Firing The Man

Episode 89Welcome back to Firing the Man! Do you need the inspiration to pump yourself up in your entrepreneurial journey? Well, this episode is perfect for you. Ken and I talk about how we inspire ourselves every single day to keep doing what we’re doing. This is particularly crucial for us who have already fired the man. We chose to leave our stable jobs to take back the most precious resource any person can ever have--our time. Do you want to fire the man too but are afraid about what can happen? Listen to these stories of ordinary people who stayed the course as they became masters of their craft. Lastly, please know that Ken and I are here for you as you start your own “firing the man” journey. Listen to this episode and learn what keeps us motivated and inspired to accomplish our goals!  [00:01 - 04:07] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayWhat keeps you motivated when you wake up in the morning? [04:08 - 12:27] Going All In Here’s the speech that made the hair on David’s neck stood up Ken tells you why you should “burn your boats”These men who are masters at what they do inspire us too, and here’s why [12:28 - 20:26] Sensory Deprivation TanksWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400This shoe story from Ken will motivate you to be a master of your craftWhat are float tanks and why you should try them[20:27 - 25:54] Closing Segment Are you planning to fire the man soon?Here’s what you should do todayConnect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“When I think of someone that’s a master of their craft, they practice it every single day for a really long time...Surround yourself with like-minded people to learn from and then just show up every day.” - Ken Wilson “That’s a gift. When someone fires the man, they’re gonna receive that gift--not having bosses and people looking over your shoulder...as a self-employed individual, you set that standard.” - David Schomer Resources mentionedMan in the Arena speechFiring the Man previous episodesE-commerce Coaching Call with New Amazon Seller, Kiefer Hogge – Part 1E-commerce Coaching Call with New Amazon Seller, Kiefer Hogge – Part 2------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let us know what gets you fired up to achieve your own goals! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 88We had the pleasure of interviewing Ismael Wrixen, the Executive Chairman of FE International, the market leader in the sale of SaaS, E-commerce, and Content businesses. Over the past decade, Wrixen has overseen 1000+ successful acquisitions totaling more than half a billion dollars in value. Wrixen was also a (NACVA) 2018 40 Under 40 Award winner. Wrixen’s previous background was in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high profile public deals, namely in the technology sector.Founded in 2010, FE International is an international company serving clients worldwide. It was named one of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies in 2021 and 2020 by The Financial Times and is also a three-time U.S. Inc. 5000 company.[00:01 - 04:26] Opening SegmentIntroducing Ismael Wrixen and sharing our key takeaways from our conversationTransitioning from investment banking to mergers and acquisitions[04:27 - 13:19] Quitting Your Job to Be an EntrepreneurWeighing risk vs. reward when transitioning out of corporateHow work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit is developedAdvice for those who are transitioning out of their 9-5sRegrets and timing your exit[13:20 - 22:33] Helping Over 1100 Founders Exit Their Business with FE InternationalWhat FE International does and how they help business owners with valuations, exit planning, optimizing and acquisition processesWhat do mergers and acquisitions companies find attractive in a business?Between SaaS, E-commerce, and Content, which is easiest to run?Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[22:34 - 43:28] Building a Sellable BusinessDiscretionary earnings disparity between eCommerce and Brick and MortarThe aggregator marketThings to do now to exit smoothly and profitablyBrokers vs. AggregatorsLearn more about Ismael in the Fire Round![43:29 - 44:58] Closing SegmentConnect with Ismael. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“If you're looking to take a business and scale it profitably over time, I'd say FBA and eCommerce, in general, is a great place [to look].” - Ismael Wrixen“I think a lot of people have potentially been leaving value on the table by getting approached and selling to the first person who wants to have a conversation with them. There is a lot of value in a competitive scenario.” - Ismael WrixenResources mentioned:The Goal by Eliyahu M. GoldrattCheck out FE International on their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 87We continue our interview with Kris Gramlich and Dustin Kane from Sellozo to pick their brains in running a successful e-commerce business. This time, they talk about the importance of research in starting in e-commerce, some reminders e-commerce sellers should know about when scaling, and the characteristics that drive people to success. Also, don’t miss the exciting Fire Round in this episode, where we know more about Kris and Dustin outside their work. Tune in now and learn from two experienced Amazon sellers! [00:01 - 04:33] Opening SegmentWe share our key takeaways from our interview with Kris and Dustin Listen to the Fire Round later! [04:34 - 14:18] Why Product Research Is Crucial Is there an opportunity right now in selling on Amazon?Dustin shares his insights Kris explains why product research is so important Tips and tricks about inventory research you should know [14:19 - 19:01] Reminders in Scaling Businesses Why invest in your own warehouse What you should be cautious about when scaling your businessWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[19:02 - 30:51] Why Try Sellozo Now The question that David wants to ask all Amazon sellersHear the answers of Kris and Dustin! They break down the services offered by Sellozo Learn more about Kris and Dustin in the Fire Round! [30:52 - 33:03] Closing Segment Connect with Kris and Dustin. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“If you’re gonna do [ecommerce], do this faster.” - Kris Gramlich“I think you have to have an overarching optimistic attitude...that you’re confident, that you can accomplish anything and overcome setbacks .” - Dustin KaneResources mentioned:AliExpressAlibabaRecommended booksAtomic Habits4-Hour WorkweekAtlas Shrugged.Email kgramlich@sellozo.com or check out Sellozo online and on their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. Kris on LinkedInDustin on LinkedIn Listen to their podcast, Two Amazon Sellers and a Microphone------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 86In this 2-part interview, we talked with Kris Gramlich and Dustin Kane from Sellozo to discover the strategies, mindsets, and ways that they applied to become successful in the e-commerce space. They also shared their journey to becoming Amazon sellers, the challenges they needed to overcome along the way, the wins--no matter how small--that they had celebrated, and the next steps for them and for their business.  Don’t miss this episode and learn from experienced Amazon sellers! [00:01 - 06:57] Opening SegmentWe share our key takeaways from our interview with Kris Gramlich and Dustin KaneLet’s get to know Kris and Dustin![06:58 - 16:58] The Pressure of Firing the ManWe talk about the pressure of firing the manWhy Kris left the corporate world and jump into e-commerceHere’s the reason Dustin didn’t want to work in the corporate world [16:59 - 21:49] Trademarks and CompetitionsDustin shares a story about applying for trademarks you should NOT miss The meetup that changed their livesHere’s how they found SellozoWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[21:50 - 35:22] Learning From Mistakes and Celebrating Wins Treat your e-commerce as a business not a side hustle Here’s whyKris lost USD 300,000 and here’s how he dealt with it Be inspired with these wins shared by Kris and Dustin![35:23 - 37:16] Closing Segment Connect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“Practising patience. That’s really hard to do especially for entrepreneurs...but sometimes you gotta check yourself.” - Kris Gramlich“If anybody’s starting now, I would treat this like, this is something you’re gonna sell in 5 years. Treat it that way from the beginning.” - Dustin KaneResources mentioned:Book: The 4-Hour WorkweekThomasnetEmail kgramlich@sellozo.com or check out Sellozo online and on their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 85Welcome back to Firing the Man! In this episode, Ken and I share our thoughts about the book, “The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)” written by an absolute legend, Hal Elrod. We absolutely love his 6-step process to make the most out of our mornings and transform our lives, which was abbreviated as S.A.V.E.R.S.Listen to this episode !  [00:01 - 03:50] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayKen and I talk about the author of “The Miracle Morning”[03:51 - 09:28] Hal Elrod’s SAVERSWhatever you’re doing in your life, we highly recommend this bookWe’re probably undervaluing our mornings and here’s whyA few key steps can change your mornings A brief period of quietTry this different kind of alarm clock! Clear your limiting beliefs with this step [09:29 - 14:35] Programming Your Brain The word David suggests you should add to your affirmations Train your brain to “see things”What does Hal mean by this?This is one of the best ways to increase your energy and boost your confidence[14:36 - 19:38] Reading Quickly and Efficiently This is one of our favorite parts of the bookReading generates a compounding interest too! Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Don’t miss these pro tips to read books! [19:39 - 28:46] 30-Day Miracle Morning Why you should write down your thoughts Digital or paper?Creating your own Miracle Morning The benefits we’ve seen in ourselves by following the steps in this book[28:47 - 30:58] Closing Segment Connect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“Hype yourself. Pump yourself. It’s good to be modest but this is not the time to be modest. Pump yourself up.” - David Schomer “I think the more you say something, the more you program your brain that you believe it..” - Ken Wilson Resources mentionedThe Miracle MorningSunrise alarm clockHal ElrodBiggerPockets PodcastFiring the Man LibraryHow to Speed Read | Tim FerrissTony RobbinsBill GatesOprah WinfreyTiger Woods------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Done with the 30-day Miracle Morning Challenge? Send us a voice message to share your experiences! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 84Welcome back to Firing the Man! In this episode, David opens up about his experience of firing the man. He’s been THE man in the last six months and has been enjoying the benefits of owning and controlling his own time since. Like any other ecommerce business owner, he has also faced a few bumps in the road, but his big “why” has helped him stay the course. Listen to David and learn more about his journey after firing the man!  [00:01 - 03:39] Opening SegmentDavid talks about one of his biggest fearsA little bit of fear can be a motivation [03:40 - 11:39] Systems and Processes Why David took a sabbatical when he fired the man We talk about Digital Minimalism How does it feel to own your time? David shares his experience [11:40 - 15:53] Firing the Man and Going All In The benefits of going full time in your ecommerce business Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400David talks about separating his work and personal lives [15:54 - 22:27] Being the Man of Your Own Business The challenges of firing the manWeekends are now less important than before David talks about the unexpected effects of firing the man to his life [22:28 - 24:24] Closing Segment Connect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“Give yourself some time to relax and recharge.” - David Schomer “I think a little bit of fear is a healthy motivator.” - Ken Wilson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have a similar experience? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 83In today’s episode, Ken and I talk about our major takeaways from the Prosper Show, a learning and networking event for established Amazon sellers who want to make their businesses more profitable and for service providers focused on offering business scaling. After the event, we felt excited not just for ourselves, but also for the entire e-commerce community. There are a couple of Amazon features that e-commerce owners should try now, and we share tips to maximize them all. Listen to this episode and get a lot of e-commerce tips from the Prosper Show!  [00:01 - 03:38] Opening SegmentWe share our experiences during the Prosper Show We definitely miss in-person events! [03:39 - 09:26] Should Amazon Businesses Be Excited? Ken talks about the importance of supplier terms Find out the terms we learned about!What’s a win-win situation for you and the supplier?David gives his insights about the boom in aggregators today [09:27 - 16:45] Our Outlook on Walmart’s Growth Why you should try Amazon Posts according to Ken Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400David talks about the growth of Walmart [16:46 - 22:07] Next-Level Product Launches US-based sellers are not capitalizing on this Amazon featureKen shares some practical tips to maximize this feature Why attend in-person events like the Prosper Show [22:08 - 23:52] Closing Segment Connect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“There’s a great demand for Amazon businesses from all of these aggregators, but there’s a limited supply. That’s why an aggregator...is willing to offer up to $50,000 for a referral.” - David Schomer “For every Amazon Live stream, check your sales data for the optimal time.” - Ken Wilson Resources mentioned:Prosper ShowWalmartAmazon PostsTim JordanAmazon Live------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 82Liran Hirschkorn has been marketing online for 12 years. After growing and selling an Internet life insurance agency in 2014, Liran decided to get involved in e-commerce and selling on Amazon and has since sold millions of dollars on Amazon. Liran is widely followed as a thought leader and speaker on marketing and selling on Amazon. He lives in Long Island, New York with his wife and daughter. Liran is also a big believer that success in life is not just in business, but in all areas and is grateful for the opportunity to make an impact in this world.Listen to Liran now and learn the state of the union of the pay-per-click space! [00:01 - 04:10] Opening SegmentLet’s get to know Liran HirschkornInternet marketing and financial services [04:11 - 09:27] Leaving a Stable JobAre you afraid to quit your day job?Liran talks about the Regret Minimization Framework Don’t miss his message for his younger self[09:28 - 13:47] Sellers’ Love-Hate Relationship With Ads  Why you should play the long game in ecommerce Is there still opportunity in the ecommerce industry?What’s happening in the Amazon pay-per-click (PPC) space? [13:48 - 25:38] Tips for New Sellers Smart sellers handle increasing cost-per-click by doing this Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Liran offers a couple of tips for new sellers[25:39 - 36:23] Understanding PPC  Liran talks about Incrementum Digital’s servicesShould you outsource or keep PPC in-house? Know more about Liran in the Fire Round! [36:24 - 38:32] Closing Segment Connect with Liran. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“Failures will have lessons in them.” - Liran Hirshkorn“There’s a massive opportunity in ecommerce and you want to learn and take action at the same time.” - Liran HirshkornResources mentioned:Tony RobbinsBook: Think and Grow RichConnect with Liran by emailing liran@incrementumdigital.com or following him on LinkedIn and Instagram. Grow your Amazon sales with Incrementum Digital!Listen to Ecommerce Mindset to learn ecommerce tips from successful sellers from Amazon and Shopify! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have a similar experience? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 81Francois Jaffres is the closest thing to a crystal ball that we know of in terms of keeping his fingers on the pulse of global logistics. This is why he took a quick break from his position as Director of Business Development at Noviland to join us in this episode. Francois is a leading figure at Noviland in disrupting the traditional international supply chain through technology and customer-centric innovations. Tune in now and know how to navigate expensive freight and supply chain disruptions! [00:01 - 07:51] Opening SegmentOur key takeaways from this episode[07:52 - 17:08] What Big Corporations Are DoingFrancois talks about the behaviors of importers right nowWhy this is a scary time for specific kinds of sellers and importers Overcome logistics challenges like a big corporation  [17:09 - 25:55] Is Q4 Gonna Be Better or Worse?His outlook for Q4 you need to hearThe creative solutions we can try right nowWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[25:56 - 36:22] What Sellers Will Face SoonOther manufacturers for sellersA tough decision for the sellers they need to think about The formula that hurt the supply chain[36:23 - 43:25] Building Relationships in a BusinessRelationships over transactionsThe unsexy talk that’s vital to any business Know more about Francois in the Fire Round! [43:26 - 45:51] Closing SegmentConnect with Francois. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“We can only keep up through innovation. We can only keep up through creative solutions both on the buyer side, as well as on the seller side.” - Francois Jaffres“The more information you have, the more people that you follow on supply chain, I think the more successful your business is gonna be.” - Francois JaffresResources mentionedPodcastsLet’s Talk Supply ChainSupply Chain NowIndividualsSarah Barnes-HumphreyScott LutonGreg WhiteBook: The Lean StartupConnect with Francois by emailing francois@noviland.com or following him on LinkedIn. Visit their website and get the best products for your business! Check them out also on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Listen to Link Up Leaders Podcast on your favorite podcast player!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have a similar experience? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 80In today’s episode we are going to take a deep dive into the profit and loss (P&L) statement covering topics such as 1) what is a P&L statement?;  2) Why is a P&L so important; 3) What to do when you receive your P&L?; and 4) What strategies Ken and I use in our own businesses to analyze our books and make decisions that drive value? Listen to the episode and know how to utilize the P&L statement! [00:01 - 05:27] Opening SegmentWhy a profit and loss (P&L) statement is important in a businessDavid explains 2 ways to get a P&L[05:28 - 15:28] Show Us The Money!Why we get excited when we receive our P&L We break down the net income Analyze your P&L with these key steps from David How to see trends? [15:29 - 25:07] Understanding Gross Margin Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400An MS Excel hack that you should know We talk about gross margins [25:08 - 30:13] Improving Your P&L  David talks about the “real gold” of an income statement Improve your P&L next month with these tips from David! Are you not an accounting or finance major?No problems! Listen to David’s advice [30:14 - 33:49] Closing Segment Make more money by utilizing the P&L!We summarized this episode into several key steps Connect with us. Links belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“The numbers speak to you in trends. Look at them and troubleshoot them up.” - Ken Wilson“Don’t let net income be an afterthought. Have it be something that you plan on.” - David SchomerResources mentioned:Firing the Man Ep. 78 on ACoS: Intersection of PPC & Profitability (PART 1)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do you have a similar experience? Send us a voice message and let’s see how we can help you! FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show