Qode Space

[OOO Message - Maternity Leave] As I prepare for maternity leave, I'm reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been at Qode Space! Watching our team grow and thrive, achieving 300%+ YoY growth, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. My partner Tasha and I—both proud moms and co-leaders—know firsthand the balancing act of nurturing both a family and a business. It takes a village, and I’m immensely grateful for the support within our Qode Space community. Together, we share the highs, the challenges, and everything in between, helping us stay resilient through it all. I'm also thrilled about my newest venture: expanding into the Asian market with Major Asians. Together with Will and Jason —both talented fathers as well—we’re navigating this new region through Major Futures org, bringing fresh ideas and passion to the table. Seeing the full lifecycle of a brand, from developing its DNA to launching in eCommerce production, has been eye-opening and so rewarding. I’m excited to keep building on this journey as we enter this vibrant new market. This year has taught us so much about mental resilience. Whether it’s facing new challenges head-on, learning from every moment, or pivoting when necessary, our focus remains on striving and growing—without losing sight of what matters most. For everyone working through this final quarter, a reminder: prioritize your well-being, celebrate the small wins, and check in with yourself along the way. Productivity is powerful, but health—both mental and physical—is invaluable. As we wrap up 2024, remember that Q4 is a sprint, not a marathon. It’s okay to seek balance amidst the pressure, and it’s okay to take a breath when you need it. We’re all in this together, and I’m here cheering you on. Stay strong, stay balanced, and here’s to finishing the year with resilience and grace! p.s) WuTang Is Forever

Communication within teams isn't just about talking; it's about building a space where ideas, concerns, and questions can flow freely. Silence from a team member shouldn't be mistaken for satisfaction—often, it’s a sign they may be hesitant to ask for help. Michael Maher, Chief Idea Officer of Cartology, and our guest Carol Shih, Chief Everything Officer at Qode Space, explore how fostering an environment of open dialogue empowers employees to seek support when needed. ???? Want to dive deeper into creating a culture of open communication in your team? Listen to the full conversation here ?? https://loom.ly/NQMoj20 and follow us for more insights and tips that can transform the way you lead and grow together. Let's make every voice heard! ?? #DigitalMarketingTips #EcommerceTrends #thelongergame #qodespace

Did I get your attention? Good. I haven’t been my usual outspoken self lately because I’ve spent the past few months immersing myself into the culture at Shopline and exploring how we fit into this crowded ecosystem (and yes, I’ve also explored flower farms). But now I'm back and ready to share my observations... I spent the last 13 years working at various agencies with varying roles, and have probably worked on hundreds of different brands, each with their own set of challenges. This gave me a unique perspective on what's happening in our ecosystem and where there are major gaps. What I started to notice over the last 2-3 years, was the brands that were once getting all the love and attention from platforms like Shopify are now feeling lost, overwhelmed and quite frankly, pissed off. This is not a critique of Shopify; I have long been an advocate for the platform, which has effectively supported SMBs and mid-market brands for many years. Recently, however, Shopify has unofficially shifted its focus from serving smaller businesses to catering more to enterprise brands. As expected, when companies go more upmarket, their priorities inevitably shift. While this is a normal part of growth, we must adjust our expectations accordingly and remain open to emerging players in the space. Realistically speaking, if Shopify were not evolving, it would likely raise concerns among investors. What does this mean for a new player like us entering a saturated market? Fortunately, it presents an opportunity to compete for merchants that are dissatisfied with their current bulky/expensive enterprise solutions, such as SFCC/Adobe, as well as those who feel Shopify no longer meets their needs. The positive feedback we've received over the past few months from merchants, tech partners, and agencies has been remarkable. I am confident that once brands recognize our unique value proposition, we will emerge as a significant disruptor in this ecosystem.

[The Human Side of Q4: Why Your Team Needs a Check-In] As we head into the final quarter of the year, retail business owners are laser-focused on boosting Q4 holiday sales and wrapping up the year on a high note. But while the spotlight is often on driving revenue, we tend to overlook the toll this season can take on those working behind the scenes—our marketers, team members, and employees. From my experience across various roles—whether representing a brand, working with agencies, or being part of a corporate marketing team—I've seen firsthand how Q4 can be an overwhelming time. Beyond the pressures of the retail environment, employees are juggling family obligations, flu season, year-end reviews, and the endless holiday activities that come with this time of year. So, when was the last time you checked in on your team, colleagues, or partners? Are we making space for our own mental health, and are we creating a safe environment for our teams to pause, reflect, and recharge? As leaders, it's critical that we not only focus on hitting targets but also on the well-being of those driving the results. Have we considered how our peers might be navigating personal challenges or health concerns during this time? While many LinkedIn posts are flooding in with BFCM and holiday sales tips, I want to take a moment to remind everyone to practice kindness—both towards yourself and others. Leaders, take the time to connect with your team. Ask them how they’re feeling about the new quarter, what personal goals they want to achieve, and how you can best support them. Let’s make space for balance amid the hustle. Here’s a photo of me and my amazing partner, Tasha R.; who effortlessly juggles being a business owner, leader, mother, daughter, sister, and wife. I’m so glad to have you navigating this chaos with me, my friend. <3

??? In our #129 episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Carol Shih, founder of Qode Space and co-founder of Major Asians. Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Carol shares how her diverse background shaped her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Carol discusses the unique challenges Asian entrepreneurs face, the importance of diversity in tech, and how building strong community connections can empower and uplift minority voices. From founding Qode Space to fostering a supportive company culture, her insights are a must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusivity and representation in business. Tune in to hear Carol’s inspiring story and her vision for a more inclusive tech industry! ?? https://lnkd.in/gXfQQkfb #Entrepreneurship #DiversityInTech #AsianEntrepreneurs #Podcast #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #WomenInTech

[In Person Meet-Ups] Feeling incredibly grateful for the friendships I've formed on my entrepreneurial journey while building Qode Space. One of those special connections is with Stephen Steers. We met during Rachel Jacobs ???? masterclass group session, instantly clicked, and have stayed in touch ever since. I've had the privilege of watching Stephen's inspiring journey — from moving from NYC to Mexico, growing from a Growth Specialist to a keynote speaker, and now becoming a distinguished business development expert and author. I'm so proud to call him a friend I can always lean on, and meeting in person was such an amazing experience (esp when we both love boba). Friendships like these are rare and cherished. I truly appreciate these meaningful moments. Checkout Stephen Steers' book in the link below: https://lnkd.in/gFNjArqz

[eCom Checklist for Last Month of Q3] With the holiday season just around the corner (wait, what?!), this is your chance to make sure your Shopify store is performing at its peak. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare and set yourself up for success: 1. Conduct a Performance Audit If you haven't done a performance audit yet, now is the time! Start by reviewing your website speed, mobile optimization, and checkout process. Slow loading times and clunky navigation can lead to lost sales (esp on mobile). Identify any bottlenecks or areas for improvement, and address them IMMEDIATELY. 2. Audit Your Apps Apps can significantly enhance your store's functionality, but too many apps or outdated ones can slow down your site. Review your app usage, remove any that are unnecessary or duplicative, and ensure that the ones you keep are fully updated. A leaner, more efficient store will run smoother and faster. check out our Qode Space case study HERE: https://lnkd.in/gizSTmrr 3. Optimize Your Landing Pages Focus on your landing pages, especially for top-selling products. Create holiday landing pages, and ensure they are visually appealing, mobile-friendly, and optimized for conversions. Check that all images are high-quality and correctly sized to avoid slowing down the page load time. A well-optimized landing page can significantly boost sales. 4. Align Your Team for Holiday Sales Prep Communication is key as you gear up for the big holiday season. Make sure everyone on your team is aligned and knows their role—from your 3PL partners to your content creators, social media managers, and marketing leads. Most importantly your web dev team, so they're aware of your marketing initiatives to keep an eye out for you during peak traffic hours. Schedule regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on the same page. 5. Engage with Your Development Team Your development team is crucial to your store's success, especially during high-traffic periods. If you've been overlooking them, now is the time to get them involved. Set up a meeting to review your store's technical health, address any potential issues, and confirm that the website can handle the expected surge in traffic. This proactive approach will prevent any unpleasant surprises during peak shopping times. Final Thoughts: The last month of Q3 is your opportunity to fine-tune your Shopify store and set it up for a successful holiday season. By taking the time to audit, optimize, and align your team, you can ensure your store is ready to deliver an outstanding experience to your customers. Feel free to share your own tips or challenges in the comments—let's learn from each other as we gear up for a great holiday season! Extra Tips: FREE PERFORMANCE AUDIT here: https://lnkd.in/gMiw9Hs3

LIVE TLG Season 2 Finale May 3, 2024 TLG Season 2 LIVE Finale! ??? Tune in for "Adapting in a Changing Retail Landscape," the final episode of The Longer Game, hosted by Michael Maher, Chief Idea Officer at Cartology. Get ready as we discuss the latest shifts and strategies in the retail industry. ?? Featuring return guests Chad Rubin, Founder & CEO of Profasee; Carol Shih, Chief Everything Officer at Qode Space; and Ryan Burgess, Head of Growth at Intentwise. They'll share their experiences and insights on thriving in today’s competitive retail environment. ?? ?? Join us LIVE on May 3rd at 12pm EST / 9am PST! Mark your calendar and follow us for this must-see discussion. Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights! ??