Rock Your Brand Podcast

Why does it seem like all the cards are stacked against you as you build your ecommerce business? From inventory concerns to reaching the right people - let’s face it - running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he continues his conversation with Dave Manley. In his conversation with Scott, Dave opens up about the status of his business, how his marketing efforts are performing, what he can do to take his efforts to the next level, and much more. Have pen and paper read - you don’t want to miss a minute of this informative episode! 

Let your audience in on the process

Did you know that one of the best assets you have as an ecommerce business is your email list? It’s true! Your nimble size and your niche scope can serve you as assets. As you build your business and you release new products or share new deals - why not invite your audience along for the ride? Let’s face it - everyone loves to be part of the “In crowd” - you can help your followers feel that special by letting them in on the behind the scene process. Hear how Dave can use this approach to grow his business by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller, you don’t want to miss it! 

Give away contests work! 

Have you tried running a giveaway contest for your audience yet? What do you have to lose? If you know your audience and what makes them tick - then reach out! Give away contests can help get people fired up about your brand - it can also build momentum. Too often sellers create a great product and then wonder why no one buys it - here is a hint - you’ve got to tell them about it! Learn how you can use give away contests to your advantage by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Expand your reach 

Do you hate showing up on camera or shooting a video to promote your business? There is a reason why public speaking is one of the most feared situations most people could find themselves in! While it might be hard to show up on camera - you could always try a different approach - reach out to the experts! If you want to build up an audience of bass fishers - a logical place to start is YouTube channels about bass fishing or Facebook groups devoted to the topic. By connecting with these social media channels - you can expand your reach significantly! Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear more from Scott on this topic! 

Don’t give up! 

What do you do with that scary thought that creeps up from time to time - you know, the one that tells you that you need to quite? People are so good at sabotaging their own success - but they fail at acting as their own cheerleaders. If you want your ecommerce business to go the distance you have to be committed to sticking to it - through thick and thin. Hear Dave Manley’s helpful advice about refusing to give up and a lot more by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:45] Dave explains how he manages his inventory. 
  • [9:20] Why it’s helpful to give a peek behind the scenes. 
  • [16:00] Give away contests really do work! 
  • [19:30] Scott and Dave talk about selling on Amazon. 
  • [22:30] Use your email list to your advantage! 
  • [36:00] Why social media channels are an essential tool. 
  • [41:00] Dave talks about the celebrities and sports teams that have reached out to him. 
  • [43:45] What other products is Dave working on? 
  • [46:15] Don’t give up! 
  • [50:00] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS705.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Can you really take a dream like building a business focused on creating, marketing, and selling MMA bobble heads become a reality? Don’t you have to be some big shot business mastermind to make your dreams a reality? No! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he welcomes his guest, Dave Manley. In his conversation with Scott, Dave opens up about what led him to the world of MMA bobble heads, why he refuses to take no for an answer, what it was like participating in the 5-Minute Pitch, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Dave’s story! 

5-Minute Pitch 

If you’ve been around the TAS community for very long, you know that Scott is passionate about one of his latest endeavors - The 5-Minute Pitch. The 5-Minute Pitch is a show where 32 bootstrapped companies are selected to pitch Greg Mercer, Scott Voelker, Steve Chou, and Mike Jackess, along with a weekly guest judge for the chance to win $50,000. Dave Manley was a finalist on the first season of The 5-Minute Pitch, and he was kind enough to share his honest perspective with Scott as a participant. To get the full story - make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Refusing to take no for an answer

Let’s face it - the journey from an idea to reality is a long one! When Dave was hooked by a plan to create and market bobble heads for MMA fighters - he knew that he was in for a long ride. Dave went to work, creating some prototypes and standing in long lines to meet MMA fighters to get the chance to pitch them his idea. Doors were slammed in Dave’s face time and time again, but he simply refused to give up and take no for an answer. Are you as committed to your business success as much as Dave is? Find out what kept Dave going and what eventually led to his first yes by listening to this episode! 

Finally - a yes! 

Facing rejection after rejection from small MMA stars and some of the biggest - Dave wouldn’t back down. He knew that at some point he’d get his idea to connect and he’d receive his first, “Yes!” The big moment came when Dave was able to make a pivotal connection through a few friends to Dan Henderson, an MMA legend. The artistry and care that Dave invested into his products impressed Dan so much so that he told Dave that he’d connect him to any MMA fighter he wanted to. Can you believe that? Persistence that paid off! Learn more about Dave’s story and how you can adopt some of his methods by listening to this episode! 

How to market your idea

Now that you have an idea about what led Dave to the critical moment in his career - the next question is - how do you market this great product? A great product doesn’t do you any good if you can’t get it in front of the right people! On the second part of this two-part interview, you’ll hear from Scott as he sits down with Dave to walk through marketing strategies he can use to take his business to the next level of growth. You’ll want to catch that episode as Scott drops some helpful nuggets of knowledge for sellers like you too!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:15] Don’t miss Brand Accelerator Live!
  • [4:30] Scott welcomes his guest, Dave. 
  • [9:00] Dave talks about appearing in The 5-Minute Pitch and how he got started selling bobble heads. 
  • [20:30] Refusing to take no for an answer. 
  • [25:00] Finally getting a yes! 
  • [32:00] How do you market your great idea? 
  • [34:30] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS704.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Are you fired up and ready to take on the weekend? Do you plan to put in some work on your ecommerce business or are you due a much-deserved break? Either case - you’ve come to the right place! It’s time for another session of Ask Scott here on The Amazing Seller. On this episode, you’ll hear from Scott as he gives an update about Brand Accelerator Live and answers a question from a TAS follower like you. Equal parts encouragement and action - it’s all here! 

Brand Accelerator Live

Do you have your ticket for Brand Accelerator Live yet? What are you waiting for? This is going to be the event that will set your business up for success as you enter the fourth quarter. From actionable steps to great network opportunities - Brand Accelerator Live is designed from the ground up with sellers like you in mind. Don’t sit on the sidelines - jump in and stretch yourself! You can get more details about the event by visiting the link in the resources section at the end of this post! 

Physical products or niche content? 

Time and time again - Scott gets asked by TAS followers like you if they should focus on building a brand around physical products or if they should make a niche content site. Scott’s answer? Yes! To clarify - Scott will always err on the side of taking action (Go figure!) He encourages sellers like you to avoid waiting around for the “Right time” to launch and to focus on low hanging fruit like building a home base. The truth is, it doesn’t take a lot of resources to create content that will start to bring in traffic - for ideas on how to get started - make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:30] Question: Should I do physical products or create a niche content site? 
  • [6:20] Autofill is your friend! 
  • [9:00] Creating a standard operating procedure. 
  • [11:30] Closing thoughts. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS703.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

What is the best way to engage with your email list? How do you grow an email list and communicate with them without sounding too much like a spammer or salesperson? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he walks through his Prime Day strategy and how he got really impressive open and click-through rates on his emails. If you want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward when it comes to your email list - this is the episode for you! 

You need to prime the pump

Too often ecommerce sellers get so excited about the massive potential for profit on days like Prime Day or Black Friday that they forget to take the time and prime their audience. Imagine how your business would perform if your listing were already hot when those special sale days rolled around. According to Scott, the best way to position for ecommerce brand for success is to prime the pump and engage with your email list a few days leading up to the special sale. To hear how Scott crafts his emails to get his audience engaged, make sure to listen to this episode!

Retarget your unopened emails!

Don’t you hate it when you find out that you’ve missed a great opportunity to maximize the profits for your business? Of course, you do, no one likes leaving money on the table - but that is exactly what you are doing when you don’t retarget unopened emails! By simply retargeting the folks who didn’t open his emails leading up to Prime Day, Scott was able to increase his open and clickthrough rates by impressive margins. Tune into this episode as Scott gives subject line examples and more to help sellers like you make the most out of targeting your email subscribers! 

Don’t get upset about people who unsubscribe

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some secret way to reel back in those folks who unsubscribed from your email list? Unfortunately - there is no effective way to get those who have unsubscribed - but don’t let that get you down! If someone unsubscribes from your email list - keep your head up - they are cleaning your email list for you. Let’s face it - everyone isn’t going to be a fan of your brand and your product - don’t take it personally. Pick yourself up and keep on trucking - there are plenty of customers out there who will find your brand helpful! 

Scott’s email list building formula

While there is no silver bullet when it comes to building an email list - Scott and his team have developed a top-notch formula that sellers like you can use. Here is a brief run-down of Scott’s email list building formula. 

  1. Find your target market - where are they hanging out? 
  2. Create the right offer that will bring them into your brand. 
  3. Deliver valuable content to your following. 
  4. Be consistent with delivering content. 
  5. Test different subject lines to see what works! 

Have you built up your email list yet? What are you waiting for? Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear more from Scott and also check out the list building workshop located in the resources section at the end of this post! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:00] TAS resources for you!
  • [4:10] Why it’s a good idea to prime the pump. 
  • [8:30] Scott reveals the first email subject line that had great results. 
  • [14:00] The next emails that Scott sent leading up to Prime Day. 
  • [18:30] Breaking down how these emails helped Prime Day sales. 
  • [22:00] Sending a “Last call” email. 
  • [24:20] Retargeting people who didn’t open your email. 
  • [29:00] Scott breaks down a few more successful emails. 
  • [32:30] The basic email list building formula that Scott uses. 
  • [37:00] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS702.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Do you ever feel like your business is missing some key elements that could take it from good to great? What if there was a way to get some expert eyes on your business? Good news! On this episode, you’ll hear from Scott as he reviews an ecommerce website to offer his unique take and suggestions. From small tweaks to glaring mistakes - Scott goes all in. You can use Scott’s walkthrough as a way of evaluating your website - what do you have to lose? Make sure to have pen and paper ready - you’ll want to take notes! 

Give your customers a reason to stay connected

Too often, businesses miss an easy way to keep their customers connected to their brand - they don’t give an incentive to sign up for an email list! From a discount off of their next purchase or a promise of relevant information - you’ve got to make some effort to get them signed up. Also - make sure you don’t bury your email list sign-up. Make your sign up process easy and pleasant - just that little step can go a long way! To hear more about getting your customers connected to your brand, make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Speak their language and provide relevant content!

Once you’ve secured your customer’s email address - make sure you keep them engaged. Time and time again, Scott has seen sellers who build a massive email list only to let that email list grow cold! You don’t have to have a huge, robust strategy to keep your followers engaged - just provide relevant information they can use that is related to your niche market. A great way to find which content your followers are looking for is to ask them! Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear Scott expand on this topic and much more!

Don’t be afraid to highlight other personalities and influencers. 

If you don’t feel comfortable getting in front of the camera - you should consider connecting with an influencer in your niche market. Think of how much time and energy you could save by finding someone who has built a following and is passionate about your subject. Scott has taken this route before, and he’s seen some great results! For a deeper dive into what it takes to make your brand stand out from all the rest - make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller - you don’t want to miss it! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER 

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:00] Scott tells a fishing story. 
  • [8:00] Diving deeper. 
  • [10:30] Don’t hide your email list - entice them! 
  • [13:00] Help your fans get better. 
  • [15:00] Scott shares some “How to…” content ideas. 
  • [23:00] How to sell your product without sounding like “Salesperson.” 
  • [27:15] Reaching out to fans and influencers. 
  • [30:00] Closing thoughts from Scott.  

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

Direct download: TAS701.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

It’s HERE! The Amazing Seller has officially published 700 episodes! What an accomplishment - and it couldn’t have happened without listeners like you. Thank you for tuning in each week and taking the time to submit questions to Ask Scott and for your participation in the TAS community. Scott is thrilled that the podcast has made it this far and is still going strong. He doesn’t have any plans to stop podcasting - so onward to 800! On this episode - you’ll hear from Scott as he explains how sellers like you can make the most of attending LIVE events like Brand Accelerator Live. 

Your stories matter!

Did you know that your story matters to Scott? It’s true! As an entrepreneur - you know that this path is not for the faint of heart. If you want to go the distance, you’ve got to keep a clear eye on what fuels you and keeps you motivated. For Scott - stories from TAS followers keep him committed to the podcast and creating tools and resources for sellers like you. If you haven’t already - take the time to submit your story and let Scott know how much TAS is helping you on your journey. You can drop Scott a line by visiting the story link located in the resources section. 

How to make the most of a LIVE event - CHECKLIST

Your time is valuable, and you don’t want to waste it attending events that don’t make an impact on how you run your business. Should you swear off attending events altogether or is there a better way? According to Scott - if you follow this checklist - you’ll get a lot more value out of live events. 

  1. Answer this question - is this event right for you? 
  2. Have a plan going into the event. What is the one area you need help in? 
  3. Be part of the afterparty. Use it to network!
  4. Bring pen and paper - take notes. 
  5. Do a brain dump each evening to off-load all the information you absorbed. 

Are you ready to give Scott’s checklist for live events a try? Why not give it a spin this September when you attend Brand Accelerator Live? You can learn more about that event by visiting the link in the resources section. 

Bonus tips 

Are you the type of person who goes above and beyond? Do you want to earn some extra credit? To enhance your experience at a live event even more - Scott has some bonus tips that leaders like you can use. 

  1. Meditate in the morning. Use an app like Headspace. 
  2. Eat good food and stay hydrated. 
  3. Make simple cards with your name and number. 
  4. Have an open mind and allow yourself to learn. 
  5. Have fun and try not to look at your business at the event. 

Have you done any of these tips at a live event? What best practices do you have for attending a live event? To hear Scott go into detail with these tips and more - make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:10] THANK YOU!
  • [5:55] Clearing the inbox. 
  • [8:30] How to get the most out of attending a LIVE event. 
  • [15:10] Have a plan going into the event!
  • [18:15] Take notes and do a brain dump after each evening. 
  • [20:10] Bonus tips. 
  • [26:00] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS700.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

How do you grow a following and keep them engaged? What should you do if you feel like you need to make a pivot in your business? If you have ever thought about these questions - this is the episode for you! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he sits down with his guest, Jadah Sellner. In her conversation with Scott, Jadah opens up about her journey as an author and business leader, insights and lessons she has learned along the way, what made her decide to make a pivot, and much more. Have pen and paper ready - you don’t want to miss a minute of this fascinating episode! 

Show your moves on the dance floor! 

One of the worst things you can do as an ecommerce leader is to tease your audience without delivering the goods. Don’t let yourself come off as a sleazy salesperson - be willing to deliver the goods upfront! It’s like Scott always says - focus on delivering value WAY before you focus on making a sale. At the end of the day - it all comes down to selling to others as you’d like to be sold to - the golden rule! Jadah sums this up nicely - show your moves on the dance floor. Show people that you are here to help and resource your following - then you’ll start to build up the trust that’s needed when you go in for an ask. To hear more about delivering value - make sure to catch this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Don’t post and then ghost. 

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and then suddenly they walk away without any warning? Chances are - your answer is, no! Most people were raised to treat others with respect and consideration - we should do the same on social media. If you want your following to trust and engage with you - you’ve got to be willing to put in the time. Jadah encourages sellers like you to avoid posting and then ghosting. Don’t just throw a conversational grenade into social media and then walk away - stick around and engage with your following! Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear Jadah expand on this helpful lesson and much more! 

Know your audience!

If you’ve been around the TAS community for very long, you know that Scott is passionate about helping sellers like you get to know your audience. If you just want to sell a product and make a profit - there are ways you can do that, but Scott is more focused on building a brand that can last. If you want to build a brand that will go the distance - you’ve got to be serious about knowing your audience. Where do they hang out online? Are they more likely to respond to giveaways or contests? To get helpful tips that you can use to get to know your audience - make sure to catch this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Don’t be afraid to pivot. 

As frustrating as it can be - you’ve got to be prepared to make a pivot if you find yourself headed in a direction you don’t feel passionate about. While you might start out on fire and excited about selling bass fishing gear - the time may come where you need to make a change. If your business isn’t scratching that itch for you - make a change! Too often, Scott has encountered seller after seller who is successful but miserable - don’t let that happen to you. Learn how Jadah Sellner made a pivot in her career by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:10] Jadah Sellner joins the podcast.
  • [4:30] Show your dance moves on the dance floor! 
  • [7:50] Quality over quantity. 
  • [9:40] Don’t post and then ghost! 
  • [14:00] Everyone starts from zero. 
  • [18:00] Chose one dance floor - know where you people hang out. 
  • [23:00] There are no unique messages only unique messengers. 
  • [27:00] Why did Jadah pivot away from her work at Simple Green Smoothies. 
  • [35:00] Entrepreneurs find a way to achieve their dreams. 
  • [40:15] How to connect with Jadah. 
  • [41:30] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS699.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

How can sellers like you use social media channels like Facebook to take your ecommerce brand to the next level of success? Imagine if there was a clearly planned out strategy you could use to get your business headed in the right direction. Great news! Scott invited Facebook Ad’s expert - Monica Louie to the podcast. In her conversation with Scott, Monica explains how she got started with Facebook Ads, lessons she has learned along the way, tips for sellers like you, and much more. Have pen and paper ready - you don’t want to miss a minute of this episode! 

Set goals and stick to them! 

Let’s face it - one of the most difficult aspects of starting and maintaining a business is sticking to your goals. There are so many things that can rob you of your commitment to your goals! You can attend all the best conferences and masterminds, but if you don’t commit to your personal and professional goals - you won’t succeed! If you want to reach your goals, you’ve got to make them achievable and measurable. Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller as Scott and Monica explain why goal setting is critical for long-term business success!

Three pillars of a successful Facebook Ad campaign

Have you seen that offer from Facebook to “Boost” your posts to reach more people? It sounds like a great idea for just a couple of more bucks - a great deal - right? No! According to Monica - boosting posts is not the best way to spend your money to reach more people on Facebook. These “boosts” might help you reach more people, but they often don’t help you reach the “Right people.” Thankfully - Monica has devised a helpful way to spend advertizing dollars on Facebook using a three-pillar approach. 

  1. Provide an amazing offer - blow them out of the water! 
  2. Get your offer in front of the right audience. Target a specific group of people. 
  3. Use an eye-catching Ad to grab your audience’s attention! 

Are you ready to put in the hard work to grow your business and build out your brand? If so - give Monica’s three-pillar approach a try! You can learn more helpful insights like this one from Monica by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Tips for finding the right audience for your brand

What good will all of your hard work accomplish if you fail to reach the right people for your brand? Don’t get stuck fighting tooth and nail to convince someone who isn’t interested in your product to become convinced - reach the right people! Monica says that the best way to reach the right people is to focus your efforts on creating custom audiences on Facebook and creating look-a-like audiences. Using these tools - you can ensure that your dollars are being used to present your Ad to the right people who are more likely to connect with your brand. What tips will you take away and use in your business? If you’d like to hear more from Monica - make sure to catch her full conversation with Scott on this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:30] Monica Louie joins the podcast to talk about Facebook Ads. 
  • [6:00] What is Monica’s background? 
  • [11:00] Why you need to set goals and stay committed to achieving them. 
  • [14:30] The three pillars to create a successful Facebook Ad campaign. 
  • [19:00] The best way to get attention on Facebook. Should you boost posts? 
  • [22:40] Tips for finding the right audience for your brand. 
  • [26:30] How to speak to your customer’s needs. 
  • [29:00] What is a good way to get reviews and feedback? 
  • [33:20] Monica talks about how to use Facebook Live videos effectively. 
  • [35:45] Create your Facebook Ads with a goal in mind. 
  • [41:00] Closing thoughts from Monica. 
  • [46:00] FREE Facebook Ads training from Monica. 
  • [47:30] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS698.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Are you fired up and ready to push yourself and your business? Or do you need a little rest from the grind? Either way - you’ve come to the right place! It is time for another session of Ask Scott here on The Amazing Seller. On this episode, you’ll hear from Scott as he shares his thought of the week, goes over an answer to a question from a TAS follower like you, and much more. If you are ready to put in the time and effort it takes to build an ecommerce business that will last - this is the episode for you! 

Product testimonials

Do you ever find yourself scoffing at the goofy product testimonials that you see on infomercials? Why are those silly gimmicks still a thing in 2019? Easy answer - because they work! Seriously - when people see that other customers have taken a chance and vouch for your product - it makes a difference. You don’t have to go the goofy and gimmicky route - you can feature a customer testimonial in a way that is relevant and engaging. To hear more about how to use product testimonials effectively in your ecommerce business - make sure to listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

Find the right people 

What is your experience with attending Masterminds? Have you heard the term but never take the chance to check them out? Do you consider them a waste of time? Unfortunately, there are some really bad Masterminds out there that give the good ones a bad reputation. At the end of the day - you need to make sure that the Mastermind you are going to invest in is worth your time and energy - how do you do that? Scott suggests attending paid Masterminds and setting the right expectations. Too often, people get fired up about a Mastermind only to find that they aren’t getting the insights and accountability they had expected. Learn even more from Scott perspective on Masterminds by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Brand Accelerator Live

Speaking of paid gathers that are worth your time - do you have your ticket to Brand Accelerator Live yet? If not - what are you waiting for? Yes, this event will be well worth your time, and you’ll walk away with actionable content! Remember - attending live events is a key aspect of investing not only in your business but also in your growth as a leader. You can learn more about Brand Accelerator Live and how to secure your spot by visiting the link in the resources section at the end of this post! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:50] Scott’s thought of the week. 
  • [9:00] Question: Should I join a Mastermind? 
  • [12:40] Scott explains what a Mastermind is. 
  • [16:15] How to find the right Mastermind. 
  • [24:00] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS697.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

What does life look like after exiting a successful ecommerce business? How does an ecommerce seller pick the next professional chapter? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he welcomes his friend, Mike Jackness, to the podcast. In his conversation with Scott, Mike opens up about his experience selling his ecommerce business, why he made that decision, his plans for the future, lessons he has learned along the way, and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch an inside look at Mike’s exciting story - catch the full conversation on this episode! 

Selling your business

As an ecommerce business owner - you know all of the hard work and headache that goes into building a business in 2019. Can you imagine what it would be like to sell something you’ve poured your heart and soul into? While Mike loved to work on his ecommerce business, he’s had a feeling over the last year or so that it was time for a change. That’s when he reached out to the guys over at Quiet Light Brokerage to start the process of selling his ecommerce business. To hear about Mike’s experience with Quiet Light, make sure to listen to this fascinating episode of The Amazing Seller - you don’t want to miss it!

Attention is the new currency

Did you know that with the right amount of attention, you can sell almost anything? Just take a look at the Apple Watch - it’s dipped a lot in popularity over the years, but when it first came out Apple raked in the earnings because they grabbed people’s attention! If you can focus on building a following of dedicated and loyal fans based on the content you deliver - selling a product will be the easy part. You don’t have to go it alone to figure out how to grab attention in your niche market - Scott and his team have developed systems and processes that are tried and tested. To learn more about getting attention for your ecommerce business, listen to this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Find your niche and use it!

What is that one thing that you are an expert in or that you are passionate about? Are you using it to build an audience and launch your ecommerce brand? If not - what are you waiting for? Time and time again, Scott has explained how sellers like you can leverage your personal passion or interests to grow your following. Remember, you don’t have to know everything - you can bring your followers along as you investigate and learn with them. Mike is considering several different directions to take his new ecommerce venture - one thing is for certain - it will be based on what he’s passionate about. Learn more about leveraging your personal passion to build your brand by listening to this episode! 

Why attending live events is so important 

If you’ve been around the TAS community for very long, you know that Scott is passionate about helping sellers like you understand the value of attending live events. If it weren’t for live events, Scott wouldn’t have the friendships he has today with Mike Jackness, Steve Chu, and many others. If you’ve been hesitant about attending a live event this year - consider checking out Brand Accelerator Live - it’s been designed from the ground up for sellers like you! Don’t worry about wasting your time with vague lessons and pie in the sky rhetoric - Brand Accelerator Live is built with actionable content in mind. Grab your ticket for September’s event by visiting the link the resources section at the end of this post! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:00] Mike Jackness joins Scott on the podcast. 
  • [6:20] What was it like to sell an ecommerce business? 
  • [13:15] Why Mike is making a shift in his business approach. 
  • [17:20] Once you have people’s attention - you can sell anything. 
  • [24:30] Why digital content is a great way to make money. 
  • [27:30] Find your niche interest and use it to build your business! 
  • [38:00] Why you should attend Brand Accelerator Live. 
  • [43:20] Closing thoughts. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS696.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Why isn’t your product listing taking off like you thought it would? What can you do to increase your traffic and sales for your ecommerce product? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he welcomes his guest, Greg Mercer. In his conversation with Scott, Greg opens up about how to widen your net, what it takes to optimize your listing on Amazon, tips he has for using PPC effectively, why live events are worth it, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this helpful episode featuring Greg! 

Use your product photos wisely 

Did you know that one of the best assets you have to convert clicks to sales is your product images? It’s true! While Amazon’s TOS stipulates that you need to have the product pictured behind a pure white background with no additional graphics - that’s just the featured image! You can use the remaining seven images to highlight what makes your product stand out from the competition. Consider using comparison shots to show how your product is made from a better quality than your competitors. To hear Scott and Greg expand on this topic, make sure to catch this episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Why you need to master PPC

If you want to really up to your game as an ecommerce business - you should learn to master PPC. If you’ve been part of the TAS community for very long, you know that Scott is always talking about the value of knowing how to navigate PPC. It turns out that PPC isn’t just Scott’s soapbox, but Greg also encourages sellers like you to learn and master PPC. If you are struggling to hone your product listing on Amazon, this might be the best place for you to start! Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear Scott and Greg go even further with this topic! 

Brand Accelerator Live

Is it really worth all of the time and energy it requires to attend a live event? Wouldn’t you be better off if you just purchased a few workshops or read a few business books? According to Scott and Greg, the answer is a resounding - NO! While the guys weren’t sold on the value of live events early on in their career - they’ve since changed their tune. As they’ve developed as ecommerce leaders - Scott and Greg point to attending live events as a key aspect of their personal and professional growth. These guys are ready to put their money where their mouth is by organizing Brand Accelerator Live - this is the event where you can connect with like-minded sellers and get the insights you need to take your business to the next level. Learn more about Brand Accelerator Live and how to grab your ticket by visiting the link in the resources section at the end of this post. 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [3:00] Scott welcomes his friend, Greg Mercer to the podcast. 
  • [6:00] How to start widening your net. 
  • [10:30] Greg gives a great example of how to optimize your product listing. 
  • [14:10] Why you need to become a PPC master. 
  • [17:00] Greg shares his PPC keyword strategy. 
  • [24:45] Are conferences and live events worth it? 
  • [29:15] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS695.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

How in the world do you get an ecommerce business off of the ground in 2019? Is there some secret formula that you need to follow? Are there special hacks you can use to go from zero to 60 overnight? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he sits down at the lake house with Joel, Chris, and Angel. In their conversation - the group takes a look at what makes successful ecommerce sellers tick and how they are preparing to grow their businesses in 2019. If you are ready to up your game and take your business to the next level - this is the episode for you! 

Why not connect with an influencer? 

Did you know that one of the best ways to validate an idea and start making a profit is by connecting with a social media influencer? It’s true! From YouTube stars to Instagram personalities - social media is the place to be for brands and products to make an impact. If you want to get your special line of fishing lures to sell - connecting with an individual who is making popular videos on YouTube is a no brainer! To get a full rundown on what it would take to connect with an influencer in your niche market - make sure to listen to this helpful episode of The Amazing Seller! 

Don’t give up!

Every day small businesses all over the country close up shop. What can ecommerce sellers like you do to ensure that you aren’t just another one of this static? It might sound simple, but the key difference between the businesses that make it and the ones that fail is throwing in the towel. Even if you launch a product and it bombs - it’s not a failure unless you give up! Throughout his ecommerce journey - Scott has had missteps and setbacks, but he’s used those experiences as lessons to make his approach even better. You can do that too! Learn more about this important perspective from Scott by listening to this episode! 

Do you know your “Why?” 

One of the most important things you need to know as an ecommerce seller operating in today’s environment is your “Why.” Do you know your “Why?” Your “Why” is that one thing that keeps you going when things get tough - because they will get tough! You need to have this one thing at the front of your mind - consider writing it down and putting it on your mirror or refrigerator. If you just want to make money - that’s great! If you want to have deeper and more complicated goals - that’s great too. The truth is - you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t have this clearly defined end goal in mind. Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller to hear more about knowing your “Why.”

Cultivate a healthy mindset

What have you done recently to invest in your mindset? Have you read good leadership and business books? Have you attended a live event to connect with like-minded individuals? If you neglect the health of your mindset - your business will suffer. Scott and his team have been hard at work, creating a unique and valuable experience with Brand Accelerator Live - this even is your opportunity to invest in your mindset and the future of your business. What are you waiting for? Brand Accelerator Live is just a few short months away - check out the link in the resources section to grab your spot!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [2:30] Joel and Chris talk about the value of connecting with influencers. 
  • [7:30] What if your product fails? 
  • [9:30] Scott explains how to 10X your sales & what it’s like to partner with an influencer. 
  • [16:00] Stirring the pot and highlighting your product. 
  • [24:30] Know your “Why” and other mindset insights from Joel.
  • [27:15] You need like-minded people in your corner. 
  • [32:10] Chris talks about the danger of going it alone. 
  • [35:15] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS694.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

How can sellers like you transform your approach to engaging with customers and convert them into superfans? What if you had a clear method for creating superfans of your brand? Good news - you’ve come to the right place! On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and author, Pat Flynn. In his conversation with Scott, Pat opens up about his journey creating the SwitchPod, lessons he learned along the way, how he created superfans of his brand, and much more. Have pen and paper ready - you are going to need it! 

Pay attention

Did you know that most inventions and innovations come from leaders who have honed their ability to pay attention? It’s true! When you learn to pay attention to how people interact with products and services, you’ll notice ways to improve their experience. If you are willing to go out on a limb as Pat Flynn did with the SwitchPod - you’ll make a product people will love. Pat didn’t create the SwitchPod on a whim - he noticed people struggling with GorillaPod tripods at a convention he attended, and then the inspiration struck. To hear more about how Pat developed and marketed the SwitchPod, make sure to listen to this episode! 

Don’t be afraid to fail!

Too often, leaders who have a great idea that could positively impact peoples live don’t take the risk and put their idea on the marketplace because they are afraid to fail. Don’t let that happen to you! As Scott often says, “You only fail if you give up.” Put your ideas and inventions out there and see how they connect with people - if it doesn’t work - learn from the experience. Before his successful run with the SwitchPod, Pat had experimented with the idea of a large calendar, but it got bogged down in the development process. Pat didn’t let the unsuccessful run with the calendar get in the way of his next great idea - the SwitchPod! Learn from Pat’s story by listening to this helpful episode of The Amazing Seller! 

How to create an “Active audience member” 

What are practical steps sellers like you can take to create the “Superfans” of your brand? Is there a process you can adopt that will lead to active audience engagement? According to Pat Flynn, there are several steps you can use to get your people engaged. 

  1. Give people a reason to stay with you - think small wins - gifts - tips - etc. 
  2. Put your personality into your brand/business. Share your story! 
  3. Understand and use the lyrics your audience wants to hear. Use their language! 
  4. Get them involved - ask their opinion and input. 

How will you start creating active audience members today? Are there any other steps you’d add to Pat’s list? Tune into this episode of The Amazing Seller as Pat expands on these steps and much more! 

People want to be heard

When was the last time you felt like a brand actually listened to you as a customer? Chances are you don’t feel heard by the likes of Nike, Amazon, Walmart, and Old Navy. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique opportunity to tap into your target audience and help them feel like you are paying attention to their struggles and needs. Don’t assume you can just throw a product or service together and then market it well to succeed - you’ve got to go deeper than that! Find out how sellers like you can go beyond the surface and really connect with your audience by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [4:00] Pat Flynn joins the podcast. 
  • [7:20] What is the SwitchPod? How did Pat create it? 
  • [14:00] Pat talks about his unsuccessful attempt to create an oversized calendar. 
  • [17:00] Lessons learned from working on the calendar that applied to the SwitchPod. 
  • [22:25] How to create a superfan. 
  • [24:30] Creating an “Active audience member.” 
  • [30:15] How Lego focused on their fans and turned around their brand. 
  • [33:00] People want to feel heard. 
  • [37:00] How to get your copy of “Superfans.” 
  • [39:10] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS693.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30pm EDT

What does it take to bring your ecommerce business to an international marketplace like Canada? Do you have to know all the ins and outs to get started, or is there a better way? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott as he welcomes his guest, Kevin Sanderson. In his conversation with Scott, Kevin opens up about how sellers like you can start selling internationally, what you need to know about different tax laws, if you should take Amazon’s offer for assistance, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this helpful episode featuring Kevin’s informed perspective! 

Grab a bigger net!

If you want to grow your business and move past your competition - expanding to an international marketplace is a great move. Too often, sellers get frustrated because they feel like they can’t go any wider with their brand - but you can if you look overseas! Thankfully, Scott has connected with amazing sellers like Kevin Sanderson, who has figured out how to sell successfully in countries like Canada and the UK. Learn why Kevin believes that international selling is the natural next step for sellers like you by listening to this episode of The Amazing Seller - you don’t want to miss it! 

First steps 

Let’s get down to the details - how do you get started selling internationally? According to Kevin, it all starts with figuring out where you want to start selling - he suggests that most US sellers start in Canada or the UK. Once you’ve identified where you want to sell - you’ve got to register and begin collecting sales tax from your buyers. While figuring out sales tax in another country might sound confusing - there are a ton of resources you can use to navigate your way through - plus you’ll be speaking the same language! Get more helpful tips from Kevin on how to start selling in the international marketplace by listening to this episode! 

How much inventory you should order

One big question that Kevin gets from US-based sellers who want to sell internationally is - how much inventory should I order? While much of the answer to that question depends on what you are selling - the general rule is 10% - 15% of what you normally sell in the US. In his conversation with Scott, Kevin even suggests going further by sending some units from the US over to Canada to get your listing primed and ready to go. Why not give Kevin’s suggestion a try - what do you have to lose? Make sure to listen to Kevin’s full conversation with Scott as he expands on this topic and much more! 

Try something different

What will it take to move the needle for your ecommerce business? Do you need to make a pivot and start selling a new product or could you take that product to a new market? When you get so locked into one way of thinking - you can cut yourself off from better opportunities! At the end of the day - if you want to see different results, you’ve got to try different methods. Remember that old definition of insanity? “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Don’t let that happen to you! Try something different and test a new opportunity! 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

  • [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
  • [1:25] Kevin Sanderson joins Scott to discuss how to sell products internationally. 
  • [4:15] Why you should consider selling your products internationally. 
  • [7:25] Take Amazon up on their offer to take your products to an international marketplace or not? 
  • [11:20] How Amazon responds to flagged listings domestically vs. internationally. 
  • [14:40] How to start selling internationally. 
  • [19:20] What taxes should you expect when selling internationally? 
  • [24:30] Kevin explains how you should plan for inventory. 
  • [31:20] Start with one new international channel - don’t try them all at once! 
  • [35:00] How to connect with Kevin. 
  • [37:00] Closing thoughts from Scott. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Direct download: TAS692.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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