Firing The Man

Episode 59In this episode, Kevin Flaherty from Thras.io joins us to talk about how his company acquires third-party businesses in the Amazon space. In 2020, Thras.io was named the “fastest profitable U.S. company to ever reach a $1 billion valuation.” Before joining Thras.io, Kevin worked as an analyst at Advantage Capital where he would work on providing capital to both start-up and expansion state companies to create growth and strong returns for investors. Let’s listen to Kevin and learn how to have an 8-figure exit by selling your Amazon business! [00:01 - 05:40] Opening SegmentLet’s get to know Kevin FlahertyWhat is Thrasio? [05:41 - 14:56] 8-Figure Exits Do you have an Amazon business you want to sell?Kevin talks about the huge potential of the e-commerce industryKevin breaks down the Seller’s Discretionary Earnings [14:57 - 23:53] Thas.io’s R3What are “add-backs” and why should you know it? Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Hear from Kevin their criteria in acquiring businesses[23:54- 34:17] Next Generation Procter & GambleWhat’s Kevin’s vision for Thras.io? Are you ready to sell your business?Kevin tells us how you’ll be compensatedKevin talks about their due diligence process [34:18 - 38:17] Closing Segment Let’s commence the Fire Round!Connect with Kevin! Links below Final words Tweetable Quotes:“I think at the moment...e-commerce is in the second or third inning in terms of a larger game being played.” - Kevin Flaherty“People can get overwhelmed by the growth or get overly bullish and things start to go sideways from there.” - Kevin FlahertyResources Mentioned:Book: The Arsenal of DemocracyBook: Billion Dollar Brand ClubEmail kevin.flaherty@thras.io to reach out to Kevin and check out their website or social media pages: LinkedIn,, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.LEAVE 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 58Today, we have an awesome guest to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and share the tips that helped him along the way. Joel Bower is the co-founder and owner of Owning the Edge, a high-end consulting and intimate mastermind business, helping established entrepreneurs and executives get personalized advice and training they need to replace cookie-cutter solutions that simply don’t work for growing businesses.Listen to Joel and learn the tricks to get intentional with your entrepreneurial career! [00:01 - 05:59] Opening SegmentLet’s get to know Joel Bower His motivations for pursuing an entrepreneurial career [06:00 - 17:41] Solopreneurs Are Not Alone Joel recalls how he discovered his passionHelping people get “unstuck”He talks about one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneursHow to deal with it? He gives interesting insights about the “guilt” in gifts [17:42 - 29:40] Protect Your Beliefs Joel walks us through the last goal he setHow did he reward himself? Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Are you a new entrepreneur? Here are Joel’s tips for you The role of family and friends in your careerJoel explains [29:41 - 40:43] Just Do Something and Be Consistent Joel shares the beauty of Mastermind and how it works Join us in this exciting game!Let’s commence the Fire Round! His favorite bookHis hobbiesThe qualities that set successful people apart from everyone else [40:44 - 42:05] Closing Segment Connect with Joel! Links below Final words Tweetable Quotes:“Entrepreneurs have a tendency of getting so fixated on their dream, getting so caught up in the opportunity, the fear of missing out… that burnout is a constant thing.” - Joel Bower“When you’re starting a business, you need endless information. You need everything.” - Joel BowerResources Mentioned:Tony RobbinsZig ZiglarDenis WaitleyMastermindBook: Think and Grow Rich!Book: The 4-Hour Work WeekBook: The Road Less StupidBook: The Lean StartupBook: Buy Then BuildBook: Dotcom SecretsBook: Awaken The Giant WithinBook: Blue Ocean StrategyYou can find out more about Joel on his website and on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstaReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 57In this episode, we are going to talk about the goals that Ken and I set for 2021. From 15,000 to 30,000 emails? Why not 50,000? Buying an existing company or starting from scratch? We have set goals this year based on the lessons we have learned and the experiences we have gone through last year. We are sharing all these goals with you to remind us that 2021 is the year of Firing the Man. Let’s jump into the episode and raise the bar with our 2021 goals![00:01 - 03:44] Opening SegmentWhy we’re raising the bar with our goals this 2021[03:45 - 09:03] Swallow the Frog Ken’s first 2021 goal is to join a 7- or 8-figure Mastermind classDavid aims to schedule time for his long-term initiatives 8 hours monthly to “swallow the frog”Ken wants to attend 3 live conferences to learn more about these topicsWhat’s a “slam-dunk” product for David and why does he want to launch it?[09:04 - 17:20] Buy then BuildKen’s next goal is on transforming from a solopreneur into an entrepreneurDavid’s next goal is building his audience and email list and growing his website traffic How many hours will David allocate for diversification off Amazon this 2021? Why it’s advisable to buy an existing company for DavidWant some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400[17:21 - 24:16] Fire the Man in 2021100% top-line growth across e-commerce brandsHow will Ken achieve this goal?David shares his financial goals you’d want to check out!Ken wants to double the size of his email listDavid nudges Ken to aim for moreDavid announces an important decision[24:17 - 29:05] Be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable Ken will be going Shopping Mode! We talk about being comfortable with the uncomfortable [29:06 - 33:53] Closing Segment The importance of planning your activities ahead of timeThe impact of the words, “Do not disturb”Final words Tweetable Quotes:“What’s probably made the single most impact for me in 2020, along with my planning sheet, is putting my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb.’” - Ken Wilson “I think sharing your goals with somebody, at least one person, is incredibly valuable.” - David SchomerResources Mentioned:6: We Share Our Goals for 202025: Q2 Review of Our 2020 E-Commerce GoalsMastermindSITKA GearRobert KiyosakiBook: 12 Months to $1 Million 52: Beginner’s Guide to Building an Email ListBook: Buy then Build45: Buy then Build with Author Walker DiebelDo you want to share your goals with us? Go to https://firingtheman.com/contact-us/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookReady to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 56If you are at the stage of your e-commerce business where you want to talk with suppliers, this episode is for you. Today, Ken and I will drop a lot of golden nuggets you can pick up to turn into a pro negotiator. Based on our experience, negotiations don’t have to be purely business-related. After all, you’re still talking with people who are only living within a different culture and working with their own set of goals. Let’s dive right in and learn how to negotiate with suppliers like a pro!![00:01 - 02:33] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayWatch out for a book review![02:34 - 09:45] Don’t Split the Difference...EverHere’s an e-commerce tip you can apply to your everyday life!Let the people you’re negotiating with pick their destinyHow will suppliers respect you?Ken explainsAsk the supplier’s preferred mode of communicationFaster and better responsesWhy ask the supplier of the minimum order quantity?When should you accept the first offer? [09:46 - 19:51] Ensure Quality of Products Always ask for tiered pricing related to volume ordersGather quotes from several suppliersDavid shares the benefits Why you should ask for a shorter lead timeDavid tells us to look for areas of mutual gain Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GetidaPromo code: FTM400Ensure the quality of the products Ken explains how Build an authentic connection with the other side [19:52 - 29:57] Be Respectful and KindKen talks about the power of negotiation and leverageDavid gives his insights about tactical empathy Here’s a tip from Ken about ghosting you don’t want to miss!Amplify positive emotions with your suppliersPeople appreciate the little thingsWhen should you ask for a discount or extra units? Treat suppliers with respect and kindness What are “black swans” and why should you look out for them? [29:58 - 32:35] Closing Segment Express your desire for a long-term business relationshipDo you have negotiation tips you want to add? Get in touch with us! Link below. Final words Tweetable Quotes:“Price negotiation should be treated like a house purchase. Never accept the first offer put on the table.” - David Schomer“Relationships are crucial…At the end of the day, [your suppliers] are people.” - Ken Wilson Resources Mentioned:Book: Never Split the DifferenceWorst Experience Dealing with a Supplier - Firing The Man PodcastGot a negotiation tip you want to share with us? Go to https://firingtheman.com/contact-us/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 55In this episode, we review our 2020 goals. If you are a new member of Firing the Man Nation, you might want to check out Episodes 6 and 25 where we set our goals and checked their progress. We discuss the lessons learned in accomplishing these goals, whether we were successful or not, and are able to come up with valuable insights that we will carry this new year, 2021. Let’s dive right in and join us in Firing the Man![00:01 - 03:38] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todaySetting goals and declaring them were new to us[03:39 - 10:49] Learning is Not Limited to BooksKen and I have the same first goal for 2020Connect with people and build our networks Nothing can beat meeting people personallyZoom fatigue is realWe have been more successful on our second goal Ken doubled the size of his team to add value and lessen his workloadDavid has been allotting 2 hours per week to learn something newHere’s a therapeutic activity from David you might want to try too![10:50 - 17:31] Solopreneurs Should Not Be Solo Forever Ken has surpassed his 3rd goal of allotting 2 hours weekly to diversify off AmazonHe was able to diversify for more than 2 hours weeklyKen’s tip is to build an “online real estate” first David shares how he achieved his 3rd goal of crossing out 1 bottleneck monthlyWhy the biggest bottleneck in his business is himself You should not do everything[17:32 - 27:21] Don’t Forget to Reward YourselfKen is happy to share his 100% top-line growth across e-commerce brandsHear from Ken how he did it Listen to David’s story about “firing the man!” Ken was able to build his email list to 15,000 emails!Don’t miss Ken’s tips about setting and accomplishing goals[27:22 - 29:42] Closing Segment Listen to David’s advice on “smelling the roses”Final words Tweetable Quotes:“I think as solopreneurs...at some point, you have to transition away from having to do everything or feeling like you have to do everything.” - David Schomer“[Life] is a journey of challenging yourself. Set a goal and see if you can hit it and learn along the way.” - Ken Wilson Resources Mentioned:6: We Share Our Goals for 202025: Q2 Review of Our 2020 E-Commerce GoalsMasterclass33: Bookkeeping Basics for E-Commerce Entrepreneurs with Anna Hill, CPAOnlinejobs.ph53: Top 5 Episodes in 2020 – A Year in ReviewArmchair Expert------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 54Start the year by turning that idea in your head into a business. Contrary to popular belief, starting a business can be quick and easy. You can even start within 10 minutes. If you’ve been thinking about starting a business for a while now, you’ve probably read this suggestion many times: do your due diligence. However, it’s hard to do your assignment if you don’t know the questions at all. That’s what this episode is all about. Let’s dive right in and learn our top 5 strategies to start your business![00:01 - 02:17] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayStrategies to start a business easily[02:18 - 12:05] Start with an MVPStart your business in 10 minutesSeparate your personal accounts from your business accountDraft a partnership agreement even without a lawyerSecure your website addresses and social media pagesWhat is MVP? [12:06 - 22:05] Keep it SimpleDon’t miss our last strategy to start a business!Do business as if it’s worth a million dollars Don’t spread yourself too thinFind out how When should you hire a virtual assistant?[22:06 - 23:35] Closing Segment Share with us your own strategiesGo to our website. Link belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“I think one thing that I have started to deal [with], which is really helpful, is I tried to document everything.” - David Schomer“Treat your business as if it’s going to grow and scale to 10 million dollars.” - David Schomer“If you are really early on [your business], just focus on the core aspects of getting your business going.” - Ken Wilson Resources Mentioned:Internal Revenue ServiceUnited States Patent and Trademark OfficeGoDaddyDropbox BusinessGoogle DriveInventory Lab------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 53Here’s an appreciation episode for the beloved members of Firing the Man Nation. Today, Ken and I will talk about our top 5 episodes of the year. The top 5 includes two interviews with two amazing entrepreneurs, one book review, and two discussions that will surely add value to your e-commerce career. If you are here for the first time, we suggest that you start with these episodes. Let’s dive right in and listen to Firing the Man’s Top 5 episodes of 2020. [00:01 - 02:29] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayDon’t forget to check out our Top 5 episodes after listening![02:30 - 07:47] Be VulnerableKnow your numbersTake action and be consistentBuild your network[07:48 - 13:55] Find Value-Adding Services Find and utilize a 3PLKnow what is a 3PL belowBuy then build[13:56 - 17:25] Closing Segment Connect with us. Links belowFind the links to our Top 5 episodes belowFinal words Tweetable Quotes:“Being an e-commerce entrepreneur is a long journey. It’s not an overnight success...It’s a long game.” - Ken Wilson “When Ken and I decided to start this [podcast] a year ago, we really didn’t know what was going to happen. It was a slow start, but the further into this we get and the more engagements we have from you, the listener, the better things seem to go...We really appreciate your time.” - David SchomerResources Mentioned:12: Know Your Numbers with the FiringTheMan Profitability CalculatorFiring the Man’s Profitability Calculator20: “The Take Action Effect” by Scott Voelker – Book ReviewScott VoelkerThe Take Action Effect19: Carlos Alvarez on Overcoming Obstacles in Your E-Commerce BusinessCarlos AlvarezWizards of AmazonFinding a Third Party Logistics Company (3PL) for Amazon Fulfillment45: Buy then Build with Author Walker DiebelBuy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup GameWalker Diebel------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 52Today, Ken and I will talk about building an email list. Ken started 2020 with zero emails. Fast forward to Q4, he has 15,000 emails and counting. He used several online apps and services to reach that number, alongside other creative tactics that you can also apply on your business. You will learn about giveaways, lead magnets, email open rates, and more!Let’s jump into the episode now and learn from this Beginner’s Guide to building an email list. [00:01 - 01:53] Opening SegmentWe introduce our topic for todayKen’s journey from 0 to 15,000 emailsKen’s tips to get 15,000 emails within a year[01:54 - 07:35] A Stadium Full of PeopleWhy build an email list? An asset that generates revenueA tool to know your customers betterAn email list is like a stadium full of peopleFind out why[07:36 - 15:54] List Builders Useful tools to build your email listDon’t miss Ken’s tips to grow your email list3 services you can try to send giveaways [15:55 - 24:54] Value-Adding TacticsWe talk about conversion rates on landing pages Ken’s tricks to use newsletters betterHow to extract email addresses from sales channels Putting your lead magnets in the right places[24:55 - 31:27] Closing Segment Ken talks about email open ratesBest practices in sending emailsFinal wordsTweetable Quotes:“If you can prove that you’re generating a revenue with that email list, that adds value to your business.” - Ken Wilson “In order to get an email form somebody, you need to exchange something of value.” - Ken Wilson Resources Mentioned:MailchimpConvertKitKlaviyoGiveawayBoostGleam.ioRafflePressProfit CalculatorRyan Daniel MoranTim FerrisMorning BrewShopifyEventbrite------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 51This is Part 2 of our e-commerce coaching call with Kiefer Hogge, a new seller who joins Amazon. This time, we will discuss leveraging social media platforms and photography in the product launch, targeting a realistic best seller rating, and many more!Listen to Part 1 to know more about Jungle Scout, Fulfillment by Amazon, and packaging and product listings.Now, let’s jump into the episode and learn with Kiefer how to navigate the Amazon world better![00:01 - 07:07] Opening SegmentWe recap Part 1 of the coaching call with KieferWe discuss product photographyListen to Firing the Man Ep. 17 for more detailsOther media you can use to launch your productInfographicVideo[07:08 - 13:40] Online Launching Making your photos attractive on AmazonLearning from your competitorsLaunching your productInstagramFacebookAmazon[13:41 - 19:51] Best Seller RatingOvercoming challenges during the “honeymoon phase”What’s a good conversion rate in Shopify?We talk about best seller rating on Amazon [19:52 - 24:55] Closing Segment Lightning roundFinal wordsTweetable Quotes:“It’s about who you surround yourself with. I think that’s probably the number 1 thing in general as far as success [is concerned].” - Kiefer Hogge“No matter what you try and no matter what happens, the learning process of whether you failed [or not] is worth the investment alone.” - Kiefer HoggeResources Mentioned:Product PhotographyPickFuShopifyThe 4-Hour WorkweekRich Dad, Poor DadBecoming Supernatural------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Kiefer on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit https://www.enagic.com/ to learn more. Missed Part 1? Go to www.FiringTheMan.comFacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show

Episode 50This is Part 1 of our e-commerce coaching call with Kiefer Hogge, a new seller who joins Amazon. We will talk about specific Jungle Scout criteria you should consider and why you should not do them first, the best practices to receive a Fulfillment by Amazon, and the importance of packaging and product listings. Let’s jump into the episode and learn with Kiefer how to start your Amazon career![00:01 - 06:09] Opening SegmentLet’s get to know Kiefer HoggeAffiliate marketing as a source of incomeHis path to Amazon selling[06:10 - 16:11] 24-Month Timeline We talk about the lessons from our failed ventures  Where is Kiefer now in his Amazon journey? Amazon selling is a long gameFind out why Kiefer realized he “had room to mess up”[16:12 - 27:19] 3,000 Sales in Top 10 ListingsFind out David’s Jungle Scout criteriaDon’t miss our tips to source products that will sell!Start with your specialized knowledgeEvaluating manufacturers and trading companies[27:20 - 34:08] 30-Second Reaction We talk about the importance of Amazon packagingKiefer asks about the labeling processSet up your listingsGo to Inventory > Manage InventoryCheck the box. Look for a drop-down menu > Print Item LabelsDownload labels as pdfSend pdf to manufacturerWe discuss what is a minimum viable product[34:09 - 39:00] Closing Segment When should you sell?Utilizing air and sea shipping Final wordsTweetable Quotes:“I think in the past, my biggest mistake was I was rushing to just get in and learn versus really starting outright.” - Kiefer HoggeResources Mentioned:AlibabaJungle ScoutFulfillment by Amazon------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Kiefer on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit https://www.enagic.com/ to learn more. WATCH OUT for Part 2 on www.FiringTheMan.comFacebookYouTubeInstagramEmail us --> support@firingtheman.Ready to scale your Amazon business? Click here to book a strategy call.  https://calendly.com/firingtheman/amazon Support the show