Podcast #6: The secret to accomplishing extraordinary tasks

Published on April 28th, 2010 by Mitchell Harper

About the Author

Mitch (@mitchellharper) is the co-founder and CEO of BigCommerce. Way back in 2007 he built what eventually became BigCommerce as you know it. Today he runs the company alongside Eddie and along with our 100+ team members, is passionate about helping businesses succeed with e-commerce. Mitch spends time between our Sydney and Austin offices and is giving the keynote at TechConnect 2012 in Sydney on April 19th.

Length: 16:49

Overview: A simple strategy which we’ve used to launch BigCommerce and turn it into the fastest growing SaaS ecommerce platform in the world.

Description: In this, episode 6 of my podcast, I share a simple strategy which you can use to accomplish what seem like extraordinary or impossibly large tasks. Whether you’re looking to start an ecommerce business on the side, make more money or even launch a new product or division of your company, use the strategy I discuss in the podcast and it’s impossible to fail.

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Comments

Tom (May 1st, 2010, 4:49 pm)

Hey Mitch,

Love your podcasts!
I have just one request to take it to the next level.
I’m going to assume that you’re using your MacBook Pro to make recordings, but could you put more space between you and the mic, or place some type of pop screen (the ones you see on vocal mics)
I ask because I like to turn up your podcasts and listen to them in another room, but your plosives (p’s and t’s as with other sounds) blow up my speakers!

Thanks for the consideration!

Tom

[Reply]

Mitchell Harper Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Hi Tom. Yeah that podcast was a bit of a doosey. I didn’t realize I was so close to the mic until the last minute. Future podcasts will be “pop” free

[Reply]

Chris Rushe (May 4th, 2010, 4:51 pm)

Hi Mitchell,

Thanks for the podcast. It’s reassuring to get some affirmation that I’m on the right track and that positive thinking, determination and persistent effort will get me where I want to go (with my e-business as well as in other things).

I’m experienced in ecommerce and marketing, but have always worked for other companies. Even though I always had the idea that I wanted my own business, I never took the step to actually make it happen. Until now that is.

It’s been 2 and a half weeks since I had the idea to run an ecommerce store and now I’m set up on Bigcommerce, have 4 dropshipping accounts with good suppliers and I’m planning to have the store open by the end of this week. I approached one task at a time and am amazed at how far I’ve come in so little time, especially since I’m working a 50 hour week in my job. The site won’t be fully complete when I launch and I’ll be juggling finances and credit, but I’m keen to be transactional as quickly as possible.

The biggest decision I had to make was choosing which ecommerce platform I was going to use. It had to be able to grow with me, give me the right merchandising and marketing functionality, and be user friendly. I signed up for free trials with 8 different providers and measured-up a lot of others. Bigcommerce ticked a lot of the boxes and is working well for me so far.

Thanks,

Chris

[Reply]

Mitchell Harper Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 8:39 pm

Hi Chris. Fantastic story, thanks for sharing. I’m glad the podcast was able to help. Feel free to share the link to your store when it goes live and remember to keep breaking those bigger problems into smaller tasks. if you do, you’ll get there in the end.

[Reply]

Lorrie. (May 6th, 2010, 2:56 pm)

Hi Mitch,

This is the first podcast of yours that I’ve listened to, and I like your down to earth style and communication. Much more informative than traveling to an expensive and boring seminar!

I’m new to Big Commerce, having tried Yahoo! twice over the years and totally hated it. With Big Commerce, however, I was relieved to have found the right company to work with and happy to learn how easy and admittedly fun it’s been to establish my store!

I have a busy life, but as you suggested, I built my online store little by little. It’s still not complete (or perfect) but I like how it’s taking form and actually look forward to working with your software to add my products and do updates.

Thanks again. I’ll definitely be listening to more of your enjoyable and educational podcasts.

Lorrie.

[Reply]

Mitchell Harper Reply:
May 10th, 2010 at 12:42 am

Hi Lorrie. Thanks for the kind words and great to hear you got your store live. It’s always the little steps that make a big difference over time.

[Reply]