Podcasts about smbs

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training With clients increasingly expecting their agencies to leverage AI, are you waiting for client direction, or leading the way on how to use it? Today's featured guest has a unique vantage point on this shift. He runs a platform that connects clients with credible agencies while helping agencies showcase their expertise, giving him a front-row seat to what clients truly want and what agencies fear about AI. With hundreds of thousands of agencies on his platform, he's seen firsthand that the agencies standing out are the ones leading the AI conversation, not waiting for permission to start it. He'll share why educating your clients on the possibilities of AI is now a competitive advantage and how his company's new verification layer aims to bring trust and clarity to an increasingly crowded agency marketplace. Tim Condon is the Chief Revenue Officer at Clutch, the largest B2B service provider marketplace online, boasting over 300,000 agencies. Tim helps agencies showcase services, collect reviews, and attract qualified buyers. With a front-row seat to the challenges and wins of agencies across industries, Tim sees exactly how the best adapt—and how others risk falling behind. Tim has been on the show before with advice on how agency owners can separate from the pack and position their agencies for success. In this episode, we'll discuss: Is AI coming for your agency? Document your AI processes before it gets expensive. How you should be starting the AI conversation. The power of documented proof. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Is AI Coming for Your Agency? It Depends The elephant in every agency Slack channel: Will AI replace us? Tim sees a spectrum. Some agencies think they're immune (“We only serve local dentists, so we're safe.”), while others are already using AI to transform delivery, productizing what used to be manual labor into scalable SaaS products for other agencies. Most agencies are stuck in the middle - unsure where to begin and afraid to fall behind. Basically, if your clients are tech-savvy DIYers, yes, you're at risk. But 99% of clients aren't like that. They want the results AI brings, but they don't want to build or manage it themselves. Hence, those who adopt AI to streamline delivery and elevate their positioning—not those who ignore it or just dabble, will win. AI Isn't a Threat. It's Your Edge AI is already making agencies faster, leaner, and more profitable if they leverage it correctly: Custom GPTs for marketing, sales training, and operations Automated research and lead qualification Speeding up delivery while maintaining quality Tim shared an example of a San Francisco agency using LLMs to automate internal processes. It wasn't complicated: structured folders, an AI model to search and output organized results. Simple, but powerful. If your agency isn't at least experimenting with AI to remove repetitive manual work, you're falling behind—not because AI will replace you, but because other agencies will outpace you by using AI to do what you do, faster and cheaper. Document Your AI Processes Now (Before It Gets Expensive) AI pricing today is like Uber in the early days: cheap to get you hooked, but it won't last. AI's current affordability is saving agencies the equivalent of multiple salaries annually. Eventually, these tools will increase in price to reflect their true value. What can you do about this? Jason recommends documenting your workflows and data used to train custom GPTs or AI agents now. If pricing spikes or a model goes down, you can pivot to another provider without losing your institutional knowledge. Why Agencies Must Shift from Order-Takers to Advisors Most agencies fail not because they lack skills, but because they act like order-takers. As a clients, it's frustrating for Jason when agencies ask, “What do you want us to do?” instead of showing him what's possible. Remember that as agencies, your purpose is to solve problems for your clients. Clients (dentists, local businesses, even large brands) don't know what's possible with AI. They think it's just a fancy chatbot. If you step up to educate and advise clients on what's possible with AI, you become indispensable. Look to build systems that: Research prospects automatically before calls Automate competitor and market analysis Help clients leverage AI in their workflows Agencies that step into this advisor role, showing clients what's possible and taking accountability for delivering results, become irreplaceable. You're not just executing tasks; you're creating outcomes they can't create alone, and that's where real value lies. Don't Be Another “Nomad Agency.” Be the Real Deal Too many people who failed at running agencies pivot into teaching how to run an agency while living the “digital nomad” lifestyle, without having actually built sustainable businesses. This creates noise and mistrust in the marketplace, making it harder for real agencies to stand out. Most of the time, agency owners are accidental entrepreneurs—people who mastered a skill and were asked to help, not those who started for the lifestyle. If you're listening to this, you're likely the latter. To stand out, you need to showcase not just what you can do but what you've actually done. Your wins, client results, and case studies speak louder than lifestyle photos on Instagram. The Power of Specific, Documented Proof If you want to stand out from the fly-by-night agencies, talk specifics. Others mostly speak in generalities. Instead, credible agencies share specifics. If you can clearly articulate, “Here's the exact problem we solved for a client just like you,” then you instantly separate yourself from the pack. Tools like Clutch help because they use AI to pull themes from your reviews to match buyer intent, but your agency still needs to collect, showcase, and share detailed case studies and client stories. Documentation matters. If you're working with SMBs or mid-market clients, they want to see clear, verified results before investing. When you can present proof, it's hard for low-quality competitors to compete, no matter how flashy their pitch decks look. Start gathering your “receipts” now to future-proof your positioning. Verification Adds Trust in a Crowded Marketplace Tim's company Clutch now offers Clutch Verified as an additional trust layer. They don't just take your word for it; they check your business registration, credit history, and operating longevity to separate real agencies from “gaming-the-system” players. It's a powerful way to signal to potential clients, “We're credible, stable, and vetted.” For clients, it's a good indicator of who you'll be working with and for agencies it becomes a sales asset. When potential clients research you on Clutch, verified agencies are prioritized, giving you an edge over competitors. It's a practical, low-cost step to build trust and signal legitimacy, especially if you're competing for premium clients. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Navigating the Complex World of Leave Management: How AI is Transforming HR for Distributed TeamsIn today's rapidly evolving workplace, managing employee leave has become a daunting challenge—especially for companies with teams spread across multiple states. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Anant Agarwal, co-founder and CTO of Aidora, to discuss the intricacies of leave management, the role of AI in simplifying compliance, and actionable strategies for HR leaders. Drawing from Anant's personal journey as a new parent and a tech founder, this conversation offers a wealth of insights for startups and established companies alike.The Role of AI in Streamlining Leave ManagementAnant Agarwal's personal experience as a new parent revealed just how challenging and confusing managing leave can be—especially when navigating complex federal, state, and city regulations. As a solution, Anant and his team at Aidora are using AI to streamline the leave management process for distributed teams. By utilizing AI-powered tools, companies can offer personalized leave plans to employees based on their location, situation, and company policies, ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations while also empowering employees with the information they need to plan their time off effectively.AI's role doesn't stop at personalizing leave plans; it can also keep HR teams updated in real time with regulatory changes, reducing the risk of errors and compliance issues. This is especially valuable for startups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that may lack the dedicated HR and legal teams to manage such complexity. The AI solutions offered by Aidora scale with companies, helping them manage leave for teams of all sizes while ensuring that employees across different states and cities receive consistent, accurate information.Additionally, AI tools like Aidora's free leave plan generator allow employees to confidentially explore their leave options before approaching HR, saving time for both employees and HR departments. With precise, actionable outputs based on location-specific laws, this tool reduces administrative burden and enhances the employee experience, making the complex world of leave management more manageable for everyone involved.About Anant AgarwalAnant Agarwal is the Co-founder and CTO of Aidora, an AI-powered platform reshaping how modern companies manage employee leave. Anant has spent his career solving complex problems across industries—from leading AI-driven personalization efforts at Google to serving as a Vice President and strategist at Goldman Sachs, where he built financial infrastructure that powered structured product distribution at scale. Known for his ability to go deep fast, Anant blends technical depth with business strategy and execution, and has a track record of building high-performing teams, shaping product culture, and scaling with speed and clarity.About AidoraAidora provides AI-powered tools designed to simplify leave management for companies with distributed teams. Their flagship product, an AI-powered leave plan generator, helps employees quickly understand their leave entitlements, while ensuring HR teams stay compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Aidora's mission is to reduce the administrative burden of leave management while improving the employee experience.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Aidora Website

Rania Succar, the new CEO of Kaseya, discusses her vision for the company at a crucial time for both Kaseya and the managed service provider (MSP) ecosystem. With Kaseya facing scrutiny over customer service and billing practices, Succar emphasizes the importance of innovation and a cultural reset to strengthen relationships with MSP partners. She believes that Kaseya has the potential to be a leader in driving outcomes for small businesses through its partnerships with MSPs, which are essential for helping these businesses adopt cutting-edge technology. Succar outlines four key values that will guide Kaseya's next chapter: measuring success based on the profitability and revenue growth of MSP partners, delivering innovation that benefits these partners, enhancing the overall customer experience, and investing in the community. She acknowledges the frustrations MSPs have expressed regarding customer service and billing practices, and she highlights specific steps Kaseya is taking to address these issues, including the end of high watermark pricing and improvements in customer support. The conversation also touches on the importance of internal culture and employee retention at Kaseya. Succar emphasizes the strength of her leadership team and the need for a culture that empowers employees to make decisions at all levels. By fostering a customer-centric and innovative environment, she aims to improve the overall experience for both employees and customers, ultimately leading to better service quality. Looking ahead, Succar shares her vision for leveraging AI and automation to enhance Kaseya's offerings for MSP partners. She recognizes the challenges SMBs face in adopting AI and emphasizes the need for collaboration between Kaseya and MSPs to unify data and create effective solutions. By focusing on these areas, Succar aims to position Kaseya as a leader in helping small businesses navigate the evolving technology landscape. 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

Send us a textEnterprise IT decisions carry enormous financial and strategic weight, and analyst firms like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC play a pivotal role in shaping them. Yet despite the influence of their research, many IT and business leaders struggle to use it effectively. Too often, organizations rely on reprints or surface-level summaries without grasping the full context or limitations. When properly interpreted, analyst insights can significantly reduce risk, streamline decisions, and steer companies away from costly mistakes. But unlocking that value requires more than just access—it demands a clear understanding of how to translate dense reports into actionable guidance that aligns with specific business needs.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Carter Lusher—an industry analyst veteran with experience on both sides of the table, as a former Gartner and Ovum analyst, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss the consumer's guide to IT industry analyst research and advice.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. 

SMBs are drowning in a sea of disconnected financial tools, juggling separate platforms for banking, payments, accounting, and lending. Many business owners find themselves logging into five or six different systems just to manage their daily operations, creating inefficiency and driving up costs at a time when economic pressures are mounting. U.S. Bank's latest 2025 Small Business Survey shows that SMBs are looking to their FIs to collapse these various digital solutions into one integrated experience. "They are overwhelmed by the number of standalone software solutions which exist in the marketplace," explains Shruti Patel, Chief Product Officer for the Business Banking segment at U.S. Bank. "They would like to consolidate these so that they're not constantly juggling with multiple tools or playing mental gymnastics, all while streamlining costs." The survey data, drawn from approximately 1,000 SMB owners across the country with revenues up to $25 million, shows a clear trend toward viewing banks as comprehensive financial hubs rather than simple repositories for funds. SMBs are seeking integrated solutions that combine banking, payments, and software capabilities under one roof. Listen to this podcast to learn about U.S. Bank's Shruti Patel is helping U.S. Bank position itself as the primary re-bundlers of financial services in the post-pandemic era.

On this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore Hilton's strategy to drive direct bookings from small business travelers, while Marriott Hotels finalizes its acquisition of citizenM hotels, expanding its lifestyle portfolio. The vanishing hotel minibar takes center stage as operators rethink in-room profit models. In travel, Tripadvisor reveals its top 2025 attractions, JetBlue doubles down on tech with its Travel Products platform, and Royal Caribbean Group plans a loyalty refresh to meet the demands of last-minute cruisers. Tune in for all the latest trends, headlines, and insights shaping the hospitality world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore Hilton's strategy to drive direct bookings from small business travelers, while Marriott Hotels finalizes its acquisition of citizenM hotels, expanding its lifestyle portfolio. The vanishing hotel minibar takes center stage as operators rethink in-room profit models. In travel, Tripadvisor reveals its top 2025 attractions, JetBlue doubles down on tech with its Travel Products platform, and Royal Caribbean Group plans a loyalty refresh to meet the demands of last-minute cruisers. Tune in for all the latest trends, headlines, and insights shaping the hospitality world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. In today's episode, we focus on a critical area for all small businesses: IT support and cybersecurity.With SMBs increasingly reliant on technology and facing sophisticated cyber threats, a proactive and strategic approach to IT is no longer optional—it's essential for survival and growth.Joining us is Scott Kendall, President of Outhouse IT, a managed IT services provider supporting small businesses across Ontario with flat-fee tech support, cybersecurity, and Microsoft 365 management.Key Highlights:1. Proactive IT vs. Break-Fix: The crucial difference between reactive “computer guy” fixes and proactive managed IT services, and why waiting for problems is costly.2. Cybersecurity as a Business Risk: Why cybersecurity is a core business concern, with real-world breach examples and how smart planning can prevent disaster.3. Hidden Costs of Outdated Technology: How legacy systems and consumer-grade tools silently drain productivity and credibility—and modern solutions SMBs can adopt.4. Outhouse IT's Client-Focused Approach: Scott shares what inspired Outhouse IT and how their tailored approach serves sectors like legal, financial, and professional services.5. Identifying IT Mistakes: Common IT errors SMBs make unknowingly and key signs that your current IT setup may be holding your business back.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.

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with vendors doubling down on AI innovation, strategic partnerships, and vertical-specific enhancements. Acumatica is making waves by detailing its AI-driven ERP roadmap tailored for the mid-market, while Deltek introduces benchmarking capabilities powered by its Clarity study to enrich Vantagepoint users' insights. Meanwhile, Appian and Creatio are pushing platform updates that elevate data fabric and process automation experiences. Strategic alliances are also taking center stage—IFS and UKG are teaming up in North America, as are Rimini Street and T-Systems for enterprise support and hosting. From GoTo's targeted platform for automotive dealerships to Persado's dynamic email tailored for financial services, and ServiceNow's AI agents built for telecom, the message is clear: enterprise tech providers are sharpening their focus on specialization, intelligence, and integration.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 vendor. 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. 

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen. You're listening to AI for SMBs—a dedicated series where we spotlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. In this series, we're diving into how AI is shaping the future of work, redefining productivity, and delivering real ROI for businesses ready to embrace innovation.Joining us today is Randy Marks, CEO of MediGram AI, a company leading the way in AI video technology. Randy is helping businesses connect with their audiences in new and impactful ways. Today, we'll explore MediGram AI's unique AI video technology, its applications in healthcare and other sectors, and the benefits of Digital Twin sales teams.Key Highlights:1. Our Unique AI Video Technology: Randy describes how MediGram AI's personalized and interactive video elements help build faster, more trustworthy connections with audiences.2. Applications in Healthcare and Outside Healthcare: Key uses of AI-driven videos in healthcare, training, product introduction, and patient outreach.3. Benefits & Efficiencies of Digital Twinning Sales Teams: How Digital Twin sales teams improve efficiency and address the pain point of getting appointments with clients.4. Avatar Creation Process: The process of creating an avatar with MediGram AI, including steps and typical timelines.5. Client Onboarding and Requirements: What clients need to get started with MediGram AI's video solutions.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.

This is how you save time.     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://peakbusinessvaluation.com/contact-2/   YouTube - Need more hands-on videos? - https://www.youtube.com/@letsbuyabusiness

Send us a textThe Configure-to-Order (CTO) space within manufacturing demands systems built for flexibility—balancing standardized components with the ability to configure products quickly and accurately. Unlike Engineer-to-Order (ETO), where each project starts from scratch, CTO relies on predefined options that can be assembled in various ways to meet customer needs. This configuration may occur within ERP or PLM systems, or extend outward through CPQ tools and e-commerce interfaces, depending on how a company structures its sales and fulfillment processes. Given the wide variability in product complexity and go-to-market strategies, there's no universal approach—successful CTO execution hinges on aligning configurability with business objectives and user experience.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each configure-to-order 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. 

Alibaba may be known for its massive scale — but at the heart of its U.S. strategy is something much more focused: empowering small businesses.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Nicole Silberstein sits down with Justin Liu, U.S. Country Manager at Alibaba.com, to explore how the global B2B marketplace is helping American entrepreneurs source more efficiently, build more resilient supply chains and take advantage of cross-border opportunities.With experience at Amazon, Meituan and streetwear marketplace Poizon, Justin brings a global lens to today's most pressing retail topics — from digital discovery to de-risking the sourcing process. Together, they discuss:How global supply chain disruption has changed brands' sourcing timelines and strategies;How Alibaba is evolving to better serve U.S. small businesses;The company's strategy for simplifying product discovery and vendor relationships; andThe role of trust, transparency and tech in the future of B2B ecommerce.RELATED LINKSExplore Alibaba.com's offerings for U.S. small businessesTry out Alibaba's new AI-powered sourcing platform Accio.com Read more about the Alibaba-Wix partnership on Retail TouchPointsLearn about Alibaba's efforts to support SMBs, including Olympic athletesListen to more episodes of Retail Remix

My guest for this episode is Craig Taylor who is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and a 25-year veteran of Cybersecurity. Craig's distinguished career includes having worked in major organizations such as Web Hosting for CSC, Finance in JP Morgan Chase, and manufacturing with Vistaprint.In 2014 he co-founded a cybersecurity training company - CyberHoot - to help SMBs and MSPs learn cyber literacy. Craig talks to us about the cybersecurity consultancy he leads delivering virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services to more than 30 companies (all sizes and industries). A fantastic solution for those businesses that are not at the stage of needing a dedicated CISO.Additionally, Craig has a fantastic offer for Mastering Risk Management listeners.  If your organisation goes to the cyberhoot.com website and enters 'Mastering Risk in the referral code when registering for a free 30-day trial, you'll get 20% off for life!As an individual, you can go to cyberhoot.com/individuals and subscribe to the platform for free! This will help you build your cyber literacy skills for life! Or if you just want information on the services CyberHoot offers, email sales@cyberhoot.com for further information.This was a great discussion with Craig - I hope you enjoy it!Send us a textContact ABM Risk Partnership to optimise your risk management approach: email us: info@abmrisk.com.au Tweet us at @4RiskCme Visit our LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/18394064/admin/ Thanks for listening to the show and please keep your guest suggestions coming!

Show Resources Join the LinkedIn Ads Fanatics community and get access to our 4 courses to take you from beginner to expert Rate/Review Contact us with any questions, suggestions, corrections! Summary Ever feel like you're wasting LinkedIn Ads budget reaching the wrong company sizes? In this episode of The LinkedIn Ads Show, host AJ Wilcox dives deep into one of the platform's most powerful — and misunderstood — targeting facets: company size. Learn how LinkedIn determines company size, the hidden pitfalls of inclusion vs. exclusion targeting, and why over half of LinkedIn's users may not be targetable by size at all. Whether you're going after SMBs or enterprises, you'll discover practical strategies (including a game-changing micro-segmentation tip) to make sure your ads reach the right audience — and avoid costly mistakes. Transcript For the full show transcript, see the show notes page here: Episode 163

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 First up…1848 Ventures, an AI-first venture studio building SaaS solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US, today announced it has led a $3 million seed funding round for Propel People, a mobile-first hiring platform built to help contractors hire skilled tradespeople faster. Propel People has also appointed industry veteran Dexter Bachelder as CEO, bringing deep expertise in construction tech and go-to-market execution to the growing company. https://hrtechfeed.com/1848-ventures-leads-3m-seed-round-for-propel-people/ WALNUT CREEK, Calif.—-BetterComp, a leading provider of compensation management software, today announced its $33M Series A funding round, led by Ten Coves Capital. The investment will fuel BetterComp's continued growth and innovation, enhance its AI-powered market pricing and pay recommendation capabilities, expand into new product adjacencies, and scale operations to better serve a rapidly growing global customer base. https://hrtechfeed.com/compensation-management-software-lands-33m-in-funding/ RICHMOND, Va — goHappy, the leading provider of innovative frontline employee engagement tools, today announced it has received a significant growth investment from Pamlico Capital, a private equity firm focused on high-growth technology and services businesses. The investment amount which was not mentioned… will support goHappy's next phase of growth as it continues to pursue its vision of helping employers drive stronger business outcomes through better engagement of their frontline teams. https://hrtechfeed.com/employee-engagement-tool-announces-investment/ Ashby, a rapidly growing company, has announced a successful $50 million Series D funding round. The investment was led by Mark McLaughlin at Alkeon, with co-lead support from existing investor Lachy Groom, and participation from F-Prime, Elad Gil, Gaingels, and other new and returning backers. https://hrtechfeed.com/ashby-raises-50-million-series-d/ SAN FRANCISCO—-CandorIQ, the AI-powered platform transforming how organizations plan and manage people spend, today announced a $4.8 million seed funding round led by Array Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, CRV, and Switch Ventures. The funding will be used to grow CandorIQ's engineering and go-to-market teams, accelerate product development, and expand the platform's AI capabilities across compensation and workforce planning workflows. https://hrtechfeed.com/workforce-planning-tool-lands-4-8m/ The highly anticipated Monster/CareerBuilder auction has concluded, and the winning bidder is not JobGet, as some might have expected. Instead, BOLD Holdings emerged victorious with a staggering final bid of $28.4 million! Jobget emerged as the backup with a bid of $27 million. https://hrtechfeed.com/bold-holdings-snags-monster-careerbuilder-auction-for-28-4-million/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most small businesses waste money on traffic that disappears overnight. Learn why organic traffic fails for SMBs and discover proven strategies that deliver sustainable growth. Visit https://trycatalyst.ai/ for more info. Ethos Media & Marketing LLC City: Washington Address: DC - MD - VA - FL Website: https://www.ethosm2.com

Join me as I chat with Cody Schneider discusses why productized services using AI tools are superior to traditional AI automation agencies, offering five specific business ideas that can generate $40K - 80K monthly within six months. Each idea leverages AI tools to create scalable, recurring revenue streams while providing measurable value to clients. The conversation highlights acquisition strategies, pricing models, and specific AI tools that entrepreneurs can use to implement these services. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Why Productized Services 03:29 - Med Spa AI Marketing Service 13:50 - AI Ads for Beauty E-Commerce Brands 21:33 - SMMA for nutrition coaches 25:04 - Link Magnets for Webinars 29:34 - Data Analytics AI Agency 32:32 - Voice AI Agents and Future Trends Key Points: • AI automation agencies often struggle with sustainability, while productized services offer recurring revenue and better scalability • Med Spa marketing services using AI-generated content and Google Maps optimization can generate $2-3K monthly per client • Facebook ads for beauty e-commerce brands is a high-value opportunity due to constant need for fresh creative content • Social media management for nutrition coaches represents an underserved market with significant revenue potential • Data analytics services for SMBs can leverage AI tools to provide insights from existing business data 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/ Boringmarketing - Vibe Marketing for Companies: http://boringmarketing.com/ The Vibe Marketer - Join the Community and Learn: http://thevibemarketer.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.skool.com/startupempire/about FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CODY ON SOCIAL Cody's startup: https://www.graphed.com/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/codyschneiderxx Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@codyschneiderx

Send us a textSelecting the right research firm is a strategic decision that hinges on aligning their domain expertise with your industry's specific challenges and goals. These firms do more than collect data—they interpret trends, test assumptions, and translate findings into actionable insights that inform critical business decisions. To ensure a good fit, it's essential to evaluate their methodologies, track record, and how well they tailor recommendations to your objectives. A credible research partner doesn't just report on the market—they help shape your strategy with intelligence you can act on.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Duncan Chapple, Analyst Relations Lead, Elisa Polystar, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss how to work with the right research firms.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 us a textCustomer service in eCommerce comes with unique complexities, especially when managing thousands of product-related inquiries that can make or break a sale. Given the typically lower price points, even premium brands face a dilemma: hiring seasoned agents can be cost-prohibitive, yet relying on less experienced staff may jeopardize customer satisfaction. This is where seamless integration with eCommerce platforms becomes vital—ensuring agents have the right context and tools to respond effectively. Unfortunately, many customer service solutions built for other industries lack this deep integration, leaving eCommerce teams to navigate disjointed systems and compromised service quality.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Georgias' capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Georgias might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Georgias.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.

Virtual assistant outsourcing is helping small businesses streamline daily operations and reduce overhead. SMBs in finance and e-commerce are using this flexible model to scale smarter, faster, and with less cost. Here's why the shift is accelerating.For more, visit https://bridgehiring.com/ Bridge Hiring City: Parowan Address: 41 N Main St Website: https://www.bridgehiring.com

Send us a textIn Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environments, early-stage collaboration with customers is critical, particularly during design and engineering. While general-purpose tools like Smartsheet or Monday.com may aid in project tracking, they typically fall short in supporting the depth and complexity of data exchange inherent in ETO workflows. Similarly, CAD and PLM platforms offer some collaborative capabilities, but their reach is often confined to engineering-specific tasks. The real challenge—and opportunity—emerges once the Bill of Materials (BOM) is finalized: ERP systems must seamlessly take over to drive production and execution. ERP platforms with built-in CAD and PLM integration simplify this transition, reducing technical friction, while those without native support often require costly middleware or custom development, increasing implementation risk.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each engineer-to-order 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. 

In this episode of the Entrepreneurs United Podcast, hosts John St. Pierre and Rich Hoffmann explore the crucial role of quarterly offsite meetings in building successful businesses. They discuss the benefits of stepping away from the day-to-day operations to reassess core values, set strategic goals, and develop vulnerability-based trust within teams. The conversation highlights the differences between the EOS and The Advantage frameworks, effective meeting structures, and practical advice for implementing impactful offsite sessions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering better communication, stronger teamwork, and sustained business growth. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that could transform how you manage your team!00:00 Introduction to the Entrepreneurs United Podcast00:07 The Importance of Quarterly Offsites01:34 Comparing Traction and The Advantage05:26 Challenges and Benefits of Offsites10:01 How to Start Your Own Quarterly Offsite15:22 The ROI of Offsites20:36 Effective Meetings and Organizational Health23:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

In Episode 350 of the CIAOPS “Need to Know” podcast, along with the latest news from the Microsoft Cloud, we explore how Microsoft Power Pages is revolutionising web development for SMBs. Learn how this low-code platform enables businesses to build secure, scalable portals—without needing full-stack developers. From customer support portals to partner onboarding, discover real-world use cases, a step-by-step guide to building your first portal, and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can offer Power Pages as a service. This episode is a must-listen for IT professionals, MSPs, and business leaders driving digital transformation. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get your M365 questions answered via email   Show Notes Security & Compliance Microsoft Purview powers data protection in Security Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/microsoft-purview-powering-data-security-and-compliance-for-security-copilot/4433522 AI Governance with Purview: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/secure-and-govern-ai-apps-and-agents-with-microsoft-purview/4429925 Defender for Office 365 email security performance: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/17/transparency-on-microsoft-defender-for-office-365-email-security-effectiveness/ Cloud Storage Protection in the age of AI: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/MicrosoftDefenderCloudBlog/protecting-cloud-storage-in-the-age-of-ai/4433854 New Regulatory Frameworks in Defender for Cloud: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefendercloudblog/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-adds-four-new-regulatory-frameworks/4433440 AI & Copilot Copilot Memory for personalised AI: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-copilot-memory-a-more-productive-and-personalized-ai-for-the-way-you/4432059 Security Copilot Admin Tools: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/securitycopilotblog/new-tools-for-security-copilot-management-and-capacity-planning/4432723 Intune Integration with Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/microsoft-security-copilot-in-intune-deep-dive---part-3-explore-and-act-on-your-/4433019 Surface Management Portal now supports Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/surfaceitpro/now-generally-available-microsoft-security-copilot-in-surface-management-portal/4429558 Learning & Productivity Microsoft Forms Tips: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/get-the-most-out-of-microsoft-forms-with-these-little-known-features/4432179 Threat Intelligence Octo Tempest Attacks: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/16/protecting-customers-from-octo-tempest-attacks-across-multiple-industries/ Defender Experts on proactive threat hunting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqlxXf6JeQg Platform & Tools Apple Device Enrollment in Intune: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/understanding-apple-enrollment-methods-in-microsoft-intune/4434586 Recognition & Industry Updates Microsoft Named Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/16/microsoft-is-named-a-leader-in-the-2025-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-endpoint-protection-platforms/ AI Governance & Design Agent Governance in Microsoft 365: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/healthcareandlifesciencesblog/mastering-agent-governance-in-microsoft-365/4416620 Media & Branding Microsoft Stream & Clipchamp brand unification: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/microsoft-stream-and-microsoft-clipchamp-brand-unification-update-for-microsoft-/4433155  

Santosh Kaveti, founder and CEO of ProArch, discusses the critical steps organizations must take to operationalize AI effectively. His company specializes in helping clients across various sectors, including power, manufacturing, and healthcare, bridge the gap between IT and operational technology systems. Kaveti emphasizes the importance of data readiness as a prerequisite for AI readiness, arguing that without proper data governance, organizations cannot successfully implement AI solutions. He outlines a structured approach to AI adoption, starting with individual user empowerment and progressing through workflows and custom AI applications.Data governance is a central theme in Kaveti's discussion, where he clarifies that it does not necessarily require perfectly structured data but rather a solid understanding of data risks and access controls. He notes that many organizations, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, are often unprepared for the data governance necessary to support AI initiatives. Kaveti suggests that organizations can achieve significant improvements by implementing basic data classification and access controls, which can lead to a more effective AI journey.Kaveti also highlights the differences in AI adoption across industries, noting that compliance drives many organizations in healthcare, while critical infrastructure sectors often mistakenly believe that their locked-down environments ensure security. He points out that a lack of understanding of data risks can lead to vulnerabilities, regardless of the perceived security measures in place. This misconception is prevalent among SMBs, which often overlook the importance of data hygiene and governance.Finally, Kaveti shares real-world examples of how ProArch has successfully implemented AI solutions for clients, illustrating the tangible benefits of AI in improving operational efficiency. He emphasizes that AI should not be confused with mere automation, as true AI applications can enhance productivity and decision-making. By focusing on the integration of AI tools and ensuring they work cohesively, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI to drive business transformation. 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

In the latest episode of “Path to Market,” Natasha and Micah are joined by Fanny Talagrand, Head of EMEA sales for startups and SMBs at Stripe to discuss key sales strategies from startups to enterprises. Drawing from her extensive experience in global tech companies like Google Cloud and Stripe, Fanny emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and journeys, leveraging user feedback, and the different dynamics between selling to startups versus enterprises.She also provides advice for hiring the first sales reps, highlighting the need for candidates to be smart, driven, and coachable. She stresses the significance of onboarding processes and embedding new hires with users early on. Additionally, she explores how to balance product-led growth with enterprise sales and shares metrics to optimize sales performance.Tune in to learn about:how to align sales strategies with the needs and journeys of different types of users;how PLG and enterprise motions can coexist with careful planning and differentiation in user journeys;why as companies grow, including a sales team becomes vital to extend market reach and support users who require more comprehensive solutions;and more practical strategies for founders looking to enhance their sales operations and build successful teams.Here's what's covered:00:00 Introduction to Fannie Talegrand00:46 Fannie's Career Journey03:11 Comparing Sales Strategies at Google Cloud and Stripe09:02 Product-Led vs. Enterprise Motion12:13 Sales Metrics and Funnel Optimization15:14 Differences in Selling to Startups vs. Enterprises22:50 Hiring the Right Sales Leader33:11 Onboarding New Sales Hires38:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest: Ray Meiring, Co-Founder & CEO at QorusDocsScaling a SaaS business from consultancy roots to enterprise success requires more than just great tech—it takes ruthless focus, smart go-to-market choices, and a deep understanding of your buyer.In this episode, Ray Meiring, co-founder and CEO of QorusDocs, joins host Ken Lempit to share the lessons learned on his journey from South Africa to the U.S. market and how QorusDocs carved out a winning niche in AI-powered proposal automation.We unpack: ✅ Why founder-led sales can't scale—and how to move beyond it ✅ The trap of chasing SMBs after funding (and what to do instead) ✅ How QorusDocs found product-market fit through one anchor customer ✅ What every SaaS CRO and CMO should know about RFP response teams ✅ The critical role of marketing in driving pipeline (not just sales)Ray also shares the moment venture funding pushed them off course—and how doubling down on their ideal customer profile helped them reset, rebuild, and grow more efficiently.If you're a SaaS CMO or CRO scaling into enterprise, navigating founder-to-function transitions, or wondering where AI really moves the needle, this episode is packed with firsthand insight.---Not Getting Enough Demos? Your messaging could be turning buyers away before you even get a chance to pitch.

Canada's outdated capital gains policies are driving entrepreneurs and investors away. We need competitive tax reform to keep talent and investment here, building the businesses of tomorrow.We have just 33 small businesses per 1,000 people vs 124 in the US. Fixing our capital gains system could help us close this gap with the US and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.Modern capital gains reform will unleash Canadian innovation, create more high-paying employment, and ensure our world-class graduates build their companies here, not elsewhere.GoalsTo ensure a prosperous, sustainable, and growing economy, Canada needs a thriving private sector that invests in new businesses. A strong environment for entrepreneurship creates jobs, drives GDP growth, and ensures economic mobility for all. In recent years however, entrepreneurship, and consequently private sector employment, has been slow despite an increasing population.One factor driving this change is that Canada's capital gains tax policies make it significantly less rewarding to start a business compared to other jurisdictions. To reverse this trend and reinvigorate our private sector, we must revise our outdated policies to align with global standards.Our targets:* Increase SMBs per 1000 people over the age of 18 from 33 to 62 to get half of the US rate of 124.* Increase the number of early-stage financing rounds (Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B) for new businesses from 482 in 2024 to over 1000+ per year.* Increase investments in new businesses through industry-agnostic venture capital financing to 0.5% of GDP, up from 0.35% of GDP, to get closer to the USA's figure of 0.72% of GDP.Background and MotivationNew business formation and growth relies on people taking huge risks with their time and money. However, today in Canada the people that take these risks – entrepreneurs, early stage employees, and investors – are rewarded less than in other countries.As a result the country's best talent is driven to leave and start businesses elsewhere, where they can find easier access to funding1 and keep more of the upside if they succeed.We need to reverse this systematic issue. By rewarding investors that put their capital at risk and supporting entrepreneurs who put their livelihoods on the line to create new companies we can create a strong and resilient economy.All companies begin as small and medium businesses (SMBs) and the formation and growth of these SMBs is essential to a country's economic success both through driving the quality of the labour market and creating opportunities for productivity growth.In Canada, SMBs accounted for ~64% of private sector employment and contributed to half of all net new jobs added last year2. These work opportunities support upward income mobility, lead to more capital being reinvested into local communities, and are particularly valuable for traditionally disadvantaged populations3 4 5.In addition, SMBs represent a significant portion of the economy and have high potential for productivity improvements6. Between 2017 and 2021, SMBs contributed almost half of Canada's GDP7. As these businesses grow and scale their operations they improve efficiency and drive productivity-led growth that can be equivalent in impact to roughly 5% of a developed nation's GDP8 9.Perhaps most importantly, SMBs turn into global winners. Growing these companies into sizable businesses is how a country can win an unfair share of global markets, by creating the large, export-focused corporations that contribute an outsized value to GDP and productivity growth. To ensure the next trillion dollar companies - the equivalent of Google, Microsoft, or Meta - are built in Canada, founders must be convinced to start their companies here.So, having a healthy ecosystem of SMBs is essential to creating a strong economy, but the data shows Canada is falling behind our global peers. In the 20 years between 2003 and 2023, the total number of Canadian entrepreneurs decreased by ~100K, despite the population growing by 10 million10 11. Today, for every thousand people over the age of 18 the US has ~124 SMBs12 13. Israel, a country with less than a quarter of Canada's population, has ~7314 15, while Canada has just ~3316.A significant driver of this stagnation is outdated and uncompetitive capital gains policies that have low limits, exclude large categories of business, and contain many restrictions compared to global peers - especially the US. It is less valuable for investors to put money into Canadian businesses, making capital more scarce and it discourages entrepreneurs who know that in most cases they could receive more reward by building the same company elsewhere. This makes it difficult for any SMB to get started let alone scale.Today, Canada has two capital gains policies, to try and encourage SMB creation, the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) and a proposed Canadian Entrepreneur's Incentive (CEI) announced in Budget 2024 but not yet implemented. Combined, the LCGE and CEI would allow shareholders to reduce the inclusion rate of capital gains from the current 50% down to a range of 33.3%-0% to a cap of $3.25M 17 18.These policies simply can't compete with the US. The USA's Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) policy has a capital gains cap of $15M or ten times the original investment amount, five times higher than Canada's LCGE and CEI limit. In addition the QSBS is active today, while Canada's CEI cap has a phased approach only coming into full effect in 2029 if the policy is passed. Today in 2025, LCGE and CEI's true combined cap is only $1.25M. And while QSBS shields 100% of gains up until the policy cap for individuals and corporations, Canada's CEI would only shields 66.7% of gains for individuals.To illustrate how restrictive this is, we could imagine a company where the business is owned between founders, early employees, and various investors (see the first example below). If this business was started in 2018 and sold 7 years later today in 2025 for $100M, these risk-takers would have to pay a combined $14.7M in taxes. However, that same business with the same structure would pay no taxes in the US.The good news is that at larger scales of exit like $250m (see the second example below) the gap between Canada and the US decreases due to a more competitive basic capital gains inclusion rate in Canada. This means that if we match the QSBS's capital gains limit it could actually give the Canadian policy an edge driving more investment in the country and supercharging our SMB ecosystem. However, if we leave the policy as it stands right now companies can never get started because investors and entrepreneurs are scared away.The reason is that the QSBS rewards smaller exits - the majority of SMB outcomes - with the maximum capital gains tax value. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs, early employees, and investors to take on the risks of building a business. In fact, early-stage US investors are currently increasing their investments into new Canadian businesses, and adding in clauses that would require the Canadian business to reincorporate in the US simply to become eligible for QSBS. This means the best Canadian entrepreneurs and companies are leaving the country simply to take advantage of these rules. This decreases the health of our SMB ecosystem, prevents large companies from growing in the country and ultimately reduces tax revenue.If we want to keep our entrepreneurs, Canada's capital gains policies must become competitive with US policies.‍Beyond better gain caps and exclusion rates, the US's QSBS allows a wider range of businesses and stakeholders to benefit from the policy, with no minimum ownership requirements, increased asset value caps, and a tiered inclusion rate approach that incentivizes long-term business building. Meanwhile, Canada's CEI excludes companies in healthcare, food and beverage, and service businesses19. CEI's minimum ownership rules also exclude early employees and investors who own less than 5% of the business at the time of sale.Most importantly, while LCGE and CEI's $3.25M cap applies over a taxpayer's entire lifetime, QSBS's limits are per issuer or business. In other words, entrepreneurs, early employees, and investors can use the QSBS more favourable policy again and again for subsequent companies. This discourages repeat entrepreneurs in Canada, who statistically have a higher chance of building successful businesses, from creating a second or third company, as Canada's LCGE and CEI don't extend to new issuers20 .What Needs to Be DoneTo properly reward risk takers, Canada can fully solve our capital gains policy problems by combining the LCGE with the CEI into a simple, powerful capital gains policy that supports entrepreneurs. In particular, the new policy could become competitive by adopting three major changes:1) Expand the eligibility requirements to ensure Canadian entrepreneurs and risk takers are supported. Eligible business types should be expanded to include all industries of national interest, including healthcare clinics, clean energy, technology, etc. We should also eliminate 5% minimum ownership requirements to enable any individual or corporate entity to claim CEI deductions in accordance with the tiered approach that is used to support early-stage employees and investors.2) Improve the capital gain exclusion rate system to be globally competitive, supporting entrepreneurs and increasing investment. To prevent the draw of foreign jurisdictions and ensure that we have just as much incentive to start companies as peer countries, we should start by raising the exclusion cap to $15M gain or 10x adjusted cost basis per taxpayer, whichever is greater.3) Make structural changes to ensure these new policies scale appropriately. Amend the capital gains limit from applying per lifetime to per business to incentivize repeat entrepreneurs to continue building in Canada. Additionally, ensure that common investment structures, including Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) and Convertible Notes, become eligible, with the holding period commencing from the date the investment is signed, not when the shares are priced and converted. So, there are no major discrepancies for startups choosing to operate in Canada compared to the US.Common QuestionsWill this only benefit tech startups?No. Canada's LCGE was originally created to support all small businesses and increase competition, which includes non-tech businesses such as fisheries and farmers. Our memo recommends expanding eligibility to all industries deemed essential, including non-tech ones, that the current CEI proposal omits, such as healthcare practitioners. In the US, SMBs of all sectors, including manufacturing, retail, wholesale, consumer, and packaged goods, benefit from the QSBS policy21.Wouldn't corporate tax breaks reduce tax income for social programs and only benefit the wealthy 1%?No, this would encourage investment in Canadian small businesses, essential for increasing corporate tax revenue that funds social programs. Businesses that receive investment can generate more jobs, pay higher wages, which help increase individual income tax revenue, and reduce withdrawals from crucial social assistance programs, such as Employment Insurance, as more companies and workers stay in Canada. This helps reduce the burden and improve access to social programs, rather than removing them.What stops foreign investors from abusing this and using Canada as a tax-sheltered haven to enrich themselves at the expense of Canadians?Maintaining Canadian incorporation, assets, residency, and operating requirements, combined with a minimum 2-year waiting period before benefits kick in, will ensure that new businesses maintain a presence in Canada, creating skilled job opportunities for Canadians and contributing to local economic growth.Why should we invest in SMBs? Aren't they risky and likely to be shut down in a few years?68% of SMBs in Canada survive and operate into their fifth year, and a further 49% of SMBs survive and operate for more than a decade22. SMBs around the world, including Canada, contribute significantly to economic output, job opportunities, and increased competition for consumers.ConclusionCanada needs to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs at the earliest stages. We have one of the most educated countries globally, with the largest college-educated workforce among G7 countries23. Canadian universities are consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, world-renowned, with research labs led by leaders like Geoffrey Hinton, dubbed the “Godfather of AI,” who was recently awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in AI and ML24 25.Not only is our population talented, but they are also resourceful and hardworking. Rather than punishing them, we should reward them for taking the risks to build Canada's economy. To start, we should implement a modern capital gains policy that rewards investors, entrepreneurs and early employees.Read more here: https://www.buildcanada.com/en/memos/reward-the-risk-takers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Send us a textProject management has come a long way from rigid, legacy systems to more adaptable, user-friendly platforms that cater to today's fast-paced work environments. Modern solutions range widely—from balanced tools that blend structure with flexibility to sprawling, spreadsheet-like systems demanding heavy consulting to tailor workflows. In this evolving landscape, ClickUp has emerged as a versatile player, promising both ease of use and robust customization. But the key question remains: how does ClickUp stack up against its competitors in delivering the right mix of simplicity and power for diverse project needs?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ClickUp's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ClickUp might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of ClickUp.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.

When Kevin Wall first stepped into industry from public accounting, it wasn't by accident—it was through a client he already knew well. The company, in the midst of an ERP conversion and preparing to go public, saw in Wall someone who understood both their numbers and their needs. “They were familiar with me. I was familiar with them,” he tells us.That early pivot from audit into operational finance set the tone for a career defined by depth over speed. Wall spent 13 years at Alcatel-Lucent and a decade at FIS, climbing steadily while broadening his remit from general accounting to pricing, FP&A, and global finance operations. His longevity at these firms, he tells us, allowed him to “move and see new things under one roof” while growing his leadership footprint.Today, as CFO of Stax Payments, Wall is again stepping into transformation. The company, which serves over 40,000 SMBs and processes more than $20 billion in volume annually, is preparing to launch its own end-to-end processing engine. Wall's priorities reflect a blend of commercial focus and operational precision: “It's the top of the funnel,” he says, referencing lead generation, “and speed to revenue.”A self-described servant leader, Wall believes in “clearing obstacles” so teams can grow. That mindset also drove a past strategic move—reorganizing finance functions like billing and AP to other departments. It was a bold step, but one grounded in clarity: “Let's really define what we want finance to be,” Wall tells us.

Uncover the essence of what makes a great sales team. Traditional hiring methods are put to the test as Mark and Motive's CRO Adam Block spotlight the need for discipline, accountability, and an insatiable curiosity over industry-specific experience. Join Mark and Adam as they explore the exhilarating shift from mid-market to enterprise-level sales. Adam shares his wisdom on how Motive is revolutionizing industries like agriculture, oil, and transportation with its innovative AI-powered platform. Mark and Adam discuss the transition from SMBs to enterprise sales, sharing insights on the complexities and unique challenges that come with high-value transactions. Finally, the conversation delves into the art of segmentation and strategic alignment, crucial for any company aspiring to play in the enterprise league. 

Send us a textThe enterprise technology landscape is heating up with a wave of strategic acquisitions and bold AI investments signaling a new era of innovation and consolidation. Lenovo's move to acquire Infinidat strengthens its foothold in enterprise storage, while CDP consolidation accelerates as Rokt absorbs mParticle, tightening the data ecosystem. AI-driven capabilities are front and center, with ServiceNow advancing its agentic AI roadmap through Cuein and Oracle launching AI agents tailored for sales professionals. Meanwhile, startups like DeepSeek-R1 are shaking up the AI space by offering open-source alternatives to ChatGPT, and Atomicwork's recent $25M+ Series A reflects growing investor confidence in AI-powered enterprise IT tools. From Render's $80 million cloud simplification push to Vercel's acquisition of Tremor to boost open-source React development, the market is rapidly evolving toward smarter, more integrated solutions.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. 

What happens when you bring Silicon Valley tech thinking into an “unsexy” industry? Alex Jekowsky, Co-founder and CEO of Cents, shares how his vertically integrated platform is quietly transforming garment care—starting with laundromats. In this conversation, Alex breaks down what it takes to digitize an analog industry, earn operator trust, and build deep value with a lean team. If you've ever wondered what it really means to build vertical SaaS for SMBs, this is a masterclass.Key TakeawaysStart with digitization, not disruption—operators don't need revolution, they need visibility and options.Building for SMBs means listening first, innovating later. Reliability beats cleverness early on.A lean team can deliver better quality by being more deliberate, but it comes with execution risk.Cents' growth isn't about horizontal expansion—it's about going deeper with each customer.Clear alignment on mission—“garment care”—enables scale without complexity.Timestamped Highlights[01:50] – Why laundromats? The overlooked opportunity in an “unsexy” industry[06:30] – Digitize first, then provide optionality: Cents' real value proposition[09:40] – Why innovation is an earned right in SMB SaaS[12:50] – The tradeoffs and benefits of building vertically with a small team[16:40] – How Cents plans to grow deeper in garment care without chasing new verticals[21:50] – Culture, clarity, and staying anchored to the mission—how Cents keeps its edgeQuote of the Episode"Nobody works with you because you're innovative—they work with you because you work."Resources MentionedCents: https://www.trycents.comCall to ActionIf this episode changed how you think about vertical SaaS or SMB tech, share it with a founder or product leader who needs to hear it. And don't forget to follow The Tech Trek for more behind-the-scenes stories on building products that actually move industries forward.

I'm gonna scare you in this episode. Am I solving for freedom or just running from something? Do I understand how this business actually makes money? Can I survive the worst-case scenario? What will break in my life if I say yes? Do I know what success looks like in 12 months? And will I still want it then?   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/.     YouTube - Need more hands-on videos? - https://www.youtube.com/@letsbuyabusiness    

Send us a textMake to Stock (MTS) manufacturers may span diverse industries, but their ERP needs often align around the essentials: accurate demand forecasting, efficient inventory management, and resilient supply chain operations. With production driven by forecasts rather than confirmed orders, the stakes for planning precision are high—making tools like MRP, S&OP, and warehouse logistics critical to profitability. In our 2025 ERP analysis, we zeroed in on platforms that go beyond basic functionality, identifying those with strategic investments in MTS-specific capabilities, robust communities, and agile technology stacks. Whether you're in food and beverage, automotive, or consumer goods, the systems highlighted here are designed not just to meet today's operational challenges, but to scale with the complex future of proactive manufacturing.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each make-to-stock 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. 

Bob Burke, Chief Information Security Officer at Beyond Identity, challenges the effectiveness of traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. He argues that legacy MFA solutions, which often rely on out-of-band authorization methods like push notifications or one-time passwords, are no longer sufficient against the rising tide of sophisticated cyber threats. With the advent of services like phishing-as-a-service, attackers can easily bypass these outdated security measures, necessitating a shift towards phishing-resistant authentication methods. Burke emphasizes the need for organizations to adopt solutions that not only enhance security but also consider device posture and trustworthiness.Burke also critiques the current state of FIDO2 and passkeys, acknowledging their potential while highlighting their limitations, particularly in terms of device posture and user experience. He suggests that small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) should prioritize phishing-resistant solutions that integrate both browser protection and device authentication. Furthermore, he raises concerns about the pricing models of many Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, which often place essential security features behind higher-tier subscriptions, effectively discouraging customers from adopting more secure practices.The conversation shifts to the endpoint detection and response (EDR) market, where Burke notes that while EDR solutions are still necessary, they are evolving into more comprehensive offerings like extended detection and response (XDR). He points out that many of these solutions are priced for enterprise-level organizations, leaving SMBs and mid-market companies struggling to find affordable options. Burke encourages these organizations to seek out solutions that fit their budget while still providing essential security capabilities.Finally, Burke shares insights from his experience with the FedRAMP certification process, emphasizing the importance of building internal security competencies and integrating security into product design from the outset. He advocates for a clear internal compliance program, such as NIST, to guide organizations in their security efforts. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Burke warns that the tempo and scope of attacks are increasing, driven by advancements in AI, and urges organizations to reassess their security architectures to stay ahead of emerging threats.  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

Welcome to episode #992 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Dave Whorton has spent his career building, backing and reimagining companies, but not in the way Silicon Valley usually does it. As founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way – Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last (which he co-authored with Bo Burlingham), Dave champions a different breed of business: evergreen companies. These are organizations designed to last generations, rooted in purpose, resilience and profitability… not just hypergrowth and exit strategies. Before this pivot, Dave had a front-row seat to the “get-big-fast” movement as an associate partner at Kleiner Perkins, and he co-founded ventures like drugstore.com and Good Technology. But the treadmill of fast capital and faster exits didn't resonate. He stepped off and sought a more meaningful model, eventually codifying it into the 7 Ps of Evergreen: purpose, perseverance, people first, and more. In this conversation, Dave explores the cultural and economic consequences of chasing unicorns, and what's gained when we celebrate the quiet power of companies in the middle. Those not seeking fame or fortune but focused on sustainable impact. Dave talks about the role of introverted leadership, long-term planning, and what capitalism can look like when it's driven by values rather than valuations. If you've ever felt that the venture-backed startup narrative doesn't tell the whole story or if you're building something you want to last, this conversation might just give you language and hope. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:00:43. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Dave Whorton. Another Way – Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last. Tugboat Institute. Follow Dave on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Evergreen Companies. (02:47) - The Shift in Capitalism. (05:52) - The Spectrum of Capitalism. (08:55) - The Role of Venture Capital. (11:50) - Defining Scale in Business. (15:08) - The Importance of SMBs. (17:53) - The Seven Ps of Evergreen Companies. (21:13) - Revisiting Venture Capital Models. (23:54) - Celebrating Success and the Power Law. (31:40) - Reflecting on the Journey: The Value of the Middle. (33:14) - The Economic Landscape: Building Evergreen Companies. (34:38) - Historical Perspective: Resilience in Business. (38:15) - The Role of Evergreen Companies in a Changing Economy. (40:19) - Compensation and Value Distribution in Evergreen Companies. (42:29) - Resisting the Unicorn Mentality: A Different Path. (47:31) - From Manifesto to Strategy: The Evergreen Approach. (51:49) - The Culture of Evergreen Leadership: Introversion and Stewardship.

Are you a founder or CEO juggling growth ambitions with complex financial realities? Imagine having a strategic financial partner who truly "gets" your business.This week on "That Entrepreneur Show," we're excited to host Chris Ortega, CEO and Founder of Fresh FP&A. Chris is revolutionizing how small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) approach finance, proving that a fresh perspective, paired with decades of global experience, can unlock serious growth.Chris isn't your typical suit-and-tie finance pro. With a background leading global financial strategy at companies like Emarsys (acquired by SAP), he's now dedicated to empowering SMBs from $1M to $70M in revenue. He believes in making finance accessible, understandable, and a powerful engine for your business, freeing you from stress and boosting profitability.In this episode, Chris reveals:How Fresh FP&A provides fractional CFO and advisory services to help SMBs navigate financial complexities, improve predictability, and achieve strategic growth.His "fresh view on finance" and what truly sets his approach apart from traditional accounting, offering comprehensive tactical and strategic guidance.Insights from his journey, from growing up on the west side of Indianapolis to leading financial integration during a major SAP acquisition.Practical advice on gaining financial clarity and confidence, allowing you to focus on leading your business to new heights.If you're an entrepreneur looking to demystify your finances, optimize your operations, and build a clearer path to sustainable growth, this episode with Chris Ortega is a must-listen.Click play now to learn how to transform your financial approach and gain the confidence to scale your business effectively.Support the showBe sure to subscribe to stay current with our episodes. Want the episode freebie or have a question for our guest or Vincent? Interested in becoming a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com.Show Partners:Coming Alive Podcast Production: www.comingalivepodcastproduction.comJohn Ford's Empathy Card Set and App: https://www.empathyset.com/ Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving beyond a mere tool to become the foundational operating system for modern businesses, particularly in the SMB and mid-market sectors. Anurag Agarwal, founder and chief global analyst at TechIsle, discusses the transformative potential of AI as an operating system (AIOS), which would integrate intelligent capabilities at the core of computing. This concept envisions a system that learns user behavior, anticipates needs, and automates tasks, blurring the lines between user intent and system action. However, Agarwal emphasizes that we are still in the early stages of this evolution, with AIOS being more of an aspirational goal than a current reality.The conversation also delves into the concept of agentic AI, which represents a shift from traditional robotic process automation (RPA) to more autonomous, judgment-driven automation. While many SMBs are exploring agentic AI for applications like customer service and IT operations, the adoption remains nascent. The research indicates that businesses are looking for solutions that can handle complex processes without human intervention, highlighting the need for operational autonomy. Agarwal points out that the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows and ensuring accountability for AI-driven decisions are significant hurdles that need to be addressed.Security is another critical theme discussed, as AI presents both opportunities and risks. The podcast highlights the dual nature of AI as a "sword and a shield," where it can be used to enhance security measures but also introduces new attack vectors. Threats such as social engineering, data poisoning, and automated exploitation are becoming more prevalent, necessitating advanced security solutions. Agarwal mentions that while some vendors are making strides in AI-powered security, there is still a gap in readiness for SMBs and mid-market firms to effectively implement these solutions.Finally, the discussion touches on the importance of unified experience platforms (UXPs) that integrate customer and employee experiences. Agarwal explains that these platforms aim to streamline communication and enhance interactions across various touchpoints, ultimately driving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, there is a notable gap in the readiness of the partner channel to implement these solutions effectively. The conversation concludes with a call for MSPs to focus on understanding customer needs and building their capabilities to bridge this gap, ensuring they can deliver the integrated solutions that businesses are increasingly seeking. 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

Columbia University has recently suffered a significant data breach, compromising the personal information of 1.8 million individuals, including social security numbers and financial aid details. The hacker, motivated by political opposition to affirmative action policies, claims to have stolen 460 gigabytes of sensitive data. This incident is part of a troubling trend of politically motivated cyber attacks targeting higher education institutions, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision to bar affirmative action practices in 2023. The limited media coverage of this breach raises concerns about data security and the integrity of academic institutions.In a related development, malware detection has surged by 171% in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report from WatchGuard Technologies. This increase highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats that are outpacing traditional defenses. The report indicates a staggering 712% rise in new malware threats on endpoints, with the LSASS dumper identified as a leading threat. This trend underscores the need for organizations, especially universities and small businesses, to recognize the escalating risks and adapt their security strategies accordingly.Huntress has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to enhance cybersecurity for businesses, integrating its enterprise-grade solutions with Microsoft environments. This partnership aims to provide essential protections for endpoints and identities, allowing organizations to respond more effectively to cyber threats. Meanwhile, Microsoft is discontinuing the use of its Authenticator app for password storage, prompting users to transition to alternative solutions. This shift emphasizes the need for users to rethink their credential management strategies in light of evolving security practices.The podcast also touches on the implications of recent incidents involving major IT service providers, such as Ingram Micro's ransomware attack, which has raised concerns about vendor trust and supply chain fragility. As vendors face scrutiny following security breaches, the erosion of trust in their products becomes a significant issue for managed service providers (MSPs). Additionally, the discussion includes emerging concepts in artificial intelligence, such as context engineering, and the growing prevalence of AI note-takers in meetings, which raises questions about the balance between technological efficiency and human interaction in the workplace. Four things to know today 00:00 Columbia Breach and Malware Surge Show Why Compliance Alone Fails in Today's Threat Landscape04:19 Huntress and Microsoft Join Forces to Bring Enterprise-Grade Security to SMBs and MSPs07:18 Palo Alto Networks Denies Involvement in Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack08:53 MCP's Universal Plugin Model Could Transform MSP Integration and Governance This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by: https://mspradio.com/engage/ 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

Sales Mastery in the Modern Era with Navid MomeniIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Navid Momeni, Founder and CEO of Sales Guru Global and author of How to Become a Sales Master. Navid dives into what sets top-performing sales professionals apart in today's market—emphasizing curiosity, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of growth. He shares how modern sales is about problem-finding over problem-solving, and why consistency, coachability, and a “growth mindset” are essential for success.Mastering Sales in Today's Evolving LandscapeNavid emphasizes that modern sales professionals excel through curiosity, in-depth research, and empathetic listening. Instead of pushing products, they act as trusted advisors who uncover client challenges and tailor meaningful solutions. These skills transform sales conversations into opportunities for connection, clarity, and trust-building.He also explains the importance of daily habits like tracking activity, refining objection handling, and practicing consistent follow-up. The concept of “clobbering”—relentless repetition and feedback—helps salespeople build muscle memory and improve performance over time. Navid stresses that coachability and consistency are key markers of lasting success.Lastly, Navid highlights the human side of selling—resilience, adaptability, and giving back. He believes sales mastery includes a responsibility to uplift others, which is why 100% of proceeds from his book are donated to charity. His holistic view of growth as both personal and professional sets a powerful standard for sales leaders today.About Navid Momeni:Navid Momeni is the Founder and CEO of Sales Guru Global and the author of How to Become a Sales Master. He brings over a decade of experience coaching sales teams and individuals to elevate their performance and mindset. Navid's training emphasizes skill development, resilience, and continuous learning.About Sales Guru Global:Sales Guru Global delivers customized sales training and consulting for startups, SMBs, and enterprise clients. The company offers go-to-market strategy support, sales team workshops, and 1:1 coaching programs to accelerate sales performance.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Navid Momeni on LinkedInSales Guru Global WebsiteKey Episode Highlights:Why curiosity and empathy are today's most valuable sales traitsHow to develop resilience and coachability in your sales careerWhat “clobbering” means and why it drives masteryThe importance of continuous skill upgrades and self-reflectionHow Navid's book contributes to global charitable causesConclusionJosh and Navid explore how mastering sales in today's world requires both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. From diagnosing hidden challenges to building lasting client trust, Navid's approach equips listeners with actionable tactics and a mindset for growth.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestMore from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are

In this special bonus episode brought to you in partnership with Mastercard, Suneera Madhani explores one of the biggest opportunities in fintech today: open banking. If you're a fintech founder building tools for small businesses, this episode is packed with insights to help you create more impactful, data-driven solutions. With over 33 million SMBs in the U.S. powering nearly half the workforce, the demand for modern financial tools is only growing. Inside the episode: The real reason small businesses struggle with cash flow—and how fintech can help A breakdown of what open banking is and why it matters right now Five powerful ways to leverage open banking APIs—from payments and lending to fraud prevention and financial visibility How to get started: choosing the right partners, using AI for better insights, and staying up-to-date on compliance needs This conversation is especially for founders building the next generation of fintech products that support small business success. This episode is sponsored by Mastercard. #MastercardAmbassador Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textIn this wide-ranging episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, cybersecurity leader Joe Saunders of Check Point shares his journey—from Cuban cigars to global IT strategy. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this conversation blends personal passions with serious insights on cybersecurity, leadership, and AI.Joe kicks things off with a deep appreciation for cigars, explaining how a Cuban cigar gifted at a Pax8 event sparked his fascination. From flavor profiles to Connecticut Maduro wrappers, Joe uses the cigar world as a metaphor for personalization and nuance—something he also values in business relationships.The conversation shifts to Check Point's major Infinity Platform launch, a consolidated suite of AI-powered security tools designed to better serve MSPs and SMBs. Joe highlights the importance of MSP-focused features like multi-tenancy, API integrations, and compliance frameworks (SOC, ISO), all tailored for modern partner operations.He also reflects on the role of discipline and self-awareness in his own growth, echoing Joey's own health journey. Joe closes by inviting MSPs to visit the Check Point booth, try the platform with free licenses, and embrace AI-driven security innovation. 

Send us a textThe enterprise tech space is buzzing with momentum as AI-driven innovation, strategic acquisitions, and infrastructure investments redefine the competitive landscape. From Qbiq's $16M raise to automate architectural design to Vasco's funding to optimize startup revenue trajectories with AI, it's clear that intelligent automation is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Meanwhile, power-hungry data centers brace for demand to double in the next five years, prompting infrastructure giants like Lenovo and IBM to expand their capabilities through high-stakes acquisitions. CDP consolidation gains pace with Rokt's mParticle deal, while ServiceNow and Vercel are sharpening their edge in AI and open source, respectively. Even the cloud world isn't sitting still, with Render securing $80M to simplify deployment. And amidst it all, industry drama unfolds as Salesforce's Marc Benioff openly critiques Microsoft Copilot, reminding us that even in AI, not all copilots fly smoothly.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 us a textStartups and scaleups often sprint toward innovation, laser-focused on building game-changing products—but in the rush, many forget that visibility is just as critical as viability. While founders perfect their pitch decks and chase product-market fit, they often underestimate the power of analyst firms. These aren't just report writers—they're strategic allies offering market intelligence, competitive benchmarking, and credibility boosts that can shape investor confidence and buyer trust. Yet, too many treat analyst engagement like that unused gym membership—clearly valuable, rarely prioritized. In truth, tapping into analyst networks can be the growth lever that helps a brilliant product avoid fading into obscurity.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Chris Holscher, Holscher.one in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss Chris' research on the value analyst firms bring to the table for startups.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. 

Small businesses are increasingly recognizing the need for digital maturity and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency. A recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business reveals that while a significant majority of small business owners have websites, only a small fraction accept online payments. This gap highlights a pressing need for integrated e-commerce solutions that not only enable payment processing but also align with the workflows of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The report indicates that many SMBs are eager to adopt technology that addresses specific pain points, with a notable percentage already utilizing AI for communication and marketing tasks.The concept of agentic AI presents a substantial growth opportunity within the technology sector, particularly for partners over the next few years. However, the adoption of agentic AI varies significantly across different market segments, with large enterprises focusing on building ecosystems around major platforms, while SMBs are more likely to adopt AI through software-as-a-service solutions. Despite the potential, a report from Gartner warns that a significant percentage of agentic AI projects may fail due to factors such as rising costs and immature use cases. This underscores the importance of informed decision-making and practical applications of AI technology.Regulatory changes are also shaping the landscape for businesses, particularly concerning data privacy and governance. Creative Commons has launched an initiative called CC Signals to create a framework for sharing datasets in the age of AI, addressing concerns about data accessibility and ethical practices. Meanwhile, a recent Supreme Court ruling in the U.S. mandates age verification for websites with sexual content, raising alarms about internet privacy and the potential risks to personal data security. These developments signal a shift in the regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize compliance and data governance as core components of their operations.In the realm of technology solutions, several companies are introducing AI-powered tools aimed at improving IT support workflows and cybersecurity measures. TeamViewer has launched TeamViewer Intelligence, which enhances remote support capabilities, while Hornet Security has introduced AI Cyber Assistant tools to bolster security for SMBs. Additionally, acquisitions such as Grammarly's purchase of SuperHuman and Comet Backup's acquisition by WebPros reflect strategic moves to enhance service offerings and integrate communication tools. As the market evolves, IT service providers must leverage these advancements to create higher-margin service offerings and ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.  Four things to know today  00:00 SMBs Want Efficiency: AI Uptake Grows Yet Few Accept Payments Online05:37 Creative Commons Moves to Safeguard Data Commons in the AI Age08:01 TeamViewer, Addigy, and Calyptix Roll Out MSP-Centric AI and Cloud Solutions11:29 Grammarly, WebPros, and LevelBlue Deals Show Strategic Consolidation Across Tech Sectors  This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship 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

Deal 1 - SBA Pre-Qualified: 12-Year-Old SaaS Payment Platform | $186K MRR | Owner Works Minimal Hours https://quietlight.com/listings/16590131/   Deal 2 - High-Growth Travel Brand | $40M+ Sales | Patented Products https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/high-growth-travel-brand-40m-sales-patented-products/2372419/   Deal 3 - Multiple Rev Streams - E-commerce, Local, National Service - Rugs! https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/multiple-rev-streams-e-commerce-local-national-service-rugs/2292694/     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/.   YouTube - Need more hands-on videos? - https://www.youtube.com/@letsbuyabusiness

Send us a textMake-to-Order (MTO) industries operate on the principle that production begins only after a confirmed customer order, demanding ERP systems that can gracefully handle variability, non-standard workflows, and high-precision job tracking. From custom fabrication to complex project-based builds, the ERP platforms featured in our list have been evaluated not just for baseline functionality, but for their ability to support the real-world intricacies of MTO environments—whether it's managing inventory for non-stocked items or enabling hybrid models like engineer-to-order. While the list is designed to be broadly applicable across diverse MTO scenarios, companies in niche sectors may still need a tailored evaluation. To guide those deeper assessments, we've factored in each vendor's strategic acquisitions, roadmap direction, and community support, along with their traction and growth in MTO-heavy industries—so you're not just choosing a system that fits today, but one that evolves with your business tomorrow.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these make-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each make-to-order 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. 

Understanding Entrepreneurship, and Innovation with Branden Doyle Founder and CEO of Violett Sponsors The Jason Cavness experience is brought to you by Breeze Docs. Request for Proposals AKA RFPs, can be very challenging for Small & Medium-sized Businesses. Breeze Docs, the RFP response platform of choice for SMBs across North America, uses AI to help companies quickly complete RFPs, security questionnaires, and other important business documents. If you'd like to start winning more RFPs and reduce completion times by up to 80 percent, visit breezedocs.ai to book a demo.  By mentioning the Jason Cavness Experience, you will qualify for a free upgrade from Breeze Solo to Breeze AI+ valued at $6,000. Follow the Breeze at www.breezedocs.ai Sign up for free upgrade here https://www.breezedocs.ai/rfp-response-software-jason-caveness Branden's Bio Branden Doyle is the Founder and CEO of Violett, an air health technology company founded in 2020 and with products in market since 2023. Violett is the global leader in eliminating viruses and other pollutants from the air, helping hundreds of nursing homes, schools and workplaces keep their people safe and healthy. Starting with a launch of the Violett M portable product, Violett is now launching solutions in the built-environment and collaborating with strategic partners to gain sales and manufacturing scale. Violett has also developed the ability to detect and differentiate between different pathogens and pollutants in the air, and is working to develop and commercialize this technology with a university partner. Branden is the father of 2 young children, resides in Gig Harbor, and spends available time focused on fitness through weightlifting, running, cycling, and SUPing.  We talk about the following and other items The World of Standup Paddleboarding Powerlifting vs. Regular Lifting Balancing Fitness and Life The Importance of Proper Form Nuclear Engineering Career Insights Nuclear Safety and Security Innovations in Nuclear Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation The Birth of Violett Challenges and Adaptations in a Post-COVID World Validating Product Requirements Defining Innovation Creativity in Engineering Balancing Speed and Caution Redefining Success The Importance of Mentorship Ethics in Engineering Productivity Hacks Taking the First Step Pride in Personal Achievements Proving Product Effectiveness Navigating Market Entry The Value of Patents Target Markets and Partnerships Balancing Tech and Marketing Maintaining Quality Control Personal Well-being and Productivity Parenting and Entrepreneurship Unique Technology and Air Quality Innovative Air Quality Technology Real-Time Air Quality Database Ionization and Spectroscopy Explained Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring Daily Productivity Tips Balancing Partnerships and Profits Mental Health for Founders Fundraising Challenges in Seattle The Future of Technology and AI The Importance of Clean Air Branden's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandendoyle/ Company Website: https://www.violettuv.com/ Branden's Advice "You've got to just get out there and try. I've met so many people with great ideas who never take that first step. So put yourself out into the world and talk to people, test your ideas, and build something you're genuinely passionate about. That first step matters more than you think."