The Simplicity Imperative: And The Move to the Age of Personality

There is a saying for runners: Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast. It places a premium on ensuring that you have the proper form before trying to go all out and run too quickly.

It is a lesson for brands and retailers that have over-built technology. There was a time - and I would place that period in the 2000-2012 timeframe, where you were building a lot of eCommerce technology in-house. eCommerce looked like Traditional IT.

Until it didn't.


Why is simplicity important for brands and retailers?

The real problem? You are never done. eCommerce technology is not like installing a POS system or maintaining an E-mail server.

Many companies still have not gotten the memo. All those dollars you are putting into your custom technology would be much better placed into your brand. In particular, I mean your message, personality, celebrity and authority - across all mediums.


What should companies invest in for success in the current market?

If you want to invest in anything, invest in that. In a noisy world, those that consistently show up with high quality content, which is also entertaining are going to be the winners.


What is the current age in eCommerce and branding?

There are some brands who still believe that we are in the age of technology. That age truly has passed. Instead, we are in a different age altogether.

The Age of Personality


Expert Consulting: How Will You Grow Your eCommerce Company?

When growth is elusive, I am an expert at asking incisive questions to surface the real issues and then present straightforward ideas that your team can actually implement.

Mistakes are expensive. They cost money, of course. What’s worse is the opportunity cost. I work with investors and management teams worldwide to help them get a handle on their digital business plans to execute a clear path forward.



Rick Watson

Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes.

Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com.

Watson also hosts a weekly podcast, Watson Weekly, where he shares an unbiased, unfiltered expert take on the retail sector’s biggest players.

In the past year alone, Rick has spoken at many in-person and virtual events as well as podcasts on topics ranging from retail/ecom to supply chain/logistics and even digital grocery including CommerceNext IRL, ASCM Connect, and Retail Innovation Conference.

https://www.rmwcommerce.com/
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