Podcasts

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 - elena- leonova

Power of Sophisticated Commerce: Insights from Spryker’s SVP of Product with Elena Leonova

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson sat down with Elena Leonova, the Senior Vice President of Product at Spryker, to explore the world of complex ecommerce solutions and the art of effective product management.

“Ultimately, what they want to do is they want to run digital commerce, how they’ve been running their commerce practice in general. And that also means that in most of the cases, the available solutions that fit everybody don’t work for them.”

  • Elena Leonova

Navigating the Complexities of Sophisticated Commerce

Elena shared her insights on how Spryker, a digital commerce platform, caters to the needs of large enterprises with intricate business models and processes. She highlighted examples of Spryker’s customers, including those selling to dealers, powering small grocery shops, and managing supply chain complexities for industrial-grade printers.

“We built our platform to specifically be extensible in all those places to solve for those complexities.”

  • Elena Leonova

The Evolution of Product Management Across Platforms

Brent and Elena discussed how Elena’s product management experience evolved as she transitioned from Magento, an open-source platform, to BigCommerce, a multi-tenant SaaS solution, and now to Spryker. They explored the challenges and opportunities that arose in each environment, from managing an ecosystem of partners to navigating the data-rich world of SaaS platforms.

“The role of the product manager is to make sure that we as software company make the right decisions. Ultimately, we’re building a product or a platform that is going to last for many, many years.”

  • Elena Leonova

Mentoring the Next Generation of Product Managers

Elena’s passion for product management extends beyond her work at Spryker. She shared her insights on the importance of understanding the nuances of platform products and the need to balance customer-centric thinking with commercial viability.

“Besides just kind of what we just talked about, the platform products, a lot of people also don’t realize that product management is not about just building the product that customers love. You build products that you ultimately need to sell to customers.”

  • Elena Leonova

As the podcast drew to a close, Elena invited listeners to connect with her to discuss platform products and explore product management mentorship opportunities.

Brent’s Takeaway: Elena’s deep dive into the complexities of sophisticated commerce and her insights on the evolving role of product management were incredibly valuable. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of product leaders is truly admirable and showcases her dedication to advancing the industry.

WordPress Tags: ecommerce, product management, platform products, Spryker, Magento, BigCommerce, sophisticated commerce, enterprise commerce, mentorship

https://youtu.be/pG9AQ2rIv_0

Key Takeaways:

  • The complexities of sophisticated commerce and how Spryker addresses them
  • The challenges and opportunities of product management in open-source, SaaS, and platform environments
  • The importance of balancing customer-centric thinking with commercial viability in product management
  • Elena’s commitment to mentoring and sharing her knowledge with aspiring product managers

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for anyone interested in the world of ecommerce, product management, and platform-based solutions. Watch now and unlock the power of sophisticated commerce!

Talk Commerce - Casey Drake Endear SalesChat

Revolutionizing Retail: Endear’s Casey Drake on the Power of SalesChat and Clienteling

In this special partner episode of Talk Commerce, we’re thrilled to have Casey Drake, the VP of Sales at Endear, join us for an insightful discussion on the future of retail CRM and clienteling. Sponsored by Content Basis and Endear, this episode contains valuable tips and strategies to help you supercharge your online sales and build stronger customer relationships.

The Game-Changing Power of SalesChat

One of the key topics Casey dives into is Endear’s revolutionary SalesChat feature, which transforms how brands connect with customers online. As Casey explains:

“SalesChat is a live chat widget on your website. It’s Endear’s what we’re calling our live chat feature is SalesChat. And we put that word sales on it for a reason because it’s meant to be and separate itself from a traditional support chat widget that people might be used to putting on their website.”

By empowering store associates to engage with customers through SalesChat, brands can create personalized shopping experiences that drive conversions and foster long-term loyalty.

Bridging the Gap Between In-Store and Online Sales

Another crucial point Casey raises is the importance of breaking down the walls between retail teams and e-commerce teams. Too often, these teams view each other as competitors rather than allies. However, as Casey points out:

“I think the only way you get that wall broken down is with like, we need to have a conversation about attribution and how store associates can get attribution for online sales. It doesn’t need to be every online sale, but give them a way to do that.”

By providing store associates with the tools and incentives to contribute to online sales, brands can create a more cohesive and effective retail strategy.

Talk Commerce - Casey Drake
Talk Commerce – Casey Drake

The Importance of Hiring and Empowering the Right People

Throughout the episode, Casey emphasizes people’s critical role in the success of any retail strategy. As he wisely states:

“I think so many brands need to like really take their hiring process seriously and then treat the good ones that they do get, treat them well and put them in the positions to succeed. Cause that like none of this works if you don’t have good people.”

Brands that want to deliver exceptional in-store and online customer experiences must invest in talented, trustworthy store associates.

Embracing the Future of Retail

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, brands must adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like Endear’s SalesChat and prioritizing clienteling, brands can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

So, if you’re ready to take your retail strategy to the next level, be sure to tune in to this value-packed episode of Talk Commerce featuring Casey Drake. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the incredible insights and actionable tips shared throughout this conversation.

Talk Commerce WILSON GRIFFIN

Revolutionizing Resale: Wilson Griffin on Recurate’s Sustainable Fashion Mission

In this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Wilson Griffin, CEO and founder of Recurate. Wilson shared his insights on the resale market, sustainable fashion, and how Recurate empowers brands to embrace circularity.

The Environmental Impact of Fashion

Wilson highlighted the massive environmental footprint of the apparel supply chain, particularly in the fashion industry. He emphasized the duty of brands and enablers like Recurate to optimize manufactured product use.

“The apparel supply chain fashion in particular, but this is true of other industries as well, is it has a massive, massive environmental footprint. Just the amount of raw materials and resources that go into manufacturing the products that we buy.”

We can significantly reduce the industry’s environmental impact by extending product life cycles and reducing dependence on manufacturing new items.

Bringing Brands into the Resale Economy

Historically, brands have been excluded from the resale economy, with platforms like eBay and Poshmark facilitating secondhand sales without brand involvement. Recurate aims to change that by helping brands manage their own resale programs.

“What we’ve set out to do is help those brands to participate in this. So all of a sudden brands are incentivized to make higher quality goods that will last longer because they’re actually going to benefit from the second, third and fourth sales.”

By connecting brands with the resale market, Recurate enables them to benefit from multiple product life cycles, incentivizing the production of higher quality, longer-lasting goods.

Resale OS 2.0: Streamlining the Resale Process

Wilson introduced Recurate’s latest offering, Resale OS 2.0, which provides modular solutions for brands to integrate resale into their existing e-commerce ecosystem. With features like seller influencer closets and the ability to quickly launch resale programs, Recurate is making it easier than ever for brands to embrace circularity.

“The way that we, uh, work with brands is we’ve we fully integrate into their sort of e-commerce ecosystem tech stack. Uh, what that means is that we have access to a lot of that brand’s information as far as, you know, customer purchase history, the brand’s catalog.”

This integration allows brands to leverage customer data and product information to optimize their resale offerings and meet customer demand.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion

As we move into 2024 and beyond, Wilson sees a significant opportunity for brands to invest in sustainable practices and embrace the resale market. By offering secondhand products alongside new items, brands can grow their revenue without increasing their environmental footprint.

“There really is no incremental water usage or greenhouse gas emissions to sell a product a second time. All of that environmental impact went into the first sale of that product.”

https://youtu.be/UKrY7PvlzH0

Brands prioritizing sustainability, transparency, and innovation in their supply chains will be well-positioned to thrive in the growing resale economy.

As a fervent advocate for sustainability, I believe that the work Recurate does is crucial in transforming the fashion industry. By empowering brands to embrace resale and circularity, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the apparel supply chain while still meeting consumer demand.

I encourage listeners to check out Recurate’s website and reach out if you’re a brand interested in launching a resale program. As consumers, we can also support brands that offer resale options and prioritize sustainability.

To hear more of Wilson’s insights and the full conversation, be sure to listen to the complete Talk Commerce podcast episode. Let’s work together to revolutionize the fashion industry and create a more sustainable future.

Talk Commerce - Brian Gerstner

Strategic Partnerships: Navigating the Evolving Marketing Landscape with Brian Gerstner

Welcome back to Talk Commerce! Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Brian Gerstner, President of White Label IQ, about the crucial role of strategic partnerships in the ever-changing marketing world. Brian’s insights into leveraging partnerships, navigating the rise of AI, and preparing for the upcoming holiday season were truly insightful.

The Power of Niche Expertise and White Label Partnerships

Brian emphasized the increasing need for specialization in the marketing industry, especially with the rise of AI tools like Jasper and ChatGPT. He believes AI will ultimately “beat the mediocrity out of all of us,” pushing agencies and businesses to focus on their core strengths and partner for specific needs.

“AI is going to not be your friend” if you’re “just getting things done and checking off boxes.”

This resonated with me deeply. As someone who has witnessed the evolution of the digital marketing landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to develop and excel in a niche. Partnering with experts like White Label IQ allows agencies to access specialized skills without the fixed costs of hiring full-time staff.

AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement

While AI presents incredible opportunities, Brian rightly points out that it does not replace human expertise. AI tools are powerful for content creation and iteration, but they lack the emotional intelligence and strategic thinking humans bring.

“AI is great at creating the pieces… but it’s not really great at bringing the pieces together.”

I couldn’t agree more. As marketers, we must guide and curate AI, ensuring it aligns with our brand voice, understands our audience, and ultimately serves our business objectives. The human touch is essential in crafting compelling narratives and building authentic customer connections.

Gearing Up for the Holiday Season and Beyond

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, Brian offered valuable advice for merchants and agencies.

“Plan ahead for next year… collect the information so that you can follow up with people so that you can grow your audience.”

His emphasis on leveraging first-party data for post-holiday nurturing resonated strongly. Building relationships with customers acquired during the holiday rush is key to long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Brian’s insights underscore the importance of adapting to the evolving marketing landscape. Embracing niche expertise, leveraging strategic partnerships, and understanding the potential and limitations of AI is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. As we head into the holiday season and beyond, remember the value of human connection and strategic collaboration in achieving sustainable growth.

Be sure to check out the full episode of Talk Commerce to hear more from Brian Gerstner and gain valuable insights for your business!

Talk Commerce - Mischa Zvegintzov

A 6-Step Guide to Landing Podcast Interviews to Grow Your Influence

Being a guest on shows can be a powerful way to grow your influence, establish thought leadership, and connect with new audiences. However, landing those coveted interview spots requires a strategic approach. In this post, we’ll dive into the six essential steps to mastering the art of podcast pitching, as shared by Mischa Zvegintzov, a renowned expert in the field.

1. Don’t Aim Only for the Biggest Podcasts

While setting your sights on the most popular podcasts is tempting, don’t overlook the value of smaller, niche shows. If a podcast has an audience that aligns with your message and expertise, it can be just as valuable as a larger platform. Focus on finding the right fit rather than solely chasing numbers.

2. Have a Compelling Story to Share

To capture the attention of podcast hosts and their listeners, you need to have a compelling story to share. Identify the unique value you can bring and craft a narrative showcasing your expertise and insights. Consider what challenges or problems you can help solve for the podcast’s audience.

3. Send a Simple, Direct Email Pitch

When reaching out to podcast hosts, keep your pitch simple and direct. Mischa suggests using a template like this: “I found your podcast, and you have a great show. Are you looking for an interesting guest to be on the show? If so, what are the next steps?” This approach is straightforward and shows genuine interest in the podcast.

4. Be Prepared for Rejection

Rejection is a natural part of the podcast pitching process. In fact, Mischa notes that only about 10% of pitches may receive a positive response initially. Don’t let this discourage you. Instead, be prepared for rejection and have a plan to follow up with those who don’t respond. Persistence is key.

5. Make a Counteroffer

If you receive a “no” from a podcast host, don’t let the conversation end there. Take the opportunity to make a counteroffer by inviting them to be a guest on your own podcast. This strategic move can open doors to valuable connections and potential collaborations down the line.

6. Take Action, Don’t Wait for Perfection

One of Mischa’s most important pieces of advice is to take action and start pitching, even if you don’t feel fully prepared. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before contacting podcast hosts. You can figure things out as you go along. The key is to start building momentum and learning from the process.

Take Action!

Mastering the art of podcast pitching requires a combination of strategy, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By following these six steps shared by Mischa Zvegintzov, you can increase your chances of landing valuable podcast interviews and growing your influence in your industry. Remember, it’s not about aiming for perfection but rather about taking action and consistently putting yourself out there. With each pitch, you’ll refine your approach and move closer to becoming a sought-after podcast guest. So, start crafting your compelling story, send those pitches, and embrace the journey of building your influence through podcasting.

Find more podcasts about what entrepreneurs are doing here

Talk Commerce - Ali Wing

The Sweet Future of Food: Exploring Sweet Proteins with Ali Wong of Oobli

Welcome to a new entry in my journey as a podcaster, where I had the pleasure of diving into a topic that’s not only fascinating but also revolutionary for the food industry. In my latest episode, I sat down with Ali Wong, the visionary CEO of Oobli, to discuss the transformative potential of sweet proteins. This isn’t just about taste—it’s about health, innovation, and the future of how we enjoy our favorite treats.

A Sweet Introduction

Before we delve into the meat of the conversation, I want to extend my gratitude to our sponsor, Oobli, for supporting our podcast. It’s partnerships like these that enable us to bring insightful content to you, our listeners.

The Talk Commerce Podcast: A Platform for Engaging Discussions

As the host of the Talk Commerce podcast, I’m always excited to invite you, the audience, to engage with us. Whether it’s through comments, emails, or social media, your participation makes our discussions richer and more meaningful.

The Power of Sweet Proteins

During the episode, Ali Wong illuminated the concept of sweet proteins—remarkable substances derived from plants and berries along the equator. These proteins are game-changers; they can mimic the sweetness of sugar without the negative effects on blood glucose levels or the gut microbiome. Imagine indulging in your favorite chocolate without the guilt of sugar!

Reducing Sugar, One Chocolate Bar at a Time

Our conversation ventured into the practical applications of sweet proteins. Oobli has been at the forefront, using these proteins to reduce sugar content in chocolate and other food products. The result? The same great taste and texture we all love, but with a fraction of the sugar.

A Healthier Sip: Sweet Proteins in Beverages

I was particularly intrigued by the impact of sweet proteins on beverages. Ali highlighted how these proteins could significantly reduce the calorie load in sodas and other drinks—a boon for anyone mindful of their sugar intake.

Athletes and Sweet Proteins: A Winning Combination

For athletes, the balance of protein and sugar in their diet is crucial. Ali discussed how sweet proteins could cater to the specific nutritional needs of athletes, providing the necessary energy without the excess sugar that’s often found in sports drinks and energy bars.

The Sugar Debate: Finding the Sweet Spot

Our discussion wouldn’t be complete without addressing the elephant in the room—the abundance of sugars in our modern diet. Ali and I explored the challenges this poses to our health, particularly the impact on our gut microbiome. She stressed the importance of balance and moderation, and the need to consider the long-term implications of our dietary choices.

Sweet Innovations Around the Globe

As we wrapped up our conversation, we touched on the fascinating use of alternative sweeteners in different cultures, like ube ice cream in Hawaii. It’s clear that there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to rethinking sweetness in our food.

Final Thoughts

My talk with Ali Wong was more than just a discussion about sweet proteins; it was a glimpse into a future where our health and our palates are no longer at odds. The potential of sweet proteins to revolutionize the food industry and improve public health is immense, and I’m excited to see where this innovation takes us.

I hope this blog post has given you a taste of the rich insights from my conversation with Ali Wong. For the full experience, be sure to listen to the episode on the Talk Commerce podcast. Until next time, keep savoring the sweet side of life—responsibly!

Talk Commerce - Ben Riggle

Navigating the E-Commerce Evolution: A Deep Dive with Ben Riggle

As the Talk Commerce podcast host, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with some of the most insightful minds in the e-commerce industry. In a recent episode, I sat down with Ben Riggle, the Managing Director for Channable, to discuss the dynamic world of online marketplaces and the strategies businesses can employ to thrive in this competitive space. In this blog post, I’ll share the key insights and lessons from our conversation, offering a comprehensive guide to expanding your online presence and optimizing your e-commerce strategy.

The Imperative of Diversification in E-Commerce

Ben Riggle opened our discussion with a critical look at the North American market, where Amazon has long been the dominant force. However, he stressed the importance of not putting all your eggs in one basket. Diversifying sales channels is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity for survival and growth in the current e-commerce climate. With Channable’s feed management platform, businesses can scale their presence not only in the US but globally, tapping into a multitude of marketplaces that offer unique growth opportunities.

Overcoming Marketplace Challenges

One of the most pressing challenges for sellers is managing product listings and campaigns across various marketplaces. This is particularly true in categories like fashion and jewelry, where the complexity of variants and platform-specific requirements can be overwhelming. Ben emphasized the need for a strategic marketplace match, ensuring that your brand and product category align with the platform’s audience and advertising opportunities.

The Rise of Retail Media and Platform Competition

The concept of retail media is reshaping the e-commerce landscape, with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and even TikTok Shops vying for sellers’ attention. Ben highlighted the importance of considering factors such as distribution relationships, category competitiveness, and profitability when choosing which channels to prioritize. It’s a delicate balance between seizing advertising opportunities and maintaining a profitable distribution model.

Leveraging Insights and Automation with Channable

Channable is revolutionizing the way businesses approach marketplace selling with its insights tools. These tools help clients monitor and optimize product performance, providing scoring for listings and utilizing AI to automate categorization. This level of analysis and automation empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions about where to list and sell their products, maximizing their online potential.

Streamlining Advertising Campaigns

When it comes to advertising, managing both organic and paid campaigns can be a daunting task. Ben discussed how Channable simplifies this process, offering an end-to-end solution that streamlines campaign management. By reducing the time spent on manual tasks and enhancing control over advertising spend, businesses can more effectively optimize their campaigns for better results.

The Global E-Commerce Opportunity

Our conversation also touched on the push for North American clients to expand internationally, particularly into Canada and Mexico. Ben underscored the potential for businesses to tap into new markets, highlighting the advantages of trade agreements and the need to navigate compliance and paperwork challenges. Cross-border expansion is not just an option; it’s a gateway to the vast potential of the global e-commerce market.

Social Media’s Role in E-Commerce Expansion

Ben Riggle shared his insights on the evolving role of social media in e-commerce. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are not only driving traffic but also generating significant revenue for businesses. He also pointed to the potential resurgence of Twitter and the impact of data and AI in shaping the future of online selling. For B2B businesses, social media presents an untapped avenue for distribution and marketing, one that is ripe for exploration.

Supporting Causes Through Collaboration

Lastly, Ben took a moment to highlight a cause close to his heart. He spoke about Knockaround sunglasses and their collaboration with the Trevor Project, an initiative supporting young men grappling with issues related to sexuality. This partnership exemplifies how businesses can leverage their platform for social good, aligning their brand with meaningful causes.

Conclusion

The e-commerce landscape is in a constant state of flux, with new challenges and opportunities emerging at every turn. My conversation with Ben Riggle provided a wealth of insights into how businesses can navigate this complex environment. By diversifying sales channels, optimizing listings, embracing retail media, and considering global expansion, companies can position themselves for success in the ever-evolving world of online marketplaces. Whether you’re a seasoned e-commerce veteran or just starting, the strategies discussed in this episode of Talk Commerce are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital marketplace.