Podcasts about smbs

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

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how a strategy-first approach to digital marketing helps businesses navigate the evolving search landscape and achieve measurable growth.Joining us is Anar Kazimov, Founder and Owner of Pixel Prodigies, a results-driven marketing agency dedicated to boosting corporate revenue through data-backed strategies. Anar shares how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of brand authority, and the lessons he's learned in sustaining a startup through uncertainty.Key Highlights:AI Overviews & SEO: How AI is transforming search and how SMBs can adapt content strategies effectively. Building Brand Authority: The value of guest posts and press mentions in strengthening SEO and credibility. Google Ads Mistakes: Common pitfalls small businesses face and how to audit campaigns for better ROI. Founder's Journey: How Anar overcame cash flow challenges and built resilience as an entrepreneur. Future Vision: The story behind the Backlink Store and Pixel Prodigies' commitment to data-driven growth.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

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

Welcome back to another episode of HR Insights: The Podcast. Today, our CEO and Host, Stuart Elliott, is joined by Tony Davies, Director of Global Partners at Acumen International, to explore the rapidly growing world of global employment and the role of Employer of Record (EOR) in enabling organisations to scale across borders with confidence.Together, they discuss the evolution of Tony's career, from military engineering to building high-performing recruitment businesses, to leading global partnership networks and advising organisations on compliant international workforce expansion. Tony breaks down what the EOR model really is, why demand is rising across regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, and India, and the common pitfalls organisations must avoid when hiring internationally.We hope you gain practical insights into when and how to use an EOR solution, how to mitigate risk in global hiring, and why choosing the right partner can determine both compliance and commercial success.About Tony Davies:Tony Davies is the Director of Global Partners at Acumen International, where he leads the development and execution of global partnership strategies to expand market presence and support business growth. With more than 25 years of experience in international recruitment and workforce solutions, Tony specialises in building strategic alliances, scaling operations across borders, and enabling organisations to globalise efficiently through Acumen's extensive Global EOR network.Passionate about empowering organisations to unlock new market opportunities, Tony focuses on strategic collaboration, operational scalability, and sustainable growth in competitive, fast-changing environments.Key Timestamps:00:16 – About Tony's Career path: military → engineering → recruitment01:03 – Building and selling a recruitment firm06:20 – Belcan UK turnaround to $60m and 35-country footprint09:04 – With James Caan: building global partner networks10:43 – Joining Acumen International: partnership vs referral models12:08 – What is EOR/PEO and why companies use it18:45 – Demand hotspots: Middle East, Northern LatAm, India21:50 – Pitfalls: “cheapest” ≠ safest; misclassification; penalties on global turnover26:56 – Before using EOR: three checks to run30:30 – When EOR is the right tool (SMBs, market tests, entity rationalisation)41:53 – Advice for HR & leaders: build a trusted EOR partnershipYou can listen to and download HR Insights from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. Please subscribe so the latest episodes are directly available! You can also join our HR Community by following us on LinkedIn.Thank you for listening and please do review and rate us wherever you listen!

What if AI could give craftsmen their time back? In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn Menninger sits down with Julian Wiedenhaus, CEO and Co-Founder of PlanCraft, to explore how AI agents and voice interfaces are reshaping Europe's construction sector. From a family carpentry shop to a €38 M Series B, PlanCraft built an AI-first SaaS that helps over 20 000 craft businesses quote, invoice and coordinate projects without paper chaos. Our sponsor:

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode from our exclusive series AI for SMBs, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping business strategy, productivity, and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada.Joining us is Jordan Steiner, Chief Strategy Officer at Monadical and Founder & CEO of Developer Capital. With 12 years of experience as a portfolio manager before pivoting fully into AI, Jordan combines financial acumen with deep AI expertise to help startups and SMEs build scalable, defensible, and future-ready businesses.Key Highlights:The AI Leap: How Jordan's transition from finance to AI reflects the growing need for early adoption. Privacy & Security: Why AI data protection is crucial and how businesses can safeguard sensitive information. Funding Strategies: What makes an AI startup truly VC-fundable versus suited for non-dilutive funding. Building a Moat: How SMEs can stay resilient and competitive in an AI-driven economy. Custom AI Solutions: How Monadical's Palantir-inspired model empowers Canadian SMEs through tailored AI workflows.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Nick Williams, global product director at Intuit opens the podcast by announcing the global availability of AI agents on the Intuit platform. He explains how it works, why they're launching now, and risks and reactions. The team discusses new Intuit QuickBooks research showing small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can achieve up to 58% more revenue growth by closing the gap between ambition and execution. Williams explores the role of AI, automation, the importance of readiness and unlocking potential. Tom Herbert talks about the return of tech founders, covering six founders who built and sold successful accounting tech products and are now back with new software. Herbert details their return and the growing tech gap for small businesses. With the Budget weeks away, Richard Hattersley chats about rumours, likely changes, Rachel Reeves's briefing and the team share their thoughts on which tax updates might actually happen. Matthew Ord wraps up discussing ICAEW AML compliance. A new report shows that rates have remained consistent but non-compliance is rising. He reviews the findings and whether the FCA will be ready to act on them.

We talk about complexity all the time — but few founders have weaponized it like these four did.In markets where infrastructure is fragmented, regulation changes by the month, and operational chaos is the norm, most founders either give up or try to export Silicon Valley playbooks that don't translate.Daniel Vogel, Caique Carvalho, Tiago Dalvi, and Piero Contezini did something different.They didn't build despite the complexity. They built because of it.Daniel turned Mexico's regulatory maze into Bitso's $2.2 billion moat — Latin America's first crypto unicorn. Caique orchestrated Brazil's fragmented DMV infrastructure into Gringo's $200 million exit to Corpay. Tiago called every investor to return their money, then pivoted Olist into a $10 billion GMV platform. And Piero turned Brazil's Byzantine tax system into Asaas's 37 revenue streams and a path to a U.S. listing.This isn't a recap episode. It's a strategic debrief.Every few months, I step back to look at the patterns — the decisions, frameworks, and inflection points that separate companies that scale from those that stall. This quarter, one theme cut through everything: in emerging markets, the very friction that makes these markets "too hard" is what makes them defensible once you figure them out.What I cover:The infrastructure decision — When to build from scratch vs. orchestrate what exists, and why control beats features in volatile markets.The contrarian bet that won Mexico — How Bitso ignored the entire crypto industry's narrative about replacing fiat and built the bridge instead.The tattoo marketplace that failed — What Caique learned about the difference between problems people tolerate and problems they'll pay to eliminate.The pivot that required courage — Why Tiago offered to return investor money, and what that decision revealed about founder clarity.Distribution as product design — Why Gringo built for WhatsApp first, and the three questions every founder should ask before building any feature.The four-layer playbook — How Asaas went from "help SMBs get paid" to 37 revenue streams by solving sequential, interconnected problems.The M&A playbook that just works — Olist's four-step integration strategy that turned acquisitions into product strategy, not just consolidation.Why 2,600 hours on taxes = $185M raised — The value of inefficiency, and why vertical SaaS works differently in Latin America than anywhere else.This is a masterclass in seeing opportunity where others see impossibility.Join The J Curve Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Weekly deep dives into LATAM's hottest deals, emerging trends, and market intelligence⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Daily market insights and exclusive founder updates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Behind-the-scenes podcast moments and quick industry takes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hit subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and investors

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

The fastest way to win more ISO and agent deals isn't adding more vendors; it's sharpening the story. We sit down with John Barrett and Andie Hill from Payroc to unpack how a focused core product strategy transformed recruiting conversations, accelerated close rates, and unlocked real wins in the SMB space. This is the third and final episode in our three-part series titled: Focus. Build. Win.John breaks down the four-part recruiting pitch that sets expectations and gets to fit fast: who Payroc is as a full-service acquirer, what the core solutions do, how infrastructure and culture support partners as customer number one, and where international expansion opens future lanes. Andie takes us into the field results: near sellouts of their terminal twice in a year, a step-change in win rates, and tangible gains when SMBs finally get pay by text, lightweight invoicing, and a polished countertop experience without enterprise POS cost or complexity. Service verticals like auto repair and landscaping benefit from simple scheduling, mobile-friendly payments, and fewer keyed transactions -practical improvements that agents can demo and merchants adopt quickly.We also walk through a vertical ISO case study that shifted to sending 95 percent of its business to Payroc after repeatable onboarding, underwriting alignment, and responsive support outperformed legacy processors. Throughout the conversation, feedback loops drive the roadmap: trade show questions, CRM win-loss data, and partner demos surfaced the need for features like scheduling, which moved from request to release. The core message is clear; focus doesn't mean fixed. The stack evolves, but the promise stays consistent: fewer products, better execution, stronger support, and a go-to-market that respects the time of the people closest to the merchant.

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

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

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

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

Banks dramatically underestimate how their customers share financial data, and most of it happens through insecure screen scraping that creates fraud vulnerabilities and slows performance. Shane McWilliams, Head of Retail Digital Banking at FIS, breaks down the three critical challenges separating thriving institutions from those being left behind: serving small and medium businesses as a central financial hub, enabling secure data sharing through APIs, and moving beyond product-centric thinking to build sticky customer relationships. McWilliams reveals that when he asks bank executives to guess what percentage of their customers are sharing data with third parties, "they're not even close" to reality. He explains how modern SMBs expect their banks to integrate everything from cash flow monitoring to accounting systems, why personalization needs to go beyond UX optimization, and how banks that orient around customer needs rather than products will win in today's competitive environment.

Self-storage in Montreal is changing fast. Robert Vineberg, president of Pandora Self-Storage, breaks down the model behind their Class-A facilities—drive-thru access you can literally pull a cube truck into, humidity-controlled environments that protect high-value goods, and security that actually feels safe. We unpack how Pandora picks markets (population, storage per capita, rate comps), what zoning and stabilization really take, and why small facilities often fail on fixed costs. Plus: co-working near your unit, commercial-friendly lockers, and a national growth roadmap from Quebec to Ontario and beyond.   Highlights: Drive-thru storage & commercial-ready unit mix (3/6/900 sq ft flexibility) Market math: ≥100K people in 3 km, comp rates, and saturation guardrails Build & lease-up truth: 11–14 months construction, ~40-month underwriting for stabilization Green design & financing: zero-carbon targets, climate + humidity control, security as product Operator realities: marketing spend, unit-mix discipline, and why "all small units" kills NOI Expansion strategy: why you need at least two sites per new city for ops redundancy Perfect for: CRE investors, developers, operators, and SMBs who need flexible, near-home space. Follow & Share: New episodes weekly. Follow the show and share with a colleague who's eyeing storage or light-industrial strategies in Greater Montreal. Visit https://www.e5pace.com for more resources, market guides, data, and advertising opportunities.

WHERE IS THE MONEY? The million dollar question that Kat and Ian cannot answer. Please leave a comment after minute 6 if you can answer this question for us. From here, your favorite duo hits the highlights on SMB pain points with marketing. From cost to time consumption, Kat and Ian debunk allll the myths for SMBs. AND if you're more interested in exactly what Cisco is selling, check it out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

At the Wildix Partner Day in Venice, Technology Reseller News Publisher Doug Green spoke with Jon Arnold, Principal of J Arnold & Associates, for a candid analyst perspective on Wildix's strategy and its growing impact on the SMB and channel markets. Arnold noted that while Wildix may be lesser known in North America, its channel-first model, AI-driven innovation, and SMB focus set it apart from larger UCaaS players. “Wildix isn't trying to be everything to everyone — they're laser-focused on SMBs that want modern, ROI-driven communications, not just dial tone,” said Arnold. “They understand how to meet these businesses where they are, whether they're still on legacy PBX systems or rebuilding after the pandemic's patchwork solutions.” He emphasized that Wildix's message is no longer about PBX replacement, but about transforming communications into a strategic asset. “Voice is no longer just about making phone calls — it's data. Once AI enters the picture, conversations become business intelligence, and that's where Wildix is delivering real value,” Arnold explained. Arnold also praised the company's verticalized offerings, including AI-powered retail and healthcare solutions that demonstrate tangible returns for customers and simplify the sales process for MSPs. “They're giving the channel out-of-the-box vertical solutions with integrations already done — that's gold for partners, because it accelerates time to market and reduces disruption,” he said. From workflow automation and open APIs to remote-friendly deployment, Arnold concluded that Wildix exemplifies a vendor that both lives and delivers on the distributed-work model. “They've stayed true to their SMB roots while bringing the power of AI to that market — and that's a story worth paying attention to,” he added. Learn more about Jon Arnold's research and market insights at jarnoldassociates.com.

In this episode, I speak with Akhil Nigam, CoFounder at Finmo, and we answer the critical question: How can global businesses transform their fragmented treasury operations into unified, intelligent systems that drive growth?He shares insights on why SMEs deserve better treasury solutions, how real-time payment rails are transforming cash management, and why MO AI is becoming the intelligent co-pilot every finance team needs.

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

Mini - Episode - 6 min.   Timidity is one of the worst sins. No one will follow you or believe you in. Make a bold bet now.   SMBs are the biggest target for cyber attacks. Protect your business with Inzo Technologies. Check out....www.inzotechnologies.com, I-N-Z-O, or email Nick directly at nick@inzotechnologies.com.   Get expert M&A guidance, valuations, and fractional executive support from Amplēo.Learn more at www.ampleo.com/lets-buy-a-business-podcast/.   Buying or selling? Business Valuation help? - Lean on Peak Business Valuation and their expertise now.  https://hubs.li/Q03zlvqH0   Join the next How to Buy a Business Cohort - Dec 2025 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/   Sourcing List:https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape continues its rapid AI-driven transformation, as vendors double down on automation, intelligence, and ecosystem connectivity. NT Logistics and Qued deepened their partnership to enhance logistics optimization, while Priority Software unveiled aiERP, embedding AI directly into core ERP workflows. Progress Software introduced AI-powered tools to accelerate developer productivity, and Sage rolled out AI Supply Chain Intelligence for SMBs alongside a new Copilot for Sage X3, reinforcing its mid-market dominance. On the content and marketing front, Storyblok launched two key integrations, AdDaptive Intelligence expanded its AI advertising platform, and Contentstack introduced its Data and Insights Solution. Meanwhile, Workday's new AI Agent Partner Network and Gateway underscores a growing focus on interoperable AI ecosystems, complemented by CallMiner's acquisition of VOCALLS, signaling continued consolidation across AI-native enterprise platforms.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. 

At the Wildix Partner Day in Venice, Italy, Technology Reseller News Publisher Doug Green sat down with Jason Uslan of Wildix to discuss how the European-born UCaaS and PBX provider is helping small and midsize businesses modernize communications while preserving the trusted channel relationship. “Wildix is 100% channel — we only go to market through our partners,” Uslan explained. “That local partner knows the customer, understands their workflows, and can tailor the solution to fit their needs.” Wildix's unified platform enables SMBs to consolidate fragmented communications — legacy PBX, Microsoft Teams, CRM tools, and email — into a single, flexible system focused on both customer and employee experience. Designed for scalability, the Wildix solution gives partners full control over deployment, billing, and customer ownership while offering end users a seamless, device-agnostic experience across office and remote environments. Uslan emphasized that Wildix fits the SMB market “because it's built for it.” The platform is fully customizable down to the user level, integrates natively with Microsoft Teams and leading CRMs, and supports open APIs for third-party extensions through partners like Red Cactus. “We don't want to disrupt how people work — we want to help them work smarter, faster, and better,” he said. Looking ahead, AI will play a central role in Wildix's evolution. Uslan noted that the company approaches AI “with an ROI mindset — helping SMBs do more without replacing people, by making their teams more efficient.” From improving coaching and analytics through its x-bees employee experience (EX) tools to driving better customer experience (CX), Wildix is positioning partners and customers alike for the next decade of intelligent, integrated communications. To learn more about Wildix solutions and partner opportunities, visit wildix.com.

Send us a textThe CRM requirements of nonprofits are uniquely mission-driven, extending well beyond conventional sales and customer engagement functions. Unlike commercial enterprises, these organizations must manage complex relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders—including donors, volunteers, members, partners, and beneficiaries—each with distinct interaction and reporting needs. Core capabilities such as donation lifecycle management, pledge tracking, campaign segmentation, and impact measurement are essential to sustaining transparency and trust. Nonprofits also rely heavily on integrations with fund accounting systems and marketing automation tools to maximize limited resources while maintaining accountability to donors and regulators. Given their dependence on public and grant funding, robust data governance and auditability are non-negotiable. A CRM that aligns with the nonprofit operational and compliance model is not just a tool for engagement—it's the backbone for mission execution, resource optimization, and long-term sustainability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM 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 Local Marketing Trends, Gordon & Corey dive into Amazon's move into the audio landscape. As Amazon forges partnerships with Spotify, SiriusXM, and traditional AM/FM radio groups, the e-commerce giant is redefining how SMBs can buy geotargeted audio commercials. Gordon sits down with Amazon DSP director Meredith Goldman to explore whether traditional radio should see Amazon as a competitor or a collaborator. The conversation reveals how technology, targeting, and a renewed focus on SMBs are reshaping the ad game. 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.

From Adobe Max 2025 in Los Angeles, Corey and Grant sit down with Ely Greenfield, Adobe's Chief Technology Officer, to explore the philosophy behind Adobe's practical AI strategy. Discover why the crowd went wild over AI renaming layers, how Adobe thinks about "additive not subtractive" AI, and where creative tools are heading next. Ely shares Adobe's vision for making AI a creative partner that enhances rather than replaces human artistry, and explains why the best AI features are often the most boring ones.Topics covered include: the Photoshop AI Assistant, Harmonize for instant compositing, auto-masking in Premiere Pro, the Express conversational workflow, and Adobe's unique approach to balancing automation with creative control.Read our Adobe Max coverage:• Adobe Reinvents Creative Suite with AI• Day 2 Keynote Recap• NVIDIA's Beyond-GPUs StrategyThis episode was made possible by our sponsor, Clutch: https://clutch.co/resources/how-smbs-see-ai-crawlers?source=theneuron&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=newsletter_10-14-2025Related resources:• Adobe Max 2025 announcements: https://www.theneuron.ai/explainer-articles/adobe-goes-all-in-on-ai-max-2025-unleashes-creative-ai-arsenal-across-every-tool• Day 2 Keynote and Sneaks recap: https://www.theneuron.ai/explainer-articles/adobe-max-day-2-the-storyteller-is-still-king-but-ai-is-their-new-superpower• Check out Adobe Firefly: https://firefly.adobe.com/• Project Graph demo: https://www.youtube.com/live/wQza2t9Qs64?t=10409sMake sure to check out Clutch's new report on AI crawling for SMBS! https://clutch.co/resources/how-smbs-see-ai-crawlers?source=theneuron&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=newsletter_10-14-2025Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter for daily AI news: https://theneuron.aiOriginal article: https://www.theneuron.ai/explainer-articles/adobe-goes-all-in-on-ai-max-2025-unleashes-creative-ai-arsenal-across-every-tool

Building on last week's episode on AI and Operating Systems in SMBs, Dave West and PST Yuval Yeret dive into the challenges of scaling small and medium-sized businesses.Dave shares lessons from growing an organization from a small team to over 100 people—navigating silos, new stakeholders, and keeping teams outcome-focused. Yuval highlights common scaling pitfalls and explores frameworks like EOS, Scaling Up, and D4X, emphasizing vision, strategic goals, and evidence-based management.Learn how to maintain agility at scale, build cross-functional teams, and create an operating system that drives sustainable growth.Resource - Mastering Organizational Traction Trail Map

Episode 471 features Alyona Mysko, Founder & CEO of Fuel Finance.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction01:23 — How Alyona Met Alina Vandenberghe (Eastern Europe Bond)03:59 — From Math Geek to Finance: Teachers, Simpsons, Degrees07:02 — Big Four to Fractional CFO ➜ Founding Fuel Finance08:44 — Opportunity Cost & Learning to Say No12:28 — Biggest Risks—Startup, Product, Move to the U.S.16:48 — What Founders Miss at the Start: Talk Money on Day One23:42 — Profit 101: Your First Financial Plan & Realistic Forecasting40:06 — Product-Market Fit Signals & Narrowing Your ICP44:25 — Action Challenge: Set Your “Life Number” + Monthly P&L HourFind Alyona Online:Website: ⁠https://fuelfinance.me/⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyona-mysko/⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/alonamysko⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alyona_mysko/⁠About Alyona:Alyona Mysko is the CEO and Co-Founder of Fuelfinance, an AI-powered financial planning and analysis platform built for SMBs. Before starting Fuel, she spent 10+ years as a CFO helping founders handle messy spreadsheets and build forecasts. Now she's scaling that superpower with AI, giving founders real-time visibility into their numbers and faster decisions without hiring a full finance team.

Send us a textThe enterprise technology landscape continues to accelerate toward AI-driven transformation and vertical specialization, with a surge of strategic partnerships, product launches, and acquisitions reshaping the ecosystem. TELUS Digital's acquisition of Gerent strengthens its Salesforce consulting depth, while AppDirect's purchase of Broker Online Exchange marks an ambitious expansion into energy procurement—blurring the lines between technology marketplace and industry operations. Appian's Connected Claims 2.0 redefines insurance process automation through AI, and Celonis' partnership with Peech introduces a groundbreaking solution aimed at reducing retail perishables loss using real-time intelligence. Meanwhile, HCLTech and UiPath's collaboration focuses on scaling agentic automation across global enterprises, underscoring how automation is evolving into an enterprise-wide capability. On the innovation front, LuminX's $5.5 million seed funding highlights growing investor confidence in emerging AI players, and Priority Software's launch of aiERP reflects the movement toward embedded intelligence at the ERP layer. Complementing this, Progress Software's AI-powered developer tools and Sage's AI Supply Chain Intelligence for SMBs show that across functions—from supply chain to software development—AI is becoming the defining force driving efficiency, adaptability, and competitive advantage.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. 

Seller Financing All Cash Using a Loan **Most use a combination of all 3.   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Nov 2025 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/ 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   Sourcing List:https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/source

Send us a textThe CRM needs of large enterprises are shaped by scale, complexity, and stringent governance demands that go far beyond what smaller organizations require. These businesses operate across multiple geographies, currencies, and regulatory environments, making territory management, multi-level forecasting, and compliance core to their CRM strategy. Unlike smaller firms that prioritize ease of use, large enterprises demand robust systems capable of managing global data consolidation, advanced security, and enterprise-grade scalability. Their CRMs must seamlessly integrate with ERP, CPQ, marketing, and analytics ecosystems while maintaining strict data sovereignty and access control standards. With decision-making dispersed across regions and divisions, AI-driven insights, predictive forecasting, and centralized reporting become essential. Ultimately, for large enterprises, a CRM is not just a sales tool—it's a governance and intelligence engine powering global alignment, operational efficiency, and strategic execution.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Company CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Company CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM 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. 

This Week: Farrah Bostic, Saul Colt and Colby Vogt join Bob to discuss WPP's AI initiative for SMBs, whether "slop" is part of the plan, OpenAI's Atlas browser, why consumers still prefer short videos, plus this week's #FairFailFoul.

Local SEO is changing fast. Learn from Phoenix experts how to appear in “near me” searches, attract nearby customers, and build lasting online credibility.Visit https://phoenixseogeek.com/ Phoenix SEO Geek City: Phoenix Address: 1601 N 7th St #650 Website: https://phoenixseogeek.com/ Phone: +1-480-842-5055 Email: info@phoenixseogeek.com

The podcast episode explores three significant shifts impacting the managed service provider (MSP) and technology landscape. The first topic centers on the ongoing debate regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in empowering non-skilled workers versus enhancing the capabilities of skilled professionals. The discussion highlights the current state of AI adoption in organizations, emphasizing that while skilled workers are leveraging AI to augment their expertise, many smaller MSPs are still in the experimental phase, using AI for basic tasks rather than integrating it into their core operations.The second major theme is the emergence of the security-first MSP model, where cybersecurity is not merely an add-on service but a fundamental aspect of the business. Research indicates that a significant portion of MSPs still view cybersecurity as a secondary function, with only a small percentage considering it a core part of their offerings. This raises concerns about the preparedness of MSPs to meet the growing cybersecurity demands of their clients, especially as regulations and compliance requirements become more stringent.The final discussion point addresses the readiness of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) for AI-powered cyber attacks. The experts note that many SMBs are ill-prepared for the evolving threat landscape, often relying on outdated strategies that may no longer be effective. The conversation underscores the necessity for MSPs to not only enhance their cybersecurity offerings but also to educate their clients about the importance of integrating cybersecurity into their overall business strategy.Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the need for MSPs to adopt a more proactive approach to cybersecurity and AI integration. They argue that as the technology landscape continues to evolve, MSPs must refine their business models and operational processes to remain competitive. The discussion concludes with a call for MSPs to embrace their role as trusted advisors, guiding their clients through the complexities of cybersecurity and AI, and ensuring that they are equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern digital environment.

Programmatic Advertising for Small Business: How to Target Smarter and Get Better Results (with Dan Kraus) Think advanced digital ads are just for big brands with big budgets? Think again. In this episode, the Marketing Guides for Small Business welcome programmatic advertising pro Dan Kraus, Managing Director at Shift Advertising, to bust the myths holding SMBs back from smarter, more precise, and more profitable digital ads.

SMBs don't have access to the same level of sophisticated lending options as consumers.There is one fundamental problem that prevents this class of product from pushing forward: lenders juggle multiple data vendors, wrestle with disconnected point solutions, and these tools lack the ability to paint a full picture of the SMB customer and their needs. The result is an ecosystem where a majority of time is spent on solving operational blockades rather than building solutions that cater to the whole lending lifecycle of a SMB customer. “We need something that covers everything. There can't just be a bunch of point solutions," says Jon Fry, founder and CEO of Lendflow. Lendflow has tackled this challenge by building a unified embedded lending infrastructure that works with over 200 companies to streamline three critical pillars in the lending lifecycle: distribution, decisioning, and workflow automation. The firm is not a lender today, nor are they interested in becoming an embedded lender in the future; instead it has positioned itself as the technology backbone that enables existing lenders to become embedded lenders themselves. Lendflow's approach is paying off for clients like BHG Financial, which uses the firm's entire platform suite and has seen dramatic improvements in operational efficiency and approval rates through the partnership. Listen to this podcast to learn how Lendflow is helping lenders break out of the fragmentation quagmire and access a full agentic AI toolbox that helps re-engage borrowers, as well as improve efficiencies for internal processes.

With 15+ years leading Talent Acquisition teams in global companies like Accenture, Boehringer Ingelheim, PedidosYa and DeliveryHero, Leandro Cartelli decided to bring that expertise to new, growing businesses, so he launched Lana Talent!Leandro is passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed, and he believes it is key to find amazing talent that not only performs well but is also a perfect cultural fit. Today, his focus is on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, especially those that don't always have access to the same talent strategies as large corporations. Through Lana Talent, Leandro helps them tap into incredible talent across Latin America, his home region and one he's deeply committed to, offering not just world-class expertise, but also a smart, cost-effective way to scale.Contact Details:Email: leandro.cartelli@lanatalent.com Company: Lana TalentWebsite: https://lanatalent.com/ Social Media: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leancartelli/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services. #TalentAcquisition #RecruitmentExpert #BusinessGrowth #SMBs #HiringSolutions #LanaTalent #LatinAmericaTalent #CulturalFit #ScalingBusiness #GlobalHiring

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Kevin Schmidt from Coalition. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity and cyber risk management, focusing on Coalition's comprehensive approach that integrates cyber insurance with cybersecurity solutions. Kevin highlights the unique aspects of Coalition's services, which include active insurance and real-time risk assessments. He explains how their platform helps service providers discuss cybersecurity as a business risk, emphasizing the financial impact of cyber incidents on SMBs. Kevin also outlines their strategic partner program and upcoming events. Listeners are encouraged to contact Kevin for more information about Coalition's offerings and how they can collaborate.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 01:06 Kevin Schmidt's Background and Career Journey 02:12 Overview of Coalition Security's Services 05:40 Deep Dive into Coalition's Cyber Risk Management Platform 11:17 Engaging with Coalition: How MSPs Can Benefit 16:18 Why Choose Coalition? 19:06 Upcoming Events and Future Plans for Coalition 20:14 How to Get in Touch with Coalition 21:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- 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

“Roughly 80% of unidentified calls go unanswered. The voice channel won't recover until people trust who's calling.” — Alex Algard, Founder & CEO, Hiya Alex Algard joined Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, to unpack why consumers are ignoring voice calls and how Hiya—in partnership with mobile operators and handset makers—aims to modernize caller identity, block abuse, and reconnect businesses with customers. The problem Hiya's annual research shows unidentified calls are largely ignored (≈80% unanswered). With nuisance and fraud rampant, voicemail is turning into the new spam folder, undermining contact centers and legitimate outbound teams. Who Hiya is Seattle-based Hiya powers call protection and identity services with a global footprint of 500M+ users, working with AT&T (US), Samsung (global), Rogers/Bell (Canada), BT (UK), Vodafone, Telefónica, Telenor, and others. Two flagship services Hiya Protect: Network-integrated analytics (privacy-respecting metadata only) assess ~30B calls/month to label or block spam/fraud in real time—often before the phone rings. Hiya Connect: Elevates legitimate outbound calling with branded caller ID (business name, logo, call reason), materially raising answer rates for B2C outreach (banks, airlines, healthcare, pharmacies, field services). New: Caller Reputation (transparency for enterprises) For the first time, businesses can see and track their caller reputation and get prescriptive guidance to improve it (e.g., call patterns, answer durations, hygiene). This addresses the “black box” confusion when calls are mislabeled across carriers/analytics vendors. It's designed for enterprises, MSPs, channels, and SMBs—with direct engagement via Hiya or through operator partners. AI has been in Hiya's DNA Hiya has applied ML since 2016 and now leverages advanced AI to improve detection and identity, helping operators keep networks clean while avoiding false positives on wanted calls. Hiya AI Phone (assistant/screener) A carrier-offerable AI agent that answers, screens, and routes inbound calls in real time—ideal for consumers and SMBs (e.g., trades & field services that can't staff a live receptionist yet rely on timely calls). Why it matters for readers Contact centers & outbound teams: Recover answer rates, reduce voicemail waste, and maintain brand trust. Enterprises/MSPs/Channels/Regional telcos: Offer branded calling, protect subscribers, and monitor/improve caller reputation across portfolios. SMBs: Use AI screening to capture opportunities without missing critical calls. Learn more about Hiya Protect, Hiya Connect, Caller Reputation, and Hiya AI Phone at hiya.com.

Send us a textThe enterprise software ecosystem is undergoing another wave of AI-driven transformation, with vendors and service providers racing to redefine customer intelligence and automation capabilities. Gainsight's debut of Atlas, a suite of AI agents, and Similarweb's launch of its own AI agent collection both signal a shift toward modular, intelligent ecosystems that automate customer insights and engagement. Complementing this, Snowplow introduced Snowplow Signals—a real-time customer intelligence infrastructure designed to power next-generation, AI-enhanced products. On the acquisition front, Invoca's purchase of Symbl.ai strengthens its conversational analytics capabilities, while Salesforce's planned acquisition of Informatica underscores its commitment to deepening data integration and intelligence at scale. Meanwhile, TELUS Digital's acquisition of Gerent, a Salesforce-focused consultancy, highlights how implementation partners are becoming increasingly strategic in this evolving, AI-first landscape where intelligence infrastructure is the new competitive battleground.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 significantly increasing their spending on cybersecurity solutions, with managed detection and response (MDR) and network detection and response (NDR) expected to grow by 107% and 118%, respectively. However, despite this financial commitment, a recent study reveals that 83% of SMBs do not conduct formal security awareness training, and nearly half lack established incident response protocols. This operational gap is concerning, as the average financial loss from a security incident for these businesses is estimated at $1.6 million. The study emphasizes that technology alone cannot address the underlying issues of process and expertise that leave many businesses vulnerable.Microsoft's sixth annual digital defense report highlights a troubling trend where over half of cyberattacks are now financially motivated, with ransomware and extortion being primary drivers. Critical public services, such as hospitals and local governments, are particularly at risk due to limited cybersecurity budgets and inadequate incident response capabilities. Nation-state actors are also evolving their tactics, with countries like China and North Korea increasing their cyber espionage efforts. Microsoft stresses the importance of organizations staying informed about threats and collaborating with industry peers to enhance their defenses.For managed service providers (MSPs), this situation presents a unique opportunity. Clients are investing in cybersecurity tools but require assistance in operationalizing these tools into effective security measures. MSPs can help by building processes, training personnel, and conducting tabletop exercises to ensure that businesses are not just purchasing products but are genuinely prepared for potential threats. The podcast emphasizes that cybersecurity is not merely about acquiring tools; it is fundamentally about preparedness and having a well-executed plan tailored to the business's needs.Additionally, the episode discusses recent product updates from various vendors, including Nerdio, SureWeb, and Veeam, which are introducing new AI tools and partner updates to enhance MSP operations. The importance of human capital in maintaining complex systems is also highlighted, particularly in light of Amazon's recent AWS outage, which was exacerbated by significant layoffs leading to a loss of institutional knowledge. The podcast concludes with a call for MSPs to audit their technology stacks and focus on the impact of workflows rather than just features, ensuring that they are prepared for any chaos that may arise. Four things to know today00:00 The Cybersecurity Paradox: SMBs Spend More Than Ever, But Stay Just as Vulnerable04:21 ConnectWise's Critical Automate Flaws Highlight the Growing Risk of On-Prem RMMs06:11 From Layoffs to Latency: Amazon's DNS Outage Reveals the True Cost of Lost Expertise09:06 AI, Compliance, and Cloud PCs: Vendors Race to Redefine MSP Efficiency Ahead of Microsoft's 2025 Shift This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://try.auvik.com/dave-switchhttps://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields speaks with Peter Hamilton, Head of Ad Innovation at Roku, about the rapid evolution of connected TV (CTV) advertising and how Roku is bridging the gap between big-brand budgets and small-business accessibility.Peter shares what's really happening behind the scenes as digital-first advertisers and DTC brands move into television, the challenges of onboarding thousands of SMBs, and how Roku's self-serve ad tools and shoppable innovations are reshaping the CTV landscape. He also explains Roku's partnership with Amazon, the growth of shoppable TV, and why “press OK to text” could redefine viewer engagement.With clarity and insider perspective, Peter outlines what's next for CTV—from AI-driven creative experimentation to real-time data loops that empower advertisers of all sizes. Key Highlights

Send us a textThe mid-market CRM buyer occupies a distinct and often underestimated space between simplicity and scale. Unlike startups that seek rapid deployment or small businesses focused on cost efficiency, mid-sized organizations require systems that can support growing operational complexity without the burden of enterprise-grade bureaucracy. Their CRM priorities revolve around robust workflow automation, stronger data security, and cross-departmental collaboration across sales, marketing, service, and operations. With multiple product lines or regional divisions, they need a platform that offers deeper analytics, moderate ERP or CPQ integration, and flexible reporting capabilities for managerial insight and planning. Yet, they're not contending with the global consolidation, multi-currency, or data sovereignty challenges faced by large enterprises. Instead, their goal is to scale efficiently—to deploy a CRM that's powerful enough to grow with the business but still agile enough to adapt quickly to evolving market and organizational dynamics.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Mid-Sized CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Mid-Sized CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM 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 On the Delo, David DeLorenzo welcomes investor and operator Stephen Cole back for a no-BS, practical conversation on Bitcoin for real businesses—especially restaurants. They hit family buy-in, what “21M cap” actually means, instant vs. final settlement, and how owners can allocate a small, repeatable % of revenue into BTC without wrecking their books.Stephen also breaks down why fractions (0.01 BTC) aren't “small,” how AI will demand internet-native money, and what his company Castle is building so small and medium sized businesses can automate buys and plug into tools they already use (Stripe, PayPal, Square, Clover, Shopify, QuickBooks). They cover tax basics (buy/hold vs. sell), loans against BTC, and why “high-yield” dollar accounts rarely beat inflation in the real world.Chapter Guide (Timestamps):(00:13 – 01:02) Cold open & why Stephen's back on the show (01:58 – 03:29) Getting spouse buy-in; teaching money to kids (04:22 – 06:20) Money 101 & the Lynn Alden primer to understand fiat (06:27 – 08:19) From Silicon Valley engineer to Bitcoin (since 2013) (08:55 – 12:33) Scarcity (21M / ~19M mined), settlement vs. instant layers (13:44 – 17:51) Unit-bias myth; why AI will use internet-native money (18:24 – 23:23) Corporate treasuries → Castle for SMBs; set-and-forget allocations (23:37 – 24:25) Taxes: buy/hold ≠ taxable; borrowing against BTC (responsibly)(25:27 – 30:22) Restaurants: accept vs. hold; accounting realities today (31:14 – 36:19) Inflation math for owners; “high yield” vs. real purchasing power (37:04 – 38:34) DCA mindset & the early “faucet” story (39:01 – 40:52) Mortgages, lenders, and regulators starting to acknowledge BTC (40:53 – 43:18) “No second best”: BTC vs. altcoins; how to reach Stephen (47:14 – 50:26) Rapid-fire and close

Discover how AI is revolutionizing risk management and transforming SMB financing in this insightful episode of the Risk Management Show. Host Boris Agronovich, founder and CEO of the Global Risk Community, sits down with Sal Rehmetullah, co-founder and CEO of Worth AI, to discuss critical strategies and innovations reshaping the financial infrastructure for small businesses. Sal shares his remarkable journey, from scaling Stax Payments into a minority-led unicorn to launching Worth AI, an AI-powered platform that simplifies compliance, onboarding, and underwriting for SMBs. Learn how AI is driving faster, more inclusive financial decisions while addressing key challenges like cybersecurity, transparency, and education for small business owners. We explored pressing topics, including the risks SMBs face in traditional financial systems, the opportunities AI creates in risk management, and how Worth AI is pioneering a seamless, consumer-like experience for enterprises and their customers. Sal also shares invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial success and envisions a future where small businesses can thrive with a globally accepted credit score. If you want to be our guest or suggest someone for the show, send your email to info@globalriskconsult.com with the subject line "Guest Proposal."

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an emergency directive for federal agencies to update their F5 products following a significant breach where hackers accessed source code and undisclosed vulnerabilities. This incident, discovered in August, poses a serious risk to federal networks, as the threat actor could exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and exfiltrate sensitive data. Agencies are required to apply the latest updates by October 22nd and report their F5 deployments by October 29th, highlighting the urgency of addressing these security concerns.In a related development, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is encouraging federal agencies to take calculated risks with artificial intelligence (AI) under new federal guidance. Martin Stanley, an AI and cybersecurity researcher, emphasized the importance of risk management in AI deployment, particularly in comparison to more established sectors like financial services. As agencies adapt to this guidance, they must identify high-impact AI applications that require thorough risk management to ensure both innovation and safety.A report from Cork Protection underscores the need for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adopt a security-first approach in light of evolving cyber threats. Many SMBs remain complacent, mistakenly believing they are not targets for cybercriminals. The report warns that this mindset, combined with the rising financial risks associated with breaches, necessitates a shift towards a security-centric operational model. The cybersecurity services market is projected to grow significantly, presenting opportunities for IT service providers that prioritize security.Apple has announced a substantial increase in its bug bounty program, now offering up to $5 million for critical vulnerabilities. This move reflects the growing importance of addressing security challenges within its ecosystem, which includes over 2.35 billion active devices. The company has previously awarded millions to security researchers, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy and security. As the landscape of cybersecurity evolves, managed service providers (MSPs) are urged to tighten vendor monitoring, incorporate AI risk assessments, and focus on continuous assurance to meet the increasing demands for security. Three things to know today00:00 Cybersecurity Crossroads: F5 Breach, AI Risk, and Apple's $5M Bug Bounty Signal Security Accountability06:44 Nearly a Third of MSPs Admit to Preventable Microsoft 365 Data Loss, Syncro Survey Finds09:22 AI Reality Check: Workers' Overconfidence, Cheaper Models, and Microsoft's Scientific Breakthrough Signal Maturity in the Market This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://mailprotector.com/mspradio/ 

Entry-Level Deep Dive into Due Diligence - I cover a lot here.   Financial Employee Admin / Business Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)   Join the How to Buy a Business Cohort - Nov 2025 https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/   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   Sourcing List: https://www.letsbuyabusiness.com/p/source/

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape in 2025 continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, marked by a surge of strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and AI-driven innovations. Acumatica's acquisition by Vista Equity Partners signals a new phase of investment and potential scaling for the mid-market ERP leader. Meanwhile, alliances like Capgemini's expanded collaboration with Mistral AI and SAP, and SAP's new partnership with Alibaba Group, underscore the growing importance of regional and AI-native synergies. On the AI front, DataRobot's open-source framework for agentic workflows and Deloitte's launch of a Global Agentic Network both highlight the race to operationalize autonomous digital workforces. Product innovation also remains intense: Snyk's AI Trust Platform, Gainsight's Atlas, and Similarweb's AI Agent collections illustrate how vendors are embedding intelligence across ecosystems. Complementing this trend, Invoca's acquisition of Symbl.ai and Salesforce's plan to acquire Informatica show how data and conversational intelligence are becoming central to customer engagement strategies. Even digital service providers like TELUS Digital are doubling down on CRM-centric growth through the acquisition of Gerent, reflecting how every layer of the enterprise stack is being redefined by AI and data infrastructure convergence.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Send us a textUnlike startups prioritizing rapid deployment and simplicity, small businesses now seek consistency in customer data, light automation, and limited but meaningful integrations—often with accounting or marketing systems. Their CRM expectations include emerging needs for security, role-based access, and reporting maturity without the overhead of enterprise-grade tools. In compiling our 2025 rankings, we analyzed each vendor's product share, roadmap alignment, and community ecosystem while factoring in win rates, investor confidence, and innovation direction. The resulting list identifies platforms purpose-built for small businesses—solutions that deliver process efficiency, automation, and integration depth without sacrificing ease of use or affordability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 CRMs for small businesses in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these CRM systems for small businesses. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM 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. 

Navigating the 2025 SMB Landscape: Proactive Tax Strategies and Expert Insights from Adam WilliamsSmall and medium-sized business owners are facing unprecedented challenges in 2025, from rapid legal changes to AI-driven disruption. In a recent episode, Josh Elledge sat down with Adam Williams, author and Co-founder of Pennywise Tax Strategies, to explore actionable strategies for SMB founders navigating complex tax, legal, and operational environments. Adam shared insights on proactive tax planning, leveraging expert advisors, and adapting to technological changes to help businesses thrive in an increasingly dynamic landscape.The Power of Proactive Tax PlanningAdam emphasizes that reactive tax preparation is no longer sufficient for SMBs looking to maximize profits and future-proof their businesses. Forward-thinking strategies like auditing profit and loss statements, employing family members, leveraging the Augusta Rule, choosing the right business entity, and utilizing cost segregation can save businesses significant money while maintaining compliance. He also highlights the importance of ongoing education and expert advisors, ensuring owners can confidently navigate new laws, AI integration, and changing economic conditions.Proactive planning goes beyond minimizing taxes—it's about optimizing operations and leveraging every available advantage. SMB owners can use these strategies to automate processes, structure their teams effectively, and ensure every deduction, credit, or exemption is captured. Adam's guidance demonstrates how combining thoughtful planning with expert support allows businesses to remain agile, profitable, and competitive in 2025 and beyond.Entrepreneurs who implement these strategies not only reduce risk but also position their businesses for sustainable growth. From cost-saving opportunities to AI-driven efficiency improvements, the insights Adam shared provide a clear roadmap for SMB founders seeking long-term success. By taking a proactive approach, business owners can reclaim control over their finances, optimize operations, and confidently scale their enterprises.About Adam WilliamsAdam Williams is the Co-founder of Pennywise Tax Strategies and a seasoned author focused on actionable tax and business advice for small and medium-sized enterprises. With deep expertise in tax planning, business law, and strategic consulting, Adam empowers SMB owners to make informed decisions that maximize profits and minimize risk.About Pennywise Tax StrategiesPennywise Tax Strategies helps small and medium businesses implement proactive tax planning, optimize deductions, and leverage financial strategies to grow efficiently. Their team specializes in forward-looking solutions that combine expert knowledge with practical, actionable tactics for entrepreneurs navigating a rapidly evolving business environment.Links Mentioned in this EpisodePennywise Tax StrategiesAdam Williams LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsHow SMBs can navigate complex tax and legal changes in 2025Strategies for proactive tax planning and financial optimizationLeveraging expert advisors and mastering profit and loss statementsTips for employing family members, leveraging the Augusta Rule, and entity selectionInsights on cost segregation and maximizing deductions for SMBsConclusionThe 2025 SMB environment demands proactive planning, strategic partnerships, and a keen understanding of tax and operational opportunities. Adam Williams' insights provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking to thrive amid uncertainty by optimizing finances, leveraging expert guidance, and positioning...