Future Commerce

What about NRF and Manifest conferences prompted Kris Gösser to assert that a lot of the hardships in retail are behind us? What positive changes is he seeing in operations and logistics that will be a force for more of the right kinds of changes? And what can we learn from generational business models to futureproof in a technology-heavy, technology-centric industry? Listen now and join the discussion!

• {00:09:43} It’s interesting to note the differences between NRF and other smaller conferences in the industry and how basically the basement booths at NRF are the ones that are present at all of the others
• {00:14:51} How quickly will the industry absorb the inevitable change with so much capital going into new tech, and why is there a difference in the ways change happens on the operations side versus the marketing side?
• {00:20:13} After what happened on the operations side during the pandemic, the focus is really on risk mitigation and solving for potential crisis better in the future
• {00:23:28} One of the biggest changes in the operations sector is that what used to always be a team of “No” is becoming more of a team of “Yes” because of more possibilities and innovation
• {00:26:24} Operations is less encumbered by tech constraints and now has the ability to use tech to change their processes
• {00:30:41} On-premise tech is so much slower and more complicated than cloud-centric tech, but the changes take time to implement more widely
• {00:37:36}  We're seeing more focus on projects that are malleable, that effectively fit within existing systems or existing platforms that can have outsized impact on specific outcomes that matter to the business
• {00:39:01} Conferences are like fashion trends, and we need both the normal, classic ones and the cutting-edge, innovative ones to really be well-rounded and comprehensive

• Learn more about Kris Gösser and Shipium.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

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Revisit with us this incredibly deep discussion from December 2016 with Brian Roemmele about how voice interaction (and other tech) will revolutionize most everything and how at the end of the day, we have to fight to keep the humanity into the equation. Learn, develop, grow, change, and also strive to understand the people around you and behind all of this technology. Listen now to hear more!

• {00:08:27} The guys discuss with Roemmele how many buttons in the world, crosswalks, elevator open/close, and more, aren’t even connected. We just need that action to feel like we are controlling something.
• {00:11:54} There are seasons of change as new technology is adopted. And that’s a good thing.
• {00:18:17} Why the voices and names of these voice assistant tech devices are women’s voices and names and what the research has found about that
• {00:33:36} “We are always trying to look for something in a voice that reassures us” - Roemmele
• {00:38:58} “In ten years, fifty percent of your interaction with any computers is going to be via voice, of course voice assistant AI.” - Roemmele
• {01:08:29} “Voice is a patina that is going to que up this new revolution.” - Roemmele
• {01:12:34} We are at the precipice of what this all comes down to, which is privacy and also persona
• {01:24:07} How Brian Roemmele taught Alexa and Siri to talk to each other as he experimented and researched on his own
• {01:41:45} Some common concerns about AI tech such as self-driving cars and how to get to the point where our humanity is still always a part of decision making

• Learn more about Brian Roemmele at ReadMultiplex.com or @BrianRoemmele on Twitter
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

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Lots of thoughts and feelings and experiences after NRF this year. Alicia Esposito sat down and interviewed our very own Phillip Jackson, along with Adam Blair, to debrief The Big Show and discuss what’s coming and what needs to be happening next in the world of commerce and why it’s a good time to be excited about it. Listen in now to hear it all, including intriguing metaphors and talk of noodles!

0:04:15 - Lots of positive excitement was abuzz at NRF, even with the pain of Q4 in the past, there is enthusiasm ahead, and also lots of talk about ChatGPT

0:05:25 - Shopify came out into the enterprise space, and this was a huge shift and changes a lot of upcoming trends we will see moving forward

0:12:00 - Noodles, let’s talk about noodles and how they touch all the things, and how when it comes to technology, it’s really like a bunch of spaghetti touching all of the other noodles, so we need to layer tech on top of tech, understanding that all of it effects the rest

0:21:15 - The mass adoption of ChatGPT, and the swiftness with which it has been adopted are unprecedented, which will be interesting to see how this change of thinking will be the hallmark of a new era

0:27:40 - Actual diversity is being achieved within more companies and brands are not only talking about it, and also returns management is something that is being better handled now, leading to more positive change

0:31:05 - Is there a recentering happening in retail that is core to the industry, and what are ways that this recentering will make business more productive?

0:34:00 - With all of the industry talk and vernacular, how do we actually recognize the change in culture and workforce and address the buzzwords and change the language to enact the change?

0:40:00 - Events outside of NRF, like our Archetypes Pop Up, were very fun ways to create organic moments for people to connect more authentically and meaningfully within the industry community

• Check out Retail Remix podcast with Alicia Esposito
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

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Ian Leslie returns to Industry West as the new Chief Marketing Officer after an eighteen-month sabbatical. During this time, he gained experience in the SaaS world, working with Bolt and #Paid. Previously, Ian had raised concerns about Shopify in favor of Magento, but in his absence, Industry West has made the switch…Do his concerns still stand? Can Shopify really do it all, or is its “one-stop shop” reputation embellished? Are we seeing a return to print due to inbox anxiety? Should the 5 day work week still be the norm? If you’re curious to know more including one of Ian’s biggest regrets, press play now!

• “We're in a post-platform world, and there are a number of platforms out there that will provide you with the underpinning you need. And it's kind of up to you to captain that ship now. It's up to you to make good decisions and leverage that platform the way that you best can leverage it.” -Brian
• “Your email inbox is a place of anxiety and a place where you don't want to live and everybody has to do it for work. You don't want to do it for yourself personally, and open rates are going down.” -Phillip
• Future Commerce has leaned into building print and giving the people physical, tangible objects to hold. If you’re intrigued, get your hands on your copy of the Archetypes Journal and see what all the hype is about
• “Shopify is simply the platform and you still have to do the marketing. And I think Shopify sold a great bill of goods in that regard.” -Ian
• “Do your work and I don't care when you're here. Be responsible.” -Ian
• “Ultimately I want to create content that people want to digest regardless if they're looking for a kitchen counter stool or not.” -Ian

• Check out Industry West
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re in Season 11 of Step by Step and this season, we’re focusing on architecting your business for a dream exit. We’ve partnered with OpenStore to bring you stories from real founders who have successfully built and sold their businesses and will equip you with the tools you need to confidently sell your own business.

We talk with Miguel Facusse, the founder of Jack Archer. Miguel touches on how to build a business with your exit plan in mind and the importance of storytelling in finding product market fit. He explains that he created his business with the intention of connecting with a specific audience and making an emotional resonance with them. Miguel also gives sage advice on letting your business be something you build and sell, rather than something you have a hard time letting go of. Miguel’s journey is a masterclass in serial entrepreneurship and using your skills to take brands to the next level.

• 00:05:08 - Building a Brand for an Exit
• 00:09:01 - Solving the Problem of Consistency in Travel-Friendly Apparel
• 00:12:00 - Product Quality, Returns, and Brand Resonance
• 00:15:21 - The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling: How to Leverage Words to Increase Your Bottom Line
• 00:29:27 - Creative Testing and Business Growth
• 00:35:11 - Product Development and Launch Timeline for Jack Archer

• Want to learn more? Read more about how to architect a dreamy eCommerce exit on our Insiders blog here!
• Learn more about OpenStore Here.
• Listen to more Step by Step episodes.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re in Season 11 of Step by Step and this season, we’re focusing on architecting your business for a dream exit. We’ve partnered with OpenStore to bring you stories from real founders who have successfully built and sold their businesses and will equip you with the tools you need to confidently sell your own business.

In this episode of Step by Step, Phillip and Brian talk to Manny Estrada, the founder of Wearva, about the role of solid fundamentals in scaling a business. Manny emphasizes the importance of having a strong team and giving them the opportunity to grow, as well as understanding the customer needs and building a strong tech stack that can scale. He also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the steps necessary to build their own businesses, highlighting that it IS possible.

• 00:05:38 - The Story Behind Wearva
• 00:13:11 - Maximizing Revenue Through Influencer Marketing and Tech Enablement
• 00:15:07 - Exploring the Benefits of Using Virtual Assistants for Business Growth
• 00:20:19 - Finding Partners to Help Along the Way
• 00:23:49 - Setting Targets and Knowing When to Sell
• 00:29:00 - Handing Off and Onboarding Through OpenStore
• 00:32:45 - Building Longterm Relationships with Influencers to Grow a Business

• Want to learn more? Read more about how to architect a dreamy eCommerce exit on our Insiders blog here!
• Learn more about OpenStore Here.
• Listen to more Step by Step episodes.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re in Season 11 of Step by Step and this season, we’re focusing on architecting your business for a dream exit. We’ve partnered with OpenStore to bring you stories from real founders who have successfully built and sold their businesses and will equip you with the tools you need to confidently sell your own business.

We talk with Jonathan Paquin, the founder of Nine Months Sober, about his experience in selling his business, and how he was able to keep it lean throughout the process. He explains that having greater control over the customer experience and doing it in a thoughtful way was key to his success. In addition, he talks about minimizing staff and overhead, as well as investing in technology in order to deliver a great product to customers. Jonathan's story is a great example of how to architect a business for a dream exit.

• 00:04:24 - Building an eCommerce Business and Scaling Current Ones
• 00:07:39 - Finding a Niche in the eCommerce World
• 00:09:08 - The Transition from Dropshipping to 3PL
• 00:16:17 - The Importance of Networking and Communication with Peers
• 00:26:05 - Maximizing Valuation Through Effective Facebook Advertising Strategies
• 00:29:51 - Exploring Strategies for Scaling a Direct Response Business
• 00:34:35 - Advice on Putting Yourself in the Shoes of the Buyers

• Want to learn more? Read more about how to architect a dreamy eCommerce exit on our Insiders blog here!
• Learn more about OpenStore Here.
• Listen to more Step by Step episodes.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re in Season 11 of Step by Step and this season, we’re focusing on architecting your business for a dream exit. We’ve partnered with OpenStore to bring you stories from real founders who have successfully built and sold their businesses and will equip you with the tools you need to confidently sell your own business.

We talk with Brendan Brosnan and Chris Heckman, co-founders of Yogaste about their experience co-founding Yogaste and how their shared passion and ability to communicate well led them to a successful exit. Brendan and Chris weren't initially interested in selling their business, but they realized it was the best option to take their business to the next level. They share their experience with vetting owners to sell to.

• 00:06:14- How They Founded Their E-Commerce Brand
• 00:13:14 - What it’s like building with a short-term focus
• 00:15:09 - The Power of Consistent Progress
• 00:19:34 - Leveraging a Network and a Lean Team to Test and Grow a Business
• 00:22:11 - The Benefits of Remote Talent
• 00:30:07 - Their experience of Selling a Business to OpenStore
• 00:38:38 - Advice for Entrepreneurs Looking to Build a Profitable Business on Shopify

• Want to learn more? Read more about how to architect a dreamy eCommerce exit on our Insiders blog here!
• Learn more about OpenStore Here.
• Listen to more Step by Step episodes.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re in Season 11 of Step by Step and this season, we’re focusing on architecting your business for a dream exit. We’ve partnered with OpenStore to bring you stories from real founders who have successfully built and sold their businesses and will equip you with the tools you need to confidently sell your own business. In this episode, we welcome Jeremy Wood, Co-Founder of OpenStore to discuss OpenStore’s approach to negotiating and buying businesses and what entrepreneurs need to know when thinking through an exit. Listen now!

• 0:07:38 - How to explore objective metrics for business valuation
• 0:10:12 - Discussion on the commonalities of profitable eCommerce businesses
• 0:13:48 - How to build Shopify stores and build for an exit
• 0:19:09 - eCommerce, drop shipping, and OpenStore's differentiators
• 0:23:29 - The importance of simplicity and transparency in eCommerce transactions
• 0:25:17 - The role of timing an eCommerce business exit
• 0:34:11 - Explore the OpenStore acquisition process
• 0:38:05 - How to maximize the valuation for your dream exit

• Want to learn more? Read more about how to architect a dreamy eCommerce exit on our Insiders blog here!
• Learn more about OpenStore Here.
• Listen to more Step by Step episodes.
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the current shift to more machines reminiscent of the eCommerce movement, where ease of use and fewer middlemen were promised but where actually more middlemen are created? What is ChatGPT leading to already, how will that continue to influence the future, and what did Norbert Wiener say back in 1964 that was chillingly accurate? There is a lot to discuss, so listen now! 

• “Layoffs are refocusing where the priorities are in one part of the business to futureproof itself for the next generation.” - Phillip
• A lot of what was predicted by analysts as being the next generation-defining commerce experiences are going to prove to be wrong because it’s about what the consumer wants, and they aren’t wanting any of those things
• Phillip apologizes to Brian for not getting his Quantum Yeet piece right away, and really if you haven’t been reading Future Commerce Insiders and The Senses, subscribe and see what you’ve been missing
• “We as humans have been trying to accomplish jobs that are better done by machines. All the jobs that are best done by machines should be pursued as jobs that are done by machines.” - Brian
• Different jobs will be created as current jobs are replaced by machines, and the output can actually be better
• “There will always be a middle layer of infrastructure that's required and a middle layer of management to manage that infrastructure that's required.” - Phillip
• We can continue down this path of just human interface connections and quantum computing becomes a problem for a future generation
• Brian ends by reading a quote from 1964 by Norbert Wiener that will blow your mind and will likely lead to more interesting discussions on future episodes

• Episode 19 and Episode 20 from way back when the guys sat for three plus hours with Brian Roemmele
• Check out The Human Use of Human Beings by Norbert Wiener
• Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?
• Get your copy of Archetypes, our newly published 240-page journal! Check it out at ArchetypesJournal.com
• Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more of what we are witnessing in the commerce world!
• Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on Futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.