Podcasts about CRMS

In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with investor and capital raiser Robyn Thompson to explore the mindset, systems, and strategies behind raising capital for multifamily deals. After transitioning from residential real estate and fix-and-flips, Robyn realized that her true strength wasn't finding deals—it was building relationships and connecting investors with opportunities. She shares her journey from raising her first $400,000 to helping secure more than $3 million across multiple deals, revealing the lessons she learned about overcoming fear, building credibility, leveraging CRMs, and creating a repeatable capital-raising process. If you've ever felt intimidated by raising money or unsure whether you're a deal finder or a capital raiser, this episode provides a practical roadmap for taking action and building confidence.Key TakeawaysYour First Capital Raise Will Feel Uncomfortable—Do It Anyway The hardest part of raising capital is starting the conversation. Confidence comes through repetition, and each conversation gets easier than the last.Play to Your Strengths Instead of Doing Everything Yourself Successful syndicators focus on their unique abilities, whether that's finding deals or raising capital, and partner with others who complement their skill sets.Lead with Education, Not the Deal Investors respond better when you focus on understanding their goals and educating them about their options instead of immediately pitching an opportunity.Systems and CRMs Create a Scalable Capital-Raising Business Organizing contacts, segmenting audiences, and consistently nurturing relationships through email, text, and social media turns capital raising into a repeatable process.Trust and Credibility Matter More Than Perfect Pitch Decks Investors want to work with someone who communicates clearly, understands their needs, and guides them confidently through the investment process.Scarcity and Clear Next Steps Drive Action Asking for allocation amounts, scheduling follow-up conversations, and communicating limited availability can significantly improve investor commitment.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael's Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael BlankFor full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session528/

On this week's episode of the Maximize Business Value Podcast, "Document Processes Without Slowing Down" host Kim Bentson is joined by Mastery Partners certified partners, Terry Chevalier and Gil Bean, to discuss “How do I know when investing in systems like EOS, CRMs, and project management software is actually worth it?"Listen to our podcast weekly to hear more from Mastery Partners and to receive relevant key content on your journey to maximizing your business value! #MasteryPartners #MaximizeBusinessValuePodcast #BusinessOwnerHotline #TRA #TransitionReadiness #ValueCreation #LeadershipGET THE BOOKSStart with Maximizing Business Value by Tom BronsonLearn More about Kim BentsonKim Bentson is an accomplished Strategic Manager with a proven track record of delivering results. Kim is a natural problem-solver who is passionate about helping businesses achieve their full potential and is committed to delivering her clients the highest level of service.Learn More about Terry ChevalierTerry Chevalier, owner and Managing Director of Sunstone Associates, offers over 25 years of telecommunications expertise, guiding companies through vast opportunities and challenges, including federal programs and high-value exits.Learn More about Gil BeanAs a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Gil Bean applies his curiosity, empathy, and his desire to listen to maximize business value and preserve wealth. His strategic advisory leverages past success as an EOS Implementer and his long history in enterprise software sales, helping owners achieve clarity for their successful exit.Mastery PartnersElevating Businesses to Achieve The Business Owner's Dream Exit The unfortunate reality is that for every business that comes on the market (for whatever reason), only 17% of them achieve a successful exit. You read that right. 83% of attempted business transitions never reach the closing table. Mastery Partners is on a mission to change that. We ELEVATE businesses to achieve maximum value and reach that dream exit.Our objectives are simple - understand where the business is today, identify opportunities for dramatic improvement, and offer solutions to enhance the business, making it more marketable and valuable. And that all starts with understanding the business owner's definition of his or her dream exit.  Mastery has developed a 4-Step Process to help business owners achieve their dreams.STEP 1: Transition Readiness Assessment STEP 2: Roadmap for Value Acceleration STEP 3: Relentless Execution STEP 4: Decision: Now that desired results are achieved, the business is ready for the next step in the journey!CONNECT WITH MASTERY PARTNERS TO LEARN MORELinkedInWebsite© 2025 Mastery Partners, LLC.

Send us Fan MailYour property investing isn't stuck because the market is “hard.” It's stuck because one of six constraints is quietly choking your deal flow, your confidence, or your consistency. We walk through the exact bottlenecks we see again and again in real estate investing and property business building, then lay out how to solve each one without fluff.We start with the market and strategy constraint: if you can't find good deals, you probably aren't getting in front of enough people. That leads to the pipeline problem, where you cling to one opportunity and feel crushed when it falls apart. From there, we tackle the capacity story investors tell themselves, the fear of too many calls, too many viewings, and “not enough time.” We break down why scheduling, prioritising, and a little support can unlock momentum fast.Next comes the dream killer: cash. We challenge the “I have no money” excuse and focus on what actually creates funding, relationships, networking, and knowing how to talk about opportunities the right way. We also cover the skills constraint and the education-to-action gap, plus the systems that keep you organized, from CRMs to Trello to simple calendar time blocking.The final constraint is the most important: you. If you've been talking about starting for years, this is your nudge to define success, set a 12-month target, and take action now. Subscribe, share this with a friend who's stuck, and leave a five-star review so more investors can find the show.VALUABLE RESOURCES:Let me help you build your property business, Check out how I can support your investing now.Visit https://www.thepropertyunleashed.com/homeMy Property Investing Community called Property Education To Action,  This is the best place to achieve your property goals and build the life you desire. https://educationtoaction.com Apply here: thepropertyunleashed.com — click Inner Circle“Free Goal Setting Masterclass: Build Your Life In Five Days”“If you've enjoyed these episodes, leave us a five-star review”https://www.facebook.com/groups/816926952556608 to meet like-minded property investors and be a part of the community.CONNECT WITH ME:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fitzgerald.7921Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfitzgeraldentrepreneur/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fitzgerald-59200079/...

In this "best of" episode, I'm sharing some golden nuggets from sales trailblazers, Jamie Crosby, Nick Kane, and Liz Heiman. They share the secrets behind scalable, trust-based referral selling to help you ditch haphazard "who do you know?" asks and start building referral systems that deliver. Today's show is packed with actionable advice on referral selling—the dos, the don'ts, and lessons learned from real-world sales situations. Outline of This Episode [00:41] Jamie Crosby's top three referral selling do's and don'ts [05:12] Importance of organically building relationships over time to generate referrals [06:28] Nick Kane on asking for referrals [11:41] Strategic networking using LinkedIn and CRMs [14:43] Liz Heiman on proactively reaching out for referrals [08:57] Checking in before asking referrals [17:09] Combining referrals with event networking [18:31] Referrals can be about more than just sales Earn It Before You Ask The first rule of referral selling is: never ask before you've earned it. Value comes before requests, and any referral agreement should always be transparent and in writing. Jamie Crosby suggests continually updating your referral sources—celebrate the wins and share the bumps in the road so they're never blindsided, a practice that deepens trust and professionalism. Jamie shares the story of when years of nurturing relationships paid off when, unprompted, multiple referral partners stood up to share testimonials about her business's impact. Thoughtfully built referral networks don't happen overnight, but their ripple effect can be truly magnificent.   Timing, Tact, and Tenacity For Nick Kane, excellence in service is the foundational "do"—without it, no referral program stands a chance. He underscores the importance of educating customers on referral benefits and making the process straightforward and enticing for them. The key differentiator is timing. Ask too early, and you risk coming off as transactional; wait too long, and you may miss your window.  Nick illustrates these principles with an example involving a multi-level referral chain to infiltrate a dream client account. By mapping connections, leaning on LinkedIn, and nurturing advocates at each step, he struck gold—not with a cold call, but a series of warm, credible introductions.    Don't Make It Hard Liz Heiman champions a methodical approach, have a written plan, be proactive (maybe pick up the phone!), and most importantly, don't dump all the legwork on your customer. Instead of vague or open-ended asks, she suggests specificity: do your homework and invite your customers to simply confirm or connect, not to brainstorm on your behalf. Liz also shares how blending event networking with referral requests can yield better introductions. By encouraging clients to bring contacts to meetings, dinners, or information sessions, you transform referrals from awkward asks into mutually beneficial experiences. This creates more natural, lower-pressure entry points for growing your network, and helps your advocates help you more easily. Connect with Jamie Crosby Jamie Crosbie on LinkedIn Jamie Crosbie on Twitter     Connect with Nick Kane Nick Kane on LinkedIn  Nick Kane on Twitter    Connect with Liz Heiman Liz Heiman on LinkedIn  Liz Heiman on Twitter  Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter    Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

Most real estate agents think they have a database. What they actually have is a collection of contacts they've never organized, updated, or consistently communicated with. In this episode, Tim and Julie Harris break down the real purpose of a database, why most CRMs fail to deliver results, and how agents can use AI without losing the human connection that actually creates listings. You'll learn why passive marketing is becoming less effective, how to leverage technology to organize your business, and why direct conversations with your sphere of influence and past clients remain the fastest path to predictable income. Tim and Julie also explain the growing role of AI in real estate, where social media is heading, and why agents who focus on relationships will continue to outperform agents who rely solely on automation. If you're looking for a practical strategy to generate more listings, more referrals, and a stronger real estate business in 2026, this episode will show you exactly where to focus your time and energy. Free training: HarrisRealEstateDaily.com Coaching: PremierCoaching.com Join eXp + Libertas: WhyLibertas.com/Harris Text Tim Direct: 512-758-0206 Opinions are my own and not the views of eXp Realty.

Axel sits down with Pat Carino — a multifamily developer, acquisitions professional at NRP Group, and co-founder of DealNav — for a wide-ranging conversation that spans institutional development, deal sourcing at the highest level, and the origin story of a software tool that Aligned Real Estate Partners actually uses in their own business.Pat breaks down the three-bucket deal sourcing framework he uses at the institutional level — brokers, referral network (architects, engineers, attorneys), and true off-market sourcing. The second half of the conversation dives into DealNav — what it is, why Pat built it, and why a purpose-built deal tracking CRM with a map beats bloated all-in-one platforms for acquisitions-focused operators. This episode is essential listening for any investor who wants to understand how deal sourcing is done at the institutional level — and how the same principles apply whether you're buying a 10-unit or a 300-unit ground-up development.Join us as we dive into:The three-phase development contract lifecycle: due diligence, entitlement approvals (6 months to 1+ year), and closing — and how it differs from a traditional value-add acquisitionThe three-bucket deal sourcing framework: broker deals, referral network (architects, engineers, land use attorneys, economic development offices), and true off-market direct-to-ownerThe story of a vacant 30,000 sq ft retail building: a two-year follow-up campaign, tracking down the decision-maker through her daughter's Instagram DM, and closing the deal after years of patient persistenceWhy having a CRM with clean notes, timestamped follow-up reminders, and a linked map is the only way to manage a multi-year, multi-contact off-market pipeline at scaleThe origin story of DealNav: from colored pins on a Jersey City poster board to an Excel/Google My Maps hybrid to a purpose-built SaaS product — and why 15 demos of competing CRMs came up shortThe three boxes DealNav was built to check: simplicity (prospecting only, no bloat), a map-first interface, and single-user affordable pricingHow DealNav became a deal source for Pat's institutional acquisitions work — and why building a real estate community and a real estate software company often leads to the same peopleWhat makes a good development site: rent comps that justify new construction, favorable taxes (or abatements), manageable affordability requirements, and the right construction typeSign up for the DealNav CRM HEREConnect with Pat Carino:Follow him on Twitter/XConnect with him on LinkedinLearn more about DealNavAre you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Daniel and James sit down with Adam Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Workweek, the media-tech company that's home to the five largest professional communities across fintech, HR, e-commerce, marketing, and healthcare. Adam built the company on a simple insight: the people with the most professional experience are the least likely to share it publicly. So he built Workweek to solve it, pulling from his days as the first hire and president of The Hustle before its sale to HubSpot.The conversation digs into Workweek's newly announced partner platform, which connects newsletter ad engagement signals directly back to advertiser CRMs. Adam shares that 95% of newsletter clicks today are bots, that his platform is matching 44% of Fortune 500 CRMs, and that sales teams are claiming 3-4x more credit than they deserve while marketing gets none. If you've ever wondered why proving newsletter ROI feels impossible, this episode explains exactly why and how Workweek is changing it.Thank you to our sponsors:​ AdQuick — ⁠adquick.com⁠​ ⁠Thrad.ai⁠ — ⁠thrad.ai⁠​ beehiiv — ⁠⁠beehiiv.com⁠​ The Farm — thefarmllp.com STAY CONNECTEDJames on Twitter & LinkedIn – /jamesborowDaniel on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok – /danieldrugerSubscribe & leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Trae Sterling is a seasoned executive with more than three decades of experience spanning real estate, home warranty,  and insurance. Known for driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams, and executing strategic expansion initiatives, Trae has consistently delivered results across both B2B and B2C organizations. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and National Sales Director for Real Estate at Choice Home Warranty, Trae leads the company's national growth strategy within the real estate sector, leveraging a strong consumer foundation to expand market share and deepen industry partnerships. Throughout his career, Trae has held senior leadership roles with organizations including Home Warranty of America, Entitle Direct Group, First American Home Warranty, and American Home Shield. He has successfully led multi-state operations, managed large sales organizations, and implemented scalable growth strategies—earning recognition such as "Manager of the Year" and delivering consistent year-over-year performance gains. Trae's core strengths include integrated sales strategy, leadership development, performance management, and business expansion. He is widely respected for his ability to motivate teams, build strong partnerships, and translate complex business objectives into actionable results. A licensed real estate broker in Tennessee, Trae remains deeply connected to the industry that shaped his career. He is also actively involved in community service, supporting organizations such as Youth Villages and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.    In this episode, Karen and Trae discuss: Success Story of Trae Commit to Get Leads The fundamentals will still work. Use the technology and tools that are now available, like CRMs and automations, but you still have to go to the people who are producing to make contacts.  Consult to Sell Teach your consumers how you can solve their problems, even the ones they don't realize are a problem yet.  Connect to Build and Grow Utilize your database. Drip on your database every single month with information of value.  Success Thinking, Activities, and Vision Empower your team by asking what they want and putting them in the best spot to be able to do that.  Sweet Spot of Success   "I think one component that sometimes gets lost is if you're not having fun, you shouldn't do it." - Trae Sterling   Connect with Trae Sterling: Website: https://chwpro.com/  Email: tsterling@chwpro.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trae-sterling-2448709  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvertrae/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trae.sterling    About the Podcast Join host Karen Briscoe each month to learn how you can achieve success at a higher level by investing just 5 minutes a day! Tune in to hear powerful, inspirational success stories and expert insights from entrepreneurs, business owners, industry leaders, and real estate agents that will transform your business and life. Karen shares a-ha moments that have shaped her career and discusses key concepts from her book Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day: Secrets of a Top Agent Revealed. Here's to your success in business and in life!   Connect with Karen Briscoe: Facebook: 5MinuteSuccess Website: 5MinuteSuccess.com Email: Karen@5MinuteSuccess.com   5 Minute Success Links Learn more about Karen's book, Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day Karen also recommends Moira Lethbridge's book "Savvy Woman in 5 Minutes a Day." Subscribe to the 5 Minute Success Podcast   Spread the love and share the secrets of 5 Minute Success with your friends and colleagues!     Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What happens when the mistake of a missed photo shoot turns into one of the most beloved CRMs for creative entrepreneurs? In this episode, I sat down with Dubsado co-founder and CEO Becca Berg to talk through building a SaaS company from scratch with her husband Jake, scaling to 30,000+ users, and why staying self-funded has shaped every decision they've made over the last decade.We talked about the real beginnings of Dubsado, the growing pains behind CRM development, why certain features take time, and what's actually coming inside Dubsado 3.0. Becca also opened up about one of the hardest moments in Dubsado history and how trusting her gut changed the way she leads the company today.If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the CRM so many creatives rely on every day, this episode is for you.Find It Quickly00:38 - Meet Becca03:50 - Dubsado's Origin Story08:10 - Building the First CRM10:13 - Customization as the Edge12:02 - First Customers and Milestones17:46 - Growing the Team22:42 - Why Stay Self Funded25:20 - Why Features Take Time29:25 - Scheduling Feedback to Release31:24 - New Form Builder Vision34:10 - Subscriptions and Checkout36:53 - Beyond Project Based Work42:25 - Hard Lessons and Payments Crisis45:24 - Stripe Migration and Sub Accounts48:53 - Dubsado 3.0 Sunset TimelineConnect with BeccaWebsite: Dubsado.comInstagram: instagram.com/dubsadoInstagram: instagram.com/beccaliz_Threads: threads.com/@beccaliz_

Your ministry is stretched thin, your data is scattered across disconnected tools, and your donor acquisition budget may be reaching the wrong people. In this session from the Digital Ministry Conference, Nathan Hill of AVID walks through a real-world case study showing how Bible League Canada decreased their cost to acquire a new donor by 20% — and grew new donors by 25% — by unifying their tech stack and adding AI-powered automation.Key TakeawaysNew donors are worth far more than year one. Based on data from 43 ministries representing approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenue, the average first-year donor gives $81 — but that number jumps to $214 in year two and $322 in year three and beyond.Siloed data is silently costing you. Most ministries rely on their CRM as their primary donor data source, but critical giving history, engagement data, and transaction records live in disconnected tools — leading to stale prospecting lists and wasted ad spend.A unified tech stack changes everything. Bible League Canada brought all of their donor data under one roof using AVID as their fundraising operating system, enabling a more complete "golden record" of their donors — and dramatically improving the accuracy of their lookalike audience targeting on Meta.Automation is the multiplier. It's not enough to unify data once — the speed at which audiences are refreshed directly impacts how effective your acquisition campaigns are. Nathan explains how automated suppression (removing existing donors from acquisition targeting) alone eliminates significant waste.The long-term kingdom impact is the real number. A sample organization Nathan shared was on pace for $7.4 million in donor revenue this year. By investing in an acquisition growth strategy, their three-year revenue outlook jumped from $7.1 million to $10.5 million — a 47% increase over three years.AVID vs. an Enterprise CRM. Nathan noted that when compared to one of the most sophisticated marketing CRMs available for this use case, AVID led to a 143% increase in donor acquisition by comparison.If you're ready to stop wasting acquisition budget on the wrong audiences and start building a donor pipeline that compounds over time, this episode is your starting point. Nathan breaks down a practical, proven framework that any ministry fundraising team can begin applying today — no massive tech overhaul required.ResourcesNathan Hill – Vice President of Marketing, AVID | avidai.comConnect With Nathan – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-peter-hill/Bible League Canada Case Study – Referenced throughout the session | https://bibleleague.ca/AVID Fundraising Scorecard – Predictive analytics tool | https://avidai.com/components/scorecard/Digital Ministry Conference – digitalministryconference.comFive Q | Launch AI – https://aiofferings.fiveq.com/

Brent Daniels breaks down the final marketing model that is absolutely crushing it in 2026 for wholesalers with a budget under $2,000 a month. Discover why Inexpensive Pay-Per-Lead (PPL) is the ultimate secret weapon for highly skilled communicators. Brent reveals how to leverage AI-driven CRMs to sift through cheap, non-exclusive leads and bubble the best prospects directly to the top of your pipeline.Plus, Brent shares exactly what you need to build the ultimate "prospecting cockpit" in your home office to keep you motivated, focused, and closing deals. If you want to know how to squeeze every drop of income out of your lead flow and adapt to the modern wholesaling landscape, this episode is your roadmap. Be a part of the TTP training program now.---------Show notes:(0:00) Beginning of today's episode(1:50) A recap of the Sniper List and Agent Referral Automation strategies(2:35) Why Inexpensive Pay-Per-Lead (PPL) is a goldmine for strong communicators(4:11) Legally using AI text automations in your CRM to sift through cheap leads(8:32) The strategy for monetizing retail leads by charging real estate agents a marketing fee(10:22) Getting discounted, aged leads through platforms like iSpeedToLead(16:40) Using Skip Genie and professional genealogists to track heirs for vacant properties(21:42) The four pillars of every seller conversation (condition, timeline, motivation, and price)(27:14) Brent's vision for live events and the upcoming release of his book, Wholesaling Launch(30:37) How to build the ultimate "prospecting cockpit" for your cold calling sessions(31:44) Why you must pay off your personal debts before buying investment assets(36:26) Celebrating the monumental 2,000th episode of the Wholesaling Inc. podcast----------Resources:REI PulseFollow Up BossProperty LeadsFizzyLeadsiSpeedToLeadLeadZoloReal Estate BeesPanda LeadsSkip GenieInvestorBaseInstagram: @realbrentdanielsTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community  are endless, what are you waiting for?

Cost per lead is going up, sellers are harder to convert, and the wholesalers who aren't adapting are getting left behind. Steve Trang, founder of Objection Proof AI, breaks down the exact systems the top operators are running right now to stay ahead. You'll learn how AI is handling lead follow-up with zero burnout, why speed to lead under five seconds is the new standard, and how his clients are pulling deals out of CRMs their teams had already marked dead.   KEY TALKING POINTS: 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - The Three Things You'll Walk Away With 0:57 - The New Market Reality 6:28 - The Three Levers 10:06 - What Makes AI Efficient In Real Estate 12:14 - AI Conversion & Follow-Ups 15:11 - Outro   LINKS: Instagram: Steve Trang https://www.instagram.com/steve.trang/   Website: Objection Proof AI https://www.objectionproof.ai/   Instagram: David Lecko https://www.instagram.com/dlecko   Website: DealMachine https://www.dealmachine.com/pod   Instagram: Ryan Haywood https://www.instagram.com/heritage_home_investments   Website: Heritage Home Investments https://www.heritagehomeinvestments.com/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder and SVP Growth & Innovation at Housecall Pro to discuss why cash flow is one of the most important factors for HVAC and home service businesses, especially in today's repair-focused economy. The conversation explores how CRMs and field service management software help contractors invoice faster, collect payments quicker, improve customer retention, and streamline operations. They also discuss the shift from replacement-heavy business models toward repair and service work, emphasizing the importance of technical training, customer experience, maintenance memberships, and operational efficiency. Roland explains how successful contractors are adapting to a repair-driven market by improving customer experience, speeding up payment collection, implementing maintenance memberships, and leveraging technology without losing the personal touch that homeowners value.   Expect to Learn: - Why fast invoicing directly impacts business cash flow - How CRMs help HVAC contractors collect COD payments faster - Why the industry is shifting from replacements to repairs - The importance of technical diagnostics over aggressive sales tactics - How maintenance memberships improve long-term customer retention - Why "happy calls" can generate more 5-star reviews and repeat business - How financing options increase estimate acceptance rates - The real impact of AI and private equity on the HVAC industry - Why local service businesses still hold a competitive advantage   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Importance of cash flow and invoicing quickly 01:46 - How Housecall Pro helps contractors collect COD payments onsite 04:39 - Cash flow vs profit margins in small business 05:47 - Shift toward repairs over replacements 11:04 - The value of technical training and diagnostics 12:01 - Marketing, maintenance plans, and customer touchpoints 12:27 - Why membership plans matter for long-term growth 13:02 - Refrigerant regulations and repair practices in Canada 14:36 - AI, private equity, and the future of HVAC businesses 19:19 - Rolan shares contact information and closing remarks   Want to learn how top HVAC contractors are improving cash flow, streamlining operations, and using AI without losing the personal touch? Connect with Roland Ligtenberg and discover how modern field service businesses are scaling smarter with tools like Housecall Pro.

Why do so many people consume business content every day but still feel stuck?In this episode of Mama's House To Penthouse, Prinston Hicks and DJ break down the difference between knowledge and real-world execution.They talk about:Why most entrepreneurs stay trapped in “learning mode”The difference between studying business and actually building oneHow school conditions people to avoid uncertaintyWhy field work creates confidenceBuilding systems, funnels, CRMs, and scalable businessesAI tools and adapting to rapidly changing marketsWhy environment and accountability matterHow to create success criteria that actually move your life forwardThis episode is packed with practical business advice, entrepreneurship mindset shifts, and real conversations about growth, execution, confidence, and building a business in the modern world.If you've been consuming motivation, courses, YouTube videos, or podcasts without seeing real progress, this episode is for you.Follow Mama's House To Penthouse for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, mindset, business systems, sales, AI, and personal growth.00:00 Intro – Recording During A Houston Storm01:12 Houston Weather & Memorial Day Weekend Stories03:08 Jewelry Convention, Booths & Scaling Bigger05:20 Club Everywhere, Apps & The Future Of Nightlife07:02 AI, YouTube Algorithms & Business Research Tools09:15 Mama's House Mail – “Why Am I Not Making Progress?”10:42 The Trap Of Watching Too Much Business Content13:18 Why School Conditions People The Wrong Way16:10 Knowledge vs Real World Ability18:45 Boxing Analogy – Why Field Work Matters22:12 Why Entrepreneurs Need Both Learning & Action25:05 AI Is Changing Business Faster Than Ever28:10 Why Entrepreneurship Requires A Different Mindset31:45 Turning Knowledge Into Real Execution35:20 How To Create Success Criteria That Actually Work39:55 Building Funnels, CRMs & Scalable Systems44:10 Why Most People Never Feel Real Progress47:42 Thinking Bigger & Changing Your Standards51:30 Entrepreneurship, Sales & Real World Experience55:48 Why Community & Environment Matter59:25 The Psychology Of Failure & Success1:03:12 Business, Conditioning & Social Environments1:07:40 Why Mistakes Create Better Entrepreneurs1:11:18 Final Lessons On Progress & Execution1:14:42 Outro

Craig Klein is the Founder and CEO of SalesNexus, a CRM and sales automation platform built to help small and mid‑sized businesses grow more revenue through better follow‑up, stronger relationships, and smarter sales processes. With deep experience in sales, marketing, and technology, Craig has spent his career helping organizations streamline their sales functions while keeping the human connection at the core of every customer interaction.He is known for his practical approach to relationship‑based selling and his ability to translate complex systems into tools that empower teams to close more deals, nurture customers long‑term, and scale with intention. Craig regularly shares insights on sales strategy, CRM best practices, and creating cultures that support consistent performance and meaningful client engagement.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy sit down with Craig Klein to explore how AI and sales technology can strengthen authentic, relationship-driven selling rather than replace it.Craig shares how his perspective on sales evolved from chasing transactions to focusing on service, trust, and long-term relationships. Together, they unpack the rapid evolution of CRM and AI tools, discussing why human connection still matters most—especially in high-value, complex sales environments where trust and credibility drive decisions.The conversation dives into practical ways AI can support sales teams through smarter follow-up, onboarding, coaching, meeting preparation, and workflow automation. Craig also explains how organizations can use AI to eliminate “forgotten deals,” improve consistency, and free sales professionals from administrative tasks so they can spend more time building meaningful customer relationships.If you've wondered how to embrace AI without losing the heart of selling, this episode offers a grounded and practical roadmap for using technology to become more human—not less.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI and CRM tools should support authentic relationship-building, not replace human connectionHigh-trust, high-value sales still depend on real conversations and credibilityOne of AI's biggest opportunities is recovering missed follow-ups and forgotten dealsThe best sales technology removes busywork so salespeople can spend more time with customersIncremental daily improvements create stronger long-term sales performance than occasional major overhaulsAI-powered systems can streamline proposals, scheduling, onboarding, and customer communicationThe future of sales technology is “agentic AI,” where systems proactively assist salespeople behind the scenesContext-driven AI becomes significantly more powerful when connected to CRMs, contracts, proposals, and operational systemsHIGHLIGHT QUOTESTechnology should help you connect and have better conversations—not get in the way of them.The best salespeople understand that relationships still win. Great technology simply helps you focus more on people.Give before you ask. That mindset opens doors that go far beyond money.Nobody spends half a million dollars on a major purchase without building trust with someone first.AI should enhance the relational strength we already have with our customers—not replace authenticity.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

The fastest way to lose a new pool service customer is painfully simple: let the call go to voicemail while you're out on route. I sit down with Nikki Acosta and Hal Denbar from Skimmer to talk about a practical use of AI that actually earns its keep, an AI phone receptionist built specifically for pool businesses. We get into what AI should do for operators, save time, reduce interruptions, and stop real revenue leaks, instead of adding another shiny tool to the pile.Nikki breaks down how Skimmer's AI Phone works day to day: answering during the hours you choose, asking the questions you design, and routing calls based on rules for existing customers versus brand-new leads. The system can collect contact info, address, service area details, and even pool type, then store the call data inside Skimmer and create a customer record automatically. We also talk about “custom knowledge” so you can embed troubleshooting steps and safety escalations, like when a caller reports smoke or a potential equipment hazard.Hal zooms out on what this means for growth in the pool industry. Bigger companies used to win by default because they could always pick up the phone. If a small operator can answer every call with an AI voice agent, the playing field shifts. We also dig into how to choose pool service software the smart way: stability, security, business continuity, and the ability to integrate with the rest of your tech stack through APIs and webhooks. If you're looking for pool route software, field service management tools, and a realistic approach to AI automation, this one delivers.Subscribe, share this with a pool pro who misses too many calls, and leave a review with your biggest customer communication headache. What would you want an AI receptionist to handle first?We talk with Nikki Acosta and Hal Denbar from Skimmer about why missed calls quietly crush pool service growth and how an AI phone receptionist can fix it without adding office overhead. We also get honest about AI hype, what “real” time savings look like, and why software stability and security matter as much as flashy features.  • AI overwhelm and a simple test for value: does it reduce real work  • How Skimmer AI Phone answers calls and routes them by rules  • Capturing lead details automatically and creating new customer records  • Using custom knowledge for troubleshooting, escalations, and safety  • Why always answering calls changes the growth advantage of big companies  • Pricing, 30-day free trial, and what setup looks like in practice  • What to look for in pool route software: uptime, security, long-term support  • Building an integration ecosystem with APIs, webhooks, CRMs, and ERPs  • Making software simple for techs in the field and back office teams  Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Get expert advice, business tips, exclusive content, and get direct support from me. I'm a 35-year veteran in the industry. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, I've got the tools to help you succeed. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com.  If you want to try Skimmer for free, simply go to my website, swimmingpoollearning.com, and click on the skimmer banner that's on the home page of the website.  And if you want more podcasts, you can also go to that same site, swimmingpoollearning.com. On the banner, there's a podcast icon. Click on that, and there'll be over 1900 podcasts there for you to listen to at your leisure.  And if you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at pullguycoaching.com.  Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Introduction What if the biggest gap in personal lines insurance technology isn't the consumer experience—it's the broker experience? Every major insurtech wave of the past decade has tried to disintermediate the agent. Jon Kelly thinks that's the wrong bet. In his view, the broker is the product in personal lines, and the tools they work with are embarrassingly behind. Kelly has been building at the intersection of insurance and technology since 1998, when he co-founded eCoverage—the first venture-backed startup to underwrite car insurance online. After selling SureHits in 2008, he spent years watching high-net-worth clients get onboarded with hundreds of questions spread across weeks of back-and-forth, proposals built in Excel, and data managed across disconnected systems. He called it "the Columbo experience"—always just one more thing. That frustration led him to co-found Kelly Klee Private Insurance in 2016 and build Discover, the platform powering it, from the inside out. Kelly Klee was acquired by Foundation Risk Partners in 2022. Now, as CEO of Modern Metric, he's selling Discover to the largest national brokers in the country. In this conversation, Josh Hollander and Kelly dig into the technology gap in personal lines, why enterprise-first was the right strategic bet, what it takes to hire high-agency people, and why trust is the ultimate product in this business. Guest Bio Jon Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Modern Metric, makers of the Discover platform for personal lines insurance distribution. His career began in 1995 at Mercer Management Consulting, advising Prudential, CNA, and Fireman's Fund. In 1998 he co-founded eCoverage, the first venture-backed startup to underwrite car insurance online, followed by SureHits (acquired by QuinStreet, 2008) and Kelly Klee Private Insurance (acquired by Foundation Risk Partners, 2022). He chairs Hometown Quotes, sits on the board of Great Range Capital, and earned a BA in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University. Key Topics • The missing layer in the tech stack — Independent agents have AMS systems for back-office accounting, CRMs for lead tracking, and form builders as pipes to carriers. But there is no purpose-built system for the client-facing workflow: data discovery, market presentation, and proposal delivery. That gap is what Discover was built to fill. • Relationship business vs. transactional business — The real split in personal lines isn't private client vs. mass market—it's relationship (multi-line) vs. transactional (monoline). Form builders work fine for monoline. They fall apart the moment complexity enters the picture. • Enterprise-first as a strategic decision — The most consequential decision at Modern Metric was targeting the largest national brokers from day one. Building for complex, enterprise-scale accounts forces architectural decisions that cannot be retrofitted later. You can scale down from enterprise; you cannot scale up from a form builder. Their first anchor tenant is a top-20 national broker. • The Uber Black analogy — If you order an Uber X and the Uber Black shows up, you're thrilled. If you order the Uber Black and the old Honda arrives, you're not happy. A platform built for simple transactions will never feel right in a complex private client context, no matter how much you add to it. • Hiring for high agency — The through line across all of Kelly's businesses: he hires for high agency. He looks for people who have clear motivations for every role on their resume. His favorite interview story: asking a candidate about their favorite exhibit at the natural history museum where they worked. The answer was "that was okay." They didn't get the job. • Trust as the ultimate product — Kelly's answer to what he'd want co-founders, teammates, and customers to say: that he delivered on what he said he would, that they got good value, and above all, that they can trust him. Trust is number one. Notable Quotes "I called it the Columbo because it was always just one more thing. Oh, your house is in a trust? Just one more question. I couldn't help think that maybe there were some issues with technology and personal lines, especially at the high end." "The whole process of how do you get the data in, how do you take that to market, how do you do your proposal—that's all done in paper and pencil, Excel and Word and Outlook." "If you order an Uber X and the Uber Black comes, you're thrilled. If you order Uber Black and the old Honda comes, you're not happy. You can't go from one to the other." "What I'd want them to say is that I delivered-that whatever I said I was going to do, I did, and that they got value out of it. More than anything, that they feel like they can trust me. Trust is number one." Resources Guest: • Modern Metric: https://www.modernmetric.com • Jon Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkelly/ Host & Organization: • Joshua R. Hollander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ • Horton International (USA): https://www.horton-usa.com/ • Insurtech Leadership Podcast (LinkedIn Showcase): https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review. The Insurtech Leadership Podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Complex B2B sales are not won by scripts, CRMs, or luck. They are won by sales leaders who understand stakeholder management, relationship selling, enterprise sales strategy, and how decisions really get made inside large organizations. In this episode of the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, Harry sits down with Stuart Green, SVP and GM at Veradigm, to unpack the realities behind modern b2b selling. They explore how elite sales professionals navigate complex buying groups, use AI in sales without replacing human judgment, and build long term customer trust that drives real commercial outcomes. This episode is for anyone in sales leadership, account based selling, enterprise sales, or modern go to market strategy.

The Great Talent Redistribution: Where is Talent Actually Going in 2026 and beyond?  Is the start-up compensation model broken? How about big Big Tech? How about non-tech small & medium businesses? What is happening to talent, going forward? This and many other topics in this episode of Tech Deciphered. Navigation: Intro The Broken Contract? The Great Unbundling The Three (?) Destinations Alternative Cap Tables, Alternative Compensation Models Investor Landscape Fragmentation Operator Playbook and Predictions Conclusion Our co-hosts: Bertrand Schmitt, Entrepreneur in Residence at Red River West, co-founder of App Annie / Data.ai, business angel, advisor to startups and VC funds, @bschmitt Nuno Goncalves Pedro, Investor, Managing Partner, Founder at Chamaeleon, @ngpedro Our show: Tech DECIPHERED brings you the Entrepreneur and Investor views on Big Tech, VC and Start-up news, opinion pieces and research. We decipher their meaning, and add inside knowledge and context. Being nerds, we also discuss the latest gadgets and pop culture news Subscribe To Our Podcast Nuno Goncalves Pedro Introduction Welcome to episode 77 of Tech Deciphered. This episode will focus on the great talent redistribution. Where’s talent actually going in 2026 and beyond? The Silicon Valley deal of the last 30 years, very low salary, stock options, you will either sell for a ton of money or IPO, and everyone gets rich, is seemingly broken. Or is it really? The dominant narrative says the tech middle class is dying. We disagree. There is obviously a lot of stuff going on whereby big tech is partially barbelling. There’s a superstar concentration on the top. There’s a bit of a seemingly allowing of the belly. We’ll come back to that. We don’t quite believe that is totally true. There’s a collapse at entry level. The belly is migrating into three, potentially even more, very different destinations: AI native startups, human-verified premium businesses, and the read the industrialized middle of the S&P 500 and SMB world. Each has its own cap table, each will have its own compensation model, and each will have its own investor profile. In some ways, this is the third episode in our Reset trilogy. We started with episode 75 on the SaaS-apocalypse. We talked about the great private capital reset in episode 76, and now we talk about talent redistributions. Bertrand, exciting times, not always positive times.   Bertrand Schmitt Yeah, it’s exciting times because it’s a time of change. Of course, we have the doomsayers. If you listen to Dario Amodei of Anthropic, every white-collar job on Earth is going to disappear. I think I strongly disagree, and I suppose you too as well, we strongly disagree. It’s going to be more of a redistribution. If you look at the history of technology, this is what always happened. We forget how many jobs have disappeared over the past 150 years. We move from a time of 150 years ago. People were mostly in agriculture. Then you had a lot of weird jobs that disappeared from people transporting water to people bringing ice from the pools to people doing the job of computers. People forget that computer was a title given to human beings. We’re doing calculations. Then, of course, secretory jobs in the ’80s, ’90s, where suddenly anyone can type using a word processor, the rise of Excel, that sort of stuff. Many things have changed. Some jobs have indeed disappeared. Some jobs have totally transformed. Where you do these jobs have changed. I think we are at a similar stage where, thanks to AI, and I would say for now, or at least the rise of AI coding, there is a dramatic change happening. I don’t think it means that people will be without a job. It just means, from my perspective, that jobs are changing. You are not just doing a lowly coding level task that actually indeed could be replaced, but you are going to have more of builder type of mindset, a product manager type of mindset going forward. We also expect that the distribution of jobs, depending on the type of business, will be quite different.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro The Broken Contract? Maybe let’s reset a little bit to the broken contract, or if it’s really a broken contract. There’s been this image in technology and tech that basically you get paid very little to work in tech. You get a bunch of stock options. The earlier you are in the company, the higher the level of stock option grants you get. Then you make a ton of money at some point because the company will either sell or IPO, and that’s heard of it. Obviously, there’s a lot of movements happening right now that are changing how these dynamics work. The first part is obviously AI, and in some ways, AI is shrinking companies. It’s not unheard of that companies with as little as four or five people reach 50 million in ARR. There’s companies with one person that have gotten bought for hundreds of millions of dollars or billion of dollars. Obviously, things are moving very, very fast, and therefore, there isn’t a large employee cap table. How would you share the upside? Would you actually give a couple of percentage points to an early employee rather than your 0.2-0.5% kind of thing for early employees? The second part is a little bit the other side of the table, which is the IPO market is seemingly in a drought. There’s not much happening in IPOs. Maybe 2026, at some point, there will be an unlock, but right now, it’s seemingly difficult to get your upside. Even if you’re an employee, you have to wait a long time. The median time of IPO has climbed over 10, 11 years, the longest in over a decade. Basically, not only you have to wait a long time as if there is an IPO drought, like we might be going through right now, when do I actually get my cash back? Unless the company gets bought, maybe there are secondary transactions along the way, maybe there’s something else. But obviously there’s a little bit of a reduction and lowering of the upside seemingly for this contract and for this place. The easy conclusion that I think many are taking is, because of all of this and all the layoffs that are happening, even in big tech, that serve the tech middle class is dying, that basically AI screwing the workers, et cetera, there’s also a lot of discussion that even it might be affecting the entry-level jobs as well. Everyone coming out of undergrad right now can’t get a job, et cetera. There’s this doomsday scenario that you’re alluding to that everything is changing. We have a slightly different perspective. We think there’s a realignment of market. In layoffs, there was a lot of layoffs that were warranted. Big tech, in particular, had actually hoarded a lot of engineering capacity over the last decade or so. There’s a little bit of a realignment that needed to happen in any case. When everyone’s saying, “Well, AI is compressing everything,” well, it’s compressing right now, but we don’t think actually it’s going to compress over time. You’ll still need engineering and science talent to come on board for you to be able to scale up. It’s not like AI is going to take care of everything and teams are going to be five people for companies that are worth a trillion dollars. That’s not happening. Today’s thesis, I think a little bit of this doomsday scenario needs to be seen with a more nuanced lens. I think that’s how we’re framing today’s episode, that there’s a bit of a nuance, there are some extremes happening. We’re going to talk about those extremes, but ultimately, it’s not quite as simple as saying that the tech middle class is disappearing in early jobs are going to be a thing of the past.   Bertrand Schmitt At the same time, what you started with is true. I mean, that 50 million ARR company, just five people. At a bigger scale, that’s exactly the matrix for Anthropic. They have reached a stage where they are at a range of 12 million ARR per staff per employee. It’s metrics that are definitely never seen before. I don’t think any company raised to this level. Best in class, best run companies, one, two million per employees. I mean, that was your target if you can make it. We are definitely in a different game. But I think what matters at the end of the day, and that’s what we’re arguing, is that you have to see the big pictures. Yes, some positions might disappear inside some companies, but some other positions will be created in other companies. Usually, what people do is keep talking about the jobs who disappear and not looking at the bigger picture of jobs that are being created as well. What is true, and I think you alluded to that, is that the big tech the past 10, 15 years had some strategy of hoarding talent in a war where having the best talented people will make the difference in numbers, will make the difference between winning or losing. The Google of the world, the Microsoft of the world, the Amazon of the world, they were hoarding talent. They would try to make sure that they might not have such needs in talented number of people. But if they have the talent, it means their competitors didn’t have the talent. It means that the startup trying to reach scale couldn’t pay the giant salaries that the Google of the world were paying. There was definitely some hoarding. But it went so far in the 2020, 2021, that I think since then there has been a coming back to normal. There is also now in 2026, the recognition that it’s not true anymore. Yes, talent can be very valuable, but there is now a bigger and bigger gap between the extremely talented versus the rest that are merely talented because of AI. AI is able to replace at scale your software engineers, your software managers. I would say it’s quite new. I don’t think it was true a year ago. We’re really talking about a recent dramatic change in what can be achieved thanks to AI. We can see most of the big AI companies are moving to coding. It was started by Anthropic as a trend, OpenAI has followed through. Obviously, the Cursor of the world existed before, but they were not as successful. All the Chinese open-source models are moving very fast to coding optimization the past few weeks. It’s quite an incredible change. I think there is that dramatic change, recognition that coding can be done differently. As a result, we are going to see change in the distribution of jobs. I think it will start from the top because we see the news of the big Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others who used to hold talented software developers to a change in realization that no, we actually need to invest in AI. We need to invest in compute because compute is going to do the job of most of these people. Therefore, we can’t pay for both at the same time, even us with all our money, we cannot. Wall Street is not going to let us do that. They start by removing a lot of position. I think we see that accelerating, quite frankly. We have only seen the beginning, but in the next 2 years, we see a dramatic shift. But I think my position, I guess yours, and you know as well, is that there will be a lot more opportunities created as well, probably by also entities.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro The Great Unbundling Yeah, there will be more opportunities created. The hoarding is just taken also a little bit of a different view. To your point, there’s hoarding of resources, compute, et cetera. But there’s also hoarding of top talent. We are seeing people getting paid, packages all in that could run up to 100 million, in some cases even over 100 million over several years. This is unheard of. I mean, an officer of Meta would make, I don’t know, maybe 20, 25 million a year. It’s like now there are people that are on the top end of AI researchers that are getting paid around that amount just to join some of these companies. There’s a little bit of a different hoarding. It’s very selective hoarding of certain talent. We’ve seen some acqui-hires. We’ve talked about it in previous episodes that are just literally about getting one or two people specifically to come on board. Alexander Wang, again, going to Meta to lead their intelligence labs there. I feel, I don’t know what you feel, but I feel this is a transition moment where there is overpaying for certain talent on the top of the market. At some point, this will stabilize. You can’t keep paying people 100 million over 4 years or something like that across the board. To your point, a lot of this is actually going to scale up quickly also on the AI side. There’s a little bit of a different hoarding happening on the top end, not just the resources, but also of people, which seems to give further this notion of barbell, that there’s two extremes, the haves and have-nots, the super-duper talented people that get paid a ton of money, tens of millions of dollars a year at the very least. Then the emptying of the middle where there’s a ton of tech layoffs going on in some ways, the belly, as they would call it, is being expelled. The middle market, the managers are being fired because there’s nothing to manage. There’s a lot of positions going away. In some cases, you might keep some of the more junior talent, but with a little bit of experience. But even the talent coming out of colleges is not getting hired either. It’s a little bit of a weird thing where there’s hoarding at the top, there’s an emptying of the belly, the middle, and then the early, early, early is also not getting recruited. It’s like what gives? How is this going to look in the future? I agree fully with you, Bertrand, that there’s a migration of this talent, not only to other companies, but also to other jobs. There will be new jobs that will emerge out of this. The DevOps, dev tools market didn’t exist until maybe 20 years ago at scale, and it got created. In some ways, we’re seeing there will be new markets, there will be new roles and new jobs that will be created around engineering teams going forward. We can’t anticipate all of them. But basically, the emptying of the belly is true as it’s happening right now. The low hiring on the early and the top end, getting tons of money. We think this is a transition to something else. There’s the hoarding of engineering in general is coming to an end at momentum. Now it’s time to rightsize teams, to get the right at the table, et cetera, and start figuring out what works and what doesn’t work. We’ve already had some horror stories coming out even from Amazon where they were breaking systems with their use of AI tools, and I’m sure it’s happening across the board. I’m on a board of a company and been tremendously affected by Meta and its algorithms, where basically because of advertising, there have been people served with ads for this specific company where the ad doesn’t match the company, so basic stuff like that. It’s been actually very, very difficult because in some ways, the company goes back to Meta. It’s like, “Hey, dudes, you guys are serving ads that are not even our ads with our copyright and stuff. How does this work?” They’re like, “Oh, it’s AI.” It’s like, “Well, it’s AI but can you give me my money back?” They’re like, “No, we won’t give you money back.” This creates huge issues for companies, for example, that are very dependent on advertising, which obviously there’s a lot of industries that are. They’re actually in production systems at scale. Meta is, I think now, the largest digital advertising in the world. I think they outgrew Google in one of the last quarters. Basically, this has a tremendous effect that systems that are in production at scale are getting inputs and changes driven by AI tooling, and somehow nobody can say what the hell is happening. Again, there will be a reckoning, there will be a redistribution, there will be a rightsizing of teams and an adequacy of teams going forward. I personally think this is a transition period.   Bertrand Schmitt I think we are moving from hoarding or software engineering to hoarding the top of the top scientists in AI and hoarding of GPUs, GPUs/data center. For me, it was quite interesting to see the deal of Cursor with xAI, where basically they couldn’t get access to computing resources to run their model. But xAI had, I forgot the exact numbers, but close to half a million GPUs that no one, I mean, “no one was using” because their services are not so successful yet in terms of AI chatbot and the like. Basically, suddenly they are like, “You know what? We control access to resource.” But the new resource is, again, a mix of extremely talented AI engineering or AI scientists versus GPUs/data center. There is this race of controlling boss and everything else is going to be collateral damage. Some examples, I think, are quite interesting. You talk about some example of Amazon, even some production issues. I remember reading a quick post-mortem of one of the issues, and the conclusion was it was AI, definitely part of the issue. But the other part of the issue was AI used by junior engineers. For me, it’s interesting. It shows that actually junior plus AI is actually a danger zone. That’s why many companies are going to be way more careful. “Why do we need the junior people if they are just playing with fire?” I think we go back to that situation of barbell, as you call it. The top talents are extremely valuable because they know how a production system works. They are here to develop better AI systems. But the junior guys playing with fires, yeah, maybe it’s cute in startups, but in a big time production environment, a different story.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro There will be a barbell with top-end talent super-mega paid and then mid-level talent that is individual contributors still doing a lot of great work, et cetera. Along the way, a lot of emptying of entry, a lot of emptying of the middle. Where does the talent go? The Three (?) Destinations I think we could say there’s three destinations for this talent. Maybe there’s four, maybe there’s more. Three that we can immediately identify. One is the AI native startup piece, where we have smaller teams that potentially get to a lot of revenue or top line over time, and where the Series Seed is the primary round, where we’re seeing Series Seed being raised of tens of millions of dollars, actually even hundreds of millions of dollars in Series Seed. In some ways, the stars there can get incredible compensations in terms of stock. They will stay for private and selling in secondaries later down the road because there’s so much capital at the table. Actually, in some ways, salaries are very high as well in some of these companies. It’s not like you’re trading off anything. You can get paid a lot of money. If your company at Series Seed for 10 or 15 employees has raised 50-$100 million, you can pay great salaries. In some ways, this is the extreme destination. The AI native startups that can make it is the extreme destination. Now, there aren’t a ton of AI native startups that can raise 50-100 million to 400 million in Series Seed, just to be clear. There’s a handful of hot deals in that space, but that’s one clear destination for top-end talent going through that. In that market, I think that’s one of the destinations. The second one is more what we would call the human-verified premium. It’s more of a play of companies that has still the need of human in the loop, either in terms of development, also in terms of activity, either because go-to markets are very intensive, and so therefore you need to have sales forces, partnership teams, et cetera. Or on the engineering side, it needs to have a lot of customization, integration. Companies are not just going to the, “Oh, you can come in and just apply your AI tooling and somehow magically the systems all work.” there needs to be quite a lot of and work and high touch work in getting stuff done. A significant part of that market, I’m not sure, is super VC investible. Maybe it’s a hybrid of private equity in VC, more PE style in many cases. It’s a PE-hold, sell to someone else market. As we’ve discussed in a previous episode on the SaaS-apocalypse, that hasn’t quite worked out for PEs. Question marks on how that human-verified premium market is going to evolve. But obviously, there’s a lot of work still to be done there, even on the engineering and science side. That’s the second potential destination. Then the third more aggressive destination is the reindustrialized middle companies that have a lot of specificity in going after small and medium businesses, local or regional affectations like ERPs or CRMs for specific markets, et cetera. Those are the three natural destinations. I would add the fourth, which is big tech. I mean, big tech doesn’t magically disappear, and I don’t think it fits neatly into any of these three markets. In some ways, big tech is now looking at the extreme for top talent a little bit like the AI native startup because they can pay. They can pay the 100 million every four years, et cetera. I do think it will typify taxonomically into a fourth type emerging, where, as we discussed, you’ll have top-end individual contributor talent. You’ll have the absolute top-end of the market because they can get paid. Then you’ll start having the emergence of earlier talent that is highly capable, et cetera. That will go back to a bit of a normal distribution in terms of talent on big tech. For me, those are the four destinations that I would put at the table.   Bertrand Schmitt For me, big tech moving to big tech, I’m not sure if it’s really a destination. I mean, yes, in some ways it’s a reshuffle between the big tech companies. They are definitely all fighting in some ways for some of the same people. I can see that dramatic shift where big tech has to remove a lot of positions in order to replace by AI. Again, I think at this stage, it’s mostly driven by AI coding. We are still at the beginning because this is brand-new phenomenon that AI coding is so successful at its task. I don’t think it was true even 6 months ago. Some companies, take Anthropic, take OpenAI, are definitely there or close to be there in terms of no more writing of a single line of code by a human, zero. This is, again, 6, 12 months ago. Not true. But now it’s true in a few top companies. Take OpenClaw as well, most successful GitHub project of all time, not a single line written by its author. It would have been impossible. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of line of code in a few months. It’s impossible to achieve that manually. If you look at the other big tech companies, the Google of the world, the Meta of the world, the Microsoft of the world, they are absolutely not there yet. They are going to be there because they have no choice. It’s you either go fast there or you die. You are not going to be able to survive competitors that are shipping 10, 50, 100 times faster than you are shipping. It’s a life and death situation. All the big tech companies are going to move, and mark my word, in the next 2 years from 10, 20% of AI-written code to 100%. During that transition, the next 2 years max, if you don’t do it in 2 years, you are going to die. Your stock price is going to crash. Then, of course, you will have to make changes. You will have to invest more in GPUs. You will have to invest less in your standard typical software engineer employees. Like you, I’m very optimistic that there are new buckets. AI-native startups definitely will be there. It will be transformational. Human-verified premium, very interesting category. In a way, it will be businesses that are inevitably less scalable through AI, and there is definitely a spot from there. I think the biggest would be the reindustrialized middle SMBs. Most of S&P 500 type of business are going to dramatically offer new software opportunities, new opportunity story to talented software employees because they will need to implement AI in everything they do. They will do it. They will need people who have software engineering knowledge in order to implement these systems. For them, what’s changing dramatically really is that thanks to much cheaper cost as thanks to AI coding, a lot of software projects that they couldn’t afford to do, that they couldn’t imagine doing by themselves, they are able to do it. They will invest in a lot more software capabilities than ever before. That will be a big game changer. And software, very tuned to their business model. There might be less buying of your traditional off-the-shelf SAF software and a lot more investment in a highly custom software by their own team, assisted with AI. I think that would be the part that is most transformed by all of this in a positive way.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Alternative Cap Tables, Alternative Compensation Models This will lead to a very fundamental shift, right back to the broken contract. What does the new contract look like? It looks like alternative cap tables depending on which bucket are you transitioning into. If you’re going into your AI-native bucket, and you’re a top-end talent, you’re like, “Dude, I’m worth 100 million over 4 years, so just compensate me accordingly with a mix of options in the company plus my salary.” If you’re top 1%, you can probably get away with salaries that you’d get anyway at mid-level from 300K, 400K and above, and you can get actually a lot of options already in the company. A lot of this is happening right now. There’s a premium for AI, we know that. There’s a premium for AI at the top end of AI researching, in particular on companies that are doing hardcore research on staff AI engineers, so companies that require actual AI engineering. There is a premium that is significant. It could be as high as 18% over non-AI peers, and it widens actually with seniority, shockingly enough. This is more of an average than anything else. Now, for me, and it’s for debate, but the perspective is this extreme comp will need to compress at some point. There will still be the haves and have-nots paid much better than the have-nots, so to speak, but there will be a compression. The variance can’t be the variance we’re seeing today for absolute top-end talent. That said, there will be variants. We know that big tech for over a decade, decade and a half, for example, in the Bay Area, has been paying a lot of money for director and above levels that used to be the VPs, so a million, a million and a half a year, all in compensations. It’s not unheard of that this will actually increase after this stage. That said, I do think that the compensation extreme that we’re in will get diluted down the middle. It will actually come down at some point. It’s part of where we are today. As we know, it is still a bubble.   Bertrand Schmitt Yeah, it’s an interesting point. I think it’s possible. At the same time, that compression coming 2, 3, 5 years. At the same time, we have examples where there is no such compression. Take the top sports players in the world, golfing, basketball, NBA players. There has not really been any compression at all. For me, it’s interesting. If you look at the big tech companies, each being one of this top NBA team, why would such compression happen? As long as they are competing against each other and generating plenty of cash, I think there will be some fair question. We will see. I don’t have a strong opinion, but for me, it’s not a total given.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro For me, the shocking thing is the faster AI becomes better, the more that compression will happen, because at some point, it’s like, why do you need the top talent as well? I don’t know. It feels like you’re trying to evolve a system that’s there to replace you. It’s like, “Okay, I’m getting paid 100 million over the next 4 years”, and then you develop something that’s so good that replaces you. Thank you. That’s cool.   Bertrand Schmitt That’s a total possibility, yes, because we are in that very unusual market where the game is to only replace yourself and people like yourself. At some point, it is a possibility, I guess this one. Right now, we’re talking about replacing your “average software talent”. In 2 years, could we absolutely replace the absolute best top experts in the world? Probably. I think it’s just that at some point we’ll be reaching the stage where we strictly have no control anymore on our AI systems because no human is able to challenge and understand what’s produced. It’s not just a question of scale anymore. We’re talking about a gap in IQ, basically.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Exactly. It will happen at some point in history. We don’t know exactly when. For the second bucket, the human-verified premium bucket, it’s difficult to see how an HVAC company or an HVAC roll-up of scale or a regional health care platform or high touch go-to-market, B2B, SaaS play, et cetera, for a vertical will compete. At the same end, they have to compete and they will compete. There will be more and more jobs, we believe, for engineering talent in these companies. They’ll have to be more and more AI-enabled themselves. The cash salaries will have to be competitive within the local markets, not necessarily with Silicon Valley. There will be potentially profit sharing and revenue sharing and actual dividends played at the table. The model there on the cap table needs to change a little bit, needs to be probably propped up more on salary and on some way of doing profit sharing or actually having dividends paid to employees and figuring out employee to equity in a more aggressive manner. This is the market that probably was already very attacked, so to speak, or let’s say, occupied by private equity firms. There are still obviously part of that model that would work well. There needs to be a fundamental shift, certainly on the quantum of salary compensation, dividend compensation, profit sharing, and all of that. Then last but not the least, obviously, we had the bucket around basically the reindustrialization of the middle, so everything else, which will take most of the belly that we were talking about. This is probably a poor analogy, the belly fat. It’s not belly fat, it’s people that were doing their jobs that now are getting disrupted. In some ways, that bucket will absorb a lot of that belly, will absorb a lot of talent. The small and medium businesses that Bertrand was saying will need to crucially become more AI, software-enabled by themselves, even with some core stuff and underpinnings that actually might not even require AI in terms of infrastructure platforms. There, you need to get properly paid. Again, how many people do you need in your engineering team if you’re a small business? Probably not a lot. It’s maybe you need one or two people and that’s it. They’ll need to be very nicely paid because they’re running the stuff in the rails. This is probably a market that over time, as AI gets more and more competent, will also be disrupted, but let’s not talk about the disruption to the disruption because otherwise, we’ll stay here the whole day, but certainly a market that has a lot of potential to shift and to absorb a lot of the moments that we’re seeing in terms of layoffs happening in the US in particular.   Bertrand Schmitt This category was a category that historically could not compete with Silicon Valley salaries, could not attract the most talented engineers. It’s not a category that didn’t want to bring these people on board. It’s a category that just couldn’t afford to bring this talent on board, typically. I think it would be a dramatic shift for them when suddenly there are opportunities to hire these people. There is an opportunity to hire them at maybe more reasonable prices from this company’s perspective. You talk about small companies, the great thing is that there are millions of small companies at some point. I think things could be truly transformational. Of course, some of these engineers, software engineers, might decide to become entrepreneurs on their own. Solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, build their own, easier to build their own product to market so to serve other companies. I think there will be quite dramatic changes because not all companies will be disrupted by AI as much, but not every company will benefit from improving processes, improving software through AI. At least early on, you will need this human touch to make it work inside a business. Interestingly enough, I was hearing that some companies like IBM were hiring more younger people to do the work of going to the client, understand their needs, propose implementation plans. That forward deployed engineer, those positions, I think there will be more and more available.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Investor Landscape Fragmentation What happens to investor into the landscape? We already had an episode, the previous one, Episode 76, where we talked quite a lot about the big capital reset on the private equity and private reset, including venture capital. Just maybe to summarize, how does it align with the buckets that we’ve just been discussing? I think the AI-native bucket clearly is going to be the key bucket. There, we’re going to see two movements. One movement, which is the mega funds, as we discussed in the last episode, are no longer just VC funds. They’re really mostly multi-asset private equity funds, maybe even private equity hedge funds in some cases. Those funds will be all over the high-growth AI-native companies and will be pouring money into companies that are scaling really, really quickly. The early stage, so to speak, VCs, the actual VCs that will stay in the market will be the guys probably identifying the next big wave of AI-native companies. We’ve discussed that as well in the last episode, some research that we did at Chamaeleon that I shared in episode 76. We’ll see that as emerging. What happens to the second bucket, the bucket around human premium, human in the loop? Likely we’ll have more and more private equity capital going into it and the large-scale VC guys, the Thrives of the world, they’ve just announced Thrive Holdings, and others going after those markets as well. It’s trying to converge into the private equity market, which aligns with the point we made in the previous episode that the VC mega funds are no longer VC, that they are private equity, multi-asset class. They’re going after a bunch of things. There’s a conversion happening from VC into private equity. It was going to happen anyway because the private equity guys were coming into VC as well and the hedge funds were coming to VC as well. There’s a convergence in the middle of very, very large funds and large assets under management happening to go after some of these opportunities, certainly in Bucket B. Then this Bucket C, so to speak, the bucket of reindustrialization, as Bertrand was saying, very well, likely will be self-funded for a significant period of time. Will self-fund with their own cash flow. Doesn’t need to have a ton of capital intensity. Maybe you need one or two engineers to do stuff, but that’s it. You don’t need tons of capital. You didn’t need in the past, you won’t need it today. Not sure there’s going to be a fundamental shift to that market.   Bertrand Schmitt Yes, I certainly, overall, agree with you. That last pocket, probably little change to the capital and capital structure. Again, I see that as the biggest opportunity for a lot of people who might be less needed by big tech and also top tech companies. What is sure for the first category, the high native startups? I would say more overall in the VC ecosystem, there is no space left for SaaS anymore. I think SaaS, as we used to know it, is dead in some ways in the sense that new pure SaaS software startup are definitely out. Existing ones that are critical to run your infrastructure, the Salesforce of the world, I think they’re in a decent spot. Actually, interestingly, they changed their pricing model to now sell to AI agents, not just per seat. There is a change in pricing there. But this day and age of funding a pure SaaS software startup through VC money, no way. VC money going to AI-native startups, AI-focused startups, to biotech, to deep tech, to defense tech, yes. SaaS as a fundable category early on, I think it’s over.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro I’m a bit more nuanced as we shared in The SaaS Apocalypse episode. We can call it whatever we call. It’s applied AI is the new SaaS thing. Horizontal applied AI is the new horizontal SaaS or vertical applied AI is the new vertical SaaS. I agree in common with your point that very specific point solutions around SaaS will be disrupted by nature with all the easy stuff you can do today with AI. It will take a while. This is not something that’s going to happen this year. It’s going to happen over the next years. Maybe interesting to also talk about the exit markets. I think the IPO market, as we’ve also discussed in the past, there is, in my view, going to be a reopening of the IPO market, I think this year, probably later in the year, third or fourth quarter. The median time to IPO actually is going to be really weird because there’s going to be potentially some companies in the current landscape, bubble or no bubble, that are going to IPO, the OpenAIs of the world, Anthropics of the world, et cetera. There will be more and more aggression, I think, on M&A. Big tech has already shown it, that they want to buy into markets. Large non-tech companies have also started doing acquisitions in space. To prop up their IT teams, their engineering teams with this world that we’ve also discussed in previous episodes that I’m going to own my own engineering stack for now. As we see, that normally doesn’t withstand the test of time. At some point it will get unbundled and served by someone else. Then finally, the secondary market is very hot right now. Obviously, there’s heavy discounting on some areas, high premiums on others. The exit market, strangely enough, is going to be propped up, in my opinion, over the next year to 2 years, dramatically. Then we’ll see if there’s a big reckoning around the bubble that we are clearly in or not, if it’s a soft landing or hard landing. Definitely, there’s going to be a lot of exit paths over the next year to 2 years.   Bertrand Schmitt Concerning the “bubble”, I have two perspectives on this. One is it’s a bubble in the sense that money is going to a lot of players and some players are going to blow it up. There will be a concentration of players at the end, like it usually happens. If you look at, for instance, long time ago, the railway revolution, there was that intense influx of capital. At the end of the day, there was a dramatic change in transportation in the US and a complete railway system put in place. Yes, some investors lost money, some companies went bankrupt, but the transformation was fully real. There were a lot of top leaders at the end of this revolution. The change after that only happened, we guess, post-World War II, with the construction of the highway system and the rise of airlines and plane transportation overall. Here I feel it’s similar in the sense that, yes, there is a lot of money going in. Some players are going to blow it. They will misuse the money in different ways, but that’s part of dynamic allocation of capital. Of course, you make mistakes. That’s what happens. At the same time, I feel it’s a similar level in the sense of this is a dramatic change in the US infrastructure. This buildup of AI data centers filled with GPUs, integrated at scale with some of the best software in the world and running it, supported by a dramatic shift in energy infrastructure. This is for me similar to the Railroad Revolution. Some players might not own the data center they build because they didn’t manage well their debt, they didn’t manage to run proper software. You know what? They will get acquired by somebody else. I think we are at this level of fundamental transformation. The fact that in a matter of maybe 2 years, the move from 0% of code written by AI to 100 % written by AI is an insane dramatic shift. Just to be clear, when you move from manually coded to AI coded, we’re talking about a 100X difference in terms of speed at similar, if not better level of quality. The shift is dramatic, and on top of it, you don’t pay salaries anymore to achieve that. You pay CapEx, and with GPUs and OpEx with electricity. It’s a very big shift, positive shift in business model. New unions, no management over it, AI working 24/7. Personally, I think for me, bubble has a bad connotation in the sense of it was all for a waste. I don’t think it’s all for a waste. I think we are witnessing a dramatic revolution of our lifetimes, quite frankly, bigger than SaaS, bigger than mobile. From my perspective, it’s exciting times.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Operator Playbook and Predictions Let’s move to if you are this person, what would you do in the future? Let’s start with two extremes and go from there. One is you’re non-tech, so you’re not an engineer, et cetera. You’re trying to figure out, how do I scale my activity? Maybe physical labor is where I want to go. It’s not, “Go west” anymore. Definitely not necessarily go west. You should go to, I guess, the states that have no sales tax with very cheap energy because that’s where the data centers are being built if you want to be in that market. Obviously, there’s a lot of stuff that needs to be done: HVAC, electricity work, et cetera. Don’t go west. Go low sales taxes, low cost of energy. That’s likely where the data centers are being built. You probably can just follow. There’s, I’m sure, some way for you to follow where the data centers are being built, but that’s next, I think on that extreme of the table. The other extreme of the table, let’s say you are super ambitious, maybe you’re no longer an engineer, but you’re a product manager in your prompt engineering. You could do prompt engineering all day long. You’re 28, 29-year-old superstar. What do you go and do? Likely either you start your own thing, start your own company because you’re so good at prompt engineering, you probably can do a lot of the code yourself, particularly if you have an engineering background, or you go and join very early an AI-native startup that you think has the chance of going through the roof, and you take a pretty good salary early on, a ton of upside on the company because guess what? Companies like that need product managers. They need people to figure out UX, UI. It’s not going to be, at least for now, yet AI figuring that out for you. Those are two extremes, just to give two of the extremes, like engineering, product management persona, and physical labor at the other extreme, non-tech, et cetera.   Bertrand Schmitt In some ways, every software engineering job is going to become the equivalent of a software engineering manager or a product manager, because suddenly you don’t have to do the coding anymore. You’re managing AI that is coding for you. Either you start to have some manager hat, but we saw the humans, so it’s a very different type of manager, obviously, or you are going to be really an empowered product manager. You’re skipping the middleman. You’re skipping the traditional engineering organization because your engineering organization is AI running and doing the work for you. I still believe that it requires some serious skills. I don’t believe in the vibe coder type of value proposition. I don’t believe in the prompt engineer becoming suddenly super incredible, able to manage that. I still think it requires some serious chops to do the best from all of this and to do it in a safe and sane way. It’s very easy to have poor taste, make mistakes. I don’t know you, but keep reading these stories on the heads of companies who lost everything because of the AI agents. That deleted stuff in production, and they had no backups or the backups weren’t deleted as well. Crazy situation. You cannot run companies like this if you let your agents running wild. You could argue it’s the early days. I would argue it that that issues would be there for a while. You need to have some engineering discipline at core in the company running the business to make sure things don’t go sideways because it would be easy for things to go sideways.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro I totally agree. If you’re thinking, Oh, should my kid go into science and engineering and computer science, et cetera? Absolutely, still, because of everything that Bertrand just said. You need to understand actually what code does and what technology does and what all of that does. That’s still a skill of the future. It’s not a skill of the past. In some ways, it’s still a skill of the future very much. Maybe let’s try two more extremes. Around the same level, the person that decided to do an AI native company bootstrapped initially, having difficulty raising a mega round, but could probably get away with raising a 2-3 million seed round, et cetera. Is that still viable? The answer is yes. There’s tremendous capital efficiency right now happening in the market still, 10 plus higher than if you were doing a SaaS company, and you were a founder in 2019 or something like that. That capital efficiency is going to reverberate. You can run a tighter team, smaller team. Actually, you don’t need that many salaries. If you’re a decent engineer as a founder or if you understand enough as a product manager to just generate that code, you can do a lot of stuff yourself, can bring in maybe one or two technical elements to the team early on as you would have done if you were bootstrapped anyway. There’s obviously a path for that. The other extreme is you’re in big tech, you’re level five, individual contributor, making a ton of money, or you were a manager, and you’re now out of a job, where do you go? You can go to a big company that is non-tech, S&P 500 company that’s non-tech, something like that. You join the company, you’ll probably get paid pretty well, maybe not as high as you were paid in big tech. There’s some stock at the table, but guess what? You’ll have probably more work-life balance than you ever did. That’s the trade-off. You’ll have a better job. On the upside, you can transform the company. You can help and be part of transforming a company from non-AI to AI-first or AI-enabled in the future, whatever BS that will look like in terms of the argumentation to the board. You can actually create tremendous productivity enhancements in a big non-tech company if you come with that background. Again, you’ll have certainly a better work-life balance, so not a bad deal, to be honest.   Bertrand Schmitt Also, to be clear, I talk a lot about AI coding because it’s truly transformational. You could argue that it’s going to be self-improving. We are in the situation of a self-improving AI that keeps improving itself thanks to automated coding. It’s a dramatic, virtuous loop. Obviously, AI is also going to improve everything else. It’s going to improve your marketing, it’s going to improve your search process, it’s going to improve your DNA. Improvements will be everywhere. It’s just that right now we are at a point in the quote-unquote revolution where there is one clear piece of the puzzle that is moving faster than the rest.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Bertrand, the senior executives at non-tech don’t know anything about that. It could be just a great prompt engineer. That’s the only job you do. “I’m the chief marketing officer. I have someone below me that’s doing the whole work.” Nobody knows. Nobody’s the wiser, I guess. I’m being facetious, but not fully.   Bertrand Schmitt Yeah. There would be a transition period where what you described happen. I want to say, going back to AI coding, I think that the part of AI that as of today has reached a stage of limited AGI. We have reached, from my perspective, a limited type of AGI for coding. If you take coding as a discipline today, I think we reach AGI. If you go beyond coding, that’s true. If we are talking about coding, leveraging the latest LLMs: OPUS 4.7, ChatGPT 5.5, combined with Claude Code, Codex, and OpenCode for harness, I think we’ve reached AGI in the context of coding. I’m not sure everyone fully realize that and the consequence of that. I think the rest is going to come as well. We are going to see that category by category, usually categories that are more scientific in nature, where you can replicate, where you can test easily, where you can create clear success. Metrics will be the “easiest” to follow in that direction of self-improvement. I just want to highlight that this part is truly transformational, the root cause of everything we’re talking about today. At the same time, it’s coming beyond coding.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro I think it is true. There are a couple of markets where that might not hold true, which is maybe the final path. If you’re thinking of starting your own business in plumbing and in HVAC maintenance and installation, this is a pretty good time for the reasons we already said before. There’s a lot of buildup of data centers and all that stuff, but also for other reasons, because it’s an activity that won’t be disrupted by AI yet. You need them embodied AI. You need physicality to AI to do stuff like actually fixing pipes.   Bertrand Schmitt Until Optimus replace you.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Yeah, but if we’re 3, 4 years out in terms of a lot of these optimizations that we’re talking about at the software layer, we’re 10 years plus out on embodied AI, right?   Bertrand Schmitt Oh, yeah, it’s 10 years.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro We’ll probably be optimistic as we speak. That’s a nice business. I’m thinking of starting to go into that market. If you guys are interested in listening to this, just reach out to me. What’s the angle? I think there’s a lot of stuff you can do in the buildup of some of these businesses, plumbing, HVAC, all sorts of maintenance. There are markets that are just totally messed up. Handyman market in the US is totally messed up. There’s a bunch of companies out there that try to go after it with marketplaces and stuff. I honestly just start something from scratch, a small business, and go from there.   Bertrand Schmitt Yes. They’re an interesting middle. Think about accounting firms, consulting firms. I think they are not as easy to replace, but at the same time, there is no way on what they do is not going to be dramatically changed with AI. I don’t know if it’s 50, 80, 90% of the job, but this is changing quite dramatically, would be my expectation in the coming few years. Conclusion Thanks for listening episode 77 of Tech Deciphered about that great talent redistribution. As you heard it from us, we believe there is a dramatic change in play, enabled by AI coding, and that ultimately a lot of the big tech companies are changing their employee distribution, way more focused on the top talents and bringing more GPUs. As a result, we will see a change in their staffing. Some of this change will benefit AI-focused startups, but probably more likely will benefit the bigger SMBs, the S&P 500 companies of the world that will finally be able to bring inside and afford some of the talent that were in some ways trapped by the top 5, 10, 20 software companies of the world. Thank you, Nuno.   Nuno Goncalves Pedro Thank you, Bertrand

Visit Jason here at AfterTheLead.comIn this episode of The Selling Podcast, hosts Scott and Mike dive into the often-dreaded world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. They welcome Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize and self-proclaimed "CRM Whisperer," to discuss why CRMs are often despised by sales teams and how to transform them from an administrative burden into a powerful tool for driving revenue.Why CRMs are Often HatedJason begins by explaining that the negativity surrounding CRMs stems from a lack of process and proper training. Many salespeople view them merely as tools for data entry rather than aids to make their jobs easier. Companies often hire salespeople and expect them to naturally know how to use these complex tools without providing a clear playbook or defining the necessary processes.Common CRM Mistakes and the Importance of NurturingA major hurdle for sales reps is the failure to follow up effectively. Salespeople get busy and postpone following up with leads who aren't ready to buy immediately, causing potential deals to fall through the cracks.Jason emphasizes the critical importance of "nurturing" leads, which he defines not as bombarding them with weekly emails, but as educating them. By providing valuable resources (like relevant articles or insights) that help solve their problems, you build rapport and educate them to make better decisions when they are ready to buy. Studies show that 63% of leads who enter the funnel will eventually buy if properly nurtured.Practical Advice for Sales RepsBlock Time on Your Calendar: The "I don't have time" excuse is common. Jason and the hosts strongly advise allocating rigid time blocks on your calendar specifically for Business Development. Treating CRM updates as part of business development makes it less likely to be pushed aside.Define Your Process: Take a step back and literally write down the steps in your ideal sales cycle. This defines the standard activities that need to happen at each stage.Utilize "Lead Scoring": Most CRMs track prospect activity (website visits, email opens, etc.). Leveraging lead scoring allows sales reps to prioritize leads who are actively showing interest, telling you who to call today.The 15-Minute Rule: When responding to new inbound leads, speed is everything. Statistically, waiting more than 15 minutes to reach out can cause you to lose the deal to a competitor who responds faster. If you cannot call immediately, utilize automated auto-responder emails to set expectations and maintain the conversation.The Role of AI in the Future of CRMThe conversation concludes with insights into how AI is impacting CRM usage. AI tools can analyze transcripts of calls and meetings to identify pain points, detect tonality, and provide actionable highlights. Furthermore, AI can help salespeople articulate follow-up communications more clearly and effectively by analyzing the customer's concerns and suggesting the best language to overcome them.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, the show that helps you grow your firm. Today, host Roger Knecht interviews Irene Seelig, CEO and co-founder of AccountGroove, to discuss how accounting firms can stop undercharging and wasting time on bad-fit clients. They cover building scalable advisory practices, leveraging AI for lead-to-paid systems, and the importance of CRMs in managing client relationships for accounting success. In This Episode: 00:00 Introducing AccountGroove and Irene Seelig 03:39 Why Accountants Undercharge for Services 08:19 Leveraging AI for Pricing & Packaging 13:43 Avoiding Bad-Fit Clients 17:43 Intentional Lead Generation and Responsiveness 20:42 Scaling Through Advisory Practices 26:34 Managing Client Expectations and Accessibility 30:07 Understanding and Leveraging a CRM System 36:13 From Lead to Paid: Streamlining Client Acquisition 39:54 Gratitude and Closing Remarks Key Takeaways: Reframe pricing from an hourly mindset to a value-based perspective, focusing on the outcomes provided to clients. Utilize data and AI to optimize proposal conversions and determine appropriate pricing for services, avoiding undercharging. Implement intentional lead generation and a scoring system to filter out bad-fit clients and focus on ideal niches. Respond to leads quickly using automated systems to significantly increase conversion rates. Introduce advisory services into bookkeeping and tax businesses to create recurring revenue models and increase firm profitability. Featured Quotes: "The value that they provide was just undercharged for, you know, the output that we ended up receiving from that sale." — Irene Seelig "If you don't respond within 60 seconds to a lead, you're, it's, you're dropping the conversion rate." — Irene Seelig "Accounting success is universal." — Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Irene Seelig and her co-founder built and sold a successful tech firm, working with major brands like Adidas and Burberry. This experience highlighted the crucial, yet often undervalued, role of their accountants and bookkeepers in the sale. This realization inspired them to create AccountGroove, a "lead-to-paid" system designed specifically for accounting firms. Their goal is to help these firms recognize their worth, charge appropriately, and build efficient, scalable businesses by leveraging data, AI, and strategic client management. Top 3 Highlights: Value-Based Pricing: Shift from hourly billing to value-based pricing, using data to inform proposals and increase contract values. Smart Client Filtering: Implement an AI-powered lead scoring system to identify ideal clients, automate responses, and route leads efficiently. Scalable Advisory: Transform traditional bookkeeping and tax services into recurring advisory models to boost firm profitability and client engagement. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Get one month free when you sign up by booking a demo at www.accountgroove.com/universalaccounting    Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally?  Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge.  This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career.   Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don't want to miss.   Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable.  These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds."  "in the BLACK, Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable"  "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business.  "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence.  Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals.  This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area.  After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.     Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve.  GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.   Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center.   It's here you can become a:   Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE   Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community.  Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.   The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter   Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value.     For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!   Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss.   Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.   Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback   For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

On this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Ian Cartwright, a New Zealand-based sales coach, speaker, and author. Ian is known for his clear, actionable approach and his passion for empowering B2B sales professionals and SME owners with practical tools and engaging workshops. Ian gets straight to the point and shares the biggest mistakes salespeople make when moving into account management, as well as why stakeholder mapping is absolutely essential. We also talk about how to align strategies with customer objectives and the importance of building strong, value-driven relationships. He also tells a real-world story of turning around and growing a fractured strategic account. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your key account management game and build even better customer partnerships.   Outline of This Episode [00:00] Shifting from selling to strategic account management [03:41] Building key account relationships [08:18] Building a strong key account plan [12:55] Maintaining key customer relationships [16:16] Key account management challenges [18:03] Navigating customer relationships Key Accounts are More Than Just Big Customers A common pitfall in sales organizations is conflating "big" customers with "strategic" or "key" accounts. As Ian says, many companies assume their largest customers automatically qualify as key accounts. However, true strategic accounts represent high revenue AND offer pathways to greater opportunity—such as access to new sectors, product development partnerships, and strong cultural fit. Working with a strategic account should be mutually enjoyable and aligned with the business's core values and long-term objectives. Size alone doesn't make a customer "key"—the relationship's potential for synergy and evolution does.   The Account Manager's Evolving Role Transitioning from frontline selling to account management requires a fundamental mindset shift. Sticking with purely transactional tactics is risky. Successful account managers act as connectors and orchestrators, mapping organizational dynamics, understanding stakeholders, and proactively seeking opportunities to add value. Equally, organizations must invest in upskilling their sales teams. Treating account management as a passive, reactive role limits growth. Ian advocates for a white space strategy: continuously identifying hidden opportunities within the account, even if the returns may manifest months or years later. At its heart, key account management is business development driven by insight and relationship-building.   Tools of the Trade: Blending Old School and New Proficiency with modern CRMs is non-negotiable, but Ian also recommends blending old and new methods for a comprehensive approach: CRM: Centralizes information, opportunities, and collaboration across the team. Desktop Research: Staying ahead of trends in the client's industry supports anticipation rather than simply reaction. The Phone: Proactive, personal outreach builds trust—don't be afraid to pick up the phone! A Credit Card: Never underestimate the power of a coffee or meal to grease the wheels of partnership.   Communication and Relationship-Building In our conversation, Ian shares a real-world example of how fractured relationships, even with major clients, can be turned around through intentional stakeholder engagement, regular communication, and focusing on shared wins. Simple, consistent reporting of impact—such as reducing unplanned downtime reinforces partnership and value. Key account management isn't a static process or a matter of "set and forget." It's an ongoing practice of curiosity, planned engagement, innovation, and value reinforcement. By treating key accounts as evolving partnerships rather than static revenue streams, sales teams can drive mutual growth and position themselves as essential partners for the long term. Resources & People Mentioned The Six Fundamentals of Sales Know How by Ian Cartwright   Connect with Ian Cartwright Ian Cartwright on LinkedIn    Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter    Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

Stop chasing empty leads and start closing actual business by tuning in to this episode with Josh Lyles of Salesdash CRM! Josh drops the unfiltered truth about why high-volume "posting and praying" is a dead strategy, breaking down how a hyper-focused, omni-channel prospecting methodology can completely transform your logistics sales pipeline. If you are tired of generic CRMs that fail your team and you are ready to learn the exact step-by-step strategy to turn regular connection touchpoints into long-term customer relationships, don't miss out on this conversation!   About Josh Lyles Josh Lyles is the founder of Salesdash CRM, which is a sales CRM specific for freight brokerages, agencies, and asset-based companies. Josh has previous experience in sales management within freight brokerage and also at Tesla.    Connect with Josh Website: https://salesdashcrm.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlyles/  

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo reconnects with Dan Wentzel after a long pause in the journey. Over the last several months, Dan's storage business has slowed dramatically due to life demands, limited time, family responsibilities, and the challenge of trying to balance business-building with being present at home.   But instead of avoiding the conversation, Alex leans directly into it.   What unfolds is one of the most transparent and honest coaching conversations of the entire series. Together, they unpack the emotional weight that comes with feeling stuck, comparing yourself to others, losing momentum, and questioning whether progress is even happening.   As the conversation progresses, Alex identifies a major issue that many new investors struggle with: focusing on the wrong things at the wrong time. Instead of spending valuable time building systems, refining processes, or worrying about operations, Alex challenges Dan to simplify everything down to one objective—finding deals.   The message becomes crystal clear: if you're trying to buy your first storage facility, your time should almost entirely be spent in the deal discovery phase. Conversations, underwriting, analyzing opportunities, and making offers matter far more than perfect systems, future operations, or hypothetical scenarios.   The episode also dives into the realities of partnerships, time constraints, and self-belief. Despite setbacks and slower-than-expected progress, Alex reinforces an important truth: the journey only fails if you quit.   This episode is a powerful reminder that progress often comes from simplifying, recommitting, and focusing relentlessly on what actually moves the needle.   ⸻   You'll Learn How To: • Simplify your focus when momentum stalls out • Prioritize revenue-generating activities over unnecessary systems • Avoid getting distracted by operations before you own a deal • Identify the difference between working in the business vs on the business • Maximize limited time by focusing on high-impact actions • Navigate partnerships and clearly define roles within a team • Rebuild confidence and momentum during difficult seasons   ⸻   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   [0:15] Why systems and processes matter—but timing matters more [1:37] Feeling stalled out, discouraged, and low on momentum [2:44] The emotional impact of comparison and adversity [3:14] Why the Storage Wins journey temporarily paused [4:10] Showing up even when life feels chaotic and difficult [5:17] The parallels between business setbacks and getting "tapped out" in jiu-jitsu [6:09] Why transparency and vulnerability matter during difficult seasons [6:27] Dan's first win: simply continuing to show up [7:01] Working with three other Storage Wins members to pursue deals [8:09] Challenges and opportunities of four-person partnerships [9:37] Identifying the real problem behind "not enough time" [10:15] The importance of planning your days and weeks intentionally [11:21] Peeling back the layers to uncover the root challenge [12:16] How systems and CRMs became a distraction from actual deal flow [14:15] The difference between working in the business vs on the business [16:01] Why limited time must be spent on activities that move the needle [17:12] Alex's frustration with focusing on operations too early [18:32] Why funding and operations should NOT be your current focus [19:38] Simplifying the business down to finding deals and making offers [20:30] Why underwriting should not become a bottleneck [21:18] Defining roles and responsibilities within the team [22:21] Identifying the true bottleneck: lack of underwriting volume [23:11] The only way this journey fails is if you quit [24:03] Rebuilding confidence and recommitting to the goal   Who This Episode Is For: • Investors who feel stalled out or discouraged in their journey • Listeners struggling to balance family, work, and business-building • Anyone overwhelmed by systems, tools, and operational complexity • Entrepreneurs trying to maximize limited time and energy • People stuck in learning mode instead of taking action • Investors pursuing their first self-storage deal   ⸻   Why You Should Listen:   Most people don't fail because they lack information.   They fail because they lose focus on what actually matters.   This episode strips away the noise and reminds you that buying your first storage facility doesn't require perfect systems, endless preparation, or knowing every future step in advance. It requires focused action, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up even when progress feels slow.   If you've been stuck, overwhelmed, or distracted by things that don't truly move the needle, this conversation will help you simplify your approach and refocus on the actions that create real momentum.   Follow Alex Pardo here: • Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ • Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 • Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 • Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo • Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/   ⸻   Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Systems over Sweat: Engineering Real Estate Automation with Keith GillispieIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Keith Gillispie, the Co-Founder of REI Automated, to break down how busy professionals can build a thriving real estate portfolio without sacrificing their primary careers. As a Marine Corps veteran and systems engineer, Keith managed to scale a real estate operation spanning 34 states while on active duty in Hawaii, leveraging strict discipline and hyper-efficient operational design. This conversation provides an essential, systems-driven blueprint for high-earning W-2 employees and executives who face severe time constraints but want to transition into asset-backed financial freedom using residential real estate.The Architecture of Leverage: Out-Benching Time Constraints through Automated PipelinesScaling a business with only one hour of available downtime per day requires a radical departure from traditional, hands-on real estate practices. Keith Gillispie explains that instead of relying on manual prospecting or local networking, busy professionals must adopt a systems-engineering mindset to turn fractional daily efforts into continuous operational results. By creating strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and deploying centralized CRM platforms, investors can confidently delegate repetitive tasks to global virtual assistants, ensuring that deal flow, lead management, and property analysis move forward automatically. This operational leverage completely detaches an investor's physical location and immediate schedule from their revenue-generating capacity, transforming a lack of time from an excuse into a catalyst for extreme operational efficiency.The macroeconomic landscape has fundamentally shifted, making passive buy-and-hold rental portfolios significantly more stable than highly volatile fixing-and-flipping or wholesaling models. Rapidly changing state legislation and regional market swings mean that holding residential real estate—specifically single-family homes and small multi-family units under four doors—offers the most predictable path to sustainable cash flow and capital preservation. Rather than chasing short-term transactional profits that expose the owner to massive tax liabilities and overhead risk, modern investors utilize tech-driven infrastructure to source and hold income-producing assets. This thesis-driven approach protects capital against inflation and provides a secure, predictable margin that traditional paper assets rarely replicate.Building an enterprise that operates seamlessly in the background also requires a deep commitment to personal balance and accountability. High-achievers frequently succumb to executive burnout by neglecting personal routines or failing to involve their families in their long-term entrepreneurial visions. Keith shares that true success is found when operational discipline is paired with intentional boundaries, allowing founders to step completely out of the "tactical firefighting" trap. By leveraging a comprehensive ecosystem that synthesizes specialized software, continuous education, and outside coaching, professionals can achieve a rare level of lifestyle freedom. This ensures that the ultimate reward of business optimization is not just increased profitability, but the reclamation of one's personal time and autonomy.About Keith GillispieKeith Gillispie is the Co-Founder of REI Automated and a decorated Marine Corps veteran with a specialized background in systems engineering. After successfully building his own nationwide real estate portfolio during his limited active-duty lunch breaks, Keith turned his proprietary frameworks into a scalable training and software ecosystem. He is a dedicated mentor who specializes in helping high-earning professionals replace administrative debt with automated real estate systems that drive long-term time and financial freedom.About REI AutomatedREI Automated is an all-in-one real estate investment infrastructure provider that combines advanced automation software, specialized marketing education, and elite coaching. Designed specifically for busy corporate professionals and W-2 employees, the platform provides custom-built CRMs, operational playbooks, and virtual assistant frameworks to streamline acquisitions. With over 570 clients and an unmatched success rate, REI Automated enables individuals to build scalable, passive residential rental portfolios across the United States.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeREI Automated Official Website: reiautomated.ioKeith Gillispie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keithgreiKey Episode HighlightsThe Lunch-Hour Leverage System: How to maximize single hours of daily productivity using automation to achieve full-time real estate results.Why Rentals Beat Flipping: Navigating current market volatility and shifting state legislation by prioritizing long-term buy-and-hold cash flow.The Three Pillars of Automation: Integrating dedicated CRMs, documented SOPs, and global virtual assistants to eliminate operational bottlenecks.The High-Earner W-2 Playbook: Tailoring real estate investment structures specifically to fit the constraints of demanding corporate careers.Military-Grade Operational Discipline: Applying systems engineering principles and rigorous routine management to ensure predictable business growth.ConclusionThe conversation with Keith Gillispie proves that a lack of time is never a barrier to entry when a business is backed by the right structural architecture. By implementing automated workflows and focusing strictly on high-yield cash-flowing residential rentals, busy professionals can systematically build an independent path to generational wealth.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

“Better technology.”It's the phrase everyone in real estate keeps repeating right now.AI. Automation. Systems. Tools.But what does any of that actually mean for your real estate business?In this episode of The MindShare Podcast, David Greenspan breaks down the real problem most agents are facing when it comes to technology, AI, CRMs, automation, and productivity — and why more tools won't fix a business that lacks structure in the first place.Because for most agents, the issue isn't technology.It's overwhelm.Too many platforms.Too many logins.Too many disconnected systems.Too much reacting… and not enough actual business infrastructure.David walks through the core technology every real estate business actually needs:CRM systemsdeal trackingcalendars and time blockingaccounting softwaredocument managementmarketing systemscommunication trackingAI tools that improve efficiency instead of creating more chaosThis episode also dives into:why most agents misuse AIhow “bright shiny object syndrome” is hurting productivitythe difference between automation and strategywhy unused technology becomes expensive clutterhow to build a simpler, more scalable real estate businessIf you've ever felt overwhelmed by technology…If you've ever wondered what systems you actually need…Or if you're trying to figure out how AI fits into your business without becoming another distraction…[00:00] Introduction — “Better technology” and industry headlines[02:00] What does “better tech” actually mean?[04:00] Why most agents can't define the problem technology solves[06:00] Why most agents don't run structured businesses[08:00] Overwhelm, reacting, and disconnected systems[10:00] More tools = more chaos[12:00] CRM systems and database management[15:00] Deal tracking and compliance systems[18:00] Showing management and scheduling[20:00] Calendar systems and time blocking[22:00] Accounting systems and tracking profitability[25:00] Document storage and file organization[27:00] Marketing systems and communication tools[30:00] Why everyone is talking about AI[33:00] The mistake agents make with automation[36:00] AI replacing thinking vs supporting structure[39:00] Why more output doesn't always create resultsBuilding a Better Business[42:00] Simplicity vs complexity[45:00] Why unused technology becomes clutter[48:00] The agents who are actually winning right now[51:00] Clarity, control, consistency, then efficiency[54:00] Technology should support the business — not become the businessTechnology doesn't fix chaos.It amplifies it.The agents who win aren't the ones chasing every new tool — they're the ones who build simple systems, use them consistently, and leverage technology with purpose.SponsorsKiTS — Keep-in-Touch SystemsHelping real estate professionals stay top of mind through smarter marketing, CRM, and communication systems.REM — Real Estate MagazineCanada's trusted source for real estate news, business insights, and industry trends.

Still working out of a cramped SUV… and wondering when it's time to upgrade?This is Part 2 of our conversation with James from CMC Home Repairs—and we get real about the behind-the-scenes decisions that can make or break your handyman business.

Ground every Microsoft 365 Copilot response in your real work data. Pull context from SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, email, and meetings — all through Work IQ. Draft Word documents that carry your existing sensitivity labels, and resolve calendar conflicts in Outlook. Run multi-step Copilot Cowork workflows that generate files, schedule meetings, and send status updates from a single prompt. Extend the same knowledge layer to ServiceNow, CRMs, and other non-Microsoft systems with API and MCP Server connectors in the Microsoft 365 admin center, or build your own agents in code against the Work IQ API. Jeremy Chapman, Microsoft 365 Director, shares how data, context, and skills & tools combine into a single grounding layer for Copilot and your custom agents.  ► QUICK LINKS:  00:00 - Work IQ Knowledge Layer 01:32 - Copilot Chat experiences 02:16 - Work IQ in your apps 03:03 - Auto-Applied Sensitivity Labels 04:20 - Copilot Cowork Agentic Workflow 06:11 - Admin Center Connectors 07:21 - Work IQ API for Developers 08:50 - Wrap up ► Link References Check out the latest updates at https://aka.ms/WorkIQ ► Unfamiliar with Microsoft Mechanics? As Microsoft's official video series for IT, you can watch and share valuable content and demos of current and upcoming tech from the people who build it at Microsoft. • Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MicrosoftMechanicsSeries • Talk with other IT Pros, join us on the Microsoft Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mechanics-blog/bg-p/MicrosoftMechanicsBlog • Watch or listen from anywhere, subscribe to our podcast: https://microsoftmechanics.libsyn.com/podcast ► Keep getting this insider knowledge, join us on social: • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSFTMechanics • Share knowledge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft-mechanics/ • Enjoy us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msftmechanics/ • Loosen up with us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@msftmechanics 

#902 Think you need decades of experience to build a high-revenue business? Think again! In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with 21-year-old Jack Leimbach, founder of Tiger Window Cleaning in Auburn, Alabama — a college-student-run service pulling in $30K+ months. Jack shares how he turned a $200 Amazon squeegee kit into a thriving business by mastering door-to-door sales, leveraging TikTok scripts, scaling with Facebook ads, and leading a student-powered team. From landing his first $220 gig to building a fully automated service with CRMs, recurring plans, and two trucks, this is a masterclass in scrappy startup growth and operational grit. Whether you're in college or just starting out, Jack's story will inspire you to knock on doors — literally and figuratively! (Original Air Date - 9/9/25) What we discuss with Jack: + Started business at 19 in college + Learned door-to-door sales from TikTok + First job earned $220 + Hit $10K months during finals + Invested in water-fed pole system + Transitioned to Facebook ads for leads + Built team of Auburn students + Uses CRM to automate operations + Offers recurring service plans + Aims to sell business before graduation Thank you, Jack! Check out Tiger Window Cleaning at ⁠TWCAuburn.com⁠. Follow Jack on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DM me "AUDIT" to connect to learn how together we can increase your leads, revenue, and confidence in your salon business. instagram.com/jenniferjadealvarezGRAB YOUR FREE FREEDOM CALCULATOR™ https://jenniferjadealvarez.myflodesk.com/freedom-calculatorThe #1 tool to help you plan to work less BTC and into Salon CEO3 Months Free- SURGEDiscover how Billy Davison, CEO of Occipital Marketing, is transforming the beauty industry with smarter systems, personalized client journeys, and cutting-edge AI tools. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies to increase retail sales, enhance client retention, and boost your salon's visibility in an increasingly digital landscape.Main Topics Covered:The importance of understanding the modern consumer's research and booking journeyHow to optimize your salon's online presence across Google, AI, and social media channelsThe surge of AI-powered retail sales tools and how they increase conversion ratesStrategies for making your website discoverable and customer-friendlyPractical tips to incorporate AI chatbots and quizzes for client education and retail upsellingThe significance of full-stack local SEO for salons and spasHow Reddit and other underutilized platforms can be powerful marketing toolsThe benefits of Surge: a new AI assistant for retail sales, integrated with your salon's existing systemsHow to implement Surge with no setup fees or long-term commitmentsTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Exploring innovative salon marketing strategies00:56 - Billy Davison's background: From barrel racing to digital marketing success02:13 - Building a local client base using online marketing outside traditional social media03:35 - Key lessons from Billy's experience: Building clientele quickly with smart online strategies05:04 - How Occipital approaches the client journey: From search to rebooking07:02 - The importance of optimized, consumer-focused websites and booking systems08:25 - Understanding today's consumer behavior in a multi-channel digital age10:02 - The evolving client search process and how to stay visible organically12:27 - Strategies for maximizing local SEO and online presence for salons13:10 - The role of AI and content in salon discovery and client engagement14:54 - The significance of listing across numerous platforms and directories15:24 - Detailed service descriptions and visual content to boost conversions17:18 - The difference between visual appeal and backend SEO optimization18:28 - How professional website setup outperforms DIY platforms like Wix and Squarespace19:59 - Ensuring your website is discoverable versus just visually appealing20:52 - Introducing Surge: Billy's new AI retail assistant for salons22:28 - Surge's ability to understand client preferences and promote retail naturally23:57 - How Surge personalizes product recommendations and integrates with booking software25:49 - The “try before you buy” feature and real-time retail sales boosting27:17 - Surge's integration with popular salon CRMs and inventory systems30:19 - Success metrics: Surge's conversion rate exceeding 40% and client feedback31:58 - Surge's branded, client-friendly design and real-time stylist updates33:21 - How Surge can help spas and skincare professionals enhance their retail offerings35:42 - The simplicity of getting started with Surge: No contracts, setup fees, or hidden costs36:21 - Special offer: Three free months for podcast listeners37:36 - Other innovative tips: Utilizing Reddit, full journey mapping, and strategic ad spend41:34 - Expert advice: Think like your client, not just like a salon professional42:52 - Final thoughts: Embracing new technology for sustainable growthResources & Links:Connect with Billy Davison:Special Podcast Offer: Sign up for Surge today and get 3 months free — use code GAMECHANGER at checkout.

In Season 5, Episode 17 of The Pest Control Marketing Domination Podcast, we discuss why every growing pest control company needs a properly managed CRM, sales pipeline, and marketing automation system. The episode focuses on how platforms like HighLevel can help pest control companies track leads, automate follow-up, measure marketing performance, and create better accountability across the team.We also talk about one of the biggest challenges with CRMs: getting employees to use the pipeline correctly every day. Bad data leads to bad reports, and bad reports lead to poor marketing decisions. The old saying applies perfectly here: garbage in equals garbage out.If your pest control company is investing in Google Ads, Local Services Ads, SEO, call tracking, AI receptionists, SMS/email follow-up, or outbound sales, then accurate CRM usage is essential. You cannot manage what you do not measure, and you cannot measure what your team does not properly track.This episode is a reminder that your CRM should not just be another software tool. It should become the central system for managing leads, measuring growth, improving follow-up, and making smarter decisions about your marketing dollars.Rhino Pest Control MarketingEmail: casey@rhinopros.comPhone: (925) 464-8383Website: https://rhinopros.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhinoPestControlMarketingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhinopestcontrolmarketingContact & Find Us

Episode Overview In this episode of Expert Mentors Live, John Kitchens sits down with real estate operator and AI strategist Tony Cruz to unpack the new realities of today's market—and why the agents who adapt fastest are the ones winning right now. From shifting buyer behavior and difficult pricing conversations to AI-powered follow-up systems and voice automation, Tony breaks down the exact strategies agents need to stay relevant, scalable, and profitable in a rapidly changing industry. This conversation dives into: Why many agents are struggling in today's market The massive "skill void" happening inside real estate How AI is transforming lead conversion and follow-up Why most CRMs are silently killing opportunities The rise of Voice AI and webinar marketing How simple automations can dramatically increase conversions If you're trying to grow your business without drowning in busy work, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately. Key Topics Covered What's Actually Different About Today's Market Tony explains why today's market requires agents to become stronger communicators—not just marketers. Today's buyers and sellers are: More cautious More payment-sensitive More informed More skeptical Which means agents must stop "talking at" clients and start having more consultative conversations. "The name of the game right now is who owns the buyers." Why Agents Are Struggling According to Tony, the biggest issue isn't the market itself—it's the lack of skill development. Many agents struggle because they've never learned: Negotiation Expectation setting Lead conversion Objection handling Relationship-based communication He also points to a lack of leadership and training inside many brokerages. The Luxury Listing Strategy That Builds Trust Tony shares how he's using third-party appraisals on luxury listings to create: Credibility Realistic seller expectations Easier pricing conversations Stronger positioning Instead of telling sellers what they want to hear, he focuses on building trust through data and transparency. The Follow-Up Problem Most Agents Don't Realize They Have One of the biggest breakthroughs Tony shares is how AI exposed major flaws inside his own CRM follow-up systems. After auditing his automations using Claude AI, he realized: His messaging lacked rapport His follow-up was too generic His sequences weren't aligned with the client avatar Once rewritten, engagement and responses increased significantly. "You're not building rapport—you're talking at them." The "Did You Get My Email?" Strategy Tony reveals one of the simplest—and highest ROI—follow-up tactics agents can implement immediately. After sending an important email, send a text the next day: "Hey, did you get my email yesterday?" This simple system dramatically improves: Open rates Replies Engagement Appointment conversions Why Most Agents Waste Money on Leads Tony explains why running ads without proper systems is a recipe for failure. Before agents spend money on: Zillow Realtor.com Facebook ads Google PPC They must first fix: Their follow-up Their CRM Their automations Their conversion systems "You're pouring water into a sinking ship." Webinar Marketing: The Most Underrated Lead Source One of Tony's favorite strategies right now:

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Save your spot at the Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/It's Travel Tech Audio Summit time and this year's lineup is one I'm super proud of. We're talking CRMs, AI agents, booking platforms, fee guidance, trip tracking, and more!The coolest part? Almost every single tool you're about to hear about was built by travel advisors just like you. These are the travel tech tools that are going to make you look like a total bad booty in your travel business in 2026 and beyond. If you want the full 30-40 minute interviews with exclusive promos you won't find anywhere else, head to the link above and grab your complimentary spot in the travel tech feed. Questions this episode answers:What are the best travel tech tools for travel advisors in 2026?What CRM should I use for my travel agency?How much should I charge for travel planning fees?What is the best booking platform for independent travel advisors?How can AI help travel advisors run their business?What travel agency software is built by travel advisors?How do I track client trips and follow ups as a travel advisor?What is the best all in one platform for independent travel entrepreneurs?How do I automate my travel agency without losing the personal touch?What travel tech tools help travel advisors save time and make more money?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbsFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email:rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Host Jason Pereira interviews Tom Fields, CEO of Fynancial, a platform providing wealth management firms with a white-labeled mobile app. Fields explains how a branded app allows advisors to "own their distribution," bypassing the noise of email and social media to deliver proactive push notifications, secure documents, and performance data directly to clients.The discussion covers how Fynancial integrates with existing CRMs and planning tools to automate workflows—like "next-best-action" tasks—while ensuring all communications are archived for compliance. By centralizing the client experience, firms are seeing higher satisfaction, easier referrals, and a more modern brand presence.This episode is a must-listen for advisors looking to strengthen client loyalty and modernize their practice through a dedicated mobile experience.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:49 What Fynancial Does01:24 Why Advisors Need Phone Real Estate02:14 Origin Story Fired Client05:01 Building the Advisor App06:25 Client Engagement Push Notifications09:44 Compliance and Secure Messaging12:03 Success Stories Growth Referrals16:25 Future Roadmap AI Next Best Action19:20 Rapid Fire Closing Questions23:41 Wrap Up and Sponsor OutroResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorFynancialLinkedIn - Tom Fields' LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From actor to handyman business owner… this story hits different.In this episode of the Handyman Success Podcast, we sit down with James from CMC Home Repairs, who made a bold career shift after 20 years in acting—and built a growing handyman business from scratch.

Stop Wishing for Deals and Start Winning Them.In today's episode, Scott Carson gets raw and real about the massive marketing failures he's seeing in the real estate industry. We are living in 2026, yet too many realtors and investors are still relying on "Pony Express" tactics in a high-speed digital world. If you are still trying to run a national business out of a personal Gmail account or avoiding email marketing because you "got burned" five years ago, this episode is a wake-up call you cannot afford to miss.Scott breaks down a recent experience where he handed over a thousand high-quality, skip-traced distressed leads, only to watch professional partners fail at the basic "full court press" required to close deals. Whether you're a note investor, a sub-two expert, or a realtor, your success is tied directly to your ability to communicate consistently with your tribe.What we cover in this episode:The 2026 Reality Check: Why "praying for a deal" and posting in Facebook groups isn't a marketing strategy. The Only Two Things You Own: Why your email list and your RSS feed are the only assets that protect you from being "shut down" by social media algorithms. Speed to Lead: Why the "full court press" approach—using email, text, and voice drops—is the only way to get ahead of the upcoming foreclosure wave. Smart Tool Selection: Moving beyond Gmail and the Pony Express to use CRMs that actually track open rates and delivery. The Math of Marketing: Why a $50 investment in text credits or a $100 CRM is infinitely more effective than driving across town to knock on one door. Overcoming the "No": Understanding that "no" often just means "not now," and why 48% of your competition is failing because they never follow up more than once. The Power of Educational Content: How Scott turned a 30-slide presentation into a multi-platform marketing machine that hits distressed sellers where they live . Skip Tracing Secrets: How to find 3 emails and 3 phone numbers for every lead for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. Don't let your business go the way of the smoke signal. The market is shifting, and while others are pulling back, the proactive investors are twisting their marketing to take advantage of the opportunities. It's time to stop being "Betty Blue-Hairs" and start being the expert your network needs.Ready to get your marketing on track or want to learn more about note investing?Email: Scott@WeCloseNotes.com Book a Call: TalkWithScottCarson.com Conclusion: Marketing isn't about one-and-done; it's about the follow-up, the frequency, and the tools you use to scale your voice. Go out, take action, and remember: the more "no's" you get, the closer you are to that "yes." See you at the top! Watch the Original Episode Here!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes PinterestGet Signed Up For the Next Note Buying Workshop HERE!

In this episode of The Real State Podcast, Alex Norman and Jamie Blond sit down with DJ Carroll, entrepreneur, investor, author, business strategist, and creator of the AI platform Alli. DJ shares his journey from starting a lawn care business at 18 to building and selling companies, investing in real estate, owning 70+ rental units, and helping entrepreneurs sharpen their sales, systems, and mindset. The conversation explores how AI is changing real estate, why speed-to-lead and follow-up still win deals, and why sales remains the lifeblood of business even as technology advances. Alex, Jamie, and DJ also discuss entrepreneurship as a path to freedom, the risks and rewards of betting on yourself, the “Hunter Mindset,” and why businesses that fail to adopt AI may be left behind. DJ breaks down practical ways AI can help real estate professionals manage leads, follow up faster, update CRMs, write emails, and create more efficient sales systems. If you're interested in real estate investing, AI tools, sales execution, entrepreneurship, or how business owners can adapt to a rapidly changing market, this episode offers a grounded and energetic look at what comes next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We live in a world where recruiters can connect with thousands of people with a single click. LinkedIn, CRMs, and AI tools all promise to manage relationships at a scale unimaginable a generation ago.  The challenge is that genuine trust doesn't scale automatically. When interactions become automated and transactional, the very thing that makes recruiting work starts to break down. People still hire people they trust, and the best referrals still come through relationships, not algorithms. So how do you build and maintain trust at scale? My guest this week is Denise Chaffin, Founder of Top Source Talent and host of the Talking TA podcast. In our conversation, she shares how nearly four decades in recruiting have shaped her thinking on building trust at scale and ensuring technology strengthens relationships rather than undermines them. In the interview, we discuss: The risk of transactional relationships Building and maintaining trust over time The limits of managing large networks How AI tools can support relationships Finding talent through unexpected connections Network Mapping Key skills to build trust and connection What the future looks like Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Million Dollar Flip Flops, Rodric sits down with Van Carlson for a deep and eye-opening conversation about risk management, business resilience, and a little-known strategy that could change how entrepreneurs protect their companies.Van shares his journey into the world of risk management and explains how most business owners are unknowingly exposed to risks that traditional insurance simply doesn't cover. From third-party business interruption to cyber threats and supply chain disruptions, the conversation highlights how fragile modern businesses can be — especially in an increasingly digital world.They dive into the 831(b) tax code, a powerful and often overlooked tool that allows business owners to set aside pre-tax dollars to self-insure against risks, build a financial “war chest,” and create long-term flexibility. Van breaks down how the strategy works, who it's for, and why it's becoming more relevant as insurance becomes more expensive and less reliable.This episode is a must-listen for business owners who want to stay in control, protect what they've built, and think more strategically about risk in an unpredictable world.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhat risk management actually means for modern business ownersWhy traditional insurance is covering less while costing moreHow the 831(b) tax code allows businesses to self-insure with pre-tax dollarsThe concept of building a “war chest” for unexpected disruptionsWhy third-party business interruption (like cloud or CRM outages) is a growing threatHow business owners can use surplus funds for investments, loans, or future growthThe difference between risk-first strategies vs. tax-first strategiesWhy small and mid-sized businesses often carry more risk than large corporationsHighlights & Timestamps[00:00] The hidden risk of third-party business interruptionVan opens with a powerful example of businesses being locked out of their CRM systems — and having zero coverage for it.[01:00] Who is Van Carlson?Van introduces his background in risk management and his work helping business owners across the country.[02:00] What is risk management, really?A breakdown of identifying, mitigating, and planning for risks beyond traditional insurance.[03:00] The 831(b) strategy explained simplyVan explains how business owners can set aside pre-tax dollars to self-insure and build financial reserves.[04:00] Lessons from 2008 and financial risk exposureHow the Great Recession exposed how vulnerable business owners really are.[05:00] Why traditional insurance is getting worseRising costs, shrinking coverage, and increasing deductibles are shifting more risk onto business owners.[06:00] How the “war chest” worksBuilding tax-deferred reserves that can be used for claims, investments, or future flexibility.[07:00] Investment options and liquidity considerationsHow funds can be managed, invested, and accessed when needed.[08:00] Who this strategy is actually forWhy this works best for established businesses with meaningful revenue and risk exposure.[09:00] Using funds for growth and leverageHow business owners use surplus funds to invest, acquire assets, or support operations.[10:00] The reality of self-insuring vs. traditional coverageWhy more businesses are choosing to take on risk themselves.[11:00] Why risk management is often ignoredEntrepreneurs tend to focus on growth — not protection — until it's too late.[12:00] The rise of cyber and digital dependency risksCloud systems, CRMs, and tech failures are becoming major blind spots.[13:00] Why this strategy is gaining momentum nowInsurance market shifts are driving more awareness and adoption.[14:00] Where to learn more about 831(b)Van shares how listeners can explore the strategy further.Notable Quotes“There's literally no coverage for third-party business interruption — and it's a serious issue.” – Van Carlson“We're going to be paying more and getting less from insurance for the foreseeable future.” – Van Carlson“If we can just take a little bit off the top during the good years, we can survive the bad ones.” – Van Carlson“Risk first, tax strategy second — not the other way around.” – Van Carlson“At the end of the day, we're just helping business owners protect what they've built.” – Van CarlsonConnect with Van Carlson

Shay hangs out with elopement photographer Meghan Gibson to talk about how photographers can get their business organized fast. They get into CRMs, time blocking, invoices, client workflows, hard drives, file backups, marketing systems, and the simple admin fixes that can save hours every week and make running a photography business way less stressful. LEARN MORE AND USE CODE SHAY20: https://meghangibsonphoto.com/creating-the-organized-photographerJOIN NOW!Snag the Video Upsell Starter Kit: https://hybridhangout.com/starter-kitIf you're a photographer who already wants to add video but keeps getting stuck in research mode, this is for you. Your clients are already asking, and you're leaving money on the table. The free Video Upsell Starter Kit shows you exactly how to start using the camera you already have and simple add-ons.   If you're running your photo or hybrid photo and video business from your inbox, you're making it harder than it needs to be. I use HoneyBook to manage everything — inquiries, emails, scheduling, contracts, and payments. It keeps my pipeline organized and saves hours every week. If you want a smoother system, grab my discount here: https://share.honeybook.com/shayna29637  Hybrid Hub teaches photographers how to add video so they can make more per booking. Learn how to shoot, edit, market, and sell photo and video together with a simple, repeatable system. Ready to raise your booking value? Book a free strategy call so we can chat 1x1 about how to scale your photography business with video, and if Hybrid Hub is right for your business: https://hybridhangout.com/book-a-callThanks for listening to Hybrid Hangout!! Don't forget to rate and review on your fave podcast platform -- it helps me grow, get amazing guests, and climb in the charts! DM me a screenshot of your review so I can say thanks :) Andddd say hi @hybridhangout on Instagram! 

Nick LaRovere spent years at Palantir before co-founding Pryzm with friends, including a Lockheed Martin alum. And in this episode of Founded & Funded, Nick shares his inside account of how AI is actually being adopted inside the federal government, and what it takes to sell technology into that market. Pryzm is an AI-powered intelligence engine for government business development: it aggregates data across CRMs, email, Slack, and public procurement sources to help companies win contracts. Nick's argument is that by the time an opportunity appears on SAM.gov, the deal is already decided. In this episode, Madrona Partner Chris Picardo and Nick cover: why there's still no purpose-built CRM for government buyers, what Pentagon AI adoption actually looked like from the inside (workers hadn't touched an LLM as recently as two years ago), and what forward-deployed engineering at Palantir taught Nick about building close to the customer. If you're selling into government, building for defense, or trying to understand how AI procurement works inside federal agencies, this is a useful map of how the terrain actually works. Full Transcript: https://www.madrona.com/palantir-alum-explains-how-ai-is-used-and-bought-by-the-federal-government (00:00) – Introduction (01:42 – Why the Defense Budget Growing to $1.5 Trillion Matters for Startups (04:11) – Colors of Money: How Federal Budgets Actually Work (06:47) – The Move Toward Colorless, Flexible Defense Spending (10:51) – What Pryzm Does: AI-Powered Intelligence for Government BD (12:21) – Why Deals Are Decided Before They Ever Post on SAM.gov (17:25) – The Government AI Gap: Pentagon Workers Without LLM Access Until Two Years Ago (21:00) – The Digital Thread Problem: Fragmented CRMs and Millions Wasted on Brittle Tools (26:11) – What Nick Learned Watching Elon Sleep on the  @tesla  Factory Floor (27:00) – Palantir's Forward Deployed Engineer and Why It Produces So Many Founders (30:33) – Why Hard Problems Make Better Businesses: TAM, Willingness to Pay, and Moat (32:05) – Hiring Is Harder Than Founders Expect — and More Important

In this episode of Torsion Talk, Ryan Lucia tackles a side of AI that most business owners are not prepared for—the dark side. While AI has created massive opportunities for growth, automation, and efficiency, new research and real-world developments are revealing serious risks that could impact garage door companies, home service businesses, and small business owners everywhere.Ryan breaks down a shocking study showing that advanced AI models like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT demonstrated blackmail behavior when faced with being shut down. In controlled tests, these systems analyzed sensitive information and used it to threaten exposure in order to preserve themselves. This raises a major question for business owners who are already giving AI access to emails, CRMs, customer data, pricing, and internal systems.The episode also dives into the latest developments from Anthropic, including a powerful unreleased AI model capable of identifying vulnerabilities across major operating systems and software. With the ability to perform both defensive and offensive cybersecurity tasks, this level of AI introduces a new era where hacking, data breaches, and system exploitation could become faster and more sophisticated than ever before.Ryan explains how AI-powered scams are rapidly evolving, including voice cloning, deepfake videos, and impersonation attacks that can trick employees, customers, and even business owners. With reports showing massive increases in these types of attacks, small businesses are becoming prime targets due to limited security resources and growing reliance on digital tools.This episode is not about fear—it's about awareness. Ryan shares practical insights on how to protect your business, including verifying financial requests, limiting sensitive data shared with AI tools, implementing additional safeguards for payments and system changes, and rethinking how much automation you allow without oversight.If you're a business owner using AI or considering it, this episode is essential. The future of AI is powerful, but it requires responsibility, caution, and strategy. The goal is not to stop using AI, but to understand it deeply enough to use it safely and protect everything you've built.Find Ryan at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://garagedooru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aaronoverheaddoors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://markinuity.com/⁠Check out our sponsors!Sommer USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://sommer-usa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Surewinder - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://surewinder.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stealth Hardware - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://quietmydoor.com/⁠

In episode 548 we welcome back JD Leonard to discuss what CRMs are, what problems they solve, and which organizations benefit from them. JD explains why Drupal CRM defines CRM as "Contact Relationship Management," outlines core expectations like contact and relationship tracking and integrations, and describes Drupal CRM's Drupal-native architecture using dedicated, fieldable entity types for contacts, relationships, and contact methods. The panel compares Drupal CRM to older Drupal CRM efforts and user-based approaches, covers security considerations for PII and plans for field encryption, and highlights ecosystem projects such as CRM Email, CRM Membership (including Drupal Commerce integration), and event registration needs. For show notes visit: https://www.talkingDrupal.com/548 Topics Module of the Week: Module of the Week: Social Media Links Block and Fields Use Cases and Discussion How to Suggest Modules What Is a CRM CRM Hats and Naming Core CRM Features and Users Why Drupal CRM Exists Drupal CRM Architecture Deep Dive Demos and Legacy Alternatives Project Origins and Community Out of the Box Features Security and PII Considerations Field Encryption Limits Core First Drupal Native Search Deprecation Drupal 12 Choosing Contrib Integrations Ecosystem Modules Upstream Getting Started Evaluating CRM Options Common CRM Pitfalls Community Sustainability Vision Funding Volunteers Sponsors Roadmap Toward 1.0 Ecosystem Membership Events Resources Try the latest - https://drupal.org/project/crm Field encrypt - https://www.drupal.org/project/crm/issues/3558040 Primary entity reference - https://www.drupal.org/project/primary_entity_reference Member Platform initiative - https://www.drupal.org/project/member Financial sponsor of Steve Ayers' time working on Drupal CRM - https://www.govwebworks.com https://www.portlandwebworks.com CRM ecosystem modules - https://www.drupal.org/project/crm/ecosystem Drupal Slack #crm channel: - https://drupal.slack.com/archives/C08N90UF9TR Guests JD Leonard - modernbizconsulting.com jdleonard Hosts Nic Laflin - nLighteneddevelopment.com nicxvan John Picozzi - epam.com johnpicozzi Martin Anderson-Clutz - mandclu.com mandclu Module of the Week with Martin Anderson-Clutz Social Media Links Block and Field The modules provides a configurable block that display links (icons) to your profiles on various popular networking sites. With this module, a website can be quickly extended with a "Follow us" functionality. Or you make the block available for your site editors, and they can configure the social networks themselves.

Cassie Young, Partner at Primary Venture Partners, joins the show to break down their contrarian $625 million seed fund and the reality of the coming gross retention apocalypse for tech companies. The conversation outlines why classical venture logic is breaking and how AI-native CRMs are plotting to steal enterprise market share from legacy giants like Salesforce. The group also details why the $6 trillion white-collar labor pool is the real target for emerging AI workflows rather than traditional software budgets. Expect a direct discussion on the myth of the zero CAC CEO, the evolving definition of the jaw-dropping customer experience, and the specific signals Primary looks for when writing checks to early-stage go-to-market founders building the next wave of B2B SaaS products. Key Takeaways -Primary Ventures just raised a massive $625 million seed fund by challenging traditional venture capital models, as Cassie explains, "The conventional wisdom at seed is to stay small. We fundamentally disagree with that." But don't worry: Cassie explains why they believe their approach is the right one. -Cassie warns that a retention reckoning is inevitable for AI startups noting, "I still very much live in fear of this... it might not be next month, it might not be next year, but it's ultimately going to come." Meanwhile, the hosts wonder: is it truly inevitable? Or just highly likely? -Cassie points out that a "Zero CAC CEO who's not supplemented by amazing technologists, it's just not enough." And that's just one of the many classic competitive moats which Cassie flags as reducing in value. -Asad highlights how rapid AI advancements are forcing companies to continuously rethink their competitive moats and sales motions, stating, "There are no product advantages that are long-lasting anymore." Connect with the Hosts & Guests  Host: Sam Jacobs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfjacobs/  Host: AJ Bruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbruno3/  Host: Asad Zaman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/azaman1/  Guest: Cassie Young - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassyoung/ Topline is more than a YouTube Channel:  Subscribe to Topline Newsletter: https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-newsletter  Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech: https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-podcast  Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast: https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-slack Chapters: 00:00 Cassie Young Joins Topline 04:37 Raising a $625M Seed Fund 08:08 How Primary Wins Seed Deals 12:56 The 6 Trillion AI Opportunity 19:04 Can AI CRMs Beat Salesforce 29:14 Gross Retention Apocalypse 40:12 Myth of the Zero CAC CEO 46:58 Eradicating Switching Costs 53:15 Backing Go-to-Market Founders  

Feeling overwhelmed but not sure if you're “ready” to hire help? Chelsea Benkner, founder of Outwork Collective, shares how her own struggle to find reliable, travel-specific support led her to build a VA firm designed specifically for advisors. Learn which tasks are worth outsourcing (think admin-heavy, non-revenue work like itineraries, CRMs, inbox management, and trip audits), what should stay on your plate, and how the right support can even help generate more revenue behind the scenes. Chelsey also talks about the systems you need in place before hiring, why most people get outsourcing wrong, and how to set your VA up for success from day one.After the episode, come continue the conversation inside the Niche community where we share real advisor strategies, trainings, and support. → JOIN NICHEAbout Chelsey Benkner:Chelsey is the founder of Outwork Collective, a virtual assistant agency built specifically for the travel industry. As the owner of Ready Jet Go Travels, she saw firsthand that most “VA support” didn't understand the realities of the travel industry. Outwork Collective was created to change that by training VAs in the systems, workflows, and risk management that travel businesses actually require. Her mission is simple: help travel advisors stop drowning in operations and start running stronger businesses.outworkcollective.comfacebook.com/outworkcoinstagram.com/outwork.collectiveToday we will cover:(01:30) Why advisors need support(04:35) IC vs employee VAs: what you need to know(08:30) What you should never outsource in your business(19:15) Inbox management + communication audits(29:35) Project-based vs ongoing support(36:25) Biggest mistakes when hiring a VARecourses mentioned in this Episode:Episode 195. Hot Take: Stop Looking For The Magic Unicorn HireEpisode 196. Enhancing Itineraries With Custom Experiences with Rob KeenClient Communication TemplatesSOP Template & ChecklistProfitable Proposals MasterclassFOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQThanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% offFlytographer - Earn commission on professional vacation photographyTravel Collection - Connect and learn more about TC's DMCs

I sit down with Flo, founder of Lindy, to get a live demo of their new product, Lindy Assistant, an AI executive assistant that lives in iMessage and works proactively across email, calendar, Slack, Notion, and 100-plus other tools. Flo walks me through a real day of his own Lindy usage, showing how it drafts email replies, prepares meeting briefs, updates CRMs, and handles calendar changes without being asked. We compare Lindy to OpenClaw and Claude's ecosystem, talk pricing, edge-case power users, and where Lindy goes over the next five years. Try the ultimate AI assistant: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/lindy Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:09 – What Lindy Assistant is and why Flo built it 02:27 – The daily morning brief 05:16 – Setup: two steps, two minutes, out of the box 05:53 – Get the most out of Lindy Assistant 09:42 – My three assistant use cases: research, scheduling, and sales leads 15:51 – Lindy vs. OpenClaw 17:57 – Lindy vs. Claude ecosystem 19:51 – Where Lindy goes over the next five years 23:42 – Integrations overview (100-plus tools) 24:42 – What Lindy does well and what it does not replace 26:52 – Pricing: starts at $49/month 27:15 – How power users are using Lindy 28:18 – Voice memos, incoming phone calls, and outbound calls 30:00 – How to use Lindy alongside a human executive assistant Key Points Lindy Assistant lives in iMessage, connects to email, calendar, Slack, Notion, and 100-plus other apps, and acts proactively without being prompted. Setup takes two minutes: provide a phone number and connect a Google account, and Lindy ingests existing email and tool data immediately. Lindy pre-drafts email replies, preps meeting briefs, updates CRMs after calls, flags billing issues, and reschedules dinners at closed restaurants — all without user initiation. The voice and tone of the assistant took extensive prompt engineering; the lowercase, casual register is intentional and difficult to achieve with current models. Lindy targets the "chief everything officer" — the overwhelmed founder or executive — rather than developers or power users who want a fully programmable agent. Pricing starts at $49/month for 90-plus percent of users; heavy users can exceed that and are prompted to upgrade. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND FLO ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/Altimor Lindy: https://www.lindy.ai

Show Notes: Lauri Euren, founder of Operating.app, explains that Operating is a tool for consulting firms or professional services that are growing and need help with staffing, internal resourcing, and month-end closes. The tool handles the workflow from time sheets to invoicing, supporting delivery across multiple projects.  Operating.app Explained Lauri emphasizes that Operating is not a CRM system and can integrate with existing CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive. Lauri explains that Operating is not for actual sales execution but for back-end processes like staffing, time sheets, and invoicing. The tool also monitors project health, margins, and financials, providing tracking and insights into project burn rates and utilization. Operating.app Demonstration Lauri demonstrates the main dashboard, which includes tabs for staffing, personal schedules, projects, and reports. Lauri describes the main entities in Operating: projects, people, and positions, and how they intersect to manage staffing and project assignments. Lauri explains the different sections and their functions.   The dashboard includes pinned views for saved and shared views, time sheets for tracking hours, and various reporting options. Lauri highlights the importance of tailoring the use of Operating to different roles within the organization, such as consultants, COOs, and staffing managers. The invoicing feature generates invoices based on the invoicing schedule and billing type of the project. When saved, the invoice saves automatically to the accounting software used.  Lauri explains that projects often come from CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce and are enriched with metadata using AI tools like Copilot or GPT using the Operating MCP server and AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Microsoft Copilot. Operating can handle different pricing structures, including per hour and fixed price models, and can model various types of work within the fixed price model.   Planned vs Forecast Revenue Revenue Recognition The tool also includes revenue recognition features, allowing finance teams to track and recognize revenue accurately. Lauri mentions that Operating integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks or NetSuite for billing and financial management. Clients Operating Serves Lauri discusses the ideal client size for Operating, typically starting from 10 people and scaling up to large firms with hundreds of consultants. The tool replaces spreadsheets and other point solutions for time tracking and resource planning. Lauri explains how Operating handles external consultants, tagging them differently in the system and managing their permissions and utilization. The tool allows for robust customization of permissions, ensuring that each user sees and edits only what they are allowed to. Managing a Project in Operating Lauri explains the end-to-end process of managing a project in Operating, from staffing to invoicing.  The process includes adding a project, allocating team members, setting budgets, and tracking time sheets. Operating provides real-time profitability calculations and margin effects for projects. The tool allows for the creation of invoices based on time entries and integrates with accounting tools for final billing. AI Integration with Operation Lauri highlights the AI integration with tools like Claude, allowing users to query and manage projects using natural language. The MCP server in Operating acts as an AI agent, consuming data and executing queries based on user permissions. Customers can build automated tasks and health checkers using Cloud Code and AI, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The tool's flexibility and customization options make it suitable for various roles and project management needs. Pricing Model Lauri explains the current pricing model for Operating, which is $22 per person per month for the full module and $11-$13 for individual modules. The tool is designed to be more affordable than enterprise competitors, making it  a scalable solution for growing consulting firms. Lauri provides information on how interested parties can start a free trial or book a demo on the Operating website. Timestamps: 0:02: Introduction and Overview of Operating App  02:44: Features and Functionality of Operating  06:39: Detailed Walkthrough of Operating Dashboard  08:15: Integration with CRMs and AI Tools  13:39: Client Segment and Implementation  18:26: End-to-End Project Management in Operating  26:03: AI Integration and Customization  27:57: Pricing and Availability  Links: Operating Website: https://www.operating.app/ MCP Server (Use directly in Claude, ChatGPT...): https://www.operating.app/blog-posts/ai-consulting-mcp-server Lauri's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eurenl/ This episode on Umbrex:  Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com. *AI generated timestamps and show notes.  

⚖️ S.C.A.L.E Method guide for entrepreneurs

Send a textWhat if the difference between a stalled dream and a thriving investing business was 92 door knocks and the courage to keep going? We open the playbook on real estate's real tradeoffs—time freedom, income control, and generational wealth—balanced against the very human hurdles of self-motivation, information overload, and patience for the first win.I walk you through the exact path from fired night-shift waitress to 2,000+ deals and even buying a small town. We start with the early days: living inside rehabs to cut costs, learning every tool at Home Depot, mapping foreclosures by hand, and using hard money to move fast. Then we break down the shift that changed everything—wholesaling—and how stacking predictable assignment fees can fund rehabs and rentals without the feast-or-famine cycle. You'll hear how a simple toolkit—Excel, a calendar, and a call list—beats fancy CRMs when the real job is talking to sellers, solving problems, and getting contracts signed.We also get honest about the cons. Staying self-driven when it rains or when your bank account looks comfy is a real test. Education can help or hurt—choose one mentor, one process, and go deep instead of chasing every new system. Busywork is a trap; measurable action is the cure. Setbacks at the closing table will happen; build buffers and backups so a busted deal doesn't break your stride. And yes, the first check might take months. That's not failure—that's the ramp. Once it clicks, you'll forecast income by deal count, not wishful thinking.If you want a roadmap to work for yourself, control your hours, and build assets your kids and grandkids can steward, this conversation is your starting line. Tap play, take notes, and then take action. If it helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share this with someone who needs a push to knock on door number 92. Support the showThanks again for listening. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a FIVE-STAR review.Head to Dwanderful right now to claim your free real estate investing kit. And follow:http://www.Dwanderful.comhttp://www.facebook.com/Dwanderfulhttp://www.Instagram.com/Dwanderful http://www.youtube.com/DwanderfulRealEstateInvestingChannelMake it a Dwanderful Day!