Podcasts about smbs

Unlocking Business Growth: Expert Insights from Sandy Moll, CEO of Advanced Business SolutionsIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviewed Sandy Moll, CEO and founder of Advanced Business Solutions (ABS). With nearly two decades of experience guiding banks, credit unions, and small to medium-sized businesses, Sandy shared her unique approach to leadership, operational excellence, and sustainable business growth. This post distills the main insights from their conversation, offering practical strategies for founders, business owners, and leaders looking to scale effectively while keeping their teams engaged.The ABS Approach: People, Processes, and Strategic ClaritySandy emphasizes that real business growth begins with a clear understanding of the problem you solve and the unique value you bring. ABS helps clients identify their core challenges, streamline operational processes, and implement strategic frameworks that allow teams to execute effectively. By combining personalized coaching with actionable systems, ABS ensures that businesses are set up for both immediate results and long-term scalability.Another key aspect of ABS's methodology is the focus on people. Sandy highlights the importance of aligning team members with the company's mission, developing leadership at every level, and fostering a culture that encourages accountability and innovation. This people-first approach reduces friction, increases productivity, and empowers employees to contribute meaningfully to the organization's success.Finally, ABS integrates technology and modern tools to enhance business efficiency without overwhelming leadership or teams. From leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks to using project management platforms to track outcomes, Sandy demonstrates how combining human expertise with smart systems drives clarity, better decision-making, and sustainable growth. This balanced approach allows founders to focus on high-impact initiatives while trusting their teams to execute effectively.About Sandy MollSandy Moll is the CEO and founder of Advanced Business Solutions (ABS), bringing nearly 20 years of experience in helping SMBs, credit unions, and banks achieve clarity, efficiency, and scalable growth. She is passionate about combining operational strategy, leadership coaching, and technology to create sustainable, people-centered business solutions.About Advanced Business Solutions (ABS)ABS is a consulting and business solutions firm specializing in operational efficiency, leadership development, strategic planning, and interim staffing. With a client-first approach, ABS helps organizations streamline processes, develop high-performing teams, and implement strategies that drive measurable growth.Links Mentioned in this EpisodeABS WebsiteConnect with Sandy Moll on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsThe power of identifying the problem your business solvesAligning team members with organizational mission and cultureIntegrating technology to improve efficiency without overcomplicating operationsLeadership strategies for sustainable growth and accountabilityTips for founders navigating uncertainty and scaling effectivelyConclusionSandy Moll's insights provide a clear roadmap for leaders seeking growth without sacrificing culture or clarity. By combining strategic frameworks, people-first leadership, and technology integration, founders and executives can scale their businesses sustainably while empowering their teams to perform at their best.

Small and medium businesses make up nearly half of all employment and GDP, yet they often struggle to compete against the scale, brand power, and resources of large corporations. Too often, the advice given to them is to “play bigger”—but that's a losing battle. What if the real advantage lies in embracing their underdog status?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Sri Kaza, Advisory Board at Markaaz and author of the upcoming book UNCONVENTION: A Small Business Strategy Guide, to explore how SMBs can thrive by leaning into what makes them different: positioning, proximity, and purpose. They discuss why small doesn't mean weak, and how founders can unlock resilience, loyalty, and growth by playing their own game.Sri Kaza is an entrepreneur, investor, and former McKinsey consultant with a career spanning engineering, consulting, finance, and startups. He has helped scale visionary companies like Viking Cruises, co-founded ForwardLine to provide innovative financing for small businesses, and worked closely with entrepreneurs across industries to unlock growth. Ashish and Sri unpack inspiring stories, actionable insights, and practical strategies that will change the way you think about leading and growing a small to medium business. Tune in to discover how to turn your size into your greatest strength.Things you will learn in this episode:• The three Underdog Principles—Positioning, Proximity, and Purpose—and how to apply them• Why focusing on your core customers builds resilience during crises• How closeness to employees and community becomes a competitive edge• How AI can serve as a growth engine for SMBs rather than just a cost-cutting tool• Practical ways to stay grounded as a founder and align every decision with purposeIf you want to discover how small and medium businesses can outcompete giants and make flourishing their competitive edge, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.✅Resources:• How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit by Alex Edmans: https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2020/10/01/how-great-companies-deliver-both-purpose-and-profit/ ✅Books:• Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide by Sri Kaza: https://a.co/d/aYYfD8w • The Experimentation Machine by Jeff Bussgang: https://experimentationmachine.com/• Hardwired for happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://happinesssquad.com/hardwired-for-happiness/

Big budgets and star power don't guarantee success. Sometimes it takes time, refinement, and the right story to win an audience.That's the journey of The Gilded Age, the HBO drama that overcame early skepticism to become a hit. In this episode, we dig into its marketing parallels with the help of our special guest Laura Goldberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Auctane.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from practicing patience, locking in product-market fit, and doubling down when momentum builds to gain lasting growth.About our guest, Laura GoldbergLaura Goldberg is the Chief Marketing Officer at Auctane. She is a seasoned, operations-driven go-to-market executive with a proven track record of propelling software companies to new heights, particularly serving small and medium sized businesses (SMBs), a vital segment for Auctane. Goldberg excels in crafting data-driven marketing strategies that resonate with customer needs, and her expertise will be key in advancing Auctane's mission to deliver exceptional shipping and mailing experiences to businesses worldwide.Previously, Laura was the CMO at Constant Contact, a digital marketing platform trusted by millions of small businesses and nonprofits. She has also held marketing leadership positions at Kabbage, an American Express Company, and LegalZoom, where she played key roles in driving customer growth, revenue expansion, and EBITDA improvements, leading to successful exits for both companies.What B2B Companies Can Learn From The Gilded Age:Patience is essential. The Gilded Age wasn't an overnight success—it built momentum slowly, and Laura sees the same in B2B marketing. “You gotta have patience. You gotta see it more than once. It has to build. You may not, be a… hot [thing] out of the gate. But… it's gonna build. Nobody makes a decision… with The Gilded Age, it's, you know, a solid hour and you gotta pay attention. Like you have to make a commitment to it and it takes time.” Marketing results rarely happen instantly. Success comes from committing, nurturing, and allowing campaigns to grow into traction over time.Product-market fit is non-negotiable. The show's elaborate sets and costumes bought it some time, but what kept audiences hooked was stronger storytelling in later seasons. Laura draws a clear B2B parallel: “You may have some stumbles outta the gate… You gotta deliver the goods. The product market fit, if you will, has to be there eventually. It doesn't have to be perfect right outta the gate, but it has to get to perfect pretty quickly.” In other words: creative campaigns and strong distribution will only get you so far—if the product doesn't ultimately deliver, marketing can't save itLean in when you gain traction. Once The Gilded Age started buzzing online, the promotion amplified everywhere. Laura says the same is true for B2B: “Once you get traction, lean in. When I tell you that my socials, everything I see is talking about this show… I see Mr. Russell in his flower suit all over the internet. By the way, I think it's an interview from two years ago that I keep seeing. So recycle all that stuff. But like once you feel that traction gripping, lean in, like repeat, be on everything. Repost, retweet… you have to lean in when you're doing well and really get that momentum.” Marketers should maximize momentum, recycle strong content, and make sure their presence is unavoidable when the audience is paying attention.Quote“ Customer, customer, customer. I feel like too many times it's really easy to talk about why your product's great and what it does… but you really have to frame it in the, what are you doing for me and me being the customer. How am I making things faster, cheaper, better for your end customer with what we're doing, and making sure that you're not just yelling features and functionality at people.”Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Laura Goldberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Auctane[01:14] Why The Gilded Age?[02:57] The Role of CMO at Auctane[09:50] What is The Gilded Age?[26:28] The Craft of Period Pieces[29:19] B2B Marketing Lessons from The Gilded Age[31:43] Laura's Marketing Strategy as a CMO[37:25] Winning Across Channels[49:35] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Laura on LinkedInLearn more about AuctaneAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reddit: once the quirky cousin of the internet, now a front-row player in the SEO and LLM (large language model) game. If your carefully crafted blog posts are suddenly being outranked by Reddit threads, you're not alone. That's exactly what sparked this week's conversation with Danny Kirk—musician-turned-marketer and the founder of Reddit Reach. Lorraine sits down with Danny to ask the question on every marketer's mind: Are we ready for Reddit? Together, they explore why Reddit is suddenly everywhere, how it's being used to train AI tools like ChatGPT, and what marketers can do to adapt and thrive in this new digital landscape. Key Points Reddit is no longer niche. It's showing up in Google's top search results and training AI models—which means it can't be ignored. Reddit's ad platform is cheap and underutilized, making it a hidden gem for budget-conscious marketers. Subreddits are their own little countries. Each one has different rules, moderators, and expectations. If you want in, learn the local customs. Organic participation matters. You need “karma” to post effectively, and that only comes from genuine interaction—not self-promotion. Actionable Takeaways Warm up your Reddit account. Comment, contribute, and build karma before dropping any links or promotions. Start small. Join subreddits that align with your interests—personal or professional—and spend one minute a day reading and commenting. Check your LLM rankings. Use a tool like Peekaboo to see how generative search engines (like ChatGPT) are interpreting and indexing your site. Map SEO to Reddit. Once you know which phrases are trending, find those conversations on Reddit and contribute thoughtfully. Customize your content per subreddit. A copy/paste job won't fly here—each subreddit requires its own approach and voice. About Danny Danny Kirk is a classicly trained trumpet player, turned entrepreneur and small business owner. He's started and grown multiple companies over the past decade, and now does growth marketing at ReddiReach for startups and SMBs, 500+ and counting.    Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/  https://reddireach.com/

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are significantly increasing their technology budgets, focusing on strategic investments that support long-term growth. According to a study by Forrester Consulting, 88% of SMBs plan to enhance their cloud strategies and cybersecurity through increased spending on third-party services. The study also highlights a growing emphasis on improving customer experience and reducing enterprise risk, with cloud-based disaster recovery solutions and hybrid cloud strategies becoming essential. However, the integration of AI services into the economy is expected to take years, as businesses need time to learn about new AI products and train their employees.The UK government has issued a second Technical Capability Notice requiring Apple to provide access to encrypted data and messages of British users stored on its iCloud service. This directive follows a previous request that raised diplomatic tensions with the US and has led Apple to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection Service in the UK, weakening user privacy. The implications of this move are significant for SMBs that rely on iCloud, as it introduces potential security risks and highlights the need for additional encryption measures.Microsoft is facing pushback as it prepares to end free security updates for Windows 10, which is set to occur on October 14, 2025. A coalition of organizations, including repair shops and advocacy groups, is urging Microsoft to extend these updates, citing concerns that many PCs will be left insecure or unusable. With a significant portion of Windows 10 machines unable to upgrade to Windows 11, businesses are left with difficult choices regarding their operating systems, potentially leading to increased e-waste.In the realm of AI, major companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Stripe are launching new tools that integrate AI capabilities into their existing platforms. Microsoft has introduced Microsoft 365 Premium, which combines Office applications with AI features, while Salesforce has launched AgentForce Fibes, a tool that streamlines coding through natural language. Stripe's new instant checkout feature within ChatGPT allows users to purchase products directly from chat interfaces. These developments indicate that AI is becoming an integral part of business infrastructure, and MSPs must focus on helping clients leverage these tools effectively to drive business outcomes.Four things to know today00:00 SMBs Are Increasing Tech Budgets for Cloud, Cybersecurity, and AI, But Forrester Warns True AI Value Will Take Years to Realize04:07 UK Pressures Apple on iCloud Again, Forcing Encryption Rollback That Puts Privacy, Business Security, and Global Precedent at Risk05:39 Windows 10 Sunset Becomes a Flashpoint: Market Share, Hardware Incompatibility, and Sustainability Collide in Microsoft's 2025 Deadline08:23 From Office to Checkout: Microsoft, Salesforce, Stripe, OpenAI, and Google Push AI Into Everyday Work and Consumer Life This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://mailprotector.com/ Webinar:  https://bit.ly/msprmail All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The AI landscape is akin to the Wild West right now. There are so many solutions on the market, and it can be hard for SMBs to know which ones are secure and which can best support their internal systems. Many SMBs need an experienced guide that can navigate this rapidly evolving industry. I'm joined by Dustin Holub, Director of Solutions Architecture at Technology Group Solutions, a Cisco Partner. He helps us cut through the noise by dispelling common fears surrounding AI and providing practical tips that enable SMBs to maximize the benefits of the latest LLM technologies. Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutio…usiness/index.html Check our TGS's offerings here: https://www.tgs-mtc.com/

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we dive into the role of technology transformation in scaling businesses, focusing on how growth-driven companies can move from chaos to clarity through automation, AI, and scalable systems.Andrew Andreoli from Trajectory Group and Heather Gordon from Initus Technologies join us to explore the signs businesses should upgrade from legacy tools, the key to integrating CRM and ERP systems, and the future of enterprise systems for Canadian businesses.Key Highlights:1. Legacy System Upgrades: When and why mid-market companies need to move beyond legacy tools.2. The System Design Trap: How businesses can avoid the common traps when scaling with platforms like Salesforce and NetSuite.3. Unified Operating Models: Building a seamless Go-To-Market-to-Finance system for speed and clarity.4. AI and Automation: How Initus powers optimization and what lessons businesses can apply in their own tech transformations.5. Future of Enterprise Systems: Trajectory's role in helping businesses scale effectively and the future of enterprise systems in Canada.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Here is the 2-min "Sniff Test" on how you can avoid going after the wrong deals for you. It will eventually get to the point where it can be done in a few seconds but start out going deep into about 20-30 business summaries (CIMs) to get a handle on things.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies. Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo. Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now.  https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Oct 2025? https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/p/how-to-build-a-business-cohort-with-ryan-condie/   Sourcing List:https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

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Today's guest on Resume Assassin Unfiltered, Brianna Doe, is a master at seeing beyond the surface-level marketing tactics and helping brands tell the stories that actually matter. She's the founder and CEO of Verbatim, a hybrid agency and content studio that's built a reputation for helping startups and SMBs create scroll-stopping content and scalable marketing programs. You may have seen her insights featured in places like Fast Company or CNBC, or maybe you're already following her incredible work on LinkedIn.In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to both our hearts: What is a story really telling us? We'll unpack how strategy and storytelling come together to create marketing that not only looks good but actually works. If you're a content lover, a writer, or just someone who wants to make your marketing have a deeper impact, you are absolutely in the right place.---------------Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.comAI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io---------------Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/Connect with Brianna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-doe/

As search engines traffic falls due to the fast-growing popularity of AI search, what will become of SEO? In this episode the hosts address the urgency and timing of what's happening, and how SEO providers are rushing to deliver an AI-optimization product. The podcast features an interview with Patrick Briggs, CEO of Semify, who describes what he thinks agencies and media companies should be doing to address the issue right now. Stay in the loop with all things Borrell when you join our Research Alert Lists. As always, thank you for listening. If you like the episode, leave us a review!  Want to join the conversation? Share your comments at borrellassociates.com/podcast.

“That's the literal term several CISOs have used with me unprompted: ‘ticking time bomb.' There's no world in which this doesn't explode the way it's done right now.” Tailscale CEO Avery Pennarun thinks the AI revolution has put a gun to the head of CISOs: embrace unsafe data practices or get fired. They've told him the cybersecurity risks are a “ticking time bomb.” Pennarun joins The BetaKit Podcast to explain how his company has evolved from a programmable mesh network to air traffic control for AI agents, and why he needs other startups to build new tools to make sure the planes land safely. Recorded live at ALL IN 2025. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by CADSI: the national voice of Canada's defence, security, and emerging technology sectors, representing more than 1,000 companies from innovative SMBs to global primes.  CADSI advocates for a resilient and sustainable defence and security sector by engaging government, shaping policy, and strengthening Canada's role with global partners. We create platforms that connect industry with decision-makers, foster collaboration, and reinforce Canada's position as a reliable partner in international security. Visit defenceandsecurity.ca to grow your defence business with CADSI.

Welcome back to our new miniseries, Vertical SaaS: Fintech Disruption by a Thousand Cuts, sponsored by our friends at Pipe. Vertical SaaS platforms are experiencing major growth; they've become the operating system for every industry (with financial products and services baked right into workflows that SMBs already live in every day). Vertical SaaS wins because no one knows the customer better—every product decision flows from that insight. That's it. That's the secret. In Episode 2, Alex Johnson and Luke Voiles (CEO of Pipe) sit down with Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer at SpotOn, to talk about what true customer centricity looks like in vertical SaaS. Bryan shares SpotOn's journey from loyalty platform to payments … to an all-in-one operating system for restaurants, and why being loved by a subset beats being liked by many; how obsessing over small details (like the wrong button in a bartender's workflow) can make or break a night, and when to build vs. partner in embedded finance.  Plus, he shares how tools like Day Check (same-day wage access) and Profit Assist (an AI that once caught an $400-a-day cost error) can make a big impact. Restaurants run on thin margins, fragile moments, and thousands of micro-decisions — and software that's built with empathy can literally be the difference between survival and failure. Don't miss this conversation on how customer centricity, done right, becomes a right to win. And subscribe to catch future episodes. Thanks for listening!  This episode was brought to you by Pipe. Pipe helps vertical SaaS platforms unlock fast, flexible capital, right inside their product. Learn more at pipe.com/fintechtakes. Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-voiles/ Follow Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansolar/ Learn more about Pipe here.

Most conversations about AI are still caught up in the spectacle. We see demos, marvel at copilots, and argue about the latest big model. But what happens when you strip away the hype and focus on AI that simply works? That is exactly the perspective Olga Lagunova brings to this episode. As Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoTo, she has one goal in mind: make AI useful, practical, and almost invisible. Olga believes the real test of AI is whether it integrates seamlessly into workflows. In her view, the most powerful AI is the kind that feels almost boring because it is just part of how work gets done. During our conversation she explains how GoTo is embedding AI into its platform so that small and midsize businesses can benefit without needing data scientists on staff or large budgets to experiment. We explore the difference between AI for SMBs and AI for enterprises, and why simplicity and trust matter more than shiny features. Our discussion also goes deeper into agentic AI, where tools are no longer just assistants but are taking on tasks in the background. Olga highlights how GoTo balances this shift with guardrails, governance, and human-in-the-loop oversight to ensure that efficiency never comes at the cost of security. We also unpack the classic build versus buy dilemma, why shadow AI is becoming a real risk for companies, and how leaders can measure ROI in a way that proves value both immediately and over time. If you are tired of the hype and want to understand how AI is quietly reshaping the backbone of business operations, this episode with Olga Lagunova will give you a grounded and forward-looking perspective.

If your small business still thinks that a dusty old firewall and a sprinkle of MFA is “good enough,” this episode is your cybersecurity reality check. Picture your company as a lemonade stand with a cash box—hackers are thirsty, and you're wide open for business. We're diving into why SMBs are now hacker playgrounds, how AI is helping cybercriminals get sneakier, and why your robot vacuum may be more security-conscious than your network gear. It's everything you didn't want to know about being a prime target—served up with a twist of humor, a splash of horror, and a tall glass of truth. More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/528

Today, our guest on The PARTNERNOMICS® Show is Amy Courter, Certified EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide. Amy Courter's rich and diverse background includes two decades of leadership at a billion-dollar public corporation, setting strategy and coordinating systems and processes world-wide. From 2007-2011, Major General Amy S. Courter served as the National Commander and CEO of the Civil Air Patrol, the federally chartered nonprofit corporation and USAF auxiliary, leading 61,000-plus personnel in fulfillment of the organization's three congressionally chartered missions including Emergency Services. Courter has been selected or elected to positions on numerous boards, serving both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has worked in a variety of industries including marketing services, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Amy is a Certified EOS Implementer, helping leaders get more from their businesses with shared vision and increased traction, while building a cohesive, healthy, and functioning team that delivers results. Courter is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and earned her MBA from WGU with excellence in ethics and management communication. Amy loves helping SMBs! She's always keeping her eyes open for speaking opportunities where she can help leaders know they can be kind and vulnerable, and still be wildly successful.   Key Insights: Leadership Through Service and Mission Alignment Right People, Right Seats as the Foundation of Growth Transforming Culture with Safety, Purpose, and Accountability From Military and Corporate Lessons to EOS Implementation Reach out to Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycourter https://www.eosworldwide.com/amy-courter   ********* Are you a partnering professional wanting to earn industry certifications and badges to showcase on LinkedIn? We will give you the first course and certification for FREE ($595 value)!

In this episode of FinTech Layer Cake, Reggie Young sits down with Ariel Blum, Founder of Receive, to unpack the challenges of small business cash flow and why “earned revenue access” could transform how SMBs operate. Ariel shares his journey from watching his parents struggle with delayed payments, to working at Amex, Green Dot, and Melio, to ultimately founding Receive. They explore the future of embedded finance, fintech's shift from “hot or not” to “essential,” and how solving cash flow timing mismatches could unlock massive opportunities for the 33 million small businesses in the U.S. and beyond.

Kwame Agyei is the founder and CEO of Appoynt. He is based in London, UK with operations in Ghana. In this conversation with Peter Ryan, Kwame tells the story of how and why he founded Appoynt during the Covid pandemic and the opportunity for more businesses to work with partners in Ghana. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwame-agyei-b3ab1333/ https://www.appoynt.co.uk/ --- SUMMARY Mark Hillary and Peter Ryan discuss the growth of BPO services in Ghana, highlighting Kwame Agyei's venture, Appoynt. Kwame, an accountant by background, founded Appoynt during the COVID-19 pandemic to leverage Ghana's talent and regional advantages. The company specializes in back-office support, accounts receivable, and customer support for SMBs in the US and UK. Kwame emphasizes the importance of understanding market capabilities and building trust through quality service. They also discuss the potential impact of proposed US legislation on offshoring and the emerging potential of Ghana as a BPO hub.

Outsourcing podcast Get the full show notes for this outsourcing podcast here: outsourceaccelerator.com/557   SolutionCX Matt Hall, founder and CEO of SolutionCX, joins Derek to share his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of setting up in the Philippines, and how his company is helping businesses navigate AI and the future of global outsourcing.   References: Website: https://solutioncx.com/ Email: matt@solutioncx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthall5/   Start Outsourcing Outsource Accelerator can help you transform your business with outsourcing. Get in touch now, or use one of the resources below.   Business Process Outsourcing Get a Free Quote - Connect with 3 verified outsourcing experts & see how outsourcing can transform your business Book a Discovery Call - See how Outsource Accelerator can help you enhance your company's innovation and growth with outsourcing The Top 40 BPOs - We have compiled this review of the most notable 40 Business Process Outsourcing companies in the Philippines Outsourcing Calculator - This tool provides you with invaluable insight into the potential savings outsourcing can do for your business Outsourcing Salary Guide - Access the comprehensive guide to payroll salary compensation, benefits, and allowances in the Philippines Outsourcing Accelerator Podcast - Subscribe and listen to the world's leading outsourcing podcast, hosted by Derek Gallimore Payoneer - The leading global B2B payment solution for the outsourcing industry   About Outsource Accelerator Outsource Accelerator is the world's leading outsourcing marketplace and advisory. We offer the full spectrum of services, from light advisory and vendor brokerage, though to full implementation and fully-managed solutions. We service companies of all sectors, and all sizes, spanning all departmental verticals. Outsource Accelerator's unique approach to outsourcing enables our clients to build the best teams, access the most flexible solutions, and generate the best results possible. Our unrivaled sector knowledge and market reach mean that you get the best terms and results possible, at the best ALL-IN market-leading price - guaranteed.

Is your brand's marketing strategy feeling a little… seasoned? In today's social media landscape, clinging to outdated tactics can mean clinging to what was hot just last week. If you feel like it's time to inject some youthful energy into your approach, how can you do it authentically? Agility requires a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly. It also demands a deep understanding of your audience and the platforms they engage with. Today, we're going to talk about how SMBs can capture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of Gen Z marketing without looking like they're trying too hard. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Smita Wadhawan, CMO at Constant Contact. About Smita Wadhawan Smita Wadhawan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smitawadhawan/ Resources Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ⁠ZipRecruiter.com/audio Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

We're on to sourcing. People who fall off the search train end up at Dell. Here are 6 ways you can search creatively for a business to buy.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies.Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo. Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now. https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Sept 2025? https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/p/how-to-build-a-business-cohort-with-ryan-condie/   Sourcing List: https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

"Why 99% of businesses are left behind by AI sales innovation"Join us with Joe Gagnon, 6-time CEO and Co-Founder of Raynmaker.ai, who's solving the biggest gap in business technology today.The problem is massive: → AI sales tools are built for Fortune 500 companies with huge budgets → Small businesses (99.9% of US companies) get stuck with outdated CRM systems → SMBs compete against enterprises with 100x their sales technology capabilities → Traditional sales automation feels robotic and kills authentic relationshipsJoe's solution is brilliant: Adaptive Neuro-Behavioral Scoring (ANBS) - AI that understands lead readiness AND maintains human integrity in the sales process.His background is unique: 6-time software CEO + extreme endurance athlete (Badwater 135, six marathons on six continents) + recent author of "Living Intentionally" = rare combination of technical expertise, resilience, and ethical leadership.The opportunity is enormous: Give every small business the same AI-powered sales capabilities that only Fortune 500 companies could afford.Don't miss this live conversation about democratizing AI sales technology and building with integrity over manipulation.#AISales #SmallBusiness #RainmakerAI #SalesAutomation #TopGlobalStartups #SMBTech

Brett and Naveen break down how GenX escapees can use AI to work faster, earn more, and de-risk the leap from corporate. You'll learn where AI actually helps (and where it doesn't), how to turn your experience into simple, repeatable, AI-enabled services, and why singles (small wins) beat swinging for enterprise home runs when you're solo. Think: micro-SaaS, productized services, and month-to-month offers that business owners can say “yes” to quickly.Key TakeawaysGenX Advantage: We've lived analog → digital → internet → mobile. We know how to train people—now we train AI. We also know when outputs are “off.”AI as Fractional Workforce: Treat AI like your on-demand researcher, analyst, designer, scheduler, and SDR. One subscription, many “roles.”Start with Singles: Stop chasing six-figure whales out of the gate. Package $1–5K/month services that solve one need deeply, repeat it across clients.Outcome > Hours: Price the result (clean CRM, personalized outreach engine, faster proposals), not your time. AI compresses hours into minutes—that's the point.Productize the Process: Turn your workflow into a mini system: inputs → AI-assisted steps → valuable output. Reuse 80%, customize 20%.Risk Wins Deals: Month-to-month + clear ROI beats open-ended fractional promises for most SMBs.Practical Use Cases We Cover • Lead gen & personalized outreach at scale • CRM cleanup & contact enrichment • Proposal/slide creation (e.g., Gamma) • Research & meeting prep “briefings” • Contract review & red-flag summaries • Agents & light automations (only after nailing the manual workflow)Simple Monetization Paths (Examples)$2–5K/mo: “Done-for-you” outbound engine (200 targeted emails, replies routed, CRM updated).$1–3K flat: CRM cleanup + enrichment + basic dashboard.$1–2K/mo: Founder research briefs + talk tracks before key meetings.$3–8K setup + $1–3K/mo: Build a lightweight, repeatable micro-SaaS/workflow (pricing, content kits, hiring screens) for a niche.Timestamps • 00:00 Intro & why AI is a GenX superpower • 03:30 From big-corp AI to solo/SMB impact • 06:10 Training people vs. training AI (and knowing “good”) • 11:20 AI as your fractional team: practical tools & roles • 16:45 Thought partner use case (Brett's real examples) • 23:30 Singles over home runs: structure simple wins • 29:45 Value pricing when AI compresses your time • 34:20 Risk, ROI, and easy “yes” offers for SMBs • 38:45 Partnering to productize (stack skills → stack revenue) • 42:50 Action plan & where to find NaveenMemorable Lines • “AI is the great equalizer—your fractional workforce in one subscription.” • “Don't sell AI—sell a solved problem that AI helps deliver.” • “GenX knows what ‘good' looks like. That's the edge 20-somethings can't fake.”Resources Mentioned • Explained Consulting: explained.consulting • Gamma for slide/proposal generation

The total addressable market. TAM.We sometimes think the bigger the better, right? Hey, it means I can go to potential investors with a more impressive number.But too large a total addressable market can hinder success. As this episode's guest says, “serving everyone serves no one.”To hear the story behind that lesson, and many more lesson-filled stories, I talked to Itai Sadan, CEO & co-founder, Duda [https://www.duda.co/]. Duda has raised $100 million, including most recently $50 million in Series D growth funding. Sadan manages a team of 180 people at Duda.Lessons from the things he madeNo one needs to give you a mandate (even in a big company), just find your customer's problem and solve it for themCrank through itEvolve your product over time to land on the right ideaSpeed in decision making is very importantIf you are feeling the pressure, it means that you are not applying enough pressureSolve the right problems for the right customers…serving everyone serves no oneTurn your knowledge assets into a new revenue streamMarketingSherpa has teamed up with parent company MeclabsAI to produce a research study. We are granting 10 AI engineering vouchers worth $7,500 each to eligible companies. Apply for your $7,500 AI Engineering Voucher [https://meclabs.com/research/ai-engineering-voucher].Discussed in this episodeOpen-Source Start-up Marketing Strategy: Sometimes you need to poke the snake (podcast episode #147) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/open-source]Time To Value: 3 speed-to-value marketing case studies featuring A/B testing, value focusing, and niche ad targeting [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/case-study/time-to-value]Entrepreneurial Resilience: Many of the day-to-day annoyances that inspired him to sell, he actually missed after he sold (podcast episode #78) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/entrepreneurial]B2B SaaS Marketing: No progress after Series A without product marketing (podcast episode #148) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/B2B-SaaS]Get more episodesSubscribe to the MarketingSherpa email newsletter [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/newsletters] to get more insights from your fellow marketers. Sign up for free if you'd like to get more episodes like this one.For more insights, check out...This podcast is not about marketing – it is about the marketer. It draws its inspiration from the Flint McGlaughlin quote, “The key to transformative marketing is a transformed marketer” from the Become a Marketer-Philosopher: Create and optimize high-converting webpages [https://meclabs.com/course/] free digital marketing course.Apply to be a guestIf you would like to apply to be a guest on How I Made It In Marketing, here is the podcast guest application – https://www.marketingsherpa.com/page/podcast-guest-application

“It actually allows us an opportunity to build sovereign capability and leapfrog to get our armed forces where they need to be by taking advantage of leapfrog Canadian technologies.” US President Donald Trump opened his mouth and suddenly Canada needed a defence tech sector. The Icebreaker's Matthew Lombardi was conscripted by the federal government to help map that sector; he joins to explain why many of the technologies Canada currently develops have a dual use in defence. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by CADSI: the national voice of Canada's defence, security, and emerging technology sectors, representing more than 1,000 companies from innovative SMBs to global primes.  CADSI advocates for a resilient and sustainable defence and security sector by engaging government, shaping policy, and strengthening Canada's role with global partners. We create platforms that connect industry with decision-makers, foster collaboration, and reinforce Canada's position as a reliable partner in international security. Visit defenceandsecurity.ca to grow your defence business with CADSI. Related links: ‘Mission is a go' for Canadian defence tech Ottawa's industrial benefits policy plagued by inefficiencies, contractors say Isabelle Hudon says BDC is getting ready to support Canada's defence tech sector in “a more aggressive way”  

Welcome to our new miniseries, Vertical SaaS: Fintech Disruption by a Thousand Cuts, sponsored by our friends at Pipe. This six-part miniseries explores how Vertical SaaS (vSaaS) platforms are becoming the operating systems for every industry. They're experiencing tremendous growth because they solve the challenges unique to SMB owners. Increasingly, those challenges are met by embedding financial products and services directly into the workflows SMBs rely on every day. In each episode, hosts Alex Johnson and Luke Voiles sit down with a vSaaS executive to unpack their journey — how they defined strategy, chose partners, launched products, and scaled responsibly. In Episode 1, Alex kicks things off with Luke himself.  From credit investing to building small business lending at Intuit and Square (and to his current role as CEO of Pipe), Luke shares his journey and explains why vertical SaaS is *the* perfect channel for embedded finance: trusted software brands delivering capital at the exact point of need…which makes capital feel like part of the workflow instead of an interruption.  Don't miss the kickoff, and subscribe now to catch future episodes and insights! Thanks for listening!  This episode was brought to you by Pipe. Pipe helps vertical SaaS platforms unlock fast, flexible capital, right inside their product. Learn more at https://pipe.com/fintechtakes Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-voiles/ Learn more about Pipe at https://pipe.com/fintechtakes

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, host Frank Sohn sits down with Matthias Radner of Resolto, a Festo company, to discuss his journey from face-to-face mattress sales to enterprise CPQ software. Matthias shares how early lessons in customer interaction shaped his approach to selling Configure, Price, Quote solutions, and why patience is key in long sales cycles—like when a customer signed an offer he created four years earlier. Listeners will hear about Resolto's Configon CPQ platform, designed for both SMB plug-and-play deployments (with average implementation times of just four weeks) and enterprise-level projects worth €400K–€500K. Matthias explains the importance of CAD integration via Cadenas, their unique use of Google Blockly-style rule building, and how Resolto works closely with parent company Festo to shape its roadmap, including upcoming AI-driven innovations. Beyond technology, Matthias opens up about his personal passions—from competing in international hip hop dance championships to playing tennis for relaxation today. The conversation also explores Resolto's growing footprint across DACH, Italy, the Netherlands, the US, and Japan, and why industries like machine engineering and electrical devices are key focus areas. If you're interested in visual product configurators, CAD-driven CPQ solutions, and strategies for simplifying complex product sales, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of CPQ.

Is your career site delivering the conversion you need? Dalia's plug-and-play tech turns any employer career site into a high-performance candidate conversion engine — no replatforming required, live in days.Visit dalia.co to learn more. AND by jobcase, Jobcase is an online community where workers of all kinds – like hourly employees, tradespeople and healthcare technicians – access jobs, make connections, and support each other in any aspect of their work life.Visit jobcase.com/hire and tap into their 120 million strong  job seeker network Alright rec techies…..here's what's happening this week. We have a ton of funding announcements to share. First up…DianaHR, which offers an AI-powered HR-as-a-Service platform for SMBs, announced today that it has raised a $3.7M seed round led by SNR Ventures with participation from General Catalyst, Y Combinator and unicorn founders including founders of Mercury, Twitch and Dropbox.  https://hrtechfeed.com/hr-as-a-service-for-smbs-lands-funding/ RippleMatch announced the launch of its AI-Talent Marketplace, a skills-based hiring engine built to meet the realities of a job market transformed by AI. The new platform flips traditional hiring on its head—replacing outdated resumes and proxies with verified skill signals showcasing AI fluency, interpersonal skills, and technical proficiencies. Designed to serve the next generation of talent and companies building the modern teams of tomorrow, this product marks a major shift in how early-career hiring happens. https://hrtechfeed.com/ripplematch-unveils-ai-talent-marketplace/ Payscale Inc., the leading provider of compensation intelligence solutions, announced today that it has acquired Datapeople, an AI-powered recruiting platform that helps hiring teams create clearer, more effective, and more compliant job postings. https://hrtechfeed.com/payscale-acquires-ai-powered-recruiting-platform-datapeople/ ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, today announced it is expanding its global presence in the fast-growing city of West Palm Beach to drive AI innovation, talent development, and economic growth. Located at 10 CityPlace, a new development by Related Ross in Florida's Gold Coast innovation corridor, the expansion will include a new regional innovation hub and AI Institute, and is expected to deliver $1.8 billion economic impact and create more than 850 jobs over the next five years. https://hrtechfeed.com/servicenow-to-expand-in-florida-create-850-new-jobs/ iCIMS, the talent acquisition software provider trusted by the world's leading brands, today announced its acquisition of Apli – a fast-growing, AI-powered recruitment automation innovator focused on the frontline hiring experience – to complement iCIMS' enterprise AI talent-acquisition platform. Apli helps organizations attract, assess and hire frontline talent through advanced conversational AI. https://hrtechfeed.com/icims-acquires-apli/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global sourcing has long been a barrier for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Language differences, compliance challenges, logistics hurdles, and trust issues can overwhelm even the most determined entrepreneurs. In this episode of the AI in Business podcast, Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, shares how new technologies—including Alibaba's agentic AI system Accio—are streamlining procurement and unlocking opportunities once reserved for enterprises. Drawing on examples from thousands of SMBs worldwide, Zhang details how AI is transforming sourcing from a months-long, manual process into an automated workflow that delivers results in hours. He also discusses how Alibaba.com is embedding AI into every layer of its platform, from search to supplier engagement, and how organizations of any size can begin adopting these systems with minimal lift. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the ‘AI in Business' podcast! Join enterprise leaders at Emerj's Vision to Value AI Infra Summit to explore strategies for building, securing, and scaling AI infrastructure. Reserve your free spot today: emerj.com/infrasummit2.

In this Grownlearn episode, Sal Rehmetullah (co-founder of Stax Payments and now Worth) breaks down how he and his sister Suneera scaled Stax to 500 employees and $200M ARR, sold it for $1B, and then turned their attention to the broken world of small-business credit. We dig into Worth's AI-powered underwriting plus onboarding stack, why they don't touch fund flows, and how they're partnering across global data sources so banks and lenders can understand real-time business risk—think “Credit Karma for business,” but built for enterprise adoption first. Sal also gets candid about purpose post-exit, minority-led entrepreneurship, the $25M seed led by TTV Capital, and what SMB owners can do today to become more lendable. About the guest: Sal Rehmetullah is the co-founder of Stax Payments (one of the first minority-led fintech unicorns) and co-founder of Worth, which is rebuilding the financial infrastructure for SMBs with real-time compliance, onboarding, and underwriting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S. We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit.

We're launching a new recurring segment with Lee Ann Pepper focused on real-world revenue ideas for corporate escapees.If you've ever asked yourself, “How would I actually make money if I left corporate?” this episode is for you.Lee Ann and I break down practical, low-risk ways GenXers can start monetizing today—without swinging for six-figure fences or waiting years to replace a corporate paycheck.In this episode, you'll learn:How User-Generated Content (UGC) works and why it's perfect for GenXers who don't want to be influencers.The new inventory-free e-commerce model that lets you launch products without warehouses or Amazon risk.Why the Connector Model (introductions + network leverage) is a hidden path to retainer + commission income.How to get paid for hiring advisory—helping SMBs make better hires using your experience.Why small, repeatable service retainers often add up faster than chasing one big consulting deal.The mindset shift from swinging for home runs to stacking singles for steady cash flow.Enjoy and let us know what you think!

Meet: Ashis GuptaHelping businesses unblock growth with access to a proven COO who's already scaled businesses like yours at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.I've had a long journey in business and tech (co-founded and sold a wireless company to Qualcomm; managed a ninja operations team at Apple responsible for a $2B/year budget; turned a loss-making E-Comm to +25% EBITDA and sold in 4 years, and now running a “100 Most Promising Companies of 2024” with ScaleUpExec), and in that time I've learned a lot about what truly makes businesses tick.Through these experiences and my years having led teams in large enterprises and startups, I've formulated and implemented counter yet impactful ways of making teams actually impactful to the business while being motivated through the process. I'm a fan of being hands-on with execution (not just with strategy) and have developed an industry-agnostic skillset to solve problems such as creating sales and marketing channels that scale fast; building super-effective yet affordable remote teams; getting founders out of day-to-day operations.I've already had the chance to help 20+ businesses in different industries navigate every kind of problem - from businesses going through existential crises, to ones growing at breakneck speeds - with disproportionate results. And now it's my mission to be of support to more entrepreneurs. That's why I'm building ScaleUpExec, to provide SMBs access to the rare “gems” of COOs who will not only operate and optimize, but also fast-track your business's growth, at a fraction of the cost of a full-timer.DM me if there's any way you think I can be of assistance in your business, or if you just want to get another pair of eyes looking at the problem. I'd love to help.More:Website:https://scaleupexec.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-gup/

In this episode, Richard talks to Myles Peart. He's the Technical Director of NetSec, a UK-based managed service provider. The company recently won a prestigious MSP award from SuperOps and were named Emerging MSP of the Year.Myles talks about the experience of entering awards and what it's like being a winner. He shares his journey in the MSP space, how he set NetSec up, their current tool stack and how his wife came to join the company.Richard asks Myles to explain why he encourages platform unification for SMBs and how his clients find using M365 almost exclusively. They discuss why a focus on cybersecurity is a good idea and the value in forming strategic business alliances.Myles shares the NetSec approach to customer relationships and why the company focused on successful project delivery in their early days. He talks about how he keeps up with the pace of tech changes and his experiences working with coaches for business and health. Mentioned in This EpisodeNetSecPSA/RMM platform: SuperOpsSuperOps MSP awardsCybersecurity tool: Heimdal SecurityPassword manager: Keeper SecurityCloud backup: N-able CoveEmail signature software: ExclaimerCertification: Cyber EssentialsMicrosoft automation tool: Power AutomateScott Riley of Inside AgentNews site: Legal News WalesTech careers for young people CyberFirstUK government security centre: NCSCDavid Brereton of MysonPagesAutomation platform: ZapierBusiness event: Ideas FestEntrepreneur seminar: James Sinclair Business Master Class

The most important part of the business acquisition search....what are you looking for (specific) and why!?   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies. Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now.   https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0     Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Sept 2025?https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/   Questions to Ask Around Narrowing Down Your Criteria: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VXYFgAVquG3vwhDiDo4tEHnIx0xI_Hok1o_Mc_ru23Y/edit?usp=sharing

“Thanks to AI, voice is becoming sexy again.” That's the clear message from Stijn Nijhuis, CEO of Enreach, in a conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News. Nijhuis explains that partners and SMBs across Europe are now asking the same urgent question: how can AI transform the way businesses communicate, especially through telephony? Enreach, a Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA) member, is answering with its “smart contact” proposition—a combination of telephony, UCaaS, and AI platforms built specifically for SMBs. Unlike enterprise solutions scaled down, Enreach has developed AI-powered features from the ground up for small businesses. At the center is Shomi, an AI assistant that replaces traditional voicemail with real-time transcription, scheduling, prioritization, and even spam filtering. For SMBs struggling with labor shortages and customer service pressures, this enables efficiency and accessibility—letting them “be in two places at once.” Nijhuis emphasizes that this isn't about chasing hype. Enreach has been developing its AI platform since 2020 and is now seeing strong demand as partners seek to deliver measurable productivity gains, not just incremental cost savings. “We don't just want to compete on price,” he notes. “We want to help partners create real value and engage directly with CEOs by solving staffing and growth challenges.” For ICT partners, the opportunity is significant. Enreach's AI-integrated UCaaS and mobile services enable resellers to differentiate in a commoditized market, expand their value proposition, and strengthen long-term relationships with SMBs. To learn more about Enreach, visit enreach.com.

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape is rapidly evolving with a wave of AI-driven innovations, strategic acquisitions, and product updates designed to enhance automation and business agility. Precisely strengthened its Automate SAP Data API with new enhancements, while SAP showcased its Joule-powered AI capabilities to deepen enterprise intelligence. SC Codeworks rolled out updates to its warehouse management system, and WaveMaker debuted a marketplace for prefabricated app building blocks to accelerate low-code development. In a major move, Braze announced its agreement to acquire OfferFit, expanding its personalization capabilities, while AVEVA and ServiceNow revealed a new partnership aimed at integrating industrial and digital workflows. BMC introduced generative AI innovations to unlock greater value from enterprise data, and Certinia detailed its Spring 2025 release with fresh product enhancements. Laserfiche unveiled new generative AI features, and Make launched Make AI Agents, bringing real-time intelligence to no-code automation—collectively underscoring how AI and automation are reshaping the next chapter of enterprise technology.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Send me a text (I will personally respond)Are you wondering how to leverage unconventional go-to-market strategies to accelerate growth in cybersecurity? Curious about integrating cyber insurance into your offer to stand out in a crowded landscape? This episode provides answers by spotlighting a company bucking the traditional playbook—and winning.In this conversation we discuss:

A visualizer blazing trails, Whitney Teal is no stranger to the marketing industry. Her beginnings in radio kickstarted her journey as an entrepreneur. She co-founded her first business in 2015 and, since then, has helped start four additional businesses specializing in services for thought leaders and small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), including her current venture, The Teal Bridge. Whitney is also a founding member and ambassador of the FEW (Fellowship of Extraordinary Women) Atlanta Chapter and hosts the podcast, "If I Ever Live to Be" highlighting personal stories and tips for navigating life the best way possible. You can learn more about Whitney and her consulting business on her website: https://www.thetealbridge.com/ You can also connect with Whitney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneycomms/ Be sure to tune in to Whitney's podcast - If I Ever Live to Be - available wherever you get your podcasts. ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #communication #thetealbridge #whitneyteal #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

Send us a textDefining plastic extrusion ERP systems requires recognizing both their specialization and breadth, as they span the diverse business models across the extrusion value chain—from resin and pellet distributors to large-scale manufacturers of finished plastic products. While the focus is on extrusion, these systems must also account for the interconnected roles of suppliers, converters, and distributors to ensure real-world workflows are fully represented. However, no single ERP vendor fits every sub-segment equally well; some platforms are built for the complexities of high-volume extrusion manufacturing, while others better serve niche distributors or specialty converters. That's why guidance tied to each ERP option is crucial, with attention paid not only to system size but also to how well it supports extrusion-specific needs like scheduling, quality control, and regulatory compliance—factors that can ultimately determine whether an ERP investment delivers long-term value.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Plastic Extrusion ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Plastic Extrusion ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Payroll fraud is evolving and small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are in the crossfire. In this episode of Nine to Thrive HR, Steve Lenderman, Head of Fraud Prevention, unpacks the rising threat of payroll fraud and why SMBs are often the easiest targets. With schemes averaging $2,800 in losses per month and going undetected for over a year, the stakes are higher than ever.

Sahil was 18 when TechCrunch published a hit piece calling him a copycat. His co-founder Aaron was 16. They'd just raised $6 million from YC and top VCs for their crypto startup, then got subpoenaed by a state government and watched their business implode. So they fired everyone, moved back to their parents' homes, and spent months cold-calling dentists and lawn care companies to find a real problem. What they discovered: 80% of SMBs still use community banks from 1995. Now Affiniti has 2,000 customers, $10M ARR run rate, and just raised $17M by partnering with trade associations to acquire customers at 25% the cost of traditional fintech. This is the raw story of teenage founders who got punched in the face by Silicon Valley and came back swinging.Why You Should Listen:How getting destroyed on TechCrunch at 18 and subpoenaed by the government led to a $3M revenue pivot in 12 monthsWhy going back to square 0 is often the best moveThe trade association go-to-market strategy that worked for SMB.Why 200 VC rejections and raising $6M in peak 2021 couldn't save their first startup—but taught them everything they needed to know.Get comfortable with bad days—stoicism is the only way to survive.Keywords:Affiniti, Sahil Phadnis, SMB fintech, startup pivot, Y Combinator, teenage founders, Series A, B2B payments, startup failure, trade associations00:00:00 Intro00:01:50 COVID existential crisis at 1600:08:36 Building websites for restaurants00:11:11 Meeting Aaron on Instagram00:15:17 200 VC rejections then raising $6M00:23:03 Getting called a fraud on TechCrunch00:29:15 Firing everyone and moving home00:31:16 Faking toothaches to research SMBs00:40:50 Launching Affiniti00:47:00 The trade association growth hack00:55:03 Raising Series A in 3 weeks00:58:30 Stoicism and bad daysSend me a message to let me know what you think!

When Craig Foster talks about artificial intelligence, he begins with scale. Pax8, the enterprise marketplace where he serves as CFO, connects vendors like Microsoft and CrowdStrike with 43,000 managed service providers. Those MSPs, he tells us, serve between 700,000 and 800,000 small and midsize businesses worldwide.Against that backdrop, Foster describes how AI is reshaping both internal operations and external opportunities. Inside Pax8, teams are experimenting across functions—from customer support to accounting—to automate what was once manual. The company, he tells us, has set a target “to do 20% more with 20% less,” relying on AI tools that are already available. Efficiency gains are not hypothetical; they are part of the current planning cycle.Externally, Foster sees what he calls “agentic marketplaces” emerging—ecosystems where AI modules act as labor components. Vendors are already building such agents, and Pax8 is designing its own. “We're a marketplace,” he tells us, “so we need to incorporate those different… AI components and enable our downstream clients for efficiency.” He believes this wave, unlike earlier technology cycles, is reaching SMBs with unusual speed.The finance leader is also watching economics evolve in real time. Data aggregated across Pax8's network shows strong interest, but pricing remains unsettled. Foster compares today's uncertainty to the early days of API marketplaces, when usage-based models became standard. The question now, he tells us, is how to split value between provider and customer—whether by consumption, per interaction, or shared outcomes. “That's probably the biggest challenge in industry right now,” Foster says.

Is the hype around AI in marketing justified, or are we setting ourselves up for another "tech bubble" disappointment? Agility requires not only embracing new technologies like AI, but also a fundamental shift in mindset, processes, and even organizational structure. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly to the ever-changing marketing landscape. Today, we're going to talk about how AI is poised to revolutionize marketing, from personalization and customer engagement to the very structure of the SaaS market itself. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Rafael “Rafa” Flores, Chief Product Officer at Treasure Data. About Rafael Flores As an accomplished technology executive and proud immigrant from Honduras, I specialize in scaling SaaS companies from startup to high-growth enterprises. My career is built on my family's deep-rooted principles: valuing education, treating others with equal respect regardless of background, and uplifting younger talent—because I was once that little boy with big dreams. Throughout my career, I have led transformative initiatives at some of the most recognized names in the technology landscape:Meltwater: Played a pivotal role in the company's successful IPO, showcasing expertise in product innovation and market readiness.Datanyze: Led strategic initiatives that culminated in a successful acquisition by ZoomInfo, enhancing data intelligence capabilities.ARM Holdings: Spearheaded innovation in Retail SDK and IoT solutions, advancing the company's technology ecosystem and driving new business opportunities. 6sense: Led all automation, data, and AI-products, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, while delivering data-driven solutions that empower GTM team(s) to sell effectively.Treasure Data: Orchestrated a landmark $600M acquisition by ARM and secured record-breaking Customer Data Platform (CDP) funding. Today, I am back leading Treasure Data through a transformative era of intelligence and automation fit for scale, while returning to an organization that feels like home—rich with talent, poise, and a passion for progress. I am also a devoted father of three beautiful children and grateful for the unwavering support of my wife—a registered nurse who embodies strength and compassion. My core expertise lies in defining and executing product strategies, roadmaps, and key performance indicators (KPIs). I possess deep knowledge of CDPs, data management, privacy frameworks, and SaaS go-to-market (GTM) applications, scaling solutions for businesses ranging from agile SMBs to Global 2000 enterprises. Rafael Flores on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ref2019/ Resources Treasure Data: https://www.treasuredata.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In this episode, Sasha Orloff talks with Josh Wymer, Co-founder and CEO of Central HQ, about raising $8.6 million from First Round Capital and Y Combinator to build an AI-first back office solution that eliminates business compliance tasks through Slack-based automation, helping startups handle payroll, taxes, and HR without the administrative burden that typically comes with traditional software. -- SPONSORS: Notion Boost your startup with Notion—the ultimate connected workspace trusted by thousands worldwide! From engineering specs to onboarding and fundraising, Notion keeps your team organized and efficient. For a limited time, get 6 months of Notion AI FREE to supercharge your workflow. Claim your offer now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://notion.com/startups/puzzle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Puzzle

Send us a textThe enterprise technology space is seeing a surge of innovation and strategic moves as vendors double down on AI, automation, and customer-centric solutions. Beroe expanded its procurement suite with the acquisition of nnamu, while Capgemini and NVIDIA, alongside Oracle and NVIDIA, announced new collaborations and integrations to accelerate AI adoption. Deloitte entered the spotlight with the release of its Zora AI Platform, and Hyland reinforced its customer focus by appointing a Chief Customer Officer. In the AI-driven automation arena, Kore.ai introduced the Kore.ai Agent Platform and Pipefy unveiled new AI agents to strengthen process automation. OneDigital launched its Impact Studio Platform to fuel digital engagement, while Precisely enhanced its Automate SAP Data API, and SAP showcased new Joule-powered AI capabilities. Rounding out the updates, SC Codeworks delivered enhancements to its warehouse management system, reflecting the broader trend of continuous improvement across supply chain and enterprise operations.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Gartner predicts a significant shift in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within enterprise applications, forecasting that by 2026, 40% of these applications will feature task-specific AI agents. This marks a dramatic increase from less than 5% in 2025, with AI expected to drive around 30% of enterprise application software revenue by 2035. Concurrently, AI-enabled personal computers are projected to dominate the global PC market, claiming over 50% by 2026. Despite market challenges such as high costs and security concerns, businesses are increasingly investing in AI technologies, although consumer sentiment remains cautious, with many waiting for price reductions before making purchases.The podcast also discusses the evolving landscape of AI adoption among small to mid-market businesses. A survey by Techaisle reveals that these companies are prioritizing strategic consulting over mere tool acquisition, seeking comprehensive services that encompass the entire lifecycle of AI implementation. This shift indicates a maturation of the AI services market, as organizations focus on responsible AI use and tailored solutions that address their unique operational needs. However, Gene Marks highlights that many small business owners are still in the experimental phase, using AI tools like chatbots for basic tasks rather than fully integrating AI into their operations.Earnings reports from major tech companies such as NVIDIA, Dell, HP, and CrowdStrike reveal a mixed picture regarding AI's impact on their financial performance. NVIDIA reported substantial revenue growth but faced concerns about an AI bubble and geopolitical tensions affecting its market. Dell's earnings exceeded expectations, but its forecast fell short, while HP noted that a quarter of its PC sales were AI-enabled. CrowdStrike, on the other hand, struggled with a disappointing revenue outlook amid ongoing challenges, including litigation related to an IT outage.The episode concludes with a sobering discussion about the darker implications of AI, highlighting a tragic case where a former Yahoo executive, influenced by AI interactions, committed murder and suicide. This incident raises urgent questions about the psychological risks associated with AI, particularly for vulnerable users. The podcast emphasizes the importance of IT providers in establishing guardrails and policies to ensure safe AI adoption, underscoring that the difference between responsible use and dangerous misuse lies in proper training and oversight. Four things to know today 00:00 Enterprises Race Ahead on AI Agents and PCs, While SMBs Struggle With Strategy and ROI 06:14 Big Tech Shouts “AI,” Wall Street Shrugs — What It Means for SMBs and IT Providers 11:19 Rev.io Enters PSA Market With All-in-One MSP Platform, Betting on AI and Billing Expertise 13:30 Chatbot-Linked Killing Highlights Dark Side of AI and Why Providers Must Set Guardrails  This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://syncromsp.com/  All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

If you need some motivation as an entrepreneur, then this is the podcast episode for you.In today's video Tyler and Sterling sit down with Rene Saul, the CEO and co-founder of Kapital, the $1.3 billion-dollar startup from Mexico City that is transforming the Latin-American banking space forever. Rene breaks down how they got started, the lessons and failures they've had along the way, and how he developed the resilience and energy that has allowed him to overcome all of the startups obstacles that have come their way. His energy is off the charts!Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:05:06) How Past Ventures Shaped Kapital's Success(00:15:04) Mexico's Innovative Tech Center Transformation through SMBs(00:18:45) Running Marathons(00:22:24) Resilience and Perseverance in Business Success(00:27:34) Overcoming Setbacks: The Entrepreneurial Resilience Journey--Check out Kapital: kapital.comThis episode was brought to you by Pelion Venture Partners. You can learn more about them here: pelionvc.comIf you liked this episode, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel.

Send us a textThe machinery manufacturing ERP landscape is uniquely complex, demanding far more than the generic capabilities many vendors claim to offer. These businesses are highly project-driven, building large, costly machines that require collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and calibration engineering disciplines—often within long development cycles and tightly interdependent workflows. While smaller ERP systems may provide advanced tools like CAD integrations or specialized workflows, they frequently lack the robust supply chain, inventory, and financial capabilities necessary to support the full business model. Beyond engineering-heavy production, machinery manufacturers often operate diverse divisions under one umbrella, from parts businesses resembling distribution and commerce operations to service arms managing rentals, long-term maintenance contracts, and advanced field service. These layers of complexity make it clear that only a handful of ERP systems—typically those designed with both depth and breadth—can effectively support the industry without extensive customization.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Machinery manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Machinery manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Machinery manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Episode 1: Buying a Business 101 - Introduction to the concept of buying a business - Benefits of acquisition versus starting from scratch. - Common myths and misconceptions.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies. Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo. Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now. https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0

Send us a textWhat do street food in Vietnam, varsity football, and DMARC email authentication have in common? In this immersive episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Michael Chester for a lively conversation that connects personal transformation with global impact.