The Channel Buzz

By Amiee KeenanBusiness

The Channel Buzz episodes

December 17, 2024Virtual, Visual, and Verbal: Unlocking Soft Skills, Storytelling, and Presentation Mastery
In this episode of the ISV Society podcast, I chat with David Marcotte, a communications and skills development specialist.
We discuss the significance of soft skills in business, the importance of effective presentation and public speaking skills, and the impact of storytelling in business communication.
David shares insights on mastering virtual communication and emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in soft skills training to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
Key takeaways:
Soft skills are the glue that holds teams together.

Effective communication is essential for business success.

Presentation skills can be improved through practice and feedback.

Virtual communication requires a different set of skills than in-person interactions.

Storytelling enhances engagement and retention of information.

Investing in soft skills leads to higher employee retention.

Understanding your audience is key to effective communication.

Soft skills training can transform workplace dynamics.

Everyone can improve their presentation skills with the right techniques.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Soft Skills and Coaching
04:41 The Importance of Soft Skills in Business
08:28 Enhancing Presentation and Public Speaking Skills
13:58 Mastering Virtual Communication
20:05 Leveraging Storytelling for Business Communication
36:10 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements
37 min
December 10, 2024The Secret Sauce to Scalable Marketing
You're listening to The ISV Society podcast and this is part 2 of my conversation with Stephanie McColly from Crestwood Associates.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of using HubSpot as a marketing automation platform. We discuss the importance of maximizing resources, building scalable processes, and the challenges of licensing and implementation.
Stephanie shares insights on utilizing customer success managers and the significance of investing in team development. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in marketing goals and the value of continuous learning for marketing professionals.
Key takeaways:
HubSpot offers a wide range of capabilities beyond just marketing emails.

Maximizing resources is crucial for small marketing teams.

Building scalable processes is essential for growth.

Licensing and implementation can be complex; start with the basics.

Utilize customer success managers to get the most out of your software.

Investing in team development leads to better outcomes.

Clarity on marketing goals is key to success.

Continuous learning is vital in the marketing field.

Creating a supportive environment fosters employee loyalty.

Integrating systems can enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to HubSpot and Marketing Automation
05:19 Maximizing Integrations for Efficiency
11:39 Licensing and Implementation Challenges
19:34 Building a Solid Foundation for Growth
26:22 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn⁠
⁠Follow me
27 min
December 03, 2024Secrets for ISVs and VARs to Thrive
In this episode of the ISV Society podcast, we have Stephanie McColly, Chief Marketing Officer and Integrator at Crestwood Associates, talking all about the importance of relationship building in the ERP industry, the future of GP, and Crestwood's commitment to supporting GP clients.
Stephanie shares insights on preparing for the Acumatica Summit, strategies for effective follow-up post-summit, and her personal pet peeves. The conversation emphasizes the significance of strong relationships and strategic planning in business operations.

Key takeaways
Building relationships is crucial in the ERP industry.

Understanding client needs is more important than selling a product.

ISVs should integrate into VAR organizations to strengthen ties.

Crestwood is committed to supporting GP clients long-term.

Transitioning to a new ERP system requires careful planning and support.

Training and support are essential during ERP transitions.

Networking at events like Acumatica Summit is vital for growth.

Post-event follow-up should be strategic and not rushed.

Multiple touchpoints within an organization enhance relationship building.

Personal insights can foster deeper connections in business.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stephanie McColly and Crestwood Associates
06:14 Navigating the GP Landscape and Crestwood's Commitment1
5:12 Post-Summit Reflections and Best Practices
21:18 Personal Insights and Pet Peeves
24:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn
Follow me
26 min
November 26, 2024The Domino Effect: Why Every Interaction Matters
In this episode of the ISV Society podcast, I got to chat with George B. Thomas, a HubSpot expert and owner of Sidekick Strategies.
We discussed various topics including the differences between inbound and outbound marketing and practical HubSpot tips and tricks.
George emphasizes the significance of a human-centric approach in marketing and the value of building relationships.
He introduces his 'Mathematics of One' philosophy, which focuses on the impact of individual connections in business.
Key takeaways:
George B. Thomas is passionate about helping others grow personally and professionally.

The 'Mathematics of One' philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual connections.

Inbound marketing focuses on providing value, while outbound marketing can be done humanely.

Segmentation and personalization are crucial for effective marketing strategies.

HubSpot users should leverage the platform's evolving tools and features.

Building trust takes time and is essential for successful partnerships.

A human-centric approach is vital for both internal and external organizational success.

Organizations often overlook the importance of people in their processes and platforms.

Effective communication is key to successful marketing and sales efforts.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success in the digital landscape.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to George B. Thomas
02:06 The Importance of Personal Growth
04:40 Inbound vs. Outbound Marketing
08:48 HubSpot Tips and Tricks
17:04 The Mathematics of One Philosophy
24:42 Pet Peeves in Marketing
Follow George on LinkedIn
Learn more about Sidekick Strategies
Follow me on LinkedIn
30 min
November 19, 2024 Bite-Sized Content and Big Impact: Event Marketing in 2025
Welcome back to the ISV Society Podcast!

In this episode, I get to chat with Kristen Koenig, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of Video Meetings, Webinars, and Events at RingCentral. With over 15 years of experience in the events and marketing industry, Kristen shares her expertise on the evolution of virtual and hybrid events, content marketing trends, and the future of audience engagement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Evolution of Virtual Events: How the industry has shifted from replicating in-person events online to developing hybrid formats that prioritize audience needs.
Snackable Content: Why bite-sized, highly-focused content is key to driving engagement and ROI in 2025.
The Power of Fun and Engagement: Tips for incorporating interactive elements, such as polls, trivia, and "would you rather" questions, to keep your audience connected.
Speaker Advocacy: How supporting diverse voices and leveraging speaker-specific content can elevate your event's impact.
AI in Event Marketing: Ways AI tools are streamlining content creation, from audiograms to personalized social media clips.
B2B Meets B2C: How emerging demographics like Gen Z and Gen X are shaping the future of business events, blurring traditional lines between consumer and professional marketing.
Follow Kristen on LinkedIn
Follow Me on LinkedIn

20 min
September 24, 2024Thought Leadership vs. Personal Branding: Why You Need Both
Yes, it's just me again. I'm so excited to chat with you today!

In this episode, I discuss the concepts of personal branding and thought leadership, highlighting their differences and importance in the ERP space.

There is a need for both to establish credibility and foster connections in niche industries. I'll share how you can effectively combine personal branding and thought leadership to enhance their presence and impact.
Key takeaways
Personal branding is about how you are perceived by others.

Thought leadership focuses on sharing valuable insights and expertise.

Both personal branding and thought leadership are essential for credibility.

Your personal brand is the vehicle, thought leadership is the fuel.

People do business with those they know, like, and trust.

Thought leadership positions you as a guide and problem solver.

Consistency in sharing personal stories enhances personal branding.

Challenging the status quo is key to effective thought leadership.

Combining personal branding and thought leadership creates a relatable presence.

Engaging with your audience through valuable content is crucial for growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding and Thought Leadership
02:50 Defining Personal Brand vs. Thought Leadership
05:35 The Importance of Personal Branding and Thought Leadership
08:41 Bringing Personal Branding and Thought Leadership Together
11:17 Conclusion and Personal Reflections
13 min
September 17, 2024Thought Leadership 101: Actionable Steps for ISVs and VARs
It's season 2, episode 43! It's also just me this week.
I discuss the importance of positioning oneself as a thought leader in the ERP space.
I discuss actionable steps to enhance thought leadership, including leveraging podcasts, sharing unique insights, engaging in discussions, and creating valuable resources like webinars and guides.
Key takeaways:
Thought leadership is about being a trusted voice in the community.

Consistency is key to establishing thought leadership.

Engagement with your audience is crucial for visibility.

Podcasts are an effective platform for sharing expertise.

Adding personal insights to shared content enhances value.

Creating helpful resources can solidify your position as a leader.

Engaging in meaningful discussions builds trust and credibility.

Webinars allow for direct interaction and provide actionable insights.

It's important to offer value without an agenda.

Reflect on how you can provide value to your community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thought Leadership in ERP
02:51 Engaging with Your Audience
05:48 Creating Valuable Content and Resources
09:03 Consistency and Value in Thought Leadership
10:17 Driving Pet Peeves: The Highway Experience
Connect with me:
LinkedIn: Amiee Keenan
ISV Society Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to the ISV Society podcast for more insights on growing your influence in the ERP ecosystem.
14 min
August 27, 2024Key Insights from the 2024 ERP Report
It's season2, episode 42 of The ISV Society Podcast.
My guest is Joe Ambrose, the Practice Director of Expert Services at Panorama Consulting.
Joe dives into key considerations such as the importance of aligning ERP systems with a company’s five-year plan, the impact of cloud and AI on ERP solutions, and strategies to mitigate risks during ERP projects. This episode is packed with valuable insights for businesses at any stage of their ERP journey.
Key Discussion Points:
ERP System Tiers: Joe explains the differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 ERP systems based on findings from the 2024 report and what types of organizations they best serve.

Five-Year Plan Consideration: Why the 2024 ERP report emphasizes the importance of factoring in your company’s long-term goals when selecting an ERP system.

Cloud and AI Technologies: How advancements highlighted in the 2024 report are transforming ERP implementations and the benefits they bring.

Risk Mitigation Strategies: Key risks in ERP projects identified in the report and how to manage them effectively.

Post-Go-Live Support: Why the 2024 ERP report stresses the importance of ongoing support after go-live to ensure ERP success.
Resources:
Panorama Consulting’s ERP 2024 Report

Panorama Consulting Group Website
22 min
August 13, 2024DCI Double Down
In episode 41 of The ISV Society Podcast, I chat with John Siefert, the driving force behind Dynamic Communities, to explore the evolution and future of tech communities.
John shares the incredible journey of Dynamic Communities, which has grown from focusing on user groups to becoming a comprehensive platform supporting a diverse range of industries and technologies.
Key Takeaways:
From User Groups to Community Powerhouse: Learn how Dynamic Communities expanded its scope to support a wide array of industries and technologies, becoming a vital resource for professionals worldwide.

Community as a Catalyst: John explains the crucial role that community plays in the tech ecosystem, helping individuals and organizations to connect, learn, and grow together.

Tech Trends to Watch: Explore the latest developments in AI, digital transformation, and data analytics, and understand how these trends are shaping the future of technology.

Looking Ahead: Get a sneak peek into the future of Dynamic Communities and how it plans to continue leading the way in tech innovation and community building.
Resources Mentioned:
Dynamic Communities Website

Follow John Siefert on LinkedIn
Subscribe & Leave a Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. And if you found value in our conversation, please leave us a review to help others discover the show!
28 min
August 06, 2024Customer Retention, Roommate Stories, and Conference Success Tips
It's episode 40 of season 2!
I got to chat with Wayne Schulz. He has been a consultant in the accounting software industry since 1996, specializing in Sage 100. He shares his expertise through a weekly Sage 100 email newsletter and an industry newsletter he co-publishes with Enterprise Software Podcast. He's also a founding member of The 90 Minds Group, a collaborative network of over 150 Sage consultants and ISVs.

What did we chat about:
what influences a VAR to recommend a specific ISV

how to create a weekly newsletter and still have a day job

why customers leave / or at least why mine have left

the power of conferences - 5 things I always do to make it worthwhile
As always, please like, comment, and/or subscribe to keep this podcast growing.

Thanks!
29 min

About The Channel Buzz

From the publisher's feed

The Channel Buzz is a podcast exploring the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping modern software ecosystems.

Share The Channel Buzz

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Channel Buzz

The Channel Buzz episodes

About The Channel Buzz