Podcasts about smbs

AI adoption among business leaders is facing significant skepticism, as a recent survey by Workato and Harvard Business Review revealed that only 6% of over 600 tech leaders expressed full confidence in AI agents managing essential processes. Despite this lack of trust, 86% of respondents indicated plans to invest more in AI technology over the next two years. Key challenges hindering widespread adoption include cybersecurity concerns, data quality issues, and the readiness of business processes for automation. This situation highlights a critical gap between the desire for AI integration and the actual trust in its capabilities.Further research published in the journal Science indicates that chatbots can significantly influence users' beliefs and opinions, raising governance concerns. The study, which involved nearly 77,000 adults in the UK, found that the persuasiveness of chatbots is influenced more by their post-training modifications and the density of information provided than by the size of the model. Additionally, an experiment by SAP revealed a bias against AI in consulting, where consultants rated AI-generated work lower than that produced by junior interns, despite both outputs being equally accurate. This suggests that psychological factors, rather than technical limitations, are a primary barrier to AI acceptance.The episode also discusses the introduction of a new location tracking feature in Microsoft Teams, which aims to facilitate collaboration in hybrid work environments but raises privacy concerns. A survey indicated that one-third of companies are using monitoring software, which can negatively impact employee morale. Furthermore, Coalition, a cybersecurity insurer, has begun offering coverage for incidents involving deepfakes, reflecting a shift in the risk landscape as synthetic media becomes more prevalent in cybercrime.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of focusing on trust, governance, and process design rather than merely implementing AI tools. As younger leaders demand personalized AI solutions, MSPs must adapt to this shift by enhancing their documentation and identifying predictable workflows suitable for automation. The evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity risks necessitates that MSPs position themselves as trusted advisors, guiding clients through the complexities of technology adoption and risk management. Four things to know today00:00 New Research Reveals AI's Trust Gap: Low Confidence, High Influence, Professional Bias, and Rising Expectations From Younger Leaders05:53 Teams' New Location Tracking Highlights Tension Between Hybrid Coordination and Workplace Surveillance Risks07:57 Deepfake Coverage Enters Cyber Insurance as Insurers Signal Rising Human-Trust Risk for SMBs and MSPs10:17 iFixit's FixBot Highlights the Coming Divide Between Organized MSPs and Those Unready for AI-Driven Support This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://saasalerts.com/mspradio/ 

Visual search remains underutilized by 73% of small businesses despite growing consumer adoption. Helen Pollitt from iStock brings enterprise-level visual content strategy expertise, having guided thousands of SMBs through digital transformation initiatives that increased organic visibility by measurable percentages. The discussion covers integrated content framework strategies that treat visual assets as core SEO components rather than secondary elements, and tactical approaches for small businesses to gain competitive advantages over larger enterprises through strategic visual search optimization.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Visual search optimization remains underutilized by 73% of small businesses despite growing consumer adoption. Helen Pollitt from iStock, who leads visual content strategy for Getty Images' stock platform serving over 1.5 million creative professionals, shares proven frameworks for integrating visual elements into comprehensive content strategies. The discussion covers location-based schema implementation for AI-generated imagery, unified content approach methodologies that eliminate silos between written and visual assets, and tactical opportunities for SMBs to gain competitive advantage in visual search before larger enterprises mobilize their resources.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our conversation with  Dan Jaenicke, Director of B2B Strategy for MacPaw, starts out with how CleanMyMac for Business is evolving to serve SMB and enterprise customers. Dan discusses patch and policy management, security and compliance challenges, fast deployment with tools like Jamf, preserving a friendly Mac-native interface, and how customer feedback and a new Mac admin survey are shaping the future of the product.  This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Setting the stage: MacPaw, B2B strategy, and enterprise focus[0:30] Introducing Dan Jänicke and his new role in B2B marketing[2:00] Launch of CleanMyMac business and early customer feedback[2:55] Consumer vs. B2B pain points and why enterprises are different[3:32] Fleet visibility, device health, and compliance needs at scale[6:01] Patch management as a key differentiator in the business product[7:22] Roadmap for group policies and staged rollouts for IT admins[8:44] Security expectations in enterprise environments[10:07] Fragmented policies across roles, departments, and access levels[11:55] Moving from SMB and mid-market into true enterprise capabilities[15:17] Competing with MDMs by focusing on simplicity and differentiation[17:21] Logistics of deploying to 1,000 devices and Jamf integration[20:08] Why quick, hours-level rollout is a competitive advantage[22:05] Complexity vs. usability in security and compliance tools[22:46] Preserving CleanMyMac's visual design and enjoyable UX for admins[24:08] Balancing simplicity with the depth enterprises demand[26:44] Design philosophy: making maintenance pleasant, not painful[27:53] Rising cyberattacks on SMBs and why every business is a target[29:05] Using Moonlock, patching, and good practices to reduce attack surface[31:07] Hidden costs of breaches for smaller organizations[33:24] Listening to customers and iterating the product weekly[33:38] Upcoming Mac admin survey and why MacPaw wants feedback[36:06] Being part of the Apple community, not just marketing to it[37:04] Closing thoughts, invitation to contact Dan, and future ambitions[38:02] Outro, support options, and how to stay connected Links: CleanMyMac CleanMyMac Business Guests: Dan Jaenicke is a seasoned Product Leader with over a decade of experience solving user challenges, leading global and local teams, and partnering with executive leadership to build impactful B2B and B2C SaaS products.  He has driven initiatives behind products launched in more than 125 countries, reaching over 50 million active users and 45,000+ paying businesses, and generating hundreds of millions in revenue.  Before joining MacPaw, Dan served as Director of Product Management at GoodRx. As MacPaw's Director of B2B Product Strategy, he now leads solutions such as CleanMyMac Business, driving innovation and growth across the company's business offerings. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Our conversation with  Dan Jaenicke, Director of B2B Strategy for MacPaw, starts out with how CleanMyMac for Business is evolving to serve SMB and enterprise customers. Dan discusses patch and policy management, security and compliance challenges, fast deployment with tools like Jamf, preserving a friendly Mac-native interface, and how customer feedback and a new Mac admin survey are shaping the future of the product.  This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Setting the stage: MacPaw, B2B strategy, and enterprise focus [0:30] Introducing Dan Jänicke and his new role in B2B marketing [2:00] Launch of CleanMyMac business and early customer feedback [2:55] Consumer vs. B2B pain points and why enterprises are different [3:32] Fleet visibility, device health, and compliance needs at scale [6:01] Patch management as a key differentiator in the business product [7:22] Roadmap for group policies and staged rollouts for IT admins [8:44] Security expectations in enterprise environments [10:07] Fragmented policies across roles, departments, and access levels [11:55] Moving from SMB and mid-market into true enterprise capabilities [15:17] Competing with MDMs by focusing on simplicity and differentiation [17:21] Logistics of deploying to 1,000 devices and Jamf integration [20:08] Why quick, hours-level rollout is a competitive advantage [22:05] Complexity vs. usability in security and compliance tools [22:46] Preserving CleanMyMac's visual design and enjoyable UX for admins [24:08] Balancing simplicity with the depth enterprises demand [26:44] Design philosophy: making maintenance pleasant, not painful [27:53] Rising cyberattacks on SMBs and why every business is a target [29:05] Using Moonlock, patching, and good practices to reduce attack surface [31:07] Hidden costs of breaches for smaller organizations [33:24] Listening to customers and iterating the product weekly [33:38] Upcoming Mac admin survey and why MacPaw wants feedback [36:06] Being part of the Apple community, not just marketing to it [37:04] Closing thoughts, invitation to contact Dan, and future ambitions [38:02] Outro, support options, and how to stay connected Links: CleanMyMac CleanMyMac Business Guests: Dan Jaenicke is a seasoned Product Leader with over a decade of experience solving user challenges, leading global and local teams, and partnering with executive leadership to build impactful B2B and B2C SaaS products.  He has driven initiatives behind products launched in more than 125 countries, reaching over 50 million active users and 45,000+ paying businesses, and generating hundreds of millions in revenue.  Before joining MacPaw, Dan served as Director of Product Management at GoodRx. As MacPaw's Director of B2B Product Strategy, he now leads solutions such as CleanMyMac Business, driving innovation and growth across the company's business offerings. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Send us a textManufacturing ERP systems may appear similar on the surface, but their differences become stark once you look underneath—especially for industries where precision, engineering complexity, and compliance cannot be compromised. While many vendors promote similar modules, only specialized ERPs are architected to handle the rigorous demands of electronics, wire harness, and other engineering-intensive sectors. This webinar will unpack why industry-specific systems consistently outperform generic, one-size-fits-all ERPs, showing how they enhance traceability, strengthen real-time visibility, and seamlessly connect quoting, ordering, production, inventory, quality, and shipping into a unified operational flow. We'll explore how features like dynamic scheduling, embedded revision and configuration control, automated quality enforcement, and real-time WIP and material visibility are purpose-built—not bolted on—to support complex manufacturing. By the end, you'll clearly see how the right specialized ERP can improve accuracy, reduce errors, accelerate throughput, and ultimately drive profitability in high-stakes production environments.In this episode, Sam Gupta hosts Tanner Rogers, Director of Sales, Cetec ERP, to discuss the ultimate ERP playbook for Electronics & Wire Harness companies.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/the-ultimate-erp-playbook-for-electronics-manufacturing/Questions for Panelists?

Peter Jones, who heads up Revenue at Premion, returns to Insider Interviews (see Ep 38) to educate us on the shifts in local TV advertising in a streaming-first world -- and how small businesses can compete with national brands, with greater access to sports inventory, and why measurement actually matters! Learn what "context" really means for advertisers (spoiler: consumers don't experience media in silos), how the collapse of some Regional Sports Networks has created opportunities for local advertisers, and why "smart curation" is more than an industry buzzword. But it's not just the small business that needs to adapt: it's agencies and brands, too. Peter breaks down what full-funnel capabilities now available to SMBs—from maxing out brand awareness across Premion's 210 DMAs, to measurable sales transactions, tapping 1st and 3rd party data.  And, as we gear up for playoff sports, he reminds us how technology has leveled the playing field and that local advertisers can get in the game, too! So, sports puns are pervasive in Episode 44 since part of our conversation is about Premion's new(ish) programmatic options to enable more inventory for all in live sports. Talk about a “game changer...!” Understand how local car dealerships and furniture stores can now leverage the same targeting, data, and attribution tools that Fortune 500 companies use, all while reaching their specific communities with precision. But for everyone, it's key to understand the importance of creative in driving outcomes, and omnichannel strategies (because yes, we're all scrolling during halftime), and why advertisers need to embrace data-driven decisions over personal platform preferences. "The first thing to realize is that big tech has leveled the playing field for local advertisers..." Whether you're a media buyer, agency leader, or local business owner trying to navigate the CTV landscape, this conversation delivers practical guidance on inventory, data, and measurement—the three pillars every advertiser should evaluate when choosing a CTV partner. Bottom line? The local advertising opportunity in streaming TV has never been bigger—but only for those willing to adapt, measure outcomes over impressions, and follow consumers wherever they are. Key Highlights [01:15] CTV's double-digit growth, challenges and opportunities for advertisers [02:14] What Premion does – Nine years of helping local advertisers navigate CTV [03:33] Leveling the playing field – Educating SMBs on using the same tools as national brands [05:25] Challenges and Strategies for Outcomes in Omnichannel Advertising [08:26] Tools and tactics – First-party data, pixels, attribution, and what SMBs need to track [10:48] The role of creative – Sequential messaging, AI tools, and "message to market match" [12:52] How Premion's programmatic access to sports inventory is opening doors for local advertisers [15:39] Smart Curation Explained and Full Funnel Options in 200+ markets [20:22] The dynamic nature of live sports – Why planning can be tricky but opportunity is massive [21:45] What to look for in a CTV partner – Hint: Inventory, data, measurement (plus the TAG seal of approval!) [23:41] Emerging Trends and AI in Advertising Connect with Peter Jones and Premion Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

OpenAds CEO and co-founder Steven Liss joins Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa to share which AI plays are likely to endure, how SMBs, brands, and agencies are reacting to the company's AI-native ad platform pitch, what brilliant questions VCs are asking adtech founders these days, and how OpenAds is using AI to run a more efficient startup. Plus, Steven tells the guys what the adtech equivalents of fracking and Tinder are.

Send us a textThis week's enterprise technology updates highlight major movements across ERP support, AI automation, testing, analytics, and workflow orchestration. Rimini Street extended support for all SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA releases through 2040, offering long-term stability for organizations navigating SAP's transition timeline. Zencoder launched Zentester, an AI-powered end-to-end testing agent designed to transform vibe coding into enterprise-grade engineering, while Acorn secured $12.3 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth. Algolia introduced its MCP Server to empower developers, and Aravo enhanced its Evaluate Engine with new features to strengthen risk and compliance workflows. Avetta rolled out upgrades to the Avetta One platform, and Orbit Analytics expanded its GL Sense solution with new capabilities. Pipefy launched AI agents tailored for HR teams, Advantive released a new version of its statistical process control solution, and Aquant detailed its retrieval-augmented conversation technology—together showcasing how AI, automation, and modernization continue reshaping every layer of the enterprise software ecosystem.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.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06EUjRBLHDAQuestions for Panelists?

SMBs need integrated visual and written content strategies equally. Helen Pollitt, content strategist at iStock with expertise in visual content optimization for enterprise brands, argues against separating visual and written content approaches. She advocates for holistic content strategy frameworks that break down traditional barriers between written, visual, and video content, emphasizing audience-intent matching over format-specific optimization tactics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many small and mid-size businesses breathe a sigh of relief once they earn a compliance certification, but the work doesn't stop there. Certifications like SOC 2, ISO, or CMMC aren't one-time milestones. They're ongoing commitments that require fresh evidence, updated controls, and regular monitoring.In this episode, Marie Joseph, Manager of Compliance Advisory at Trava, breaks down the reality of maintaining compliance over time. She discusses why frameworks evolve and how managed compliance services can take the stress off your team's plate. Plus, she shares common mistakes businesses make during recertification and how to stay audit ready all year long.Key takeaways:How compliance frameworks evolve and why it mattersCommon mistakes companies make before audits and how to avoid themHow managed compliance services free up your team's time One of the top tips Marie shared in this episode for staying proactive and organized with compliance is using a Compliance Calendar. You can download a free copy today—based on the same calendar Marie uses every day to manage SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, NIST, and other frameworks: https://travasecurity.com/pod-compliance-calendarEpisode highlights:(00:00) Compliance:  What happens after you get certified?(02:32) Framework changes and renewals(05:17) Why compliance is never “done”(09:14) The audit mistake SMBs make most oftenConnect with the host:Jara Rowe's LinkedIn - @jararoweConnect with the guest:Marie Joseph's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-joseph-a81394143/ Connect with Trava:Website - www.travasecurity.comBlog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blogLinkedIn - @travasecurityYouTube - @travasecurity

What if your first security hire wasn't a person, but a simple, guided program that made sense to everyone in your company? In this conversation, Sidekick founder and CEO Phil Howie breaks down how SMBs can build a security and privacy practice from the ground up—long before they can afford a full internal team. We cover the reality of compliance vs real security, working with MSPs, the role of design in security tools, and how founders should think about AI, governance, and future regulation. If you're a founder trying to grow in regulated markets, this one's for you. Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhowie Sidekick: https://www.sidekick.co Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-mclachlan/  Sasha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliaksandr-sinkevich/  YSecurity: https://www.ysecurity.io/ 

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 large-company CRMs in 2025, it's essential to ground the discussion in how we define this segment: organizations with more than 5,000 employees and over $1 billion in annual revenue, representing the true enterprise tier. Unlike startups, small businesses, or even mid-sized firms, large enterprises operate with global scale, complex geographic footprints, and deeply layered organizational structures that demand far more from their CRM systems. Their priorities include advanced territory and quota management, multi-layered sales and service planning, global data consolidation, and strict compliance with regulations across multiple jurisdictions. As a result, CRMs designed for this tier aren't simply expanded versions of mid-market solutions—they are built with entirely different architectural assumptions, offering deeper configurability, stronger governance controls, more sophisticated integration frameworks, and data models engineered to support highly interconnected business units operating across regions, languages, currencies, and regulatory environments.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFtzoHQiqfgRead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Small and mid-sized businesses struggle to balance visual and written content optimization strategies. Helen Pollitt from iStock brings enterprise-level visual content expertise, having developed scalable optimization frameworks for one of the world's largest stock photography platforms. The discussion covers holistic content strategy integration that breaks down traditional barriers between written, visual, and video optimization, plus audience-intent matching frameworks that help SMBs determine optimal content formats for specific search scenarios.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn sits down with Suren Reddy, founder of Cloudely, for a deep dive into where Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) is heading—especially inside the Salesforce ecosystem. If you're evaluating Salesforce CPQ, or wondering what Revenue Cloud Advanced really changes, this conversation is for you. Suren breaks down Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA) and Revenue Cloud Billing (RCB) in practical terms: why Salesforce is positioning them as the next-gen replacement for traditional CPQ, what's new in product, pricing, and catalog architecture, and how quote-to-cash is becoming a single, unified revenue platform. He shares real implementation expectations too—why RCA projects are now trending closer to 4–8 months due to expanded analysis and design, and how that tradeoff can pay off in fewer downstream touchpoints and stronger ROI. The discussion also explores the fast-moving AI layer around CPQ. Suren explains Salesforce's move toward multi-agent workflows through Agentforce, the role of Model Context Protocol (MCP) as an open standard for secure tool/data interaction, and what "Agentforce Vibes" (agentic development) could mean for accelerating CPQ and revenue applications. You'll hear a concrete AI use case he's seeing today: the Margin Optimization Agent, designed to recommend profitable product bundles while improving customer outcomes. Finally, Suren shares what he's hearing from customers about the Conga/PROS acquisition, why many are re-evaluating their CPQ options, and what demand signals he expects to rebound in 2026. Plus, a look at Cloudely's growth in India and emerging verticals like dairy, cement, and textiles. Tune in for a grounded, forward-looking CPQ conversation packed with Salesforce Revenue Cloud insights, AI realism, and customer-driven market perspective. Subscribe to the CPQ Podcast for more interviews on CPQ software, quote-to-cash, pricing, and revenue transformation.

Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, has announced survey findings which reveal that 27% of IT leaders are concerned about their ability to detect deepfake attacks over the next 12 months. This concern was felt by more respondents in larger enterprises (33%) than SMBs (23%). The research - conducted by Censuswide and involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 in each market) - found that the biggest concerns around AI and security over the next year are data breaches (34%), data protection (33%), and increased risk of adversarial or cyber-attacks (31%). Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) consider shadow AI (use of unsanctioned or unpermitted tools) among their biggest concerns. This is not necessarily surprising given that half of respondents (50%) know that people in their organisation are using such tools and some 55% admitted to using unsanctioned or unpermitted tools themselves. Forty-two per cent of IT leaders also opined that company data is not safe for input into these platforms. Perhaps exacerbating this issue, just 60% of companies have been specific about which AI tools are sanctioned or permitted. More broadly, over a fifth (21%) of IT leaders do not have a high degree of trust in AI tools and almost a third (32%) of companies do not have a strategy in place to address any AI risks that arise. The research showed that 79% of IT leaders in Ireland and the UK agree their organisation needs to focus more on the regulation of AI tools and 28% do not believe their governance around AI tools is adequate. This rose to more than a third (35%) among Irish respondents. When it comes to AI and data, 24% of IT leaders do not think their business data is ready for AI, with a similar proportion (23%) of the opinion that that their data governance policies are not robust enough to support secure AI adoption. This could explain why 78% believe a data readiness project is required to ensure successful AI adoption in their company. Sean Tickle, Cyber Services Director, Littlefish, said: "AI is rapidly reshaping the enterprise landscape, but the speed of adoption is outpacing the maturity of governance. When nearly a third of organisations lack a strategy to manage AI risk, and over half of IT leaders admit to using unsanctioned tools, it's clear that shadow AI isn't just a user issue - it's a leadership one. "Deepfake threats, data governance gaps, and a lack of trust in AI platforms are converging into a perfect storm. To stay secure and competitive, businesses must invest in visibility, policy clarity, and data readiness - because without those, AI becomes a liability, not a differentiator." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Welcome back to our Engineering the SMB Capital Stack, sponsored by our friends at Fundbox. In this four-part series, we're exploring small businesses, small business lending, and the forces shaping how small businesses access capital. I'm joined by Prashant Fuloria, CEO of Fundbox, as cohost. In Episode 4 (our finale!), we turn to the role of banks (and how they fit into an increasingly unbundled lending ecosystem), and what collaboration between banks and fintechs really looks like in 2025. To unpack it all, we're joined by Jackie Reses, CEO of Lead Bank (and former Head of Square Capital, a pioneer in embedded capital for SMBs, particularly for B2C SMBs). Highlights include: How Square Capital redefined micro-lending, serving millions of U.S. businesses under traditional bank thresholds Why embedding loans in software (not branches) rewrote the risk model for SMB credit The rise of unbundled lending: fintechs, balance-sheet partners, and the capital markets “maturity curve” How banks like Lead are re-bundling infrastructure to power fintech lending safely and at scale The regulatory horizon (from agentic commerce to stablecoins and the next wave of small-business oversight) From unserved salon owners to national infrastructure shifts, Jackie reminds us why access to capital is still deeply human, and why technology wins when it's built with empathy for the entrepreneur. If you want to understand where banks truly fit in the future of SMB lending, this finale is essential listening. This episode was brought to you by Fundbox.  As a leading capital infrastructure provider behind the digital SMB economy, Fundbox is focused on enabling platforms to embed financial tools directly into their user experiences. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuloria/ Follow Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-reses-938b7850/Learn more about Fundbox here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG

Send us a textThe aerospace and defense industry operates in one of the most demanding environments, where compliance, traceability, and precision are non-negotiable—yet many manufacturers still rely on generic ERPs that were never built for aviation. As a result, they pour millions into customizations just to meet basic FAA, DoD, and OEM requirements, only to end up with fragile systems that struggle under the weight of cert linkage, serial and lot tracking, shelf-life controls, and calibration traceability. In this webinar, we'll break down the “Aerospace ERP Gap,” exposing the risks and costs of forcing generic ERPs into aerospace use cases, including the all-too-common “$2M customization trap.” You'll see how industry-built ERP platforms close this gap with out-of-the-box capabilities for MRO, manufacturing, and defense contractors—delivering compliance-ready workflows, integrated configuration management, and real-time visibility across every aircraft, tool, and certificate. Ultimately, these purpose-built solutions help organizations move from reactive and fragmented to unified and intelligent, without blowing budgets or stretching implementation timelines.In this episode, Sam Gupta hosts Ralph Merhi, CEO, ERP.aero, to discuss the inside of the aerospace ERP gap, the $2M cost of getting it wrong.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/erp-aero-overview-webinar/Questions for Panelists?

Richard Clarke is the chief insurance officer at Colonial Surety. With more than three decades of experience, he leads insurance strategy and operations for the expansion of Colonial Surety's SMB-focused product suite, building out the online platform into a one-stop shop for America's SMBs.In this episode, Eric and Richard “Dick” Clarke discuss:Understanding ERISA safeguardsDistinguishing required and optional coverageReviewing and strengthening insurance layersCollaborating and acting proactivelyKey Takeaways:ERISA governs all employee benefit plans and requires fidelity bonds for protection. Coverage must equal ten percent of plan assets with specific federal limits in place. Knowing these basics sets the foundation for every other insurance decision.With the baseline set, organizations must separate required bonds from optional insurance. Fiduciary liability coverage protects decision makers from personal responsibility. Understanding both layers prevents blind spots in compliance and leadership risk.Once the insurance types are clear, each policy must be examined for sufficiency. Adequate limits, full inclusion of parties, and clear cyber provisions are essential. This careful review ensures protection keeps pace with evolving responsibilities.These evaluations work best when risk teams, counsel, and providers move together. Shared tools and coordinated reviews uncover gaps that one group might miss. Since no single formula applies, proactive teamwork becomes the safest path forward.“The specific answer to the question on the fidelity is that it is absolutely required. You have to have it. The brutal truth is, if you don't have it as an employer, you are in technical violation of federal law, because ERISA is a federal law.” - Richard ClarkeConnect with Richard Clarke:Website: https://www.colonialsurety.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-clarke-cpcu-cic-rplu-605b13a/ Connect with Eric Dyson: Website: https://90northllc.com/Phone: 940-248-4800Email: contact@90northllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to changeIt is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.

Yaron Orenstein is the Co-CEO of Hopp.co, a Wix company that provides a next-generation “link-in-bio” and online presence platform for creators, professionals, and SMBs. He's a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience across consumer, mobile, enterprise, and IoT businesses. Yaron is also a serial entrepreneur (CEO at Olibya Labs, previously at POPS) and deeply passionate about the creator economy. This show is brought to you by HighLevel get 30 days for free using the link below: https://lnkd.in/gytNmse2

Send us a textThis week brought a surge of AI-driven innovation across CX, martech, enterprise software, and development tooling. Treasure Data introduced five new AI suites aimed at elevating customer experiences, while Uniphore unveiled a suite of AI marketing agents and Zeta Global provided more details on its Zeta Answers platform—each reinforcing the rapid expansion of AI across customer engagement. In the enterprise and ERP ecosystem, Accenture launched its Distiller agentic AI framework, Precisely rolled out AI-driven automation for SAP ERP, and Rimini Street extended support for all SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA releases through 2040, signaling major momentum in long-term ERP modernization and support. On the engineering and DevOps front, Zencoder debuted Zentester, an AI-powered end-to-end testing agent designed to turn vibe coding into enterprise-grade engineering. Meanwhile, Acorn secured $12.3 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth, Algolia released its MCP Server to enhance developer productivity, and Aravo expanded its Evaluate Engine with new features—collectively highlighting how AI, automation, and modernization continue reshaping every layer of the enterprise technology stack.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.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrKYmqgnWMgQuestions for Panelists?

Send us a textMiguel Armaza sits down with René Lacerte, founder and CEO of Bill, one of the fintech industry's most successful and enduring leaders. From building PayCycle in the 1990s to now leading a publicly-traded company powering the “Fortune 5 Million”—the SMBs that are the backbone of America—René brings nearly three decades of hands-on experience in financial operations, product innovation, and organizational culture.In this episode, René shares his singular journey, starting with childhood influences from a family steeped in entrepreneurship and jazz music, and moving through decades of building for small and mid-sized businesses. He dives deep into why serving SMBs is both uniquely challenging and vital for communities, and reveals how Bill processes over a trillion dollars annually for nearly half a million clients across the US, in partnership with more than 9,000 accounting firms.René also shares rapid-fire insights on metrics he obsesses over (customer happiness and escalations), the importance of deep networks for founder success, and why investing in culture is the ultimate bet for long-term company excellence.A must-listen for founders, fintech builders, and anyone passionate about the future of entrepreneurship, financial technology, and the creative power of small businesses.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & René Lacerte's Background04:41 Piano passion and perseverance07:34 Dreaming of Wyntons Talent11:52 SMBs community and identity16:15 Entrepreneurship Requires Growth and Accountability18:39 Being present and appreciating20:11 Tech inspiration for SMBs25:37 Scorecards Over Job Descriptions29:47 AI Enhancing Creativity and Impact33:09 Touchless Workflow Automation35:38 Trust, data, and fintech success39:07 Financial ecosystem and acquisitions41:39 Embracing healthy workplace conflict45:42 The Power of Networking48:54 Celebration honors collective effort51:48 The lasting impact of gratitudeWant more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today's global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join ~85,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: bit.ly/3jWIp

Today, we're joined by serial entrepreneur Raj Singh. His multiple exits have landed him in product leadership roles at companies like Salesforce.com, and, most currently, as a VP of Product at Mozilla, where he's leading the team creating new AI products for SMBs. In this episode, Raj shares: * How his companies navigated multiple pivots, with innovations from ChatGPT and Zoom leading most recently to an acquisition by Mozilla * What makes “agentic browsers” the next major interface for the web, and how they could change everything from ad models to API access * And why Mozilla's stewardship of Gecko, one of only three major browser engines, is essential to keeping the internet open in the age of AI Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajansingh/ Mozilla: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/ Chapters 00:00: Introduction 01:50: Raj's entrepreneurial journey 03:52: The evolution of meeting summarization tools 07:51: Raj's product pivot 08:26: Adapting to video communication during the pandemic 16:05: Pulse's viral growth and Mozilla acquisition 20:25: AI and browser integration 27:10: Mozilla's role in browser innovation 30:58: Conclusion Follow LaunchPod on YouTube We have a new YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@LaunchPodPodcast)! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com (https://logrocket.com/signup/?pdr). Special Guest: Raj Singh.

Welcome back to our Engineering the SMB Capital Stack, sponsored by our friends at Fundbox. In this four-part series, we're exploring small businesses, small business lending, and the forces shaping how small businesses access capital. I'm joined by Prashant Fuloria, CEO of Fundbox, as cohost. In Episodes 1 and 2, we explored the state of small business lending and how capital actually reaches small businesses.  In Episode 3, we move to the heart of the SMB lending stack: underwriting (the core of how lenders evaluate and manage risk). Joining us is longtime SMB lending leader, Bernardo Martinez, currently at SoFi. Bernardo is the executive leading SoFi's SMB efforts (in addition to other initiatives like SoFi at Work, which is an employer-branded program to help companies support their talent through financial products).   Highlights include: Why analog ops and missing data have always constrained SMB underwriting, and how overdue digitization and vSaaS are finally changing the picture. What a true 360 degree view looks like when you blend bank transactions, payment processing, invoicing, and ledger data all together (and even flavor with non-financial signals like repeat visits, foot traffic, and even satellite imagery). Where machine learning and generative AI actually belong in SMB lending, from stitching together CRM, accounting, banking, and marketing data to delivering CFO-style guidance that saves owners time (and lowers probability of default). The next decade in small business finance isn't about originating loans more quickly. The real unlock will be how well you feed the data back into the business itself (the better that business runs, the safer the loan becomes).  That means translating raw signals into value added services that help owners strategize growth, spot risks early, and above all, save time!  Our data and tools are finally catching up to the needs of SMBs, which makes this an exciting moment for anyone building products for them. Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes and insights! This episode was brought to you by Fundbox.  As a leading capital infrastructure provider behind the digital SMB economy, Fundbox is focused on enabling platforms to embed financial tools directly into their user experiences. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Alex:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Follow Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuloria/ Follow Bernardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-martinez-639293/ Learn more about Fundbox here: https://bit.ly/4o1cWVG

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 mid-sized CRMs in 2025, it's important to anchor the discussion in how we define the mid-sized market: organizations with roughly 100 to 5,000 employees and annual revenues from about $100 million to $1 billion. While some vendors might loosely label this range as enterprise, its operational profile aligns more closely with a true mid-sized segment—complex enough to require mature workflows, multi-layer security, and structured organizational planning, yet not burdened by the extreme global compliance, multinational consolidation, or governance demands seen in large enterprises. This tier sits squarely between the lightweight needs of startups and small businesses and the heavy global operational requirements of enterprise firms. As a result, CRM systems built for mid-sized organizations strike a deliberate balance: they offer richer data models, stronger automation, and more advanced capabilities than systems targeted at smaller businesses, without introducing the excessive overhead or architectural rigidity common in enterprise-focused platforms.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Mid-Sized Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Mid-Sized Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnUew0p7iURead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Most management tasks shouldn't take six months. Yet many companies let them drag on. Break each day into three lists:   1. Tasks that bring in new business (raise revenue or cut costs). 2. Tasks to maintain or keep operations running. 3. Tasks others expect, but that don't add value.   Never start list 2 until list 1 is done. Never start list 3 until list 2 is done. Aim to complete list 1 before noon, when your mind is most alert.   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.   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Dec 2025 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/   Sourcing List:https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

On this special episode of Bossy, we are in Dallas!  Tara is joined in this special live recording by Angela Muñiz Rutherford, who is the Vice President of Mid-Market Sales with AT&T Business. Angela and Tara discuss how to integrate technology to upgrade your small business, help you scale, and make customers happier.  Then, Tara speaks with Mina Haque, CEO of the global restaurant chain Tony Roma's, and small business owner Daisha Board, of Daisha Board Art Gallery, about their journey as leaders and entrepreneurs. Tara, Mina and Daisha discuss the biggest challenges that exist for business owners looking to scale and how innovation has to be integrated into everyday processes to make business operations more streamlined, while making customers comfortable.  Tara also includes the audience in this unique episode and asks them to use their connections as resources for how to tactically grow their SMBs. She explains what actionable steps can be taken with advances in resources and technology, and how to take your business to the next level.  Discover more about how AT&T Business can help your small business: http://att.com/why-att-business *Based on RootMetrics® United States RootScore® Report: 1H 2025. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of AT&T.

Mindbodygreen has built a global reputation as a go-to destination for wellness — combining expert content, functional nutrition supplements, and a thriving community to help millions live healthier, more balanced lives. But behind the scenes, this SMB is also leaning into the future of technology.In this episode of The Future Of Wellness, Powered by Gen AI , Tim Glenister shares how Mindbodygreen is moving Generative AI into production to streamline content creation, personalize customer experiences, and scale their mission in entirely new ways. We dig into the why, the how, and the lessons learned — plus what the future of AI means for the wellness industry and other SMBs looking to innovate.If you're curious about the intersection of wellness, media, and AI, or looking for practical inspiration on how smaller businesses can punch above their weight with Gen AI, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.Visit Mindbodygreen : https://tc.netlify.mindbodygreen.com/AWS Hosts: Malini Chatterjee & Priyanka SadhuEmail Your Feedback: rethinkpodcast@amazon.com

Canada is very well known for its coalition loyalty programs and proprietary programs that expand earn and redemption opportunities through strong partnerships. RMG Loyalty, nearing its 25th year, specializes in small business loyalty solutions and manages partnerships that link SMBs to major rewards programs. Specifically, they have managed SMB programs for the AIR MILES rewards program and More Rewards, which has extended the earning opportunities for members of these programs.Kate Booth is the President of RMG Loyalty and she has been instrumental in creating successful customer programs, consumer and small business, for RMG Loyalty's clients. We will get her perspective on the value of B2B/SMB loyalty programs and how consumer programs can benefit from an integrated strategy that considers both consumers and small business owners.Hosted by Aaron DauphineeShow notes:1) Kate Booth2) RMG Loyalty3) AIR MILES rewards program4) More Rewards5) Book recommendations: The Science of Scaling

Is the increasing investment in marketing by SMBs a sign of growth and optimism, or is it masking a deeper struggle with confidence and effectiveness? Agility requires not only adapting to the rapid pace of technological change but also understanding the core challenges faced by your customers, like SMBs struggling to measure marketing ROI. It also demands a willingness to simplify complex tools and processes, empowering businesses to achieve more with less. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of marketing for small and medium-sized businesses, the challenges they face, and how B2B marketers can become essential partners in their success. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact. About Frank Vella I am the CEO of Constant Contact, a comprehensive digital and ecommerce marketing platform that makes it simple and effective for a business to market or sell their idea in today's complex online marketing world. We strive to anticipate our customers' needs and provide them with the tools and support they need to improve their businesses. Because when they succeed, we succeed.Prior to joining Constant Contact, I built best-in-class operations at various sized tech firms across the globe, including top-tier companies like Microsoft, GE Capital, HP Enterprise and Xerox. I have led companies through growth, transformation and successful exits while remaining focused on building a terrific culture and keeping a company's product and presence ahead of the crowd. I'm a proud Canadian expat now living in New York City, and in my free time I enjoy traveling with my family. Frank Vella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vella/ Resources Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Grab your copy of the 2025 Customer Experience Benchmarks Report: everafter.ai/benchmarkIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Alana Stoltzfus, a leader in digital customer success at Okta. They discuss the evolution of customer success, the importance of digital growth, and how Okta's Success Hub enhances customer experience through personalized recommendations. Alana shares insights on the tools and systems that power their digital success plans, the challenges faced in data management, and the lessons learned from building a scalable customer success program. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the importance of delivering value to customers.Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:52 Alana Stoltzfuss: Journey into Digital Customer Success05:46 The Evolution of Digital Customer Success at Okta08:43 Understanding Digital Growth and Customer Segmentation11:50 The Success Hub: Enhancing Customer Experience15:04 Personalization and Business Goals in Customer Success17:59 The Role of Digital Customer Success in Business Growth27:58 Tailored Customer Experiences for Gold and Silver Clients30:06 Personalized Communication and Value Realization32:29 Differentiated Messaging for Admins and Executives34:38 The Importance of Personalization in Customer Success36:36 Tools and Systems Powering Digital Success42:41 Lessons Learned and Future Directions in Customer SuccessConnect with Anika Zubair:Website: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikazubair/RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupConnect with Alana Stoltzfus:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanastoltzfus/Alana leads the Automation & Scaled Insights team at Okta, where she drives efforts to increase customer adoption, retention, and growth at scale as part of the Digital Success motion. Through the delivery of data and insights to customers and customer-facing teams, as well as AI-powered experiences, she has enabled Okta to serve all customers from SMBs (via self-service) to its largest enterprise customers, not just to scale but also to more effectively drive better customer outcomes through deeply personalized experiences. Prior to Okta, Alana worked in roles across customer success, voice of customer, and digital success, most recently at LinkedIn and Atlassian. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and 2 sons.Grab our FREE resources here: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resources Want to be our next podcast guest? Apply here: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/podcast-guest Book Anika as a speaker at your next team event: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/team-event

Send us a textThis week's customer experience and marketing technology updates highlight a clear shift toward deeper intelligence, tighter collaboration, and more secure enterprise-grade platforms. CallMiner strengthened its conversational analytics footprint with the acquisition of VOCALLS, while Contentstack expanded its composable ecosystem by launching the new Data and Insights solution. Mosaicx introduced the next generation of its Engage platform, and Salesforce continued its march toward unified workflows by embedding Slack directly into CRM collaboration. In the government and regulated markets, Talkdesk achieved FedRAMP authorization for its CX Cloud Government Edition, signaling a major milestone for secure cloud CX. Meanwhile, Treasure Data rolled out five new AI suites aimed at enhancing customer experiences, Uniphore unveiled a new suite of AI marketing agents, and Zeta Global provided fresh details on its new Zeta Answers offering—collectively reflecting increased innovation and maturity across the CX and martech landscape.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.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85vq3s9786EQuestions for Panelists?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks is prompting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adopt managed detection and response (MDR) services and explore autonomous security operations centers (SOCs). Research from TechAisle indicates that awareness of MDR among SMBs increased from 39% in 2023 to 61% in 2025, with 89% of mid-market firms prioritizing cyber resilience. This shift is driven by the need for effective security operations that do not rely on in-house expertise, as AI-driven threats evolve faster than traditional defenses can respond.A report from UpGuard highlights the prevalence of shadow AI, revealing that 68% of security leaders use unauthorized AI tools, with 90% of them bypassing corporate governance. This disconnect between security protocols and employee behavior underscores the need for organizations to adapt their governance strategies. Additionally, a significant cyber attack attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored group demonstrated AI's capability to autonomously conduct reconnaissance and data exfiltration, marking a shift in threat actor tactics.Retail executives are increasingly concerned about their employees' ability to identify genuine cyber threats, with 44% reporting a rise in cyber attacks. Despite this awareness, only 25% feel prepared for AI-driven incidents. The report emphasizes the necessity for retailers to adopt a resilience-focused approach, including improved application security and identity controls, to mitigate risks associated with sophisticated cyber threats. This highlights a broader trend across industries where reliance on employee training alone is insufficient to combat evolving threats.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), these developments present both challenges and opportunities. The increasing complexity of cyber threats necessitates a shift towards operational models that prioritize continuous verification and behavioral analysis over traditional detection methods. MSPs can leverage this moment to guide organizations in developing effective cybersecurity strategies that address the preparedness gap, ensuring that clients are equipped to handle the evolving landscape of AI-driven attacks. Four things to know today00:00 AI-Powered Attacks Accelerate as SMB Security Transitions Toward Autonomous SOC Models, Exposing a Governance Gap Around Shadow AI06:43 Retail Executives Report Rising AI-Driven Threats and Low Preparedness, Underscoring the Shift from User Training to Resilience08:50 Stealthier North Korean Campaigns and a Fragmented Ransomware Ecosystem Signal Rising Detection Challenges for MSPs11:49 Cork's New Vantage Platform Targets Unified MSP Risk Validation — But Its Visibility Metrics Demand Scrutiny This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://mailprotector.com/mspradio/

400 episodes 700k downloads (most coming recently) Raised money for acquisitions for amazing entrepreneurs. Spoken at events.Thanks everyone.  6 weeks left in 2025. Let's get after it.   I have 2 afternoons wide open, you can grab a time in the show notes.  15 min slots.https://cal.com/ryan-condie/thanks       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.   15-Min call slots - Free - https://cal.com/ryan-condie/thanks   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Dec 2025https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/   Sourcing List:https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 not-for-profit CRMs for small businesses in 2025, it's essential to understand how this market is segmented, starting with organizational size and industry context. While many assume not-for-profits operate with simpler technology needs, their CRM requirements can actually be far more complex—often extending into grant management and other operational layers, especially when the ERP footprint remains intentionally lean. For this analysis, we classify small business not-for-profits as organizations with roughly 20 to 200 employees, acknowledging that complexity often matters more than headcount. In this tier, processes are typically siloed and focused on customer- and constituent-facing workflows such as marketing, donor and volunteer engagement, and basic lifecycle tracking, with fewer downstream marketing demands. Because datasets and business objects are less interconnected than in mid-market or enterprise environments, CRM systems for this segment prioritize simplicity, lowered configuration effort, and accessible pricing—while still offering the flexibility to support a wide range of not-for-profit models, including associations, education, healthcare, charities, and religious organizations.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit Small Business CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit Small Business CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mhAL_jsdboRead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

The recent partnership between OpenAI and Search Kings, a digital marketing firm, aims to provide ChatGPT services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), particularly in the home services sector. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into SMB operations, addressing the challenges these businesses face in adapting to AI technologies. The initiative highlights a shift in focus towards rapid AI adoption, which may lead to operational instability if not managed properly, as it lacks clear governance and standards.Supporting data from the 2026 State of IT report indicates that IT budgets are projected to increase by 11% year-on-year, with 55% of organizations planning to allocate more funds to IT, primarily driven by a heightened focus on cybersecurity. Despite this growth, over half of IT leaders report insufficient internal resources to address issues effectively or foster innovation. The report also reveals that 60% of organizations are now relying on managed service providers (MSPs) to oversee their data infrastructure, reflecting a significant shift in how businesses are approaching their IT needs.Additionally, the server virtualization market is experiencing disruption following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, prompting many customers to seek alternatives and develop exit strategies from their current vendors. This situation presents an opportunity for MSPs to engage in broader discussions about modernization and technical debt reduction, rather than merely facilitating migrations. The tablet market is also stabilizing, with a notable decline in shipments, indicating a shift towards predictable refresh cycles rather than explosive growth.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of positioning themselves as strategic partners in their clients' digital transformations. As organizations grapple with the complexities of AI integration and modernization, there is a clear opportunity for MSPs to lead in governance and operational efficiency. By stepping into roles that facilitate organizational capacity and strategic alignment, MSPs can capture the growing budgets and demand for innovative IT solutions.Four things to know today 00:00 Rising Budgets, Overwhelmed IT Teams, and Sovereignty Demands Signal a Market Shift Toward Modernization — and a Strategic Opening for MSPs06:07 Surging Tech Hiring, Massive Workforce Reconfiguration, and Undefined AI Ownership Point to a Single Trend: Organizations Need Structure, Not Just Tools09:57 VMware Upheaval and Tablet Market Slowdown Both Point to One Trend: IT Providers Must Shift From Tools to Transformation13:20 OpenAI's SearchKings Deal Shows AI Entering SMBs Through Marketing, Exposing Governance Gaps and Creating Opportunity for IT Providers This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by: https://try.auvik.com/dave-switchhttps://scalepad.com/dave/

While Target, Kroger, and Walmart and other bit stores create their own retail media networks, Paypal plans to one-up them all by democratizing things. Corey & Gordon offer their thoughts on Paypal's plan to facilitate ad placement on millions of SMB websites, sending ad revenue to those small businesses. The episode features an interview with the executive heading it up -- Dr. Mark Grether, SVP and General Manager of Paypal Ads. The hosts conclusion: Hmmm, this might actually work. Stay in the loop with all things Borrell when you join our Research Alert Lists. As always, thank you for listening. If you like the episode, leave us a review!  Want to join the conversation? Share your comments at borrellassociates.com/podcast.

Jordan Brannon, co-founder and president of Coalition Technologies, joins Pathmonk Presents to share how SMBs can win discovery and conversions across e-commerce and service categories. He breaks down why SEO remains the most durable top-of-funnel channel, how paid search and Meta ads complement it, and the conversion must-haves: above-the-fold CTAs, credible reviews, and fast answers to common questions. Jordan also outlines ongoing improvement through A/B or multivariate testing, smarter personalization, and retargeting to capture second-visit buyers. He opens the curtain on his leadership cadence and learning stack—from Substack to Reddit communities—giving marketers practical playbooks to apply this week. Stay to the end for rapid-fire career advice and a candid wish list for AI that actually saves time.   

Sometimes, early success can fool you into thinking you've built the perfect business. That's what happened to Danny Kirk, who launched a software-as-a-service company right after finishing a music degree. He and his co-founder found a great niche, landed a $4,500 sale on a $300 MVP, and took off fast. The catch? Neither of them could actually build the product beyond that first version. They were great at selling and marketing but never filled their technical gap — and that's what cost them. Five years later, they sold the business, while a competitor in the same space sold to Oracle for $200 million. Same idea, different outcome. Here's what Danny learned: Find your missing piece early. Whether it's a technical co-founder, a contractor, or even AI tools to bridge the gap, make sure every critical skill is covered before you scale. Build a team that makes you uncomfortable. The best collaborators are the ones who spot problems you don't want to see and tell you the truth, even when it stings. Reward people who speak up. Create systems or incentives that encourage team members to flag issues — big or small — before they turn into disasters. As Danny put it, success isn't about doing everything yourself. It's about knowing what you can't do,  and finding the right people (or tools) to fill that gap. About Danny Kirk Danny Kirk is a classically trained trumpet player, turned entrepreneur and small business owner. He's started and grown multiple companies over the past decade, and now does growth marketing at ReddiReach for startups and SMBs, 500+ and counting.  Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/  https://reddireach.com/   Let's make this a conversation.   Leave a comment or voice message with a question, marketing tip or idea for an upcoming show. 

In this episode, Frank Sohn talks with Hiren Shah, founder of B2B-Matrix, about how small and mid-sized manufacturers and distributors are modernizing their sales processes through AI-driven CPQ, CRM, and ERP integration. Hiren, a former SAP America consultant turned Salesforce expert, shares his perspective on the future of Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ), Revenue Cloud, and AI in sales automation. He explains B2B-Matrix's three-phase Salesforce AI project, where automation is already reducing clicks, quote times, and approval delays—and how the final phase will connect directly to ERP and internet data. You'll also hear his insights on: When and why companies should migrate from Salesforce CPQ to Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA) The "death of middleware" and how modern APIs enable seamless CRM-CPQ-ERP integration The top three customer priorities today: AI, master data cleanup, and faster transaction velocity Why CPQ customers typically replace systems every eight years How B2B-Matrix white-labels its services for larger consulting firms and delivers sub-$100K CPQ projects for SMBs Beyond business, Hiren also shares his personal passion for Pilates and Hot Yoga, a balance that keeps him focused as he leads digital transformation projects for manufacturers across North America. Whether you're interested in Salesforce Revenue Cloud, CPQ modernization, AI in sales, or integration strategy, this episode offers practical, real-world insights from someone who's bridging enterprise architecture, business process design, and cloud innovation.

AI proof-of-concept projects are facing high failure rates, with a recent Omdia survey indicating that nearly one-third of companies report complete failures in these initiatives. Only 9% of firms successfully transition more than half of their AI projects into operational use, while 46% manage to move over 10% into production. The primary reason for these failures is not the technology itself but rather a lack of clearly defined business problems that AI could address. Additionally, only 32% of companies have identified specific human tasks that AI should supplement or replace, highlighting a significant gap in strategic planning for AI integration.The demand for AI skills testing in the workplace has surged, with a 166% increase reported over the past year, according to Test Guerrilla. This trend reflects a growing recognition among employers that traditional hiring methods, such as resumes and interviews, are inadequate for assessing actual candidate capabilities. The 2025 State of Skills-Based Hiring Report reveals that 71% of employers believe skills testing is a more accurate predictor of job performance than resumes. However, a concerning statistic shows that 93% of candidates are not questioned about their AI skills during interviews, indicating a disconnect between hiring practices and the skills needed in the evolving tech landscape.In related developments, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a beneficial communication solution for small and mid-sized businesses, despite the technology being well-established for over a decade. Corsica Technologies has acquired Accountability IT, enhancing its capabilities in AI-enabled managed IT and cybersecurity, while Morgan Franklin Cyber has acquired Lynx Technology Partners to bolster its governance, risk, and compliance services. These acquisitions reflect a trend of consolidation in the managed services sector, emphasizing the need for IT service providers to adapt to changing market demands.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of aligning technology initiatives with clear business outcomes. As organizations increasingly seek to implement AI solutions, MSPs must guide clients in defining specific problems that AI can solve and ensuring that their teams are equipped with the necessary skills. The emphasis on skills testing and the strategic integration of technologies like VoIP and AI highlights the need for operational maturity and expertise in navigating the complexities of modern IT environments. Failure to adapt could result in missed opportunities and increased competition from larger, more agile providers. Four things to know today00:00 New Reports Show AI Failing in Deployment and Hiring Due to Strategy Gaps, Not Technology Limitations05:10 U.S. Chamber Endorses VoIP for SMBs as Corsica and MorganFranklin Expand Through Cybersecurity Acquisitions09:03 Vendors Target MSP Operational Pressure With Faster File Workflows, White-Label Staffing, and AI-Powered Search12:37 AI Isn't Failing—Organizations Are: New Research Calls Out Siloes, Leadership Gaps, and Poor Workflow Design This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://timezest.com/mspradio/

Today on the Salesforce Admins Podcast, we talk to Daniel Peter, Chief Technology Officer at Petaluma Creamery. Join us as we chat about how he manages cheese wheels with custom objects and how Salesforce and AI can level the playing field for SMBs. You should subscribe for the full episode, but here are a few […] The post Why Agentforce Is a Game Changer for Small Businesses appeared first on Salesforce Admins.

Send us a textThe enterprise tech landscape saw a wave of AI-driven advancements this week, with major vendors pushing deeper into intelligent automation and unified customer experiences. Sage introduced its AI-powered Copilot to Sage X3, while Storyblok rolled out two new integrations to strengthen content operations. Workday expanded its ecosystem with a new AI Agent Partner Network and Gateway, and AdDaptive Intelligence broadened its AI-powered advertising platform. In the CX space, CallMiner acquired VOCALLS and Mosaicx launched the next generation of its Engage platform. Contentstack unveiled a new Data and Insights solution, Salesforce embedded Slack for tighter CRM collaboration, and Talkdesk secured FedRAMP authorization for its CX Cloud Government Edition. Rounding out the announcements, Treasure Data released five new AI suites focused on customer experience, Uniphore introduced a suite of AI marketing agents, and Zeta Global shared details on its new Zeta Answers offering—collectively signaling an accelerating shift toward more intelligent, integrated, and automated digital ecosystems.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.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iplWl80n90YZhdGlxBackground Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommQuestions for Panelists?

This episode features Tami Cannizzaro, Chief Marketing Officer at Thryv, a software company helping small business owners run and grow their businesses with AI-powered tools. Tami shares how her team focuses on revenue first and builds marketing strategies around what drives impact for SMBs.She discusses the shift from traditional SEO to AEO and why speed and originality now define effective marketing. Key TakeawaysAEO and AI are redefining how customers find brands online: Learn how to optimize for AI-driven discovery so your brand appears in conversational search and LLM-generated results.Fresh, original content outperforms repurposed AI blogs: The fastest way to lose visibility is to sound like everyone else. Originality and recency are now ranking factors in AI search.First-mover advantage in AI tools can create outsized revenue impact: Early adopters capture learnings and market share before competitors adapt.Quote“Anytime there's something new in marketing, if you can be a first mover and jump on it before everyone else figures it out, there's a real opportunity to drive revenue from that.”Episode Timestamps(02:28) The Trust Tree: Supporting SMBs(17:12) The Playbook: ABM, AEO, and social ads (37:34) Quick Hits: Tami's Quick HitsSponsorPipeline Visionaries is brought to you by Qualified.com — the pipeline generation platform for revenue teams.Turn your website into a pipeline machine with PipelineAI. Engage and convert your most valuable visitors with live chat, chatbots, meeting scheduling, and intent data.Visit Qualified.com to learn more.LinksConnect with Ian on LinkedInConnect with Tami on LinkedInLearn more about ThryvLearn more about Caspian Studios Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textIn the not-for-profit startup CRM segment—particularly for organizations with fewer than 20 employees—the environment is lean, centralized, and heavily dependent on a single CRM administrator who shapes processes across the organization. At this early stage, scattered systems and data silos are manageable, so CRM platforms prioritize simplicity, usability, and light integrations over complex workflows or deep data structures. Budget limitations also push these organizations toward DIY deployments, choosing tools they can configure and launch with minimal outside help. But as you move into the broader not-for-profit space, operational complexity rises sharply. Website integrations for donations, event registrations, and recurring payments become essential, blurring the line between CRM and e-commerce. This is why some CRM vendors in this segment offer built-in e-commerce capabilities—bringing their pricing closer to that of standalone e-commerce platforms while meeting the needs of more sophisticated not-for-profit operations.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit Startup CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit Startup CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCIyzNkfV4Read: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

The U.S. job market is experiencing a gradual slowdown, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.36% in October 2025, according to estimates from the Chicago Federal Reserve. Despite an increase in layoff announcements, initial unemployment claims remain low at 229,000, indicating some stability. Major companies like Amazon, UPS, and Target have announced significant job cuts, but studies suggest these layoffs are not primarily driven by artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Instead, financial pressures and a lack of productivity gains from AI are cited as the main factors, with 96% of businesses reporting no significant efficiency improvements from AI implementations.Trust in generative AI is growing, with 48% of respondents expressing complete trust in these systems, compared to only 18% for traditional AI. However, only 40% of organizations are investing in governance and ethical safeguards, raising concerns about complacency rather than genuine trust. Gartner predicts that by 2026, half of companies will require AI-free critical thinking skills assessments, reflecting a growing dependency on AI. Additionally, a trend of rehiring laid-off employees suggests that the anticipated efficiency gains from AI may not be materializing as expected.The episode also highlights the transition of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to AI-powered personal computers, driven more by the end of Windows 10 support than by a desire for AI features. Over 60% of SMBs prioritize performance, reliability, and security in their purchasing decisions. Managed service providers (MSPs) are positioned as essential partners in guiding these businesses through the upgrade process, especially as hiring slows and automation becomes more critical.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the key takeaway is to focus on delivering tangible value rather than succumbing to AI hype. As companies seek reliable solutions amidst economic uncertainties, MSPs can capitalize on the opportunity to provide guidance on effective technology implementations, compliance, and governance. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of building trust through measurable results and strategic partnerships, particularly as hyperscalers like Google and AWS enhance their AI infrastructure capabilities.  Four things to know today00:00 Everyone's Blaming AI for Layoffs — But the Real Problem Is Old-Fashioned Economics04:35 Generative AI Gains Global Trust, But Weak Governance and Deferred Spending Signal Market Correction Ahead09:29 SMBs Upgrade for Security, Not AI — MSPs Poised to Benefit as Hiring Stalls and Demand for Guidance Rises12:41 Google Unveils Ironwood AI Chip as AWS Expands MSP Program — Hyperscalers Double Down on AI Infrastructure and Partner Enablement This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

Brantley Pearce, Chief Technology Officer at RJ Young, discussed the integration of IT services, workflow automation, and workplace technology within the managed services sector. RJ Young, a 70-year-old organization with approximately 700 employees, has been providing managed services since 2012 and has seen significant growth, now generating $12 billion in revenue. The company emphasizes a collaborative approach, utilizing account managers as liaisons who work alongside specialists to deliver tailored solutions that meet client needs while maintaining operational efficiency.The conversation highlighted the growing importance of compliance, particularly in relation to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Department of Defense contractors. RJ Young is actively engaging in this area, recognizing the demand for compliance services among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often lack adequate security measures. Additionally, the firm is focusing on enhancing clients' security postures through network segmentation and the implementation of Security Operations Center (SOC) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.Pearce also addressed the challenges of workflow automation, noting that many organizations struggle to implement these solutions due to their day-to-day operational demands. While there is interest in AI and automation, the most effective solutions are those that are already integrated into existing platforms. The need for human involvement in understanding and optimizing business processes remains critical, as many clients are too occupied with immediate tasks to focus on long-term improvements.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, the discussion underscores the necessity of evolving service offerings to include compliance and security solutions while maintaining a human-centric approach. As automation technologies advance, the ability to provide strategic guidance and personalized service will differentiate successful MSPs in a competitive landscape. Engaging clients in meaningful conversations about their business goals and challenges will be essential for fostering long-term partnerships and driving growth.

How Outsourced Accounting Empowers SMBs: Insights from Rhett Molitor, CEO of Basis 365 AccountingIn this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Rhett Molitor, CEO and co-founder of Basis 365 Accounting, to explore how outsourced accounting is transforming small and mid-sized businesses. Rhett shares how fractional accounting services help companies move beyond simple bookkeeping to strategic financial management. He also discusses how AI and automation are reshaping the accounting landscape and why proactive financial oversight is the key to scaling with confidence.The Shift to Strategic, Outsourced AccountingRhett Molitor founded Basis 365 Accounting in 2012 to fill a crucial gap for businesses earning between $1M–$20M in revenue—companies that have outgrown basic bookkeeping but don't yet need a full-time accounting team. Instead of focusing on compliance alone, Basis 365 partners with CEOs to turn accounting into a growth lever.Molitor breaks accounting into four key levels: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, and CFO—each representing a stage of financial maturity. A proactive approach means using data for decision-making, forecasting cash flow, and improving profitability over time. He also cautions that while AI and automation have made accounting faster, expert human oversight remains essential for accuracy and strategy.For SMB leaders, Rhett's message is clear: don't treat accounting as an afterthought. It's not just about managing expenses—it's about creating visibility, confidence, and insight to drive growth. Partnering with the right fractional accounting team gives businesses access to senior-level expertise without the overhead of full-time hires.About the Rhett MolitorRhett Molitor is the co-founder and CEO of Basis 365 Accounting, a U.S.-based outsourced accounting firm specializing in digital agencies, SaaS companies, and consultancies. With over a decade of experience helping SMBs scale efficiently, Rhett champions proactive, transparent financial management supported by technology and expert insight.About the Basis 365 AccountingBasis 365 Accounting provides outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, and fractional CFO services designed for growth-focused businesses. By combining automation tools with expert financial guidance, Basis 365 helps companies gain clarity, reduce risk, and improve profitability. Learn more at basis365.com.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBasic 365 Accounting WebRhett Molitor LinkedIn ProfileKey Episode HighlightsThe 4 levels of accounting: bookkeeper, accountant, controller, CFOWhy proactive financial management drives scalabilityHow AI and automation are reshaping accounting workflowsCommon pitfalls SMBs face when they “outgrow” basic bookkeepingActionable steps to make accounting a strategic business advantageConclusionOutsourced accounting isn't just about saving money—it's about gaining visibility, expertise, and strategic advantage. Rhett Molitor's approach at Basis 365 Accounting shows that when SMBs invest in proactive financial systems and fractional expertise, they set the stage for smarter growth and long-term stability.

AI adoption is accelerating among small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), with 87% of executives believing it will transform their operations within a year. However, only 29% feel their teams are prepared to implement AI effectively. This gap highlights a significant challenge for organizations that have invested in AI without seeing tangible returns. Anurag Agarwal, founder of TechAisle, emphasizes that while there are pockets of ROI in sectors like retail and healthcare, many SMBs struggle with data readiness and understanding their business processes, which hinders effective AI integration.The conversation also delves into the evolving relationship between vendors and partners, particularly regarding market development funds (MDF). Traditional MDF models are becoming obsolete as partners demand outcome-based funding, training, and co-development opportunities. Research indicates that 83% of MSPs prioritize investments that enhance capabilities and drive customer success. This shift reflects a broader trend where partners seek to align their funding requests with measurable business outcomes rather than activity-based metrics.Additionally, the episode addresses the concept of "platform inshittification," where dominant vendors may degrade user experiences to extract more value from partners and customers. This raises concerns for MSPs reliant on these platforms, as they may face risks such as reduced margins or direct competition from vendors. Agarwal advises MSPs to define their value beyond mere access to tools, positioning themselves as business efficiency consultants who can integrate various solutions to meet customer needs.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the implications are clear: they must enhance their own capabilities in data management and business process understanding to effectively leverage AI. Furthermore, as vendors shift towards outcome-based funding models, MSPs should prepare to present clear business plans that demonstrate how investments will lead to measurable results. This proactive approach will be essential for maintaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

What do you want from your author career? What would fulfill you? Today's top story is Miserable Marketing. Question of the week is What do you want from your author career? What would fulfill you? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.