We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shaahin Cheyene. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shaahin below.

Hi Shaahin, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

In the early ’90s, as a teenager, I took a chance on Herbal Ecstacy, a groundbreaking herbal supplement, and ventured into the club scene. Uncertain of what I was getting into, I approached partygoers, explaining that my product was a safe, all-natural alternative to the mystery drugs of the era. It was a risky move, but it paid off. I vividly remember the excitement of making my first sale, a dollar earned through belief in the safety and innovation behind what I was offering. It marked the beginning of an incredible journey.

Shaahin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into business started in the ’90s. I began by introducing Herbal ecstasy as a safer alternative to dangerous party substances. Over the years, I’ve expanded into various industries, from vaping to riding the Amazon wave. I have a knack for predicting trends, and that’s been the key to my success.

Now, my latest venture, PodcastCola, helps entrepreneurs like me share their stories and innovative products. My work is marked by discipline, not just in business, but in personal health. I only endorse products I’ve thoroughly researched and use myself. My journey is all about pushing boundaries, staying ahead of the curve, and positively impacting people’s lives.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

In the world of e-commerce, I’ve primarily chosen to leverage Amazon as the main platform for selling my products. It’s a decision that comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, The Pros of Selling on Amazon:
First, let’s talk about the good stuff. Amazon offers a massive customer base, and that’s like having a bustling marketplace right at your fingertips. The trust and credibility that come with the Amazon brand can put shoppers at ease. It’s also convenient that Amazon provides fulfillment services like FBA, making order processing a breeze. Plus, they offer tools for marketing and promotions, which is a great way to get your product noticed. And let’s not forget, Amazon takes care of customer service, which can be a real time-saver.
The Cons of Selling on Amazon:
Of course, there are some challenges. Amazon charges various fees, including referral fees and fulfillment fees, which can eat into profit margins. The competition is intense, with countless other sellers vying for attention. On Amazon, you have limited control over branding and presentation, which can impact your unique identity. The algorithms on the platform can change frequently, affecting your product’s visibility and rankings. And, perhaps most importantly, there’s always the risk of account suspension if you unintentionally violate Amazon’s policies.
In my view, Amazon’s massive reach and reputation make it a strategic choice, but it’s not without its hurdles. The fees and competition can be daunting, so it’s essential to diversify your sales channels. Many of us, including myself, also sell on our websites and explore other platforms to create a well-rounded e-commerce presence. This approach provides more control over branding and customer relationships, mitigating the risks associated with relying solely on one platform. It’s all about striking the right balance in the e-commerce landscape.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Promote open communication: Keep those lines open, be transparent, and encourage your team to voice their thoughts. Constructive feedback is essential for growth. 2. Set clear expectations: Define roles and responsibilities so that every team member understands their purpose, which boosts motivation.
3. Recognize and reward hard work: Appreciation, whether big or small, can make someone’s day. Acknowledging efforts is a powerful motivator.
4. Foster a positive environment: Create a workspace where your team feels valued and inspired to collaborate and innovate. Make work enjoyable, not just a duty.
5. Encourage work-life balance: Advise your team to take breaks and disconnect when needed. Well-rested, happy team members are more productive.
6. Organize team-building activities: Strengthen bonds through outings or activities, formal or informal. Building camaraderie is vital for high morale.
7. Celebrate achievements: Recognize every milestone, regardless of size. It’s a reminder of the progress you’re making together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaahincheyene/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaahincheyene
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@businessstoryoftheweek
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shaahincheyene