The Resilient Retail Game Plan - retail insights, retail trends and best practices

Have you thought about what it would take to scale your e-commerce business to $5 million or more? What about getting an investment to grow your business further? 

In today’s episode, I spoke with Yoni Kozminski, an e-commerce scaling expert.. Yoni shares his expertise on scaling e-commerce businesses and the process of working with founders when investing in their businesses to help them grow.

To achieve growth, Yoni emphasizes the importance of streamlining operations and building scalable systems. This involves documenting processes, defining roles, and leveraging technology to create efficient workflows. By doing so, businesses can free up the business owner from day-to-day operations and focus on high-impact tasks.

Yoni also walks us through his process of investing in e-commerce businesses to help them scale toward an exit strategy. 

This is a fascinating interview. Tune in to learn:

[00:00] Welcome Yoni Kozminski

[04:23] What would you say needs to be in place before an e-commerce business starts to scale? 

[06:29] The mindset shift business owners need to have in order to scale

[10:33] Does scaling equal systems?

[12:43] What does it mean to exit an e-commerce business?

[14:16] What is it that investors are looking for in a business before they invest?

[25:56] When it comes to scaling quickly what levers do you need to pull?

Connect with Yoni Kozminski

https://www.southcol.co/media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonkoz/

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

We know that starting a business is not for the faint of heart. Even those who are full of confidence can sometimes be plagued with the fear of losing everything we have built. 

In today's episode, I spoke with the inspiring Toks Aruoture, owner of the Baby Cot Shop. Toks has an incredible journey to share with us. After losing her store in the US she returned to the UK and reopened her business online with a goal to have a physical location on the high street. But despite achieving that dream, she still faced fear as she grew her business. Along the way, she learned that having a goal doesn't define the end of the journey - but that life is a constant evolution.

Toks believes that she is bigger than her business and that her value extends far beyond the products she sells. She knows that the fear of losing a business can be more damaging than the actual situation, and she credits her faith and the support of her friends for helping her through the tough times.

Throughout this episode, we'll dive deep into Toks' journey and explore the mindset shifts and strategies she used to bounce back from the loss of her business. From determination and faith to journaling and seeking outside perspectives, Toks has valuable insights to share with all of us.

[00:00] Welcome Toks Aruoture

[02:49] How did Toks get into luxury interior design for babies and children

[05:14] How did Toks rebuild after the loss of her business in the US

[08:16] What was Toks mindset has she faced the fear of losing her business a second time.

[12:18] There are two ways to face fear in business. We offer some suggestions to not let fear paralyze you. 

[16:01] A journaling practice to help you focus on what is fact and how to handle assumptions that can affect your mindset

[24:35] How does Toks manage negative self-talk?

Connect with Toks Aruoture

www.thebabycotshop.com

www.toksaruoture.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is problematic. From materials to manufacturing to the retail models themselves, a lot of damage is wrought upon the people producing the clothes as well as the planet. As the world slowly wakes up to the long-term effects of these business practices, it’s encouraging to see people act more responsibly, taking steps to produce ’slow fashion’ centred around sustainability - putting people and the planet first.

In episode 172 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak to Emma and Leanne of Rose's Wardrobe. A vintage-inspired clothing and accessories brand based in Langholm, South Scotland, Rose's Wardrobe produces bespoke, made-to-order, made-to-measure garments using local, vintage or deadstock fabrics and planet-conscious trims and haberdashery.

In this podcast, we discuss creating an experience that’s about more than just picking something off a shelf, the joy of watching your employees and teams grow with your business and the importance of getting young people interested in traditional skills and industries. We also talk about the future of fashion trends, the beauty of being bespoke and working with your hands in a digital age. 

Check out Emma and Leanne’s gorgeous garments at: www.roseswardrobe.co.uk

and the Creation Mill at: www.creationmill.org

And connect with them:

https://www.instagram.com/roseswardrobe_vintage https://www.facebook.com/roseswardrobevintage/ https://www.instagram.com/creation.mill.cic.langholm https://www.facebook.com/creationmill

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

Originating in the USA as a post-thanksgiving sales event, Black Friday has, over the last decade, become a major, and sometimes divisive shopping event in the UK retail calendar - and based on last year's figures it’s only getting bigger. 

As a small business, you shouldn’t feel obligated to take part in a sales event that’s traditionally a mainstay of larger retailers, but you also shouldn’t feel guilty or ashamed to get in on the action. Either way, it’s important to understand Black Friday’s effect on consumer behaviour, the scepticism buyers might have around certain deals and the pros and cons of taking or not taking part for your business. 

In this podcast, I discuss the importance of avoiding knee-jerk promotions, why Black Friday doesn’t always have to be about deep discounts, as well as how small businesses can create excitement through exclusivity. We’ll also talk about making sure you take extra-special care of your email subscribers, why you don’t need to be shy about promoting your promotions and to not forget that although they look like they’re for the customers, that any promotions you create should really be designed to benefit you and your business.

Don’t forget - use the code: 10podcast to get £10 off your first month when joining The Resilient Retail Club.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

TikTok is a relative newcomer in the world of social media, but it’s been making serious waves since it entered the fray back in 2016. Hugely popular with the younger demographics, the platform has evolved and changed a lot since its inception, and with tools such as ‘TikTok Shop’ I’d suggest that it’s worth taking the time to consider whether setting up an account might be beneficial for your business. 

In episode 170 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak to TikTok consultant Penny Walker, who helps lifestyle and creative businesses embrace new social trends and stand out in the market. She works with founders to produce engaging short-form content in the pursuit of new customers, bigger audiences and a steady supply of leads and sales.

In this podcast, we talk about joining in with seasonal trends, repurposing content from other platforms and how having a live strategy can be brilliant for your growth. We also discuss the importance of testing and learning, making connecting and how to avoid content creation becoming burdensome. 

Check out Penny’s services at: www.barbrusa.com

And connect with Penny and Barbrusa at:

https://www.tiktok.com/@barbrusa_social https://www.instagram.com/barbrusa_social/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelopewalkerbrusarosco/

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

Video has become a commonplace and indispensable tool for small business owners. My often repeated adage that ‘people buy from people’ is exemplified perfectly by the amazing engagement and communities we see grow around brands and founders when they share the realities of their business, whether that’s through behind-the-scenes videos or product showcases. 

We’re all familiar with the various forms of social media short-form content such as TikTok skits and Instagram Reels, but it seems that not many of us have dipped our toes into, and reaped the benefits, of producing longer-form content. So, in episode 169 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak to the “King Of Video” Matthew Hughes, who helps small business owners and entrepreneurs strategically launch and grow their YouTube channels.

In this podcast, we discuss the power of playlists, repurposing content from long-form productions and putting your USP first. We also talk about the importance of being committed to consistent content creation and how leveraging people’s curiosity is key to attracting customers. 

Check out Matt’s services at: https://kingofvideo.co.uk/ and https://links.kingofvideo.co.uk/ And connect with him at: https://www.instagram.com/realkingofvideo/

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

If you’re feeling the pinch at the moment, trust me, you’re not alone. September through October are traditionally a major pinch point for retail - when you have lots of money going out as you stock up for the festive season, without any of the accompanying sales materialising until later in the year, cashflow can start to dry up and things can start to feel really tough.

This isn’t just a small product business phenomenon - huge retailers are well known to take out loans or to secure lines of credit to get them through this challenging time of year, an option you could take if it came to it, but in episode 168 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I want to help you hold your nerve, to examine your numbers and get that cash flowing again.

In this podcast, we’ll look at the three main areas that impact cash flow, setting a sales plan and making use of our sales history. We’ll also discuss the issues of holding too much stock throughout the calendar year and how a good stock plan can help you predict the future of your business.

Don’t forget - use the code: 10podcast to get £10 off your first month when joining The Resilient Retail Club.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

In episode 167 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak to Caroline Gogolak, CEO and founder of the New York fashion brand Saint Art. Producing effortless but luxe street-style sportswear, Caroline has seen great success with Saint Art by implementing an effective ‘test-and-learn’ approach and making clever business decisions that help address issues of overproduction and waste in the fashion industry.

In this podcast, we discuss the power of wholesale in increasing your brand awareness and getting your products in front of people. We also talk about identifying which marketing structures will help you reach profitability sooner, the baked-in benefits of a product-first mindset and why it’s important to start small and grow slowly.

Check out the amazing apparel at Saint Art here: https://saintartnewyork.com/

And connect with Caroline and Saint Art here:

https://www.instagram.com/saintartnewyork/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-gogolak-97949542/

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

The retail landscape is constantly evolving. From the continued growth in online shopping, to the collapse of the department store model, as well as the effect of lockdowns on the high street, we’ve seen a lot of change in the last few years, especially when it comes to physical stores. When the need to buy a product is no longer enough reason to go to an actual store, how can brands ensure that they stay connected with their consumers?

In episode 166 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak with Katie Mitchell, Managing Director of Seen Studios, a creative retail design and production agency, about re-evaluating the full consumer journey and how to create synergy between online and offline activity through human connection.

In this podcast, we talk about what approach to take when bringing online brands offline, building flexibility into your commercial space and injecting some drama and theatre into experiential experience of shopping. We also discuss the importance of staying true to who you are as a brand and how building communities through loyalty and trust looks to be the future of the retail.

Check out Seen Studios at: https://seen-studios.com/ 

And connect with Katie and Seen at:

https://www.instagram.com/seenstudios_

https://www.linkedin.com/company/seen-studios/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mitchell-a1b30221/

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify

Paid Advertising can be incredibly effective for small product businesses. We’ve all undoubtedly seen some great sales success stories built off the back of social media-based ad campaigns, but paid advertising can be a bit of a confusing subject as well as a technical minefield - how do you know when you’re ready to jump into the Ads Manager, and if you’re already using the platform, how do you best optimise it for consistent results?

In episode 165 of The Resilient Retail Game Plan, I speak to the founder of Socially Sound, Melanie Eilers, who helps founder-led, purpose-driven e-commerce brands scale up sales through strategic Facebook and Instagram ads. Melanie shares her top five tips for paid advertising and explains why it’s imperative to lay some solid foundations before you start ploughing too much time, energy and money into the advertising platform.

In this podcast, we discuss the need to expect and embrace change when it comes to the online advertising landscape, as well as what to expect in the near future. We also discuss the ever-present importance of email marketing and creating consistent touch-points throughout your customer journey. We also talk about making the most of your data and the importance of exercising patience if you want to see good, long-term results.

Check out Melanie’s services over at: https://www.sociallysound.co.uk

Connect with her at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieeilers https://www.instagram.com/socially_sound/

To access the Socially Sound quizzes mentioned in this episode head to: 

• (for those already running ads ) https://sociallysound.scoreapp.com
• (for those thinking about getting started with ads) https://sociallysoundadready.scoreapp.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Capify