Growth Enablement Madness

In this episode, our host Jim Ward and co-host Sarah Reed discuss the acquisition of BrainSell by Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office. Jason Weiss, Executive Vice President at Atlantic, joined the conversation and shared his journey from a career in law to Atlantic, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and leveraging technology. The group discussed how current and prospective customers will benefit from the announcement.Listen in to learn about:How the acquisition aims to integrate BrainSell's digital transformation and consulting services with Atlantic's MSP and print services. The strategic benefits, including maintaining the BrainSell legacy and enhancing client offerings. The future of data-driven strategies and the importance of holistic business growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:Read more about the acquisition here!Connect with Jason here! Contact BrainSell to learn more about how we can help you grow and scale!

In this episode, Jim Ward sits back down with BrainSell’s data expert Tony Berry to discuss the practical application of AI based on the main pillars of AI Readiness. The pair discuss what these five pillars entail, as well as highlight tips and best practices to approaching AI the right way and guaranteeing success.Topics covered during the episode include:The importance of having a clear business strategy and aligning AI initiatives to specific goals and objectives.The need for a well-organized data estate, data cleanliness, and the role of tools like Microsoft Fabric.Insights on the evolution of AI agents, from simple question-answering to decision-making and automation.The potential impact of AI on job markets and the need for employees to adapt to new roles.Future trends in AI, such as the concept of an "AI workforce" where agents communicate and take actions on behalf of humans.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with Tony here!Take our AI Readiness Assessment online to see where you stand!Connect with BrainSell to get a thorough analysis of your business.

In this episode, our host Jim Ward is joined by Tony Berry, one of BrainSell’s data experts, to discuss how organizations can prepare their data before embarking on AI projects. We will cover key themes such as foundational practices, necessary infrastructure and tools, and lessons learned.Key Themes:Readiness Blueprint: Many organizations want to implement AI but don't know where to start. This episode will serve as a guide to help them understand the how and what of AI readiness.Foundational Practices: We will discuss the key steps organizations should take to ensure their data is ready for AI, including assessing current data infrastructure and understanding the importance of processes and people.Infrastructure and Tools: Learn about the essential data architectures and technologies needed before introducing AI, and how to balance building custom solutions versus adopting off-the-shelf tools.Additional ResourcesSchedule an AI readiness assessment: contact us at growth@brainsell.comLearn more about Larry Augustin here!Connect with Tony here!

In this episode, our host Jim Ward sits down with Jeff Gothelf, author and expert on product development and organizational agility. They discuss the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a framework for driving customer-centric growth.Key Takeaways:The importance of being truly customer-centric vs. just paying lip service to itHow OKRs can help organizations shift their focus to measuring and optimizing customer behaviorsTips for overcoming resistance to implementing OKRs, including starting with a pilot and proving the modelInsights on the cadence and communication needed for effective OKR managementConsiderations around using OKRs in the face of an urgent, existential crisisThe role of AI and automation in the future of OKRs and customer-focused goal settingGuest Bio:Jeff Gothelf is an author, speaker, and coach who helps organizations build better products and develop the cultures needed to support them. He is the co-author of the book "Who Does What: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs."Resources Mentioned:Jeff Gothelf's website: jeffgothelf.com"Who Does What" book here!"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr

In this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, host Jim Ward sits down with Craig Eaton, a CPA and founder of Eaton Advisory Group, to discuss the powerful tax-saving benefits of Section 179. As businesses look to invest in software, equipment, and other capital assets to support their growth, understanding how to leverage Section 179 can provide significant financial advantages.Key takeaways include:Overview of Section 179 Deduction: Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment and software purchases in the year of purchase, rather than depreciating the asset over time.Benefits of Section 179: Immediate tax deduction, resulting in significant tax savings, especially for businesses in higher tax brackets. The deduction can be applied to a wide range of business purchases, including software, equipment, and vehicles.Qualifying Criteria: There are specific requirements and limitations around the types of purchases that qualify for the Section 179 deduction, such as purchase price thresholds and asset class restrictions.Timing Considerations: Businesses should consider their current and future tax situations when deciding whether to utilize the Section 179 deduction, as it can be strategically timed to maximize tax savings.Bonus Depreciation vs. Section 179: The differences between these two tax incentives, including the election process and the phasing out of bonus depreciation in the coming years.Advice for First-Time Users: Consult with a CPA to ensure proper planning and analysis of the tax implications, as well as understanding the nuances and limitations of the Section 179 deduction.RELATED LINKSLearn more about Section 179 here.Learn more on the IRS website.Follow Craig on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we sit down with Christi Cereghino and Rachel Durkot, the fractional CFO practice co-managers at BrainSell, to explore the power of fractional finance services. Christi and Rachel share their insights on the benefits of fractional services, the spectrum of offerings available, and the unique skill set required to excel in this role. They discuss how their team works closely with clients, CPA firms, and banks to address a wide range of accounting and finance challenges, from year-end prep to exit planning.Listen in to learn how:Fractional services offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizesBrainSell's fractional team brings a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skillsFractional services can support a wide range of projects, from year-end prep to exit planningOur whiteboarding exercise is a valuable tool for identifying and addressing client needsRELATED LINKSLearn more about BrainSell’s fractional finance services here!Check out these YouTube videos detailing BrainSell’s consulting work.Follow BrainSell on Twitter and LinkedIn!

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Black, CEO of sales-i, to explore how revenue intelligence is transforming the way companies drive growth. Paul shares insights into how the recent acquisition of sales-i by SugarCRM has positioned them as a key player in helping businesses scale. We delve into the challenges sales teams face in today’s market, like elongated sales cycles and indecision, and how tools like revenue intelligence and AI-guided selling are changing the game.Key Topics:What is Revenue Intelligence? Paul explains the concept of revenue intelligence and how it helps companies navigate longer sales lifecycles and make data-driven decisions.Overcoming Sales Challenges: The gang dives into the practical challenges businesses face when implementing tools like sales-i, including the importance of data quality. Paul offers tips on overcoming these obstacles to maximize growth.The Role of AI in Sales: Discover how AI-guided selling enhances sales processes, helping teams become more efficient and effective in their engagements.Who Benefits from Revenue Intelligence? The group discusses which types of clients are the best fit for sales-i and how different industries can leverage these tools to scale their operations.RELATED LINKSLearn more about BrainSell’s data and AI methodology here!Check out sales-i!Check out these YouTube videos detailing BrainSell’s consulting work.Follow BrainSell on Twitter and LinkedIn!

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Christina Wodtke, a renowned author and expert in team dynamics and goal setting. Known for her influential book, "Radical Focus," Christina shares her journey and what sparked her passion for helping teams achieve remarkable objectives. Discover what being a "curious human" means to her and get ready to delve into the art of tackling big goals, team motivation, and the pivotal role of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).RELATED LINKSFollow Christina here!Check out these YouTube videos detailing BrainSell’s consulting work.Follow BrainSell on Twitter and LinkedIn!

In this episode, we listen back to a stellar panel discussion we hosted for clients and prospects at Microsoft’s Burlington headquarters in Massachusetts. We brought industry leaders on stage with a wealth of knowledge and experience from various corners of the tech universe. Our moderator for the conversation was Chris Seferlis, Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft and renowned author of "Practical Guide to Azure Cognitive Services." Chris was joined by:Dante Ballerini, the VP of Information Technology at Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Mike Norman, Head of Product and Innovation at STAT News, and Tony Berry, Senior Solutions Architect at BrainSell and Co-founder of Interloop.The panel discussion explores their data-centric strategies, key challenges faced and how they are being overcome, the positive impact of focusing on their data foundations, and what’s planned for the future.

During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with Alex Bartholomaus, President and CEO of People Stretch Solutions, about using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for growth and sales efficiency. They emphasized the flexibility and dynamic nature of OKRs, which you can use with or without technology. They shared their experiences building a sustainable business through leadership development and OKRs. Listen in to learn about:The differences between OKRs and KPIs as goal-setting frameworks.The importance of having a clear framework for goal-setting to realize potential and achieve success. The importance of flexibility, collaboration, and proper training in implementing OKRs effectively.The common challenges faced by leaders when implementing OKRs.RELATED LINKSFollow Alex here!Check out People Stretch Solutions.Follow our host, Jim WardCheck out our other episodes!

During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with Sarah Furness, author of the book “Fly Higher” and industry consultant and speaker. They discuss her book and work, leveraging her experiences in the Royal Air Force and mindfulness to help high-achieving individuals perform under pressure through her "Habits" method and coaching business Well Be It. Listen in to learn about:The "Habits" method, which stands for Healthy Automatic Behaviors in Threatening Scenarios, and why the approach helps improve well-being in high-pressure situations. How Sarah applies concepts like the "healthy stress curve" in coaching to optimize performance.The core values – like "don't be a dick" – that inform her approach while embracing different perspectives.RELATED LINKSFollow Sarah here!Check out Sarah’s book here.Check out our other episodes!

During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, sits down with Acumatica CEO John Case to talk  about how companies are growing and scaling with cloud-based ERP. They discuss how Acumatica is transforming cloud-based ERP with security, scalability, and accessibility. Listen in to learn about how:Acumatica can help customers reduce inventory levels and orders through better data-driven predictability, saving 10-20% of costs.Acumatica allows deep customization while still providing a modern user experience through its regular product releases and integration capabilities.AI and automation can improve ERP systems but won't fully replace personalization and configuration needs for unique businesses.Acumatica's upcoming releases will feature a new user interface and improved Amazon integration capabilities.RELATED LINKSFollow John here!Learn more about Acumatica.Check out our other episodes!

During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with Kyle Jepson, the first evangelist at HubSpot Academy, leading the charge in creating educational content and acting as a bridge between HubSpot's product team and customers. They unravel the secrets to leveraging HubSpot's powerful tools and strategies for accelerating business growth.Listen in to learn about how:HubSpot focuses on user experience and adoption to help businesses scale their marketing, sales, and customer service processes.HubSpot's organic development approach compared to Salesforce's model of acquiring third-party tools.HubSpot's support for lead generation, nurturing, and website building for small businesses through its CMS and CRM integration.HubSpot's no-code and low-code capabilities for customization and automation.Kyle Jepsen's experience with stand-up comedy and how it informs his approach to creating engaging content.RELATED LINKSFollow Kyle here!Learn more at HubSpot Academy.Check out our other episodes!

AI has become an integral part of our lives, impacting various industries and revolutionizing the way we interact with machines. With cognitive AI you can enhance decision-making, automate complex tasks, and unlock new possibilities in business functions like sales, finance, marketing, and more.Listen in as we unravel the secrets behind this transformative technology. During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with Chris Seferlis, Technology Strategist at Microsoft and author of the new book, “The Practical Guide to Azure Cognitive Services.” The pair discuss the capabilities of Azure Cognitive Services and examples of how they could be implemented in business functions.Tune in to learn about:What Azure Cognitive Services are and how they can be used for tasks like document processing, translation, and more. Some of the misconceptions around AI and clarified the differences between cognitive services and generative AI models. How these services could help companies improve efficiency and productivity without displacing human workers.RELATED LINKSFollow Chris here!Get Chris’ new book here!Learn more about Azure Cognitive Services.Check out our other episodes!

Are you prepared to revolutionize your operations management? Look no further than migrating your ERP system to the cloud. Cloud-hosted ERP empowers growth-focused businesses to achieve unparalleled operational efficiency and scalability. You can experience a new level of productivity and flexibility with cloud-based ERP solutions.Still unsure whether the cloud is right for you? During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with BJ O’Reilly, CTO of the IT consulting firm SWK Technologies. In their discussion, they delve into the top five reasons why hosting your ERP in the cloud is advantageous. Additionally, they shed light on the expected return on investment (ROI) you can anticipate.Tune in to learn about:Why work-from-anywhere flexibility is a key reason for cloud-based ERP systems.The importance of having a 24/7 security operations center to monitor and prevent cybersecurity threats.How you don't need to be IT experts to manage your operations.Why you'd never have to update your software manually again with the cloud.How the cloud is a destination that leads you to limitless other possibilities!RELATED LINKSFollow BJ here!Learn more about SWK Technologies here.Check out our other episodes!

As businesses strive to stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape, the integration of AI has become increasingly crucial in driving sales success. Generative AI, a subset of AI that focuses on creating new and original content, is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming how sales professionals engage with their prospects.During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host, Jim Ward, chats with John Barrows, industry thought leader and author of the Amazon bestseller “I Want to Be in Sales When I Grow Up.” The pair uncover the power of generative AI in sales and examine how it can revolutionize prospecting strategies. From personalized messaging and intelligent lead scoring to automated content creation and dynamic customer profiling, generative AI can redefine the art of persuasion in sales. Tune in to learn about:AI and machine learning's impact on sales in the next 5-10 years.Key AI-powered tools/technologies that will impact sales teams and processes.The influence of generative AI on prospecting strategies.Utilizing AI to manage sales pipelines.Ethical considerations in AI sales implementation and ensuring responsible practices.RELATED LINKSFollow John here!Learn more about James’ work here.Check out our other episodes!

While ADHD can present its challenges, it is vital to acknowledge the unique strengths and abilities that individuals with ADHD bring to the table. To create an inclusive and supportive work environment, employers and colleagues need to understand the impact of ADHD and implement strategies for success. In the third part of our conversation with James Ochoa, we explore practical strategies and accommodations that can empower individuals with ADHD to thrive in their professional lives, fostering productivity and overall job satisfaction. Tune in to learn about:The signs that employees may have ADHD such as inconsistent executive functioning.Responsibilities for employees to manage their ADHD and for employers to provide accommodations and a less stressful environment. Potential benefits ADHD may provide, including high energy levels, and the importance of structure for managing stress.RELATED LINKSTake this assessment to learn whether your company is genuinely data-driven.Schedule your free data discovery call to ensure you find the value in your data.Follow Rich on LinkedIn.Learn more about SugarCRM.

AI has emerged as a powerful tool in transforming how businesses approach CRM and Customer Experience (CX). With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, make accurate predictions, and automate processes, AI has become an invaluable asset for companies striving to create personalized customer experiences and drive growth.During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, host Jim Ward chats with Rich Green, CTO at SugarCRM. The pair discuss the immense power of AI in CRM and CX, uncovering its applications, benefits, and the exciting possibilities it holds for businesses of all sizes. Tune in to learn about:Generative AI vs. Predictive AI and how companies can use both;Applications of Generative AI in CX/CRM; andSugarCRM's Product Plans for Generative AI.RELATED LINKSTake this assessment to learn whether your company is genuinely data-driven.Schedule your free data discovery call to ensure you find the value in your data.Follow Rich on LinkedIn.Learn more about SugarCRM.

In part two of our conversation with James Ochoa, we dive deeper into the world of business leadership and ADHD. James, an expert in ADHD management and leadership, shares insights on identifying traits of leaders with ADHD, the diagnosis process, and how ADHD can impact one's ability to lead effectively.During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host Jim Ward and James explore strategies for working with leaders with ADHD, problem-solving techniques, challenges they face, and tips and tools for thriving in the workplace. Tune in to learn about:The positive and negative impacts of ADHD on a leader's ability to perform and succeed.The challenges leaders with ADHD may face and how it can hinder their effectivenessValuable insights on collaborating with leaders with ADHD to ensure smooth operations and success.Tips and tools for leaders with ADHD to create a thriving work environment for themselves and their teams.RELATED LINKSFollow James here!Get James’ book here!Special Offer: First 18 visitors - Get one free 30min conversation with James here!

When considering business growth opportunities, partnerships with diverse businesses are an increasingly promising prospect.By collaborating with diverse businesses, you not only promote inclusivity; but you can also bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and unique experiences to the table. During this episode of the Growth Enablement Madness podcast, our host Jim Ward chats with Heather Cox, Co-Founder of Certify My Company. With a proven track record of transforming Fortune 1000 supplier diversity programs into profit centers, Certify My Company empowers diverse businesses to unlock their full potential through certification and increased market visibility. Jim and Heather discuss why partnering with diverse businesses is a crucial strategy for growth and provide insightful tips on how you can get started. Tune in to learn about:Challenges faced by diverse business owners and tips to overcome those hurdlesThe true revenue impact of supplier diversityHow corporations can find and work with diverse businessesRELATED LINKSTake this assessment to learn whether your company is genuinely data-driven.Schedule your free data discovery call to ensure you find the value in your data.Follow Heather on LinkedInLearn more about Certify My Company