Join us for an insightful episode where we chat with Morgan Gist MacDonald, founder of Paper Raven Books. Morgan shares her extensive knowledge of the self-publishing process, helping authors transform their ideas into published works. Whether you're interested in writing children's books, personal stories, or professional guides, Morgan's expertise will guide you through every step. We also touch on our personal experiences, including my own West Texas jail story, which reinforced my entrepreneurial spirit, drawing parallels between the worlds of Amazon sellers, e-commerce, and book publishing.

Explore the ever-evolving landscape of book buying and reading habits, from the nostalgic days of Barnes & Noble to the rise of e-books and audiobooks with Amazon and Kindle. We discuss the resurgence of interest in physical books driven by platforms like TikTok and the growth of indie bookstores alongside Amazon's dominance. Discover how publishing a book can establish authority and credibility, with real-life examples of authors landing substantial consulting gigs through strategic book publishing.

Get inspired by the significance of preserving personal stories and experiences, and learn about the comprehensive process of book creation, from content development to publication and marketing strategies. Morgan and I discuss the financial aspects of indie publishing, highlighting the costs and potential profits, as well as the long-term benefits of building a backlist. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to publish a book and achieve greater success and independence in their literary endeavors.

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In episode 402 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Morgan discuss:

• 00:00 - Entrepreneurial Journey Through Publishing
• 07:18 - Entrepreneurial Journey to Book Editing Company
• 08:20 - The Impact of Book Publishing
• 14:00 - Leveraging Books for Client Acquisition
• 14:55 - Crafting a Purposeful Book
• 21:19 - Journey of Storytelling and Self-Discovery
• 23:15 - Curating Stories and Life Lessons
• 26:53 - Marketing Strategies for Successful Book Sales
• 32:51 - Importance of Book Marketing and Reviews
• 37:31 - Book Publishing Phases and Processes
• 40:19 - Book Publishing Costs and AI Impact
• 42:40 - Authors Playing the Long Game
• 48:36 - Publishing Process Overview and Checklist
• 49:36 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

Join us on an inspiring journey with Phil Hadfield, who transitioned from the UK to Bali, Indonesia, and launched a successful brand that generates millions annually. Phil shares his experiences of moving to Bali, the lifestyle changes, and how the island's vibrant entrepreneurial and wellness culture has been a perfect fit for him. Discover how Phil financed his business, differentiated it in a competitive market, and managed to price his products higher than competitors while achieving remarkable success.

In this episode, we explore the journey of creating a product and brand that stands out in a saturated market. Listen in as we discuss the initial desire to establish a brand beyond Amazon, focusing on unique designs and premium positioning. Despite the challenges of finding a reliable factory amidst COVID-19 and tariff wars, Phil's brand successfully launched in October 2020. Learn about the strategy of targeting high-demand keywords, the impact of COVID-19 on demand, and how the brand expanded to nearly 100 SKUs, including new product lines and variations.

We also dive into the strategic growth of Phil's e-commerce business, which specializes in premium products in his niche. Discover the successful expansion into the UK and German markets, driven by effective Facebook ads and a strong community foundation. We discuss the potential of TikTok ads, impressive wholesale performance, and plans to break into big-box retailers. Learn how customer feedback guides product development and validation, and how niche markets like pocket knives and military challenge coins have become significant revenue streams. Finally, we touch on the journey towards building a business primed for a strategic exit, emphasizing the importance of exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled customer experience, and leveraging influencers for organic growth.

In episode 401 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Phil discuss:

• 00:00 - Life in Bali
• 10:52 - Building a Brand Beyond Amazon
• 14:03 - Competing With Unique Pricing Strategy
• 17:59 - Expanding Product Line Strategy
• 18:44 - Exploring Marketing Strategies for Growth
• 24:29 - Amazon's Approach Beyond Price
• 29:45 - Obsession With Luxury Items in Marketing
• 32:02 - Strategic Business Growth and Exit Strategy
• 36:37 - Influencer-Driven Marketing Strategy
• 40:39 - Email List Building Strategies on Instagram
• 43:35 - Financial Scaling and Event Networking
• 44:26 - Navigating Funding for International Business
• 50:46 - Marketing Success Through Valuable Insights
• 52:00 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom

What if understanding your financials could make or break your e-commerce success? Join us as we chat with Jeff Lowenstein, a seasoned fractional CFO, and former aggregator M&A specialist, who reveals why knowing your numbers is the cornerstone of profitability in today's competitive market. We explore how Amazon's fees, which can eat up to 65% of sales, make sophisticated financial planning an absolute necessity. Jeff shares his invaluable insights from corporate finance and e-commerce, emphasizing how accurate financials can attract investors and stave off business failure.

We navigate the intricacies of forecasting and due diligence during acquisitions, touching on our team’s philosophy of maintaining a high close rate as a strategic tool. Jeff dives into the necessity of blending quantitative metrics and qualitative insights, such as market trends and unforeseen variables like fluctuating interest rates and emerging platforms like TikTok Shop. We analyze how detailed financial modeling and robust market analysis can power business valuation and growth, underscoring the importance of adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.

Finally, we explore the significant role of fractional CFO services in e-commerce, highlighting how they differ from traditional accounting. Jeff explains how a fractional CFO can develop comprehensive forecast models, KPI dashboards, and provide critical financial analyses that propel Amazon businesses toward sustainability. We also discuss the fundamental differences between accrual and cash basis accounting, why cash flow management is crucial, and strategies to enhance your financial health. Don't miss out on these key takeaways that could transform your approach to financial management in your Amazon-selling journey!

In episode 400 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Jeff discuss:

• 00:00 - Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
• 03:21 - Corporate Finance to Fractional CFO
• 06:52 - Importance of Financial Management in Scaling
• 08:58 - Costing Mistakes Impacting Profit Margins
• 15:34 - Forecasting and Finance in Due Diligence
• 17:40 - Models and Metrics in Aggregators & Business Acquisition
• 19:44 - Financial Profile and Aggregator Capital
• 25:28 - Understanding Fractional CFO Services for E-Commerce
• 36:47 - Cash Flow and Accrual Accounting Insights
• 39:09 - Navigating Profit and Inventory Management
• 46:01 - Focus on Profit and Growth Strategy
• 49:09 - Navigating Financial Risks in E-Commerce
• 50:00 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom