Your new favorite tech podcast, hosted by two very non-technical people. Join Ian Thompson and Kat Macomson every Thursday for the latest and greatest in all things tech. Unscripted, unfiltered and unique.

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We jump right in by talking...supplements? Kat may be Pablo Escobar, who knows. She makes her own preworkout, and the rules around here.

Kat then has a fire alarm, so we had to restart the show halfway through (shoutout to our production team, this ended up flowing really well).

We then get into what we meant to talk about: tips for balancing work and working out, and why we both think it is SO important. Spoiler: working out makes you a better employee. We share our best practices for committing and staying committed to fitness, no matter what our 9 to 5 throws at us! 

If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to work from anywhere, even the gym, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

404 Script Not Found: Work and Working Out

WELCOME to Episode 18 of 404 - today, we're joined by Cisco SMB sales leader Koko Burns, and while her resume is impressive, her tales from her time in the field are even more so. 

Koko shares with us her real life experience with a Tinder Swindler, obituary hunting, and how to navigate awkward client interactions - spoiler: some people make it impossible. And once again, Kat reminds us that she's easily scammed. 

If you have any interest in what tech sales is really like, we think you'll enjoy this episode. 

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to enable your sellers you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

404 Script Not Found: Tales from the Field

There's a lot covered in this episode, but we can't promise that ANY of it has to do with tech outside of a mention of a certain service provider. 

Early on, Kat lays all of her superstitions (or stitions?) on the line, then Ian spends about 13 minutes of your time analyzing grocery store (technically a small business?) operations and logistics (and his recurring issues) Get this man in front of Publix's board!

Today we're here to yap, and we're so glad that you're here to listen - WE PROMISE to drop knowledge next week (Internet of Things...it's a doozy). 

If you've made it this far and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

404 Script Not Found: Things That Shouldn't Bother Us

We're back talking tech this week, and class is in session. To start, we have a monumental moment where Kat promises she's made her final bit about Ian's age (unlikely) (1:10). 

The meat of this episode is on the Internet of Things (IoT). Kat tries her absolute best to understand what IoT means (3:15), even though her prep for this episode may or may have started with a prompt to Cisco's AI tool of "can you explain IoT to me like I'm 5".  BUT after 15 minutes of IoT bootcamp with Ian, she finally understands how Cisco solutions are working in real time AND the necessity of Ian updating his temperature of his home from the golf course (7:11)

If we've piqued your interest in Cisco' IoT Solutions, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

404 Script Not Found: Internet of Things

We're back and start by learning that Kat's addicted to grapes, and would like this episode to be over quickly so she can get back to eating them.

We then jump in by sharing our own experiences working in a hybrid environment, and all the technology Cisco provides that make it seamless. We dovetail into a bit of computer networking (teasing a future episode...) before we get to smart buildings and how incredible a smart office is (not to brag). From improving user experiences to creating a more sustainable building - the possibilities are endless, even if our dogs probably wouldn't love it. The office should be a magnet not a mandate. Now just need to solve for the traffic for Ian (and keep Kat off the roads). 

All in all, one of our smarter episodes! 




404 Script Not Found: Hybrid Work

Kat's visiting pickle novelty shops, Ian is eating Chipotle too often and our Producer Alex is working overtime to keep us on track this week! 

After Kat finally says something nice to Ian (only 22 episodes in...), we jump into our best interview tips - from proper preparation to closing with confidence, we share our best tips to help you ace your next big interview and get that dream job!! 

If you are interested in a career at Cisco, check out opportunities here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers.html

404 Script Not Found: Interview Tips

Kat met Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.), and Ian has anxiety. We discuss sleep shows, and Kat rubbing shoulders with celebrities. 

We then jump into tech talk all around networking - we're talking tech and not your friend circle, even if that is how ChatGPT explained it to Kat. 

We dig into how the network was founded, Cisco's role in the development of the router (it's a love story), and if it played a role in us getting to the moon. Kat asked about how the network works, and then battles with understanding the difference between LAN and WAN and what her own home network looks like. Something for everyone this week! 

If you want to check out all of Cisco's networking solutions for SMBs, you can find them here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/networking/index.html 





404 Script Not Found: Kat vs. WAN & LAN

Join Kat and Ian for 17 minutes of great advice on advancing your career, and five minutes of Ian ranting about his therapist - it's a safe space here, okay? 

From being the "life of the corporate party" to sending a message to the wrong person via work chat, Kat and Ian go through all the "don'ts" of growing your career. Tune into this episode for tips, laughs, and vents - the three consistencies of 404.

If you've made it this far and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

404 Script Not Found: Career Limiting Moves

Welcome to Kat's New Hire Training! And if you yourself need a refresher on marketing and sales interlock, this is the episode for you. Kat and Ian start the show with a quick debate on the worst day of work in the calendar year...Kat's vote is the day after Labor Day, Ian argues for the day after the Super Bowl - drop your vote below. 

From there, class is in session, and Ian gives Kat a crash course on navigating relationships between marketing and sales before she starts her new role working closely with sales - ahh, the juxtaposition from her previous relationship with sales. 

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

404 Script Not Found: Sales and Marketing

Ian needs to vent - are we surprised? 
Welcome back to another episode of 404 Script Not Found where Kat and Ian provide recommendations for being a better colleague and, as always, encouragement around improving travel etiquette. The two are fired up and ready to give opinions, so sit back and enjoy. 
AND if you're more interested in how Cisco can help you minimize work icks, check it out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

404 Script Not Found: How To Be A Better Colleague

Kat’s addicted to…work. Which begs the question of if you would go to work still if you win the lottery? We talk about what we would buy if we did, and then talk about Ian's wedding attire choices. 

If you’re here to learn about AI, we start that at about 4:53 in. We share our own personal use cases, best practices and tips – from meal prepping to learning new languages, AI has something for everyone (we just need it to be better at the things we don’t like). 

If you want to learn about the solutions powering AI for small and medium businesses, check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/artificial-intelligence/index.html?dtid=osscdc000283&linkclickid=srch


404 Script Not Found: Workaholics with an AI Curiosity

Kat and Ian are BACK! To the US, to work, to 404. This episode starts with a quick (?) debrief on both of their travels - our hosts were having a delayed Euro Summer, if you will. 

Kat asks Ian if he won the Berlin marathon, and Ian inquires about Swiss weddings. 

If you were hoping for a bit more educational content, head to the very end where the two tease a discussion on events marketing, and as always, you can find all the Cisco knowledge you'd ever want right here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

404 Script Not Found: The Reunion

Kat's on the road, and in a haunted hotel...which begs the question: do you believe in ghosts?

We segue (beautifully) into talking about the cloud at 5:05 into the episode if the ethereal doesn't do it for you. From dispelling common myths to highlighting benefits for small businesses, we've got you covered. We all use it every day, possibly without knowing it. Kat even makes this about Cisco at 15:20 and we highlight what role Cisco plays in the cloud.

If you're interested what Cisco has in terms of cloud networking, check it out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

404 Script Not Found: Cloud Computing

Golden minds and golden interview tips this week, as Ian and Kat are joined by Cisco's US Public Sector Sales Director Sammy Brenner for all her best interview tips (after we get through talking supplements and subscriptions...bear with us)!

Sammy shares her career journey (starting at 5:10 in) before we segue into into interview icks, tips and best practices (7:17 in). From being dressing for success to not using the interview to rant about animal rights, we've got you covered. Bottom line: you've got to play the game!

Sammy WILL be back for a part 2, so stay tuned!

If you want to apply (and hopefully interview) for a role at Cisco, we've got you covered:  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers.html

Also, check out Sammy's podcast Meraki Unboxed here (after you listen to ours): https://open.spotify.com/show/3ahh6qHnNoYvCBSYBJMZX1?si=22ee47049d664d8a



404 Script Not Found: Interview Tips with Sammy

We're back with Sammy Brenner (Cisco's US Public Sector Sales Director, NBD) for part two! Usually sequels are worse than the original, but this one may be better! 

We dive RIGHT in to how to network at work, how to (and how not to) get referrals into jobs and how to grow your career from three people all in different stages of their career and journey. Grow where you are, even if you're old like Ian.

If you want to apply (and hopefully interview) for a role at Cisco, we've got you covered: www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers.html

Also, check out Sammy's podcast Meraki Unboxed here (after you listen to ours): https://community.meraki.com/t5/Meraki-Unboxed-Podcast/Episode-138-Converging-Forces-The-Next-Wave-in-Networking/ba-p/283068

404 Script Not Found: Career Tips with Sammy Brenner

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

404 Script Not Found: Where is the Money? SMB Pain Points

We are joined by our producer extraordinaire, Alex Giroux the Associate Director of Brand and Customer Experience at Agital to talk all things marketing from the brain of an ad agency leader. 

From how direct mail is so cool that Kat keeps hers (but somehow is responsible enough to develop disposable camera pictures) to AI content creation, Alex has us covered on the latest and greatest marketing trends for both B2B and B2C. 

Whether you are in marketing or in business, this episode should resonate for you! And if it doesn't, you can just watch the YouTube with the sound off like Ian. 

If you enjoy the pod, and want to keep our bosses happy, please click here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html


404 Script Not Found: State of the (Marketing) Union

Kat's out of town, so Ian is joined by Brad Oliver, Director of the US Commercial Collaboration SMB & Midmarket Sales Organization at Cisco to talk hobbies, work/life balance and fighting off burnout. You have to be able to bring your best self everyday, but how do you go about doing that?

Just two bros talking life, love and pursuit of happiness. Truly an episode for the people. 

If you came for Cisco information...sorry, but click here so our boss doesn't fire us! id.cisco.com/app/ciscoid_aemcloudprodsaml_1/exk14lk1xf6SKDANc5d7/sso/saml


404 Script Not Found: Life Advice

We’re talking cookies today – both kinds. 

Kat harkens back to her digital marketing days to share her knowledge on first- and third-party cookies, and more importantly why you keep getting asked to accept them when you visit a landing page. We also clear up if your phone is listening to you, and if the internet will get even better at predicting your buying decisions. 

We then spend the last 5 minutes going in-depth on cookies (the kind you eat). From our favorites, wildcards and how wild Oreos have gotten, we give a comprehensive breakdown of them all... Weigh in with your takes!

If you haven’t already, and want to help us keep making sure this podcast gets funded, please check out Cisco’s solutions for small and medium businesses: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html 


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Kat and Ian are FRESH off of an AI training, but first we obviously have a couple detours: Kat's dad's fear of the government (he's okay); Oura ring might be selling our data (they still haven't); and the ocean (Ian's not about it.)

After we cover the hard hitting news, Kat and Ian recap their AI training and (surprisingly) drop a little knowledge. Check out 11:06 for tips on how to structure prompts into your GPT and 13:51 for notes on creating parameters for responses. And finally, Ian educates Kat on the actual name of Cisco's AI Tool (yikes) 16:08. 

Learn more about Cisco's AI solutions for SMBs: www.cisco.com/c/en_uk/solutions/…mall-business.html

404 Script Not Found: Make AI Work for You

The Cisco Podcast Network is a collective of podcasts from across Cisco spanning technology to culture and everything in between. Hear from Cisco customers, partners, and Cisco insiders on the topics that matter most to you. Email us with your feedback and suggestions. Discover your favorite playlists today!