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Welcome to The RetailWire Podcast, where we dive into the dynamic world of the retail industry! In this episode, our host Brian introduces his guest, David Slavick, co-founder of Ascendant Loyalty Marketing. They embark on a captivating conversation, tracing David's journey from his upbringing in Chicago to his foray into the advertising industry and eventual specialization in loyalty marketing.

As the discussion unfolds, David shares memorable encounters with influential figures along his career path, including an ad man he encountered during his old drugstore job and Billy Payton, the visionary behind Neiman Marcus' renowned encircle program. The conversation explores the realm of personalized shopping services, rewards programs based on customer spending, and the added benefits of free shipping and easy returns policies.

David delves into his wealth of experience in loyalty marketing, shedding light on his work with Briarly and the key principles that drive successful loyalty programs. He emphasizes the significance of personalization and relevancy, cautioning against relying solely on discounts. Effective analytics and strategic implementation of data insights are also highlighted as crucial factors in loyalty program success. David offers valuable insights on the careful considerations needed when implementing subscription programs, warning against blind adoption without thoughtful examination of customer implications and the ability to deliver on promises.

Delivering value to customers through subscription models takes center stage as David stresses the importance of avoiding customer disappointment and churn. The conversation also explores the power of hindsight analysis, where retailers evaluate their performance and seek feedback to continuously improve. David's excitement for the potential of AI tools and coalition programs as loyalty strategies is palpable, with an emphasis on sustainability and establishing emotional connections with brands. Reflecting on his journey, David shares advice he would offer his younger self, including early investment in the stock market and remaining open to emerging opportunities.

Listeners are treated to additional wisdom from David, the founder of Ascendant Loyalty. He encourages listeners to seek advice from trust lawyers for the benefit of their children, advocates for innovation and taking breaks to foster creativity, and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. David invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company's website, AscendantLoyalty.com. He expresses his gratitude for being part of the BRAINTRUST and RetailWire platforms, and encourages listeners to subscribe and leave comments for future episodes of The RetailWire Podcast.

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Connect with David Slavick: https://www.Linkedin.com/in/DavidASlavick/

Learn more about Ascendant Loyalty Marketing: https://AscendantLoyalty.com/

RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.

Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!

To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.

Welcome to The RetailWire Podcast! In this episode, our host Brian engages in an insightful conversation with Phil Chang, a fractional CMO and COO, who specializes in providing temporary expert help to companies in marketing and operations.

During the interview, Phil explains his role in identifying goals and solving problems for businesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumers' emotional truth and how it shapes effective marketing strategies. The conversation delves into the significance of data in decision-making and the role it plays in driving successful retail operations.

Beyond his expertise, Phil shares his experience in teaching, podcasting, and consulting, offering a well-rounded perspective on various aspects of the industry. The discussion even touches on topics like cooking, recipes, and the sustainability of micro-ground tea.

As the conversation progresses, Phil provides advice he would give to his younger self, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, curiosity, and maintaining a clear vision and identity for companies.

Wrapping up the episode, Brian and Phil discuss future conversations and how listeners can get in touch with Phil for further discussions and insights.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The RetailWire Podcast, where we explore the dynamic world of retail through engaging conversations with industry experts like Phil Chang. Stay connected and be on the lookout for more captivating episodes that provide valuable insights and wisdom to help navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape.

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Connect with Phil Chang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retailphil/

RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.

Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!

To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.

Welcome to The RetailWire Podcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of the retail industry! In this episode, our host Brian Crum introduces our esteemed guests and members of the BRAINTRUST by RetailWire: DeAnn Campbell, Phil Chang, and Carol Spieckerman. After some friendly banter about their weekend plans, they give us a sneak peek into the exciting topics we'll be exploring in upcoming episodes.

The discussion begins with an exploration of organized crime in the retail world. The panel debates whether a new approach is needed to combat this issue, with differing perspectives on punishing perpetrators versus focusing on cutting off demand in online marketplaces. They highlight the need for legislation to catch up with the evolving reality of retail crime trends and the challenges posed by different jurisdictions and laws.

Moving on, the conversation shifts to the role of AI in customer service. Opinions vary on how AI can enhance human interactions while addressing concerns about potential job displacement. They also discuss the benefits and risks of AI in email marketing campaigns, including the generation of convincing fake phone calls for scams.

The episode takes an interesting turn as the panel delves into the topic of tipping. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tipping percentages and the sustainability of excessive tipping practices. The speakers also discuss the importance of leaving a positive last impression on customers.

Finally, the debate around firing store associates for their social media posts wraps up the episode, referencing a recent incident involving Gucci. The conversation then focuses on the significance of setting brand standards for employees on social media. The panel emphasizes the value of educating and training employees while promoting positive behavior rather than imposing blanket bans. They explore how high-profile firings can affect a company's reputation and stress the importance of understanding associates' experiences to improve overall performance.

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Read the Discussions We Talked About:

Does Retail Need a New Approach to Fight Organized Crime?

Will Generative AI Improve Customers’ Experiences Interacting With Retailers?

Will Self-Checkout Tip Prompts Prompt a Tip Backlash?

Should Store Associates be Fired for Posting on Social Media?

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Connect with Brian Crum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancrum/

Connect with DeAnn Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanncampbell/

Connect with Phil Chang:

RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.

Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!

To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The RetailWire Podcast! In this episode, our host Brian is joined by Patricia Waldron, the founder of Vision First and a member of our esteemed BRAINTRUST. Together, they delve into the world of retail and the transformative power of new technologies like generative AI.

Patricia shares her extensive background in the retail industry and how she assists companies in developing clear brand strategies that align with their goals. The conversation revolves around the current state of retail and the immense impact that technologies like generative AI will have on the industry.

The key takeaway from their discussion is the importance of continuously auditing processes to effectively incorporate these new tools. Patricia emphasizes the need for carefulness and vigilance in the use and interpretation of new technology. They also touch upon the ethical considerations surrounding the implementation of these technologies, stressing the importance of viewing them as just tools and not as replacements for human interaction.

The episode further explores how user-generated content will be significantly impacted by these new technologies, requiring thorough assessments of authenticity, source, purpose, and more. Balancing both front-end (consumer-facing) and back-end (fulfillment) processes emerges as a crucial factor for success in retail.

Throughout the conversation, Patricia highlights the qualities that successful leaders in retail should possess—curiosity, competency, and humanity. They also discuss how being the first to market doesn't guarantee long-term success, emphasizing the value of learning from fast followers.

Patricia is an active participant in RetailWire discussions on LinkedIn, where she engages with others and shares her insights. To stay informed and gain more valuable insights from Patricia and other business leaders, make sure to subscribe to our podcast.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of The RetailWire Podcast, where we explore the ever-changing landscape of the retail industry with industry experts like Patricia Waldron.

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Connect with Patricia Waldron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-vekich-waldron-61947b2/

RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.

Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!

To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.

Welcome to another great episode of The RetailWire podcast!

In this episode, we kick off our "Meet The BRAINTRUST" series, where we get to know members of the BRAINTRUST by RetailWire a bit better.

Meet Patrick Jacobs, co-founder of Immerss, a groundbreaking startup revolutionizing the way we shop online. In this episode, we dive into Patrick's impressive background in cable TV and retail, and how it led him to create Immerss, a live commerce platform like no other.

Immerss brings the in-store experience to your fingertips, offering one-to-one digital clienteling and live stream shopping for high-end products. From fashion and jewelry to cosmetics, home decor, and furniture, Immerss is here to humanize your e-commerce journey. Imagine having a personal concierge guiding you through your shopping experience, answering questions about fit, style, and design. It's like having your own expert right there with you.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Immerss. Being ahead of the market, they initially faced challenges getting brands on board with this innovative technology. However, they've seen a tremendous uptake from retailers who want to offer these amazing services to their customers. And the results speak for themselves. Immerss has witnessed an increase in average order value and a significant reduction in returns.

Now, Immerss is taking things to the next level by incorporating AI into their platform. This means even better product suggestions and improved customer communication. But amidst all the advancements, they never lose sight of the importance of empathy towards customers. It's a characteristic they believe is key to success in the retail industry.

In this episode, Patrick shares his personal journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. He emphasizes the power of making progress every day, rather than getting too high or low emotionally when running a business. He draws inspiration from Pat Riley's philosophy, where even a 1% improvement from the whole team each year leads to significant growth.

If you're as intrigued by live commerce as we are, Patrick is open to discussing it with anyone interested. Reach out to him on LinkedIn or elsewhere. And don't forget to subscribe to our eNewsletter at RetailWire.com, where we discuss three exciting news stories every weekday. We love hearing from our audience, so leave a comment for a chance to have it read on the next show.

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Connect with Patrick Jacobs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickjacobs/

RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.

Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!

To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.

What we covered:

• Why storytelling matters, and how a simple sentence can unlock profound impacts.
• The importance of blockchain in the economy.
• How to move and think as a CEO
• Why “thinking above the line is so important” and why context matters more than content.
• Why imagination is essential, both as a CEO and as a person.
• The importance of self-awareness

Tweetable Quotes

• “User-owned networks will grow faster and become more valuable than corporate-owned networks or investor-owned networks.”
• “My framework to storytelling is to iterate, iterate, iterate until it feels like you can feel the reaction is like yeses and nods and smiles.”
• “If you can't explain in a sentence why what you're doing matters to who's listening, the odds are that every sentence you say after that, they're tuned out.”
• “If you can't convey why, what you do matters to who it should matter to, you may as well not do it.”
• “The whole world is driven by storytelling.”
• “Brands, sales pitches, whatever, they have to have an emotional reaction. And if they don't, the reaction will be boredom and apathy.”

Links Mentioned:

Kurt’s Twitter

Kurt’s Instagram

Kurt’s LinkedIn

Adam Jackson

Chris Bordeaux

Rob Leshner

Compound Lab

Duke Stump

Gabriel Luna-Ostaseski

Jack Dangermond

Julia Crass

Airbnb

Blockchain

Braintrust

Doctor on Demand

DoorDash

HuntClub

FedEx

LuluLemon

Uber

Adam Jackson and Gabriel Luna-Ostaseski are the co-founders of Braintrust, a decentralized talent network connecting freelancers with organizations. The platform is 100% user-controlled, with the BTRST token being used as the incentive to vet talent and refer clients (BTRST is listed for public purchase on Coinbase). 

I knew both Adam and Gabe from their past life investing and building web2 marketplaces. This episode is a crash course for me understanding how a web3 startup works: we talk about the cold start problem when building a marketplace, token governance, letting a DAO vote on protocols and tips for aspiring founders building on blockchains. Adam and Gabe also inspired me to start my own crypto project, which I can’t wait to share with you soon.

Check out Braintrust at https://www.usebraintrust.com!

If you liked this episode, check out our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter!

A thank to our sponsors Universe and CashApp for making this podcast possible.  

THE QUEST MEDIA | CONTENT MEETS SILICON VALLEY | 📺 YouTube | 🍎 iTunes | 🎧 Spotify | 🗞 Print | 📌 Bio

En donde estaran parados los podcast en 5 años?? vale la pena hacer un podcast hoy?. En este episodio, estuvimos con Diego Barrazas, host de Dementes Podcast, hablando de las cuales son los puntos mas importantes al crear un podcast, para donde va la tendencia y que sigue. Debatimos acerca de las nuevas plataformas en base a Blockchain para poder almacenar canciones de artistas y recientemente podcast, asi mismo de las nuevas formas de mercadear un podcast para que sea mas rentable para el creador de contenido , no para el intermediario. Espero les guste el episodio inversionistas !