Many Amazon sellers from China excel at supply chain and operations, but struggle with branding and Western culture. This episode uncovers the hidden gap and how bridging East and West can change the game.

Join us as we welcome Feng Xiaoxiao, a distinguished leader in the Chinese e-commerce community and a driving force behind 4,000 Amazon sellers in Shenzhen. Known as Professor Xiaoxiao, Feng shares her compelling journey from Shenzhen to New York, where she is currently pursuing a master's in integrated marketing at NYU. Feng provides insightful perspectives on the hurdles Chinese Amazon sellers face, such as high advertising costs and cultural misunderstandings, which impede their efforts to establish robust brands in the U.S. market. Her dedication to bridging these cultural gaps offers a unique lens into the e-commerce challenges faced by both Chinese and American sellers.

Listen in as we explore the complexities of intellectual property (IP) awareness among Chinese sellers, heightened by Amazon's strict IP policies. Through education and adaptation, many are now prioritizing innovation and registering patents, although IP infringement remains a significant issue. We discuss the contrasting strengths of American and Chinese sellers, where Americans shine in innovation and branding, and Chinese sellers excel in product enhancement and cost reduction. This episode also touches on the misconceptions Americans may have about modern China and the potential for cross-cultural learning to enhance e-commerce strategies on platforms like Amazon.

In a fascinating conversation about cross-cultural marketing, we dive into the intersection of Chinese and American e-commerce sellers, emphasizing the necessity of mutual learning. Feng shares success stories and highlights the importance of cultural understanding and aesthetic alignment in improving brand appeal. We also discuss strategies for targeting specific U.S. audiences, using tools like Facebook data to find unique market positions. As we wrap up, the discussion turns to the opportunities for collaboration between Chinese and American sellers, aiming to foster fair competition and mutual growth in the competitive landscape of global e-commerce.

In episode 462 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Xiaoxiao discuss:

• 00:00 - Challenges of Chinese Amazon Sellers
• 02:33 - Global Connections Through Technology
• 06:20 - Challenges of Building US Brand
• 14:39 - Chinese Amazon Sellers & IP Infringements
• 19:01 - Cross-Cultural Marketing in E-Commerce
• 22:59 - Cultural Influence on Conversion Rates
• 29:08 - Market Research and Cultural Understanding
• 33:06 - Marketing Strategies and Consumer Data
• 37:25 - Reliability of Academic vs AI Data
• 41:27 - Opportunities for Chinese and American E-Commerce Seller Collaboration
• 48:01 - Amazon Business Owner Seeks Branding Help
• 54:07 - Common Ground Between East and West

Counterfeits, hijackers & knockoffs are killing brands. In this episode, learn proven legal tactics and e-commerce strategies to protect your IP, defend your sales, and secure your Amazon business.

Imagine a world where your brand’s value is constantly under threat from unauthorized sellers and counterfeiters. In an era where e-commerce is a competitive battleground, protecting your brand has never been more crucial. Join us as Daren Garcia from Vorys, an international law firm, shares his expertise on the delicate interplay between brand protection and intellectual property strategies in the digital marketplace. Learn what can brands can do to maintain their market presence and integrity.

Navigating the legal maze of e-commerce is no small feat. We explore how giants like Amazon and eBay position themselves as mere facilitators, avoiding accountability for third-party seller actions such as counterfeiting. The episode dives into the nuanced legal concepts like the "first sale doctrine" and how these impact both the brand and the marketplace. Through Daren’s insights, discover the rigorous process of securing trademarks and combating infringement, particularly in challenging terrains like China, while understanding the pivotal role of cease and desist letters in safeguarding your brand.

Brand protection is an ongoing battle, demanding strategic resource management and proactive measures. From securing injunctions to leveraging AI for trademark protection, we unravel the complexities of modern brand defense strategies. Hear stories of entrepreneurs turning adversity into opportunity by innovating within legal confines, and glean valuable lessons on the importance of securing a robust legal framework before enforcing restrictions globally. Whether you're facing the challenges of counterfeits or unauthorized sales, this episode offers actionable insights and expert guidance on how to effectively safeguard your intellectual property in the digital age.

In episode 461 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Daren discuss:

• 00:00 - Brand Protection Strategies in E-Commerce
• 07:16 - Online Marketplaces and Legal Immunity
• 10:18 - IP Infringement on Online Marketplaces
• 18:23 - Amazon Brand Protection Strategies
• 23:57 - Cease and Desist Misuse
• 27:22 - Brands Asserting Control Over Distribution
• 27:33 - Combatting Brand Infringement in E-Commerce
• 35:57 - The Importance of IP Protection
• 38:53 - Injunction Process for Brand Protection
• 41:44 - Amazon Listing Sabotage Threats
• 45:22 - Impactful Brand Protection Strategies Through AI
• 48:10 - Brand Protection Strategies on Online Marketplaces
• 53:39 - Impact of AI in Business

From living in a school bus to running a TikTok Shop agency, today’s guest shares affiliate secrets, viral content tips, and social commerce strategies to grow your brand online.

Tommy Lynch, the creative force behind Cult Content, joins us to share his extraordinary journey from crafting furniture at just 15 to becoming a social commerce marketing maestro. As we explore the vibrant landscape of TikTok Shop and e-commerce, Tommy reveals the blend of patience and tenacity required to overcome the hurdles of slow sales and costly shipping. His tale is a testament to resilience, navigating through early Amazon-like tactics to gain traction and establish his niche in the e-commerce space.

Embark on Tommy's adventurous transition from almost being banned from school premises to embracing a nomadic lifestyle, living out of a bus while traversing 35 states. The story turns from his initial sales roles to an unexpected career in content creation and freelancing. By harnessing the power of networking, Tommy's path led him to collaborate with brands, beginning with a hard seltzer company and eventually finding his footing in LA. His narrative underscores the profound impact of building genuine connections while highlighting the adaptability needed to thrive in both creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Dive into the strategic world of digital marketing as Tommy shares insights on leveraging TikTok's potential to drive e-commerce success. From working with major brands like Infinity Hoop to the birth of his own agency, Cult Content, he uncovers the secrets behind crafting viral-worthy content and the importance of a strong hook. Explore the unpredictable dynamics of the TikTok shop environment, the strategic use of affiliates, and how creating a community can lead to transformative growth. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or an established marketer, there's something for everyone in Tommy's compelling story.

In episode 460 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Tommy discuss:

• 00:00 - TikTok Shop and E-Commerce Journey
• 05:52 - Living in a Converted School Bus
• 09:26 - Bus Traveler Turned Content Creator
• 14:39 - Content Creator Brand Partnerships and Pricing
• 20:00 - Unlocking TikTok Shop's Money-Making Potential
• 25:56 - Creating Viral Video Content Strategy
• 30:43 - Building 'Cult Content' Agency Success
• 32:54 - Key Takeaways From Event Presentations
• 38:08 - Challenges of Becoming a Creator
• 43:52 - Setting Expectations for TikTok Advertising
• 44:45 - Strategies for TikTok Shop Success
• 53:42 - Getting Started on TikTok Shop
• 55:47 - TikTok Shop Platform and Sales Strategies
• 1:00:11 - Marketplaces' Regulatory Evolution for New Platforms
• 1:06:06 - The Power of Social Commerce