Podcasts about smbs

Send a textEnterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems have evolved from simple maintenance tools into strategic platforms that directly influence operational resilience, financial performance, and long-term scalability. Organizations depend on EAM to maximize asset uptime, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimize maintenance costs through structured preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. As asset environments become more complex—with IoT-enabled equipment, distributed facilities, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements—the choice of an EAM system affects far more than maintenance teams. It shapes capital planning, lifecycle cost management, operational visibility, and integration with broader enterprise systems such as ERP and supply chain platforms. Selecting the right EAM solution therefore becomes a critical architectural decision, enabling organizations to extend asset lifecycles, improve operational efficiency, and build a scalable foundation for future digital transformation.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top EAM systems in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these EAM systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each EAM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyHW5OMDLD8Read: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-eam-systems/Questions for Panelists?

Most SMBs believe they need expensive tools, massive teams, and enterprise playbooks to build a real go-to-market engine. Launa Rich disagrees—and she explains why the best strategies often start with far less.In this episode of Content to Close, (our bonus Content Amplified Friday episodes!) Launa shares how smaller companies can drive real revenue with a clear brand, authentic partnerships, and systems that work long before expensive tools enter the picture. From “baby leads” to signal-based outreach, she breaks down the practical moves that actually move pipeline for SMBs trying to compete with bigger players.  If you're building GTM with limited budget, limited headcount, and a lot of pressure to deliver results—this conversation is for you.What you'll learn in this episode:Why brand clarity should come before any GTM tool or tech stackThe warning signs that your sales and marketing tools are creating noise instead of revenueHow SMBs can generate pipeline through partnership ecosystems and community relationshipsWhat Launa calls “baby leads” and why they matter more than traditional lead generationHow small teams can break down silos between sales and marketingWhy SMBs should test processes manually before investing in enterprise toolsThe right way to use AI for credibility and signals—not noiseGuest BioLauna Rich is a sales enablement and go-to-market strategist with more than 18 years of experience in technology services sales. She has worked across evolving sales environments since the early 2000s and has seen firsthand how modern GTM strategies have shifted toward credibility, trust, and signal-based outreach.  Launa recently launched Secure Quota, where she provides fractional sales enablement and go-to-market guidance for companies navigating complex enterprise-style sales motions—without enterprise-level budgets. Her work focuses on helping organizations build practical systems that connect brand, marketing, and sales into a revenue-generating engine.Connect with Launa:LinkedInText us what you think about this episode!

AI deployment is compressing margins and altering the economic structure of the IT services market, with digital platforms and private equity–backed consulting now determining who controls distribution, interfaces, and downstream value capture. As referenced by Dave Sobel, developments such as large language models reshaping search, IT distributors repositioning as digital marketplaces, and private equity standardizing AI consulting are reducing the role of traditional MSPs to commoditized implementation labor. Concrete market evidence includes the Global Technology Distribution Council's report citing that 80% of vendors see partner ecosystem growth as key, while 86% are using or testing digital platforms to drive cloud and AI services. Examples such as Anthropic's discussions to create AI consulting joint ventures with Blackstone and Hellman Friedman, as well as OpenAI's partnerships with Thrive Holdings and Shield Technology Partners, show that operational models are being standardized and consolidated. Meanwhile, AI-powered search is reducing clicks to original content by up to 89%, transferring value to whoever controls the user interface. Supporting data from surveys conducted by the SMB Group, Pega Systems, and Atlassian highlight that 53% of SMBs are using AI, but only 3% of organizations report measurable business transformation despite a 33% productivity boost. Consumers show distrust in AI-driven customer service, and employee burnout and reduced confidence indicate that MSPs are absorbing increased operational complexity and support burdens even as margins compress. These developments reinforce the channel consolidation and margin repricing mechanisms described above. For MSPs and IT leaders, the practical risks include growing dependency on distributor and vendor digital marketplaces, narrowing ability to influence platform economics, and the transfer of governance obligations without matching margin. Priority areas are building defensible, repeatable governance frameworks around AI, owning escalation and validation paths, and repositioning services toward process redesign engagements—not commoditized tool deployment. Failing to establish an IP or governance wedge may result in MSPs being locked into subcontractor roles with little leverage over pricing or client outcomes. Three things to know today: 00:00 Channel Bypassed 02:26 Delivery Commoditized 04:15 MSPs Left Holding 07:12 Why Do We Care?  Supported by:  ScalePadSmall biz Thought Community    

Growth is Expensive. Why do businesses seem to hover in the $200k to $400k SDE range?   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 last cohort for awhile **How to Buy a Business Live Cohort** - April 2026 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/

Send a textERP selection for complex equipment manufacturers requires a structurally different evaluation framework than selection for high-volume or make-to-stock businesses, yet many organizations continue to rely on generic ERP shortlists, accounting-centric systems, or horizontal platforms that lack native support for engineered-to-order processes. These environments demand deep integration across engineering, estimating, project execution, and long-cycle manufacturing—capabilities that general-purpose ERP systems often address only through costly customization. As a result, ERP initiatives frequently exceed budgets, introduce operational friction, and fail to scale with business complexity. Without alignment between ERP architecture and the engineered-to-order operating model, the system becomes a constraint rather than an enabler of operational efficiency and long-term growth.In this episode, Sam Gupta hosts Steve Moon, Business Systems Consultant and Andy Pratico, The ERP Santa Claus, from Essential Software Solutions to discuss ERP for complex equipment manufacturers: why selection fails and how to fix it.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/erp-for-complex-equipment-manufacturers-why-selection-fails-and-how-to-fix-it/Questions for Panelists?

Send a textThis wave of enterprise software announcements underscores how AI agents, ecosystem alliances, and data infrastructure are becoming foundational to modern enterprise architecture. Vendors such as Pipefy and Aquant are expanding libraries of pre-built AI agents, while Salesforce continues to scale its Agentforce ecosystem through industry-specific releases, AWS integrations, and its acquisition of Informatica to strengthen data governance and orchestration. At the same time, platform vendors like IFS and Freshworks are enhancing their core cloud offerings to embed automation and intelligence deeper into operational workflows. Strategic collaborations—including Zendesk's agreement with AWS and Iterable's release of a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server—highlight the growing importance of standardized orchestration layers that allow AI agents to operate securely across distributed systems. Meanwhile, initiatives such as Sage's AI Trust Label reflect increasing focus on governance, transparency, and responsible AI adoption as autonomous capabilities become embedded into mission-critical enterprise processes.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.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyTFFz7aXVAQuestions for Panelists?

Become a Pattern Hunter: Own Your Revenue or Remove the Chaos, Grow Your Profit with Rion Westfall   Find Rocky Lalvani @ www.ProfitComesFirst.com or email him at rocky@profitcomesfirst.com   Feeling busy but the business isn't getting more profitable? In this episode, Rocky sits down with Rion Westfall, founder of the Own Your Revenue program, to break down why most SMBs struggle to scale, and how to fix it with systems, SOPs, and a healthier definition of accountability. You'll hear practical frameworks to reduce chaos, get your team engaged (without micromanaging), and start spotting the revenue patterns that drive 7–8 figure growth.   Learning Insights Accountability isn't punishment, it's engagement. When people treat accountability as "I'm going to get in trouble," they avoid it. When it's framed as ownership and mental presence, it becomes a culture driver. Systems are what make scale possible, not talent. McDonald's-level consistency comes from procedures that allow any capable person to step in and produce the same result. If it's not written down, it's a liability. If it is written down, it's an asset. Documentation (SOPs, checklists, recordings) turns fragile tribal knowledge into a transferable business asset. Leaders must stop being the bottleneck. If the owner is always the one who "just does it faster," the business can't grow beyond the owner's time and energy. Train once, capture it, and turn it into an SOP. Record the training (video/screen/audio), use tools to organize it into steps, then hand ownership to the team member to maintain and improve the system. Don't organize the company by titles; organize it by problems to solve. Rebuilding an org chart around the actual problems the business must solve reveals gaps, overlaps, and misaligned roles fast. "Busy" is not the same as "effective." A company (or leader) can log massive hours and still lack clarity on expectations, outcomes, and priorities; time spent doesn't equal results. Small improvements in the right lever create outsized profit. The game isn't doing more work; it's finding the few operational/financial levers where a slight change materially improves profit. Engage the frontline to extract "gold nuggets." Employees often know what's broken and what would fix it; the owner's job is to pull those insights out, quantify them, and systemize the best ideas. Documented systems increase enterprise value and sellability. When processes are clear and repeatable, the business is easier to transfer, scale, franchise, or sell, often at a better multiple.   Big Takeaway If your business feels "busy" but profits aren't improving, the problem usually isn't effort; it's a lack of a documented, repeatable system that creates accountability and consistent results. This episode's core message is that accountability works best when it's treated as engagement and ownership, not punishment, and that sustainable growth happens when leaders stop doing the work themselves and instead invest in building the procedures, standards, and feedback loops that let the team execute without constant oversight. When you turn tribal knowledge into written (or recorded) SOPs and invite employees to improve them, you reduce chaos, strengthen culture, and create a business that can scale and sell.   Bio Rion is the founder the Own Your Revenue program. Built specifically for SMBs to tactically hunt revenue patterns that expedite 7-8 figure growth.   Rion is not your average entrepreneur—he's a battle-tested builder of businesses with global experience and gritty stories that resonate with founders at every stage.   From specialty projects with the Department of Defense as a mechanical engineer with secret clearance…   To scaling companies internationally through strategic business development and high-stakes industrial projects…   Rion's journey is anything but conventional. He's worked in over 15 countries. He speaks fluent English and Spanish. And he's built nine companies—across solo ventures, family-run businesses, joint ventures, and private equity-backed disruptors.   Rion doesn't just talk about business success—he's lived through the wins and the tough lessons. And now, he's channeling all of that into a mission-driven approach to help SMBs thrive.   If your audience is made up of founders, operators, or growers of small or mid-sized business…   Rion brings stories, strategies, and frameworks that inspire and deliver immediate value. He's passionate, sharp, and brings real talk about what it takes to scale in today's landscape.   Links Website: https://www.537bd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rion-westfall-own-your-revenue-business/   Conclusion Rion's perspective blends an engineering mindset with real-world operator experience: clarity creates power, and power creates action. When owners slow down long enough to build systems, define what "good" looks like, and assign roles based on the real problems the company must solve, they stop being the bottleneck. The result is a business that runs with less stress, stronger accountability, and more predictable revenue without the owner having to be the daily enforcer.   If you got value from this episode, do me a favor: share it with one founder or operator who's stuck being the doer instead of the leader. Text it to them, post it to LinkedIn, or drop it in your ops group. This is the stuff that helps businesses scale in the real world. And if you want to connect with Rion and learn more about Own Your Revenue, check the show notes for his links.   #SmallBusiness #SMB #BusinessGrowth #BusinessSystems #Accountability #Leadership #Operations #StandardOperatingProcedures #SOP #ProcessImprovement #ScalingBusiness #RevenueGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessDevelopment #Founder #COO #EOS #Traction #Profitability #CashFlow   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Free Copy of the Profit Blueprint Book: : https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page  Monthly Newsletter signup: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/newsletter-signup Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome longtime HR transformation consultant, HR tech expert, Margaret Godwin, to take the pulse on the SMB HR tech buyer, and explore what's actually happening inside HR teams in small and mid-market organizations. From AI hype versus operational readiness to why service models, not features, are driving vendor churn.  The group discusses why SMBs churn through HCM systems, where HR tech buying decisions break down, and why service, change management, and implementation strategy matter more than features or “best AI.”  Margaret shares frontline insights on AI readiness, managed services, PEO tradeoffs, enterprise platforms moving down market, and the growing gap between what technology promises and what organizations can realistically absorb. Connect with Margaret: ‘HR Tech Minute' Substack: https://hrtechminute.substack.com/profile/posts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtgodwin/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

Send a texteCommerce has transformed from a basic online ordering interface into a strategic digital channel that directly influences revenue growth, customer experience, and scalability. As customer expectations rise and digital journeys become more complex, selecting the right eCommerce platform now requires evaluating architectural fit, extensibility, and alignment with your long-term business model—not just front-end functionality. In this video, we examine eCommerce platforms for 2026, beginning with the critical decision factors that buyers must understand before comparing vendor lists. We focus exclusively on true best-of-breed eCommerce platforms rather than ERP add-ons or entry-level portals, and explain what it takes to support the full digital commerce lifecycle. We also explore key architectural considerations, including headless versus traditional frameworks, composable and microservices-based designs, and how AI-native capabilities are redefining personalization, automation, and operational efficiency in modern eCommerce environments.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top eCommerce platforms in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these eCommerce platforms. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each eCommerce platform.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDmFJCOQ-MARead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-ecommerce-platforms/Questions for Panelists?

Research presented by Dave Sobel and Anurag Agarwal highlights a steep decline in profitability for core MSP services, driven by heightened commoditization and vendor-led automation of basic offerings such as endpoint management and help desk operations. According to Techaisle's 2026 data, the traditional labor-plus-license model is no longer sustainable, as shrinking margins force service providers to reconsider foundational strategies. The central message underscores an urgent need for MSPs to prioritize proprietary intellectual property (IP) and vertical-specific solutions—not for incremental growth, but as a matter of operational survival. Supporting this assessment, the discussion details how market demand has shifted: MSPs can no longer depend on generic solutions but must differentiate with specialized, repeatable offerings that address the financial optimization and liability concerns of business clients. The data indicates that SMBs are increasingly unwilling to invest in pilots or “all-you-can-eat” AI models without visible ROI and demand concrete solutions linked to business outcomes. Vendors and MSPs alike are being tasked with providing smaller, outcome-focused wins and developing skillsets in agentic orchestration, where AI-enabled digital agents and human technicians operate as co-equal components of the workforce. A related trend explored is the shift toward agentic AI and “zero-touch” MSP models, featuring automation of routine IT tasks and focus on workflow engineering rather than manual services. However, the episode notes that most providers are unprepared for the new set of risks and governance liabilities: as clients increasingly utilize AI agents, accountability for errors and regulatory compliance will rest heavily with MSPs, especially in sensitive geographies such as Europe where contractual governance is becoming standard. Conversations on whether to “build or buy” new capabilities reflect a split market, with only the top tier capable of meaningful in-house development, and the majority relying on third-party platforms with limited differentiation. For MSPs, IT service firms, and decision-makers, the core implication is the need to rapidly develop operational and governance maturity around automation, AI orchestration, and packaged offerings. Clinging to traditional models or treating AI as a mere add-on introduces significant risk, including shrinking margins, increased liability, and potential obsolescence. Providers are advised to narrow focus, specialize in vertical solutions, invest in internal competency with AI-enabled platforms, and shift toward packaged IP to avoid falling behind as both client expectations and regulatory requirements escalate.

Digital Tide on the Cloud PBX Opportunity for Telcos, Podcast, Digital Tide enables telecom operators and MVNOs to launch carrier-grade, white-label Cloud PBX platforms quickly, allowing them to provide advanced business communications services under their own brand without the time and cost of developing the technology internally “Telcos need to stop selling lines and start selling business solutions.” That was the central theme of a recent Technology Reseller News podcast conversation with Roman Zahidi, Content Marketing Manager at Digital Tide, and Anna Gonzales, Marketing Team Lead at Digital Tide, who spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, about the rapidly emerging market for Cloud PBX and AI-driven voice services. Speaking after a busy week at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, Zahidi and Gonzales described how telecom operators worldwide are under pressure to evolve beyond traditional connectivity services. As voice revenues flatten and competition intensifies, operators are looking for new ways to deliver value to business customers. According to the Digital Tide team, Cloud PBX represents one of the most immediate opportunities for telecom providers to move up the value chain and offer complete communications solutions to enterprises and SMBs. Digital Tide enables telecom operators and MVNOs to launch carrier-grade, white-label Cloud PBX platforms quickly, allowing them to provide advanced business communications services under their own brand without the time and cost of developing the technology internally. The approach allows operators to move rapidly into enterprise markets while leveraging their existing network infrastructure and customer relationships. The discussion also explored how AI-driven voice capabilities are becoming an important differentiator in modern communications platforms. By integrating AI features into Cloud PBX environments, operators can deliver new productivity tools, advanced analytics, and smarter communications workflows for business users. For telecom operators facing a changing communications landscape, Zahidi and Gonzales emphasized that the opportunity is clear: those who expand from connectivity into business communications services can unlock entirely new revenue streams while strengthening relationships with enterprise customers. Learn more about Digital Tide at https://www.digitaltide.io/

In this episode, we welcome Nils, co-founder of Ironbridge, to discuss the transformative potential of AI for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Nils shares his extensive background and experience in scaling businesses and investing in tech startups. He elaborates on how MSPs can leverage AI to revolutionise their operating models, scale efficiently, and deliver new, high-value services. The conversation covers the transition from traditional IT infrastructure to AI-driven solutions, the importance of strategic partnerships with clients, and actionable steps MSPs can take to stay ahead. Nils also highlights the unique role MSPs will play in the AI era, becoming indispensable partners for SMBs and SMEs by integrating AI into their operations and offering consultative, outcome-based solutions. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:58 Nils' Background and Experience 02:37 The Role of AI in MSP Development 03:59 Changing the Commercial Model for MSPs 06:07 The Unique Opportunity for MSPs with AI 08:30 Implementing AI in MSP Operations 12:42 Challenges and Strategies for MSPs Adopting AI 14:13 The Future of MSPs in the AI Era 16:33 Practical Examples and ROI of AI Implementation 29:35 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Connect with Nils Howland on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilshowland/ Connect with Daniel Welling on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwelling/ Connect with Adam Morris on LinkedIn by clicking here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcmorris/   Visit The MSP Finance Team website, simply click here –https://www.mspfinanceteam.com/     MSP Glossary: MSP Finance Glossary Explained | MSP Finance Team   We look forward to catching up with you on the next one. Stay tuned!

Nick Akers started by founding a venture-capital-backed company, then moved into a more "traditional" track leading a manufacturing company before spending ~2.5–3 years doing an ETA-style search. He ultimately acquired an IT services business (STL Communications) and rebranded it to Enzo Technologies, where he focuses heavily on cybersecurity for small/legacy businesses. He sees buyers walking into messy, outdated environments (personal email accounts, weak licensing, no backups/firewalls, passwords shared everywhere) and argues IT + cybersecurity due diligence should be part of every deal. Podcast Nuggies: Legacy IT is usually a "mess" post-close Add IT/cyber due diligence before closing MFA + password manager are non-negotiable Phishing clicks can wreck you in minutes USE POSITIVE PAY to approve every expense 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 last cohort for a while. **How to Buy a Business Live Cohort** - April 2026 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, hosts Ben Murray and Matt Perrott sit down with Dan Beck, CEO and co-founder of 401GO, to dive into the world of SaaS-driven financial services and the unique challenges facing founders and small businesses when it comes to retirement plans. Dan Beck shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the story behind launching 401GO with his brother, the company's mission to simplify and automate 401(k) plans for smaller organizations, and how modern technology is transforming retirement solutions. From tackling outdated industry systems to enabling instant, automated plan set-ups, Dan reveals why 401GO stands out in a space dominated by complexity and legacy platforms. We also explore Dan's experience transitioning from bootstrapping businesses to raising over $48 million in venture capital, including the differences, stresses, and rewards between these two worlds. Whether you're a CFO, founder, or anyone curious about scalable SaaS solutions and startup growth, Dan's insights on unit economics, partner channels, and operational metrics will leave you inspired and informed. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and fresh perspectives on building a SaaS business that's reimagining financial wellness for employees everywhere. Show Notes: 00:00 "Challenges of Offering 401(k)s" 05:40 "Outdated 401(k) Systems Persist" 07:11 Modular Custodial Tech Enhancements 12:15 "Bootstrapping to Venture Funding" 14:19 "Understanding Different Investor Roles" 20:01 SaaS-Based 401(k) Pricing Model 21:19 "Growth, Revenue, and Retention Dynamics" 24:54 "Enterprise Layer Technology Solution" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/401go-secures-33-million-series-b Dan Beck's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgbeck/ 401GO's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/401go/ 401GO's Website: https://401go.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Send a textFor decades, ERP systems have formed the operational backbone of enterprise organizations, enabling process consolidation, reducing data silos, and enforcing financial discipline. However, these benefits came with structural tradeoffs. Implementations were lengthy. Data models became rigid. Customizations and reporting required specialized skills and significant cost. As organizations move into 2026, tolerance for these constraints is declining. Businesses must respond faster to market shifts while maintaining tighter capital discipline and delivering modern user experiences. At the same time, the ERP landscape is undergoing a structural transition. Economic pressure, evolving business models, and rapid advances in AI are forcing vendors to rethink long-standing architectural assumptions. While many traditional vendors rely on incremental modernization, agentic overlays, or acquisitions, a new class of AI-native platforms is challenging the foundations of ERP design itself. This shift raises critical questions about data structures, transactional integrity, and system flexibility—separating superficial innovation from true architectural transformation.In this episode, Sam Gupta and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ provides comprensive insights into the state of ERP in 2026.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/the-state-of-erp-in-2026-ai-native-structural-shifts/Questions for Panelists?

Send a textThis cluster of enterprise software announcements highlights how vendors are rapidly embedding AI, expanding ecosystem integrations, and strengthening vertical depth to drive measurable operational outcomes. From Camunda's integrations with ServiceNow to Pipefy's launch of next-generation AI agents and Coupa's introduction of agentic AI capabilities, the focus is shifting toward autonomous execution layers that can orchestrate workflows, enforce policies, and improve decision speed. At the same time, platform expansions such as ECI's NET1 Commerce Suite, HighByte's Intelligence Hub updates, and Deltek's platform enhancements demonstrate continued investment in unified operational and data architectures to support increasingly complex digital environments. Strategic moves—including Rootstock's acquisition of Praxis Solutions and Provus' partnership with Kantata—underscore how vendors are closing functional gaps through targeted acquisitions and alliances rather than rebuilding entire platforms. Finally, initiatives such as Sage's AI Trust Label and Flowfinity's AI service expansion reflect a growing emphasis on governance, transparency, and trust as AI becomes embedded infrastructure across the enterprise 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 vendor. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzfdn7jJiVgQuestions for Panelists?

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS, provides a comprehensive guide to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The episode explores the critical differences in SEO strategies for product-based (E Commerce / E-Commerce) and service-based businesses (SEO Services), offering actionable insights for online growth.Favour emphasizes the foundational importance of a fast, reliable website for any business, highlighting how website performance directly impacts user experience and, consequently, SEO algorithm rankings. For product-based businesses, the discussion centers on the power of visual storytelling through high-quality, optimized images and the technical advantages of using structured data to create informative rich snippets in search results. The episode then shifts to service-based businesses (SEO Services), detailing how to build trust and authority through valuable content marketing and the necessity of local SEO for businesses serving a specific geographic area. A key theme throughout the episode is the concept of user intent, with Favour explaining how to target both commercial and informational keywords to attract customers at every stage of their journey. Finally, the episode underscores the long-term nature of SEO, stressing that consistency in content creation and optimization efforts is the ultimate key to sustainable online success. This podcast episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to demystify SEO and implement effective strategies for lasting growth.Book SEO Services? Save These Quick Links for Later>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick LinksEpisode Key Takeaways1. Website Performance is Paramount: A fast, reliable, and user-friendly website is the non-negotiable foundation for any successful SEO strategy, impacting everything from user engagement to search engine rankings.2. Tailor Your SEO Strategy: The optimal SEO approach differs significantly between product-based and service-based businesses. Product businesses should focus on visual optimization and structured data, while service businesses should prioritize content that builds authority and trust.3. Leverage Visuals for Product SEO: For e-commerce and product-focused businesses, high-quality, optimized images with descriptive alt text are crucial for attracting and converting customers who rely on visual information to make purchasing decisions.4. Build Authority with Content for Service SEO: Service-based businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders by consistently creating valuable, informative content (like blogs, case studies, and whitepapers) that addresses their target audience's needs and questions.5. Master User Intent: Understanding whether a user is looking to buy (commercial intent) or learn (informational intent) is key. A balanced content strategy that targets both types of keywords will capture a wider audience and nurture leads through the entire customer journey.6. Embrace Local SEO: For service businesses with a physical location or defined service area, optimizing for local search by managing a Google Business Profile and creating location-specific content is essential for attracting nearby customers.7. Consistency is the Long-Term Game: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable growth is achieved through consistent, long-term effort in content creation, technical optimization, and building a strong online presence, rather than expecting overnight success.Memorable Quotes[09:05] "As a service-based business or as a product-based business is your website. How fast is your website?"[35:09] "That's why we're in this room today because we want to know what is a commercial value?"[36:22] "You gotta be consistent, you gotta be putting out the content, you gotta do a lot of things."[37:01] "Long, long, long, long, long-term."Episode FAQs1. What is the most important first step in any SEO strategy?The most crucial first step is ensuring you have a fast, reliable, and mobile-friendly website. A poor-performing site will undermine all other SEO efforts.2. How does SEO for a product-based business differ from a service-based business?Product-based SEO heavily relies on high-quality images, structured data (schema markup) for product details, and e-commerce platform optimization. Service-based SEO focuses more on building authority through in-depth content, demonstrating expertise, and often includes a strong local SEO component.3. What is user intent and why is it important for SEO?User intent is the 'why' behind a search query. It can be informational (looking for information), commercial (intending to buy), transactional (ready to complete a purchase), or navigational (looking for a specific site). Understanding intent allows you to create content that directly addresses the user's needs, leading to higher engagement and better rankings.4. How long does it take to see results from SEO?SEO is a long-term strategy. While some minor results can be seen in a few months, significant, lasting results typically take six months to a year of consistent effort to achieve.5. What is the role of content in SEO for service-based businesses?For service-based businesses, content is the primary tool for building trust and demonstrating expertise. High-quality blog posts, articles, case studies, and guides attract potential clients, answer their questions, and position your business as a credible authority in your field.Episode Timestamps[00:00] Introduction: SEO for Product vs. Service Businesses[03:03] The Difference Between Product and Service-Based Businesses[08:56] The Importance of Website Speed and Reliability[10:01] SEO for Product-Based Businesses: Images and Structured Data[15:21] SEO for Service-Based Businesses: Content and Local SEO[34:10] Understanding User Intent: Commercial vs. Informational Keywords[36:07] The Importance of Consistency in SEOSee 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 Next in Media, I sit down with Philip Inghelbrecht, Co-Founder and CEO of Tatari, to unpack why one of the most innovative companies in TV advertising has built its entire thesis on a contrarian idea: that programmatic CTV is the wrong tool for most of the television market. Philip walks through how Tatari operates as a full infrastructure holding company, combining a demand-side platform, a supply-side solution called Upstream, and a privacy and identity layer called Vault. From day one, Tatari has argued that unlike display advertising, connected TV is dominated by a small number of premium publishers, and that automating around them rather than through open exchanges is the smarter path forward. Philip breaks down the $30 billion US CTV market, explaining how roughly half flows through programmatic channels and how up to half of that programmatic slice is fraud or low-quality inventory. The premium inventory that actually drives results, including sports, tentpole events, and top-tier streaming placements, lives almost entirely outside programmatic pipes and has historically required massive budgets and manual negotiation to access. That is exactly the gap Upstream was designed to close. By building custom, direct integrations with the five biggest TV publishers, including Disney, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, and Paramount, Tatari has automated that direct buying process end to end, giving a much broader range of brands access to premium TV inventory without sacrificing pricing control, brand safety, or transparency.   Key Highlights

Send a textTransportation management has evolved into a strategic control point for cost optimization, service reliability, and long-term supply chain resilience. As freight networks grow more fragmented and execution complexity increases, selecting a TMS is no longer about basic load planning or freight rating—it is about architectural fit, operating model alignment, and the platform's ability to support your logistics strategy over time. In this video, we examine the top TMS systems for 2026, beginning with the critical decision factors that should shape your evaluation before reviewing any vendor list. We clarify the differences between true best-of-breed TMS platforms and ERP-embedded or broader supply-chain-suite offerings, and why those distinctions materially impact flexibility, neutrality, and scalability. We also explore the implications of choosing independent software vendors versus platforms tied to logistics service providers, including the tradeoffs between software independence, managed services integration, and network effects. Finally, we discuss how company size, operating model complexity, and industry context influence which TMS architectures are structurally aligned—or misaligned—with your organization's future state.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top TMS systems in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these TMS systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each TMS system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNaOtCGwdaIRead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-tms-systems/Questions for Panelists?

Despite the narrative that traditional media is shrinking, one channel continues to grow. In this episode, Gordon & Corey explore why out-of-home advertising is defying gravity and how new technology is opening the door for more SMBs to buy. The show features an interview with out-of-home expert Dave Rivera from Vistar Media, which is making Digital OOH widely available through its programmatic platform. 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.

The rules of hiring have changed—and many small business owners are still playing by an outdated talent playbook. In this episode, John Jantsch sits down with Rob Levin to explore how to upskill employees for AI, navigate the ongoing talent shift, and build a future-ready team for small and midsize businesses. They discuss why culture and KPIs matter more than ever, how to redesign workflows with an AI-first mindset, and what it really takes to manage AI instead of being replaced by it. If you want to create a resilient organization that thrives amid rapid technological change, this conversation is your roadmap. Today we discussed: 00:00 The New Talent Playbook Explained 05:43 The Hidden Talent Crisis for SMBs 07:12 AI Upskilling for Small Business Teams 12:00 Building Culture in Remote Teams 14:56 Over-Communication and KPI Clarity 17:30 Using AI to Design Smarter KPIs 20:28 AI, Job Security, and Team Buy-In 22:00 Book, Resources, and Final Thoughts Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!

Add backs. How to use Math and Logic: 1 - Does it make logical sense? 2 - Is there a paper trail? Documented? - A real add-back has receipts + it shows up cleanly in the books/bank. 3 - Is this a re-occurring expense or 1-time? 4 - Is this Tax Fraud?   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 last cohort for a while. **How to Buy a Business Live Cohort** - April 2026 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/

Send a textThis week's enterprise software announcements reflect a broad, coordinated push toward AI-native experiences layered across collaboration, operations, finance, and core business platforms. Salesforce's latest version of Slack, Oracle's role-based AI agents for Fusion Cloud, and SAP's extension of its business suite all signal that hyperscalers are embedding AI directly into day-to-day workflows rather than positioning it as a standalone add-on. In parallel, Sprinklr's new AI capabilities and Upstream Works' enhanced agent desktop extend this trend into customer experience and contact center operations, while Kantata's new AI platform targets the specialized needs of professional services firms. NetSuite's “Next” roadmap reinforces Oracle's mid-market modernization strategy, and ScienceLogic's reimagined applications highlight how observability and IT operations are also being reshaped by AI-first design principles. Rounding out the picture, Cleo's invoice payment and financing solution underscores growing pressure to modernize B2B financial operations, while Sage's acquisition of Criterion signals continued consolidation in the HCM space—together illustrating a market that is rapidly standardizing on AI-driven interaction layers even as vendors compete to redefine their category boundaries.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=P-5FOS9QamYQuestions for Panelists?

Send a textWhen evaluating WMS systems for 2026, it is essential to recognize that this is a structurally best-of-breed category rather than an extension of ERP or eCommerce platforms. This analysis deliberately excludes lightweight warehouse workflows embedded in broader systems, which are primarily designed to pass transactions downstream into a true WMS and lack the functional depth, orchestration complexity, and automation readiness required by serious distribution operations. True WMS platforms represent a category in their own right, with broader suites, richer integration patterns, and materially different architectural demands. Compounding this complexity is the diversity of operational models the category must support, from 3PL-centric environments focused on billing logic, client segregation, SLAs, and rapid customer onboarding, to manufacturing- and retail-centric value chains that prioritize production staging, kitting, reverse logistics, store replenishment, and omnichannel fulfillment. These differences are further reinforced by the technical segmentation of the category into WMS, WCS, and WES layers, with some vendors offering unified suites and others remaining purely transactional without deep integration into ASRS, robotics, conveyors, or advanced warehouse technologies—distinctions that materially affect long-term system fit and scalability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top WMS systems in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these WMS systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each WMS system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YHLvbCbuARead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-wms-systems/Questions for Panelists?

We help B2B brands launch shows that turn their point of view into pipeline. If you're launching a podcast (or have one already) and are not sure how it can hit your bottom line, book a meeting with Jason: https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/jason-bradwell/youtube-meeting-link -- Adam Holmgren turned three years of consistent LinkedIn posting into a $700K ARR SaaS business—without cold outbound, without a sales team, and with 80% of growth coming from organic content amplified by thought leader ads. In this episode of Pipe Dream, Adam Holmgren, co-founder and CEO of Fibbler, breaks down exactly how he built an attribution platform for SMBs by first building an audience of 25,000 marketers. Before launching Fibbler in May 2024, Adam spent years developing his point of view on demand generation, paid advertising, and attribution whilst at GetAccept—publishing consistently, giving value, and never asking for anything in return. When he finally launched his product, his audience was ready. Within two months, he had 50 paying customers purely from his network. But Adam didn't stop there. He shares the pivot that changed everything: shifting from organic-only to investing 50% of revenue into thought leader ads, specifically targeting the US market where LinkedIn ad spend is highest. The result? 400-500 signups per month, with 80% directly attributed to organic content plus paid amplification. Adam also reveals his weekend content system, his four content pillars (paid ads, brand building, founder-led growth, and personal), and why he believes distribution and brand are now the only real moats in a world where AI makes product features commoditised. Key Takeaways How to validate demand before launching: Build an audience first by giving value for years without asking for anything—then when you finally ask, conversion rates skyrocket. Why thought leader ads outperform traditional LinkedIn ads: Organic posts that already resonate are "battle-tested"—amplifying them with paid reach to new audiences dramatically improves ROI compared to brand account ads with CTAs. How to structure a sustainable content system: Plan content on weekends around 3-4 clear content pillars, schedule posts for the week, then stay active in comments during weekdays instead of writing on the fly. Why founder-led brands win in crowded markets: With 250,000-300,000 martech solutions available, distribution and brand are the only defensible moats—features alone won't differentiate you. How to convince sceptical executives to invest in brand: Start small, prove early signals (engagement from ICP, content mentioned in sales calls), then scale once you demonstrate pipeline impact over 3-6 months. The perfect LinkedIn post formula: Strong hook that creates curiosity or promises value + tactical insight or lesson learnt + no product pitch (let people discover you organically). Relevant Links and Resources Connect with Adam Holmgren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-holmgren/Learn more about Fibbler: https://fibbler.co What's Next If you're building a B2B brand and struggling to justify investment in owned media, start by building one person's audience consistently for 90 days—then amplify what works. The compounding effect is real. Useful Links Connect with Jason Bradwell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbradwell/Listen to Pipe Dream on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/pipe-dreamLearn more about B2B Better: https://www.b2b-better.com

Should small businesses request a penetration test? Is the threat to SMBs significant enough to justify it? Tune in to find out why an enterprise-grade service is increasingly making its way into smaller operations.Learn more at https://www.feemcotech.solutions/ Feemco Technologies City: Red Oak Address: 225 Richard Lane Website: https://www.feemcotech.solutions

Why is iterating hardware so difficult and what would we do if it came time to start a business.In Episode #515 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: Clayton Christensen's 'The Innovator's Dilemma' book, why incumbents like IBM and Blockbuster struggled with disruptive shifts, how spin-outs can help large firms explore new markets, whether today's tech giants (NVIDIA, Amazon, Alphabet) are genuinely pivoting faster than past eras, the trap of single‑thesis bets (e.g., x402 via Coinbase/Circle), the difference between wealth and money via Paul Graham's classic essay, my slow‑ship shift toward building something around livestreaming/value-for-value/OpenClaw-style agents, Juan's practical plan to buy and streamline existing local service businesses and the enduring challenge of measuring value in a world awash with AI-generated content. No boostagrams but we do appreciate the streaming!Stan Link: https://stan.store/meremortalsTimeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:36) The Innovator's Dilemma book(00:05:20) From hardware to software: DiSASSter(00:10:58) CapEx arms race: Nvidia up, Apple lagging(00:15:04) Incumbents can't buy their way out every time(00:19:13) Is AI truly disruptive? Capital, energy, and hype checks(00:24:50) Business cycles repeat: pivots, exits, and getting left behind(00:29:34) Investing today: concentration, tech dominance, and copper(00:34:05) Investing is prediction: outcomes vs decisions(00:38:02) Finding exposure: beware tiny bets inside behemoths(00:41:01) Boostagram Lounge and supporter shout-outs(00:42:04) Micropayments, value, and streaming money(00:45:19) Why Lightning may not fit continuous payments(00:49:53) Two paths: analogue community vs full-tilt AI grind(00:53:41) A niche edge: 'human-made' as a selling point(01:03:31) A creator's plan: livestreaming with OpenClaw automation(01:08:02) Work futures: lifestyle businesses and human uniqueness(01:14:58) Zero-to-one vs sustainment: knowing your role(01:20:04) Juan's near-term play: buy, streamline, and bundle SMBs(01:23:40) Wrap-up and sign-off Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Cybersecurity advice is everywhere — frameworks, standards, best practices, expert opinions — enough PDFs to last you the rest of the year. But for small and mid-sized businesses, the real question isn't "What guidance exists?" It's "What should we actually do that lowers our chances of having a really bad cyber day?" If you've ever looked at a massive cybersecurity framework and thought, "This feels like studying for a final exam I didn't sign up for," you're not alone. That's where CISA's updated Cybersecurity Performance Goals (Version 2.0) come in. Designed to be practical, prioritized, and actually usable, this streamlined approach may be the clearest cybersecurity foundation SMBs have seen yet. In this episode, we break down what changed, why it matters, and how to use it. More info at HelpMeWithHIPAA.com/548

Businesses are implementing AI faster than most entrepreneurs realize. But the best opportunities aren't always in cutting-edge startups. In many cases, the best returns are in legacy businesses that haven't kept pace with the innovation curve. Understanding that gap—and how to close it—has defined the career of today's guest.Bill Tyndall is the founder of Tynrose, a holding company focused on modernizing legacy businesses through digital transformation, data, cybersecurity, and AI. After launching Electric in 2016, which revolutionized IT support for SMBs, he had a billion-dollar exit just four years later. You'll hear how Bill's newest venture, Tynrose, builds platforms that don't just implement technology; they reimagine it and help companies move beyond patchwork solutions and into scalable solutions that are built to last in the digital world. His approach challenges outdated models and reframes what's possible when businesses stabilize their technology, leverage clean data, and deploy AI with intention.In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How SMBs and legacy businesses may offer better AI-driven returns than tech startups.✅ Why Bill decided to start a new business after his billion-dollar exit, and what creating a legacy with his businesses means to him. ✅ Why AI is really just a capacity expander for humans and what the future holds for IT and cybersecurity in an AI-driven world.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/278Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today's episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Payments leaders are feeling the squeeze of shrinking margins, price-driven churn, and rising expectations from merchants who want funding that feels as seamless as a card transaction. We sat down with Aarati Soman, Head of Product at Parafin, and Jaron Ruckman, Product Manager at NMI, to map the new playbook: embedded lending that meets merchants where they already work, backed by real-time data, AI-driven underwriting, and modular infrastructure that launches fast and scales cleanly.We unpack how moving capital inside your existing workflows changes the relationship with your merchants. Instead of sending them to third-party portals or closed ecosystems, you present pre-underwritten offers based on sales data, bank transactions, and relevant third-party signals. Machine learning models spot revenue patterns, seasonality, refunds, disputes, and expense profiles; LLMs structure unstructured data to speed decisions. The impact is tangible: faster approvals, fairer pricing, higher eligibility for SMBs that banks often overlook, and the kind of stickiness that turns payment processing from a commodity into a growth engine.Aarati outlines how Parafin carries the heavy lifts - capital, risk, servicing, and compliance so partners can focus on distribution and experience. Jaron shares how NMI's API-first approach and embeddable components get partners live with offers before any deep development, with the option to integrate more tightly over time. We explore strategic positioning against Stripe and Square, why contextual placement at the point of pain drives adoption, and where product innovation is headed: fit-for-purpose capital for inventory spikes, equipment, payroll, and beyond. We close with practical advice on choosing partners - breadth of products, ease of integration, transparency, and program durability so you avoid costly rip-and-replace cycles and deliver fast funding your merchants trust.

Why fundamental security best-practices are overlooked by SMBs despite advanced threatsAddressing the unmanageable digital exposure surface - identifying critical assets to prioritise for investmentScalable actions that enable smaller IT teams to transition from reactive incident response to targeted, proactive cyber defenceThom Langford, Host, teissTalkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomlangford/Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Nottinghamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfurnell/Edd Hardy, Director Cyber Security, AlixPartnershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eddhardySuvi Silvanto, Director, Product Marketing, WithSecurehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/suvi-silvanto/

Chad Petersen has done A LOT of deals. We dive into his accidental entrepreneur journey....started mowing lawns at 13, realized ownership = freedom, then built + sold his first company at 19 and kept repeating the "build cash flow → sell for a liquidity jump" playbook (six of his own). * What buyers do wrong with brokers (and how to stand out): the market has more motivated buyers; buyers kill deals by showing entitlement, fighting NDAs, and not having a personal financial statement ready. * Real-world examples: a CPA bought an ~$8M drywall business by staying patient/emotionally steady (and spent about $2.5k on legal) 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. ===== Find more about Chad at his website below. https://chadpeterson.com/ ===== Join the next **How to Buy a Business Live Cohort** - April 2026 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/

Send a textThis week's enterprise software developments underscore a widening gap between rapid AI-driven platform innovation and the unresolved execution risks embedded in large-scale ERP programs. On one side of the ledger, Mendix and OutSystems both advanced their agentic AI roadmaps with new releases aimed at operationalizing autonomous workflows, while ServiceNow's unveiling of its AI Experience, Sprinklr's new AI capabilities, and Braze's product enhancements at Forge 2025 reinforce how aggressively vendors across ITSM, CX, and marketing automation are repositioning around AI-first interaction layers. Salesforce's latest Slack updates and Upstream Works' enhanced agent desktop further extend this trend into collaboration and contact center operations, signaling that AI augmentation is now table stakes across front-office and service environments. In parallel, Plex's expanded connected worker integrations highlight how these same concepts are being pushed into manufacturing execution and workforce enablement, while Cleo's invoice payment and financing solution reflects growing pressure to modernize B2B financial operations. Yet this innovation narrative is tempered by Daedong USA's loss of an injunction in its ERP dispute—placing its $11.4 billion suit in jeopardy—which serves as a reminder that beneath the AI acceleration, legacy implementation failures, legal exposure, and governance breakdowns continue to create material risk for enterprises betting on large transformation programs.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=_Arr9GjwOBsQuestions for Panelists?

In this episode of Practical Cybersecurity, host Jen Stone talks with Curt Dukes, EVP and GM of Security Best Practices at the Center for Internet Security (CIS). Drawing on his 30-year career at the NSA, Dukes breaks down how small and medium businesses (SMBs) can implement "good enough" security without unlimited resources. The conversation focuses on Implementation Group 1 (IG1)—a prioritized set of safeguards that provide essential "cyber hygiene". Dukes introduces free resources like the CSAT (Controls Self-Assessment Tool) and CIS Workbench to help leaders move past the intimidation of technical jargon and establish a "standard of reasonableness" for their organization's defense.CIS ResourcesCIS (Center for Internet Security): The nonprofit organization that creates the global standards discussed in this episode.NSA (National Security Agency): The U.S. intelligence agency where Curt Dukes led defensive security efforts for 30+ years.IG1 (Implementation Group 1): The essential "Cyber Hygiene" tier of the CIS Controls designed for small businesses.CSAT (Controls Self-Assessment Tool): A free web-based application to track and measure your security progress.CIS Workbench: A collaborative platform to ask technical questions and get help from the security community.CIS RAM (Risk Assessment Method): A free methodology to identify security gaps and prioritize investments based on risk.CIS Benchmarks: Free, consensus-based configuration recommendations for OS and network devices.MS-ISAC (Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center): The division of CIS providing threat intelligence for state and local governments.EI-ISAC (Elections Infrastructure ISAC): A dedicated team at CIS focused on securing election-related systems.The Community Defense Model (CDM): A data-driven report proving the effectiveness of the Controls against top cyber attacks.The Cost of Cyber Defense: A breakdown of the financial investment needed for various security models.Request a Quote for a PCI Audit ► https://www.securitymetrics.com/pci-audit Request a Quote for a Penetration Test ► https://www.securitymetrics.com/penetration-testing Get the Guide to PCI DSS compliance ► https://www.securitymetrics.com/lp/pci/pci-guide Get FREE security and compliance training ► https://academy.securitymetrics.com/ Get in touch with SecurityMetrics' Sales Team ► https://www.securitymetrics.com/contact/lets-get-you-to-the-right-place

Send a textHCM operates under a different operational gravity, shaped by higher data sensitivity, greater regulatory exposure, and people-centric workflows that do not map cleanly to financial or supply chain logic. HR data carries a uniquely elevated risk profile, and processes such as payroll, benefits, compliance, recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance management introduce specialized data models and integration needs that demand purpose-built platforms. Adoption also follows a different maturity curve, with most organizations starting from basic payroll—often via a PEO or standalone system—and gradually layering in more strategic HR capabilities as workforce size and complexity increase. Because HCM spans multiple micro-segments and specialization layers that vary materially by industry, geography, and workforce composition, it must be evaluated as its own architectural layer, not merely as an ERP add-on, to ensure long-term system fit and operational resilience.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top HCM software in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these HCM software. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each HCM software.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVe9TBkCoG0Read: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-hcm-software/Questions for Panelists?

Future-Proofing B2B Marketing: AI, Omnichannel Strategies, and Decades of Wisdom with Melih OztalayIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Melih Oztalay, the CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, to explore the seismic shifts currently reshaping the B2B landscape. With a marketing career spanning back to 1987, Melih offers a rare perspective on how to bridge the gap between traditional advertising principles and the hyper-accelerated world of AI-driven engagement. This conversation serves as a strategic roadmap for leaders looking to move beyond single-channel tactics and embrace a holistic, 360-degree approach that leverages cutting-edge technology to drive measurable business growth and long-term client loyalty.Navigating the Convergence of AI and Human-Centric MarketingThe transition from being a traditional agency to an AI-powered marketing powerhouse requires a fundamental shift in how business leaders view their digital presence. Melih explains that the current era of B2B marketing is defined by the rise of "AI Agents"—sophisticated chatbots that act as 24/7 sales representatives, capable of nurturing leads through complex buying cycles before a human ever enters the conversation. By integrating these tools, companies can transform their websites from static brochures into dynamic engagement hubs that qualify prospects based on real-time behavior. This shift doesn't just improve efficiency; it meets the modern buyer's expectation for immediate, accurate information, which can increase conversion rates from a standard 10% to upwards of 30%.To truly thrive, however, these technological tools must be housed within a robust omnichannel strategy that ensures a brand is visible wherever a prospect chooses to engage. Melih emphasizes that "cherry-picking" channels or focusing solely on lead generation without sales alignment is a recipe for stagnation. A successful strategy integrates PR, social media, email, and intent-based platforms into a unified message that builds trust over time. When marketing and sales teams are perfectly aligned, the data gathered from digital touchpoints informs every step of the outreach, ensuring that no lead is wasted and every interaction is personalized to the buyer's specific stage in their journey.Building these systems requires a commitment to long-term investment rather than short-term "quick fixes," a lesson Melih has distilled over nearly four decades in the industry. For SMBs and large enterprises alike, the goal is to create a marketing ecosystem that is both resilient and adaptable. This means automating mundane, repetitive tasks through AI to free up human talent for high-value strategic work. By auditing current channels and focusing on technical integrations that connect CRM data to front-end engagement, organizations can build a sustainable competitive advantage that outlasts the latest marketing fads.About Melih OztalayMelih Oztalay is the CEO and founder of SmartFinds Marketing, a Detroit-based agency with a legacy of innovation dating back to 1987. A pioneer in the digital space, Melih has spent his career helping B2B organizations navigate the evolution of the internet, specialized in omnichannel strategies and the practical implementation of AI in marketing.About SmartFinds MarketingSmartFinds Marketing is a full-service B2B omnichannel agency that specializes in delivering 360-degree marketing solutions. The agency focuses on integrating AI technology, lead optimization, and strategic content to help both Fortune 500 companies and growing SMBs maximize their digital reach and ROI.Links Mentioned in This Episode

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Jamison, CEO and Co-Founder of Extend, one of fintech's most exciting startups reshaping how businesses manage spend and expense. From his early career leading B2B product innovation at American Express to raising over $70M and scaling Extend into a trusted payments infrastructure partner, Andrew shares the real story behind building a business at the intersection of digital payments, virtual cards, and banking ecosystems.

In addition to buying his own business, Evan DiLeonardi trades buy-side services for equity in other SMB acquisitions.Topics in Evan's interview:Entering the Airbnb spaceJoining Ben Kelly's acquisition groupBuying a commercial cleaning businessBeing a remote “workaholic”Realizing he bought a business in distressFirst year in survival modeGetting a team of great managers in placeHis “Equity in Kind” partner modelEnjoying search more than operationsBuilding a holding companyReferences and how to contact Evan:LinkedInQuality Cleaning ServiceGail Hamilton Azodo on Acquiring Minds: Buying to $4m Across 7 Sites in 3 YearsMeridian Peak CapitalWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Ty Wang, cofounder and CEO of Angle Health, breaks down what it means to give back through public service, then shows how that same mindset drives his mission to modernize healthcare for small and midsize businesses. We get into why legacy health plans feel opaque and painful, what an AI native health plan actually changes behind the scenes, and how better data and workflows can create real cost stability for employers.Ty shares his path from a federal scholarship and national service work to Palantir, and why he chose one of the most regulated, least glamorous industries to build in. If you have ever wondered why healthcare feels impossible to navigate, or why renewals can blindside a company, this conversation will give you a clear mental model of the problem and a practical view of what modernization looks like when it actually ships. Key TakeawaysHealthcare feels broken because the infrastructure is fragmented, data is siloed, and even basic questions become hard to answer across inconsistent systemsModernizing healthcare is not just about a new app, it is about rebuilding the operational core so workflows, claims, underwriting, and member experience can run on integrated dataSmall and midsize businesses are hit hardest by cost volatility because they lack transparency, predictability, and negotiating leverage, yet health insurance is often a top line item after payrollA strong approach to regulated markets is collaborative, treat regulators as partners in consumer protection, not obstacles to work aroundMission and impact can be a recruiting advantage, especially when the technical problems are genuinely hard and the outcomes touch real people fastTimestamped Highlights00:40 What Angle Health is, and what AI native means in a real health plan02:05 The scholarship path that pulled Ty into public service and set his trajectory04:06 The personal story behind the mission, the American dream, and why access matters09:38 Why healthcare infrastructure is so complex, and how siloed systems create bad experiences11:33 Why SMBs get squeezed, and how manual administration blocks customization at scale13:20 The real pain point for employers, cost volatility and zero predictability before renewal16:55 Why the tech can expand beyond SMBs, but why the SMB market is already massive19:51 Lessons from building in a regulated industry, and why credibility and funding matter22:26 Hiring for high agency, mission driven talent in a world full of AI companiesA line that sticks“Unless you are lucky enough to work for a big company, these modern healthcare services are still largely inaccessible to the vast majority of Americans.”Pro Tips for tech operators and buildersIf you are modernizing a legacy industry, start with the infrastructure layer, fix the data model, integrate the systems, then automate workflowsIn regulated markets, build relationships early, show how your product improves consumer outcomes, and make compliance a design constraint, not a bolt onWhen selling into SMBs, predictability beats perfection, give customers a clear breakdown of what drives costs and what they can controlWhat's next:If this episode helped you see healthcare and legacy modernization more clearly, follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and subscribe so you do not miss the next conversation. Also, share it with one operator or builder who is trying to modernize a messy industry.

In a podcast recorded at ITEXPO / MSP EXPO, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Gregory Tellone, CEO of Cloud IBR, about simplifying disaster recovery (DR) testing and turning recoverability into a practical, recurring revenue opportunity for MSPs. Cloud IBR is a SaaS platform designed for organizations using Veeam backups. With a single click, the system provisions dedicated bare-metal cloud servers, installs operating systems, restores encrypted backup repositories, configures networking, VPN access, firewalls, and hands off a fully operational environment for either a live disaster or a scheduled recovery test. “Most backup products are great at backup,” Tellone explained. “The problem is knowing whether your backups are actually good and being able to test recovery easily.” The platform addresses a longstanding gap in the SMB market: the complexity and cost of maintaining secondary DR sites and conducting realistic recovery testing. Traditional DR requires duplicate infrastructure, bandwidth, replication management, and ongoing maintenance—often making full testing impractical. Cloud IBR automates that entire process in approximately 20 minutes of onboarding time, enabling monthly recovery testing by default and generating detailed PDF reports documenting every recovered server and recovery time objective (RTO). For MSPs, the opportunity is strategic. Starting at $299 per month, the service provides a low-barrier entry point into customer accounts while strengthening trust and expanding monthly recurring revenue. Tellone described it as a relationship builder: “It's always easier to sell to a customer than to a prospect. You start with something simple that works, and from there you grow.” With automated reporting suitable for cyber insurance applications and RFP responses, Cloud IBR transforms disaster recovery from a checkbox exercise into a demonstrable operational advantage. Visit https://cloudibr.com/

In a podcast recorded at ITEXPO / MSP EXPO, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Tomas Sjostrom, CISSP and President of Technology Services at James Moore Co., about how cybersecurity and compliance priorities are evolving for small and mid-sized businesses. Sjostrom explained that James Moore is a long-established CPA firm with more than 60 years of experience serving Florida-based organizations, and nearly three decades delivering IT managed services alongside traditional financial and audit work. As cybersecurity threats increase and regulatory requirements expand, SMBs are showing greater interest in both protecting their environments and demonstrating compliance—often driven by cyber insurance requirements, customer demands, or new business opportunities. A key theme of the discussion focused on how organizations assess and manage cybersecurity risk. Sjostrom emphasized that the process begins with understanding what is motivating a customer's concern, whether it is insurance questionnaires, data protection issues, or compliance mandates tied to industries such as defense contracting. From there, James Moore leverages onboarding and automated discovery tools to establish a baseline and support continuous compliance. “Customers want to meet new requirements as fast as possible, reliably, and without spending excessive time or money,” Sjostrom noted, highlighting the need for scalable and automated approaches. The conversation also touched on AI adoption and compliance readiness. Sjostrom observed that less mature organizations often start with questions around data protection and privacy, while more advanced companies already understand where their critical assets reside and can move more quickly toward compliant AI deployments. As cybersecurity, compliance, and AI increasingly intersect, Sjostrom positioned proactive risk monitoring as a strategic advantage for SMBs working with trusted MSP and advisory partners. Visit https://www.jmco.com/

Top Story: Launch emails that convert https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/high-converting-author-newsletter-examples If you think you're bad at email newsletters, you're not alone, says BookBaby. Many don't seem to know what to say, or when to say it, which often leads to not sending at all, even when they're launching a new book. "Before we get into the examples, it's worth knowing why these [book launch] newsletters convert," says BookBaby. "No matter your genre, [effective book launch] newsletters have five things in common." The first is a reason to open the email; that means a strong, relevant subject line. Once opened, it answers the reader's question of "What's in it for me?" It should help them, give them a sneak peek, or give them something useful. Next, be authentic. Write like an author, not a marketer. "You create deeper connections with your readers by wrapping their hopes, pain, and questions into the narrative and share how your book fits in." Then, give them just the relevant links to your upcoming launch or pre-order, plus maybe a timely link to your most popular series or seasonal promotion they can buy now. The last thing these successful launch emails have is timing; An email newsletter is perfect for teasing your upcoming launch, but don't forget that additional emails are good on launch day, not to mention follow-up emails with bonuses or reminders. Not everyone clicks (or even sees) your first email. BookBaby's simplest example doesn't overthink things. "The subject line can be as simple as 'Preorders open,' while the email body includes a brief story about why you wrote the book. Highlight the benefit to the reader and include the preorder link." If you're featuring limited time bonuses for early buyers or pre-orders, add that, too. Finally, a call-to-action (CTA) suggests that they "Preorder now in your preferred format." Because it's an email, you can includes a P.S., too, with a last-minute reason to purchase, like telling them why they'll enjoy your novel, or fixing a pain point for non-fiction. "This speaks directly to your reader while giving them a simple path to purchase."    Trixie Silvertale is here! https://trixiesilvertale.com/

Warehouse operations often highlight the gap between business strategy and execution, particularly as small and mid-sized companies grow. Challenges like fulfillment pressure, inventory inaccuracies, and manual workarounds can turn warehouses into bottlenecks that hinder organizational efficiency. When teams lose confidence in their data, scaling becomes more difficult, leaving leadership reactive instead of proactive.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Kurt Heusner, CEO of Endpoint Automation Solutions, about warehouse execution in the SMB market. Kurt discusses his experience with growth-focused businesses and emphasizes the importance of time-to-value, adoption, and simplicity over complexity. He explains how trust in systems affects team performance and why warehouses often reveal operational challenges first.The conversation also addresses ERP warehouse modules versus standalone WMS solutions as complexity grows, modular implementation approaches, the ongoing significance of barcoding, and how newer technologies fit into modernization strategies. The episode concludes with insights into Endpoint's peer communities and grant programs designed to enhance warehouse execution without disrupting daily operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:36) Meet Kurt Heusner: career and insights(02:52) Kurt Heusner's passion for music explained(04:58) Kurt's journey in SMB technology industry(06:22) Warehouse automation: SMBs' needs and insights(10:46) Cultural impact on technology implementation(11:31) Serving SMBs: key challenges uncovered(14:56) Evolution of endpoint automation solutions explained(17:16) Modular approach to WMS for success(19:30) Final thoughts on SMB problem-solving(23:56) Experience and continuous learning in tech(24:36) The history and evolution of barcoding(26:05) Barcoding's role in modern supply chains(29:06) Integrating technologies with barcoding in operations(31:39) Signs your ERP system needs upgrading(34:05) Building trust in tech and teams(39:33) Peer communities and learning program value(43:00) Grant programs for small manufacturers explainedAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Kurt Heusner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtheusner/Learn more about Endpoint Automation Solutions: https://endpointas.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform:

America's Credit Unions CEO Scott Simpson reflects on his first 90 days in the role and offers a preview of March's Government Affairs Conference. Barlow Research Managing Partner Sandy Hanson shares new and unexpected insights on how SMBs prefer to engage with financial providers.  Also- PayPal's plunge brings another of our 2025 BIGgo squares back into play, and an insider's uncommon take on FTX.   Links related to this episode: America's Credit Unions: https://www.americascreditunions.org/ The Government Affairs Conference, March 1-5 in Washington DC- breakout sessions now announced: https://www.americascreditunions.org/events-training/conference/governmental-affairs-conference/breakout-sessions Barlow Research: https://barlowresearch.com/ Deluxe Exchange: https://www.deluxe.com/deluxe-exchange/ Yahoo Finance on PayPal's earnings miss and Elon Musk rumors: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/paypal-tanks-earnings-miss-could-165640023.html  Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month's session will feature guest Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/   Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/  to learn more and register.     Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Send a textThis week's enterprise software headlines highlight a market simultaneously accelerating into agentic AI while still wrestling with the structural and legal fallout of past transformation failures. On the innovation front, Genstore's $10M seed round, Tray.ai's launch of the Tray Agent Hub, and new agentic releases from Mendix and OutSystems underscore how aggressively vendors are repositioning around autonomous workflows and AI-first orchestration layers. ServiceNow's unveiling of its AI Experience and Plex's connected worker integration push the same narrative into IT service management and manufacturing operations, signaling that agentic concepts are no longer confined to experimental edges of the stack. At the same time, a parallel storyline of governance and execution risk is playing out, with Zimmer Biomet's $172M ERP lawsuit against Deloitte, Europe's continued delays fixing a troubled Oracle system, Daedong USA's faltering ERP injunction, and the EU Commission's investigation into SAP's practices reinforcing how fragile large-scale enterprise transformations remain. Together, these developments paint a bifurcated 2026 landscape: rapid platform innovation driven by AI ambition on one side, and unresolved accountability, regulatory scrutiny, and implementation risk on the other.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=m3VmbEsy5uQQuestions for Panelists?

Most B2B marketing fails for one simple reason: it forgets how persuasion actually works.That's why Mad Men still hits. Beneath the suits, pitches, and personal drama, it's a masterclass in what actually moves people. In this episode, we break down its B2B marketing takeaways with the help of our special guest  Fahad Muhammad, Former VP of Marketing at TealBook.Together, we explore why fundamentals matter more than tactics, why emotion drives demand, and how originality is the only real advantage left in modern B2B marketing.About our guest, Fahad MuhammadFahad is a revenue-centric and data-driven marketing leader with 17 years of experience in strategic marketing at severalSaaS/Tech companies ranging from start-ups, SMBs to enterprise organizations. Specializing in demand creation and generation, he takes a data driven approach to identify unique growth opportunities in order to drive revenue and foster meaningful connections with customers. He is a diehard college football fan (Sun Devil for life!) and attends ASU's homecoming game each fall. An avid reader, he loves to read with a cup of his favorite coffee in hand.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Mad Men:Anchor on positioning before you touch tactics. Fahad's biggest takeaway from Mad Men is that modern B2B often skips the hard thinking and jumps straight to execution. The show strips marketing back to its core, and the lesson is uncomfortable in its simplicity. As he puts it, “This discipline is around three core things. It's about positioning, it's about having a very compelling piece of creative… and then the last piece is really understanding who your audience is.” The danger for B2B teams is mistaking activity for strategy. If positioning is fuzzy, no amount of optimization will save it. Get the foundation right first, or everything else is just noise.Emotion is the real differentiator. Fahad makes it clear that cutting through the noise is about resonance. He says, “Something that does speak to us, no matter what medium [it's in], is always going to cut through the noise.” Mad Men works because it understands human psychology hasn't changed, even if the channels have. For B2B marketers, the lesson is simple: logic might justify the purchase, but emotion earns attention. If your message doesn't connect at a human level, it won't survive the noise long enough to matter.Originality beats borrowed playbooks. Fahad warns that one of the fastest ways for B2B brands to disappear is by copying what already worked for someone else. Mad Men celebrates originality because it shows how differentiation is built through conviction, not consensus. As Fahad puts it, “They're not taking the shortcut route of copy pasting or referencing creative… they are elevating themselves and going through their own version of creative.” In a world where everyone has access to the same tools, the only sustainable advantage is saying something true in a way only you can. That's what people remember.Quote“  Everybody has the same access to the tools now. They can do the same thing. And the playing field is more level than ever. So how do you now cut through the noise? It still goes back to the core elements of: How strong is your positioning? How strong is your creative? Are you really thinking [that] this is going to cut through the noise and is it going to move people?”Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Fahad Muhammad, Former VP of Marketing at TealBook[01:37] Why Mad Men?[04:28] Role of VP of Marketing at TealBook[05:20] Behind-the-Scenes of Mad Men[09:21] B2B Marketing Takeaways from Mad Men[32:08] The Role of AI in Marketing[42:43] How to Connect Content to Your Marketing Strategy[45:44] Advice for First-Time VPs of Marketing[47:19] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Fahad on LinkedInLearn more about TealBookAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textWhile most modern CRMs offer basic marketing automation, those native modules are typically optimized for simple campaign execution and lead nurturing and often lack the depth, specialization, and innovation velocity of dedicated platforms. This list therefore prioritizes best-of-breed systems that function as a true operational hub for marketing teams and demonstrate meaningful ecosystem penetration across data platforms, content systems, ad-tech tools, and analytics layers. Because integration complexity in this category is generally lower than in core transactional systems, a best-of-breed strategy is structurally viable, ensuring the platforms included are tightly aligned with the real-world needs of modern marketing organizations rather than serving as secondary feature sets within sales- or service-centric suites.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top marketing automation systems in 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these marketing automation systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each marketing automation system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88hYJ_rw3v4Read: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-marketing-automation-systems/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textAI-native ERP platforms are fundamentally redefining what buyers should expect from enterprise systems, not just in how they automate work, but in how they are architected, implemented, and governed over time. In this independent, evidence-based review of DualEntry—one of the most visible AI-first ERP platforms—we move beyond vendor marketing to evaluate its data model, product design philosophy, investor alignment, market positioning, customer narratives, and community discourse, all through the lens of a real-world ERP selection project. The analysis then benchmarks DualEntry against both AI-native peers and traditional ERP platforms to surface where these systems deliver material advantages, where structural tradeoffs emerge, and what long-term risks may be accumulating beneath the innovation narrative. Designed for executives and ERP selection teams, the session provides a selection-ready framework to determine whether AI-native ERP platforms like DualEntry genuinely fit your business model, industry complexity, and growth trajectory.In this episode, Sam Gupta and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ, Andy Pratico from Essential Software Solutions, and Phil Coerper from Ringling Business Solutions conduct an in-depth independent review of a leading AI-native platform DualEntry.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/dualentry-an-ai-native-erp-platform-an-independent-in-depth-review/Questions for Panelists?

In this episode of Hustle & Flowchart, host Joe Fier sits down with entrepreneur and systems expert Brad Hart. Together, they explore how AI and robotics are transforming business and why now is the most exciting (and urgent) time for entrepreneurs to leverage these tools. Brad Hart shares his journey—what he'd do if starting over, how to build systems for true leverage, and why small businesses must lead the coming wave of technological change. From real-life success stories to actionable frameworks, this conversation is packed with forward-thinking strategies for building scalable, future-ready businesses.Topics DiscussedA New Era of Abundance: Brad Hart discusses the potential for AI and robotics to solve age-old challenges and what a “utopia” could mean for business and society.Why Small Businesses Matter: The gap between big tech's focus and the real needs of small and medium businesses—and why SMBs can't be left behind.Building Leverage with AI: Steps to identifying processes you can automate, from onboarding to operations, and freeing up human potential.Framework for Scaling: Brad Hart unveils his 4 Ps for system-building: Plan, Prompt, Produce, Polish (and a fifth: Platformatize).Tribe Coding vs. Vibe Coding: The power of collective learning, why masterminds matter, and how “tribe coding” accelerates innovation.Real-World Case Studies: How automating a medical onboarding process cut work from 120 hours to less than one—and what that means for scale.Mindset Shift for the Future: Why every industry is about to be disrupted, how to lead change (not follow it), and the new rules for staying in business past 2030.Introducing Optimus & the Mastermind: Brad Hart's platform to connect, automate, and scale business operations without coding.The Human Element: Why it's not about replacing humans, but empowering them to be more creative, impactful, and fulfilled.Resources MentionedSee what Brad is building over at Optimus: https://buildwithoptimus.com/Get some FREE Training from Brad: https://buildwithoptimus.com/trainings/Connect with Joe Fier