Podcasts

Revolutionizing E-commerce: The Power of AI-Driven Product Information Management

In this enlightening episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Schafer, CEO of Digital Wave Technology. Our conversation delved deep into the transformative world of AI-driven product information management and its profound impact on e-commerce. Lori’s expertise shed light on how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way brands and retailers bring products to market.

The Essence of AI-Driven Product Information Management

Lori introduced us to the concept of “all things product,” emphasizing how Digital Wave Technology combines master data about products with AI and generative AI content. She highlighted the importance of full automation in e-commerce, explaining how their AI-native platform on an analytical database can process high volumes of data rapidly. This approach enables businesses to bring products to market quickly and incorporate consumer data seamlessly into the e-commerce process.

Exploring the Automation of Mundane Tasks

One of the key insights Lori shared was the role of AI in automating mundane tasks, allowing e-commerce teams to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work. She provided several examples of how AI is being practically applied in the industry:

  1. Generating product content in brand voice
  2. Automatic attribution of product features
  3. SEO optimization through AI-suggested attributes
  4. Summarizing and incorporating customer reviews into product descriptions
  5. Creating advertising content, including images and taglines

The Impact of AI-Driven Product Information Management on E-commerce

Lori emphasized how this technology is changing the e-commerce landscape. By automating time-consuming tasks, businesses can significantly improve their efficiency and speed to market. Moreover, the integration of consumer data and AI-driven insights allows for more personalized shopping experiences and targeted marketing efforts. This shift is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating a more engaging and relevant shopping experience for consumers.

Listener Questions and Insights

Q: How important is the analytical part of AI compared to generative AI in e-commerce?

A: Lori stressed the importance of combining both generative and numerical AI for optimal results. While generative AI handles text and voice, analytical AI is crucial for tasks like price optimization, inventory management, and demand forecasting. The integration of these two aspects is essential for providing the best answers and experiences for individual consumers.

Q: What new technologies, besides AI, will impact how shoppers behave?

A: Lori highlighted several emerging technologies:

  • Blockchain for product traceability and sustainability tracking
  • Advanced voice technology for website interactions
  • Augmented and virtual reality for try-on experiences and product visualization

From Bits to Benefits: Harnessing AI for E-commerce Excellence

As we concluded our discussion, it became clear that AI-driven product information management is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift in how businesses approach e-commerce. By leveraging these tools, companies can create more efficient operations, deliver more personalized experiences, and ultimately drive growth in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace.

WordPress Tags: AI in e-commerce, product information management, digital retail, automation, personalization, blockchain, voice technology, augmented reality, virtual reality

Transforming Excess into Impact: A Conversation with Diz Petit of LiquiDonate

As the host of Talk Commerce, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many innovators in the e-commerce space. Recently, I sat down with Disney Petit, the co-founder and CEO of LiquiDonate, for a fascinating discussion about sustainable social impact and the innovative ways her company is addressing excess inventory challenges.

From Postmates to Purpose-Driven Innovation

Disney’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Before founding LiquiDonate, she was an early employee at Postmates, where she wore many hats – from customer service to sales to product management. What stood out to me was her commitment to creating products that truly served the needs of users, whether they were restaurant staff or customers.

One of Disney’s most impactful projects at Postmates was the development of food security products. She shared, “We leveraged our existing infrastructure, which was third-party food delivery, to build food security products that made a difference for people in the communities in which we lived and worked.”

This experience laid the foundation for what would become LiquiDonate, expanding the concept of matching excess resources with those in need beyond just food.

LiquiDonate: A New Approach to Excess Inventory

What struck me most about LiquiDonate’s model is its elegant simplicity in solving a complex problem. Disney explained, “We’ve built this matching software that’s able to say, okay, you want to do this return, set a pickup window for the time that you’re available to pick it up. And then our software will automatically schedule a pickup from a third-party courier service who’s able to accommodate the size of this item and deliver it directly to a nonprofit from our database.”

This approach not only benefits retailers by reducing reverse logistics costs but also ensures that usable items find their way to those who need them most, rather than ending up in landfills.

The Impact of Thoughtful Donations

During our conversation, I was particularly moved by Disney’s insights into the types of donations that make the most significant impact. She highlighted three categories:

  1. Consumer packaged goods (CPG)
  2. Furniture
  3. Shoes

As someone who has been involved in charitable work, I could immediately see the value in these categories. Disney shared a touching example: “To just see that somebody who has maybe been experiencing a difficult time in life for, you know, years to see them get their first apartment and have it furnished with furniture from Room and Board that was all donated. It’s super high-quality furniture that is going to last a long time and really provides a lot of dignity and respect for these folks to step into this new life that they have.”

Challenges and Future Goals

One of the most interesting parts of our discussion was when I asked Disney about her frustrations. She highlighted the disconnect between executive teams and warehouse managers in larger companies. This disconnect often leads to a lack of recognition of the real issues surrounding returns and excess inventory.

Looking to the future, Disney shared an ambitious goal: “We want to like be responsible for a landfill closing.” This vision of diverting so much waste that a landfill becomes unnecessary is both bold and inspiring.

The Power of Unrestricted Grants

As we wrapped up our conversation, Disney made a passionate plea for unrestricted grants to nonprofits. This resonated with me, as I’ve seen firsthand through my work with Mile in My Shoes how crucial flexibility can be for organizations doing impactful work.

Disney emphasized, “If you are considering doing a philanthropic donation of cash to a nonprofit organization, please consider doing it unrestricted because it’s really important that the people who are working at these places doing this life-changing work have access to spend the money the way that they see fit.”

What next?

My conversation with Disney Petit was a reminder of the incredible potential for technology to solve real-world problems. LiquiDonate’s innovative approach to matching excess inventory with nonprofits in need is not just good for business – it’s good for our communities and our planet.

As we continue to grapple with issues of waste and resource allocation in the e-commerce world, leaders like Disney offer a hopeful vision for the future. Her work demonstrates that with creativity, compassion, and the right technology, we can transform excess into impact.

I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode to hear more about Disney’s journey and the inspiring work of LiquiDonate. And remember, whether you’re a business leader or an individual looking to make a difference, consider how you can support organizations like LiquiDonate in their mission to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Talk Commerce Linda Xu

Revolutionizing E-commerce Payments: Insights from Skipify’s Linda Xu

Welcome to another exciting episode of Talk Commerce! I’m your host, Brent Peterson, and today we’re diving deep into the world of e-commerce payments with Linda Xu, the Chief Commercial Officer at Skipify. Linda’s journey from finance to co-founding Cart.com, and now leading innovation at Skipify, offers a wealth of insights for anyone in the e-commerce space. Let’s explore how Skipify is changing the game in online transactions.

The Evolution of Connected Wallets

Linda introduced us to Skipify’s groundbreaking “connected wallet” concept. Unlike traditional digital wallets, Skipify’s solution allows customers to access their payment information using just their email address. This streamlined approach significantly reduces friction in the checkout process, potentially boosting conversion rates for merchants.

As someone who’s been in the e-commerce industry for years, I find this innovation particularly exciting. It addresses a long-standing pain point in online shopping – the tedious process of entering payment information, especially on mobile devices.

Boosting Conversion Rates Through Better Authorization

One of the most striking insights Linda shared was about improving authorization rates. Skipify’s technology has shown to increase these rates by 4-6%, which directly impacts conversion rates. Linda explained how this improvement comes from reducing common decline reasons, such as incorrect billing information.

This resonates with my experience working with merchants. Even a small increase in authorization rates can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. It’s a prime example of how focusing on the technical aspects of payments can yield tangible business results.

The Future of E-commerce Platforms

We had an interesting discussion about the future of e-commerce platforms. Linda emphasized Skipify’s platform-agnostic approach, which I believe is crucial in today’s diverse e-commerce landscape. As someone who’s worked with various platforms, I appreciate solutions that can adapt to different ecosystems.

Linda’s insights into the evolving merchant needs and the importance of flexibility in technology solutions were spot-on. It’s clear that the future of e-commerce will require adaptable, user-centric solutions.

Personalization in Online Payments

Another fascinating aspect of our conversation was about personalization in payments. Linda explained how Skipify aims to surface the payment methods that individual shoppers prefer. This level of personalization not only enhances the user experience but also aligns with the broader trend of tailored shopping experiences in e-commerce.

From my perspective, this focus on personalization is key to staying competitive in today’s market. It’s no longer just about offering a product; it’s about creating a seamless, personalized journey from browsing to checkout.

Security and Trust in Digital Transactions

We couldn’t discuss online payments without addressing security concerns. Linda detailed Skipify’s approach to ensuring secure transactions, including real-time verification and partnerships with trusted financial institutions.

Having seen the evolution of payment security in e-commerce, from the early days of unencrypted credit card storage to today’s sophisticated systems, I’m impressed by Skipify’s commitment to security. It’s reassuring to see companies prioritizing this crucial aspect of online commerce.

Embracing Innovation in E-commerce

My conversation with Linda Xu was enlightening and inspiring. It’s clear that Skipify is at the forefront of revolutionizing how we think about and implement online payments. From connected wallets to improved authorization rates and personalized experiences, the future of e-commerce payments looks exciting.

For merchants and e-commerce professionals, staying informed about these innovations is crucial. I encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain more insights into leveraging these advancements in your business.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Talk Commerce. Don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on the latest trends and innovations in e-commerce. Until next time, keep innovating and growing your online business!

You can learn more about Linda Xu and Skipify Here.

Talk Commerce - Peter Van der Westhuizen

Enhancing Ecommerce Operations with Peter Van der Westhuizen from Linnworks

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Talk Commerce! In today’s discussion, we have Peter Van der Westhuizen from Linnworks joining us. Peter is a key member of the partnerships team at Linnworks, and he shares invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of ecommerce operations. From streamlining multi-channel inventory management to leveraging the latest technologies for an enhanced customer experience, Peter covers it all. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from our conversation!

Revolutionizing Ecommerce Operations

Understanding the Role of Technology in Customer Experience

In the ever-evolving ecommerce landscape, having a robust technology stack is essential for offering a seamless customer experience. As Peter noted, brands face the challenge of engaging customers across multiple platforms including social media, marketplaces, and their own websites. Linnworks steps in to unify these channels, ensuring brands can manage order and inventory efficiently while delivering an exceptional shopping journey.

“Your technology stack is the backbone of your customer experience,” Peter emphasized. “It’s about creating a seamless shopping journey from acquisition to post-purchase interactions.”

Tackling Multi-Channel Inventory Management

Managing inventory across various platforms can be a daunting task but is crucial to prevent overselling and stock shortages. Linnworks offers centralized inventory management solutions that help brands maintain accurate stock levels and keep product listings updated across all sales channels.

Peter shared, “Having all your inventory in one place allows for better management and prevents overselling scenarios. Automation has been key to our customers’ success.”

Embracing Emerging Marketplaces

Staying ahead in ecommerce means embracing new marketplaces like TikTok Shop and Shein. Peter highlighted Linnworks’ role in integrating with upcoming platforms, enabling merchants to diversify their sales channels and reach a broader audience.

“We continuously integrate with emerging marketplaces to help our customers be where their consumers are,” Peter said. “This gives them a competitive advantage in a fast-moving market.”

Preparing for Peak Seasons

As we approach the holiday season, it’s essential to have a solid operations strategy. Peter stressed the importance of being ready for peak periods by optimizing order management and ensuring timely fulfillment. Linnworks provides the necessary tools and insights to help merchants handle increased demand efficiently.

“Getting set up for peak is crucial. Ensuring you have the right strategies and technologies in place allows you to meet consumer expectations during high-demand periods,” Peter advised.

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning

While the primary focus of Linnworks might not directly involve AI, Peter shared his personal thoughts on how AI and machine learning could revolutionize logistical efficiency. Predictive analytics can help optimize inventory routing and drive cost savings by anticipating patterns and adjusting strategies in real-time.

“AI will continue to enhance operational efficiencies, allowing us to get closer to the gold standard set by Amazon,” Peter noted.

The Checkout

In this insightful episode, Peter Van der Westhuizen provides a comprehensive look at how Linnworks helps brands tackle the complexities of ecommerce operations. From integrating with new marketplaces to preparing for peak seasons, Linnworks is a vital partner for any merchant looking to scale and optimize their operations efficiently.

If you’re a retailer facing operational challenges, reach out to Linnworks through their website for more information on how they can help you succeed. And as always, stay tuned to Talk Commerce for more expert insights and discussions!

Talk Commerce - Chris Moe

Navigating Amazon Success with Cartograph: Insights from Chris Moe

Welcome to an insightful episode of Talk Commerce, hosted by Brent Peterson. In this episode, Brent engages in a compelling conversation with Chris Moe, the CEO and founder of Cartograph—a leading Amazon agency specializing in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Their discussion revolves around the dynamic world of Amazon, focusing on evolving trends in the food and beverage sector, the intricacies of digital advertising, and strategies for maximizing visibility and sales on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • The importance of crafting compelling creative content to enhance product visibility and conversion rates on Amazon.
  • Insight into trends in the food and beverage industry, including the rising popularity of keto and innovative product formats.
  • Strategies for managing Amazon reviews to maintain consumer trust and product credibility.
  • The evolving landscape of Amazon advertising and the introduction of Amazon Marketing Cloud.
  • Anticipated challenges and opportunities for Amazon sellers in light of new fee structures and market conditions.

About Chris Moe

Chris Moe is the visionary CEO and founder of Cartograph, an agency dedicated to helping brands navigate the Amazon ecosystem. With a background in finance and consulting at McKinsey & Company, he leverages his expertise to drive growth for CPG brands. Cartograph, founded in 2017 and based in Austin, Texas, offers end-to-end support in strategy, pricing, SEO, advertising, operations, and logistics. Their mission is to assist brands in growing products that are beneficial for people and the planet.

Read more at Cartograph’s official website

Detailed Episode Summary

Brent Peterson opens the episode by welcoming Chris Moe, who provides an overview of Cartograph’s operations. Chris explains that his agency focuses on managing Amazon pages for a wide range of CPG brands, encompassing everything from supply chain management to full-funnel advertising.

Crafting the Perfect Creative

A significant part of the discussion centers on the concept of “collective creative,” where Chris emphasizes the critical elements of product presentation on Amazon. He covers the significance of images, titles, star ratings, prices, and shipping speeds. According to Chris, these elements together form the first impression for potential buyers and are crucial for achieving higher conversion rates. He explains:

“Your best e-commerce products are small, light, and expensive, but making sure that products meet consumer expectations is equally crucial.”

Trends in the Food and Beverage Sector

Chris delves into emerging trends within the food and beverage industry. Highlighting the market’s transition from traditional forms to more innovative formats like clear protein and gummies, he notes:

“Innovation in food and beverage is about small, impactful changes that cater to evolving consumer preferences.”

He also touches on the challenges of replacing liquid products with powdered alternatives, despite the logistical and cost benefits, due to consumer preferences for ready-to-drink products over do-it-yourself mixes.

Managing Reviews on Amazon

The conversation shifts to the management of customer reviews on Amazon. Chris underscores the difficulty of maintaining high ratings in certain categories, suggesting that authenticity and transparency are key. He shares:

“Amazon is a reasonably honest place; long-term, you cannot fake a bad product.”

Strategies for soliciting genuine reviews, such as Amazon’s Vine program and product inserts requesting reviews, are explored. However, Chris cautions against overly aggressive tactics to avoid breaching Amazon’s policies.

The Evolving Amazon Ecosystem

Chris provides insights into the evolving landscape of Amazon advertising, particularly the introduction of Amazon Marketing Cloud. This new tool allows brands to construct specific audiences for display advertising and offers deeper analytics on consumer behavior.

“Moving from interesting insights to actual incremental impact is challenging, but tools like the Amazon Marketing Cloud can be game-changers.”

Challenges and Future Trends

Discussing the recent changes to Amazon’s fee structures, Chris highlights the significant impact of these adjustments on sellers’ profit margins. He notes:

“Amazon’s new fees are causing ire among sellers, particularly the charges associated with lower inventory levels and the cost of cross-country shipping.”

Chris also touches on the burgeoning field of retail media networks, predicting that Amazon will face increasing competition, particularly in categories where it has historically struggled, such as apparel and groceries.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

Listening to Chris Moe’s insights offers a valuable perspective on the complexity of selling on Amazon. His expertise uncovers the stark reality that success on the platform requires meticulous attention to every aspect of product presentation and consumer interaction. The episode serves as a reminder that while Amazon offers vast opportunities, it also poses significant challenges that require strategic navigation.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Amazon is like a reasonably honest place; you can’t fake bad products.”
  • “The best e-commerce products are small, light, and expensive, but they must also meet customer expectations.”
  • “Innovation in food and beverage often revolves around small, impactful changes that align with consumer needs.”

Engaging the Audience

Interested in getting more in-depth insights from industry experts like Chris Moe? Make sure to listen to the full podcast episode on Talk Commerce. Subscribe to our podcast for more enriching conversations and stay updated with the latest trends in ecommerce and digital marketing.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, the complexities of navigating the Amazon marketplace are laid bare. Chris Moe’s expertise sheds light on the importance of strategic product presentation and innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer demands. While challenges like new fee structures and increasing competition from retail media networks loom large, the opportunities for growth and success on Amazon remain abundant for those who can adapt and innovate.

Talk Commerce - karim boktor

Rewire Your Entrepreneurial Mind for Success with Karim Boktor

In this episode of Talk Commerce, leadership hypnotherapist Karim Boktor shares how understanding and optimizing your subconscious mind is crucial for making sound decisions, leading effectively, and achieving your full potential as an entrepreneur.

Talk Commerce - Udayan Bose

The Future of E-Commerce: Insights from Udayan Bose on AI-Powered Marketing

In this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of speaking with Udayan Bose, founder and CEO of NetElixir. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Udayan shared his insights on the rapidly evolving landscape of e-commerce and how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way businesses approach marketing.

Failing Faster and Learning in Digital Marketing

One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation was the importance of adopting a “fail faster” mindset in digital marketing. As Udayan put it:

Just the willingness to dive in and figure things out and suddenly sort of you really have to obviously hustle hard but things slowly come in place and when it comes in place the impact is quite magical.

He emphasized that in an industry as dynamic as e-commerce, being open to experimentation and learning from failures is crucial for staying ahead of the curve.

Navigating Competitive Pressures and Rising Costs

Udayan also shed light on the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses today, particularly the squeeze on contribution margins due to intense competition and rising advertising costs. He noted:

If you certain categories saw a CPC increase of almost about 32%. So the cost per click, the same Google ad, costs a lot more now. So just think of it. You are unable to increase your prices, and the variable cost keeps on increasing. And this is leading to a massive squeeze in the contribution margins.

As someone who has worked with numerous e-commerce clients, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of these pressures on businesses. It’s more important than ever for merchants to optimize their marketing strategies and find ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

The Power of AI and Machine Learning in Marketing

One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion centered around the role of AI and machine learning in transforming digital marketing. Udayan explained the difference between horizontal AI, which focuses on productivity and doing more with less, and vertical AI, which is tailored to solving specific problems using a company’s own data.

Vertical AI, I think of it, is very specific to solving your problem. And the problem that, for example, our tool, Alexa Insight, solves […] is we just wanted to solve a simple problem that the entire e-commerce world or digital marketing was focused on new customer acquisition. We wanted to change it marginally and say that, can we use machine learning to help you do new high value customer acquisition?

This notion of leveraging AI to identify and acquire high-value customers resonated with me. As e-commerce becomes increasingly competitive, the ability to target and retain the right customers can make all the difference in a business’s success.

Advice for E-Commerce Merchants

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Udayan what advice he would give to e-commerce store owners looking to stay ahead in today’s market. His response emphasized the importance of experimentation and staying informed about industry trends:

I would actually sort of have two very specifically. The first one is just creating, carving those experiments of those tests. […] The second one effectively is as simple as that. I mean, you have to reserve 10% of your personal time as the business owner or the CMO to just explore what is going on because in many cases the biggest mistake I have seen a lot of lot of business owners really make they’re just so so much working inside out that they just never get the time to look at us to what season am I in, right?

I couldn’t agree more with this advice. In my experience working with e-commerce businesses, the most successful ones are those that prioritize continuous learning and adaptation.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Udayan Bose offered a wealth of insights into the future of e-commerce and the role of AI in shaping digital marketing strategies. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, embracing experimentation, staying attuned to industry shifts, and leveraging the power of AI will be key to thriving in the years ahead.

To dive deeper into these topics and hear more of Udayan’s expertise, be sure to listen to the full Talk Commerce podcast episode. Let’s keep the conversation going – reach out and share your own experiences and insights on the future of e-commerce!

Contact Details:
GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS:
3 Independence Way, Suite #203,
Princeton, NJ 08540
Call: 609.356.5112
https://www.netelixir.com/

Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/netelixirudayanbose/

Talk Commerce - Jordi Vermeer

Scaling Your Brand’s Revenue with a Global Marketplace Strategy: Insights from Jordi Vermeer of Channel Engine

Jordi Vermeer, VP of Revenue for Channel Engine North America, shares strategies for brands to expand globally and optimize sales across marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart & more. Learn key trends in multichannel commerce for 2024 and beyond.

If you’re a brand looking to expand your reach and revenue through online marketplaces, this episode of Talk Commerce is a must-listen. Our guest is Jordi Vermeer, the Vice President of Revenue for Channel Engine North America. With his deep expertise in marketplace strategies, Jordi shares valuable insights on optimizing multichannel sales, key trends shaping the future of ecommerce, and how Channel Engine is empowering brands to succeed in the ever-evolving world of digital commerce. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Marketplace Expansion for Brand Growth

One of the central themes Jordi emphasizes is the immense opportunity marketplaces present for brands aiming to scale:

“What’s good to understand is you have Amazon 1P or the vendor model and you have Amazon seller, the three P model. So what I’ve said so far is mostly the 3PL model where you sell on Amazon or the seller record and you determine everything, how it’s sold, for what price you get the, uh, the order and you fulfill it.”

Jordi highlights that Channel Engine simplifies the process of listing, optimizing, and managing sales across 700+ global marketplaces, enabling brands to tap into new audiences and markets.

As someone who has seen firsthand the revenue impact of strategic marketplace expansion, I can attest to the power of diversifying your sales channels. It reduces your dependence on any single platform and exposes your products to entirely new customer segments.

Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Border Commerce

Expanding into international markets comes with its own set of challenges, from regulatory compliance to fulfillment logistics. Jordi shares how Channel Engine helps brands overcome these hurdles:

“If you want to go to other regions, there are some product compliances and other regulations fulfillment you have to go through. But then also you can make use of the local network of those marketplaces and the local traffic that they have and like that you can expand your brand into also other regions.”

Having a trusted partner like Channel Engine to navigate the intricacies of cross-border commerce can make all the difference in your global success. They have the local market knowledge and technology to streamline the process.

The Rise of Hybrid Selling & Social Commerce

Jordi also touches on two significant trends shaping the ecommerce landscape: hybrid selling and the emergence of social commerce platforms as marketplaces.

“Hybrid selling is then the combination. And this is one of the biggest trends that we’re currently seeing in the market. Actually, in the past two years, it grew to 70% of the brands actually selling hybrid. So both 1P and 3P.”

Brands that adopt a hybrid approach leveraging 1P (selling directly to the marketplace) and 3P (selling on the marketplace platform), can enjoy the best of both worlds – maintaining control while maximizing exposure.

Additionally, the rise of TikTok Shop and Meta’s marketplace ambitions underscores the growing importance of social commerce. As Jordi points out, these platforms are eager to keep transactions within their ecosystems, making it crucial for brands to adapt their strategies accordingly.

The Future of Ecommerce: Jordi’s Predictions for 2024-2025

Looking ahead, Jordi shares his thoughts on what the next couple of years hold for the world of ecommerce:

“Personally, I see that later in 2024, early 2025, the economy will make some positive strides. And I do think that that is going to work in the favor of these online retailers or online platforms or online sales.”

As the global economy recovers, Jordi anticipates a resurgence in online purchasing power. Brands that have laid the groundwork with a strong marketplace presence will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.

Reflecting on my own ecommerce journey, I couldn’t agree more with Jordi’s assessment. The brands that continue to innovate, adapt, and diversify their sales channels will be the ones that thrive in the coming years.

Whether you’re an established brand or just starting out, Jordi’s insights provide a roadmap for success in the dynamic world of multichannel commerce. By embracing new marketplaces, optimizing your listings, and staying attuned to key trends, you can unlock new levels of growth and take your brand to new heights.

To dive deeper into the strategies and tools that can elevate your marketplace game, be sure to check out the full episode of Talk Commerce. And if you’re ready to supercharge your multichannel sales, head over to Channel Engine to learn how their platform can help you achieve your goals.

The future of ecommerce is bright – and with the right strategies and partners, your brand can shine even brighter. Happy selling!

Talk Commerce - Ben Johnson

Particle 41’s Ben Johnson on Purposeful Business Planning with OKRs

In this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ben Johnson, the CEO and founder of Particle 41, a global software development consultancy. Ben shares his expertise on using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for purposeful business planning, Particle 41’s unique approach to software development, and his thoughts on the role of AI in the future of coding.

The Power of OKRs in Business Planning

Ben emphasizes the importance of being purposeful in business planning, and he sees OKRs as a powerful framework for setting and measuring goals. As he explains:

OKRs are a framework for goal setting. It’s one thing to say, hey, I have this. When I learned about OKRs, I actually put my family through them. I know. I would probably get charged for child abuse in some cultures.

By setting clear objectives and defining key results to measure progress, businesses can adopt a data-driven approach to goal setting and achievement. Ben even applies this framework to his personal life, demonstrating its versatility.

Particle 41’s Unique Approach to Software Development

Particle 41 offers a range of services, including advisory, software development, application modernization, DevOps, and data science. What sets them apart is their focus on building high-functioning tech teams that act as an asset of skill rather than just manpower. As Ben puts it:

What we do is put together really good tech teams. And a lot of folks think of outsourcing software development as the asset of manpower, like, hey, I just need some more bodies. But we really take pride in being the asset of skill.

Particle 41’s core values of visibility, velocity, and vision drive their approach to delivering dependable tech solutions that match their clients’ needs and market demand.

Balancing Custom Development with Existing Tools

When it comes to deciding between custom development and leveraging existing tools, Ben advises a balanced approach. He suggests mapping out the client’s existing IT stack and identifying areas of high need and high value. As he explains:

High need things are well established in the market. I don’t know anybody who’s going to go make their own email server or make their own computer and host it in their garage… And so those are like your high need things. And when we have high need, so I put that at the bottom of the diagram, those things, we just want to partner really well, pick the best to breed, you know, top right corner of the Gartner reference chart.

On the other hand, custom development should be focused on areas that differentiate the brand and deliver the most value to the customer.

The Future of AI in Software Development

As AI continues to advance, Ben believes that developers will still need to have a deep understanding of what they’re doing. While AI can help with tasks like writing and coding, he cautions against becoming intellectually lazy:

AI is not going to prevent software developers from having to do that… you’ll still have to very much know what it is that you’re doing.

As businesses explore AI applications, Ben observes that many end up narrowing their focus and arriving at more literal solutions rather than relying entirely on AI-generated output.

This insightful conversation with Ben Johnson highlights the importance of purposeful planning, adaptable software development approaches, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. To learn more about Ben and Particle 41, visit their website at particle41.com or connect with Ben on LinkedIn.

Talk Commerce - Cullari & Wardell

The Power of Geofencing: How To Dominate Your Market with Location-Based Marketing

In this episode of Talk Commerce, we explore the world of geofencing with the dynamic duo, Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Caleri, co-founders of Kalari & Wardell. They share their valuable insights on how to use location-based marketing to attract customers, drive foot traffic, and outperform your competition. Get ready to unlock a powerful strategy that can transform your business!

Geofencing: A Powerful Tool for Small Businesses

“We started this company in the middle of COVID to help small businesses recover foot traffic,” says Ernesto. He explains that geofencing is a technology that utilizes the relationship between smartphones and satellites to create virtual fences around locations of interest. “When someone walks into a competitor’s store, we can send them an ad to your store.”

This tactic is particularly relevant for industries like restaurants, laundromats, and even niche businesses like mezcal brands. Ernesto emphasizes that the power of geofencing lies in its ability to track satellite-verified visits. “We do 5,000 satellite-verified visits a month across the US, Canada, and Australia.”

Democratizing Geofencing for Small Businesses

“We asked the question, what will it take to bring this technology to small businesses?” Barbara explains. Their answer was a revolutionary approach to geofencing, making it accessible for even the smallest businesses. They honed their strategy in the laundromat industry with a budget as low as $1,000 a month. “We were able to drive over 1,000 visits to one laundromat owner in the Carolinas with about 30 locations.”

This success story propelled them into new verticals, including private aviation, apparel, and even the alcohol and beverage industry. “We’ve been able to bring it to other verticals as well.”

Beyond Retail: Geofencing for Services and B2B

Ernesto and Barbara emphasize that geofencing goes beyond retail. “We can do B2B, which is retail. We also do services. We also do track website traffic.” They highlight examples like vacation rentals and retreats where geofencing can be used to target people in a broader geographic area. “We can look at neighborhoods in New York City, neighborhoods in Staten Island, neighborhoods in Florida. We can see where people are actually coming from and we can send ads to consumers like that even if they’re not living within driving distance of a location.”

Privacy-Focused Approach: Anonymity and Data Protection

One of the key concerns with location-based marketing is the perceived creep factor. Barbara addresses this concern directly. “Your device becomes anonymized, unlike with Facebook and other platforms.” She emphasizes that Kalari & Wardell prioritize data privacy and use a clean-room approach to anonymize users. “We actually do protect consumer privacy.”

The Future of Commerce: Hybrid Models, Data Accuracy, and Human Connection

As we move forward into 2024, Barbara believes the future of commerce lies in a hybrid model. “I think we’re going to go a little bit back to old school as well as integrate.” This means a balance between online and offline experiences.

Ernesto echoes this sentiment. “The world’s best visual models do not create faces that resonate with people just yet.” He believes that while AI is a powerful tool, it can’t replicate the human element of connection and empathy.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Geofencing

It’s clear that geofencing is a powerful tool for small businesses looking to attract customers, drive traffic, and dominate their markets. Kalari & Wardell offers a compelling solution that puts the power in the hands of the underdog.

The future of commerce is exciting and filled with possibilities. Get ready to embrace the power of geofencing and unleash the potential of your business!

Talk Commerce
Talk Commerce

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