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Rise of the Micro-Brands. A live interview hosted by Norman Farrar AKA ”The Beard Guy”. Norm digs into current trends, the latest tips, and advice from experts in the eCommerce, Amazon FBA and online business world. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips that they can apply immediately to their business. Norm and his guests don’t give you get-rich-quick tips, they give sound advice to help you manage and grow your business.
Episodes

4 hours ago
4 hours ago
Most brands obsess over acquiring new customers... But what if the real money — and sustainable growth — is hiding in the customers you already
have?
🚨 Get Levanta's Affiliate Ad Shift Calculator - HERE
In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with Dan Jordan, Director of Strategy at Social Lite and CRO coach at Merchant Mastery, to dive deep into retention marketing, subscription growth, and AI-powered automation.
Dan has helped hundreds of Shopify and DTC brands scale through better customer retention, smarter email flows, and real-time data-driven decisions. If you’re scaling a Shopify brand, running a subscription box, or just tired of bleeding cash on Facebook ads with no LTV — this episode will show you exactly how to build systems that retain, convert, and grow.
_________________________________
This episode is sponsored by Levanta:
Most sellers rely on ads to grow. But lately, that growth comes at a higher price. ROAS is inconsistent. CPCs are rising. And scaling often means overspending.
Levanta’s Affiliate Shift Calculator helps you explore a smarter mix—by modeling what would happen if you reallocated a portion of your ad spend into affiliate marketing. It’s a free, expert-built forecast based on your own inputs—not guesswork.
🚨 Get My Shift Calculation → HERE
_________________________________
What You’ll Learn:
- Why retention acquisition is for long-term growth
- The truth about "Subscribe & Save" (and why it’s not a real strategy)
- Dan’s “Subscribability Framework” to boost LTV and reduce churn
- How to engineer offers that keep customers buying month after month
- Real examples of brands going from $500/month → $150K/month
- AI-powered automation using Make.com & n8n
- How to build feedback loops through post-purchase flows and surveys
- Critical metrics to track: churn, time to reorder, reactivation success & more
Timestamps
00:00 – Why Retention Beats Acquisition
03:10 – The #1 Mistake Most eCom Brands Make
04:58 – Retention Isn’t a Loyalty Program
07:11 – What Is the Subscribability Framework?
09:45 – Why ‘Subscribe & Save’ Fails
14:02 – Personalization Over Repetition
18:54 – Automation Isn’t Hard Anymore
20:30 – AI-Generated Emails That Sound Like You
22:46 – "Show Up Like a Friend, Not a Brand"
24:17 – Who Should Not Use Subscription Models?
28:41 – BoxyCharm’s $500M Exit
33:48 – How to Collect Real Feedback from Your Customers
38:05 – The Metrics That Actually Predict Churn
Hosted by: Norm Farrar, “The Beard Guy” Newsletter: https://lwn.news
Join the community: Facebook Group | WhatsApp | Subreddit Hashtags:

Monday Apr 14, 2025
This TikTok Shop Strategy Is Making Brands Go Viral!
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Is TikTok Shop still worth it in 2024? Or is the ban just smoke and mirrors? In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Michelle Barnum Smith breaks down everything sellers need to know about growing on TikTok—from setting up your shop the right way to generating hundreds of videos without being the face of your brand.
➡️ Ready to grow your brand and sell more? Check out all the tools and resources we recommend at: https://www.lunchwithnorm.com/
This episode is a must-watch for any Amazon or DTC brand looking to tap into TikTok Shop’s explosive growth. Michelle covers the exact strategies that are working right now, including how to get your account approved, how to seed products to creators, and why content—not followers—is the key to scale. She also explains why most sellers fail in their first 90 days and how to avoid being one of them. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go all in on TikTok, Michelle lays out the playbook.
🔍 What You'll Learn:
- Why most brands are still ignoring TikTok Shop (and losing money)
- How to scale content without being on camera
- What the TikTok ban actually means (and why the platform’s still growing)
- Real-world onboarding and setup advice that saves time and headaches
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to TikTok's Content Strategy
00:24 The Rise and Risks of TikTok Shop
02:20 Challenges Big Brands Face on TikTok
03:12 The Authenticity Factor
05:16 Opportunities for Small and Medium Businesses
08:52 Getting Started on TikTok
21:12 TikTok Shop vs. TikTok
22:48 Tips for Business Registration
26:38 Canadian Companies and TikTok Shop
28:45 TikTok Ban and Its Impact
34:51 Strategies for TikTok Shop Success
38:02 Content Creation for TikTok Shop
42:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by Levanta:
Amazon’s not broken—but your strategy might be. If your sales are stalling while ad costs climb, you're not alone. Top brands like HyperIce and Caraway are shifting their mix with performance-based affiliate marketing. With Levanta, you only pay when a sale happens—and you tap into over 10,000 vetted creators, publishers, and review sites driving external traffic that lifts your organic rank. They even built a free tool to show the calculated revenue lift you could see.
Check it out at https://hubs.ly/Q03ghJk60 ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse: Struggling with negative Amazon reviews?
TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.
🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________
Your Brand Here? – Contact k@Lunchlunchwithnorm.com for sponsorship opportunities

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Start Your Beauty Brand in 5 Minutes (No Inventory Needed)
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Launching a beauty brand sounds glamorous—until you hit the endless delays, huge upfront costs, and sourcing headaches. In this episode of Lunch With Norm, Adam Chuntz, co-founder of Blanka, shares how anyone from solo entrepreneurs to salons can launch a fully branded beauty line in minutes—without minimums or manufacturing nightmares. Norm and Adam dive into the revival of private label, why North American sourcing is back, and how smart founders are using white label platforms and instant Shopify integrations to build lean, fast-growing brands. They also cover why most people get branding completely wrong, how to price for profit, and what it really takes to stand out in a saturated market.
🔥 Join the Lunch with Norm Newsletter https://LWN.news
Get 15% off your first Sample Order with Blanka, using the code: LUNCHWITHNORM - https://blankabrand.com/ ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by Levanta:
If you're an Amazon seller, you already know—PPC costs are rising fast. But what if you could grow sales without increasing your ad spend?
The team at Levanta put together a free guide that shows you how to get started, what networks to use, and how to find affiliates who actually perform.
Grab the Free Guide - https://hubs.ly/Q03dyv6R0 ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.
🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Branding Beyond the Logo
02:21 The Evolution of Private Labeling
10:35 Custom Formulations
21:37 The Importance of Brand Development
23:53 Efficient Order Fulfillment Strategies
24:50 Leveraging Warehousing
29:39 Understanding Your Audience
34:34 Expanding Your Product Line
41:07 Final Thoughts

Monday Mar 31, 2025
You're Scaling Your Amazon Ads Wrong - Here's How to Fix It
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Amazon ads are getting more expensive, more competitive—and way more confusing. In this episode of Lunch With Norm, PPC strategist Elizabeth Greene breaks down what’s really happening inside Amazon’s ad console in 2024 and what you need to do to scale profitably in 2025. From catchall campaigns and B2B optimization to fractional DSP access and Amazon’s new AI tools, Elizabeth shares advanced strategies that are working now. She also explains why most sellers are mismanaging ad spend, how to evaluate performance across massive catalogs, and why the key to growth isn't more money—it’s smarter strategy. Whether you’re a beginner or running a complex multi-SKU operation, this episode is your crash course in Amazon advertising that actually works.
Want to know the EXACT ACoS to hit your profit goal? - https://junglr.com/growthbalanceequation/
🔥 Join the Lunch with Norm Newsletter https://LWN.news
________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.
🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/
______________________________________
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:34 Welcome Elizabeth
06:23 Scaling Strategies
10:31 Optimizing Ad Spend
17:04 Advice for New Amazon Sellers
19:58 Low Bid Strategies
21:33 Leveraging Auto Campaigns
23:28 Advertising Insights and Coaching
30:21 Optimizing PPC
34:18 Effective Bid and Keyword Management
36:32 Final Thoughts

Monday Mar 24, 2025
How to Survive The Trump Tariffs & Supply Chain Chaos
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
In this episode of Lunch With Norm, supply chain expert Kerim Kfuri joins Norm to break down the hard truths about sourcing in 2025. From tariff pressures and supplier risk to AI-powered product development and nearshoring myths, Kerim delivers no-nonsense advice for Amazon sellers navigating the chaos of global trade. Learn why too much loyalty to your supplier can kill your business, how to negotiate better terms, and the real reason nearshoring might not save you. Plus, hear about how Alibaba is reshaping sourcing with AI. If you rely on imports, want better margins, or just want to survive the next supply chain shake-up, don’t miss this one. _______________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance. 🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.
🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/
________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:00 Diversifying Your Supply Chain
02:44 Karem Kafu's Insights
05:54 Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers
14:09 Mitigate Tariff Challenges
20:11 Supplier Relationships
28:56 Cost Cutting and Quality Control
34:46 Nearshoring
37:16 Leveraging AI
45:05 Shark Tank's Daymond John

Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Starting and scaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s a mental game. The pressure, setbacks, and isolation can break even the toughest entrepreneurs. In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Kevin Oldham, founder of DeFactory, joins Norm Farrar to discuss the real struggles of entrepreneurship, mental health, and building resilience.
🔥 Key Topics:
- Why mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and addiction affect so many entrepreneurs.
- How to build resilience and manage stress in business.
- The 75% rule: Why most entrepreneurs regret selling their business.
- How to prepare for an exit strategy that won’t leave you lost.
- The power of mastermind groups and support networks.
Whether you're facing burnout, struggling with self-doubt, or planning an exit, this episode is filled with real talk and actionable advice on how to survive and thrive as an entrepreneur.
📩 How do you handle the stress of entrepreneurship? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights on business, branding, and mental resilience.
🎯 Links & Resources Mentioned:
Kevin Oldham’s Company – DeFactory: defactory.com
Follow Kevin & Learn More: bethefilament.com Lunch with Norm Newsletter: LWN.news
I encourage you to reach out to people in your lives to either seek support, offer support, or check in. If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to reach out to someone and ask for help. If that feels scary, you can call the mental health and suicide prevention hotline for support by dialing 988
________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TrueOps: Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.
🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back.
🚨 It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨
Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Harsh Reality of Entrepreneurship
00:42 Introducing Kevin Oldham
02:42 Kevin's Journey and Mission
04:23 The Mental Health Struggles of Entrepreneurs
07:57 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
14:39 Identifying and Managing Mental Health Issues
22:51 Turning a Bad Day Around
23:43 Small Wins for Big Confidence
27:56 Lessons from Failure
34:05 Embracing AI and the Future
36:32 Avoiding Seller's Remorse

Monday Mar 10, 2025
The Secret Behind High-Converting Amazon Hero Images
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
A weak hero image can ruin your conversion rates, increase ad costs, and make you invisible in search results. In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar chats with John Aspinall, Amazon creative expert and brand evangelist for PickFu, to break down how to optimize product images for maximum clicks and conversions.
Key topics include:
- Why your hero image is the most important factor in click-through rates.
- How to test and optimize images using PickFu & real customer feedback.
- The biggest mistakes sellers make with product photography.
- 3D renders vs. traditional photography—which one works best?
- Insider hacks for budget-friendly product photoshoots (including the secret JCPenney trick).
If you're an Amazon seller, eCommerce brand, or marketer struggling to stand out in search results, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you win the click and increase sales. 🎯
Links & Resources Mentioned:
PickFu – Test Your Images: pickfu.com
John Aspinall’s Agency – Go Aspi: goaspi.com
Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:
Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.
🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨
It takes just three minutes to sign up.
Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨
Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/ ________________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Hero Images
01:06 The Importance of Packaging
04:37 Creating Compelling Images
06:11 Testing and Feedback
07:36 Avoiding Common Mistakes
09:17 Optimizing for Amazon's Algorithm
12:15 Real-World Examples and Tips
27:52 Clear Hero Images
28:35 Branding Strategies for Small Businesses
31:53 Affordable Photography Hacks
39:44 Maximizing Scroll-Stopping Power
44:47 Answering Audience Questions

Monday Mar 03, 2025
Your SEO Strategy is Failing - Panic or Profit
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Search engines are shifting, organic visibility is fading, and if you’re not evolving, you’re losing! In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Norm Farrar sits down with SEO expert Dan Kurtz to uncover the latest SEO and keyword strategies that Amazon sellers and eCommerce brands need to dominate the search results in 2024 and beyond.
Join the Beard Nation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lunchwithnorm Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/ Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:
Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.
🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨
It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm
________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨 Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:09 Guest Introduction: Dan Kurtz
02:50 SEO Trends and Strategies
13:25 Press Releases and Backlinks
30:55 Commercial Break: Maximize Your Amazon Reimbursements
32:25 Using IFTTT for Content Distribution
35:19 Understanding Google Knowledge Panels
43:43 The Power of Google Business Profiles
48:52 SEO Tips for Amazon Sellers
50:18 Final Tips and Common Mistakes

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Vanessa Hung breaks down how Amazon’s AI-powered Rufus and Cosmo are changing the game for sellers. She explains how AI is reshaping Amazon search rankings, product listings, and PPC advertising—and why traditional keyword strategies are becoming obsolete.
Vanessa dives deep into how AI personalizes search results, how to optimize listings for Amazon’s new algorithm, and the biggest mistakes sellers must avoid to stay competitive. If you’re an Amazon seller, this episode is packed with must-know insights about the future of eCommerce, audience targeting, and AI-driven marketing strategies.
Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/
Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:
Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.
🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back. 🚨
It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm
________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE. 🚨
Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Guest Introduction: Vanessa
02:52 AI's Role in Amazon's Evolving Landscape
03:34 Understanding Rufus
06:35 The Shift in PPC and Audience Targeting
08:20 Personalized Shopping Experiences with AI
13:16 Optimizing Listings for AI and Rufus
24:45 Future Implications and Strategies for Sellers
30:24 Optimizing Your Amazon Listing
34:30 Introduction to Cosmo Technology
39:52 The Future of AI in Business
46:00 Creating Content with AI Tools
50:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Monday Feb 10, 2025
Amazon Ads Are Bleeding Your Profits - Here's What to Do! | Mike Frekey
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
In this episode of Lunch with Norm, Mike Frekey joins Norm Farrar to break down the latest Amazon advertising strategies and how sellers can adapt to the platform's changing landscape.
🚨Free PPC audit 🚨 https://igppc.com/services/amazon-ppc-audit/ to any seller with over $10K in monthly ad spend
From leveraging brand analytics to mastering PPC and understanding the impact of Amazon's new B2B placement modifiers, Mike shares actionable tips to help you maximize your ad spend while staying ahead of the competition. They also discuss the increasing dominance of ads over organic traffic, the power of keyword research, and strategies for balancing profitability with growth. If you’re serious about scaling your Amazon business in 2025, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!
Sign up for our Newsletter - https://lunchwithnorm.beehiiv.com/
Thank you to our sponsors! ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TrueOps:
Amazon sellers, stop leaving money on the table! TrueOps helps you reclaim every cent you’re owed with cutting-edge tech and just a 10% commission—way less than the industry standard of 25%.
🚨 Your first $1,000 in reimbursements is free, and if Amazon reverses a claim, TrueOps credits your fees back.
It takes just three minutes to sign up. Start reclaiming what’s yours today - https://app.trueops.com/sign-up?via=norm ________________________________________________________
This episode is brought to you by TraceFuse:
Struggling with negative Amazon reviews? TraceFuse removes non-compliant reviews 100% within Amazon’s Terms of Service. With 11,000+ reviews removed for 400+ brands, TraceFuse delivers results—and you only pay for what we remove. No contracts, no monthly fees, just performance.
🚨 As a Lunch With Norm listener, your first two removals are FREE.
Clean up your reviews today at https://tracefuse.ai/lunchwithnorm-newsletter/
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Amazon's New Ad Placements
00:15 Current Trends in Sponsored Ads
00:24 The Decline of Organic Rankings
00:28 Winning with Brand Analytics
01:24 Guest Introduction: Mike Freckey
02:50 Deep Dive into Brand Analytics
04:02 Identifying Market Keywords
09:16 Using ChatGPT for Market Analysis
10:10 Interpreting Brand Analytics Data
17:18 Effective Sponsored Ad Strategies
21:43 The Impact of Ad Widgets
26:58 External Traffic and Amazon Attribution
33:10 Conclusion and Contact Information