The D2Z Podcast

Brandon Amoroso sits down with Jess Cervellon, former VP of Customer Experience at Feastables and a fractional CMO for various eCommerce businesses.

Jess Cervellon takes us on a thrilling journey through her early days at Feastables, a startup that experienced remarkable growth. She shares the excitement of launching a business, adapting strategies, and the importance of flexibility in scaling.

Join us as we explore the challenges of building brand communities without a prominent figurehead and uncover strategies for engaging audiences across various platforms. Jess reveals the secrets behind creating captivating content and using gamification in email and SMS marketing.

We also delve into the power of a founder's social presence and brand storytelling, emphasizing the impact of personal connections in successful brands. Discover the world of interactive emails and the intricacies of transitioning from e-commerce to retail while maintaining control over the customer journey and data.

Throughout the episode, Jess and Brandon share invaluable insights on brand building, AI-generated content, and the significance of nurturing customer relationships for long-term success. Tune in to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and eCommerce!

Timestamps:

👋 Meet Jess Cervellon and Her Background (00:00:02)

🚀 Jess's Startup Journey as Employee #4 at Feastables (00:01:10)

🎢 The Rollercoaster Ride of a Startup (00:01:24)

🔄 Pivoting Strategies: Key to Success (00:02:06)

🤹‍♂️ The Art of Adaptability in Business (00:03:26)

👩‍💼 From Employee to Fractional CMO (00:06:13)

📚 Balancing Specialization and Diverse Challenges (00:07:59)

👥 Building a Brand Community without a Figurehead (00:11:07)

🏰 Community Building Strategies: Discord & Interactive Emails (00:12:28)

🗣️ Founder's Social Presence and Brand Story (00:14:40)

💬 Connecting with Consumers through Founder Stories (00:15:00)

🌟 "Fly by Jing" Brand Storytelling Example (00:15:20)

💌 Interactive Emails and Software Tools (00:17:22)

📱 The Two-Way Nature of SMS Marketing (00:18:24)

🏬 Transitioning from E-commerce to Retail Challenges (00:20:16)

📊 Gathering Customer Data and Brand Control (00:21:36)

📜 Marketing in Regulated Industries (00:24:30)

⚖️ Lawyers' Use of Chad GPT (00:25:26)

🌐 Potential Impact of AI in Business (00:25:45)

✍️ AI-Generated Content and Copywriting (00:26:5)

🤖 Ethical Concerns about AI (00:27:23)

🗣️ AI in Voice Mimicry (00:28:28)

🤝 AI in Negotiation (00:29:12)

🛒 AI's Influence on Customer Experience (00:32:56)

📈 Challenges in Marketing Analytics (00:34:17)

📊 The Need for Comprehensive Analytics Tools (00:35:23)

🌐 Community Building and Brand Storytelling (00:37:55)

Jess Cervellon

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-cervellon/

Website - https://jesscervellon.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso and Ben Hindman, co-founder and CMO of Peel Insights, delve into the world of retention analytics and AI-driven insights. Together, they explore the intersection of data analysis and actionable marketing strategies, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to enhance their retention efforts.

Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur who takes us on a whirlwind tour of his career—from his roots in event planning to the inception of Splash, a trailblazing event marketing software, and his current role at Peel Insights.

The heart of the conversation lies in Peel Insights' groundbreaking creation: Magic Dash. This AI-powered marvel is designed to be a compass for businesses, particularly those in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) arena, navigating the vast sea of data. Ben expertly navigates the complexities faced by businesses generating annual revenues between $5 million and $50 million, highlighting the hurdles they face in harnessing their data effectively.

Ben and Brandon also embark on a visionary exploration of data analysis's future, with the potential to reshape the e-commerce landscape. The future? Automated recommendations and actions galore, driven by data insights. Yet, they acknowledge the yawning chasm that separates the present from this utopian vision.

As we near the end of this podcast episode, Brandon and Ben naturally gravitate toward the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce. It wouldn't be a D2Z Podcast episode without some insights into the e-commerce landscape, right?

So, here's the bottom line: to thrive in today's cutthroat business arena, businesses need to master two key strategies—keeping customers engaged and diversifying marketing channels. It's the winning formula for profitability and long-term success, especially when investors are looking for both. Consider this episode your compass in this ever-evolving journey.

Tune in for an enriching journey through retention analytics, AI-powered revelations, and the evolving landscape of data-driven marketing. Discover the compass to navigate the labyrinth of data and emerge as a victor in the competitive arena of business.

Timestamps:

🎙️ (00:00:00) Introduction and Background of Ben Hindman

🚀 (00:01:47) Evolution of Peel Insights and Introduction to Magic Dash

📊 (00:05:57) The Gap in Analytics Tools for Mid-Market Businesses

🔍 (00:06:42) Bridging the Gap with Magic Dash

🤖 (00:10:14) The Role of AI in Data Analysis

🔍 (00:11:18) Trust and Clarity in Data Analysis

🌟 (00:11:48) The Future of Data Analysis and Marketing Integration

🔮 (00:12:26) The future of data analysis and automation

🚧 (00:12:58) Gap between current capabilities and automation vision

🧠 (00:13:27) Factors affecting progress: Consumer psychology and technology

📲 (00:13:56) Potential for reduced importance of interfaces

🌐 (00:14:08) Emerging apps automating data capture and analysis

🛍️ (00:14:28) Importance of AI-driven website personalization

🌐 (00:15:13) Challenges in website personalization compared to email

📈 (00:15:49) Discussion on e-commerce trends and retention

🔄 (00:16:12) Necessity for cross-dimensional data analysis

💼 (00:17:00) The shift towards profitability and retention

🔑 (00:17:30) The significance of retaining customers

🌱 (00:18:39) Focus on slow, profitable growth

🎯 (00:19:25) Targeting specific customer archetypes

🔊 (00:26:55) The importance of resonating deeply with the audience

Ben H

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso explores the world of eCommerce and brand building with Bryan Alston, co-founder and managing partner at Brand Castle Growth Partners. With 12 years of experience in launching and scaling eCommerce startups, Bryan shares valuable insights into successful brand development. He emphasizes the shift towards prioritizing customer relationships over platform optimization and the growing importance of personalized marketing.

The conversation delves into budget allocation for top-of-funnel marketing efforts, with Bryan highlighting the significance of understanding your customer base and tailoring strategies accordingly. They discuss the evolving eCommerce landscape, the impact of privacy updates on attribution, and the resurgence of physical retail stores.

Bryan also offers tips for brands preparing for 2024, including exploring Reddit as an advertising channel and considering alternative channels for brick-and-mortar expansion. The discussion touches on the importance of starting locally, building a community, and pursuing slow and sustainable growth over "growth at all costs."

Tune in for a wealth of knowledge on growing and scaling your business, Gen Z style, and gain insights into the changing dynamics of the eCommerce industry.

Timestamps:

🎙️ 00:00:36 - Introduction and Background of Bryan Alston (00:00:00)

⚠️ 00:07:03 - Pitfalls in Growing and Scaling Brands

🤝 00:09:26 - Prioritizing Customer Relationships Over Platform Optimization

🏢 00:11:57 - The Role of E-commerce in Brick-and-Mortar Success

🌐 00:12:54 - Benefits of Having an Online Community

📊 00:13:58 - Leveraging E-commerce for Data and Insights

🚶‍♂️ 00:15:04 - Driving Foot Traffic to In-Store Products

💰 00:15:22 - Budget Allocation for Top-of-Funnel Marketing

📊 00:15:55 - Understanding Customer Demographics

👥 00:17:40 - Targeting Key Influencers

🔄 00:23:25 - Shifting E-commerce Landscape

🔄 00:24:18 - Focus on Customer Retention

💼 00:26:20 - Marketing as a Revenue-Generating Channel

📅 00:29:52 - Preparing for 2024

🌐 00:30:20 - Exploring Reddit as a Potential Advertising Channel

🏢 00:31:43 - Considering Alternative Channels for Brick-and-Mortar Expansion

🏘️ 00:36:27 - Starting Locally and Building a Community

🌱 00:37:02 - Slow and Sustainable Growth Versus "Growth at All Costs"

💼 00:39:50 - The Importance of Proper Capital Structure

📉 00:41:37 - Investments Driven by Hype and Their Consequences

🎤 00:42:21 - Conclusion and Where to Find Bryan Online

Bryan Alston

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bralston/

Website - https://www.brandcastle.co/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Gen-Z entrepreneur Brandon Amoroso engages in a captivating conversation with Richard Robert, a seasoned #marketing expert with over a decade of diverse industry experience. Rich unravels the intricate world of #fieldmarketing, stressing the paramount importance of collaboration with sales and customer success. Together, they explore effective ways to quantify return on investment (#ROI) and unveil a spectrum of event marketing strategies, ranging from intimate gatherings to grand conferences. The episode also casts a spotlight on Rich's forthcoming Art Basel event in Miami and delves into the dynamics of Account-Based Marketing (ABM). With Rich's invaluable insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of field marketing strategies tailored to businesses of all sizes and industries.

Timestamps:
🎙️ Introduction and Background of Richard Robert (00:00:02)
📊 Explaining Field Marketing (00:01:27)
💡 Quantifying ROI in Field Marketing (00:02:30)
🤝 Collaboration with Sales and Customer Success (00:03:57)
🎉 Event Marketing Preferences (00:05:00)
🌟 Exciting Upcoming Event: Art Basel (00:09:13)
🎯 Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Explanation (00:11:30)
📋 Event Planning and Checklists (00:12:47)
📈 Lead Generation and Account Mapping (00:14:29)
🔌 Technology's Role in Field Marketing (00:15:45)
🏢 Preferences for Small vs. Large Companies (00:18:11)
🚀 Advantages of Working with Established Brands (00:19:27)
🤖 Humanizing Field Marketing Approaches (00:23:59)
💎 Providing Value to Event Attendees (00:25:47)
⏰ Consider Timing and Logistics (00:26:09)
🚗 Traffic and Transportation Challenges (00:26:38)
🌟 Enhancing Attendee Experience (00:27:29)
🤝 Closing remarks (00:29:59)

Richard Robert
LinkedIn

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Join Brandon Amoroso and Jared Mintzlaff in this enlightening episode as they explore the world of loyalty programs and customer engagement. Discover the frustrations of generic loyalty initiatives and the need for tailored programs that nurture genuine customer retention. Gain insights into measuring program success, crafting unique loyalty experiences, and the importance of building authentic connections with customers. Learn about key metrics for program evaluation and the optimal timing for program implementation. Whether you're an e-commerce enthusiast or a business owner, this episode offers strategic advice to elevate your customer engagement and loyalty strategies. Don't miss their practical tips for preparing your brand for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Jared Mintzlaff

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmintzlaff/

Nifty Bridge - https://www.niftybridge.io/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of D2Z, Gen Z entrepreneur Brandon Amoroso, founder and president of Electriq, engages in a dynamic conversation with Brennan Tobin, the founder of Odd Duck, a fractional growth marketing group and full-service performance marketing agency. Together, they explore the intricate world of entrepreneurship, marketing, and agency pricing strategies.

This episode offers invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of agency pricing, client relationships, and leadership approaches in the entrepreneurial landscape. If you're seeking to navigate the multifaceted world of agency services or gain fresh perspectives on growth marketing, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to discover actionable takeaways and strategies to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.

Brennan Tobin

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennan-tobin-a5716b133/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Oisin O'Connor is the co-founder and CEO of Recharge, a leading platform powering subscription growth for e-commerce brands. In this episode, Brandon and Oisin explore entrepreneurship, customer insights, and the evolving e-commerce landscape.

One of the central themes of this episode is the significance of listening to customers deeply. Oisin and Brandon stress the importance of understanding not only the surface-level problems but also the underlying issues that customers face. 

Scaling an organization takes center stage as Oisin shares his valuable experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to adapt the organizational structure and attract the right talent to fuel growth successfully. The episode also sheds light on the pivotal role of founders in shaping a company's culture through intentional actions, including the innovative strategy of polarizing job postings. Throughout the conversation, the importance of maintaining alignment within a growing company resonates, with a focus on identifying and retaining team members aligned with the company's vision. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights, real-world experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that will inspire, inform, and entertain. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and the ever-dynamic world of e-commerce.

Oisin O'Connor:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisino/

Recharge - https://rechargepayments.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

In this episode of the D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Alejandro Chaban, the visionary CEO and founder of Yes You Can!, a renowned health and wellness company. Alejandro's journey is nothing short of incredible, having battled obesity, bulimia, and anorexia at just 15 years old, only to emerge as a highly successful entrepreneur.

Brandon and Alejandro explore the intricacies of building and leading a thriving team. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, fostering innovation, and maintaining accountability within a growing organization. Alejandro's insights highlight the significance of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of marketing and communication in the health and wellness industry, showcasing how Yes You Can! continues to evolve and succeed.

The discussion also delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, where Brandon and Alejandro stress the essential qualities of resilience, adaptability, and customer-centricity. They emphasize the value of embracing change, staying open to innovation, and listening to the needs of the audience. This episode offers a ton of entrepreneurial wisdom, providing invaluable insights for aspiring and established business leaders alike.

Lily Comba, Head of Agency Partnerships at Superfiliate and CEO of Superbloom, joins Brandon Amoroso in the D2Z podcast for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the dynamic world of influencer and affiliate marketing. 

In this episode, Lily shares her extensive background in influencer and affiliate marketing, including her pioneering work with Thrive Market on influencer collaborations. She discusses the challenges posed by outdated tracking methods and underscores the pivotal role technology plays in optimizing influencer and affiliate programs.

Lily's journey takes an intriguing turn as she discovers Superfiliate, a platform poised to revolutionize referral and loyalty programs. She highlights how this platform streamlines processes, offers data-driven insights, and enhances the overall customer experience. Brandon and Lily delve into the significance of a sister agency like Superbloom in supporting brands to unlock the full potential of tech solutions like Superfiliate.

The conversation also explores the evolving influencer landscape, the importance of upholding the integrity of influencer marketing, and the role agencies play in providing consulting and formal support to brands navigating the creator economy. Lily's passion for optimizing influencer marketing shines through, making this episode an invaluable resource for marketers and entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their strategies.

Tune in for a profound discussion on influencer and affiliate marketing, the transformative power of technology, and the ongoing importance of preserving the essence of influencer marketing in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Cade Proulx, Head of Partnerships at Sendlane, joins host Brandon Amoroso to delve into his fascinating entrepreneurial journey and the dynamic world of e-commerce partnerships. Cade's journey spans from brokering a $10 million series C deal at a young age to his current role at Sendlane, where he spearheads partnership initiatives. He shares insights into the challenges of pivoting a business, the critical role trust plays between entrepreneurs and investors, and the evolving dynamics in the post-COVID business landscape.

One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the emphasis on quality over quantity in partnerships. Cade highlights the importance of fostering meaningful relationships where there's a mutual exchange of value and trust. Whether partnering with large agencies or boutique firms, Cade believes that the percentage of business contributed to each other is more valuable than sheer numbers. This perspective offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to establish and maintain strong partnerships in the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem.

The episode also sheds light on Sendlane's unique position in the email marketing landscape, with its competitive pricing, robust features, and strong support system. As businesses explore alternatives to other email marketing platforms, Cade discusses Sendlane's growth and its commitment to building a partnerships program that collaborates with more agencies and tech partners.

For professionals in the tech startup and e-commerce space, this episode offers a wealth of insights and lessons on navigating these dynamic industries. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and stay tuned for more episodes like this.