In business, it is often a rarity when competitors get together and share their common problems and even more rare for them to share strategies on how to increase success, but at this event the networking and took center stage. Ecommerce merchants openly discussing ways to work more efficently and profitably.

Great Line-Up

With a list of presenters such as Tood Lutwack eBay’s Senior Director of Seller Development, Scott Wingo CEO of Channeladvisor, Jay Berkowitz author of Ten Golden Rules of Internet Marketing, Brent Leary, John “ColderIce” Lawson, Michael Ober Senior Director of Yahoo Small Business, Randy Smythe from Buy.com and many more (see the entire list of speakers here) conference goers had the opportunity for face to face talks with those that can make a difference in the industry.

Much of the 2 day event was centered on social media networking and how it can impact business. Other topics included shipping solutions, marketing venues that can boost exposure and a great open forum Q & A with the experts for the final session.

While there certainly was an intense focus on business, this event had a huge additional benefit and that was the money raised for the Amercian Cancer Society by attendees participating in a Casino night event with all proceeds going to the charity.

While there are hundreds of conferences for internet marketers to choose from, the PeSA/ECMTA event is one that should be high on your list of choices.

Special thanks to Netspray.com for sponsoring ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business at this event, and Warrantyfeed.com, Sharsboutique and Onlineauction.com for sponsoring segments of our live broadcasts.

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Small Business Trends Radio Top 100

Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a very special moment. When I began this adventure of radio broadcasts for ecommerce sellers, my hope was to bring honesty and transparency to those interested in doing business on the internet. I felt the need to tell the individuals and businesses the real truths and pitfalls of doing business online. 

My target audience was and is those interested in using new or established venues such as Amazon, Bonanzle, eBay,  Etsy, Onlineauction or even their own website to start or grow their businesses. No hype, just the real truths, good and bad.

While checking my email yesterday, I opened one of the many Google Alerts I get on a daily basis and what a surprise! Anita  Campbell host of Small Business Trends Radio had chosen ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business as one of the Top 100 Podcasts for Small Business owners in 2009! What an honor!

With the growing number of podcasters today, to be grouped among the best of the best with the likes of CNN Money, The WSJ, Businessweek, eBay Radio, Marlene Gavens, Tips From The Top, Walt Kolenda of  The Auction Wally Show is such an honor.

Thank you!

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I still enjoy coming to my office every morning, but then again it is only 10 feet from my living room! Since our first on February 4th 2007 I have broadcast approximately 120 shows. Now I know this does not equate weekly but I have done 6 live shows from 2 eBayLive’s, in addition to shows from Channeladvisor’s Catalyst Conference in Pinehurst NC as well as the PESA Summit in New Orleans both in 2008. In addition I host a weekly hour long program for Onlineauction.com entitled OLA-Radio every Thursday evening.

During our 2 years on the air with ebay & Beyond I have been blessed with excellent guests. I have had the opportunity to interview some of the who’s who in ecommerce. Such notables include Jim “Griff” Griffith, host of eBay Radio and known as the Dean of eBay University (he was my mentor during my nearly 2 year stint as an instructor here), Ina Steiner editor of Auctionbytes, Scot Wingo CEO of Channeladvisor, Bjorn Espenes former CEO of Infopia.com, Jay Berkowitz author of The Ten Golden Rules, Patrick Byrne CEO of Overstock.com, Scott Pooler blogger of the Tradingassistantjournal.com and CEO of iBusinesslogic.com, John ColderIce Lawson blogger of Colderice.com and CEO of 3rdpo.com, Chris Dawson of Tamebay.com, Chris Fain CEO of Onlineauction.com, Mark Dorsey of Bonanzle.com, many more software companies such as Hammertap.com, numerous online sellers and other ecommerce related websites!

In addition I have had the pleasure of being interviewed on other podcasts like Tips From The Top with The Savvy Seller Marlene Gavens, Walt Kolenda’s (AKA AuctionWally) Brainstorming Bonanzle, and John Lawson’s ColderIce program. These have all been wonderful experiences for me, being on the other side of the microphone.

What I truly enjoy is the interaction and diverse viewpoints of all my great guests and listeners. I am not nor have I ever claimed to be an ecommerce “Expert”. What I do claim is to have my own experience as well the ability to understand the complexities of ecommerce selling from the beginners to large corporations. The one other claim I make is that if I don’t know something (and that happens alot) I will find the answer from those that do know the answer.

Now as I enter my 3rd year I look forward to some exciting new technology. Last week I began streaming live video of the program via Ustream.TV! This is tremendously fun and I look forward to bringing more to the program every week.

My anniversary program will feature special cameo guest appearances, great prize packages and much more! I ask my loyal listeners to spread the word. There will be exciting news about changes to the program,,, nope can’t tell all the secrets yet, but hope you will all listen or watch!

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Who Is PowerSellersUnite.com?

A mystery wrapped in an enigma! (Winston Churchill 1939)

According to Google.com, this website was started by former eBay Platinum PowerSellers in 2005 borne from their discontent at eBay. OK, certainly they are entitled to create a website/forum from which they can voice their opinions. Many of my readers know that I have not been a supporter of eBay’s policies of late.

What I find extremely interesting is that nowhere can I find out who these originators really are. There is mention in an Auctionbytes article from February 17, 2005 that says the site was originated by Bob Lee in January 2005, but I am unable to find any additional information regarding this.  There is no About page. There is no physical address listed, but according to the article and the Site Admin postings, the home of the site is in Columbus OH. I did locate a press release on 24/7 by Lindsey Christ who according to the press release was helping moderate the site.

Total Anonymity

PowerSellersUnite.com has removed or made private their information according to the information available on WhoIs.com.

I have sent at least 3 emails to the info@powersellersunite.com address requesting an interview regarding the site and it’s focus without response.  It appears that the principles and moderators of the site do not want to be known.

What Is PowerSellersUnite?

Again a mystery wrapped in an enigma. It appears to be a forum that allows members to voice their opinions on just about anything, and in any tone of voice! I searched through many of the forums and found constant bickering and fighting, name calling, and downright vicous attacks on both people posting on the forums and websites. I have received emails from listeners of ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business that posts that defend those posters or websites that are being attacked are removed.

I have heard reports that some posters in the forum have been removed from selling venues chat rooms or forums for the same type of behavior being exhibited in the PSU forums.

The site also provides what is calls Auction Site Counts but does not disclose how these counts are arrived at and many of the sites listed in it’s count are not auction sites at all.

A post in the forum in February 2008 states that PSU had achieved 10,000 members.

Freedom of Speech

As an internet talk radio show host I totally believe in Freedom of Speech. I also believe that if you believe in your cause, be honest and forthright. Don’t hide behind anonymity and certainly provide proof of what you say!

Open Invitation

To Bob Lee or whoever is running the PSU site I offer a standing invitation to schedule an appearance on ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business on any date that is agreeable to you and I. I really would like to understand the site and how it benefits ecommerce.

Full Disclosure

I host two live weekly internet radio programs. ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business as well as the OLA-Radio program.

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When I began the eBay & Beyond: Basics To Business radio program on February 4, 2007 on a little AM radio station in Jamestown NY, I was in nearly uncharted territory. Back then, there were less than a handfull of live talk radio programs for those selling on the internet. Of course there was and is eBay Radio which focuses specifically on eBay, but other than that, I could find no other live call in programs either on terrestrial or internet radio anywhere in the country that discussed ecommerce on a multi venue level.

Just 2 short years ago, podcasting was still an infant. There were a few podcasts on ecommerce marketing and even fewer promoting products, bloggers or businesses. Today, podcasting and vidcasting have exploded into the forefront of ecommerce marketing.

With the plethura of podcasts and live programs on the internet today, I am humbled and honored to have achieved a spot on the Top 100 list on Talkshoe.com. I wanted to take this time to thank all of my loyal listeners the continue to listen to my rants and comments on ecommerce every Saturday morning. You are the best!

Many ecommerce marketers are discovering the benefits of live streaming on the internet and podcasts to promote their products or services. Producing live streams, podcasts or vidcasts has become very cost effective and realistically can be done with little more than a headset and webcam.

For those that wish to be a bit more professional, for less than $1000 you can set up a mini studio right in your home or office with a soundboard, microphones computer interface and a digital video camera.

Since the inception of the ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business radio program, many other friends and colleagues have begun their own programs. It is refreshing to see the increase in these programs and the differing viewpoints and ideas generated. 

Please take a minute when you get time and check out other programs I listen to including:

Agents of Revenue with John “ColderIce” Lawson and Scott Pooler.

Brainstorming Bonanzle with Walt Kolenda and Mitzi Swisher

The Auction Wally Show with Walt Kolenda and Mitzi Swisher

Tips From The Top with Marlene Gavens The Savvy Seller

The PowerSelling Mom with Danna Crawford

In the coming weeks I will explore in depth the steps in podcasting and vidcasting for your business.

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