourself? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! 

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Episode 66

In today’s episode, we are joined by Ethan Bachinski, an engineer that is just beginning his journey in the e-commerce space. Ethan played division 1 football at Western Illinois University and then continued his education at the University of Iowa where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.  In the last year, Ethan has leveraged his engineering skills to create products using a CNC Machine and 3D printer. 

Let’s listen to Francois and learn from a product-sourcing blackbelt! 

[00:01 - 04:57] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Ethan Bachinski
  • Engineer-turned-eCommerce business owner

[04:58 - 13:11] To Fire or Not To Fire the Man?   

• He breaks down the CNC machine and what you can do with it
• Be inspired with these goals from Ethan! 
• Is Ethan trying to fire the man?

[13:12 - 20:48] The Key to Manufacturing

• Ethan’s experience with the self-manufacturing business model
• The key to manufacturing according to Ethan 
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400

[20:49 - 32:27] From Idea to Product  

• Ethan talks about the challenges he’s facing in his product launch
• Turn your idea into a product with these tips from Ethan!
• Build your business with these resources suggested by Ethan

[32:28 - 41:20] Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs  

• Join Ethan in our Coaches Corner!
  • How to increase sales?
• Get to know more about Ethan in the Fire Round!

[41:21 - 42:49] Closing Segment 

• Connect with Ethan! Links below 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The endgame is obviously [to] fire the man and be my own boss.” - Ethan Bachinski

“There’s risk and reward in everything that you do.” - Ethan Bachinski

Resources Mentioned:

• Etsy
• Facebook Marketplace
• eRank
• ePlus
• Woodsmith
• The Woodworkers Paradise
• Google Trends
• Book: Outliers: The Story of Success

Email [email protected] to reach out to Ethan or connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

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Episode 65

Let’s visit another marketplace in today’s episode with Miro Posavec. Miro is an experienced seller at Walmart, selling health and wellness products for the last few years now. He will help us navigate the Walmart platform online, talk about the value that it offers to both sellers and buyers, and share tips to successfully start our eCommerce business. 

Listen to Miro to better navigate Walmart’s eCommerce platform! 

[00:01 - 05:25] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Miro Posavec
• Walmart vs. Amazon
  • Miro weighs in 

[05:26 - 12:59] Walmart Fulfillment Services 

• How’s Miro’s 3PL experience at Walmart?
• Choose Walmart Fulfillment Services!
  • Miro tells us why  
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400

[13:00 - 23:23] Opportunities at Walmart 

• The smart move that Walmart is doing right now
• The opportunities at Walmart that you should know
• Listen to Miro’s strategy to drive traffic to his store

[23:24- 35:48] Valuable Online Presence 

• Miro shares his outlook about the future of Walmart 
• The tremendous value Walmart offers that Amazon doesn’t 
• Don’t miss Miro’s advice on starting your own business
  • Where to start? Amazon? Shopify? Walmart? 
  • Your no. 1 priority in starting an eCommerce business

[35:49 - 41:35] Closing Segment 

• Get to know Miro more in the Fire Round!
• Connect with Miro! Links below 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

[Walmart is] building trust with the customer and that’s a good long-term strategy.” - Miro Posavec

“If you wanna be successful, you just have to be persistent.” - Miro Posavec

Resources Mentioned:

• Walmart
• Shopify
• Ebay
• Alibaba
• CedCommerce
• Book: A Man for All Seasons

Email [email protected] to reach out to Miro or connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Episode 64

Ron Parisi, CPA, JD, has more than 25 years of experience in accounting and technology, which he leverages as a Virtual CFO & Accounting Service to assist other entrepreneurs. His articles have been published in national publications, including the Wall Street Journal and Accounting Today. In this episode, he will talk about the ideal path of a successful business, which highly depends on the owner’s ability to get organized and understand available credit vehicles and tax deductions. 

Let’s listen to Ron and learn from the CPA on Fire! 

[00:01 - 04:13] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Ron Parisi 
• Why he loves working with entrepreneurs

[04:14 - 14:19] A Reminder for Entrepreneurs 

• The biggest hurdle for entrepreneurs according to Ron
• Don’t miss these tax tips from Ron! 
• How entrepreneurs can leverage credit vehicles
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

[14:20 - 22:34] Credit Vehicles and Taxes Explained 

• Are you eligible for the PPP?
  • Learn from Ron
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400
• The top tax write-offs you’ve probably overlooked 

[22:35- 36:42] 20% Income Tax Deduction

• Should you start off as an LLC? 
  • Listen to Ron’s advice
• Do you want a 20% income tax deduction?
• What you’re missing when you don’t file a tax return 

[36:43 - 41:47] Closing Segment 

• Get to know Ron more in the Fire Round!
• Connect with Ron! Links below 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

You don’t necessarily need to have a business before you can start planning for tax deductions.” - Ron Parisi 

“The future is so bright [and] has so much opportunity to grow. Don’t let 2020 split you down.” - Ron Parisi 

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: A Confederacy of Dunces
• Firing the Man Episode 58: Joel Bower on Getting Intentional with Your Time

Email [email protected] to reach out to Ron or connect with him on LinkedIn. 

Schedule a free financial review with Ron’s team by visiting their website or check them out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

WATCH OUT for their Prosperity Report, a roadmap for eCommerce and online business.  

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Episode 63

It’s been 6 months since Ken fired the man. In this episode, we have talked with Ken about his eCommerce business so far, the steps he took to balance his full-time job and business prior to firing the man, and the freedom of having control of his own time. He also shares this one regret in starting a business. What do you think is that regret?  

Let’s listen to Ken’s Firing the Man journey to find out! 

[00:01 - 03:51] Opening Segment

• We introduce our topic for today
• What’s the last 6 months been for Ken? 

[03:52 - 11:07] Before Firing the Man 

• Don’t miss our interesting exchange about health insurance
  • How much you should consider it before firing the man 
• How Ken balanced his full-time job and eCommerce business then

[11:08 - 19:46] After Firing the Man

• Don’t miss these tips from Ken in running your business 
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400
• “What if firing the man doesn’t work for me?”
  • Listen to Ken’s advice here
• Ken’s outlook about the future of eCommerce industry

[19:47- 27:03] A 5-Star Experience 

• Why small businesses fail 
• Ken talks about the power of networking
• What is Ken’s only regret in starting a business? 

[27:04 - 28:14] Closing Segment 

• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Surrounding yourself with like-minded positive people really helps.” - Ken Wilson

“Nothing’s been more powerful for my life than knowing that I can take care of myself and my family on my own.” - Ken Wilson

Resources Mentioned:

• Mastermind
• Healthcare.gov
• Clubhouse
• Daymond John
• Grant Cardone

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Do you want to fire the man yourself? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! 

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Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

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Episode 62

Francois Jaffres is a blackbelt in product sourcing. We have him in today’s episode to talk about his company, Noviland, and learn product sourcing tips that can elevate our businesses. Among other things, we have also discussed China and other potential manufacturers, common mistakes that Amazon sellers make, and the traits that separate successful entrepreneurs from the average ones. 

Let’s listen to Francois and learn from a product-sourcing blackbelt! 

[00:01 - 07:40] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Francois Jaffres
  • An entrepreneur at heart 
  • His journey to Noviland 

[07:41 - 16:12] A Pioneer in eCommerce  

• How Noviland became a pioneer in the eCommerce industry
• Don’t make these 4 common mistakes of Amazon FBA sellers
  • Experience
  • Capital
  • Speed 
  • Listen to learn the last one! 

[16:13 - 28:25] Why Sign Up For Noviland

• Choose Noviland because of these reasons
• Listen to Francois on how they optimize units in a container
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400

[28:26- 43:50] Should You Look Outside China? 

• Answering Noviland’s Request for Quotation
  • Francois walks us through the process 
• Are there any other viable manufacturers aside from China?
  • Francois weighs in 

[43:51 - 48:13] Closing Segment 

• Get to know Francois more in the Fire Round!
  • What is the common denominator among successful entrepreneurs? 
• Connect with Francois! Links below 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Grit is the number one component that I think I see from entrepreneurs that are successful.” - Francois Jaffres

“We’re here to really be more as a partner rather than just another transactional platform that you used as a source or to find factories or to see production timelines.” - Francois Jaffres

Resources Mentioned:

• Alibaba
• Book: Blitzscaling

Email [email protected] to reach out to Francois or follow him on LinkedIn. Check out their website and get the best products for your business! 

Also visit them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.  

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Episode 61

Not all debts are created equal. There's good debt that can grow and scale your business and there's bad debt that can drive it to bankruptcy. David Kennedy of Parkside Financial joins us in this episode to tell us the risks and rewards of debts. If deployed correctly, debt can be a great investment for businesses. They just need to identify what assets they should have and the specific situation they need to be in before going to the bank and borrowing money. 

Let’s listen to David and demystify debts! 

[00:01 - 04:08] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know David Kennedy
  • His path as a commercial lender 
  • The services offered by  Parkside Financials 

[04:09 - 14:06] Risk and Reward of Commercial Lending

• Should a company have debt?
  • David weighs in 
• The risk and rewards of commercial lending 
• David explains the 5 C’s of credit

[14:07 - 23:27] The Cushion You Need in Your Business 

• Listen to David to know why their rates are attractive to borrowers 
• The cushion that your business needs
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out Getida
  • Promo code: FTM400

[23:28- 34:45] The Bad Time For Debt 

• Don’t miss this inspiring story from David
• What is Parkside Financial looking for in a client? 
• The situation when debt is dangerous to use 

[34:46 - 39:08] Closing Segment 

• Get to know David more in the Fire Round!
• Connect with David! Links below 
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Debt can be dangerous when not deployed correctly.” - David Kennedy

At the end of the day, it’s not balance sheets that pay you back. It’s people that pay you back” - David Kennedy

Resources Mentioned:

• Dave Ramsey 
• Book: Shoe Dog
• Book: Ender's Game

Email [email protected] to reach out to David and check out their website to know how you can leverage debts for your business. 

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Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon

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