Operators

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E021: Operators Q&A: International Expansion, Pivoting & Adaptability, Organic Content & More Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

[00:00:00] Unexpected encounter leads to golf opportunity. [00:10:11] Perceived limit low, raising organic reach cap. [00:14:41] Organic versus paid scaling: a dual challenge. [00:18:36] Marketing and product need different approaches. [00:27:57] Getting in front of customers is crucial. HexClad initially focused on demonstrations in Costco, then shifted to online ads. Media Mix modeling is valuable for growth. [00:35:02] Expanding market internationally, starting with Amazon. Opportunity for growth in Europe, Canada, Mexico. [00:39:12] Ridge has localized websites for international customers. [00:47:08] Scale determines effectiveness of marketing strategies. [00:53:20] Be skeptical, debunk everything, question conventional wisdom. [00:57:44] Intelligence embraces being wrong and fluid. [01:00:52] Ridge's LTV problem will be solved. [01:06:31] Conflict in business partnerships can be beneficial. Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/s... Operators Job Board: https://operators.niceboard.co In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

Episode 020: Mastering The Art of Product Licensing. A Deep Dive Conversation With The Operators. Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

[00:02:56] Licensing: Mickey Mouse, NFL, big IPs. Structured how?

[00:04:29] Territories, channels, products, royalties: Licensing essentials.

[00:07:43] Licensing creates revenue and limits competition.

[00:11:53] 'PhD' levels discuss brand collaborations, licensing agreements.

[00:14:03] Two layers: IP in licensing agreements, risks.

[00:18:08] Licensing expands brand through partnerships and products.

[00:23:56] Look beyond obvious licenses for brand partnerships.

[00:27:40] Licensing intersects our business through relationships and influencers.

[00:35:17] Using targeted marketing to attract licensing agreements.

[00:41:15] Licensing risk is high due to inventory.

[00:46:34] Sales spike, infrastructure key for success. Licenses drive future growth.

[00:49:09] Licensing deals simplify agreements for unique products.

[00:52:50] Licensing legitimizes business, pays for association. Win-win relationships rare. Invest, start small, learn, then grow.

[00:57:19] Long term perspective crucial for success.

Operators Exclusive Slack:https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/s...

Sendlane.https://learn.sendlane.com/operators

Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/

Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom

Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer

Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli

Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm

Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford

Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeamFulfil.io

(Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilioSendlane

(Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane

E019: Building Business Moats: Strategies, IP, Competitive Advantages, Knowledge, Patents & More Aug 30, 2023

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00:02:22 Consumer businesses need competitive advantages for success. Building scale and expanding into new categories give companies an edge. Limited moats exist for consumer products as network effects are often absent. Scale brings cost and exploration benefits that smaller competitors lack. Strategic decisions should align with the business. IP, policy, and contract modes are crucial elements for success in the waste management industry. Legislation and unique supply chains create barriers for imitation. 00:08:42 Capitalism drives manufacturing to China, causing IP violations. 00:12:22 IP without prosecution is worthless; expensive legal actions are necessary to protect it. 00:18:00 Growing businesses easier, defensibility harder. Licensing as a powerful strategy for growth. 00:27:05 The DTC world needs more than just a great product. User experience and packaging are not enough. Competitive advantage comes from IP and inherent knowledge. 00:31:36 Three modes: experience, money, relationships. Impact on business. 00:38:01 Invest in different sizes, more inventory, physical assets. 00:42:44 Encourage strategic thinking to ensure success. 00:47:53 Switzerland and Comanches: hard to invade. Moats are essential. 00:56:05 Nespresso: Impressive business model and success. 00:57:39 Staten Island scam almost cost millions. Be vigilant. Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/s... The Sendlane event is SOLD OUT. 10 tickets remain. To win one for FREE join the slack above and Message Jimmy Kim. First 10 to do so will win a ticket. Operators Job Board: https://operators.niceboard.co In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E018: How To Price Your Products. A Deep Dive Special. Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

[00:02:23] Close relationship with Callaway and Travis Matthew. Topgolf is future of company. [00:05:54] Late to market, focused on value. [00:08:33] Cost Plus pricing: Calculate costs, add markup. Weaknesses: Customer perception, competition's pricing. [00:13:32] Extensive price history, AOV increase, wallet market. [00:15:02] Gucci wallet: affordable gift with high demand. [00:18:39] Affordable premium product, strong email deliverability. Exceptional. [00:21:44] Pricing strategy: gross margin, cost optimization, discounts. [00:25:38] Failed auction website experiment reveals psychological pricing. [00:29:49] Differentiation is key in pricing strategy. [00:33:46] Audit costs and lack of systems explained. [00:37:42] Price psychology and price buckets are important. A Dutch auction maximizes revenue. Consider industry-specific price buckets for better pricing. [00:42:18] Supply and demand is real, price affects demand. Testing pricing can be helpful. Successful retailers discount. Higher pricing acquires fewer customers. Luxury brands target fewer customers. Understand who you're trying to talk to. Pricing drives customer acquisition. Lower prices can introduce people to a brand. [00:48:14] Surviving middle market through omnichannel pricing. [00:49:56] Multiples mean nothing. Factors: growth, profit, sector, supply, demand. [00:53:57] Zimmerman sold for $1.6 billion, impressive. The importance of actual money in deals. Value determined by what someone pays. [00:57:47] Think like competitors, know your value, sell. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E017: How Do You Build Brand Equity? A Deep Dive Special With The Operators. Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

00:01:44 Trade show booth laughter fuels brand motivation. 00:03:57 HexClad's successful brand building and growth. 00:11:02 TAM size: average; acquiring millions of new customers a year; need to go international, focus on repeat rate; think about true servable market; brand equals capital B brand; need a functional product, fashion game is cyclical; Dyson and Apple as examples. 00:13:52 Great brands start with superior functional improvement. 00:22:12 Brand emote, invest in functional over fashion. 00:27:40 Consistency is key in building a brand. 00:29:28 Affordable pricing, experienced team, good deliverability. Impressive trajectory, strong NPS score, organic growth. 00:36:05 HexClad redefined and dominates its category. 00:38:11 Defy gravity: Spend less, increase sales. 00:42:23 Start business in industry with low scores. 00:46:05 Elon Musk: A generational builder having fun. 00:47:55 Elon buys social media network, leveraging network effects. 00:51:00 Different opinions on brand, few exceptions. 00:54:52 Infer. Lomi. Cute name from dirt. 00:57:48 Embrace disagreement. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E016: Ridge's CMO Connor Joins, Using Agencies, Launching Products, Monetising Your Audience & More Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

[00:03:57] Questioning the relevance of the media spend model. [00:10:23] Innovative ad agency with flexible payment plans. [00:13:23] Amazon advertising, agencies can be helpful, learn first. [00:18:02] "Not a great salesperson, let's talk about work." [00:24:41] Agency red flags, client tenure, trusted agencies. [00:31:35] Partnerships with aspirational brands can be beneficial. [00:38:54] Media-commerce combo: content and brands unite. [00:49:13] Launching products [00:59:53] Newness makes marketing easier and improves sales. [01:07:24] Broad audience appeal, diversified marketing mix. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E015: Kitsch's COO Jeremy Thurswell Joins, Omnichannel Deep Dive, Retail Masterclass & More Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

https://www.mykitsch.com/ Jeremy: https://twitter.com/JeremyThurswell?s=20 [00:03:12] Kitsch backstory [00:12:14] Unintentional business success, Faire platform adoption. [00:15:44] Omnichannel success, importance of D2C, event announcement. [00:24:51] Omnichannel strategy targets incremental customer acquisition. Channel conflict creates internal tension and challenges. [00:29:58] Physical retail needs unique products for success. [00:35:54] Maximizing physical retail space is crucial. [00:45:19] Think omnichannel, section in store, product breadth. [00:47:59] Set up a shelf, see what it looks like. [00:52:17] D2C dictionary: wholesale, specialty, mass market, club, convenience, independent. [00:59:17] Wholesale strategy: advantage of independent retailers. [01:05:16] Building credibility leads to trust and success. [01:08:33] Keurig strategically expands brand through targeted distribution. [01:13:53] Retail varies by environment, attracting different customers. Walmart values driving new customers, while big retailers aim to appeal to a broader income range. Ulta is popular with Gen Z and launching new products there is desired. Each retail environment requires expertise and a big-picture view. Limited physical space in retail adds value for strategic partnerships. Retail provides consistent revenue and margin consistency. Margin compression can be challenging for retailers. Contracts are pre-negotiated. [01:19:21] The struggle with antiquated infrastructures. Whole Foods focuses on wellness, spa, and sleep products, placing them near aromatherapy items. [01:24:15] Successful Kitsch power couple prioritizes relationship for business success. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumoured to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E014: The Operators Focus on Culture. Hiring Unconventionally, Paying Top Talent, Meetings, Values. Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

[00:02:59] Unconventional hiring strategy: trust-based recruitment success. [00:05:11] CEO Jeff runs the business day-to-day, while the Matt focuses on product and marketing. Trust is crucial for high-performance teams. Trust is built through interactions and time. Hiring someone in a leadership position requires trust. [00:10:58] Recruiter found experienced operator for venture fund. [00:13:19] Profits interest for celebrities, no shares. Need VP-level protege. Compensation and thoughts on 300k? [00:17:02] Unique advantages attract top talent, not just money. [00:22:24] Culture-driven team with focus on results. Hesitant about expanding meetings and remote work. [00:30:52] Culture impacts meetings. Record them. No agenda, cancel the meeting. [00:31:47] Work culture: meetings, time, collaboration, and trust. [00:37:19] Leadership matters whether remote or in person. [00:39:44] Culture influences performance, but meetings increase with more employees. It's a constant balancing act. [00:41:57] Values and consistency are key to success in an organization. [00:46:24] Work expands to fill time: reduce it. [00:51:07] Set time limits, make decisions, move forward. [00:53:03] Positive feedback on a great idea. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E013: Prime Results, Hiring Execs, China, Ecommerce Health, Investing, Panzerism & More. Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

00:02:17 Amazon's Prime Day exceeded expectations, with some sellers reporting significant increases in sales compared to normal days. 00:25:47 Factors affecting success: marketing, forecasting, costs, logistics. Favorable exchange rate benefits importing. American consumers healthier than China and Europe. E-commerce competition increasing. 00:31:53 Difficulties in China's business environment due to COVID-19 and currency exchange rates. 00:33:34 Retailers push back on price increases. China's impact on market and competitiveness. 00:40:17 China's reliance on food imports grows, manufacturing jobs shift to Vietnam and Mexico, challenging future ahead. 00:46:36 Real estate buyers ignore prices with Chinese money. 00:51:14 Time kills all deals; keep momentum. 01:00:50 My focus jumps around for urgency. 01:06:34 Investing in distractions won't grow net worth. 01:12:42 Exceptions: relational opportunities and watchlist investments. 01:18:50 Finance history: financialization dominates, private equity profits. 01:21:22 Operate your own business, bet on yourself. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

E012: Twitter vs Threads, Prime Day Deal/No Deal, Definitive COGS, Margins, Profit Per Day & More Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

00:02:53 Bet against Zuckerberg? No. Killed Snapchat and Twitter. Sean is bummed about rebuilding social graph on threads. 00:06:58 Twitter's alienation may lead to new communities. 00:13:19 June highlights: suffering and key metrics discussed. CAC target achieved, sales up 100% with 20% lower CAC. North Beam saved the business. 00:16:21 Approach to Prime Day has changed, no major discounts. 00:20:31 Prime Day: margins, discounts, customer behavior. 00:26:09 Million-dollar accounting costs lead to a failed audit. 00:32:47 Wholesale shipments, chargebacks, accounting nightmare, ERP, profit per day, optimize for dollars. 00:36:59 "Have a plan, avoid reckless spending." 00:44:12 Email and SMS are commodity services. SendGrid is commonly used for sending emails. Shopify is not a commodity service. Winning in commodity services requires price and service. 00:47:37 Minimize COGS, focus on key financial P&L. 00:52:58 Different pricing approaches in DTC and retail. 00:57:23 Brand creates monopoly and determines value. In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Follow us on Twitter: Sean (Host) https://twitter.com/SeanEcom Jason (Host) https://twitter.com/JasonPanzer Matt (Host) https://twitter.com/mbertulli Mike (Host) https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm Finn (Producer) https://twitter.com/finn_radford Northbeam (Partner) https://twitter.com/northbeam Fulfil.io (Partner) https://twitter.com/fulfilio Sendlane (Partner) https://twitter.com/Sendlane We Rise Together.

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