Fourteen years. Nearly $3M in revenue. And a whole lot of lessons learned the hard way.

In this episode, I'm getting personal and sharing the five things I wish someone had told me before I launched Encircled — from the cash flow mistake that almost broke us during a growth period, to the PR agency I hired too soon, to the mindset shift that changed everything about how I show up as a founder.

Whether you're pre-launch or in the early stages of building your product-based business, this one's for you.

We cover:

Why cash flow and profit are NOT the same thing (and how to get a handle on both from day one)

The agency mistake I made early on — and what to do instead

Why your mindset is literally the ceiling of your business

Why hitting your next milestone won't make things easier — just different

How to be your own best boss instead of your own worst one

Links + resources mentioned in this episode are in the show notes at https://www.kristisoomer.com.

Ready to stop figuring it out alone? I have a couple of spots open for pre-launch and early stage founders who want someone in their corner.

Book a free discovery call at https://www.kristisoomer.com.

If this episode resonated, follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer and share it with a founder friend who needs to hear this. 🎙️

Running an eCommerce business can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.

In this episode, I’m answering a listener question about how to handle the ups and downs of eCommerce and sharing practical advice for staying grounded through the volatility of online business.

I talk about why eCommerce feels so intense, how to separate normal fluctuations from real business problems, and what to do when sales dip or spike. I also share ways to build more stability into your business through better forecasting, financial planning, channel diversification, and founder self-management.

If you’ve been feeling stretched by the unpredictability of eCommerce, this episode will help you navigate the highs and lows with more perspective and resilience.

Read the full show notes here: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/how-to-handle-the-ups-and-downs-of-ecommerce-sales

Explore my goal setting course here: https://www.kristisoomer.com/products/customizable-90-day-digital-marketing-plan-goal-setting-course

Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

Book a coaching session: https://www.kristisoomer.com/products/1-hour-one-on-one-consulting-session?variant=44674554495138

In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most overlooked growth levers in eCommerce: profit per order. So many founders focus on getting more sales, more traffic, and more revenue, but if the numbers behind each order aren’t strong, more volume doesn’t necessarily mean a healthier business. In this episode, I break down how I think about profit per order, why it matters so much, and the practical ways you can improve it without only chasing top-line growth.

I walk through the biggest levers that impact profitability, including average order value, pricing, shipping strategy, fulfillment costs, discounts, conversion rate, traffic quality, repeat customers, and returns. I also share the simple questions I’d be asking inside your business right now if you want to make each order work harder for you.

If you want stronger cash flow, healthier margins, and a more sustainable path to growth, this episode is for you.

Follow and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes on building a more profitable eCommerce business.

Link to show notes: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/how-to-stop-chasing-revenue-increase-profit-per-order

Learn more about my 1:1 coaching: https://www.kristisoomer.com/pages/business-and-accountability-coaching

After more than 500 days away from the mic, the E-Commerce Maven Podcast is back.

In this episode, I’m sharing a candid update on what’s been happening behind the scenes over the past 18 months — inside my business, my life, and the eCommerce industry.

From navigating burnout and restructuring my team, to cutting operating costs, becoming profitable again, and adapting to major changes in the global eCommerce landscape, this episode is a transparent look at what it really takes to keep a product business alive in uncertain times.

If you’re a founder feeling overwhelmed, navigating rising customer acquisition costs, or wondering how to build a more sustainable and profitable eCommerce business — this episode is for you.

You’ll also hear how I’m thinking about rebuilding the podcast moving forward and the lessons I wish I had applied sooner.

In this episode we cover:

• Why I stepped away from podcasting for over a year

• The financial wake-up call that forced big changes in my business

• The framework that helped diagnose where profit was leaking

• How I rebuilt my team and simplified operations

• What burnout recovery actually looked like

• Why lean teams may be the future for small eCommerce brands

• What founders need to know about today’s eCommerce landscape

If you enjoy the episode, share it with another founder who might need it.

Learn more + get free resources:

👉 https://www.kristisoomer.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

If you’re looking to build a strong community around your brand, this episode is for you. I chat with Elizabeth Joy, founder of Conscious Life & Style and owner of Conscious Fashion Collective, about her journey from sustainable fashion blogger to community builder. Elizabeth shares practical tips on fostering connections, creating impactful content, and developing long-term influencer partnerships. Whether you're growing a brand or seeking deeper customer engagement, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how you connect with your audience and scale your business.

Resources:

Learn more about Conscious Fashion Collective: https://consciousfashion.co/

Sign up for the Conscious Fashion Collective newsletter: https://conscious-fashion-collective.ck.page/newsletter

Conscious Fashion Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousfashion

You can find Elizabeth Joy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/consciousstyle

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For a complete breakdown of the episode, visit: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/growing-through-connection-how-elizabeth-joy-built-a-thriving-sustainable-fashion-community

Website: www.kristisoomer.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

If you're ready to turn one-time customers into loyal subscribers, this episode is for you. I chat with Sarah Williams, founder of Launch Your Box, about how she built a multimillion-dollar subscription box business. Sarah shares her journey from owning a small gift shop to scaling a thriving eCommerce business, offering actionable tips on creating a unique customer experience, building community, and generating consistent recurring revenue. Whether you're considering launching a subscription box or looking to scale, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Resources:

Learn more about Sarah Williams, her coaching programs, and her book: Visit https://www.launchyourbox.com/

Instagram: Follow Sarah Williams at https://www.instagram.com/howtostartasubbox

Get Sarah’s book One Box at a Time: Visit https://www.launchyourbox.com/one-box-at-a-time

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For a complete breakdown of the episode, visit: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/unlocking-the-power-of-subscription-boxes-marketing-scaling-and-satisfying-customers-with-sarah-williams

Website: https://www.kristisoomer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

If you're tired of chasing vanity metrics and ready to transform your social media strategy, this episode is for you. I chat with Laura Sinclair, founder of The LJ Social Agency, about going beyond likes to create content that drives real action. Laura shares her journey from corporate marketing to running a successful social media agency and offers actionable insights on showing up authentically, leveraging collaborations, and understanding your audience. Whether you're struggling to find your brand's voice or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Resources:

Learn more about Laura Sinclair, her retreat, social media agency, and podcast: Visit https://www.laura-sinclair.com/

Instagram: Follow Laura Sinclair at https://www.instagram.com/itslaurasinclair

Full Show Notes: For a complete breakdown of the episode, visit https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/beyond-likes-transforming-your-social-media-strategy-with-laura-sinclair

Connect:

Website: https://www.kristisoomer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

If you’ve ever felt the weight of entrepreneurial loneliness, then this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal journey through the isolation that many founders face and offering practical strategies to build a supportive network around you. Whether you're feeling the strain of being a solo founder or just looking for ways to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, you’ll find valuable insights here.

As business owners, we often focus solely on growth and profitability, but what about the mental and emotional challenges? Today, I delve into the importance of community, mentorship, and collaboration. Learn how joining programs like Marie Forleo's B-School, participating in online communities, and even forming masterminds can transform your business and personal well-being.

We’ll discuss the different levels of support available, from free online groups to paid mentorship programs, and how each can play a crucial role in your journey. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your entrepreneurial path, this episode will provide you with actionable steps to find your tribe and thrive.

Resources:

The Forum: A mentorship program for Canadian entrepreneurs. https://www.theforum.ca/

Marie Forleo’s B-School: An online business program that was transformative for me. https://shorturl.at/1ULFv

Workspace Six: A free Slack community for eCommerce brand owners. https://www.workspace6.io/

My eCommerce Facebook Group: Join my community for eCommerce entrepreneurs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/braveandboss

My Coach, Hina Khan's Amplify you - the Rise program. https://shorturl.at/KfhPu

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Full Show Notes: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/dont-build-it-alone-a-guide-for-founder-loneliness

Connect:

Website: https://www.kristisoomer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristisoomer

Marie Forleo’s Free Workshop: "From Scratch to Millionaire: Get the 3-Part Playbook to Build a Profitable Business - Fast" Sign up for this free, invaluable workshop happening next week! https://shorturl.at/1ULFv

Want to reach your revenue goals and skyrocket your eCommerce success? In this episode, I break down the eCommerce Growth Formula to unlock access to 'the how' of achieving your revenue goals. Whether you're starting out or refining your strategy, get actionable insights and practical tips to set and achieve your growth goals.

👉 Learn how to:

Boost your conversion rate.

Increase your average order value.

Drive more traffic with proven strategies.

Set and track realistic goals for success.

Join me as I share expertise and real-world examples to guide your growth strategy. Don’t miss the essential tips and resources to transform your eCommerce journey.

Ready to elevate your eCommerce game? Press play now!

📌 Click through to the show notes for resources mentioned in this episode, including the Goal-Making Calculator and coaching offerings.https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/how-to-reach-your-revenue-goals-with-the-growth-formula

Let's grow your impact and income together! 🚀

In this episode of the eCommerce Maven podcast, I share essential strategies for planning, executing, and marketing a successful big sale event. With the challenges of 2024 impacting many ecommerce businesses, I'll show you how to use sales events to manage inventory and boost revenue. Learn how to set clear objectives, implement effective discount strategies, and navigate the logistics of a big sale. Whether you're looking to clear out excess inventory or hit a specific revenue goal, this episode provides the roadmap you need. Tune in and discover how to turn your sales events into powerful growth drivers for your business! 🚀💡

Full show notes + all resources mentioned are available here: https://www.kristisoomer.com/blogs/ecommercemaven/maximizing-success-how-to-plan-execute-and-market-your-big-sale-event