This Product Business Life with Mel Robbins

Send us Fan Mail I’m switching things up in this episode and getting straight to it. No fancy intro, no long-winded warm-up. Just a real conversation about assumptions, beliefs, and the stories we tell ourselves that quietly shape how we show up in our business. Because lately, I’ve been hearing the same things again and again from product-based business owners. People aren’t buying anymore. Everyone only wants discounts. Nobody opens emails. January is dead. I d...

Send us Fan Mail 5 Things Every Promo Email MUST Have (If You Want Sales!)** If your promo emails are getting meh opens or zero clicks, this quick-hit episode is your wake-up call. After reviewing dozens of client emails inside Nail Your Email Marketing and in my 1:1 sessions, I’ve seen the same mistakes again and again… especially during sales season. So today, I’m walking you through the 5 non-negotiables every promo email should include to actually get opened, read and clicked. This is you...

Send us Fan Mail Kickstarter Wins, Manufacturing Nightmares and a Sink Brush That Broke the Internet: The YesECO Story with Jamie Phillips Today I’m chatting with Jamie Phillips, founder of Yeseco, creator of the magnetic dish brush that completely changed the way thousands of people deal with their sink situation. His journey? Wild. Beautiful. Painful. Product-founder AF. Jamie takes us through everything, including: • the moment on a remote beach in Indonesia that changed his entire c...

Send us Fan Mail You’ve landed your dream retailer. Your products are on the shelf. Now what? Most brands think their job is done once they’ve been stocked, but that’s just the beginning. In this episode, I break down the three stages of post-delivery success that turn a one-off wholesale order into consistent reorders (and loyal retail partners who sell your products for you). You’ll Learn: ✨ Why getting stocked is just the start line, not the finish line ✨ How to support your retail...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to thelotco Business Podcast, I’m Melissa Robbins, your product-based business coach, retail strategist, and founder of thelotco. After 25 years in the industry, I’ve seen behind the scenes of hundreds of brands and retailers and here’s what I know for sure: if your sales aren’t where you want them to be, it’s not your product. Last week, we talked about why your product probably isn’t the problem when sales feel slow. This week, we’re talking about the fix...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever said, “My product is so good… why isn’t it selling?” then this episode is for you. I’ve been getting message after message about this one since I sent an email earlier in the week, so I knew I had to dive deeper on the podcast. The thing is, having a great product isn’t enough anymore. You need attention, anticipation, and action to turn your product into consistent sales. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why your amazing product isn’t selling (and what...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my 20+ year journey with Life Instyle — from exhibiting her own kidswear brand Moppit, to becoming a buyer, educator, speaker, sponsor, and now judge for the Life Instyle New Breed Scholarship. How we helped shape the Kids Instyle section, the lessons learned from decades in the trade show world, and the incredible opportunities that open up when you take action — even before you feel ready. If you’re a product-based founder wi...

Send us Fan Mail A Melbourne winter. A real gap in kids’ wool headwear. A founder with a finance brain and a product heart. That is how Acorn Kids began. In this episode, Fiona Savaris shares how a winter beanie line turned into a year-round headwear brand that stockists love, why wholesale still wins for volume, and how she just launched swimwear by leveraging prints, suppliers, and existing demand. If you care about cash flow, indent, stockist relationships, and direct-to-consumer growth, y...

Send us Fan Mail Your product might be beautiful, high-quality, and everything your customer needs… but here’s the truth: that alone isn’t enough to grow a profitable business. In this episode, I’m diving into the mistake so many founders make, putting 99% of their energy into the product itself and forgetting the bigger picture. Because while your product matters, what matters more is how you get it into people’s hands. We’ll cover: Why “build it and they will come” is a dangerous mindset fo...

Send us Fan Mail What if one partnership could change your entire brand trajectory? Meet Vania Truchsess—Venezuelan-born, New Zealand-based jewelry designer whose handmade pieces landed in Karen Walker stores and unlocked a flywheel of credibility, stockists, and DTC growth. In this episode, we cover: How Vania went from babysitting to building a handmade jewelry label in NZWhy wholesale increased her direct-to-consumer sales (not the opposite)Pricing, margins, and range editing (and why you ...

Send us Fan Mail Andrew from Mennie Brand is back for part two, and we’re cracking open the real trade show debrief from his first time exhibiting at Melbourne Life Instyle. We talk expectations vs reality, what actually moved the needle (hello, SMS follow-ups), and why visuals + storytelling at your stand matter more than you think. Andrew shares hard numbers, how he organised setup on a budget (including the furniture plot twist), and what he’s changing next time to turn browsers into buyer...

Send us Fan Mail Abundance Mindset Isn’t Woo — It’s Your Business Superpower Is “abundance” just another fluffy buzzword? Nope. In fact, your mindset may be the difference between giving up on your product business too soon or building one that actually pays you. In this episode, I’m breaking down: What abundance mindset really means (hint: it’s not about ignoring reality).The difference between abundance vs. scarcity thinking — and how each shows up in your day-to-day business.Real examples ...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt like freight is a dark art shrouded in mystery, you’re not alone. In this episode of thelotco Business Podcast, I sit down with Christine Kanin from Pivot Freight Solutions to unpack (pun intended) the real world of freight and logistics and why getting it right can save your product business thousands of dollars (and a whole lot of headaches). Christine has over a decade in the freight forwarding industry, helping small and medium-sized businesses c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate insider scoop from the recent Australian trade show circuit Life Instyle, Reed Gift Fairs, and AGHA. Whether you were there, thinking about exhibiting next time, or wondering what the heck goes on behind those branded stands, this one’s for you. From the buzz on the floor and real sales numbers, to the unexpected brand collaborations and cringe-worthy mistakes I saw some newbies make—I'm breaking it all down. I’ll talk about what r...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s talk about one of the most underrated, powerful tools in your business toolkit REVIEWS. They cost you nothing but can absolutely skyrocket your credibility and sales. And yet… so many of you forget to ask for them, or don’t know how to use them to their full potential. Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m diving into: Why reviews are way more powerful than any marketing copy you could write yourselfHow they boost your website conversions, SEO, and even wholesale success...

Send us Fan Mail In this raw and refreshing episode of thelotco Business Podcast, I chat with Lucy Moss founder of Mink and Me, a vibrant lifestyle brand that blossomed from a tiny rural shop into a bold online store and now a budding wholesale business. Lucy shares her incredible 10-year journey, starting from a collaborative store in Coonamble (yep, population 2,500!) to navigating ADHD diagnosis, burnout, a booming Christmas season, a massive pivot, and a spontaneous buying trip to India t...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re still shipping your gorgeous product in a plain satchel with an invoice and a whisper of bubble wrap… we need to talk. In today’s episode of The Lotco Business Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most underestimated but high-impact opportunities you have as a product-based business owner: the unboxing experience. Your packaging isn’t just about protection—it’s about emotion. It’s a brand moment. It’s the post-purchase piece that turns a one-time buyer into a raving,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really builds a thriving, profitable product-based business—and spoiler alert—it’s not just more Instagram reels or new packaging. After decades in this industry, from fashion lecturer to founder, and coaching hundreds of creative entrepreneurs through my Roadmap to Profit program, I’ve identified the 7 key systems that separate profitable brands from the ones stuck in hustle-mode. I call it thelotco Method, and today I'm ...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m joined by Andrew from Mennie Brand—an art-inspired sock label that’s grown from humble garage beginnings to a wholesale brand with over 30 stockists and counting. We recorded this before Andrew exhibits at his first-ever trade show: Life Instyle Melbourne. And let me tell you—we go deep on what it really takes (financially, mentally, and logistically) to step into this space for the first time. You’ll hear: Andrew’s full cost breakdown for exhibiting a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever looked at your brand and thought, “This just… doesn’t feel like me anymore”? Yep, same. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own rebranding wake-up call (hello five-year-old podcast cover 👋) and guide you through the emotional, visual, and strategic impact of being out of alignment with your brand. Whether your product photos feel outdated, your Instagram bio makes you cringe, or you're attracting bargain hunters instead of dream customers—this one’s for y...

Send us Fan Mail If you're investing time, money, and energy into exhibiting at a trade show, the last thing you want is to walk away with zero results (or worse… minus dollars and dashed confidence 😬). In this episode, I break down the 10 biggest mistakes I see brands make when preparing for—and showing up at—trade shows. Whether it's your first show or your fifteenth, these pitfalls can derail your success and cost you thousands in missed sales and opportunities. I'll cover everything from:...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re rewinding a very popular episode of the podcast—and trust me, it hits even harder right now. If you’ve ever thought about adding a digital layer to your product-based business—or if you’re quietly wondering what’s next for you beyond the stockroom or sales floor—this episode is a must-listen. I’m diving into why digital products aren’t just for “online coaches” or influencers, and how you, as a retailer, maker, or brand founder, can turn your skills, story, o...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s get one thing straight—your branding is not just about a cute logo or a pretty Instagram grid. If your product isn’t flying off the shelves (real or virtual), it’s time to look at what your brand is really saying. In this juicy episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why a misaligned brand identity could be the thing standing between you and consistent sales, dream stockists, and repeat customers who rave about you. Here’s what you’ll learn: The 5 subtle-but-critical w...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m joined by two of the loveliest humans—Sarah and Celeste from Natural Supply Co. These two are not only the co-founders of one of Geelong’s most beloved retail stores, but they’ve also built a beautiful, values-led business that’s stayed true to its roots while growing sustainably. We talk about: How their friendship started over coffee (and a shared love of cute stationery and beauty products)The evolution of their business from pop-ups to full-blown b...

Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode, I’m diving into something I’m wildly passionate about—contrast. Whether it’s your website, your Insta tiles, your packaging, or your trade show banners… if your brand blends in, it’s losing money. Full stop. I see this all the time inside my programs and with 1:1 clients—gorgeous products or stunning stores that just don’t pop. And honestly? That can be fixed. Today I’m breaking down exactly where and how to use contrast to capture attention, guide your ...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling like your brand is stuck in Instagram limbo, screaming into the algorithm void? Enter: PR badass Gloria Chou. In this game-changing episode, we break down how to actually get seen, featured, and taken seriously—without spending a cent on ads or needing a Kardashian-level follower count. I chat with Gloria about the difference between good PR and gimmicky fluff, and how product-based business owners can start landing real media features like Buzzfeed, Refinery29, or ev...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Lou Hammer, the powerhouse behind Pre Loved Geelong—a thriving secondhand and consignment store that started as a pop-up hustle and now boasts a bricks-and-mortar location, thriving online sales, and a fiercely loyal community. Lou gets real about: 💼 Starting from scratch while juggling life, kids, and a side hustle🛍️ How she scaled from eBay to Instagram to a full-on retail store🧵 Why curation and customer avatars matter more than ever in fas...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had a product idea rolling around in your brain—or maybe sketched in your notebook—but no clue how to bring it to life? In this episode, I’m joined by the product development powerhouse Millie Richards, and let me tell you, this chat is a goldmine for anyone with dreams of designing a product that’s actually profitable (and doesn’t fall apart or cost your life savings). Millie’s an industrial designer with a delicious combo of design brilliance and real-world factory kno...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you’re doing all the things in your business—posting on socials, packing orders, launching products—but STILL not getting the results you want? Yep. You're probably in the messy middle. Not a newbie anymore, but not scaling like a pro just yet. And let me tell you, this stage is real and it's where so many product-based business owners get stuck. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and talking honestly about the awkward, in-between phase that no one ...

Send us Fan Mail Are you marketing your little heart out 24/7 but still hearing crickets when it comes to actual sales? Or maybe your traffic is fine but conversions? Not so much. If you're nodding along, this episode is your wake-up call. Today, I’m breaking down the 5 biggest signs your marketing strategy is completely broken—and giving you the practical, no-fluff fixes to actually turn things around. Spoiler alert: this is not about working harder; it’s about getting smarter. We’ll chat ab...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I interview Carla Townsend, a money mindset and success coach. We delve into practical advice for female entrepreneurs looking to overcome financial barriers, the critical role of money mindset in achieving business success, and how deep-rooted beliefs affect financial behaviors. Carla shares insights on identifying limiting beliefs, cultivating a healthy money mindset, and the importance of aligning one's business with personal values for sustainable su...

Send us Fan Mail 💫 In this episode of thelotco business podcast, I sit down with Kiralee, the brilliant mind behind Murkani Jewellery. From an idea that lingered in her mind for years to a thriving global jewellery brand, Kiralee shares the ups, downs, and surprising twists of her journey. 💍 We chat about: How Murkani Jewellery was born during Kiralee’s time living in Vietnam.The design process—sketching, sampling, and finding the right artisans.Navigating wholesale, retail, and international...

Send us Fan Mail Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs: An Interview with High Performance Mindset Coach Mandy Napier In this episode I interview Mandy Napier, a high-performance mindset and executive coach with over 14 years of experience. Mandy sheds light on the importance of understanding and overcoming limiting beliefs, offering insights into mindset work, the role of self-talk, and the impact of early childhood patterns on adult behaviour. Among the topics covered are practical s...

Send us Fan Mail Building a Sustainable and Ethical Homewares Brand: An Interview with Nareen Holloway from Marmoset Found In this episode I interview Nareen Holloway, the founder of the homewares company Marmoset Found. Nareen shares her journey from working in streetwear retail to creating a sustainable homewares brand known for its long-lasting ceramics and glassware. The discussion covers the challenges and risks she faced, including finding ethical manufacturers, evolving her product li...

Send us Fan Mail Unleashing Creative Business Success with Brydie Stewart from Mary Maker Studio In this episode I chat with Brydie from Mary Maker Studio about the intricacies of turning creative passion into a profitable business. They discuss Brydie's journey from being an art teacher to founding Mary Maker Studio, a leading supplier of fiber arts materials. Brydie shares how she left teaching to align with her creative purpose following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and h...

Send us Fan Mail Let's talk about the critical role of email marketing in driving sales and building customer relationships. We discuss the common pitfalls businesses face, such as neglecting email marketing in favour of social media, and then provide actionable strategies to enhance email effectiveness. Key topics include the importance of having a strategic plan, utilizing templates, focusing on design elements, regularly analyzing performance metrics, and segmenting the email ...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what things product-based business owners do to get ahead? Have you ever tried to figure out what they have in common? After more than 25 years working with 100's of product-based businesses and successful entrepreneurs these are some characteristics I have noticed in common. Some of these are actions and some of these are strategies. See how many you have and whether you think I am on the mark. I listed out 10 but I am sure there are more. Welcome to this...

Send us Fan Mail What platform should I use for my website? This is a question I see asked ALL the time. Now my answer is always Shopify if you are an eCommerce and product-based business. Listen in today to find out the 10 reasons why I believe SHOPIFY is the website platform for you if you are a product-based business or eCommerce store. And why I also don't believe it is too expensive!! The Reel about credit cards leading to abandon cart is linked here. I hope ...

Send us Fan Mail Retail Week Series Episode 1. Hands up if you want more sales? Whether that is selling more on your own ecommerce store (DTC) or selling wholesale there are 3 ways to increase your sales. Get more customers (new ones) Get the customers you have to buy more each time (AOV). Get the customers have to buy more often (frequency) Today I am giving you 5 quick tweaks and updates you can make to your website that can go a long way to boosting your conversion rate. Things t...

Send us Fan Mail Want to maximise conversions and get more buyers over the line and start stocking your range in their stores? Make sure you include these 5 things in your Wholesale catalogue. In this super quick episode I explore the five essential elements that can maximize your wholesale catalogue's sales. Learn about the key components that will help your catalogue stand out from the competition and bring in more revenue for your business. Buyers are busy and they love looking for new an...

Send us Fan Mail This is a question I get asked quite a lot in my 'How to Wholesale' program. Should I work with a Sales Agent? How much % commission do they take? Where do I find them? And then BUT that is so much % off what I already receive for wholesaling?! Why would I do that? I don't have enough margin. Why would I use an agent? So here we go - a list of pros and cons when deciding whether to work with an agent. Why you should and why you shouldn't. How to make the most of you...

Send us Fan Mail The Importance of Listing Stockists for Retail Brands In this episode I share WHY brands need to make their stockist information easily accessible online. I discuss the benefits of having a stockist list, including higher sales rates, better customer experience, and the potential for positive links and backlinks to the brand's website. I emphasize adopting an abundance mindset and encourages brands to update and share their stockist lists to encourage sell-through and ...

Send us Fan Mail Are you attending your first TRADE SHOW? Are you nervous? Excited? Freaking out? How much money have you spent on your stand??? If you have you invested to exhibit at a trade show or are thinking about it soon, this episode is for you. Trade shows are such a great way to boost your wholesale sales and find new stockists but they can be expensive. So if you are now freaking out….or maybe this your 3rd or 4th show and you know you have to make some tweaks to maximise your inve...

Send us Fan Mail Ok today is all about working cohesively with your Retail stockists. It is about fostering successful relationships. Long term beautiful ones! Highlighting the importance of promotions, margin considerations, streamlined communication, and product support, I discuss key strategies to ensure mutual growth and long-term partnerships between retailers and brands. Leveraging my 20+ years in Retail (and Wholesale) these are the things Retailers wish brands knew befor...

Send us Fan Mail After over 20 years in Wholesale there are just things you can't google. These 5 are on the list. You don't know what you don't know right. IKYYK. One of the most common comments I get from my Transform Your Wholesale program is- 'Wow I did not even realise that and had no idea. Thank you for sharing all your insights'. So here are a few things that no-one else is talking about when it comes to Wholesale. Want to know how you can Build a Wholesale Sales Machine for your bra...

Send us Fan Mail 2024 is almost in the rearview mirror, and it’s time to reflect, celebrate, and plan for a thriving 2025! In this episode, I dive into the why and how of year-end business reflections. Whether you’re wrapping up a year full of wins or navigating some bumps in the road, this episode will help you approach the new year with clarity, focus, and confidence. I’m sharing 10 powerful questions to guide your reflections, actionable steps for setting 2025 intentions, and tips for crea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the world of multi-platform selling with the incredible Dylan Jahraus, an e-commerce expert with a wealth of experience across platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify. Dylan shares her journey, strategies, and actionable insights to help product-based businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your reach and maximize sales, this episode is for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Dylan’s E-C...

Send us Fan Mail Bold, Creative, and Dancing Through Life: Cathy Hamilton’s Artful Journey. This episode is all about proving that it’s never too late to shake things up, chase a dream, and build something incredible. At 57, Cathy Hamilton launched her art business, Cathy Hamilton Artworks, and has been breaking barriers ever since. From her vibrant, Australian-made designs to her bold steps into trade shows, collaborations, and bespoke fabrics, Cathy is an absolute powerhouse of creativity a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I dive into 5 unique strategies for product-based businesses to boost sales in the peak holiday season. From creative email series to streamlined ordering, I share actionable tips for engaging new customers, maximizing eCommerce opportunities, and making shopping easy and enjoyable for clients. Key takeaways Focus on foundational elements for sustainable business growth.Utilize email marketing creatively to engage customers.Incorporate fun and storytelling ...

Send us Fan Mail Let's talk about the critical role of email marketing in driving sales and building customer relationships. We discuss the common pitfalls businesses face, such as neglecting email marketing in favour of social media, and then provide actionable strategies to enhance email effectiveness. Key topics include the importance of having a strategic plan, utilizing templates, focusing on design elements, regularly analyzing performance metrics, and segmenting the email list fo...

Send us Fan Mail Revolutionize Your Business with Cycle Syncing: Special Guest Renae Fieck In this can't-miss episode, I sit down with Renee Fieck, an occupational therapist, breathwork facilitator, and feminist feminine leadership coach, to reveal how aligning with your menstrual cycle can elevate your business game. Together, we unpack the transformative concept of cycle syncing, offering practical advice on matching your business activities with hormonal phases for maximum productiv...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, I welcome jewelry designer and business mentor Tracy Matthews, who shares her insights on building successful jewellery brands through effective marketing and mindset. Tracy, with over 30 years of experience, discusses her 'Desired Brand Effect' approach, which emphasizes the importance of branding, audience understanding, and messaging to attract and retain customers. We explore the significance of in-person interactions, understanding customer des...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, I welcome Anna from House of Cart and we dive deeply into the world of Shopify and e-commerce. Anna, a Shopify expert, shares her journey from starting a children's clothing label to becoming a leading name in Shopify website design and email marketing. We focus on the importance of theme selection, optimization, and customer journey to enhance the customers user experience (UX). Anna's shares valuable tips on decluttering your website, u...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I share 10 Essential Visual Merchandising (VM) tips to boost sales in physical retail spaces. From identifying your store's hotspot to ensuring clever lighting and strategic product placement, Melissa covers it all. Learn why consolidating products and pricing transparency can significantly enhance your customer experience. Discover the magic of changing your display frequently to keep things fresh while maintaining a clean and visually ap...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with Rene Skelton of Concrete Jellyfish. We dive into the challenges of running a small business, to the unique ways Renee maintains her creativity. We talk about the origins, growth, and innovations of her fashion accessories brand Concrete Jellyfish. Rene shares insights about transitioning her business to Italy, the importance of community, dealing with production challenges, and her passion for creating handmade accessories. The episod...

Send us Fan Mail Anna Shipley, a Facebook ads expert, shares her journey and insights into running successful Facebook ads for e-commerce businesses. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your customer and having a well-designed website before starting Facebook ads. Anna also discusses the common mistakes people make with Facebook ads, such as constantly changing the ads and not having enough content. She highlights the need for consistency in social media and email marketing to supp...

Send us Fan Mail Things in business don't always go to plan. Kristy Withers founder of Incy Interiors grew her business over 13 years and has had her fair share if things going wrong!! On the podcast this week, I talk with Kristy about her journey with Incy Interiors. How she is now moving on from being the owner and what the future looks like for her. We talk about the highs and lows, he different things Kristy has tried and tested in her time as a product business owner....

Send us Fan Mail IMO there really is no reason not to have a stockist list on your website. Being so worried about competition you are willing to negatively impact your actual customers (and retailers who support you) and make it hard for them to buy in person form a physical store. It also reeks of scarcity mindset and says something about how you feel about selling wholesale and trying to capture every little bit of margin for yourself. I could rant about this for days but tod...

Send us Fan Mail "Ever feel like your finances are stuck in quicksand, no matter how hard you hustle? In this empowering episode, we're diving deep into the world of money blocks with the phenomenal Clare Wood! Discover why your money mindset isn't just a buzzword—it's the secret sauce to breaking free from those invisible financial chains. We'll uncover the most common blocks that might be holding you back and share actionable tips on how you can start to work through them. Clare brings her ...

Send us Fan Mail When do you invest in your self or your business? At the start? 3 years in? I had a 30 min session with Joey from @growmemelb on the Business Couch at @life_instyle last year and since then she has evolved to much! Joey joined (invested) in my Roadmap to Profit (Profitable Product Business) and has used my spreadsheets and templates every day since. It has changed the way she has done business and how she has expanded globally since then. Check out her range here an...

Send us Fan Mail Building a brand and running a small business can be lonely. Trying to figure out what to focus on day to day, unsure if you are on the right track or if you even have a good enough product. Knowing when to ask for help and where to look for expert advice is always tricky too. Mandi from Cubs and Co. was looking to make a change. She knew she couldn’t keep going the way she was going but she was also a bit nervous. At the end of the day, Mandi knew she needed mentorship more...

Send us Fan Mail The first time I discovered Human Design I have to admit I was skeptical. Like ok, another star sign type test to tell me 'my personality' - sure. BUT then I actually read my chart in more detail and checked out my families charts and to tell you my mind was blown is an understatement 🤯. I could not believe the accuracy of it and the way it made me feel so seen. AND how it has helped me since live a life truer to my design. In todays episode I chat with Yvette Ma...

Send us Fan Mail When you have a product business you are always trying to figure out where to spend your money and where the best next place to invest your cashflow is. A constant struggle right. ONE of the places I always suggest whether you are a new brand, established Retail stores or those who want to constantly evolve in this online visual space is your imagery! We humans are visual people! The visual imagery you share is part of the reason customers buy your products. ...

Send us Fan Mail 1.7% 5.6% 11%, 0.59% You thought you had finished with Maths in Year 12 didn't you? Well, sorry but if you run a business you gotta know your numbers. I (as a Former Maths Teacher - I know, I know don't hate on me) do love diving in and exploring these with clients when I first meet with them or start working with them inside my programs and membership. The one we are exploring today is your E-commerce conversion rate. The one inside your analytics that tells u...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s special guest is, Dr. Ben Robbins. I spoke about getting him on the podcast a few months ago and we finally we managed to record an episode. Ben is a Clinical Psychologist, and I wanted to bring him on to talk about limiting beliefs, negative self talk and how we can all work on our mental fitness. Now I know the world of athletes and entrepreneurs can be very different, but they have one thing in common.. Mindset! You can’t be a successful athlete if your head isn’t...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever thought about adding a digital element to your product business? This episode today is sharing with you the possibilities and options available to you and then if you are interested how do you even get started? Having a product business is not the only way to have a business. This could be an option for some of you either now or in the future. You can find out more here https://www.thelotco.com/bbd Takeaways Having a digital online business allows you to crea...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how important branding and customer experience is for your product business? In this episode, I chat with Stefi Kerby from Celia Loves to talk all about customer experience and the scholarships she is part of. We discuss all of the following: 05:11 What Stefi looked for as a judge of the LifeStyle scholarship 07:50 Being unique in a saturated market 10:56 Establishing principles at the start of business 19:15 Where Stefi gets feedback...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever used Many Chat for your product business? Many Chat is an automation tool used to answer questions, respond to customers, etc. It saves you time and gives your customers an instant response. I brought on Sam from Ads for Breakfast to talk more about how she helps businesses use Many Chat! We discuss all of the following: 03:00 Sam’s background 04:14 What is Many Chat? 11:33 Advice Sam has for setting up Many Chat 16:12 Brands Sam has worked with 22:01 Bene...

Send us Fan Mail What is something you wish you could tell your wholesaler? In this episode, I talk about all the things retailers want the brands they work with to know. As a wholesaler, it’s your job to build a long-term relationship with your retailers. Wholesalers: get out your pens and papers to take some notes! I discuss all of the following: 00:30 My background in retail 02:35 16 things retailers want you to know 22:54 What you can do as a retailer 23:11 Offering an experience Support ...

Send us Fan Mail Being surrounded by some amazing speakers and panellists last week in Orange County at the Ultimate Product Party I wanted to share some takeaways. The takeaways cover various topics such as selling the problem you solve, adding storytelling elements to your business, exploring TikTok Shop, utilizing AI, understanding your value, optimizing your website's product page, saving time with phone widgets and tech shortcuts, balancing customer attraction and retention, adding cust...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wanted to start a product business? But you aren’t sure you’re ready for the business risks or potential copycats? In this episode, I bring on Nareen Holloway to discuss her journey of creating Marmoset Found. Nareen has experienced it all - From marketing to stock to work/life balance to copycats. Tune into this episode to hear us discuss the following: 00:53 Who is Nareen Holloway and what is Marmoset Found? 06:38 Taking risks with your business 08:09 Managing...

Send us Fan Mail What would you do if your factory closed down overnight? How would you cope? Megan from Second Scout is a guest on the podcast today and generously shares her journey and some of the ups and downs of having a product-based business. Last year, Megan went through a major down and we discuss how she was able to come back from it better than ever. If you ever start a product business, a good rule of thumb is to always be prepared. You never know when a stockist is ...

Send us Fan Mail Kip&Co is an Australian Lifestyle brand that never stops evolving. From the early days of the croc print bed linen (anyone have that print?) to developing beautiful womens and kids apparel, lighting, pet accessories, tableware and so much more. If you have ever wanted to build your own brand or you are doing so right now then this is a must listen. I spoke with Alex McCabe about how she and her two business partners (sisters) Hayley and Kate built Kip...

Send us Fan Mail Email marketing is a huge game changer for any business, especially product-based businesses. Think about all the times you’ve gotten an email from Target or Amazon. Did that prompt you to buy something from their site or at least think about it more? Today, I share the best email marketing strategy with you for product-based businesses. This will help you make sure you’re not only selling your products but also ensuring a positive customer experience. I discuss all of ...

Send us Fan Mail Bumping in and bumping out of markets is A LOT of work. Besides the sales and the sore feet you get, what else is a reason to attend a market? We all know it can be great for brand awareness, exposure for your brand and products, a great way to build your mailing list and for customers to see products in real life (IRL) as well to touch and feel them. Today I sharing 5 More Unexpected Perks of Attending Markets that may make you stop and reconsider the cost vs true value o...

Send us Fan Mail How are you sabotaging yourself? Do you even realise you are doing it? Money Mindset some of those topics that you might not even be aware of...BUT once you are, you start to notice little things in your daily life that you may need to work on to help improve the way you deal with money, how you are potentially self sabotaging yourself from earning more or holding your business back because of fears. Are there things that trigger you that maybe you need to reviewing and tr...

Send us Fan Mail As a former buyer for my own Retail store I got to meet some amazing brand owners and see some absolutely stunning collections each and every season. Walking into the most amazing French inspired trade event 12 years ago (Mama and Papa) I spotted a beautiful collection of girls dresses, sequins, tulle and embroidery from the brand Bella and Lace. Now anyone who knows me will know I flocked to those gold stars and sequins pretty fast. I got to meet Kate, the owne...

Send us Fan Mail VM (visual merchandising) is a real combination of art and science. It can't just be beautiful. It has to work to sell your products also! I spend a lot of time in Retail stores and after nearly 40 years working in it (yes i started dery early!). I have picked up a thing or two! In this episode I dive into 10 common mistakes Retailers (bricks and mortar physical stores and at markets and pop ups too) make that can be tweaked and changed to help you boost sales and provide alt...

Send us Fan Mail Hands up if you want more sales? Whether that is selling more on your own ecommerce store (DTC) or selling wholesale there are 3 ways to increase your sales. Get more customers (new ones) Get the customers you have to buy more each time (AOV). Get the customers have to buy more often (frequency) Today I am giving you 5 quick tweaks and updates you can make to your website that can go a long way to boosting your conversion rate. Things that don't break the bank...

Send us Fan Mail I myself love a good trade show. I have just spend 4 days in Sydney at the @life_instyel and @reedexpo trade shows for lifestyle , beauty and fashion products. Why do I love them though? Why do they work and why should you attend? Whether as a buyer or as an exhibitor? They are not a cheap investment in your business so why put yourself out there and take the risk? What are the things you need to when looking at whether they have been successful or not. What sho...

Send us Fan Mail Ahh Mindset ...I have heard some people audibly sigh when they hear it mentioned. But call it what you will the way you speak to yourself, the beliefs you hold and the way they impact your actions can also impact your business and your levels of success. In this episode I discuss the importance of mindset in business. How your limiting beliefs impact your behaviour and the actions you take. I explain the most common 3 limiting beliefs I have seen that ...

Send us Fan Mail How much spirituality do you incorporate into your daily business practices ? Is it something you want to do more of, are you exploring this side of yourself and how it can help you in your business? The past few years I have really started exploring this area so much more. From tarot readings, to crystals to daily journaling, affirmations, visualisations and manifestation. The woo side of business excites me and I want to start sharing more of this with you here as well.&...

Send us Fan Mail When you think of an offer or a promotion do you only revert to price discounts? There are so many different things you can offer you customers to get them excited, get them adding to cart and hopefully increasing their LTV with you. Whether it is a gift with purchase, a special bundle offer or adding in priortiy shipping. How can you go above and beyond for your customers? How can you get them waiting in anticipation about what you are doing next, and what is coming up for...

Send us Fan Mail You don't know what you don't know right. IKYYK. After over 20 years in Wholesale there are just things you can't google. These 5 are on the list. Want to increase sales or even get some sales from Wholesale listen in to this episode for some insights to help you in that domain. Want even more insights? Come along ot my FREE webinar on the Essentials to Wholesale success. Register here: https://www.thelotco.com/wholesaleessentialsfreewebinar Support the show I'm Mel...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what a Business Coach actually does or if they are right for you ? I am a Product-Based business Coach so specifically work with product-based businesses on how to grow, scale and build a sustainable profitable and thriving Retail store or Brand. Someone asked me the other day if I could come in and give a 'fresh eyes' perspective on what opportunities there may be, how to refine and streamline aspects of their business, how to add more sales channel...

Send us Fan Mail How the heck do you use AI and Automations in your business? Have you embraced them yet? Even started to add it into your daily life? It can save so much time and money in business and can streamline processes, free up valuable time, add new dimensions to your content creation, and just make life that little bit easier. Who doesn't want that! Ok some of you don't. But bare with me. You might just not even realise what AI can do to help you manage your time and life better...

Send us Fan Mail Do you want to get in front of 80 million customers? What could that do to your business? How would it feel to get 1000's of new eyes on your product and 100's of new orders every month? Monica Little has been using Etsy for selling her product for years and she shares how Etsy is such a great sales channel and an amazing tool to get in front of new customers. They have over 80 million users and it is such an under utilised sales channel. Don't think that it is such fo...

Send us Fan Mail Retail is not for the faint hearted but who says it is all doom and gloom. Lauren Henry started Common Circus (a Newcastle-based business ) 9 years ago now and in this episode she shares the what, why, and how to do with running and building her Retail stores. The freedom and choices it allows. The parts she absolutely loves and then some of the parts that are not her favourite aspects!! Come along for the journey of what it means to build a retail business, h...

Send us Fan Mail What should your Instagram content look like in 2023 and heading into 2024 if you are a product-based business? Things have changed in recent times but after chatting with a number of clients who are telling me they are struggling to get sales and struggling to get in front of new customers I started asking what they are currently doing to market their business? Some answer with just instagram (which I do not recommend!) however even their instagram has minimal posting or co...

Send us Fan Mail How well are you using Email marketing right now? Whether you are using Klaviyo, Flodesk, Mailchimp or one of the other many email systems you must be using one of them! I am passionate about helping ecommerce and bricks and mortar retail stores use Email marketing more effectively. The impact it can have on your business and the way it can generate sales for you is a big part of being a long term successful and profitable product business. You need to have strong and solid...

Send us Fan Mail 3 short years ago....was when I first met sisters Alicia and Jacinta from @thelittlepotionco. The Little Potion Co (a mindful magic potion making brand) was a side hustle for them both and they made everything from Jacinta’s back shed and by hand. Now 3 years later they are over a Million dollars in sales and it is testament to how much they have continued to evolve, to listen to experts and to their customers, to invest, to take risks and to thank goodness understand their...

Send us Fan Mail Do you want bumper sales for your last quarter of the year? It can be so hard to figure our where to focus your time and energy when you are 'doing it all'. Being we are about to hit the last 90 days of the year. Here’s 4 things to focus on in your product business and make sure you have maximise your chances. 1. Stock- have you made sure you have enough stock (and of the right stock) to get the sales you want? Your supply chain is crucial to plan out prior to this and ma...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine waking up tomorrow and your website sales have doubled! 🙀 And not just one day, but everyday from now on. And they keep growing and they continue to exponentially scale. 📈 How would you feel? 💃🏻 What impact would it have on you and your family? 💰 What would you do with the extra income into your business? 🎉 Well, this is possible. And without spending $1000's on facebook ads to achieve it. You need to want make sure your website is converting as high...

Send us Fan Mail Build a website and they will come. If only. It is a mistake many product entrepreneurs are guilty of. Relying on only one sales channel. Having a product business means you need to find many ways to sell your product. And ideally you would have multiple sales channels so you are not relying on just one. Only selling on your own ecommerce site means you going to paying a lot to acquire your customers. So where does that leave you? Well, you need...

Send us Fan Mail Hands up if you run a business and have never had any down times or low points? Yes thought so. Not many business owners and entrepreneurs have ever had a perfectly smooth ride and perfect business. There are always ups and downs and hard times. It's what to do when things are tough that matters though and how to lift yourself out of the slumps and lower energy levels or try and counteract low sales that matters. You have to get scrappy and innovative and...

Send us Fan Mail One of the biggest issues I see with ecommerce stores and a problem they are looking to solve is how to get more traffic to their website. Katrina McKinnon from Copysmith.com shares how in this episode. She also dives into how you use AI wisely and in a way that makes the google gods happy! We talk about how long form content like blogging and using product descriptions wisely can help you bring so much more traffic to your ecommerce store or website. It is something I am...

Send us Fan Mail I am all for dreaming big and setting stretch goals in your business. But what I also love is breaking that down and reverse engineering how to make that happen. Getting into the nitty gritty about strategy and planning. This weeks podcast is from a live session I ran and dived into how to reverse engineer $50K sales months in your business. Your website analytics (particularly your traffic, average order value (AOV) and conversion rate) are super important numb...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to start a jewellery brand? Or how to not just survive but have your brand thrive for 10 years in this industry? I have been trying to get Kiralee on the podcast for over a year to tell some of her story and share how she has grown her amazing jewellery brand @murkanijewllery over the past 10 years. So here we are. Kiralee and I chat about her journey, why it took her so long to get started, her regrets, her tips on what is important to foc...

Send us Fan Mail Running a business can be hard. Running a business that makes a profit is even harder. But this is where implementing a different accounting system in your business can make a huge impact. Profit First, is a book by Mike Michalowicz if you haven't read it yet. You definitely should! He created the Profit First system and now has a team of qualified experts around the world who share his system to help other business owners. It is not just about setting up your bu...