Unlock the secrets to e-commerce success with Billy Pecor and Luba Ilyasova, two industry veterans who have navigated the complexities of Amazon selling with remarkable prowess. Learn from Billy's inspiring transformation from coaching tennis to managing a $25 million portfolio at Thrasio, where his mastery of data analytics has driven success in an ever-changing landscape. Together with Luba, an expert in branding, discover the critical strategies that differentiate successful big brands from those that struggle on Amazon.

Prepare to rethink your approach to digital shelf packaging and market segmentation as our guests share their insights on tackling the unique challenges of the sexual wellness space. With a keen focus on understanding your competitors—big brands, black hat users, or private label sellers—you'll gain practical tips for selecting the right strategies to emulate. Explore the significance of sharp visual differentiation in capturing the fast-paced attention of online shoppers and understand why brand recognition alone can't keep you afloat in the digital marketplace.

Finally, grasp the future of e-commerce with a deep dive into Amazon's AI-driven tools like Comprehend and COSMO. Billy and Luba explain how these technologies can boost product relevance, combat manipulation tactics, and enhance your understanding of customer behavior. From innovative packaging strategies employed by Olay to the powerful impact of data-driven decision-making, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make your brand stand out in a fiercely competitive environment. Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your Amazon-selling game with actionable insights from the experts.

In episode 404 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin, Luba, and Billy discuss:

• 00:00 - E-Commerce Experts Share Insights
• 05:13 - Transition to E-Commerce Consulting and Operations
• 11:03 - Success Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers
• 16:56 - Strategic Shift Towards Amazon Brand Acquisition
• 19:08 - Digital Shelf Packaging Strategies for E-Commerce
• 21:59 - Packaging Differentiation in Retail and Online
• 25:04 - Packaging Strategy for Online Retail
• 25:36 - Innovative E-Commerce Packaging Strategy
• 29:00 - Brand Gating and Reselling Strategy
• 34:28 - Amazon SEO and Product Strategy Observations
• 37:27 - Amazon AI Improves Product Relevance
• 41:11 - Amazon Comprehend Discussion and Tutorial
• 43:34 - Amazon COSMO Strategy Insights
• 43:49 - Evolving Customer Filters in Mobile Shopping
• 49:34 - Amazon's Brand-Centric Strategy Shift
• 52:45 - Maximizing Amazon Sales With Innovative Tactics
• 53:11 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Ever wondered how a family passion project can morph into a global e-commerce giant? Meet Ted Repic, the visionary behind Rhino USA, who, along with his sons Cameron and Dylan, took their love for the outdoors and turned it into a multiple eight-figure business. This episode unpacks their thrilling journey, from the early days of Gorilla Moto Gear to the strategic rebranding that catapulted them to success. Listen as Ted reveals the powerful combination of skills and strategies that have made Rhino USA a household name in the outdoor market.

Get ready for an inside look at the complexities and triumphs of running a family business. Ted dives deep into how each family member's unique strengths—Cameron's artistic flair and Dylan's competitive drive—fueled their growth. We'll discuss the challenges of inventory management, especially with the unpredictable nature of viral social media impacts and the stringent requirements of big-box retailers like Walmart. Ted also shares the balancing act of navigating Amazon's shifting landscape and the decision-making process behind choosing between FBA and FBM fulfillment methods.

But it doesn't stop there. Hear Ted's insights on building a strong brand identity, from investing in high-quality packaging to creating memorable unboxing experiences. Learn about the importance of authenticity in marketing, leveraging influencers, and the ever-growing impact of platforms like TikTok. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers invaluable lessons on branding, market expansion, and the art of customer engagement, all from the lens of a successful family-run business.

In episode 403 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Ted discuss:

• 00:00 - Building An Empire In The Outdoor Space
• 00:06 - Building A Global Brand Strategy
• 08:55 - Growth And Success Of The Family Business
• 10:04 - Division of Roles in Family Business
• 13:28 - Starting Over
• 19:04 - Customer Feedback and New Product Development
• 20:57 - Challenges of Forecasting and Inventory Management
• 28:48 - Lifetime Warranty and Customer Engagement
• 30:08 - Navigating Customer Service and Market Expansion
• 33:18 - Global Market for Outdoor Motorcycle Parts
• 37:03 - Creating a Strong Brand Identity
• 38:31 - Personalized Customer Service and Lifetime Warranty
• 44:10 - Customer Engagement and Brand Identity
• 45:05 - Workplace Understanding Through Hands-on Experience
• 49:51 - Identity-Based Marketing Discussion
• 49:55 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Join us for an insightful episode where we chat with Morgan Gist MacDonald, founder of Paper Raven Books. Morgan shares her extensive knowledge of the self-publishing process, helping authors transform their ideas into published works. Whether you're interested in writing children's books, personal stories, or professional guides, Morgan's expertise will guide you through every step. We also touch on our personal experiences, including my own West Texas jail story, which reinforced my entrepreneurial spirit, drawing parallels between the worlds of Amazon sellers, e-commerce, and book publishing.

Explore the ever-evolving landscape of book buying and reading habits, from the nostalgic days of Barnes & Noble to the rise of e-books and audiobooks with Amazon and Kindle. We discuss the resurgence of interest in physical books driven by platforms like TikTok and the growth of indie bookstores alongside Amazon's dominance. Discover how publishing a book can establish authority and credibility, with real-life examples of authors landing substantial consulting gigs through strategic book publishing.

Get inspired by the significance of preserving personal stories and experiences, and learn about the comprehensive process of book creation, from content development to publication and marketing strategies. Morgan and I discuss the financial aspects of indie publishing, highlighting the costs and potential profits, as well as the long-term benefits of building a backlist. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to publish a book and achieve greater success and independence in their literary endeavors.

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In episode 402 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Morgan discuss:

• 00:00 - Entrepreneurial Journey Through Publishing
• 07:18 - Entrepreneurial Journey to Book Editing Company
• 08:20 - The Impact of Book Publishing
• 14:00 - Leveraging Books for Client Acquisition
• 14:55 - Crafting a Purposeful Book
• 21:19 - Journey of Storytelling and Self-Discovery
• 23:15 - Curating Stories and Life Lessons
• 26:53 - Marketing Strategies for Successful Book Sales
• 32:51 - Importance of Book Marketing and Reviews
• 37:31 - Book Publishing Phases and Processes
• 40:19 - Book Publishing Costs and AI Impact
• 42:40 - Authors Playing the Long Game
• 48:36 - Publishing Process Overview and Checklist
• 49:36 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom