Podcast Summary: Running A Successful Amazon & Walmart Business | Omnichannel eCommerce Discussion
Navigating the Amazon Ecosystem: Corey Brown's Journey from Consultant to SellerIn the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, particularly within the Amazon ecosystem, success requires a unique blend of skills, experience, and adaptability. Corey Brown, founder of buffaBRAND Marketing, has spent over a decade immersed in this dynamic industry. His journey from consultant to seller offers valuable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the world of online retail.
Early Beginnings: From Assistant to Consultant
Corey's entry into the Amazon space was not through traditional selling. Instead, he began as an assistant to a consultant in Buffalo, New York. This role provided him with a foundational understanding of eCommerce and the intricacies of the Amazon marketplace. Over time, he honed his skills in various areas, including Shopify and operational management, which would later serve him well as he transitioned into more prominent roles.After a couple of years assisting his mentor, Corey took on an in-house position with a major brand. In this capacity, he managed multiple Amazon stores and significantly increased sales—tripling revenue for one brand over two years. His experience in these roles solidified his understanding of what it takes to succeed on platforms like Amazon.
The Shift to Entrepreneurship
Despite his success as a consultant and manager, Corey felt a calling to start his own business. Influenced by a mentor who recognized his potential, he took the leap into entrepreneurship during the tumultuous early days of COVID-19. This period of uncertainty also coincided with the arrival of his second child, which added both pressure and motivation to create something meaningful. Corey founded buffaBRAND Marketing with a focus on helping Amazon sellers navigate the complexities of the platform. He quickly gained traction by leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in eCommerce operations.
Building a Client Base
Initially, Corey sought clients through Jungle Market, a platform designed for Amazon service providers. His dedication and hard work paid off; within three months, he became one of the top three providers on the platform. However, when Jungle Market announced its closure, Corey faced a pivotal moment. Fortunately, many clients chose to follow him off-platform, allowing him to sustain and grow his business despite the setback.
Transitioning to Selling
While running buffaBRAND Marketing, Corey eventually ventured into selling products himself. He partnered with clients who recognized his expertise and wanted to collaborate on private label brands. Today, he operates several brands in different niches, including music education products and unique switch plate covers.Corey’s approach is noteworthy; rather than following the traditional path of starting as a seller first, he built his agency and then transitioned into selling. This unique trajectory allowed him to leverage his consulting background while minimizing the risks associated with being a seller.
Lessons Learned
Throughout his journey, Corey has learned several key lessons about entrepreneurship and navigating the Amazon landscape:
Embrace Change: The eCommerce landscape is continually evolving. Adapting to new trends and technologies is crucial for long-term success.
Leverage Your Network: Building relationships with clients can lead to unexpected opportunities. Corey's transition from consultant to seller was made possible by collaborations with former clients.
Focus on Value Creation: Whether consulting or selling, providing value should always be at the forefront of your business strategy.
Balance Personal Life and Work: As Corey navigated parenthood alongside entrepreneurship, he learned the importance of prioritizing family while pursuing professional goals.
Conclusion
Corey Brown's journey through the Amazon ecosystem exemplifies how diverse experiences can lead to entrepreneurial success. By starting as an assistant and evolving into a consultant before becoming a seller, he has carved out a unique niche in eCommerce. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in this competitive landscape, Corey's story serves as an inspiring reminder that success often comes from embracing change and leveraging one's strengths along the way.
Key Takeaways
Diverse experiences during your early career can help to expose us to what’s out there, furthering our efforts to find a career path that aligns with our motivations.
Carve out your own unique niche that plays to your strengths and surround yourself with teams that cover your weaknesses.
Embrace challenges and build your brand along the way.
