Podcasts about smbs

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

Why you should listenAaron Edwards reveals how to create custom AI agents for customer support that achieve 60-70% resolution rates out of the box, dramatically reducing support team workload and costs.Learn how DocsBot provides a flexible, cost-effective alternative to expensive enterprise solutions like Salesforce's AgentForce.Discover innovative lead generation strategies using intent-based SEO and free AI tools that can capture high-quality leads in today's challenging SEO landscape.Are you tired of watching your support team drown in tickets while your knowledge gets scattered across different systems and people's heads? I keep hearing the same frustration - enterprise AI solutions promise everything but cost more than most SMBs can justify. In this episode, I talk with Aaron Edwards, founder of DocsBot, who shares exactly how to create powerful custom AI agents for both customer support and internal knowledge access at a fraction of the cost. We dive into real-world use cases, discuss why flexibility matters more than fancy features, and explore marketing strategies that actually work in today's crowded AI landscape. This conversation will show you how to make AI work for your business without the enterprise price tag.About Aaron EdwardsAaron Edwards is Building & growing DocsBot and Imajinn.ai to $1m ARR. He is also the Co-founder Infinite Uploads (acquired). Previously CTO of WPMU DEV. Sharing his soloprenuer journey building and marketing an AI SaaS.Resources and LinksDocsbot.aiUglyrobot.devAaron's LinkedIn profileAaron on X: @UglyRobotDevGet DocsBot FREE for 1 month hereReplicateN8nLovablePrevious episode: 630 - The Death of Hourly Consulting: From Time-Selling to Value-Selling in the AI Age with Isar MeitisCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube channel: @PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resource

Ryan Price went down the Traditional Search Fund ETA path and realized after a year that it wasn't the right fit. He pivoted, went off on his own and bought an adjacent business through an SBA loan with no money down. Yes, it does happen. :).   Podcast Nuggies: Ryan Price's path from e-comm sales to acquisitions Lessons from leaving a search fund accelerator Buying a speech clinic with 0% down SBA loan Direct outreach vs. cold emails in finding deals Challenges with sellers, employees, and cash flow The reality of the post-acquisition J-curve   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies.Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now. https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics including the challenges of hiring level 3 and level 4 IT professionals, the importance of certifications and ongoing education in the IT industry, and the current job hiring trends influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also touch upon an interesting study on the growth of millionaires globally and its implications. The hosts offer practical advice for SMBs on developing relationships with subcontractors and enhancing company culture to attract top talent.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:08 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting Top-Level Technical Talent 08:47 Discussion on Millionaires and Wealth Distribution 15:24 The Importance of In-Person Job Interviews 19:34 Value of Job Skill Certificates and Continuous Learning 27:27 Conclusion --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI --- Sponsor Memo: Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6). If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out. There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it. For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Ann Westerheim, founder and president of Ekaru, discusses the concept of "last mile services" in technology, emphasizing the importance of making advanced IT and cybersecurity accessible to small businesses. Drawing from her background in the semiconductor industry, she highlights the gap between cutting-edge technology and its practical application for Main Street USA businesses. Her approach focuses on empowering clients to improve their cybersecurity posture through simple, actionable steps, such as implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.Westerheim introduces her CyberFit 21-day program, designed to demystify cybersecurity for non-technical users. She aims to replace the overwhelming jargon of the tech industry with relatable concepts that resonate with small business owners. By simplifying complex topics, she helps clients understand the risks they face and the straightforward measures they can take to mitigate them. This approach not only educates but also empowers clients to take control of their cybersecurity.The conversation shifts to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity, particularly in phishing attacks. Westerheim notes that AI is being used to create highly sophisticated phishing emails that are indistinguishable from legitimate communications. She emphasizes the need for businesses to establish acceptable use policies regarding AI and to educate employees about the potential security risks associated with its use. This proactive approach is crucial as many employees may be using AI tools without understanding the implications.As the discussion wraps up, Westerheim reflects on the current mood among small business clients, who are feeling overwhelmed by rapid technological changes and external economic pressures. She stresses the importance of taking small, manageable steps to adapt to these changes rather than succumbing to paralysis by analysis. By fostering open dialogues about technology and security, she aims to guide her clients through this period of uncertainty, helping them to embrace the opportunities that come with technological advancements. All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Valentina Flores, CEO and co-founder of Red Sentry, a proactive cybersecurity firm that “breaks into your network so hackers never get the chance.” With a career that spans from federal task force detective tracking cybercriminals to award-winning cybersecurity leader and advocate for women in tech, Valentina shares how her unique background shapes her approach to protecting organizations.She explains how Red Sentry's real-world attack simulations go beyond compliance checkboxes, combining hacker psychology, dark web intelligence, and hands-on penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities that automated scans often miss. Valentina also sheds light on the enterprise-like sophistication of hacker groups, why SMBs are frequent targets, and how businesses can disrupt attackers by removing easy wins.Looking ahead, she highlights AI as both the biggest opportunity and threat in cybersecurity—powering more convincing social engineering attacks while also giving defenders stronger detection and automation tools. Her perspective underscores the importance of blending AI precision with human creativity, while building a security-first culture that spans every level of an organization.Tags:#Cybersecurity #HackerPsychology #WomenInTech #AIandSecurity #ProactiveDefenseIf you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review. Apple or SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textDesigning a successful digital transformation framework requires more than just introducing new technologies—it demands seamless integration with existing business processes to avoid disruption and maximize efficiency. As organizations plan large-scale implementations, they must prioritize agility and scalability, ensuring that strategies can adapt over time while delivering lasting impact. Crucially, the transformation should empower teams by streamlining workflows, elevate customer experiences through smarter interactions, and provide clear, measurable value that justifies the investment and drives ongoing innovation.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Michael Schank, Managing Director, Process Inventory Advisors, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss the digital transformation framework for large-scale implementation.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Send us a textRecent developments across the enterprise technology landscape highlight a strong push toward AI-driven efficiency, enhanced integration, and strategic partnerships. Resulticks' launch of Genie, an AI-powered marketing agent, promises to reduce workloads by 40% while boosting real-time audience engagement. Simpplr is expanding its platform extensibility with custom apps that enable seamless enterprise integrations, while iFabric Corp adopts BlueCherry® ERP to drive smarter supply chain and operational growth. Talkdesk's After Hours feature improves customer and agent satisfaction by extending support beyond standard business times. Additionally, ARIS has partnered with ProcessMaker to introduce a new task mining solution, Cleo and Programmers.io announced a fresh partnership, and Crusoe unveiled new managed services. Strategic alliances also continue to shape the market, with Phenom teaming up with Deloitte, Progress releasing over 50 free UI components, and QAD announcing a new CEO to lead its next phase of growth.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Small business owners rely on digital tools to run their businesses, but how does their banking experience measure up? In this episode, hear real-world stories from business owners with diverse needs as they describe their experiences and challenges, and hear from financial institutions that are taking these needs to heart. Related Links [Blog] Small Business Tools, Tactics, and Transformation https://hub.q2.com/resources/col/pf/small-business-tools-tactics-and-transformation?pflpid=61254&pfsid=62E2iBv4Jj [On-Demand Webinar] Why and How to Become the Business Hub for Your SMB Customers https://hub.q2.com/resources/col/pf/why-and-how-to-become-the-business-hub-for-your-smb-customers-2?pflpid=61254&pfsid=62E2iBv4Jj [LinkedIn] Ben Cash https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cash-03312292/ [LinkedIn] Katrina Leach https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaleachufcu/ [LinkedIn] Shon Cass https://www.linkedin.com/in/scasstsb/ [LinkedIn] Thomas Eorgan https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaseorgan/

The way we work has evolved. The technology that has driven that are collaboration tools like Webex that allow work to be something you do, not somewhere you go. But what does the future look like, and are there applicable lessons from the past that we can learn? Ben Rife is back for round 3, and bring with him Brad Oliver, the Director of the US Commercial Collaboration SMB & Midmarket Sales Organization at Cisco to talk through practical advice and real-world examples to help small businesses navigate the rapidly changing landscape of modern teamwork. Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html To buy Ben's book for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Calling-Secrets-Underground-Communications/dp/B0DT1813Z1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3kYo4R4GAtkiSVlo_FeQKw.Mrykj20lEL2_eQtDW6jLCIlvAL0fWdOSWktNqDG7Z2Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=cloud+calling+secrets&qid=1749670806&sr=8-1

3 Listings. 2 listed by brokers. 1 listed by the owner.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies. Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now. https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0   Community Launch! -September Co-Hort Launch!   Listing 1 - Dental office - https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/dental-practice-for-sale/2384947/ Listing 2 - Marketing Agency - https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/turn-key-marketing-agency-w-high-monthly-recurring-revenue/2378252/ Listing 3 - FBA Business - https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/profitable-amazon-fba-pet-care-brand-20k-monthly-profit/2359420/

Send us a textSelecting an ERP system for discrete manufacturing can be complex due to frequent overlaps with other production modes like Make-to-Order, Make-to-Stock, or Engineer-to-Order. Many manufacturers operate hybrid models—for example, a machine builder that also manages chemical adhesives—where discrete processes dominate but some process-oriented functions are necessary. This list highlights ERP solutions that excel primarily in discrete manufacturing, even if they offer limited process capabilities. Understanding the precise structure of your operations is essential to determine whether you need comprehensive process support or just enough to complement your core discrete workflows effectively.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 discrete manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these discrete manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each discrete manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Agenda: 00:00 – The Worst IPO Mis-Pricing Ever: What Really Happened at Figma 02:30 – Fidelity vs Founders: How Important is Fidelity When Going Public 07:00 – Why Founders Secretly Want a Pop, Even If It Makes Them Look Stupid 10:15 – The Truth Behind the $3B Figma "Left on the Table"  14:00 – Direct Listings vs IPOs: Should Figma Have Gone Direct  23:00 – CEO Compensation is Broken, Brian Halligan Doesn't Hold Back 29:00 – The New Normal: Growth Rounds with Elon-Style Moonshot Packages 33:00 – Is Canva Next? Why Founders Should "Run, Forrest, Run" to the NASDAQ 36:00 – The Case for Going Public: VCs Are a Bigger Pain Than Public Markets 44:00 – Can AI Even Work for SMBs? Why No One's Cracked the Code (Yet) 51:00 – Meta's Monster Quarter: Growth, Cash Burn, and the Real AI Strategy 56:00 – CEO of the Year? Why Jensen Huang Leaves Zuck & Satya in the Dust 1:00:00 – Cognition's $15B Deal & Mass Layoffs: The Most Savage M&A Move of 2025 1:07:00 – Ramp's $22B Raise: Genius Move or Suicide Round? 1:09:00 – CRV Shrinks, Benchmark's Bet, and the Future of Venture Strategy

Send us a textCustomer engagement is rapidly evolving, with CRM systems playing a pivotal role in shaping how brands connect with their audiences. Today's CRM platforms go beyond simple contact management—they harness data and AI to deliver personalized, timely interactions that resonate on a deeper level. This shift means businesses must move from transactional exchanges to building genuine relationships, creating experiences that foster loyalty and long-term customer value.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Thomas Wieberneit, CEO, aheadCRM, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss CRM and customer engagement trends.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews:   ERP Lessons from the Frontlines of SMB Implementations, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) Why SMBs Should Embrace Bots (Nate Stroeher & Geordie McDougall, Third Stage Consulting) Shocking Reason Tech Projects Fail Every Time   We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.  

Summary:In today's episode, Les speaks with Chris Peterson, co-founder and CEO of Radicl, and a pioneer in cybersecurity innovation. Chris shares his inspiring journey from early days at Price Waterhouse to co-founding LogRhythm, and now leading Radicl - a company on a mission to bring military-grade cybersecurity to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), especially those in the defense industrial base (DIB). With humility, vision, and deep industry experience, Chris talks about the challenges of cybersecurity for SMBs, the promise of AI in threat detection, and the principles that drive Radicl's product and culture.Here's a closer look at the episode:1. Chris's Cybersecurity RootsGrew up curious and mischievous - early hacking instincts emerged from pushing boundaries.First tech job at Price Waterhouse, where he was inspired by early internet penetration testing.Mentored by pioneers like George Kurtz (founder of CrowdStrike) and Ron Gula.Early work included database security assessments and automated audit tools.2. Building LogRhythmCo-founded LogRhythm after stints at Counterpane and Tenable.Bootstrapped early development by selling his home and self-funding the venture.Partnered with Phil Villella (nuclear physicist) and Andy Grolnick (CEO) to scale the company.Lessons from early days: founder commitment, frugality, focus on product-market fit.LogRhythm grew to 500 employees before exiting via private equity in 2018.3. The Genesis of RadiclFounded Radicl to address cybersecurity gaps in SMBs within the defense supply chain.Inspired by the SolarWinds hack and national security threats.Assembled a founding team including his brother Matt and a former fighter pilot.Mission: protect under-defended SMBs in DIB against industrial espionage.4. The Opportunity and Market NeedDIB SMBs are often unable to afford or operate traditional cybersecurity solutions.Barriers include tight margins, complex compliance (e.g. CMMC), and lack of in-house talent.Advances in cloud, automation, and AI now make affordable, scalable solutions viable.Radicl addresses both compliance operations and 24/7 security operations via software + human hybrid model.5. Radicl's Product and PlatformDelivers “virtual SOC” capabilities—blending human expertise with AI and automation.Handles CMMC readiness, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.Designed for transparency: customers can engage with Radicl's ops team in-platform.AI-driven agents are increasingly being introduced to reduce cost and improve response times.6. Looking AheadPreparing for a Series A raise in the next 4–6 months to accelerate R&D investment.Focused on doubling down on AI innovation and expanding platform features.Vision: democratize advanced cybersecurity for SMBs while delivering elite protection to the DIB.Chris aims to balance company building with family, health, and meditation—striving for better life integration as a second-time founder.Resources:Website: RADICLhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/radicl-defense/ https://radicl.com/Chris Petersonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispetersen1/ https://radicl.com/bio-chris-petersen 

Send us a textThe enterprise software and AI landscape continues to evolve with a wave of targeted innovations and strategic alliances. Rimini Street and T-Systems North America have joined forces to offer cost-effective enterprise software support and hosting, while ServiceNow is introducing AI agents tailored for the telecom sector to enhance productivity across service lifecycles. AI continues to take center stage—Creatio's latest 8.2.2 release brings key platform enhancements, Pipedrive now simplifies sales reporting with AI-generated insights, and Resulticks debuts Genie, an AI agent designed to slash marketing workloads by 40%. Meanwhile, GoTo is catering to automotive dealerships with a new communication platform, Persado is transforming financial services marketing through dynamic AI-driven emails, and Simpplr is boosting enterprise integration flexibility with custom app extensibility. From smarter ERP deployments like iFabric Corp's adoption of BlueCherry®, to customer service innovation with Talkdesk's After Hours initiative, the momentum toward industry-specific, AI-augmented, and integration-ready solutions shows no signs of slowing down.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI), with a significant portion planning to allocate between $25,000 and $1 million towards technology this year. A recent GTIA survey revealed that 63% of SMBs believe AI will be the most impactful technology in the next two years, and 65% of executives view technology as crucial for achieving business goals. Despite economic uncertainties, 35% of these businesses intend to invest unexpected financial gains into cutting-edge technology, indicating a strong desire for innovation. Notably, many SMBs are purchasing technology directly from vendors, signaling a shift in the market dynamics.The labor market for small businesses is showing signs of change, with a report indicating a decrease in unfilled job openings. While 33% of small business owners reported unfilled positions in July, down from 36% in June, the challenges of finding qualified workers persist. A net 14% of small business owners plan to hire new employees in the upcoming quarter, particularly in skilled trade sectors like construction and transportation. This commitment to growth amidst a tight labor market suggests that automation and AI solutions may become more appealing to SMBs as they seek to enhance efficiency.Major tech companies are reporting strong earnings, with Microsoft leading the way. The company achieved a revenue of $76.4 billion for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year, driven by a 34% increase in Azure cloud services. Amazon and Google also reported significant revenue growth, particularly in their cloud services, with Amazon's AWS generating $30.9 billion. The competitive landscape is shifting, as Microsoft's Bing is gaining market share from Google, highlighting the importance of AI integration in driving business success.Concerns about the integrity of economic data are rising, particularly following the recent job report that showed the weakest job creation since 2010. The report's findings prompted political controversy, including the firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner by President Trump. Experts warn that declining survey response rates and limited resources threaten the accuracy of critical economic indicators. This situation raises alarms about the reliability of data used for economic forecasting, emphasizing the need for trustworthy metrics in navigating the current economic landscape.Three things to know today 00:00 AI Demand, Tight Labor, and Vendor Direct Sales Redefine the SMB Technology Landscape05:16 Microsoft Posts Record $76.4B Quarter, Azure Up 34%, Bing Gains Search Share from Google10:10 Buyers Reject Multiyear SaaS Contracts Amid Rapid AI-Driven Product Changes13:03 Weak Jobs Data Spurs Political Shake-Up as Trump Fires BLS Commissioner, Raising Trust Concerns This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://syncromsp.com/ Tell us about a newsletter!https://bit.ly/biztechnewsletter All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

We dive into the risks for both the buyer and seller here. THIS episode started out as a personal conversation that turned into something we needed to record publicly. Ryan is fantastic. You'll love this episode. Even the best experts make mistakes.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo. Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now. https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0

Send us a textWhile often conflated with Engineer-to-Order (ETO), project manufacturing has distinct characteristics that set it apart—particularly in how engineering complexity plays out. ETO usually demands intensive front-end design and quoting, but project manufacturing may involve minimal engineering, as seen in construction or infrastructure projects. What remains essential, however, is strong support for project planning, costing, scheduling, and other contract-driven requirements. ERP systems built for high-volume discrete or process manufacturing often overlook these project-centric needs, lacking features like milestone billing, long lead-time planning, or pre-sales estimation. For project manufacturers, selecting an ERP system that aligns with these operational demands is critical to ensuring delivery precision and financial control.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 project manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these project manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each project manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

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

Sahill Poddar is the Co-founder and CEO of Parafin, helping marketplaces, vertical SaaS, and point of sale providers offer financial services their merchants.Sahill and his team have quietly built Parafin to nearly a $100m GAAP revenue run rate in only four years, and they've done it in an industry that's become a Silicon Valley graveyard: SMB lending.Sahill talks about how they partnered with other marketplaces, vertical SaaS, and point of sale providers to offer financial services to SMBs at scale, landing DoorDash as their first customer before building the product, and advice for technical teams learning enterprise sales.Sahill's a fascinating founder, as he started his career getting a PhD discovering the Higgs boson particle at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. We talk about physics, he explains how the Large Hadron Collider works, why physics is just real world machine learning, and all the lessons he learned on the growth teams at Facebook and Robinhood (including the way Robinhood acquired most of its userbase!)A thank you to Hans Tung at Notable Capital, Nick Shalek at Ribbit, and Mahdi Raza at Pathlight for their help brainstorming topics for the conversation.Thanks to Ramp for supporting this episode. It's the corporate card and expense management platform used by over 40,000 companies, like Shopify, CBRE and Stripe. Time is money. Save both with Ramp. Get your $250 here.Timestamps:(4:06) Lending to SMBs inside marketplaces and platforms(9:39) Why SMB lending is so hard(12:50) Three ways AI is changing Fintech(16:47) Silicon Valley's graveyard of SMB lenders(22:44) Getting a PhD in Particle Physics(26:15) How CERN's Large Hadron Collider works(31:49) Discovering new dimensions(34:10) Building billion user data sets at Facebook(39:53) Working with other physicists at Robinhood(50:29) Growth lessons from FB + Robinhood(1:00:57) Starting Parafin, embedded, horizontal SMB lending(1:06:09) Why credit is the biggest problem for SMBs(1:10:53) Raising a Seed from Ribbit pre-product(1:13:25) Landing DoorDash as the first customer(1:16:51) Mastering B2B sales as a technical founder(1:22:58) Lessons from Vlad at RobinhoodReferencedParafin:Careers at ParafinEpisode with Charley & MahdiJuliusCERNLarge Hadron ColliderFollow SahillTwitterLinkedInFollow TurnerTwitterLinkedInSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week.

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

Rania Succar, the new CEO of Kaseya, discusses her vision for the company at a crucial time for both Kaseya and the managed service provider (MSP) ecosystem. With Kaseya facing scrutiny over customer service and billing practices, Succar emphasizes the importance of innovation and a cultural reset to strengthen relationships with MSP partners. She believes that Kaseya has the potential to be a leader in driving outcomes for small businesses through its partnerships with MSPs, which are essential for helping these businesses adopt cutting-edge technology. Succar outlines four key values that will guide Kaseya's next chapter: measuring success based on the profitability and revenue growth of MSP partners, delivering innovation that benefits these partners, enhancing the overall customer experience, and investing in the community. She acknowledges the frustrations MSPs have expressed regarding customer service and billing practices, and she highlights specific steps Kaseya is taking to address these issues, including the end of high watermark pricing and improvements in customer support. The conversation also touches on the importance of internal culture and employee retention at Kaseya. Succar emphasizes the strength of her leadership team and the need for a culture that empowers employees to make decisions at all levels. By fostering a customer-centric and innovative environment, she aims to improve the overall experience for both employees and customers, ultimately leading to better service quality. Looking ahead, Succar shares her vision for leveraging AI and automation to enhance Kaseya's offerings for MSP partners. She recognizes the challenges SMBs face in adopting AI and emphasizes the need for collaboration between Kaseya and MSPs to unify data and create effective solutions. By focusing on these areas, Succar aims to position Kaseya as a leader in helping small businesses navigate the evolving technology landscape. All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Send us a textEnterprise IT decisions carry enormous financial and strategic weight, and analyst firms like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC play a pivotal role in shaping them. Yet despite the influence of their research, many IT and business leaders struggle to use it effectively. Too often, organizations rely on reprints or surface-level summaries without grasping the full context or limitations. When properly interpreted, analyst insights can significantly reduce risk, streamline decisions, and steer companies away from costly mistakes. But unlocking that value requires more than just access—it demands a clear understanding of how to translate dense reports into actionable guidance that aligns with specific business needs.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Carter Lusher—an industry analyst veteran with experience on both sides of the table, as a former Gartner and Ovum analyst, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss the consumer's guide to IT industry analyst research and advice.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

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

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

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with vendors doubling down on AI innovation, strategic partnerships, and vertical-specific enhancements. Acumatica is making waves by detailing its AI-driven ERP roadmap tailored for the mid-market, while Deltek introduces benchmarking capabilities powered by its Clarity study to enrich Vantagepoint users' insights. Meanwhile, Appian and Creatio are pushing platform updates that elevate data fabric and process automation experiences. Strategic alliances are also taking center stage—IFS and UKG are teaming up in North America, as are Rimini Street and T-Systems for enterprise support and hosting. From GoTo's targeted platform for automotive dealerships to Persado's dynamic email tailored for financial services, and ServiceNow's AI agents built for telecom, the message is clear: enterprise tech providers are sharpening their focus on specialization, intelligence, and integration.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds, including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendor. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

This is how you save time.     SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies.   Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now.  https://peakbusinessvaluation.com/contact-2/   YouTube - Need more hands-on videos? - https://www.youtube.com/@letsbuyabusiness

Send us a textThe Configure-to-Order (CTO) space within manufacturing demands systems built for flexibility—balancing standardized components with the ability to configure products quickly and accurately. Unlike Engineer-to-Order (ETO), where each project starts from scratch, CTO relies on predefined options that can be assembled in various ways to meet customer needs. This configuration may occur within ERP or PLM systems, or extend outward through CPQ tools and e-commerce interfaces, depending on how a company structures its sales and fulfillment processes. Given the wide variability in product complexity and go-to-market strategies, there's no universal approach—successful CTO execution hinges on aligning configurability with business objectives and user experience.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each configure-to-order manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

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

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

Is your career site delivering the conversion you need? Dalia's plug-and-play tech turns any employer career site into a high-performance candidate conversion engine — no replatforming required, live in days.Visit dalia.co to learn more. AND by jobcase, Jobcase is an online community where workers of all kinds – like hourly employees, tradespeople and healthcare technicians – access jobs, make connections, and support each other in any aspect of their work life.Visit jobcase.com/hire and tap into their 120 million strong  job seeker network First up…1848 Ventures, an AI-first venture studio building SaaS solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US, today announced it has led a $3 million seed funding round for Propel People, a mobile-first hiring platform built to help contractors hire skilled tradespeople faster. Propel People has also appointed industry veteran Dexter Bachelder as CEO, bringing deep expertise in construction tech and go-to-market execution to the growing company. https://hrtechfeed.com/1848-ventures-leads-3m-seed-round-for-propel-people/ WALNUT CREEK, Calif.—-BetterComp, a leading provider of compensation management software, today announced its $33M Series A funding round, led by Ten Coves Capital. The investment will fuel BetterComp's continued growth and innovation, enhance its AI-powered market pricing and pay recommendation capabilities, expand into new product adjacencies, and scale operations to better serve a rapidly growing global customer base. https://hrtechfeed.com/compensation-management-software-lands-33m-in-funding/ RICHMOND, Va — goHappy, the leading provider of innovative frontline employee engagement tools, today announced it has received a significant growth investment from Pamlico Capital, a private equity firm focused on high-growth technology and services businesses. The investment amount which was not mentioned… will support goHappy's next phase of growth as it continues to pursue its vision of helping employers drive stronger business outcomes through better engagement of their frontline teams. https://hrtechfeed.com/employee-engagement-tool-announces-investment/ Ashby, a rapidly growing company, has announced a successful $50 million Series D funding round. The investment was led by Mark McLaughlin at Alkeon, with co-lead support from existing investor Lachy Groom, and participation from F-Prime, Elad Gil, Gaingels, and other new and returning backers. https://hrtechfeed.com/ashby-raises-50-million-series-d/ SAN FRANCISCO—-CandorIQ, the AI-powered platform transforming how organizations plan and manage people spend, today announced a $4.8 million seed funding round led by Array Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, CRV, and Switch Ventures. The funding will be used to grow CandorIQ's engineering and go-to-market teams, accelerate product development, and expand the platform's AI capabilities across compensation and workforce planning workflows. https://hrtechfeed.com/workforce-planning-tool-lands-4-8m/ The highly anticipated Monster/CareerBuilder auction has concluded, and the winning bidder is not JobGet, as some might have expected. Instead, BOLD Holdings emerged victorious with a staggering final bid of $28.4 million! Jobget emerged as the backup with a bid of $27 million. https://hrtechfeed.com/bold-holdings-snags-monster-careerbuilder-auction-for-28-4-million/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I chat with Cody Schneider discusses why productized services using AI tools are superior to traditional AI automation agencies, offering five specific business ideas that can generate $40K - 80K monthly within six months. Each idea leverages AI tools to create scalable, recurring revenue streams while providing measurable value to clients. The conversation highlights acquisition strategies, pricing models, and specific AI tools that entrepreneurs can use to implement these services. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Why Productized Services 03:29 - Med Spa AI Marketing Service 13:50 - AI Ads for Beauty E-Commerce Brands 21:33 - SMMA for nutrition coaches 25:04 - Link Magnets for Webinars 29:34 - Data Analytics AI Agency 32:32 - Voice AI Agents and Future Trends Key Points: • AI automation agencies often struggle with sustainability, while productized services offer recurring revenue and better scalability • Med Spa marketing services using AI-generated content and Google Maps optimization can generate $2-3K monthly per client • Facebook ads for beauty e-commerce brands is a high-value opportunity due to constant need for fresh creative content • Social media management for nutrition coaches represents an underserved market with significant revenue potential • Data analytics services for SMBs can leverage AI tools to provide insights from existing business data The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com/ LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ Boringmarketing - Vibe Marketing for Companies: http://boringmarketing.com/ The Vibe Marketer - Join the Community and Learn: http://thevibemarketer.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.skool.com/startupempire/about FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND CODY ON SOCIAL Cody's startup: https://www.graphed.com/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/codyschneiderxx Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@codyschneiderx

Send us a textSelecting the right research firm is a strategic decision that hinges on aligning their domain expertise with your industry's specific challenges and goals. These firms do more than collect data—they interpret trends, test assumptions, and translate findings into actionable insights that inform critical business decisions. To ensure a good fit, it's essential to evaluate their methodologies, track record, and how well they tailor recommendations to your objectives. A credible research partner doesn't just report on the market—they help shape your strategy with intelligence you can act on.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Duncan Chapple, Analyst Relations Lead, Elisa Polystar, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss how to work with the right research firms.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Send us a textCustomer service in eCommerce comes with unique complexities, especially when managing thousands of product-related inquiries that can make or break a sale. Given the typically lower price points, even premium brands face a dilemma: hiring seasoned agents can be cost-prohibitive, yet relying on less experienced staff may jeopardize customer satisfaction. This is where seamless integration with eCommerce platforms becomes vital—ensuring agents have the right context and tools to respond effectively. Unfortunately, many customer service solutions built for other industries lack this deep integration, leaving eCommerce teams to navigate disjointed systems and compromised service quality.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Georgias' capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Georgias might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Georgias.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs.rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Send us a textIn Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environments, early-stage collaboration with customers is critical, particularly during design and engineering. While general-purpose tools like Smartsheet or Monday.com may aid in project tracking, they typically fall short in supporting the depth and complexity of data exchange inherent in ETO workflows. Similarly, CAD and PLM platforms offer some collaborative capabilities, but their reach is often confined to engineering-specific tasks. The real challenge—and opportunity—emerges once the Bill of Materials (BOM) is finalized: ERP systems must seamlessly take over to drive production and execution. ERP platforms with built-in CAD and PLM integration simplify this transition, reducing technical friction, while those without native support often require costly middleware or custom development, increasing implementation risk.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

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

Santosh Kaveti, founder and CEO of ProArch, discusses the critical steps organizations must take to operationalize AI effectively. His company specializes in helping clients across various sectors, including power, manufacturing, and healthcare, bridge the gap between IT and operational technology systems. Kaveti emphasizes the importance of data readiness as a prerequisite for AI readiness, arguing that without proper data governance, organizations cannot successfully implement AI solutions. He outlines a structured approach to AI adoption, starting with individual user empowerment and progressing through workflows and custom AI applications.Data governance is a central theme in Kaveti's discussion, where he clarifies that it does not necessarily require perfectly structured data but rather a solid understanding of data risks and access controls. He notes that many organizations, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, are often unprepared for the data governance necessary to support AI initiatives. Kaveti suggests that organizations can achieve significant improvements by implementing basic data classification and access controls, which can lead to a more effective AI journey.Kaveti also highlights the differences in AI adoption across industries, noting that compliance drives many organizations in healthcare, while critical infrastructure sectors often mistakenly believe that their locked-down environments ensure security. He points out that a lack of understanding of data risks can lead to vulnerabilities, regardless of the perceived security measures in place. This misconception is prevalent among SMBs, which often overlook the importance of data hygiene and governance.Finally, Kaveti shares real-world examples of how ProArch has successfully implemented AI solutions for clients, illustrating the tangible benefits of AI in improving operational efficiency. He emphasizes that AI should not be confused with mere automation, as true AI applications can enhance productivity and decision-making. By focusing on the integration of AI tools and ensuring they work cohesively, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI to drive business transformation. All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Send us a textProject management has come a long way from rigid, legacy systems to more adaptable, user-friendly platforms that cater to today's fast-paced work environments. Modern solutions range widely—from balanced tools that blend structure with flexibility to sprawling, spreadsheet-like systems demanding heavy consulting to tailor workflows. In this evolving landscape, ClickUp has emerged as a versatile player, promising both ease of use and robust customization. But the key question remains: how does ClickUp stack up against its competitors in delivering the right mix of simplicity and power for diverse project needs?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ClickUp's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ClickUp might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of ClickUp.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs.rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

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

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

Send us a textThe enterprise technology landscape is heating up with a wave of strategic acquisitions and bold AI investments signaling a new era of innovation and consolidation. Lenovo's move to acquire Infinidat strengthens its foothold in enterprise storage, while CDP consolidation accelerates as Rokt absorbs mParticle, tightening the data ecosystem. AI-driven capabilities are front and center, with ServiceNow advancing its agentic AI roadmap through Cuein and Oracle launching AI agents tailored for sales professionals. Meanwhile, startups like DeepSeek-R1 are shaking up the AI space by offering open-source alternatives to ChatGPT, and Atomicwork's recent $25M+ Series A reflects growing investor confidence in AI-powered enterprise IT tools. From Render's $80 million cloud simplification push to Vercel's acquisition of Tremor to boost open-source React development, the market is rapidly evolving toward smarter, more integrated solutions.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

I'm gonna scare you in this episode. Am I solving for freedom or just running from something? Do I understand how this business actually makes money? Can I survive the worst-case scenario? What will break in my life if I say yes? Do I know what success looks like in 12 months? And will I still want it then?   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies.   Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.   Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.     YouTube - Need more hands-on videos? - https://www.youtube.com/@letsbuyabusiness    

Send us a textMake to Stock (MTS) manufacturers may span diverse industries, but their ERP needs often align around the essentials: accurate demand forecasting, efficient inventory management, and resilient supply chain operations. With production driven by forecasts rather than confirmed orders, the stakes for planning precision are high—making tools like MRP, S&OP, and warehouse logistics critical to profitability. In our 2025 ERP analysis, we zeroed in on platforms that go beyond basic functionality, identifying those with strategic investments in MTS-specific capabilities, robust communities, and agile technology stacks. Whether you're in food and beverage, automotive, or consumer goods, the systems highlighted here are designed not just to meet today's operational challenges, but to scale with the complex future of proactive manufacturing.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each make-to-stock manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

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

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

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