Podcast
B2B Breakthrough Podcast
Hosted by Alibaba.com · EN
Every two weeks, the B2B Breakthrough Podcast brings you the knowledge, insights and strategies that you need to continue to grow your business. By learning from industry experts, successful e-commerce business owners, and the team at Alibaba.com, you’ll be well on your way to your next big business breakthrough.
If you’re facing challenges on your path to success as a small business owner, we’re here to give you the tools you need to break through and reach the next level.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cross-Border Logistics Simplified: How to Prevent Damage, De-Risk Shipping & Gain Visibility
Jan 3000:19:21Summary readyWhat if 40% of your shipping damage happens before your container even leaves port—and you've been focused on the wrong stage entirely?Here's something most entrepreneurs don't realize: The majority of logistics disasters don't actually start at customs—they start much earlier with packaging decisions you make before your product ever leaves the factory. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Iron from Forest Leopard Logistics (https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/forest-leopard-logistics.html), a comprehensive cross-border trade partner, about the most common and costly cross-border logistics mistakes and how to avoid them. Learn how packaging decisions impact damage rates, why standard shipping insurance rarely covers what you think it does, and how end-to-end visibility can reduce inventory costs by 20%. Whether you're shipping your first container or managing complex international supply chains, this conversation delivers game-changing strategies for protecting your products and your profits.Main Episode: (00:00) The Hidden Source of Logistics Disasters: Packaging Mistakes (01:36) Strategic Packaging Decisions & The 20% Cost Savings (03:07) Where Damage Actually Occurs: The 40-30-20 Breakdown (05:34) The Insurance Myth & Why Documentation Matters (08:03) End-to-End Visibility & Four Actionable Steps Special Offer: Use code PODFL10 for 10% off first shipment from Forest Leopard Small Business Spotlight- R & B Dog Bakery: Aisha Byrd is the founder of R & B Dog Bakery (https://www.rbdogbakery.com), an all-natural dog treat company providing over 30 varieties of treats, cakes, and macaroons for dogs with sensitive stomachs and dietary restrictions. Starting from a farmer's market in 2018, Aisha has grown R&B into a multi-channel business featured on Walmart, with a brick-and-mortar location in Texas and partnerships across multiple states. As a People and Planet First certified company, R&B maintains a zero-waste model and sources ingredients locally from Texas farmers. Aisha also founded Paws for Cost Pet Food Pantry, a nonprofit supporting pets in need. Small Business Spotlight: (10:44) Meet Aisha Byrd of R&B Dog Bakery(11:24) Benjamin's Story & 22 Years of Research to Five-Star Success(14:08) Multi-Channel Growth & Sustainable Sourcing Through Alibaba(17:53) Find Your Niche: Passion-Driven Entrepreneurship Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Limitless Looks, Less Waste: Holly Garrard on Building a Purpose-Driven Fashion Brand(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/limitless-looks-less-waste-holly-garrard-on-building-a-purpose-driven-fashion-brand) Building Baby Products That Parents Actually Need with Vonu Founder Brittany Harvey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/vonu-founder-brittany-harvey) Win-Win Supplier Negotiations: From Transaction to Partnership with Titan Network (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/win-win-supplier-negotiations-from-transaction-to-partnership-with-titan-network) Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Don’t Lose Your Momentum: How Product Founders Enter 2026 Strong
Jan 1400:43:34Summary readyHow do you maintain founder momentum without sacrificing your mental health, physical fitness, and operational clarity as you scale?Don't let the new year pressure derail your momentum. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kareem Raslan (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kareem-raslan-d2c), co-founder of BrainGain (https://braingain.fit), about how product founders can enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and operational strength. Learn how stripping away FOMO, conducting ruthless SKU audits, and focusing on unit economics can transform profitability. Whether you're battling burnout or chasing every opportunity, Kareem shares the exact framework BrainGain used to turn a 0% margin product into a 15% contributor—and why mental and physical health are just as critical as spreadsheets. Kareem Raslan is the co-founder of BrainGain, a direct-to-consumer home gym equipment company operating across the UK and Europe via Shopify and Amazon. What started as two friends selling dumbbells from their parents' garages during the pandemic has scaled to over 100,000 customers across 30 countries. With a background in restructuring and finance, Kareem brings a data-driven approach to e-commerce, focusing on unit economics, operational discipline, and sustainable growth. Beyond building BrainGain, Kareem now mentors emerging brands on scaling smartly and staying profitable in competitive markets. Tune in to learn: (0:00) Introduction: Setting Up For Momentum in 2026 (0:30) From Pandemic Garage to Six-Figure Business (2:12) The Pendulum Swing: When Scaling Too Fast Backfires (5:34) Building a Lean Team That Delivers Quality (6:46) Why Mental and Physical Health Can't Be Negotiated (11:12) The Power of Full Transparency with Your Team (14:00) Managing Tariffs and External Shocks (16:44) Founder Fitness: The Non-Negotiables for Performance (21:02) Adaptability Over Agility in Today's Market (26:10) SEO is Dead, Long Live ChatGPT Optimization (30:28) The SKU Audit That Changed Everything (34:48) Rapid Fire: Keep, Drop, Gain for 2026 (36:39) Where to Find BrainGain and Kareem Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Limitless Looks, Less Waste: Holly Garrard on Building a Purpose-Driven Fashion Brand(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/limitless-looks-less-waste-holly-garrard-on-building-a-purpose-driven-fashion-brand) Startup to Pitch Champion: How Reekon Tools has Grown Sustainably (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/startup-to-pitch-champion-how-reekon-tools-has-grown-sustainably) Building Baby Products That Parents Actually Need with Vonu Founder Brittany Harvey (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/vonu-founder-brittany-harvey)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Win-Win Supplier Negotiations: From Transaction to Partnership with Titan Network
Dec 2300:29:14Summary readyWhy do successful entrepreneurs negotiate payment terms even when they have millions in the bank—and what does it reveal about building lasting supplier partnerships?Negotiating with suppliers isn't about winning—it's about creating partnerships where both sides thrive. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Lyden Smithers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyden-smithers/?originalSubdomain=au), President and Co-Founder of Titan Network (https://discover.titannetwork.com/) and founder of China Magic (https://www.chinamagictrip.com), about transforming supplier relationships from transactions into strategic partnerships. Learn how asking the right questions, building face-to-face relationships, and focusing on cash flow can unlock better payment terms, pricing, and long-term growth. Whether you're sourcing your first product or scaling to seven figures, Lyden shares practical strategies for negotiating like a pro and building supplier relationships that weather any challenge. Lyden Smithers is the President and Co-Founder of Titan Network, overseeing over $150 million in annual sales on Amazon. With deep expertise in global sourcing, manufacturing partnerships, and production optimization, Lyden has helped countless entrepreneurs streamline their supply chains and negotiate game-changing terms with suppliers. As founder of China Magic, he leads sourcing trips to Canton Fair twice yearly, teaching 50-100 students how to find reliable suppliers, negotiate better payment terms, pricing, and MOQs, and build lasting factory relationships. An international speaker for SellerCon, Helium10, and Global Sources, Lyden is known for his six-step process for securing extended payment terms and his philosophy of turning negotiations into partnerships. Tune in to learn: (00:00) Practical Negotiation Advice That Works (02:06) The Win-Win Negotiation Mindset (03:04) Green Flags: Asking the Right Questions (08:20) What Suppliers Look for in Business Partners (15:52) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (21:55) Success Story: Landing 180-Day Payment Terms (28:48) Why Payment Terms Matter Even When You Have Capital Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/staying-profitable-amid-tariff-changes-steven-selikoff-on-navigating-the-end-of-de-minimis) How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-vuliwear-redefines-sunglasses-with-style-and-impact) Limitless Looks, Less Waste: Holly Garrard on Building a Purpose-Driven Fashion Brand(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/limitless-looks-less-waste-holly-garrard-on-building-a-purpose-driven-fashion-brand)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Best of CoCreate 2025: Words of Wisdom from Lori Greiner, Simu Liu, and More!
Dec 900:25:08Summary readyWhat do Shark Tank investors, Marvel superheroes, and World Cup champions all agree is the secret to entrepreneurial success?The best moments don't happen in boardrooms—they happen on stages where entrepreneurs, champions, and innovators share the unfiltered truth about building businesses in turbulent times. In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo takes you inside CoCreate 2025, Alibaba.com's premier global trade event held in London and Las Vegas, featuring an extraordinary lineup of voices from Shark Tank, the Dragon's Den, the Marvel Universe, the Olympics, and the World Cup. This isn't your typical interview episode—it's a curated collection of the most powerful insights from the stages at CoCreate 2025, where 25,000 entrepreneurs gathered to rewrite the playbook on resilience, execution, and breakthrough success. Featured Speakers: Kuo Zhang (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuo-zhang-0714708/?originalSubdomain=sg) - President of Alibaba.com (https://www.alibaba.com) - On navigating turbulence in global trade Lori Greiner (https://www.lorigreiner.com/) - "Queen of QVC" and Shark Tank investor - The formula for product success Darrell Spencer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-spencer-30a572b5/) - Founder of Crowned Skin (https://www.crownedskin.com) and Kings Crowning - From $10K to 8-figures with Alibaba.com Simu Liu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simu-liu-47946a2b1/) - Actor, entrepreneur, and Dragon's Den investor - Why execution beats ideas Rio Ferdinand (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rio-ferdinand/) - Former international footballer and strategic investor - Building resilience through loss Eric Larcheveque (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlarch/) - Co-founder of Ledger and serial entrepreneur - The price of resilience Alex Tsai - Head of Strategic Partnerships, Alibaba.com - Moderating the resilience conversation Tune in to learn: (00:00) Welcome and Introduction to CoCreate 2025 (01:26) Kuo Zhang - Turbulence Is Daily Life for Entrepreneurs (03:40) Introduction to Lori Greiner's Session (04:00) Lori Greiner - The Formula for Product Success (05:48) Introduction to Darrell Spencer (06:00) Darrell Spencer - From $10K to 8-Figures Through Alibaba.com (09:49) Introduction to Simu Liu (10:04) Simu Liu - Ideas Are Easy, Execution Is Everything (14:05) Introduction to the Resilience Panel (14:25) Panel Discussion - The Reality of Entrepreneurial Failure (22:18) Rio Ferdinand - Expecting and Preparing for Failure (22:57) Eric Larcheveque - Taking Big Risks Without Fear (24:52) Rio Ferdinand - Two Types of Resilience (27:02) Eric Larcheveque - The Sacrifice Behind Success (28:09) Closing and Holiday Message Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scale-your-business-using-free-audience-research-strategies) Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/staying-profitable-amid-tariff-changes-steven-selikoff-on-navigating-the-end-of-de-minimis) How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-vuliwear-redefines-sunglasses-with-style-and-impact)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Building Baby Products That Parents Actually Need with Vonu Founder Brittany Harvey Private
Nov 1900:56:19Summary readyWhat if you could turn your biggest parenting frustration into a six-figure business in just 90 days—using nothing more than a turkey carving knife and memory foam?From 2am desperation to 90-day product launch—parenting pain points have a way of turning into breakthrough businesses. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Harvey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-harvey/), co-founder of Vonu (https://vonubaby.com), about transforming a sleepless night into the Burplee Lounger, a patented memory foam solution that's helping thousands of parents tackle gas, reflux, and tummy time challenges. Learn how Brittany went from carving memory foam with a turkey knife to scaling a thriving baby product business while navigating the realities of patents, 3PLs, and building a brand that solves real problems. Whether you're a sleep-deprived parent or an aspiring product developer, this conversation delivers honest insights about manufacturing hurdles, supplier relationships, and the power of solving problems you actually experience. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Burplee Origin Story: From 2am Crisis to Viral Success (17:26) Expanding the Product Line: Stack Pack Innovation (25:25) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (26:58) Mom vs Dad Co-Founder Perspectives (37:46) Manufacturing and Alibaba.com Sourcing Strategy (47:36) 3PL Challenges and Family Fulfillment (51:52) Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Filtering Noise and Staying Focused (55:20) Where to Find Vonu Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scale-your-business-using-free-audience-research-strategies) Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-unpacked-kickstarters-blueprint-for-small-business-success ) Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/staying-profitable-amid-tariff-changes-steven-selikoff-on-navigating-the-end-of-de-minimis)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Limitless Looks, Less Waste: Holly Garrard on Building a Purpose-Driven Fashion Brand
Nov 400:43:18Summary readyWhy do most sustainable fashion brands stick to "boring and beige," and how is one founder proving colorful conscious fashion can thrive?Breaking the beige barrier in sustainable fashion takes more than good intentions—it requires bold vision, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to challenge industry stereotypes. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Holly Garrard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fundae-founder-holly-garrard/), founder and chief visionary officer of Fundae (https://www.fundae.com), the eco-chic footwear brand redefining what sustainable style looks like. With a patent-pending modular shoe system that transforms one pair into limitless looks, Holly shares how she left her corporate media career at ESPN to prove that fashion can be colorful, conscious, and commercially viable. Learn how she navigated product development challenges, built supplier relationships through strategic sourcing, and created a brand rooted in purpose-driven pillars that guide every business decision. Tune in to learn: (00:00) From ESPN to Eco-Chic: Holly's Journey to Fundae (10:23) Patent-Pending Innovation: Creating the Modular Shoe System (13:47) Sourcing Sustainable Materials Through Alibaba.com (26:18) Mission-Driven Business: The Four Pillars of Fundae (34:15) Solopreneur Realities: Navigating the Gig Economy (37:28) From D2C to Wholesale: The Future of Fundae Check out our three most downloaded episodes: The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit) Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scale-your-business-using-free-audience-research-strategies) Crowdfunding Unpacked: Kickstarter’s Blueprint for Small Business Success (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-unpacked-kickstarters-blueprint-for-small-business-success )Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Startup to Pitch Champion: How Reekon Tools has Grown Sustainably
Oct 2200:37:49Summary readyBuilding a profitable hardware brand without venture capital requires strategic thinking, authentic relationships, and unwavering focus on cash flow management. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Christian Reed (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrreed/), founder of Reekon Tools (https://support.reekon.tools/hc/en-us), fresh off his big win at Co Create Pitch. Christian shares how he scaled from a $1.2 million Kickstarter campaign to a sustainable 15-person operation, all while maintaining profitability and developing innovative digital measuring tools that are revolutionizing construction and home improvement. Learn how strategic supplier relationships, disciplined growth, and community-driven product development through Kickstarter have enabled Reekon Tools to thrive without traditional VC funding. Tune in to learn: (00:00) From Side Project to $1.2M Kickstarter Success (07:34) Kickstarter's Hidden Power: Building a Community of Champions (13:03) Strategic Team Expansion and Scaling with Intention (16:23) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (19:43) Factory Relationships and Manufacturing Infrastructure (29:33) Cash Flow Over Revenue: The Most Critical Metric (35:05) Pitching Advice: Lead With Passion Check out our three most downloaded episodes: How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-nail-your-next-pitch-insights-from-power-toecj) The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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How Vuliwear Redefines Sunglasses with Style and Impact
Oct 700:37:27Summary readyHow did macro photography of insect eyes inspire a bold eyewear brand that's redefining fashion and eye health?Building a fashion-forward eyewear brand that prioritizes both style and eye health requires authentic design, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Dionne Ellison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-ellison-5721261/), founder and creative force behind Vuliwear (https://vuliwear.com/), about her journey from discovering macro photography of insect eyes to creating bold, UV 400 protective sunglasses that make a statement. Learn how she navigated supply chain disruptions, built her brand while maintaining a day job, and why she believes in "out-differenting" rather than outdoing the competition. Tune in to learn: (00:00) Finding Your Lane and the Insect Eye Inspiration (04:53) Lens-First Philosophy: UV 400 vs Polarized Education (10:39) Breakthrough Moments and Customer Collaboration Strategy (17:11) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (18:30) Out-Differenting the Competition and Strategic Partnerships (25:46) Scaling with Family and Future Expansion Plans Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain) How to Nail Your Next Pitch: Insights from Power to Pitch's Kat Weaver (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-nail-your-next-pitch-insights-from-power-toecj) The Marmals Method: How to Sell Toys, Test Ideas & Thrive on the Convention Circuit(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/the-marmals-method-how-to-sell-toys-test-ideas-thrive-on-the-convention-circuit)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Staying Profitable Amid Tariff Changes: Steven Selikoff on Navigating the End of De Minimis
Sep 2300:37:43Summary readyWhy are smart entrepreneurs celebrating the end of de minimis while their competitors panic about margin compression?The suspension of the de minimis rule has left many e-commerce sellers scrambling to understand new costs and compliance requirements. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Steven Selikoff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenselikoff/), founder of Product One (https://product.one/) and author of The Complete Book of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing, and Sales, about navigating the new tariff landscape with a profit-first mindset. Steven breaks down the myths surrounding de minimis changes, reveals how tariffs and duties can actually be tax-deductible, and shares his proven strategies for achieving 9-10x multipliers even in challenging trade conditions. Learn why building a "purple cow" product is your best defense against margin compression and how smart entrepreneurs can turn trade disruption into competitive advantage. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Reality of De Minimis Rule Changes and Business Impact (08:10) The Biggest Myth: Tariffs and Duties Are Tax Deductible (13:26) Product One's Focus on Profitable Product Development (18:05) Alibaba CoCreate Event Advertisement (18:42) The Purple Cow Strategy: Differentiation for Better Margins (25:04) Audience Research and the Porsche SUV Success Story (29:53) Ten Strategies to Combat Tariff Impact (34:19) 30-Day Action Plan for Tariff Preparation Check out our three most downloaded episodes: How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain) Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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Scale Your Business Using These (Free) Audience Research Strategies
Sep 200:43:47Summary readyHow can a simple 1-2-3 framework (brand, product, industry) transform confused entrepreneurs into data-driven decision makers?Audience research doesn't require big budgets or big teams—it requires the right approach and free tools at your fingertips. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Tsvetta Kaleynska (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsvetta/), founder of RILA Global Consulting (https://rilaglobalconsulting.com/), about how small business owners can uncover who their customers really are and use those insights to grow smarter and faster. Learn how to transform data into compelling stories, leverage AI as a multiplier for your efforts, and turn free social media platforms into powerful research engines. Whether you're launching your first product or scaling an existing business, Tsvetta reveals the systematic approach to audience research that drives real results. Tune in to learn: (00:00) The Power of Data-Driven Storytelling (05:07) Why Audience Research is Essential, Not Optional (10:02) Qualitative vs Quantitative: Understanding the Numbers and Colors (15:22) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement (20:47) Co-Create Las Vegas Event Advertisement (21:25) The 1-2-3 Framework: Brand, Product, Industry Research (28:49) Adapting Your Product Vision as Your Audience Reveals Itself (34:52) Integrating All Data Sources for Complete Growth Strategy (41:05) Just Do It: Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Check out our three most downloaded episodes: Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/scaling-a-purpose-driven-brand-inside-honeybugs-growth-journey) How Mid-Day Squares Disrupted Snacking Through Storytelling (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/not-final-audio-how-mid-day-squares-disrupted-snacking-through-storytelling) Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Future-proofing your Supply Chain with Kerim Kfuri(https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/disrupt-or-be-disrupted-future-proofing-your-supply-chain)Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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