Dragonproof Ecommerce

Human-centric decision-making can create incredible tailwinds for a business - and the opposite is also true. Rick examines the downstream effects of values-based leadership decisions, and how to harness them for the best results.

The invasion of Ukraine is a global crisis with far-reaching geopolitical consequences, including unknown impacts upon the U.S. economy. For business leaders just emerging from the challenges of the Covid era, this event will require a recommitment to values and work modalities which inspire confidence and hope. Rick suggests that the best course of action for US businesses is neither panic nor obliviousness, but instead a sober situational awareness relative to the unique context of every company. Most importantly, leaders need to focus on elements they can control, while staying connected to the “north star” of their core mission.

What is the nature of happiness? A rapidly shifting digital economy and once-in-a-generation stresses demand that employers support an emotionally balanced workplace - starting with themselves. This week, Rick and Rich unpack the factors that drive happiness, how personal joy can ripple through an organization, and why choices that prioritize emotional health align with company goals.

Rick and Scott dig in to how in a remote-first world you can no longer manage your team and gauge the emotional temperature by leaning on pony walls and observing while people work. The pandemic has now instituted a permanent sea-change in the tools required to emotionally support and manage your staff - but the ultimate goal of a psychologically safe work environment is still of utmost importance for your business.

Rick Wilson, CEO of Miva, sits down with John Lawson, best-selling author, to discuss entrepreneurship, Amazon, and the current state of independent ecommerce. Hosted by Richard Otey, the trio share diverse perspectives on ecommerce and the role that marketplaces play in the success (and demise) of independent business.

Episode Highlights

02:12 - Explanation of retail arbitrage - John Lawson sets the stage for a discussion about online marketplaces by explaining a common online sales business model.

07:15 - Early days of ecommerce software - Rick Wilson paints a picture of ecommerce marketplaces back when Amazon just sold books. Back then, his approach was to empower existing brick-and-mortar businesses to grow through building their own online store.

11:09 - Difference between ad engines and marketplaces - Instagram and Google Shopping act more as ad engines than marketplaces. Rick explains the distinction between ad engines and marketplaces.

17:12 - Amazon Prime - the not-so-obvious way Amazon is competing with you and creating a race to the bottom for sellers on Amazon.

20:15 - China tariffs - how the political climate with China is helping Amazon achieve end-to-end control over the supply chain and purchasing experience.

20:25 - Reaching scale - success in online marketplaces can come with a price. How counterfeit products and predatory reviews can threaten your account.

32:28 - John’s biggest takeaway - John shares his top piece of advice for online sellers.

Dragonproof Ecommerce (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Dragonproof-Ecommerce-Business-Products-Customers-ebook/dp/B07NKW3W52

Dragonproof Website - https://dragonproofbook.com/

John Lawson’s website - https://www.johnlawson.com

Kick Ass Social Commerce for E-preneurs - https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Social-Commerce-preneurs-Likes/dp/1939529441

Social

Dragonproof Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dragonproof2019/

Dragonproof Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dragonproofecommerce/

Dragonproof Twitter - https://twitter.com/Dragonproof2019

Rick Wilson Twitter - https://twitter.com/RickMiva

Richard “RichE” Otey Twitter - https://twitter.com/richardotey

John Lawson Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColderICE