eCom@One with Richard Hill

With over 30 years of experience in the business world and 15 years as a leadership, mindset and public speaking coach, Tony Brooks has a wealth of experience supporting leaders in senior roles to be the best version of themselves. By focusing on mindset, he believes that individuals are more likely to succeed and thrive in their career. In this podcast, Tony dives into the critical topics of leadership, mindset and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. With an emphasis on the significance of recharging, avoiding burnout and nurturing a growth mindset, this conversation provides valuable insights for leaders within fast-paced industries like tech and eCommerce.  From strategies for handling negative self-talk to the art of public speaking and managing remote teams, this episode covers it all. Stay tuned for an enriching dialogue that explores the power of mindset in driving strategy, fostering team engagement and achieving personal and professional growth. Topics Covered 04:25 - Finding space, both physical and psychological. It is important for emotional regulation and decision-making. Leaders should prioritise reflection over reactive behaviour 07:33 - People need breaks to avoid burnout, leaders should prioritise their recharge and consider seeking support or delegating tasks 10:12 - The importance of building a strong leadership team to empower employees and allow the business owner to take time off 13:12 - Scaling a business requires investing in training and team growth 17:53 - Encouraging self-talk for struggling individuals in senior positions 19:53 - Recognising vulnerability and the power of conscious choice 25:30 - Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. It is important to avoid pushing people into a panic zone 26:17- Encourage gradual comfort zone expansion for personal and team growth and adapt to new technology 31:37 - Teams now working from anywhere, international teams and how to support them 32:53 - The pandemic pushed a mindset shift towards focusing on results over time worked and office presence 38:05 - How to improve public speaking 41:29 - Overcoming fear, enjoying the moment, and downplaying pressure for TEDx talk 42:49 - Importance of public speaking and persuasion for business growth 46:34 - Parenting style influences children's ability to speak for themselves; emphasises letting kids order for themselves at a young age 51:12 - AI journey enables greater work-life balance and creative opportunities in the future of business 54:59 - Understanding resilience and personal growth in business leadership 56:03 - Striving for consistency and coping with difficulty

Is cash really king? Of course it is! In this podcast episode Michael Appel, Managing Director at Getzler Henrich and Associates, discusses how to turnaround a failing business.  With over 40 years of experience leading and advising retail and consumer companies, working with the likes of Baccarat, Inc., Laura Ashley N.A., Caswell Massey, Ciro, Inc., MacKenzie-Childs, and Wilkes Bashford, Michael knows a thing or two about the challenges facing the retail industry. He shares invaluable insights on the challenges and successes of retail businesses, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and engaging with customers.  Michael discussed his opinion on the future of retail, how to turn around a failing company and protect your mindset during a stressful period. With a focus on innovation, product offerings, and financial restructuring, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for retailers navigating tough times. Tune in to future proof your business for longevity and scalability. Listen now!  Topics Covered 0:25 - Michael’s diverse and well respected career in retail  05:52 - How he has saved companies from liquidation 09:56 - Analysing cash flow, managing assets, understanding customers 11:06 - Retail requires understanding diverse customer segments 14:55 - Retailers adapting technology to stay competitive and profitable 18:01 - Analysing merchandise sales with predictive analytics 21:28 - How he managed an eCom business that struggled with sales  26:03 - Difficult to find the right people 28:41 - CEO from Target tried private labels at Bed Bath and Beyond 33:47 - Consumers engage in-store. Capturing feedback with focus groups and phone calls  34:28 - Research, analysis, and customer feedback are crucial 38:19 - Retailers need to focus on omnichannel eCommerce 40:52 - Lululemon focuses on customer experience and retention 45:30 - Excite consumers with newness and innovation 47:48 - Book recommendation

Steve Toth is the man behind seonotebooks.com and works with global companies around the world. He’s the man that took Freshbooks to rank position 1 for a 300,000 volume keyword, quadrupling organic traffic within a year.  This episode is dedicated to SEO (search engine optimisation), the latest core update and what that means for your business. He covers the heavily debated topic of AI and shares a tactic that very few people use when it comes to improving their organic rankings.  This conversation explores actionable strategies for improving SEO, the importance of staying updated with industry changes, and the impact of recent updates in the SEO and eCommerce space.  Join us as we uncover valuable tips and perspectives from a seasoned SEO professional.  Topics Covered 00:24 - Steve’s experience in SEO has spanned over 15 years 04:41 - Managing accounts and sharing actionable SEO tips 07:25 - Google cracking down on AI content abuse 10:10 - AI detecting and impacting website rankings significantly 15:52 - Use popular words from SERP for AI title 18:33 - Softwares to help automate SEO  23:10 - Similarities between eCom and SEO project plateau 24:48 - Brand building through digital PR improves click-through rate. 28:01 - Analysing current trends, using social media data 32:22 - Matt Diggity's SEO strategy for backlinks analysis 35:00 - High impression keywords with low search volume are valuable. Discover them in various places like Google Auto Suggest, customer data, and customer questions for SEO success 39:30 - Utilise Google Search Console for keyword optimisation 41:35 - Drive links to category pages for ranking 44:08 - Avoid being in trouble with Google by doing this

You can cut your costs and scale your eCommerce business at the same time. It’s all about prioritisation and actually focusing on what moves the needle.  In this episode of the eCom@One Podcast Benjamin Lang, Head of Northern Europe and Dach for Partnership at Shopify, delves deep into the rapidly changing world of eCommerce. He shares actionable insights from his portfolio of global clients.  Shopify is the leading platform for mid-sized eCommerce businesses, trusted by millions of companies worldwide. They work with some of the most well-known brands. Together, Richard and Ben discuss the need for a unified commerce experience, the importance of customer loyalty, the personalised brand experiences and the strategies and challenges of accelerating growth in the eCommerce space.  They also highlight the latest innovations and features released by Shopify, the complexities of replatforming and the evolving landscape of customer behaviour and regulations. He also touches on his experience as an Olympic athlete and how he uses those experiences to shape his future career.  Tune in to find out how you can overcome a plateau and the key tactics and trends that are shaping the eCommerce industry.

Paula Short is the ex Co-Founder of Beauty Boulevard, a successful cosmetics company that stocked products globally in stores, salons and airlines. After exiting the company in 2021, Paula went on a journey of self-discovery to become a Freelance Business Advisor focusing on strategic growth. As we navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the evolving landscape of consumer behaviour and the economic market, Paula shares her experience of exiting her successful business, Beauty Boulevard, and delves into the emotional journey of letting go.  From the impact of COVID-19 to the importance of understanding customer patterns and behaviours, Paula and Richard explore the value of seeking external expertise, taking breaks, and the significance of trusted consultants in guiding business growth.  Listen to this episode to hear about the raw truth of exiting a business and what happens after. Paula shares where many companies go wrong with their strategy, where to spend your marketing budget and how to improve your valuation.  Join us as we uncover the wisdom, practical advice, and personal experiences shared by Paula Short in this compelling episode. Topics Covered 00:20 - Proud achievement in business, sold shares before COVID 03:08 - Business shutdown despite successful showcase in NYC 09:12 - Business consultant with vast experience discusses strategies 10:07 - Know your customer and guide businesses to success  16:57 - Business ups and downs require trusted support 21:15 - Challenges of getting products into big stores 28:05 - Traveling to Europe and US trade shows 31:19 - Realising capabilities, enjoying self-investment and need for balance 35:11 - Embrace the present and notice the world around us 38:17 - Strategically target marketing, analyse customer data wisely 41:45 - Writing thoughts for better sleep, unlikely business sale 45:01 - Unfamiliar changes forced, but necessary for growth 46:42 - Maximising valuation post-sale and during COVID 49:34 - Investing in consultancy to help others succeed 52:47 - Connect with me on LinkedIn and book recommendation

Kalin Karakehayov is the Founder of Edoms, Seo.Domains and I.GY. With over 15 years of experience in Google SEO and link building, he has learnt a fair amount of tactics that actually impact results with link building and domains.  In this podcast, he shares some of the rarest strategies we have heard when it comes to improving your organic performance. From tried and tested solutions, Kalin shares what actually matters when you are trying to get Google to like you and make it appear on the first page of the search results.  He delves into the evolving landscape of PBNs (Private Blog Networks) and their relevance in modern SEO. He also discusses the intricacies of domain trading, unveiling the staggering numbers and strategies involved.  From discussing the impact of page redirects on domain and subpages to sharing valuable tips on valuing domain names and negotiating deals, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in eCommerce and SEO.  Topics Covered 00:10 - Kalin’s background in eCommerce, domains and link building  04:46 - Domains expire, requiring global tech responses daily 08:56 - Received cease and desist letter from Google 11:49 - Domain market relies on strategic pricing tactics 15:33 - Negotiation over domain name purchase and margin 18:31 - Key software for competitive advantage 21:30 - SEO changes and how eCom domains help  24:36 - Linking boosts product rank and trustworthiness 27:09 - Redirects are hit and miss for link building 31:43 - Having money gives more control over links 36:03 - Redirecting technique to increase page visibility in SEO 39:33 - Limit redirects to avoid SEO devaluation by Google 40:27 - Effort to redirect pages may be counterproductive 44:40 - Book recommendation

Mid-market merchants, do you feel lost and forgotten in a rapidly evolving eCommerce landscape?  Jason Nyhus, General Manager and President at Shopware, joins Richard in this episode to delve into the mid-market merchant world. He brings 20-years of expertise to the table, specialising in software development during his career. Shopware is a German born open source eCommerce platform that helps merchants increase their online sales.  Listen in to hear the key findings from the “Forgotten Mid-Market Report” - an unbiased piece of research funded by Shopware and conducted by Rick Watson. It explores those merchants stuck with a legacy platform and discusses how to evaluate solution providers and approaches, and which to consider in a selection set.  He shares crucial advice for eCommerce companies, especially the neglected mid-market segment and the impact of major acquisitions. Discover how technology can be leveraged to optimise customer experiences and increase the profitability of your business.  Jason also shares insights into the power of digital sales rooms and the importance of product roadmaps in the eCommerce space. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful conversation that could revolutionise the way your business approaches your online strategies. Topics Covered 0:23 - His 20 year journey in eCommerce that has led him to become the President of Shopware 04:14 - Online merchants should focus on complexity over revenue 07:53 - Report titled "Journey of the Mid Market Merchant". Unbiased research 10:54 - Key takeaways from the forgotten tech market 14:45 - Discussion about global channels 18:21 - Choosing software providers is confusing for merchants 22:54 - Advising on diverse products, securing funding for growth 26:59 - Upgrade to self-funding modern commerce platform 30:02 - Shopware seeks innovation, raises $100M in funding  31:42 - Complex statement simplifies experiences, revamps digital sales 35:45 - How to connect with Jason and his book recommendation 

Are you interested in outsourcing and building global teams? If the answer is yes, this podcast episode is for you.  Janus Basnov is the Chief Sales Officer at Aristo Sourcing. They help entrepreneurs and businesses grow their business by sourcing high-quality and a cost-effective workforce. Listen to this conversation as they delve into the world of event organisation and hiring.  He discusses the highs and lows of event organisation, the impact of learning from industry experts and the benefits of outsourcing talent globally. Richard and Janus have an honest and frank conversation about the nuances of managing outsourced teams, how to make sure they deliver high-quality work and treating them as part of the team. If you are on the fence about international outsourcing, listen in.  Janus organises one of the biggest SEO conferences in the world, so he definitely knows a thing or two about managing an event at scale. He shares strategies to help you secure sponsorship and attract the right ICPs to your events.  Sit back and relax as we dive straight into the world of eCommerce, events and outsourcing with Janus Basnov on the eCom@One Podcast. Topics Covered 00:24 - Janus discusses outsourcing talent and building a strong work culture in ecommerce 05:53 - Janus describes encountering diverse professionals in unconventional work environments 07:49 - COVID has changed recruitment, with access to a larger talent pool worldwide 10:51 - South Africa new to outsourcing, benefits to working from home, lower salaries, Philippines experienced in remote work 13:23 - Identify low-value tasks for outsourcing, followed by hiring sales development representatives in South Africa 16:04 - Focus on bookkeeping skills; coach sales employees initially 22:09 - Seeking out qualified candidates by thorough assessment and a unique approach 26:05 - Outsources payment and team management 30:04 - Entrepreneurial community conferences in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were impactful 34:30 - Emphasising networking and sharing for success 36:18 - Discussing business challenges and benefits of networking in a diverse group. Resulted in a new business initiative 40:29 - Advice on making small adjustments for big impact 42:00 - Encouraging words about attending events despite nervousness 45:59 - Have a strong team, expect mistakes and be flexible 48:57 - Industry-specific outdoor event sponsorship tips and advice 51:37 - Attending conferences recharges and inspires business owners 54:19 - The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart is a life-changing book about living by chance

In this episode, Richard Hill sits down with Dan Temple, Director and Lead Trainer at Cobalt Human Solutions. By focusing on the most important element of your business, your staff, they take the Human Factors learning from safety critical industries such as aviation and healthcare and apply it to your business, regardless of industry. Humans are invariably highly motivated, trained and skilled people yet they make mistakes. Cobalt doesn't help organisations come to the conclusion it was 'human error', it helps them work out why the error was made in the first place through engagement and training. Richard and Dan explore the essential qualities of effective leadership and the impact of employee engagement on business performance. Dan, with nearly 20 years of military experience, offers valuable insights on cultivating a supportive and resilient team culture, discussing the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and nurturing individual strengths.  Join us as we delve into the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can drive organisational success and employee wellbeing. Save the headache and support your team today. Topics Covered 00:20 - Understanding human behaviour and teaching human factors 06:01 - How Dan’s Military experience translates to the corporate world, using stories to connect with others emotionally 13:44 - Reflecting on biases and seeking self-awareness 18:05 - Change and repeating past mistakes 26:15 - Questioning discrepancies between training and actual performance and understanding employee behavior 34:02 - Curious, active team members use Slack frequently. 38:40 - Encouragement for young leaders to invest in people and reflection for business success 41:51- Focus on incremental motivation and common aim for team success 51:19 - Dan’s wife becomes Assistant Head at a school in Lincoln City after a competitive interview. Emphasizes the importance of people in leadership 54:06 - Supporting team members struggling with mental health is important for leaders 01:02:23 - Book recommendation 

TikTok is changing buying habits and this can’t be ignored In this episode, Rowan Payne chats to Dave Morrissey (Head of Lifestyle Retail and eCommerce at TikTok) and Liam Phillips (Head of Partnerships at TikTok Shop). They talk about how businesses are using one of the fastest growing platforms in the UK right now to grow their revenue online.  They head straight into how TikTok is quickly becoming a master at end to end shopping experiences, how businesses can leverage human to human connection to increase their return on investment, and why TikTok Shop and Ads are quickly becoming a match made in heaven.  TiKTok is revolutionising the relationship between creators, brands and consumers. Find out how this social media channel is shifting to a shopping hub and what that means for you. There is ample opportunity for eCommerce brands to leverage consumer behaviour changes to be successful on TikTok.  Sit back and listen as Dave and Liam share valuable insights to help you grow your business. Topics Covered 00:40 - Their responsibilities at TikTok 06:14 - The evolution of TikTok’s perception since breaking into UK market 09:36 - TikTok's user experience and eCommerce improvements. Learning from different markets. 10:34 - TikTok Shop allows creators to pin products. It builds trust and brand awareness for eCommerce companies 15:57 - TikTok breaks down the screen-viewer barrier, facilitates purchases, unique experiences, and handles payment gateways 22:24 - Discussion on the importance of the real people element in marketing, using various platforms and creators for better results 24:12 - How the US and China shops differ from the UK 27:31 - Shops target specific niches for better results 31:51 - Content needs to be entertaining for viral success 37:32 - The history of visual perception  38:56 - Discussing the impact of diverse reading, fashion trends, and influence on social media algorithms from historical context 42:38 - Book recommendations 

In this episode, Richard sits down with Paul Jarrett, CEO of Bulu, a company that specialises in shipping subscription boxes for established brands. Paul shares insights on the challenges and successes of getting into eCommerce, particularly with their transition into the subscription box business.  From solving shipment and technology challenges to catching the attention of big brands, Paul offers valuable advice on adding excitement and personalisation to the subscription box delivery experience. The discussion also delves into the importance of logistics, customer retention strategies and future trends in subscription services.  If you're interested in the world of eCommerce and the future of subscription models, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Listen now! Topics Covered 00:20 - Retaining clients for subscriptions and strategies for standing out in the crowded marketplace 04:02 - From nothing to 60,000 subscribers, the journey and challenges of Bulu Box 09:22 - Enabling brands to reach diverse sales channels, focus on independent retailers over Amazon and Shopify 12:02 - Some fulfillment companies built on Uber-like models facing frustration and education leading to demand for flexibility 22:51 - Reflect, reevaluate and plan for future success 24:55 - Logistics costs are high, transparency is important 28:39 - Customer feedback, subscription balance, CAC to LTV ratio

It’s time to automate those tasks that are killing your time. In this episode, Ciaran Duffy, Director at Rackzone, discusses warehouse management, third-party logistics and innovation. Rackzone is a business that provides storage solutions such as shelving, pallet racking and storage bins, to private and commercial clients in the UK and Ireland.  With over 13 years of experience in this industry, Ciaran has seen all the changes and advancements in this area of eCommerce. That’s why we invited him on the podcast, to share his years of experience with you.  Richard and Ciaran delve into the world of warehousing, discussing the impact of automation and technology investment. He shares his experience, challenges and strategies in growing his own eCommerce business. Listen for valuable insights into his company’s growth, expansion into new markets, implementation of new tools and tactics. With a real focus on innovation, efficiency and adapting to industry trends, this episode promises an engaging discussion on growing a business in a very specific niche and the rise of automation in warehouse management. Listen now! Topics Covered 00:12: Ciaran discusses his journey in eCommerce, warehousing and logistics  06:13- Automation in eCommerce: various types of systems for efficient warehouse operations 09:51 - Consider long-term investment in ERP for business growth and expansion 11:14 - Clients initially hesitant, then expand to larger spaces due to comfort with change. Company also expanded due to space constraints. 18:24 - Considerations for commercial space and investment, especially in relation to lease commitments and market downturns 23:28 - Seizing new opportunities in planning and relationships, referencing past experiences with currency rates and suggesting potential price increases 24:52 - Warehouse configuration for maximising space and efficiency 28:32 - eCommerce business targeting niche, website success and tech stack 32:52 - Influencers must be professional and deliver quality content 34:51 - Utilise technology, including ERP systems and AI, for successful eCommerce operations 37:27 - Book recommendation 

In this episode, Richard is joined by Adam Chronister, Chief Executive Officer of Enleaf. They are a successful agency that focuses on digital marketing, website design, and eCommerce. Their goal is to help emerging businesses strengthen their online presence through innovative and fast-paced marketing strategies.  After meeting at an Irish Bar in Chiang Mai during the world’s biggest SEO conference, Richard and Adam pledged to have a chat about all things AI and that’s what they’ve done. Listen as they share their insights from this conference. They delve into the significant changes in SEO, the impact of AI technologies in eCommerce, and the importance of staying ahead in the industry. Adam offers advice on self-education, key industry trends, and the upcoming SEO conferences and events.  Adam explores the role of AI in content creation, technical SEO challenges, and the tools they use to tackle them.  Join Richard and Adam as they navigate the ever-evolving world of eCommerce and digital marketing, providing valuable insights for businesses aiming to thrive in the online marketplace. Topics Covered 00:15 - Adam’s journey in agency world  05:07 - SEO challenges and competitive niches - how to aim for page 1 ranking 07:18 - Using AI to remove the repetitive and time-consuming tasks in eCommerce. Use customised and optimised templated prompts  10:55 - Use tools for better results in search engine optimisation by building in-depth topical authority maps for keywords 17:56 - Why Adam was inspired to write an ebook 20:34 - Using videos for eCommerce, suggesting that some videos can be made without needing a Videographer or Producer 25:34 - Shopify control, custom scripting for load time optimisation, WordPress server-side percentage, website structure impact on crawling 28:55 - Focus on AI adoption for content improvement and levelling the playing field in PPC 30:09 - Google prioritises AI-generated content for being "helpful," but struggles to index sites accurately, causing challenges for SEO professionals 32:45 - Everyone can create more content using multimedia. Google maintains control over page rank and other aspects despite the increase in content. Focus on high-quality backlinks and increasing content without additional cost. 36:13 - Stay informed, analyse competition and self-educate. 39:14 - Favourite book: The Law of Success in 16 lessons

Brand vs Marketing, what’s the difference? In this episode, Richard Hill is joined by the Founder of Identity Agency, Thomas Atkins. He delves deep into the process of branding, how you need to constantly adapt to stay relevant and the importance of creating touch points that resonate with your customers. Identity Agency works with brands to help them grow online with a consistent brand image. As a Business Owner, Thomas is very much aware of the challenges of running a company. In this honest and frank discussion, he shares how he handles loneliness and his mental health. Listen to find out how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, develop customer service strategies that delight customers and how work life balance is a myth. It’s time to humanise your brand and connect with your customers at a deeper level. Topics Covered 00:00 - How and why Thomas entered the world of branding  04:49 - Navigating uncertainty as an Agency Owner 07:29 - The importance of branding  10:23 - How to differentiate your brand in a competitive marketplace 14:23 - Humanising business through visual content improves consumer connection and differentiation 17:57 - Consistency across brand touch points is crucial for success. It's easy to neglect maintenance and updates in the excitement of a rebrand or new website 21:08 - eCommerce Owners must invest in strong customer service to compete with tech giants like Amazon 24:59 - Advocates for branding as foundation for growth and marketing 28:45 - Network with diverse Business Owners for support and friendship to alleviate stress 32:15 - Business Owner suggests happy work-life blend over balance for personal satisfaction and adaptation to individual needs 33:18 - Learning to balance work and personal life is important 36:44 - Seeking talented designer to lead and grow their own department within business 40:19 - Book recommendation 

Richard Hill is joined by Brad Houldsworth , a seasoned eCommerce professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing. As the Director of Sales and Strategy at Remarkable Commerce, Brad is responsible for the innovation instilled in the agency, sales and marketing activities, leading the team and onboarding multi million pound clients.  In this podcast, Brad shares valuable insights into eCommerce strategies and technological usage. If you are struggling with deciding which sales channels to stock your products on, this episode is for you. Listing on other channels that aren’t just your website will boost customer acquisition, loyalty and enhance your data capture.  Choosing the right technology for your business can be a minefield, it is the reason your sales skyrocket or plummet. Brad shares the significance in deciding your tech stack, emphasing efficiency, understanding customer behaviour and demographics, and leveraging data profitably.  So listen to this podcast to explore the ever changing eCommerce landscape with actual real life insights from somebody who has spent years in the trenches. Real data backed by evidence.

In this episode Ben Leonard, Entrepreneur, Ecom Consultant, Founder, Author and Speaker of a multitude of businesses, discusses how he started a business from a laptop in a cupboard, grew it to a seven-figure brand and exited after three years. And he shares how you can do it too!  Ben shares a wide range of topics from manufacturing in Vietnam, maximising valuations and the importance of timing when exiting your business. Find out the challenges he has faced during his career journey and he overcame them.  From manufacturing and branding to the intricacies of selling a business, Richard and Ben share valuable insights and key takeaways for anyone in eCommerce. Listen to the full episode now! 

In this episode, Tim Loughlin, Chief Financial Officer at Salesfire, delves deep into the world of finance and business management. As a Commercial CFO working in the SaaS arena with fast growing companies, he has a wealth of experience that he shares with our listeners.  From the daily habit of checking your bank account before making a cup of tea, to the importance of cash flow management and the impact of interest rate changes, Richard and Tim share valuable insights for business owners and managers. They discuss the challenges and strategies of international expansion, the significance of benchmarking, and offer expert advice on metrics for analysing company performance and navigating market fluctuations. They also explore the dynamics of seeking investment or selling a business, emphasising the importance of due diligence and financial metrics. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone in the world of eCommerce. With years in accounting, investment and finance, Tim is more than qualified to share his advice on money with our listeners. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn from the best in the industry!

In this episode Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, Founders of Bird and Blend Tea, share their mission as a purpose-driven company that focuses on sustainability and making an impact. They are a B Corp Certified, independent, award winning company that have a goal of spreading happiness around the world with their selection of delicious teas.  They have built their multi-million pound company from the ground up, starting from their bedroom to selling their product at markets to operating an online store, 180+ staff and 17 stores (and counting!). Krisi and Mike keep people and the planet at the forefront of their decision making, which is why Bird and Blend is leading the way in tea innovation!  Mike and Krisi join Richard on the podcast to discuss the rollercoaster journey of building their business from an idea to a thriving omnichannel store, how they navigate the constant challenges in the world of eCommerce and why they became B Corp Certified.  With over 100 specialist teas, they give you an insight into their product offering and how they keep things fresh and tasting fruity. Are you wondering if a subscription based model is for you? Listen to their experience so you can make informed decisions on this pricing method.  Find out how they approach customer segmentation, marketing and the immersive in-store experiences to keep customers coming back, From sustainability to business ownership, Krisi and Mike play to their strengths to keep this business thriving. A real story of a product and business with purpose. No greenwashing, just pure heart. 

In this episode Carrianne Dukes, Senior Marketing Manager at eComOne, dives deep into the world of partnerships, relationship building and the power of podcasting for eCommerce brands. With over three years of growing and commercialising the eCom@One podcast under her belt, she knows a thing or three about the challenges facing this media channel.  Carrianne has built eComOne’s partnership strategic ecosystem. Partnering with leading tech companies such as, Sendcloud, BigCommerce, Salesfire, Klaviyo, Reviews.io and Prisync, has elevated the eComOne brand and added heaps of value for their eCommerce clients.  Listen to this conversation as Richard and Carrianne have an honest chat about the mistakes which hindered the growth of the podcast and cost them time. Hear about the importance of building meaningful partnerships and how you can do this too.  They explore the challenges of commercialising podcasts and partnerships to generate a return and whether it’s worth the time investment. If you are interested in starting your own podcast or hit a plateau with growth, this podcast episode is for you.  Actionable tips, unfiltered insights and learnings to help Marketers elevate their brand and stop making the same mistakes they made. Grab your headphones and enjoy! Topics Covered 0:30 - From client side to managing the marketing for the agency 03:26  The importance of building partnerships in business 07:40 - How to build trust in marketing 10:23 - Carrianne talks about one of the most costly mistakes she made when building out the partnership ecosystem 15:20 - How consistency and commitment in podcasting is critical  16:47 - Interviewing experts, gaining industry insights, making connections and driving business change with podcasting 22:19 - Just start. The journey of the eCom@One Podcast and how to start your own  23:29 - Tips for securing and sourcing the right guests for the podcast  27:33 - Winning sponsorship and ways to commercialise the podcast to enable growth 33:00- The biggest mistake Carrianne made which hindered the growth of the podcast  39:11 - The number one skill every marketing manager should focus on developing 40:11 - Book recommendation

In this episode, Theo Roberts, Account Manager here at eComOne, shares how every eCommerce brand can leverage online tactics to retain their customers for years to come. From working with Sony Music Entertainment to scaling seven and eight figure brands, Theo knows a thing or two about customer value optimisation (CVO).  Throughout this discussion, Theo sheds light on the importance of nurturing existing customers and optimising customer value in the competitive world of eCommerce. They delve into strategies for customer retention, the potential of AI technology in revolutionising automation and CVO strategies and the significance of tailored messaging to enhance the shopping experience.  Listen to this episode as they explore takeaways from Theo's journey and his insights into CVO, email marketing, and the integration of SEO to drive traffic and improve digital marketing. Stay tuned for valuable insights and practical strategies to elevate your eCommerce game. Topics Covered 3:37 - Working with the stars. From working in a media agency to becoming a teacher to working for eComOne 07:48 - CVO, email, and customer data in context of implementing tactics 12:02 - Segment customers for targeted marketing based on their purchase history  14:13 - Increasing customer lifetime value  21:56 - Using overlays for targeted messages based on customer reviews - positive and negative 23:14 - Summarising the text: Discussing successful email marketing campaigns and the importance of a human element and emotional appeal in reaching customers 27:37 - The importance of investing in deep customer segmentation and nurturing existing customers through marketing automation with Klaviyo 32:52 - The impact of personalised messaging and added value in purchasing decisions 36:24 - Using AI for business growth, open with clients, invest in tech and AI, and convince others to adopt AI 38:20 - Analysing open rates; targeting engaged audiences for campaign success. 40:24 - Flows and automations to scale your email efforts   44:03 - Emphasise emotional connection with customers through product benefits 45:00 - Book recommendation