Overview
On this episode of Business Insanity Talk Radio, we first share how to shatter the illusion of perfection, minimize self-doubt and maximize success. Then, many small business owners are realizing they can sell their products on Amazon and attract a lot of new profitable customers. We’ll talk to two small business owners about their experience selling on Amazon. Plus, we’ll talk to an entrepreneur who is saving your packages from “porch pirates” with his new product. Finally, we’ll introduce you to a new source for short term lending in the marketplace… who this is may surprise you!
Listen
Segment 1: Sue Hawkes is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Business Coach, WPO Chapter Chair, and globally recognized, award-winning seminar leader. Chasing Perfection: Shatter the Illusion, Minimize Self-Doubt & Maximize Success is her fourth book.
1:30 – What’s the problem with chasing perfection?
3:00 – Why balance is BS and a perfect work-life balance is not possible.
5:45 – Success is a learning disability. Why?
7:00 – What happens when you realize you are responsible for your life.
8:15 – How to minimize self-doubt.
9:45 – What’s the first step to becoming less of a perfectionist?
Segment 2: Jodi Lewis is the founder of Lucylews, vinyl wall decals.
15:00 – What is Lucylews and how did you get started?
16:45 – Why did you decide to quit your day job?
17:30 – How to know when to outsource to an expert.
19:00 – What has been your experience selling on Amazon Handmade?
20:00 – How is Amazon Handmade different than the rest of Amazon?
23:00 – How do you see your business continuing to grow with Fulfillment by Amazon?
Segment 3: Caron Proschan is the Founder and CEO of Simply Gum. Launched in 2014, Simply Gum’s first product, an all-natural, non GMO chewing gum, has redefined the category through its high quality ingredients and innovative branding. Simply Gum is now found in over 5,000 stores across the country, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Vitamin Shoppe, and Urban Outfitters. The company is currently expanding into other categories, in order to continuing providing natural, better for you alternatives to existing consumer products. Caron is a graduate of Wellesley College and Harvard Business School.
30:45 – What is Simply Gum?
31:30 – Gum is a very crowded marketplace. What made you think you could succeed?
32:15 – How did you get started?
33:15 – Why did you decide to start selling on Amazon?
34:15 – What is Amazon’s subscribe and save program and how does it help you generate revenue?
35:00 – How does Fulfillment by Amazon help you get your orders to your customers?
36:00 – What are Amazon’s sponsored ads?
Segment 4: Brad Ruffkess is the founder and CEO of BoxLock, the first internet-connected security padlock designed specifically to protect packages delivered to residential consumers. Unlike Amazon Key, which gives delivery drivers access to a recipient’s front door, BoxLock provides a non-intrusive security solution to combat “porch pirates.”
40:45 – How does BoxLock work?
42:15 – How big is the “porch pirate” problem?
42:45 – Why do you only provide the lock, not the box?
43:45 – Why did you decide to make and sell this hardware?
45:00 – How are you selling BoxLock? Who are the competitors?
Segment 5: Gina Taylor is the General Manager of Global Commercial Financing for Global Commercial Payments at American Express. She has amassed tremendous experience in her more than 19 years with American Express, specializing in areas such as customer acquisition, product management, risk management and strategy.
49:15 – American Express is now offering Business Loans, smaller loans at an affordable price.
50:00 – What is the process for getting a loan from American Express?
51:15 – Do you have to be an Open Card Member?
51:30 – What interest rates are you offering?
52:00 – The need for easy, fast small dollar loans in the marketplace.
