Ecom Made Easy with Ben Leonard - the simple strategy to get people to love your e-commerce brand, from an expert who has actually been there and done it! Episode Description: In 2016, I nearly failed at the start of my e-commerce journey. I was signed off work and had to recover due to a heart problem. I was in a tough spot back then, but that heart problem turned out to be a blessing. It was the spark I needed to begin my entrepreneurial journey and build something revolutionary with e-commerce. While I was starting out, I started to dig into Facebook groups, listen to podcasts, watch videos of these so-called ecom gurus and read Reddit. The narrative there was to use 'hacks' and 'quick fixes' to make a bunch of money on Amazon. I ALMOST subscribed to these ideas, but I'm glad I listened to my gut feeling. You see, tools and hacks are not the way to go. If you're just starting out in e-commerce, don't be fooled by the hacks and shortcuts that are touted as the key to success. Sure, they may work in some cases but more often than not they will lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on creating something of quality that solves a real problem. Create a strong brand identity that'll gain you loyal and repeat customers. Build a community with whom you can inspire and provide value through your social media content. Start small, be smart and take calculated risks.