Ep 11: From Startup to Scale: Inside IntelliGems’ Approach to E-Commerce Pricing & Culture

EP 12: I Tried Manus.ai — This AI Tool Built Me a Website from One Prompt

Description: In this quick solo episode, I dive into something I just discovered today: Manus.ai, an AI research tool that’s a little like ChatGPT but with way more structure—and it even built me a website based on one prompt. I talk through what I learned in real time about agentic commerce, a concept that might totally reshape how we shop online. Instead of traditional search results, imagine having a personal AI agent that understands your intent, does the digging, and just gives you what you need—like, actually helpful answers. We touch on: * What agentic commerce is * How platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Manus are leaning in * How big players like Amazon and Walmart are reacting * What this shift could mean for retailers, SEO, and shopping experiences It’s raw, it’s fresh, and it’s me geeking out about what could be the future of e-commerce. Show Notes: 00:00 – Intro & why I made this video 00:48 – What is Manus.ai? First impressions 01:40 – Agentic commerce: what it is and why it matters 03:10 – Running my first query on Manus.ai 04:30 – How it builds a full website from a research prompt 06:00 – Comparing big players: Amazon, Walmart, ChatGPT, etc. 09:00 – What agentic commerce means for search, SEO & product ranking 11:00 – Conversational shopping & the rise of AI agents 12:30 – Why this is just the beginning

Ep 11: From Startup to Scale: Inside IntelliGems’ Approach to E-Commerce Pricing & Culture

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Marconi, co-founder and CEO of IntelliGems, a platform helping e-commerce merchants refine everything from pricing to shipping thresholds using powerful split-testing tools. We dive into: • How IntelliGems pivoted from gaming analytics to e-commerce • Why dynamic pricing isn’t the same as surge pricing • How to decide if your brand is ready for A/B testing • Common pitfalls in pricing strategy • Tips on scaling startup culture and building a team If you’re curious about turning data into real-world results—or you simply want to learn how e-commerce brands are optimizing every corner of their funnels—this episode is a must-watch! Timestamps (click to jump): 0:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview 1:06 – Happy New Year & Channel Mission 2:15 – Drew’s Background & Why IntelliGems Pivoted to E-Commerce 5:05 – Early Challenges: Validating Ideas & Finding Product-Market Fit 8:07 – Stages of IntelliGems’ Growth (from Beta to Funding) 10:15 – Interviewing Customers: Turning Conversations into Roadmaps 14:12 – Expanding the MVP & Adding Key Features 16:46 – Securing Funding & Scaling the Team 18:20 – Scaling Culture & Core Values at a Growing Startup 23:01 – Common Misconceptions About Split Testing 26:41 – Knowing When You’re Ready to Test: Traffic & Order Volume 28:47 – Pricing Pitfalls: Why a Clear Strategy Matters 31:32 – Practical Example: A Skincare Brand’s Testing Roadmap 35:00 – Dynamic Pricing vs. Surge Pricing: What It Really Means 39:04 – Free Shipping vs. Shipping Thresholds: Myths & Realities 42:28 – Tech Stack Deep Dive: Data Ingestion & Real-Time Dashboards 47:17 – AI & Automation at IntelliGems 50:12 – #1 Action for Business Owners: Define Your Goals First 51:05 – Founder Advice: “Charge More Earlier” & Enjoy the Journey 51:36 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find IntelliGems

Unframed Episode 9: Talking Business: Building a Home Decor Brand in 2024 w/ Mike Zung

In Episode 9 of Unframed, Adem Ogunc hosts Mike Zung, the founder of Bloomest, to dive into the evolution of his sustainable home decor brand. Mike shares his journey from upcycled products to navigating the e-commerce landscape post-pandemic. They discuss how platforms like FAIR are driving retail growth, the role of sales reps in today's market, and the importance of authentic content creation. Get real insights on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and brand-building in this unfiltered conversation. Key Takeaways: The journey of Bloomest: From recycled fake flowers to rugs and home decor. How sustainability drives product development. E-commerce strategies for growth using FAIR. The role of sales reps in today's market. The importance of authentic branding and content creation. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Bloomest and Sustainable Home Decor 07:36 – The Journey of Bloomest and Business Acquisition 10:46 – Navigating Challenges in the Home Decor Market 11:39 – Exploring the FAIR Marketplace for Retail Growth 19:06 – The Role of Sales Reps in a Changing Landscape 24:04 – Strategies for Brand Awareness and Market Positioning 26:19 – Navigating the Complexities of the Rug Business 31:01 – Inventory Management Challenges and Solutions 34:18 – The Importance of Data in Marketing Planning 38:08 – Leveraging Social Media and Influencer Marketing 45:37 – Content Creation and Brand Representation 48:15 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs SEO Tags: Sustainability, E-commerce, Business growth, FAIR marketplace, Sales reps, Inventory management, Home decor, Mike Zung, Bloomest, Post-pandemic challenges, Content creation, Authentic branding, Unframed podcast, Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Rug business, Social media marketing, Influencer marketing

Ep: 10 2024 Reflections & 2025 Visions with Mike Zung

oin host Adem Ogunc as he reconnects with longtime friend and entrepreneur Mike Zung in a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the lessons of 2024 and the possibilities of 2025. Mike, co-founder of Bloomist and former executive at DoubleClick, Bazaarvoice, and more, shares real-world insights on launching and selling a brand, embracing AI and social commerce, and cultivating authentic connections. Whether you’re navigating early-stage challenges or scaling a successful venture, this episode offers tactical tips and fresh perspectives to help you thrive in the new year. Tune in to learn how to face your fears, harness technology wisely, and build meaningful relationships that drive growth—both personally and professionally.

Email is Evolving: Khaled Bashir and Sidekick's New Vision

In this episode of "The Show," host Adem Ogunc sits down with Khaled Bashir, an expert in e-commerce and digital transformation. Khaled shares his groundbreaking vision for the future of email marketing and how his company, Sidekick, is at the forefront of this evolution. * Khaled’s Journey: Learn about Khaled Bashir’s background and how he became a thought leader in the e-commerce space. * The Evolution of Email: Discover how email marketing is changing and what businesses need to know to stay ahead. * Challenges and Solutions: Understand the common challenges faced by e-commerce businesses and the innovative solutions that Khaled recommends. * Future of E-Commerce: Gain insights into what the future holds for the industry and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. * Q&A Session: Listen to the engaging Q&A session where Khaled answers pressing questions from the audience. * The importance of adapting to new technologies in email marketing. * Effective strategies for overcoming common business challenges. * Predictions for future trends in the online retail industry. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Khaled Bashir, packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone involved in the world of e-commerce. Listen to the episode on Spotify and don’t forget to subscribe to "The Show" for more engaging discussions with industry leaders. Show NotesEpisode Highlights:Key Takeaways:Tune in Now