Sustain and Scale | #3 Consistency

Welcome to the Year-End Edition of Sustain and Scale!

As we wrap up 2024, I’m reflecting on an incredible year shaped by growth, community and most importantly, consistency. This month, I’ll dive into the key milestones that defined my journey, the trends that have shaped our industry and why staying consistent has been the backbone of success this year.

From launching this newsletter to scaling ventures and navigating life’s big moments, consistency has been the thread tying it all together. Let’s take a look back and gear up for an even brighter 2025!

What I’ve Been Up To

When I left Shopify last year, I knew payments would be my next chapter. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the Magento community would shape that journey.

In 16 months at Acquired.com, I’ve learned that payments aren’t just about processing transactions – they’re about enabling business growth and building genuine connections.

This year brought some incredible moments:

• Launched this very newsletter, connecting sustainability, eCommerce and payments.
• Celebrated 16 months at Acquired.com (yes, those 5:33 am trains were worth it!).
• Got married – and even found payment insights during wedding planning! ??
• Grew Tooth Be Told, my plastic-free toothpaste business, while navigating platform decisions (making the difficult decision to move away from Amazon FBA).
• Became a leading voice in the Magento payments community.

2024’s Talking Points

Here are three posts that captured the essence of what matters this year:

• "Why don’t small wedding suppliers take card?" Turning away ￡36,000 in business over card fees shows exactly why payment education matters. Read here
• "Having worked for Shopify and now promoting a Magento payment plug-in..." Because different platforms serve different needs, expertise in both provides a unique perspective. Read here
• "Do I enjoy working at Acquired.com?" I wouldn’t be on the Monday 05:33 am train to the office if I didn’t! Read here

Why Consistency Has Shaped Success in 2024

If I had to sum up this year in one word, it would be consistency. Showing up, day in and day out – whether it’s for the Magento community, my clients, or my own ventures – has been the key to unlocking growth and building trust.

Consistency in 2024 has looked like:

• Regularly creating valuable content to engage and educate my audience.
• Maintaining early morning commutes to build relationships and drive projects forward.
• Staying true to my values in business and sustainability, even when the road got tough.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to scale our Magento payment solutions while growing sustainably – both for my clients and my own ventures.

To the Magento community that welcomed me, the Acquired.com team that supported my growth, and my wife who made this year truly special – thank you for an incredible 2024. Here’s to an even better 2025!

Actionable Tips for Fostering Collaboration in eCommerce

Collaboration can significantly enhance your eCommerce business, regardless of its size. Here are three actionable tips to help you foster a collaborative spirit within your organisation and with your partners:

1. Engage in Networking Opportunities: Attend local meetups, workshops and conferences related to your industry. Engaging with others in a relaxed setting, like the recent eCom Collab Club event, can lead to meaningful connections and open doors for future collaborations. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and share what you’re passionate about – you never know where a conversation might lead.
2. Explore Partnership Opportunities: Look for complementary businesses or brands in your niche that you can collaborate with. For instance, consider sharing logistics to reduce costs and carbon footprints, as we did with a small vegan shampoo company. By pooling resources, both businesses can benefit from reduced expenses while making a positive environmental impact.
3. Create a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage your team to share ideas and collaborate across departments. Regular brainstorming sessions or informal catch-ups can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen relationships within your organisation. By fostering a culture of open communication, you’ll create an environment where collaboration thrives and everyone feels empowered to contribute.

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Any opinions referenced in this newsletter (unless otherwise stated) are my own, and do not represent any views, opinions or statements from Acquired.com.