In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Kyle Hency, CEO of GoodDay Software, who shares insights from his journey as a co-founder of Chubbies and his current mission to innovate ERP solutions for small brands. The conversation explores the operational challenges brands face today, the evolution of client expectations in technology, and the unique entrepreneurial environment in Austin, Texas. Kyle emphasizes the importance of building accessible tools for brands and the impact of AI on brand building, while also looking ahead to trends for the upcoming holiday season.

takeaways

• Kyle Hency is the CEO of GoodDay Software, previously co-founder of Chubbies.
• Chubbies was built to authentically connect with a younger audience.
• GoodDay Software aims to simplify ERP solutions for small brands.
• Operational challenges for brands include inventory management and market competition.
• The technology landscape is evolving, with higher expectations from clients.
• AI is changing the way brands interact with technology and consumers.
• Austin's tech scene is thriving due to its supportive environment and lower cost of living.
• GoodDay Software focuses on providing a centralized operating system for brands.
• The holiday season is expected to show positive trends for brands after a tough period.
• Collaboration among brands in the e-commerce space is crucial for success.

Sound Bites

• "Every day is a good day."
• "The cost of living is just so transformative."
• "It's a system that does a lot more for you."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Kyle Hency and GoodDay Software

02:57
The Journey from Chubbies to GoodDay Software

05:37
Operational Challenges for Brands

08:20
Building Solutions from Real Pain Points

11:24
The Evolution of Client Expectations

14:03
The Future of ERP Systems

16:33
The Impact of Economic Trends on Brands

19:27
Austin's Unique Innovation Ecosystem

21:57
GoodDay's Mission and Offerings

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Jay Topper, CCO of Fabric, shares insights on the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of a digital-first mindset, effective content generation, and key metrics for success. He discusses strategies for the upcoming holiday season, the impact of Amazon on retail dynamics, and the significance of maintaining a culture of natural tension within organizations. Jay also highlights the critical role of contribution margin as a key performance indicator and offers predictions for the retail season ahead.

takeaways

• Digital first is about mindset and customer promise.
• Content generation is critical for product pages.
• Contribution margin is essential for measuring marketing effectiveness.
• Natural tension in teams can lead to better outcomes.
• Retailers need to align marketing and merchandising strategies during peak seasons.
• Planning and contingency strategies are vital for holiday success.
• Amazon's influence is reshaping retail promotions and consumer expectations.
• Metrics should be agreed upon across departments for consistency.
• Flexibility in operations is crucial during peak times.
• Optimism is a key driver for success in retail.

Sound Bites

• "You can't just rely on paid ads."
• "Plan the dive, dive the plan."
• "You need flexibility during peak."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jay Topper and His Journey

03:41
Understanding Digital First in Retail

06:23
The Importance of Content in E-commerce

09:40
Balancing Paid Ads and Organic Content

12:18
Natural Tension in Business

15:07
Key Metrics for E-commerce Success

18:06
Strategies for the Holiday Season

20:55
The Impact of Amazon on Retail

23:52
Predictions for the Upcoming Retail Season

26:31
Closing Thoughts and Fabric's Role

In this special holiday edition of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson joins forces with Scott Ohsman of Always Off Brand for an entertaining live recording from Shoptoberfest, sponsored by Shopware. Recorded in Brooklyn, NY, this collaborative episode features an engaging conversation with two dynamic guests: Noah Oakenberg from Above the Fray, a Portland-based solutions integrator specializing in B2B manufacturing, and Rohit Padanga, co-founder and CEO of Zamp, a comprehensive sales tax compliance solution provider.

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of building authentic customer relationships before pushing sales
• Inside perspectives on Shoptoberfest and the Shopware community
• Candid insights into agency-client relationships and partnership alignment
• Strategic approaches to sales tax compliance in e-commerce
• Real-world experiences in agency management and client acquisition

Special Guests:

• Noah Oakenberg - Above the Fray (abovethefray.io)
• Rohit Padanga - Zamp (zamp.com)

Co-Hosts:

• Brent Peterson - Talk Commerce
• Scott Ohsman - Always Off Brand

Recorded live at Shoptoberfest in Brooklyn, NY, this collaborative holiday special brings together the best of both podcasts for an insightful and entertaining discussion about the future of e-commerce and digital partnerships.

Sponsored by Shopware

The conversation at Shoptoberfest delves into various aspects of e-commerce, focusing on the unique shopping experience provided by Tmoo, the impact of gamification on consumer behavior, and the current trends in holiday spending. The discussion also highlights the competitive landscape of retail, identifying key players and market dynamics, while exploring the future of e-commerce and B2B opportunities. The speakers reflect on the evolving nature of consumer expectations and the importance of adapting to new market realities.

takeaways

• The Tmoo shopping experience is gamified, making it engaging for users.
• Consumers are increasingly looking for budget-friendly options during the holidays.
• Amazon and Shein are major players gaining market share in retail.
• Good retail practices are still essential in today's market.
• Emerging markets show a higher percentage of marketplace dominance.
• Drones are expected to revolutionize delivery in small towns.
• B2B commerce presents significant opportunities for growth.
• Shopify currently dominates the direct-to-consumer e-commerce space.
• Retail trends indicate a mix of winners and losers in the market.
• The conversation reflects on the importance of adapting to consumer behavior changes.

Sound Bites

• "They're growing like a weed."
• "It's a lot of Greenfield."
• "Thanks for having me on."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Shoptoberfest and Tmoo

02:22
The Gamification of E-commerce

05:26
Consumer Behavior and Holiday Spending

07:37
The State of E-commerce and Market Trends

10:20
The Future of Retail and B2B Opportunities

13:15
Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, Caroline D'Amore, founder of Pizza Girl, shares her journey from being a 'pizza kid' to a successful entrepreneur in the Italian food industry. She discusses the challenges she faced in a male-dominated space, her innovative products including organic sauces and countertop pizza ovens, and her vision for the future of Pizza Girl. Caroline emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients, empowering women in business, and the evolving trends in the food industry towards healthier options.

Takeaways

• Caroline's background in the pizza industry shaped her work ethic.
• Pizza Girl was born out of a desire for healthier Italian food options.
• The brand focuses on quality ingredients and authenticity.
• Caroline's innovative pizza ovens cater to a diverse audience.
• The importance of female representation in the food industry is highlighted.
• Caroline's journey reflects the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur.
• The future of food is leaning towards cleaner, healthier ingredients.
• Direct-to-consumer relationships are crucial for brand success.
• Caroline aims to expand Pizza Girl globally with unique concepts.
• The podcast emphasizes the need for authenticity in business.

Sound Bites

• "I have a lot to say on the subject."
• "I am the pizza girl."
• "Girls are awesome."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Pizza Girl and Caroline's Journey

08:06
The Product Line: Sauces and Pizza Ovens

13:29
The Vision for Brick and Mortar: Pink and Mortar

18:55
Women in Entrepreneurship: Breaking Barriers

24:18
The Future of Food: Trends and Innovations

30:45
Taste of the Coast.mp4

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Oren Inditzky, VP and GM of Online Stores at Wix, discussing the innovative Wix Donations platform. Oren shares insights on how Wix is transforming online fundraising for nonprofits and individuals, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly solutions that integrate website creation, donation management, and marketing tools. The conversation covers the motivations behind launching Wix Donations, its features, target verticals, and the role of analytics in optimizing fundraising efforts. Oren also highlights the ease of use for non-technical users and the potential for nonprofits to expand their reach using Wix's multilingual capabilities and AI tools.

takeaways

• Wix powers over 700,000 online stores globally.
• Wix Donations simplifies the fundraising process.
• The platform allows for customized donation pages.
• Analytics help nonprofits track their fundraising success.
• Wix offers built-in marketing tools for promotion.
• User-friendly templates make setup easy for nonprofits.
• AI tools assist in content creation and marketing.
• Wix supports multilingual websites for global reach.
• The platform is designed for both nonprofits and individuals.
• Wix Donations can integrate with various business models.

Sound Bites

• "You can use AI to generate social posts."
• "You can track and optimize your campaigns."
• "Wix offers stunning templates for nonprofits."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Wix and Oren Inditzky

05:29
The Rise of Online Donations

08:37
Wix Donations: A Comprehensive Solution

11:30
Target Verticals and User Experience

14:27
Analytics and Performance Tracking

17:32
Tips for Nonprofits and Merchants

20:38
Leveraging AI in Donations and Marketing

23:40
Creating Engaging Content for Donations

26:41
Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Gloria Chou, founder of Gloria Chou PR, shares her insights on how small business owners can effectively navigate the world of public relations without the need for expensive agencies. She emphasizes the importance of organic PR, the power of media coverage, and how to craft compelling pitches that resonate with journalists. Gloria introduces her CPR pitching method, which focuses on credibility, point of view, and relevance, and discusses strategies for leveraging media features to enhance SEO and build authority. The conversation also covers the significance of understanding journalists' needs, the art of follow-up, and the importance of humanizing pitches in an increasingly automated world. Gloria encourages listeners to reclaim their power in PR and provides resources for further learning.

Takeaways

• PR is accessible to everyone, not just big brands.
• Organic PR can provide more value than paid ads.
• Understanding what journalists want is key to successful pitching.
• The CPR method (Credibility, Point of view, Relevance) is essential for effective pitches.
• Subject lines should be compelling and relevant to the journalist's audience.
• Follow up strategically with journalists after sending pitches.
• Personalization in pitches increases the chances of getting noticed.
• Leverage media features across multiple platforms for maximum impact.
• Awards should be framed in the context of solving problems for the audience.
• You are your business's best advocate in the PR landscape.

Sound Bites

• "PR is the ultimate SEO tool."
• "PR is about writing a good pitch."
• "AI cannot replace the human touch in PR."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to PR Coaching and Its Importance

03:58
Demystifying Organic PR for Small Businesses

06:44
The Power of PR vs. Social Media

10:07
Crafting Effective PR Pitches

12:41
The CPR Pitching Method Explained

15:43
Optimizing Subject Lines for Journalist Engagement

18:38
Building Relationships with Journalists

21:43
Creating a Media List and Finding the Right Journalists

24:31
Humanizing Your Pitch in a Digital Age

27:32
Leveraging Media Features for Business Growth

30:24
Final Thoughts on PR Strategy and Accessibility

Links:
www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass

www.gloriachoupr.com/podcast
www.prstarterpack.com

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Chantal Cornelius, founder of Apple Tree Marketing, who discusses the shortcomings of traditional unique selling propositions (USPs) and introduces her innovative Standout Strategies framework. Chantel emphasizes the importance of emotional connections with customers and the need for businesses to measure their marketing efforts effectively. She also shares insights on public speaking as a marketing tool, cultural differences in marketing approaches, and offers practical advice for new business owners.

takeaways

• Traditional USPs often fail because they lack uniqueness.
• Emotional connections with customers are crucial for differentiation.
• Standout Strategies focus on what customers want to feel.
• Measuring marketing success is essential for growth.
• Public speaking can be an effective marketing tool.
• Cultural differences impact marketing strategies.
• New business owners should leverage their existing networks.
• Research and feedback are vital for effective marketing.
• Experimentation is important, but don't waste time on ineffective channels.
• Failure is not necessary for learning; research can guide success.

Sound Bites

• "USPs are not unique!"
• "I love doing it!"
• "I hate failure!"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Passion for Horses

08:16
Starting Apple Tree Marketing

08:53
The Limitations of Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)

11:03
Standout Strategies Based on Customer Emotions

15:13
The Importance of Strategic Marketing and Measurement

23:07
Effective Public Speaking and Marketing

25:53
Differences in Marketing Approaches: UK vs US

29:43
Starting Marketing: Talking to People You Know

32:21
The Role of Experimentation and Learning from Others' Mistakes

35:53
Shameless Plug: Take the Test on Apple Tree Marketing's Website

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Matt Hammonds, co-founder of Full Leaf Tea Company. They discuss Matt's journey from a broke newlywed to a successful tea entrepreneur, the intricacies of sourcing high-quality organic teas, and the importance of customer feedback in product development. The conversation also covers the challenges of e-commerce, advertising strategies, and the excitement surrounding the holiday season for tea sales. Matt shares insights on the tea industry, including trends, customer demographics, and the future of tea in a rapidly changing market.

Takeaways

• Artisanal teas offer a flavorful and healthy alternative to mass-produced options.
• Listening to customer feedback is crucial for product development.
• Quality sourcing and organic certification are key to maintaining product integrity.
• Cold brewing tea can enhance flavor and reduce bitterness.
• Digital advertising is essential for e-commerce success, but diversification is important.
• Understanding customer demographics helps in tailoring marketing strategies.
• The holiday season is a peak time for tea sales, requiring preparation in advance.
• Innovative blends and flavors can attract new customers and retain existing ones.
• Matcha is a popular powdered tea that offers convenience and health benefits.
• Maintaining a stable customer base is vital for long-term business success.

Sound Bites

• "Tea doesn't necessarily go bad."
• "I drink matcha every day."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Full Leaf Tea Company

05:02
Journey into the World of Tea

09:53
Sourcing and Quality Control in Tea

11:34
Product Development and Customer Feedback

12:52
Decaffeination and Herbal Teas

14:07
Cold Brewing and Kombucha

16:38
E-commerce Strategies and Challenges

17:54
Working with a Spouse in Business

20:29
Understanding the Customer Base

21:46
Advertising and Marketing Shifts

23:48
Exploring New Product Lines

24:47
Brewing Techniques and Recommendations

28:58
Excitement for the Holiday Season

30:12
The Future of Tea in a Tech-Driven World

32:03
Closing Thoughts and Resources