A Podcast About the People & Stories of Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Sell More Merch is a casual podcast to share sales and marketing ideas and insights that matter to today's apparel decorators. #SellMoreMerch InkSoft is the Sales Platform for the Decorated Apparel Industry. With InkSoft, you’ll have all the tools in one place to grow sales and get organized. Plus, you’ll be in good company with thousands of InkSoft clients who’ve used our cloud-based tools to process more than $1 billion in orders. Learn more at: www.inksoft.com
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Learn more about Underground Printing here: https://www.inksoft.com/customer-success-spotlight-underground-printing/ Find Underground Printing online at https://undergroundshirts.com/pages/custom-t-shirt-printing On social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undergroundprinting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UGP Facebook: https://www.facebook.c…
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Doing good is good for business. In this episode of InkSoft's Sell More Merch podcast, we break down what the halo effect is and how your can leverage it with online fundraising stores. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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When you think of Downtown Ann Arbor, there is usually one name that springs to mind: Susan Pollay. The former longtime director of the Downtown Development Authority talks to Rishi about her decades of service in community centered organizations in Ann Arbor, along with some great stories about the Downtown! ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotif…
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Prashant Salla: Ann Arbor's Startup Mechanic from Mumbai
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Prashant Salla is an Ann Arbor transplant from India whose personal story is as endearing as his startup story. His A2 based company, FixMyCar, is providing convenience for consumers looking for repairs as well as new opportunities for mechanics. ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts I Am Ann Arbor is sponsored by: Underground …
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Ed Feng: Creating the Winning Algorithm in Sports
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This week Ed Feng talks to us about how he created The Power Rank, a premier sports analytics site that discusses "data, analytics and betting in an enjoyable way". Ed founded The Power Rank after moving to Ann Arbor from the Bay Area, and talks about his transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship. You know Rishi has a soft spot for former Engine…
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Episode 0 (again) - Welcome to I Am Ann Arbor w/ Zac Logsdon
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Rishi is back! Season 2 of podcast (slightly delayed due to a global pandemic) features a new name, a new logo, a revised focus, and all new guests! Rishi brings his old friend Zac Logsdon, host of sister pod "I Am Norman" to explain more about the new focus and the new company, Podcasts United. ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Pod…
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In this episode of InkSoft's Sell More Merch Podcast we share a simple strategy to be a more effective business operator. Rather than assigning tasks to your team, focus your efforts on assigning an end result. This might seem like a subtle change but trust that this approach makes for huge outcomes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.…
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Face masks are the product offering that every decorator needs in their product mix today. By breaking down the simple ways to pitch them, implement them, and capitalize on them in the long-term, we give you the complete roadmap. Get the free Marketing Kit here: https://www.inksoft.com/how-to-sell-custom-face-masks/ --- Send in a voice message: htt…
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Allmade’s Mel Lay on the Importance of Impact
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One of the founders of Allmade, the eco-friendly apparel company that’s taking our industry by storm, is here to break down the best sales & marketing tips she’s learned throughout her career. Listen to her insight now. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message…
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The Benefits of the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
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The newest episode of our Sell More Merch podcast is out now, and if you’re an apparel decorator -- or a professional in any business -- you certainly don’t want to miss this one. InkSoft co-founder JP Hunt discusses one strategy (with diverse use-cases) for getting -- and keeping -- your audience’s attention. You can use it in your marketing, pitc…
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The Sales Approach That Led Anthem Branding to Major Success
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For industry expert/Anthem Branding founder Ted Church, growing his business was about more than just offering great products. It was about offering a stand-out experience. He gives his sales tips, tricks, & advice on this episode of Sell More Merch. In the newest edition of the Sell More Merch podcast, we’re joined by industry thought leader, crea…
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In this episode, we are joined by Justin McKibben, Director of Business Development at Melmarc, a vertical private label apparel manufacturer. Justin has 25 years of wide-ranging industry experience and he shares his insights on operations, growth opportunities, and how print shops and decorators ought to be thinking about the post-Covid print econ…
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How The Mimetic Desire Theory Can Help You Optimize Your Marketing
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What is ‘Mimetic Desire,’ and what does it have to do with the marketing strategies of apparel decorators? We’re telling you all that and more in our latest podcast -- and yes, we’re including some real-world tips, tricks, & techniques for increasing your sales too. Learn more about InkSoft, the Sales Platform for the Decorated Apparel Industry at …
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Monty Mims is Strategic Account Manager Decorator & Digital Solutions at SanMar and one of our favorite decorated apparel industry experts. Monty has some real street credibility and industry pedigree as he grew up in the business. Literally. Monty and his peers on the SanMar Decorator & Digital Solutions team are some of the most respected and wel…
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Heard of the Here for Good movement yet? It's the brilliant brainchild of Sloan Coleman, "Monster Marketer" at St. Louis-based screen-printing shop Tiny Little Monster. Here for Good fundraising Stores are popping up all across the decorated-apparel industry, as screen printers imprint T-shirts with local businesses' logos: Half the proceeds go to …
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Ari Weinzweig: Zingerman's Sandwich Stories - #1 & #23 (Plus Bonus Roadhouse Story!)
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In Ann Arbor, Ari Weinzweig needs no introduction. The founder of Zingerman's Deli is a legend in the worlds of entreprenuership and food, and the story of Zingerman's is a source of pride for Ann Arbor Townies and UM Alumni around the globe. In late January of 2020, Rishi sat down with Ari at Zingerman's Roadhouse to get the story behind some of t…
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Anthony Taylor: The Legend of Axe Ventura
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College is tough. But going to college after serving your country for almost a decade?That takes a dedication not often found. And starting your first business from scratch while you are in your second career as an undergrad? That's downright amazing, and exactly what Anthony Taylor did. Anthony and his partner Shannon Kozyra come on the pod to tel…
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Matt Nolan: The Origin Story of Fall Break at Michigan
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For over 15 years, students at UofM enjoy a study break during the Fall semester in order to refresh and rejuvenate after midterms. However, for many older alumni, there was no such thing as "Fall Break". Matt Nolan (LSA '03, LAW '06) comes on the podcast to tell the story of how Fall Break was conceived and brought to life. Shoutout to Good Time C…
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The Profit Potential of Custom Heat Transfers
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In this episode of InkSoft's Sell More Merch Podcast, we are joined by Nathan Anderson of FM Expressions. Nathan shares his experience and insights into the use cases and opportunities that custom heat transfers offer to print shops and apparel decorators. To learn more about FM Expressions and to create your free account and get a free heat transf…
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We all know that Pearl Jam and Nirvana played the Blind Pig. But do you know any actual stories from the legendary music venue? Jason Berry, managing partner and longtime talent buyer, welcomes Rishi and Mason to green room at the Pig to tell them some epic stories from its storied history. See who's playing at the Blind Pig in the near future: www…
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Mary & Nick Lemmer are proud UofM alumni, and the sibling team behind Iorio's Gelato in Ann Arbor. Mary & Nick recount their tasty startup story, how they started the business as kids, the difficulties of running a store as college students and young graduates, and some lessons learned along the way. Find out where you can taste Iorio's Gelato: htt…
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Tips on Outsourcing Products & Services Outside of your Core Competency
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In this episode of InkSoft's SellMoreMerch podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Picker of AMB3R, a Colorado-based apparel design firm. Jeremy shares his insights into how to apparel decorators and prints shops can leverage the outsourcing of products and services outside of core competency to provide more value and grow revenue. --- Send in a voice mes…
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Michele Fraser Wing & Lois Harden: Fact or Fiction - Law Quad Edition
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We all think we know interesting facts about the Law Quad...but do we? This week we play mythbusters with Michele Fraser Wing, Chief Operating Officer, and Lois Harden, Facilities Manager, of the UM Law School. Michele, Lois, and Rishi run through some of the most common rumors heard throughout the decades and unearth the origin of one of campus' m…
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Greg Dooley: Fielding Yost was one of the original recruiting “rule benders”
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Recruiting and amateurism in collegiate athletics is obviously a hot topic right now, but did you know it was an issue 100 years ago as well? Greg Dooley from MVictors.com comes on the podcast to talk with Rishi about Fielding Yost, the Godfather of Michigan Football, and how is rivalry with Amos Alonzo Stagg of the University of Chicago created he…
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Abra Berens: "Ruffage" from roots in Ann Arbor
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Rishi and Mason take the show on the road to visit Abra Berens ('04), the executive chef at Granor Farms and author NY Times bestselling cookbook "Ruffage: A Practical Guide to vegetables". Abra talks about growing up on a farm, cultivating her love of food at Zingerman's, and the path that led her to culinary fame. Learn more about Granor Farms: g…
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Copyright & Trademark Law for Apparel Decorators
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Listen in as InkSoft's Director of Marketing Kevin Houchin shares his best insights on copyright and trademark law specific to apparel decorators and print shops. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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Dr. Feranmi Okanlami: A Champion for Adaptive Sports
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In this episode, we meet "Dr. O" - Oluwaferanmi (Feranmi) Okanlami (MD '11) - the Director of Medical Student Programs (OHEI) as well as the Director of Adaptive Sports (MCHAMP), not to mention a Clinical Professor at Michigan Medicine and Spokesperson for the Adaptive Sports community. Dr. O's speaks about his inspiring journey, one that led him d…
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Olivia Walch: Math, Sleep, Apps, Comics, and....Gerrymandering?
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Olivia Walch is a PhD in Applied Mathematics (UM '16), but that may be the least interesting thing about her! Olivia comes on the podcast to explain how her diverse interests are tied together, and shows us how "chill" math is. You can learn more about Olivia and her work here: http://oliviawalch.com/ ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Goog…
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We are taking a few weeks off for the Holidays. South U Stories will be back on January 16th! In the meantime, visit our newest sponsor, State & Liberty, and use code SOUTHU for 10% off your next order. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube South U Stories is sponsored by: State & Liberty - Visit our newest spon…
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Danielle Vignos: Stopping to Smell the Roses (Literally)
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This week Rishi stops by the University Flower shop, located in Nickels Arcade, to chat with Danielle (Dani) Vignos about her story as a Pre-Law major at UofM who ended up in the flower business. Originally from the Bay Area, Dani's love of flowers has led her to take a chance and set up roots in Ann Arbor. Notes: You can support Dani by visiting U…
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Scott DeRue: Lessons from the Summit of Mt. Everest
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It's an impressive accomplishment to have reached the peak of just one of "The Seven Summits". Our guest this week, Scott DeRue, has summited not just one, but six of the tallest mountains in the world! Scott currently serves as Dean of the Ross School of Business and takes some time out of his busy schedule to tell Rishi a couple stories from his …
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Bud VanDeWege: The Birthplace of Collegiate Apparel at Moe Sport Shops
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Everyone knows that collegiate merchandise is big business these days, but not as well known is the fact that the birthplace of collegiate apparel is Ann Arbor Michigan. Bud VanDeWege visits with Rishi to tell a few stories about Moe Sport Shops, the iconic shop that played a major part in collegiate apparel landscape. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | S…
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Rich DeVarti: How Dominick's sprouted a Pizza Empire
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Going to Dominick’s is essentially a rite of passage for any Michigan student. But few who enjoy a slice of pizza or a glass of sangria know the role this Ann Arbor institution played in creating the world’s largest pizza chain. Rishi visits the Ann Arbor institution Casa Dominick's and interviews owner Richard DeVarti. Rich (founder Dominick DeVar…
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Phil Brabbs: From "Wounded Duck" to Michigan Football Glory
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This week, Phil Brabbs ('04) recounts his role in a Michigan Football Instant Classic against Washington in 2002. The roller coaster of a game paved Phil's philosophy and outlook later on in his life. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube South U Stories is sponsored by: Underground Printing - Visit UGP for all …
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Adam Lowenstein & Justin Herrick: How BTB Burrito Almost Never Was
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Rishi talks with Adam Lowenstein ('05) and Justin Herrick about the serendipitous story at the beginning of BTB Burrito. BTB then paved the way for Adam & Justin to take over Good Time Charley's, and create the family of businesses known as the Watershed Hospitality Group. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube S…
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A quick introduction to South U StoriesBy Rishi Narayan
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In this episode of InkSoft’s #SellMoreMerch podcast, we are joined by shipping expert Cody DeArmond, Director of Sales at ShipStation. ShipStation is the leading web-based shipping software that helps online retailers streamline their order fulfillment, wherever they sell and however they ship. Listen in as Cody shares tips and tricks to help you s…
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The most important sales lesson I've learned
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In this episode of InkSoft’s SellMoreMerch Podcast, I share one of the most important sales lessons I’ve learned. Listen now to hear how: You can use ‘anchoring’ to help guide prospective customers in the sales process. You should use confidence as a simple way to reduce risk and establish trust. You can (and should) open the door to differentiatio…
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One of the most powerful ( and most accessible) ways to grow revenue is to boost your average order value. Calculate your AOV by dividing your total revenue by the number of orders in the same period. In this episode, we share fives ways to increase your AOV. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message…
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A 'Remote Day' is a dedicated day each week to focus on the things that matter most to growing and improving your printing business. Remote means you are NOT in your office as usual. By working from a dedicated space, you can concentrate and 'pattern interrupt' to get the most from your time. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.…
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By providing a window into what it takes to produce printed goods, you can help customers understand (and appreciate) the value you create. In this episode, we explore how to take full advantage of Operational Transparent. In doing so, you are likely to increase customer satisfaction, reduce pricing resistance, and develop customer loyalty. --- Sen…
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How quickly do you respond to prospective customers? What trust are you establishing with prospective customers? In this episode, we explore how speed and action can help you win more business. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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Latest episode of InkSoft Thought Starter--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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T-Shirt Elephant is killing it. With over $6.5 million in sales volume and over 300,000 e-commerce transactions through InkSoft, T-Shirt Elephant is focused on sales growth and scaling. How are they doing it? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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Lean Manufacturing for Decorators Episode 2
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In the second installment of our Lean Manufacturing for Decorators series we look at an important concept in the Lean philosophy: 'Kaizen'. Kaizen is an important tool for incremental change and improvement. You'll need to fully embrace kaizen in order to get the most out of the lean manufacturing process. --- Send in a voice message: https://podca…
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Lean Manufacturing for Decorators Episode 1
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Lean manufacturing is a model for production and manufacturing used by the world's biggest and best manufacturing companies. There is a lot to learn from the principles and best practices in the Lean framework. We are going to unpack and share the most important insights to help you eliminate waste and improve your business. Saddle up...here we go!…
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There are two ways that a ‘print business’ will interface with and be perceived by their customers: One is an agency and the other is a purveyor. In this thought starter, we are going to dive into why the agency model is ideal for developing profitable repeat customers — and how to transition your business from purveyor to agency. --- Send in a voi…
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Mise en place (pronounced ‘meezon-plas’) is a French term which means “putting in place”. In this episode, we will share ideas for improving your business by adopting the 'mise en place' as a mindset. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message
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Segmentation is a simple marketing practice that organizes a general group of customers into subgroups. Each subgroup has its own interests and needs. The better you segment, the better you can target customers. Listen as we share tips for segmentation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message…
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In this first episode of InkSoft's Though-Starter, we discuss creating and conducting a 'print hackathon'. A print hackathon is an easy and important way to develop your team, boost morale, problem solve, and innovate. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inksoft/message…
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