What Live Selling Taught Me About Business

When I started selling live with CLE Deals on Whatnot, I expected to learn about retail. What I didn't expect was how much it would teach me about business itself.

We create too many steps

In corporate life — even helping Travelzoo and United Online go public — I saw how easily we add layers: another approval, another meeting, another form. Live selling strips all of that away. Someone sees an item, they love it, they buy it. Done. Every extra step we add is a chance for the customer to walk away.

We make things overcomplicated

Founders (me included) love to perfect the plan before we start. But on a live show there's no time for perfect. You show up, you're real, you listen to the chat and you adjust in the moment. Simple, honest and fast beats polished and slow.

Money is supposed to flow

When value is clear and the path is easy, money moves naturally — from shopper to seller, from seller to small business, back into the community. Business doesn't have to feel like pushing a boulder uphill. When it's hard, it's usually a sign we've built friction where there should be flow.

What I'm taking forward

Fewer steps. Simpler offers. Real connection. That's how I'm building CLE Deals and CLE Deals Bulk, and it's the lesson I'd pass on to anyone building anything.

Want to see it in action? Shop live with me — or if you're ready for your own financial freedom, start selling with me.