Articles & Podcast Episodes

Talk-Commerce Kay Collier

The Art of Letter Writing: A Conversation with Kay Collier

Hello everyone, I’m your host of Talk Commerce Today, and I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kay Collier, also known as Kathryn Hastings. Kay is an artist and the proud owner of a stationery and wax seal business, Kathryn Hastings & Company. Our conversation was filled with laughter, insights, and a shared interest in handwritten letters. Let’s dive into the details.

The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company

Kay’s journey into the world of stationery and wax seals is a fascinating one. She has always been a letter writer, with a deep love for historic letters and objects. Her studies in art history and studio art further fueled her passion for history and art. About a decade ago, she discovered antique seals and the rich history behind them.

During the pandemic, she decided to share her collection and thus, Kathryn Hastings & Company was born. Here, she sells handmade seals and designs her own modern seals. She believes that these objects are meant to be used and even offers a free course on using and caring for antique seals.

The Dichotomy of Being an Artist and an Entrepreneur

One of the interesting topics we discussed was the dichotomy between being an artist and an entrepreneur. Kay explained that while they are different, they can coexist. She also shared her interest in antique typewriters and how they fit into the handwritten genre. She owns a beautiful Smith Corona typewriter from the 1930s and knows a calligrapher friend who also uses a typewriter. The choice between handwriting and typewriters, she believes, depends on the individual’s personal preferences and the time period they are inspired by.

Monetizing Passion: The Journey of Kathryn Hastings & Company

Kay’s journey of monetizing her business is inspiring. She applied for an entrepreneur contest by Birchbox in 2019, and although she didn’t win, it planted the seed of starting her own business. She spent a year planning and in March 2020, she started sharing her seals and letters. The timing coincided with the pandemic, and many people were looking for a way to connect with others and have a break from technology.

Platforms for Sharing Passion

Kay uses various platforms to share her passion for letter writing and antique seals. She has an Instagram account where she shares her artwork and teaches about antique seals and letter-writing techniques. She also has a weekly podcast that explores interesting historical topics through the lens of letters. Additionally, Kay has a newsletter called “The Epistolary” that delves into contemplative ideas on living a more connected life.

The Importance of Handwriting

Our conversation also touched on the importance of handwriting. Kay emphasized the uniqueness and personal expression that handwriting represents, encouraging people to embrace their own style. She also mentioned the importance of cursive writing for brain development and suggested that handwriting can be a relaxing and mindful practice.

The Role of AI in Letter Writing

We also discussed the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in letter writing. Kay believes that while AI can make us more efficient and thoughtful, it’s important to know when to use the tool and when not to. She advises considering the recipient’s preferences and what you want to share with them when using AI for letter writing.

The Personal Touch of Handwritten Letters

In closing, Kay encouraged listeners to subscribe to her newsletter for practical letter writing tools and to take the time to write and send letters to deepen their relationships with others. Our conversation highlighted the benefits and limitations of using AI tools for letter writing and emphasized the personal touch and thoughtfulness of handwritten letters.

In a world where digital communication is the norm, Kay Collier reminds us of the beauty and personal touch of handwritten letters. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the art of letter writing, there’s a lot to learn from Kay’s journey and insights.

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Mile in My Shoes: A Beacon of Social Entrepreneurship and Community Transformation

Explore how Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) is changing lives and communities through the power of running. Learn about our mission, impact, and how you can be a part of this transformative journey.

Talk-Commerce Ivan Palii

Unleashing the Power of SEO and Content Marketing with Ivan Palii

Hello everyone, I’m Brent, your host, and in this blog post, I’m going to share some valuable insights from a recent podcast episode where I had an enlightening conversation with Ivan Palii, a seasoned digital marketer. We delved into the world of SEO and content marketing, discussing their differences and similarities and how to align them for better results.

Meet Ivan Palii: The Digital Marketer

Ivan Palii is a digital marketer with a wealth of experience in driving traffic for SaaS products. When he’s not busy strategizing and implementing digital marketing plans, you can find him playing football, swimming, spending quality time with his family, or engrossed in an interesting book.

SEO vs Content Marketing: The Similarities and Differences

During our conversation, Ivan explained the similarities and differences between SEO and content marketing. Both strategies aim to drive traffic and acquire customers for businesses, but they approach this goal differently.

SEO focuses on optimizing content to meet Google’s requirements, while content marketing zeroes in on the needs of the target audience. SEO primarily relies on keyword research, while content marketing builds a content plan based on the audience’s interests.

While SEO typically posts content only on the website, content marketing utilizes various platforms like YouTube, Medium, and Reddit. Ivan emphasized that content marketing focuses on both acquiring and retaining customers, while SEO primarily focuses on acquiring new customers.

Content marketing offers a variety of content types, such as tweets, LinkedIn posts, and videos, while SEO often focuses on long articles. Lastly, Ivan discussed the different methods of promoting content, with SEO relying on outreach and guest posting, while content marketing utilizes social networks, PPC campaigns, influencer marketing, and email newsletters.

Aligning SEO and Content Marketing for Better Results

Ivan shared some valuable tips on how to approach keyword research and working with content writers. He suggests starting with ideas that will be interesting to your audience and then optimizing the content to be liked by Google.

He advises against being too specific with keyword requirements and instead giving more freedom to authors, as it allows for more creativity. Ivan also discussed the importance of measuring the success of different channels and focusing on those that bring in new trials and sales.

Leveraging Multiple Channels and Tools

Ivan emphasized the value of using multiple channels and creating content in different formats, as it is more cost-effective than creating entirely new content. He mentioned using tools like SEO Checker to engage in both the content and SEO sides of marketing.

He explained how they use data studies and expert polls to create valuable content and leverage the expertise of others to grow their social media presence. He also highlighted the importance of building trust and authority with Google to rank higher in search results.

Growing Your SEO: Tips and Tricks

For those looking to grow their SEO, Ivan suggests starting with keyword research and creating a plan for landing pages, while also focusing on content. He shared his insights on how to acquire customers and generate sales through valuable content.

He emphasized the importance of publishing content on multiple platforms, such as personal websites and Medium, to leverage recommendation systems and attract a wider audience. Ivan also highlighted the strategy of using stable Google traffic to convert users to other resources, such as YouTube channels.

The Importance of Audience-Centric Content

I agreed with Ivan’s point about expanding beyond one’s own site and utilizing platforms like Medium and LinkedIn articles to build authority and drive traffic. I added that it’s crucial to create content that caters to the audience’s needs and preferences, rather than solely focusing on SEO. I suggested that new content creators seek help from experts or editors to improve the quality and performance of their content.

Building Authority and Trust with Google

Ivan further explained that having publications on different platforms and websites enhances one’s expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in the eyes of Google. This, in turn, positively impacts website rankings.

In conclusion, SEO and content marketing are two sides of the same coin. They can support each other and when used correctly, can drive significant traffic and sales for your business. So, start aligning your SEO and content marketing strategies today for better results.

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Talk-Commerce Lior Pozin

The Dropshipping Revolution: How to Stay Ahead of the Competition and Boost Sales with Lior Pozin

As a podcaster, I am privileged to engage with some of the most innovative minds in various industries. In one of my recent episodes, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lior Pozin, the co-founder and CEO of AutoDS, a leading ecommerce dropshipping platform. This blog post is a deep dive into our enlightening conversation about dropshipping, its trends, and valuable tips for merchants.

Meet Lior Pozin: The Man Behind AutoDS

Lior Pozin is not just the co-founder and CEO of AutoDS, but also a seasoned drop shipper with over 14 years of experience in ecommerce. AutoDS is an all-in-one ecommerce dropshipping platform that assists drop shippers with product finding, pricing, stock monitoring, inventory management, and automatic order fulfillment across various selling channels like eBay, Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy.

Understanding Dropshipping: A New Age Fulfillment Method

Our conversation began with Lior explaining the concept of dropshipping and how it differs from direct shipping from a warehouse. Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where products are sold without being held in inventory. When a buyer places an order in an ecommerce store, the product is shipped directly from the supplier to the end consumer. This eliminates the need for inventory and allows for on-demand shipping, making it a preferred choice for many ecommerce businesses.

As we delved deeper into the world of dropshipping, Lior shed light on the current trends in the market. He emphasized that while the shipping domain is wide and constantly changing, dropshipping remains a constant in different variations. A significant shift he highlighted was the increasing use of platforms like Shopify for dropshipping, where organic traffic from social media sites like TikTok and Instagram Reels is being harnessed for advertising. This trend has made it easier for people to venture into dropshipping.

The Evolution of Dropshipping Businesses

Lior also shared his insights on the evolution of businesses based solely on dropshipping. He stressed the importance of branding in dropshipping and suggested rebranding products by shipping them to a warehouse in China before sending them to the end consumer. With the rise in customer acquisition costs, he recommended exploring multichannel dropshipping to expand reach.

Leveraging Social Media for Dropshipping

Lior highlighted the opportunities presented by short-form content platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where dropshippers can generate traffic and sales without relying on influencers. He advised dropshippers to be creative and replicate successful videos on these platforms. Interestingly, he also mentioned that influencers themselves can easily create ecommerce brands by importing products from their niche and promoting them on their accounts.

Successful Products and AutoDS’s Offerings

When asked about successful products, Lior mentioned the popularity of Christmas lamps, creative lamps with different figures, Christmas slippers, and massage guns. He concluded the interview by inviting listeners to follow him on Instagram and visit AutoDS’s website for assistance with dropshipping, including product finding and education. He mentioned that registering on the site provides a 30-day free trial and access to full features, including free shipping to any selling channels.

Wrapping Up

Lior Pozin’s insights and recommendations for drop shippers are invaluable. He emphasized the importance of branding, exploring multichannel dropshipping, and leveraging social media platforms for advertising. His advice is a testament to his expertise and passion for ecommerce, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in dropshipping.

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What is Acheta Powder

What is Acheta (Cricket) Powder and Why Should You Consider Using It?

Acheta powder, made from ground crickets, contains essential amino acids for a complete protein source alongside healthy fats, vitamins/minerals, fiber and more – making this nutrient-dense superfood worth exploring.

Resale Revelation: How Brands Are Tapping Into Secondhand with Bianca Tarantowicz

Resale Revelation: How Brands Are Tapping Into Secondhand with Bianca Tarantowicz

In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Bianca Tarantowicz from Recurate, a software-as-a-service company that helps brands enable their resale channel directly on their website. Alongside my co-host Madeleine, we delved into the world of branded resale, discussing its potential and how brands can leverage this growing market.

Meet Bianca, The Director of Brand Success at Recurate

Bianca, the Director of Brand Success at Recurate, is passionate about helping brands onboard and effectively communicate the benefits of branded resale to their customers. She is based in New York, specifically on Long Island, and has a background in competitive ballet dancing, which she believes has shaped her work ethic and who she is today.

The Power of Branded Resale

Bianca shed light on the challenges and excitement of implementing a resale strategy within a brand. She emphasized the importance of involving various departments, such as sustainability, e-commerce, and operations, to maximize the potential of resale. According to Bianca, brands can tap into their inventory and engage with customers by offering quality products at a fair price point.

The Rise of Secondhand Buying

Bianca and Madeleine discussed the growing acceptance of secondhand buying among shoppers and the convenience of online resale platforms. Bianca explained that Recurate ensures the legitimacy of the products before they go live on their platform. She also acknowledged that while there may be some hesitation from luxury brands to engage in resale, technology like digital ID can help authenticate luxury items.

The Impact of Fast Fashion

The conversation also touched on the concept of fast fashion, which refers to quickly produced, low-cost, and low-quality clothing that follows trends. Bianca explained that fast fashion poses challenges for resale due to its short lifespan and lower quality.

The Future of Innovation in the Sales Space

Bianca highlighted the concept of digital ID and the ability for consumers to track the lifecycle of their products as the future of innovation in the sales space. She also mentioned the potential for advancements in cleaning and repair technology, as well as the growth of peer-to-peer services and community-based collaborations.

The Success of Mansur Gavriel and the Dream of Landing Cult Gaia

Bianca mentioned the success of Mansur Gavriel, a handbag company that has embraced timelessness and authenticity in their products. She also revealed her “white whale,” or the brand she would love to land for Recurate, as Cult Gaia, a brand known for their funky and fun handbags.

The Benefits of a “Takeback” Program

Brent asked Bianca about a “takeback” program, where customers can trade in their pre-loved items for a gift card, and the brand can resell those items. Bianca explained how this program works and the benefits it offers.

Final Thoughts

In closing, Bianca emphasized the importance of brands embracing the resale market and the potential it holds for the future of retail. She encourages brands to consider the benefits of resale, not only for their bottom line but also for the environment and their customers.

In the world of retail, the future is resale, and brands that embrace this trend will be at the forefront of the industry.

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