

WBSRocks: Scaling Growth with AI, Enterprise Software, and Digital Transformation
Sam Gupta
WBSRocks podcast features in-depth conversations on AI-enabled business models, customer experience, digital transformation, supply chain, eCommerce, industry 4.0, and enterprise software categories such as CRM, ERP, or analytics suites. The purpose of the show is to help CFOs, COOs, CEOs, and business owners with their daily commercial, operational, or financial challenges by taking a deep dive into business cases and processes, technology strategy and architecture, transformation initiatives, and business models. The show also offers an independent analysis of technology trends, various enterprise software vendors and solutions, and their mergers and acquisitions. Subscribe today to stay on top of digital transformation trends!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2021 • 35min
WBSP032: Grow Your Business by Changing Your Sales Strategy to Thought Leadership w/ Chris Grainger
Send us Fan MailThe last three years have changed the way businesses operate, with podcasts and video becoming the most consumed media for information consumption. With 80% of the B2B sales decisions are being influenced by industry influencers and consultants, today's businesses need to be thought leaders in their spaces. But who drives thought leadership in a company? In today's episode, we have our guest Chris Grainger, who discusses how his company EECO, a large electrical distributor, needed to change the way they sold to their customers. He also touches on how they started their journey of thought leadership, highlighting heroes in their community, which has helped them strengthen their position in the market and acquire net new business in a whole new different way.For 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.

Feb 2, 2021 • 36min
WBSP031: Grow Your Business by Implementing a User-Friendly ERP System w/ Ted Needleman
Send us Fan MailERP systems are perceived to be complex. But why are they so hard to implement and learn? How do usable systems differ from the other complex systems? Does technology play a role in user experience? Why are ERP consultants so expensive, and why are they so critical for an effective ERP implementation? These are some of the questions you will have if you are reviewing a new ERP system today.In Today's episode, we have our guest Ted Needleman, who discusses the role of ERP consultants why they are pivotal for an ERP implementation, and why they play a huge role in user experience and training. He also helps us understand why modern systems are more user-friendly than legacy ones. Finally, he touches on the attributes you should be paying attention to while selecting a usable system.For 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.

Feb 1, 2021 • 40min
WBSP030: Grow Your Business by Understanding the Interests of Strategic Buyers w/ Damon Pistulka
Send us Fan MailIf you are an SMB lifestyle business and have had growth challenges, your end goal could be selling to an investor or a PE firm. Even if you are a second or third-generation business, your business's chances of survival would be slim if you don't follow the modern procedures for running your business. Operating a business has become even harder as the game has completely changed in the last three years, especially with COVID.In today's episode, we have our guest Damon Pistulka from Exit Your Way, who discusses why word-of-mouth or traditional marketing strategies are no longer enough for business growth. He also touches on his growth secrets and how they have been able to rule the market through the network effect. Finally, we touched on what buyers look for when business owners try to sell their business. For 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.

Jan 27, 2021 • 40min
WBSP029: Grow Your Business by Implementing QMS and ISO w/ Clay Coleman
Send us Fan MailManaging the quality of your product is not only required to provide a consistent customer experience. It may also be a requirement by customers and regulatory bodies in specific industries. The necessary amount of effort in getting certified and audited cannot be underestimated, with significant financial risks for non-compliance.In today's episode, we have our guest Clay Coleman, who discusses the importance of a QMS system and why it matters for manufacturing and distribution companies. We also had a chance to discuss what manufacturers need to know about starting their ISO and QMS journey. Finally, we had an opportunity to discuss how API for Oil and Gas differs from other industries' ISO needs.For 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.

Jan 26, 2021 • 30min
WBSP028: Grow Your Business by Enhancing Value for Strategic Buyers w/ Nick Jackson
Send us Fan MailBusiness buyers have a unique way of evaluating businesses. If your end goal is to sell your business, you may want to know what buyers value in a business as an asset to align your growth plans with their needs. Do buyers put more value on the team or the roster of clients? Do they emphasize more on technology or products? Would you get a higher return on home-grown software or an off-the-shelf ERP?In today's episode, we have our guest Nick Jackson from The Mendota Group, who discusses. What lifestyle brands can do to enhance their value for strategic buyers. He also discusses what founders can learn from CEOs who typically manage the business acquired by PE firms. Finally, he touched on why they put a negligible value on technology when you buy lifestyle brands.For 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.

Jan 25, 2021 • 32min
WBSP027: Grow Your Business by Identifying Operational Bottlenecks While Improving Quality of Life w/ Ian Pratt
Send us Fan MailGrowing a business is challenging. You might require newer facilities. Your employees might be overworked and might ask for additional resources. The process of growth could feel overwhelming, especially with operational challenges. You might feel that you are spinning your wheels. And your efforts are not paying off.In today's episode, we have our guest Ian Pratt, who discusses how to distinguish between the need for additional resources and operational bottlenecks that need to be optimized before investing further. We also had a chance to discuss the specific steps executives need to take to undertake process improvement initiatives. Finally, we touched on why tracking of unit costs is vital for lean or continuous improvement efforts. For 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.

Jan 20, 2021 • 39min
WBSP026: Grow Your Business by Uncovering and Correcting Lingering Toxicity w/ Carol Marzouk
Send us Fan MailWhen you think of growth barriers, you might not think of corporate bullying and executive toxicity. Sure, every company has its share of issues. But how bad can toxicity and bullying get? Can it be catastrophic for companies? Can it cause fatalities? Can it invite lawsuits? If yes, they are significant financial and legal risks that have a massive impact on the bottom line and growth.In today's episode, we have our guest Carol Marzouk from Leadership' N' Soul, who discusses how to uncover and correct lingering toxicity before it stunts your business growth. We also had a chance to discuss the implications if you smell it but choose to ignore it. If you are looking to learn how to fix toxicity before it's too late with compelling stories full of laughter, this is a must-listen episode for you.For 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.

Jan 19, 2021 • 38min
WBSP025: Grow Your Business by Improving Product Quality and Reducing Process Waste w/ Max Krug
Send us Fan MailGrowth could be challenging with product quality and process waste issues. You could also see inflated costs and reduced profit margins if you don't track scrap and waste appropriately. The problem could even be more significant if your measuring equipment are not appropriately calibrated or provide the necessary precision needed by your processes.In today's episode, we have our guest Max Krug, who discusses what actions businesses need to take if they encounter product quality or business performance issues. He also describes how statistical process control (SPC) could help in addressing such issues. Finally, he shares several stories in different manufacturing verticals, where he has implemented SPC processes.For 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.

Jan 18, 2021 • 42min
WBSP024: Transform Your Business Through Cloud ERP w/ G.Brett Beaubouef
Send us Fan MailIf you are looking for an ERP in 2021, you might not even think of any other options than a cloud ERP. But is cloud ERP for everyone? Does cloud ERP provide a competitive advantage? How do you ensure business transformation with a cloud ERP? These are the questions you will have if you are at a stage where you can't grow unless you implement a newer ERP system.In today's episode, we have our guest Brett Beaubouef who provides insight into whether moving to the cloud guarantees business transformation. He also discusses how you can ensure business transformation with your Cloud ERP implementation. Finally, he provides a deep analysis of what to look for in a Cloud ERP Solution.For 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.

Jan 13, 2021 • 36min
WBSP023: Grow Your Business Through Personal and Company Branding w/ Katie Thomas
Send us Fan MailGrowing a company today is no longer the same as it used to be five years back. Today your customers expect you to be thought leaders in your industries. While we have been using social media to enhance our personal and company brands for quite some time, the game has entirely changed in the last three years. The companies that are actively promoting their brand and encouraging their employees to elevate personal brands will have a substantial edge compared to the rest.In today's episode, we have our guest Katie Thomas from Leaders Online, who discusses the importance of personal brands and why personal branding is essential for personal growth and corporate branding. We also had a chance to touch on why accounting and finance subject-matter expertise is critical for marketers to reduce marketing spend. Finally, she also covered how executives can drive their employees to be more active on social media to generate opportunities. For 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.


