AM/PM Podcast

#373 - Keith O’Brien on the Intersecting Worlds of Online Selling and Pickleball

When we talk about Amazon selling and pickleball, there's no one more seasoned than our guest, Keith O'Brien. As a veteran in the game, Keith takes us on a journey from the golden days of easy product ranking to the end of the service, I Love to Review, due to the shift in Amazon policies. He shares his insights on the evolving world of Amazon agencies, emphasizing the importance of both solo consultants and agencies in shaping the marketplace.

 

Managing large scale agencies, retaining good staff, and the rise of aggregators driving up the price of talent - these are just a few of the challenges we explore. And then there's the role of AI in e-commerce, which, as we find out, is helpful in rule setting and bid management, but maybe not so much for creative tasks. As a curveball, Keith, a pickleball enthusiast, talks about the social aspect of the sport and the reasons for its global appeal. 

 

We end our discussion with tips on what to look for when hiring an agency for Amazon listings and PPC management. A strong relationship with the agency is key, as is their track record of success and the quality of their work. Whether you're an e-commerce seller, a pickleball player, or a curious listener, join us for this insightful conversation!

 

In episode 374 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Keith discuss:

• 00:06 - Amazon's Early Days With Keith
• 15:32 - The Rise of Amazon Service Providers
• 26:55 - Automation and AI's Impact on Jobs
• 30:34 - AI's Role in Writing Listings 
• 37:06 - The End Game for Agency Businesses
• 43:31 - Opportunities in the World of Pickleball 
• 46:13 - Enjoying a New Sport Quickly
• 51:07 - Hiring an Agency for Amazon Listing
• 53:49 - Learning Pickleball and Networking on LinkedIn

#372 - Building Real Brands with Amy Wees: Harnessing AI in Product Development

Join us for an insightful discussion with our esteemed guest, Amy Wees, who shares her wealth of knowledge gleaned from multiple years of successful selling on Amazon. Together, we explore the lifecycle of a product and discuss the secret sauce to Amy's sustained success. Amy also sheds light on how AI has become a game-changer in product development and how it's possible to host successful events in the Amazon-selling community. You're in for a treat, as this episode is chock-full of actionable insights for sellers looking to level up their game.

Don't miss out as we venture further into the power of AI in revolutionizing product development. Listen in as Amy shares her personal experience in utilizing AI tools like Chat GPT and Midjourney for tasks such as optimizing listings, reviewing products, and even logo and website design. In a world that's increasingly dependent on AI, we tackle the role of creativity and how to effectively blend it with AI for image generation, offering valuable tips for those struggling with the creative process.

As we round off, we dive into market research and its pivotal role in product design validation. You'll learn how we use Chat GPT to generate ideas for product packaging, drawing inspiration from iconic brands. Amy shares how market research and audience surveys are crucial in validating product ideas, making them more competitive in the market. With a focus on the future, we explore the upcoming image-to-image feature of Chat GPT, the potential of AI in enhancing e-commerce content, and how rapid advancements in technology will revolutionize various industries. So, tune in for an exciting journey into the future of selling on Amazon, AI, and much more.

In episode 372 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Amy discuss:

• 00:00 - Maintaining a Successful Product on Amazon
• 02:08 - Podcast Origin and Influence
• 07:14 - Sourcing Plastic Injection Molded Products
• 13:17 - Utility Patented Product's Long-Term Success
• 16:04 - Cost Comparison of Return Services
• 24:46 - Using AI to Revolutionize Product Development
• 27:58 - Impressive Logo and Website Designs
• 33:44 - Creativity and Starting With AI
• 36:32 - Start Learning Entrepreneurship and Photography
• 41:01 - Market Research and Product Design Validation
• 43:40 - Customer Perception and Product Selection
• 47:21 - AI's Impact on Innovation and Creativity
• 55:35 - Future of E-Commerce, AI, and Travel
• 1:05:14 - This Week's Words Of Wisdom From Kevin

#371 - Indian E-Commerce Sourcing Opportunities with Lokesh Parashar

Ever wonder why India is emerging as the new frontier in e-commerce and Amazon product sourcing? We welcomed seasoned sourcing expert, Lokesh Parashar, to shed light on this trend. Lokesh, with his 30 years of experience, unraveled the vast opportunities, potential returns, and occasional hurdles when sourcing from India. One key takeaway from Lokesh was the value of investing not only in the product but also in the community by actively participating in events and fostering relationships within the e-commerce sphere.

Taking a closer look at the sourcing landscape, he shares his experience on how he made a remarkable transition from factory owner to supplying giants like Walmart. The challenges confronted after the 9/11 tragedy, his move to Canada and subsequent return to India due to his wife's medical condition, and his eventual venture into sourcing for small businesses added a deeply personal touch to his fascinating journey. His takeaway was clear: opening his own US-based company makes financial transactions smoother and can even open doors to becoming one of the largest consulting firms connecting Indian factories and the US.

We couldn't leave the topic of sourcing without comparing India and China. Factors like pricing, quality, business support, and even labor costs were laid on the table. We discovered that while China has an edge in infrastructure and logistics, India isn’t far behind catching up. We also underlined the importance of building personal relationships with factory owners and taking the time to visit these countries. Finally, an engaging discussion about the importance of creating a federation for sourcing agents in India and how their unique program lets Amazon FBA business owners get an Indian sourcing trip with just $999 all-in. Come join us on this journey, and who knows, you might just uncover your next big business opportunity.

In episode 371 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Lokesh discuss:

• 00:00 - Amazon Product Sourcing Opportunities in India
• 00:22 - Manufacturing Benefits in India
• 07:13 - Career Transition Into Exporting and Manufacturing
• 09:57 - Sourcing and Exporting in India
• 12:13 - Relocating to Canada, Seeking Medical Options
• 16:08 - Comparing Sourcing in China and India
• 22:56 - India's Innovative Mixed Material Products 
• 23:09 - Importance of Visiting India and China
• 26:12 - Chinese Factories in Other Countries
• 31:25 - Affordable Ecom Seller Trip to India
• 33:15 - Federation of Buying Agents, Trade Shows
• 47:24 - No Catch in This Great Offer
• 54:06 - Advantages of Expanding to India
• 58:24 - This Week's Words Of Wisdom From Kevin

#370 - Cracking the Code of Effective Branding with Frankie Thorogood

What if there was a secret formula to building successful Amazon brands, and you had the opportunity to learn from a seasoned brand strategist? Buckle up because today on the AMPM Podcast, we have a real treat for you. We're thrilled to have London-based branding expert, Frankie Thorogood, share his exceptional insights into the intricate world of E-commerce branding and marketing.

 

From the initial spark of passion for advertising to becoming a successful brand owner, Frankie's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We chat about his first product, a snood, and how he maneuvered its negative perception to his advantage, a classic case of turning lemons into lemonade. We also share our experiences with online selling, particularly sportswear and compression wear, discussing the unique challenges and breakthroughs that marked our journey. We even get to dissect the success story of his UK-based sportswear brand, discussing the challenges of selling on platforms like eBay and Amazon, and the need for finding the right logistics partner.

 

We conclude by walking you through the maze of customer feedback and its critical role in shaping a brand. We underline the importance of human interaction in understanding customer needs, a nuance often overshadowed by focus groups and AI testing. Shifting gears to marketing strategies, we share our experiences with Amazon, discussing pricing strategies and the need for understanding the buyer's perspective. All this and much more in our insightful session with Frankie Thorogood. So, tune in and gear up to dive into the fascinating world of E-commerce product branding and marketing.

In episode 370 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Frankie discuss:

• 00:00 - Branding and Marketing Strategies for Success
• 01:58 - Bookstore Trips and Changing Reading Habits
• 07:37 - Analyzing Clever Advertising Campaigns
• 14:35 - From Retail to Online
• 16:57 - Selling Sportswear and Compression Wear
• 23:04 - Building a Successful Brand on Amazon
• 37:57 - Understanding and Engaging With Customers
• 44:23 - Marketing Strategies and Branding in E-Commerce
• 47:44 - Using Simple, Confident Titles on Amazon
• 53:57 - Passionate Pursuits and Potential Businesses
• 57:25 - This Week’s Words Of Wisdom From Kevin King

#369 - The World of AI for E-commerce with Jo Lambadjieva

Join us as we engage in a riveting discussion with Jo Lambadjieva, who shares valuable insights and provides a deeper understanding of the importance of strategic thinking in marketing. Her journey from a background in finance to becoming a digital marketing professional in many industries, including the Amazon space, makes for an intriguing listen. 

 

As the conversation progresses, we explore the world of Amazon aggregators, brand acquisition, and management. Jo enlightens us about her experiences in due diligence, onboarding new brands, and the hurdles encountered. We discuss the significance of forecasting and financials in enhancing performance and profitability. Furthermore, we talk about the best practices for Amazon sellers to track their data, improve cash flow, and consider diversification. 

 

In the latter part of our discussion, we dive into the realm of AI for Amazon sellers. We dissect the transition from manual processes to automated ones using AI tools and software, the benefits of utilizing customer data, and the current state of the AI landscape. We touch on the impact of AI technology and its potential in the Amazon selling space, and Jo offers expert advice on AI-based e-commerce strategies and the major changes Amazon sellers should watch out for. Tune in to this insightful episode and elevate your understanding of the world of AI for e-commerce.

• 07:39 - Exploring E-Commerce Opportunities
• 13:05 - Challenges of Finding Experienced Employees
• 15:28 - Challenges of Bringing on New Brands
• 26:10 - AI E-Commerce Consultancy for Amazon Sellers
• 33:42 - GPT Chat vs Cloud
• 40:12 - AI Revolutionizes Amazon Seller System
• 44:00 - Creating an AI Newsletter for E-Commerce
• 47:16 - Providing Value in AI Content
• 52:31 - The Impact of AI on Services
• 55:12 - eCommerce and AI in a Changing Landscape
• 56:00 - This Week's Words Of Wisdom From Kevin

#368 - Izabella Ritz: A Russian Entrepreneur’s Pursuit of the American Dream

Ever dreamt of building an empire from a humble start? Our fascinating guest, Izabella Ritz, proves it's entirely possible. With her compelling journey from Russia to the US, Izabella has scaled the heights of entrepreneurship, starting from selling her interior design studio thrice due to earning restrictions in Russia and teaching herself English, to becoming a successful Amazon seller in the US.

 

Izabella's story is one of grit, resilience, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. She shares her learning curve in product development, business expansion, and making the most out of networking opportunities. Her unique insights into managing a family business, with her daughter and ex-Marine husband actively involved, and her commitment to fostering a community of Russian entrepreneurs, highlight the essence of her success. Her experience in navigating the challenges of settling as an immigrant and pursuing the American dream while acknowledging the hurdles adds another layer to her unique narrative.

 

To top it off, Izabella gives a glimpse into her strategic investment in events and masterminds to stay competitive and her innovative venture into TikTok. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the opportunities available in the US compared to countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Mexico, providing an enlightening new perspective on the American dream. With Izabella's inspiring journey, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

 

In episode 368 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Izabella discuss:

• 02:26 - Russian Entrepreneur's Journey to Success
• 05:09 - Entrepreneurship Challenges in Russia
• 09:52 - Navigating Immigrant Cultural and Economic Differences
• 15:46 - Success in Selling Products on Amazon
• 19:58 - Building Successful Russian Entrepreneurship Communities
• 28:32 - The Transition to English-Speaking Community
• 31:37 - Surprising Talent
• 35:38 - Amazon Selling for Service Providers 105 Seconds
• 43:17 - Potential Changes to Amazon's Review System
• 51:25 - Exploring Business Strategies and Self-Improvement
• 56:15 - Opportunities and Challenges of Immigration
• 1:01:44 - Kevin's Weekly Words Of Wisdom 

#367 - Navigating the World of Translations, Languages, and AI with Jana Krekic

Join Kevin King and his guest, Jana Krekic, a language specialist and the founder of YLT Translations, as they engage in a fascinating conversation exploring the importance of translating Amazon listings for different countries. Listen to Jana share her inspiring journey from working in a call center 17 years ago to becoming a language expert and entrepreneur. Discover how she stumbled upon the Amazon industry and used it to generate her first sales, sparking her ambition to venture out on her own. 

 

As we continue, Jana and Kevin tackle the challenges of learning European languages such as Finnish and Icelandic. With these languages lacking international words, we discuss the best strategies for language learning and the crucial role of immersion and conversation with native speakers. We also underline the significance of thinking in the target language to achieve true fluency. We also turn our attention to the limitations of AI in listing and content creation, analyzing its potential in copywriting, translations, and localization.

 

Moving on, we examine the potential of Open AI in creating more nuanced translations of listings and how this could revolutionize the translation process. We also explore the awakening of some brands to the potential of Amazon's global reach. We also shed light on the challenges of localizing listings when selling on Amazon's international marketplaces and how AI tools can assist in copywriting and translations. So tune in as we navigate the complexities of language, translation, and the power of connection in achieving success.

 

In episode 367 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Jana discuss:

• 00:06 - Multilingual Specialist From Serbia
• 08:14 - The Importance of Translations in Branding
• 17:24 - Translation Process for Multilingual Brand Expansion
• 20:21 - Translating Cultural Nuances
• 26:44 - AI Limitations in Translation and Integration
• 30:23 - Translation Tools in E-Commerce Limitations
• 34:39 - Challenges of Selling on Amazon
• 40:09 - Amazon Product Listing Issues in Different Markets
• 45:04 - Affordable One-Time Investment for Content Optimization
• 48:51 - Translation and LinkedIn Strategy
• 52:07 - Kevin's Words Of Wisdom This Week

#366 - Amazon PPC In The Eyes Of A High-Performing Agency with Elizabeth Greene

In this episode, we talk to the Co-Founder of the Amazon ads agency Junglr about practical advice and real-world experiences on Amazon PPC, launching products, and more!

 

Get ready to unlock secrets to mastering Amazon advertising with our guest, Elizabeth Greene, an Amazon PPC expert, and a successful work-from-home mom. With her unique blend of personal and professional experience, Elizabeth navigates us through the complexities of Amazon PPC, sharing her insights on launching products and understanding the changes of Amazon PPC then and now. Her first-hand tips are sure to equip you with invaluable tools to thrive in this dynamic marketplace.

 

Plunge right into the challenges of Amazon PPC as we talk about Elizabeth's journey into this industry. We explore the transformation of the Amazon Advertising platform, tackling issues that sellers face including rising costs and adapting to Amazon's updates. Together, we dissect the upcoming changes to broad match and sponsored product ads, and anticipate the potential impacts on keyword targeting and off-platform advertising. If you're looking to understand the complexities of Amazon's advertising world, this episode is a very good listen.

 

As we conclude, we talk about a thorough understanding of video ad optimization and PPC strategy evaluation. Elizabeth helps us decode the elements of a successful video ad and the value of having the product as the focal point. We also uncover the importance of storytelling through data and a collaborative client relationship when choosing an Amazon ad agency. Wrapping up, we leave you with Elizabeth's wisdom to help you calculate advertising ROI, identify competitive categories, and boost your Amazon business’ success. Prepare to be enthralled, enlightened, and empowered by this episode!

 

In episode 366 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Elizabeth discuss:

• 06:56 - Navigating Amazon Advertising and Data Analysis
• 18:59 - Sponsored Products and Off-Platform Advertising 
• 21:32 - Difference in Targeting and Expanded 
• 25:36 - Effectiveness of Product Targeting on Amazon 
• 29:01 - Product Selection and Relevancy in Launch 
• 34:42 - Determining Benchmarks for Advertising Metrics 
• 45:28 - Amazon Search Query Performance Data Value 
• 51:12 - Clear Product Focus in Sponsored Video Ads
• 57:11 - LinkedIn Benchmarking and Search Tips
• 57:44 -  This Week’s Words Of Wisdom From Kevin

#365 - Pioneering Internet Marketing and AI: A Conversation with Perry Belcher

Join us as we welcome internet marketing titan, Perry Belcher, to the AM/PM Podcast! Listen in as we journey through Perry's remarkable career path - from humble beginnings before turning to digital marketing. Perry’s illustrious career even saw him get a personal call from none other than Jeff Bezos himself, a short story you don’t want to miss!

 

The conversation continues with Perry reflecting on the rise and fall of his business and partnerships. His journey, marked by selling health supplements to launching a digital marketing business, and finally starting the Driven Mastermind and the War Room, is an insightful one for any entrepreneur. Our chat also covers the importance of joining a mastermind group, the benefits it can bring, and how it can help you gain a broad perspective of different industries.

 

Lastly, Perry shares fascinating insights about the role of AI in business, specifically in copywriting. From reducing labor costs to crafting compelling headlines and stories, the potential applications of AI are far-reaching. He also discusses misconceptions people have about AI and the opportunities it presents. Tune in for a riveting discussion about the intersection of AI, E-commerce, and internet marketing.

In episode 365 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Perry discuss:

• 09:22 - Success in Real Estate and Selling
• 16:45 - Running Successful Events
• 23:30 - The Value of Networking and Collaboration
• 29:55 - Selling Event Recordings for Profit
• 34:19 - Cash Prize Incentives for Speakers
• 39:00 - Leveraging Email Lists for Business Success
• 42:06 - Artificial Intelligence And Its Impact On Internet Marketing
• 53:21 - Other Mindblowing AI Capabilities
• 57:27 - AI's Role in Various Industries
• 1:07:38 - Follow Perry on Facebook for Updates
• 1:09:46 - Kevin’s Words Of Wisdom
  

#364 - The Power of AI in Transforming E-Commerce and Brands with Jon Derkits

Let's navigate the intricate landscape of E-commerce with Jon Derkits. Our guest this week is a seasoned expert who's worked with Amazon, consulted, and launched his own successful Amazon-selling ventures. Wouldn't you love to hear about his love for globe-trotting experiences, or perhaps learn more about the art of creating raving fans and starting irresistible newsletters? This is your opportunity!

 

During the course of our chat with John, he breaks down how to find success in the Amazon marketplace, tackling challenges head-on, and provides valuable insights into the business of acquiring small to large Amazon brands. Kevin and Jon also highlight the enormous potential of combining journalism and product selling - a winning strategy for any E-commerce seller on any platform. Get ready to learn how to use newsletters as a powerful marketing tool. 

 

As we wrap up, Jon and Kevin dive into the world of AI and software to craft tailored content for customers, using fascinating examples from building a passionate dog lover community to launching a TikTok brand. They also stressed out the importance of authenticity in branding and flexibility to changes like Amazon's Project Nile. Our conversation concludes with a discussion about understanding the present in the context of the past and the future. Join us for this knowledge-packed episode and let’s exploring the world of E-commerce, Amazon-selling, and beyond!

In episode 364 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Jon discuss:

• 00:00 - Exploring E-Commerce and Travel Opportunities
• 10:44 - Jon's Backstory
• 12:08 - Career Journey and Future Plans 
• 21:46 - Build Brand Audience With Email Marketing 
• 25:31 - Amazon Business Acquisitions and Email Marketing
• 27:00 - $300,000 Website Business With Display Advertising 
• 30:23 - Apple's Newsletter Performance and Open Rates 
• 32:47 - Building a Passionate Dog Lover Community
• 37:56 - Building an E-Commerce Tribe and Movement 
• 42:25 - The Importance of Authenticity in Branding
• 53:04 - Amazon Project Nile and Adapting to Changes
• 1:04:28 - How To Connect With Jon Dekrits
• 1:05:17 - Future Episodes And An Upcoming Webinar 
• 1:06:15 - This Week's Words Of Wisdom From Kevin King