Established ecommerce sellers have been trained to fear Amazon and with good reason. Battles over customer data, branding tools, and unstainable margins previously made marketplaces a no-go for ecom businesses with thriving “conventional” online sales. Tim Jordan, host of the AM/PM Podcast and Amazon entrepreneurial guru, joins Rick Wilson to discuss why now is the perfect moment to diversify a sales portfolio, and how to launch on marketplaces while the opportunities are still immense.
Mar 22, 2021•27 min
Rick Wilson explores the legal, moral, and strategic implications of the vaccine rollout on the ecommerce industry. The broadly interconnected global ecosystem which is inherent to all ecommerce makes the issue of vaccination crucial for business leaders to address. What are the responsibilities - and boundaries - for online sellers who require a safe and healthy workforce?
Mar 08, 2021•16 min
What kind of thinking drives a business that thrives across generations? Andy Brabec, Ecommerce and Marketing Director for legendary jewelry icon Borsheims, joins the Dragonproof Podcast to share how this 150-yr retail powerhouse leveraged technology in 2020 to stay focused on the emotional connection between customers and products. A concierge-type shopping experience translated seamlessly from flagship store to online, demonstrating how personal service is a key to enduring success. Listen to ...
Feb 22, 2021•31 min
When the iconic CEO of the world’s largest online marketplace announces he’s stepping down, every entrepreneur should take note. Rick Wilson, CEO of Miva, Inc., dives into the implications of Jeff Bezos’ surprise retirement for the broader world of independent ecommerce, in this in-the-weeds talk.
Feb 05, 2021•20 min
The life-saving application of online selling technology in 2020 crystallized a long-in-the-making transformation of consumer culture. The question now is, how do we shepherd the ecommerce industry to promote prosperity and wellbeing, in a way that is sustainable, fair, and wise? Rick Wilson explores how expertise, driven by self-reflection, is urgently needed right now by ecommerce businesses and professionals who suddenly find themselves driving the global economy. Listen to this episode on Ap...
Jan 25, 2021•24 min
Rick Wilson looks at July through December 2020 in his review of the year’s important ecommerce themes. Ecommerce professionals grappled with a public health crisis, how to respond to massive social justice protests, colossal logistical challenges, the effects of the video conferencing boom, and the need to anticipate wild shifts in consumer behavior. In this episode, Rick revisits several inspiring conversations with show guests thru the second half of the year. Listen to this episode on Apple ...
Dec 15, 2020•40 min
The devastating impacts of 2020 upon our collective health and economy will be studied for years to come - but one of the more positive stories of this year has been the solidification of ecommerce as a primary driver of American business. Across more than 2 dozen podcast episodes, Rick Wilson has explored the challenges of running an ecommerce business in 2020 in real-time - illuminating a true coming of age for an industry which has become a critical lifeline for sellers and consumers alike. T...
Dec 07, 2020•46 min
Sellers – like all Americans – are understandably weary after a long, challenging year, capped off by the 2020 election cycle. As we approach the holidays and a new economy in 2021, Rick Wilson speaks with audience-favorite ecommerce guru John Lawson about the sustainability of 2020’s industry growth, the long-term impact of trade wars, and the enduring power of social connections between buyer and seller.
Nov 13, 2020•40 min
The holiday shopping season is always a disruptive event for online sellers - and in 2020, the added global disruptions brought on Covid have heightened consumers' collective need for products and services that bring solace, humanity, and hope. There is no more precious object in one's home than a family photo. We turn to these emblems of memories, experiences, and good emotions during times of stress and to celebrate all that we love. That's why ScanMyPhoto's unique photo digitization services ...
Oct 23, 2020•17 min
“Restructuring” is a form of bankruptcy which reorganizes a business - but all businesses can apply these principles to guard against unplanned stresses. This constructive quick take shares the 5 key ways any business can apply those same concepts to protect against major disruption.
Oct 09, 2020•9 min
More of a late summer "spring training" than a vacation, Rick shares how lessons learned over the past month of working travel are perfect preparation for the intense months to come. With the most unique and challenging holiday season in ecommerce history approaching, against a backdrop of Covid and the election, it's the right time to assess how we can leverage technology to streamline, stay safe, and succeed.
Oct 02, 2020•31 min
With the major release of Miva 10 software imminent, Rick juggles the round-the-clock demands of the rollout with his freewheeling, in-progress road odyssey. Here's the hat trick: how do you break free from stagnation/status quo, while simultaneously being a grounded, helpful, authoritative leader? This week, the dispatch from the RV!
Sep 24, 2020•28 min
This week, Rick shares impressions and experiences of his "walkabout" - using a work-from-the-road adventure to clear lockdown stagnation and explore new ways of working/living. The back half of 2020 continues to challenge us on every front - public health, economic distress, and emotional wellbeing. Conditions are shifting rapidly, but many of us still feel stuck. How can we "move the energy" in our own lives and businesses in a way that's healthy, invigorating, healing, reorienting, and safe?...
Sep 16, 2020•28 min
The sudden shift to remote work in all kinds of businesses means more freedom to live and work anywhere . Rick Wilson is getting ready to flex that freedom with a "working walkabout" - a multi-state road adventure while simultaneously getting the job done. In part 1 of a series, Rick shares his goals and preparation for the trip. Stay tuned for more updates from beautiful spots throughout the West.
Sep 04, 2020•26 min
Business communication during Covid has undergone a sea change. While at first we all tried to replicate the in-person experience of meetings, conventions, and live events, it's becoming clear that producing high quality content which engages and entertains will now be one of the key roles of every business. No longer relegated to marketing/social media, "content" now increasingly describes the way we manage teams, share ideas with peers, and serve clients. Rick Wilson spoke with Retail Global C...
Aug 31, 2020•20 min
As professional conferences and trade shows go digital to protect public safety in 2020, an important aspect of these events must be championed - the human, interpersonal connections that are made there by co-workers and peers. On this special episode of the Dragonproof Podcast, Rick Wilson calls up 2 beloved veterans of Miva's annual MivaCon gathering, to chat about some of their favorite memories and the people they've met along the way. Guests Leslie Kirk and Bruce Golub, each ecommerce maest...
Aug 14, 2020•24 min
Great leaders in business often stifle their own well-being in favor of company goals. But as Rick Wilson explores in the latest Dragonproof pod, excellent leadership and thoughtful self-care fuel one another for the great benefit of both. "Strategic opportunities" are not limited to market positioning & mergers - often the greatest gift our businesses give us is the ability to heal ourselves.
Jul 31, 2020•19 min
Face masks are the public's primary defense against transmission of COVID-19. Between shortages, lockdowns, and closed physical businesses, ecommerce has now become the key method for the public to acquire masks. From DIY sellers on Etsy, to big apparel brands using logo masks as ecommerce upsells, online sellers have identified holes in the marketplace, listened to customer demand, and navigated messaging challenges to connect people with life-saving products. On this episode of the Dragonproof...
Jul 24, 2020•18 min
Marketing is more than just selling - it's about opening a personal, informative, and engaging dialogue between customer and company. But it's impossible to predict next year's - or even next week's - conditions. So how do you craft a marketing plan that speaks effectively at high tide and low tide? Coleman and Company's Director of Business Development and Marketing, Marc Vila, joins Rick Wilson to outline the most important aspects of "evergreen" marketing. For businesses which are now grappli...
Jul 10, 2020•43 min
What can businesses and organizations do to support, listen to, and demand equity for communities of color right now? Educator, organizer, and activist Maureen Benson joins Rick Wilson to discuss the historical and social contexts underpinning America's current moment of awakening around the subject of racial justice. This challenging and heartfelt discussion probes how societal change begins with self-awareness, cultural humility, and a personal commitment to do better. With practical steps for...
Jul 02, 2020•1 hr 9 min
With more than 800,000 active podcasts currently airing, it can be hard for a brand or individual to cut through the noise. Yet, with the avalanche of crises, characters, and political movements of 2020, more of us want to be heard than ever before. Rick Wilson and Richard "RichE" Otey explore what it means to create positive, relevant, and meaningful podcast content, on this meta-episode of Dragonproof.
Jun 26, 2020•37 min
The "fog" of the unknown is always a part of any business' story. How do you make prudent, thoughtful decisions for your business, without succumbing to logical fallacies and self-selecting bias? Every business owner knows the importance of being humble in the face of an unknown future. Rick Wilson applies this idea to 2020 on this week's Dragonproof Podcast.
Jun 15, 2020•16 min
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the astonishing global protests for social justice have rocked our nation to its core. On this week's Dragonproof Podcast, John Lawson joins Rick Wilson for an unfiltered, in-depth discussion of the ways that technology, privilege, and protest are converging, including the impact upon ecommerce brands.
Jun 08, 2020•50 min
Selling on Amazon has always involved a trade off between reaching a massive audience vs. navigating strict rules & fees. In 2020, the massive cultural shift towards ecommerce driven by COVID-19 is presenting new opportunities, and new challenges, for all sellers. Rob Stanley of FeedbackWhiz joins Rick Wilson to discuss what's working, how to pick products & support them, and which Amazon best practices are evergreen in every season. For more information about FeedbackWhiz, please visit ...
May 25, 2020•32 min
This March, Miva faced a challenge that many American businesses are now dealing with: transition from physical offices to a totally remote workforce, practically overnight. VP of Human Resources Jen Hardman joins Rick Wilson to share how the company used communication platforms, creative thinking, and a values-driven approach to successfully protect workers and maintain productivity.
May 18, 2020•33 min
How should we interpret the glut of information, conflicting messages, and predictions about COVID-19? How do we balance personal/family safety with running a business? Miva CEO Rick Wilson and Dragonproof producer Chris Barrish met remotely to discuss the social and financial ramifications of America's sheltering-in-place, the plight of physical businesses, and the sudden generational shift to ecommerce. For more information about Dragonproof, please visit https://www.dragonproofbook.com/...
May 11, 2020•51 min
While many brands are at a loss for how to "read the room" during COVID-19, we wanted to highlight a business that's doing an outstanding job of contributing to the well-being of its audience right now. Rick Wilson is joined by Paul Stanger of Plant Therapy to discuss how the natural health brand is supporting its community and people in need, while continuing to provide outstanding self-care products and service. For more info about Plant Therapy, visit https://www.planttherapy.com To learn abo...
May 04, 2020•23 min
In the space of just a few months, the COVID-19 crisis has already had major impacts upon the broader industry of online selling. As a 3rd party seller on Amazon, uncertainties around how the public will use ecommerce, and how to best serve that demand, can be overwhelming. Miva CEO Rick Wilson was joined by brand consultant, author, and ecommerce pioneer John Lawson to discuss the specific challenges for sellers at this time. We hope you enjoy this insightful and inspiring talk! For more info a...
Apr 27, 2020•32 min
How do art, business, and community come together during a crisis? Corey Lolley of Maya Jewelry shares how she is drawing upon her life’s work to inspire a new movement of self-care and giving back. Join host Rick Wilson as we explore the most precious resource any business has - the people it serves. For more info about Maya Jewelry's new community projects, visit https://www.instagram.com/mayajewelry
Apr 20, 2020•25 min
This week, Kyle Tortora talks about the key elements of www.LotusSculpture.com - a passion project which has flowered into a successful and enduring business. At a time of global crisis, Kyle’s loving exploration and acquisition of religious art pieces from international artisans brings his customers peace and beauty when they need it most.
Apr 11, 2020•22 min
