What The Teck?

Nick Bloom is the Co-founder of WFH Research, a platform providing insights and best practices on working from home. He is also a Professor of Economics at Stanford University. Having studied remote work for over two decades, Nick has contributed to the policy and public discourse on the subject by meeting President Obama, speaking at the 2014 Working Families' Summit, and delivering a TEDx talk. As the Co-director of the Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, he focuses on management practices and uncertainty.

With work-from-home trends accelerating exponentially in a post-pandemic environment, CNN reports that the value of office space will decline by $800 billion in major cities by 2030. In response, CEOs of major companies have developed return-to-work mandates. However, remote work is more than just a trend, as businesses lose revenue as a result of these mandates. How do remote and hybrid work benefit key stakeholders?

As a seasoned researcher of work-from-home models, Nick Bloom asserts that the shift to hybrid work is the most radical office change since the emergence of the computer. Aside from reducing commuter strain, innovative work styles allow employees to develop flexible schedules to accommodate their preferences. For instance, younger professionals can use in-office days for mentorship opportunities, gaining the benefits of in-person learning while accommodating freedom. Hybrid work increases profitability by reducing recruitment and retention costs by 35%. Similarly, remote work eliminates the cost of office space and boosts productivity rates by 90%.

In the latest episode of What The Teck? Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly host Nick Bloom, the Co-founder of WFH Research, who shares how work-from-home policies impact key business stakeholders. Nick addresses the ideal hybrid work structure, the oppressive nature of the traditional 9-5 work schedule, and how to accommodate employees in your work policies.

Rolando Rosas is the Founder of Global Teck Worldwide, which offers business and office technology for seamless customer communications. In his role, he leads the firm to provide insights on e-commerce trends, digital marketplace strategies, and client success metrics. Rolando is also the Founder of CircuitLoops.com, which uses AI to match businesses to the lowest-priced internet service provider. As an entrepreneur, he has founded three startups, and he hosts the What The Teck? podcast.

Dave Kelly is the General Manager of Global Teck Worldwide and the co-host of the What The Teck? podcast. He holds a bachelor's in telecommunications management from the New England Institute of Technology, where he focused on the acceleration of networks transitioning from digital IP to support successful business communications. Before Global Teck Worldwide, Dave was the Account Manager at Jabra and the Territory Manager at Polycom.

Having laid the groundwork for starting an Amazon business, the next big question emerges: How can sellers evolve from foundational knowledge to mastering Amazon's complex ecosystem? What advanced strategies mark the difference between a novice and a seasoned Amazon entrepreneur?

Addressing these questions, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly draw from their extensive experience. They emphasize that mastering Amazon goes beyond understanding basic concepts; it involves diving into sophisticated strategies like maximizing the Brand Registry and identifying untapped market opportunities. They illustrate that the true mastery of Amazon is about adapting to its dynamic nature, innovating continually, and staying ahead of the curve. It's a journey from foundational knowledge to strategic expertise, where understanding customer trends and leveraging data becomes crucial for success.

In this episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly guide listeners through advanced Amazon strategies, discussing the shift from basic dropshipping to nuanced, high-level selling techniques. They share insights on sustainable practices, the importance of building a specialized team, and smart decision-making based on data analysis. This episode is perfect for those who've got the basics down and are ready to take their business to new heights, and climb up the Amazon ladder.

Rolando Rosas is the Founder of Global Teck Worldwide, which offers business and office technology for seamless customer communications. In his role, he leads the firm to provide insights on e-commerce trends, digital marketplace strategies, and client success metrics. Rolando is also the Founder of CircuitLoops.com, which uses AI to match businesses to the lowest-priced internet service provider. As an entrepreneur, he has founded three startups and hosts the What The Teck? podcast.

Dave Kelly is the General Manager of Global Teck Worldwide and the co-host of the What The Teck? podcast. He holds a bachelor's in telecommunications management from the New England Institute of Technology, where he focused on the acceleration of networks transitioning from digital IP to support successful business communications. Before Global Teck Worldwide, Dave was the Account Manager at Jabra and the Territory Manager at Polycom.

Starting an Amazon business can seem like a puzzle with too many pieces. With so many rules, terms, and strategies, where does one begin? How can newcomers to Amazon decode this complex system to start their selling journey successfully?

Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly tackle this question head-on. They stress that the secret to Amazon success lies in understanding the basics first. Knowing the ins and outs of terms like FBA, dropshipping, and retail arbitrage is essential. They argue that building a strong foundation in these areas sets the stage for long-term success, rather than relying on quick, risky strategies that often lead to failure. It's about smart, steady growth, where knowledge becomes the most powerful tool in your arsenal.

In this episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly break down the crucial steps to getting started on Amazon. They offer insights into the fundamental aspects of Amazon selling, from understanding key terms to navigating the platform's unique challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to dive into the Amazon marketplace, providing the guidance needed to start off on the right foot.

Ophelie Harbonnier is the Business Solutions and Briefing Manager at Poly, an audio and video product company that merged with HP's portfolio of hybrid work solutions. As a user experience specialist, she redefines technology interactions by fostering accessible and enjoyable experiences. As a seasoned presenter, coach, and trainer, Ophelie works with organizations to deploy technology devices within platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, employees alternate between 22 separate apps up to 1,200 times daily, undermining focus, increasing stress, and lowering productivity. This is exacerbated by stringent return-to-work mandates in uncomfortable and distracting office spaces. As work standards adapt to accommodate flexibility, how can you foster inviting employee experiences?

With deep knowledge in the technology experience, Ophelie Harbonnier advocates for adaptive hardware like noise-canceling or hands-free headphones that integrate seamlessly with various apps and software. This reduces interruptions and strain from context-switching. When it comes to enhancing office spaces to entice workers, many employees feel guilty for utilizing available relaxation spaces equipped with amenities. Instead, Ophelie recommends integrating lounge areas with snacks and drinks to encourage intentional conversations without disrupting workflow.

In today's What The Teck? episode, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly invite Poly's Business Solutions and Briefing Manager, Ophelie Harbonnier, who shares technology solutions for modern workspace challenges. She talks about business bankruptcy caused by strict return-to-office policies, the difficult transition from remote to in-person work, and how to leverage hardware to increase productivity.

Sandeep Chennakeshu is the Chief Operating Officer of Uhnder, Inc., which designs and builds state-of-the-art digital imaging radar chips for industrial and automotive applications. He is also the author of Your Company Is Your Castle, where he compares building a company to a medieval castle. Upon entering the electronics industry, Sandeep led the development and launches of global technology. He is a fellow of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and a named inventor of 180 patents.

In the early 2000s, companies like Motorola, Nokia, and BlackBerry released the first smartphone models, labeling them the leading cell phone manufacturers. However, Apple and Samsung soon replaced these businesses after they failed to innovate to meet customer expectations and distribution demands. How can you differentiate your value proposition from competitors to build an acclaimed technology company?

As one of the early pioneers of smartphones and BlueTooth technologies, Sandeep Chennakeshu has experienced industry disruption, fluctuating trends, and rising business costs. He maintains that you must capture trends in hypercompetitive markets and innovate continuously to retain consumers and outperform the competition. Leaders should exhibit five characteristics to initiate new technology and build revolutionary businesses. Developing a clear vision, displaying managerial courage, leading with conviction, communicating clearly, and possessing the curiosity to evolve rapidly ensures you can prevail in competitive and uncertain markets.

Tune in to this episode of What The Teck? as Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly meet with Sandeep Chennakeshu, the COO of Uhnder, Inc., to talk about technology disruption in the competitive smartphone market. Sandeep shares how to avoid technology burnout, the origin of BlueTooth, and his experience as BlackBerry's president during the company's peak.

Ellen Frank-Miller, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of WORC (Workforce & Organizational Research Center), an applied research and evaluation consultancy creating an inclusive economy for worthwhile jobs. She has spent her 30-year career collaborating with employers, investors, national advocates, and community-based organizations to enhance jobs and make them more accessible.

As an organizational scholar, Ellen spent 15 years in human resource consulting, creating evidence-based programs and policies. Before launching WORC, she founded and led the Workforce Financial Stability Initiative at Washington University's Social Policy Institute.

When it comes to structuring work policies, businesses often make decisions from a profit perspective without consulting their employees. For instance, companies that invest heavily in commercial real estate may oblige workers to return to the office. This leads to high turnover rates and decreased sales and customer satisfaction, inadvertently impacting profit. How can you improve job quality to boost your bottom line?

According to job market researcher Ellen Frank-Miller, businesses regard their workforce as an expense rather than an asset that can increase profit and deliver value. Rather than minimizing labor costs and investing in assets for tax and accounting benefits, Ellen advises enhancing the quality of lower-level jobs to strengthen productivity and raise business production. This entails reducing operational errors and adjusting work schedules to boost employee morale and performance. By focusing on your frontline workers' satisfaction, you can mitigate the churn rate.

Tune in to this episode of What The Teck? as Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly interview Ellen Frank-Miller, PhD, about how job quality impacts profit. Ellen explains corporate citizenship behavior, how to structure your work policy, and how to gather employee input.

Helen Polise is the Owner, Director, and Executive Producer of Muthership Productions, a company specializing in storytelling, lifestyle, healthcare, fashion, and testimonials. She is also the Founder and CEO of Socialize, a community for social media creators. As a professional director and interviewer, Helen has worked with notable brands like Blistex, Conair, and NFL Alumni to create engaging, cross-channel videos. As a video content creator and self-proclaimed social media guru, she is known as the TikTok Teacher, sharing her learnings via tutorials on TikTok.

With TikTok being a coveted platform among brands, influencers, and content creators alike, anyone can capture audiences with engaging videos. Learn content creation techniques from a 60-year-old video director who has mastered the art of social media connection.

Renowned TikTok teacher Helen Polise didn't amass nearly one million followers by monetizing her videos. Instead, she gained notoriety and cultivated a lasting impact by documenting the most vulnerable moment of her life — her cancer journey. When advertising on TikTok, rather than marketing specific products, create content that connects and builds trust with your target audience. This requires sharing your expertise with authenticity, credibility, and consistency. Additionally, you should produce original content that diverts from standard trends and outperforms the competition.

In today's What The Teck? episode, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly sit down with Helen Polise of Muthership Productions and Socialize to discuss the intricacies of TikTok content creation. Helen shares the genesis of her TikTok handle, how to audit your content, and the dilemma of passive income.

Nick Gezzar is an independent brand consultant who owns Gezzar Consulting LLC. As a versatile business leader, he has over 10 years of experience leading people and projects in retail, marketing, advertising, and intelligence. Nick has worked for leading brands like Amazon, Lindt, Procter & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.

With Amazon a staple in e-commerce sales, brands must prioritize profitability to achieve success on the platform. Since 90% of customers never venture beyond the first results page, this requires maintaining product visibility. How can you accelerate growth on Amazon?

As margins tighten and Amazon places customers before brands, consultant Nick Gezzar says profit obsession is a must. Profit-focused businesses must position products directly in front of consumers and align with their preferences. Launching Amazon ads like sponsored products or brands improves discoverability and enhances ratings by directing customers to a specific PDP or website page. Additionally, you should analyze your catalog data thoroughly to ensure your products appear in the correct categories and target your ideal consumers. When evaluating metrics to maximize profit, study beyond traditional ROAS benchmarks to incorporate additional cost factors.

In today's episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly speak with independent consultant Nick Gezzar about increasing profitability on Amazon. Nick explains when to outsource an Amazon agency, Amazon's customer-centric landscape, and the benefits of launching new businesses on the platform.

Ritu Java is the Co-founder and CEO of PPC Ninja, which provides Amazon PPC software and management services to agencies and brands. She specializes in helping six, seven, and eight-figure sellers maximize profits on Amazon through strategic advertising. With more than 12 years of experience in the e-commerce space, Ritu has guided hundreds of sellers on the intricacies of Amazon advertising.

As sponsored listings dominate the first page of Amazon's search results, brands compete for visibility on the platform. Organic rankings take time to build awareness and generate conversions, whereas advertisements boost product positionings. Yet this requires identifying relevant keywords for each product. How can you leverage PPC and other Amazon advertising methods to drive sales?

According to Amazon ad maven Ritu Java, brands' most frequent mistake when strategizing campaigns is tightening their budgets on top-performing ads. Rather than exhausting your ad spend by launching campaigns with underperforming keywords, Ritu advises allocating your budget to high-engagement campaigns that generate sales. To measure performance levels and optimize your budget, consider employing a dayparting strategy to schedule campaigns during peak business hours. You can also analyze search query reports to determine the highest-ranking keywords for your brand. This requires identifying data trends over time to influence campaign creation.

In this episode of What The Teck? Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly host Ritu Java, the Co-founder and CEO of PPC Ninja, who shares leading hacks for Amazon advertising. Ritu discusses best practices for keyword bidding, the key data points involved in business decision-making, and ChatGPT's potential to create ad campaigns.

Dr. Mike Perko is a Professor of Public Health Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He served as the Associate Director of Alabama Power's Good Health Makes Sense worksite health promotion program, recognized as one of the top 10 programs in America. In 1994, Dr. Perko developed the Survey to Predict Adolescent Athlete Dietary Supplement Use, which is used by researchers worldwide. As a high-rated speaker and authority figure in public health, he has authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed articles, has presented 100 national papers, and is the author of two books.

As new generations of students enter college post-pandemic, they must transition from online instruction to in-person learning in unfamiliar environments. This difficult adjustment translates to the workforce, where companies' demands contradict the social behaviors acquired from remote instruction. As a society, how can we prepare the next generation of students for the workforce?

As a pioneer of worksite well-being, Dr. Mike Perko observes students' demands for convenient education and advocates for remote work policies that deliver similar valuable experiences. With mental health struggles rising among students and next-generation employees, Dr. Perko urges educators to shift from an environment that rewards participation to one that encourages active engagement. This involves fostering a sense of community, acknowledgment, and acceptance to build trust and security.

On this episode of What The Teck?, UNCG's Professor of Public Health Education, Dr. Mike Perko, joins Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly for a discussion about cultivating worksite wellness among students. Dr. Perko addresses the evolving perceptions about the workforce, why educators should prepare programs for the long-term, and the value of the 500 fist bump experience.