“Small Business, Big Solutions,” a Cisco podcast, provides resources and expertise for SMB owners, IT managers, executives, and partners. Each episode we explore how the right technology can help drive business success across all industries, especially during a time of accelerated change. We’re often joined by Cisco partners, customers and executives to discuss common SMB technology needs and slay misconceptions about security, collaboration, cloud, and other IT solutions.
 
Learn more about Cisco solutions for SMBs at cisco.com/go/smb.

Small Business, Big Solutions

Hybrid work is here, and it is not going away. But is your business ready for it? With more ways to work than ever, businesses are having to account for the new role of the office, and the rise of the homeworker, making their techstack truly the new workplace. Andrew Gilman, CMO of NWN Carousel, a Cisco partner, joins the podcast to talk through what they’re seeing with hybrid work, what organizations are missing, and how businesses are evolving their technology investments to improve employee and customer experience.

Small Business, Big Solutions: What Can Hybrid Do for You?

It’s been said that work is no longer somewhere you go, but something you do. Which means whether they're at the office or working from home, your team members have what they need to stay connected.   But when everyone is collaborating from everywhere, how do you create the most human hybrid work experience possible that will stand the test of time? To answer this, I am joined today by Kristyn Hogan, Vice President of Global Collaboration Partner Sales here at Cisco.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Stop, Collaborate and Listen

Owning a small or medium business brings with it many unique challenges – from choosing which manufacturer to go with for your technology needs all the way to how to continue to grow and scale your business. The shift to hybrid work magnified to this, creating a new layer of complexity to both managing a business as well as employee satisfaction and retention. 

To sift through these challenges, and how he has successfully navigated them, today I am joined by Scott Kauffman, President of HighNoon, a full-service marketing agency located in Phoenix, AZ. Scott shares his perspective on business, technology and even provides a marketing tip for our listeners.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Building Your Business Through Technology

While the importance of cybersecurity solutions has been well documented, it is still easy to see the large corporations in the news, and find yourself as an SMB thinking you won’t be attacked. 

Unfortunately, the data and reality are a bit harsher. 46% of cyber attacks last year were targeted at businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees, with 60 percent of small companies go out of business within six months of falling victim to cyber attack.

Hope is not lost, and there are both practices and solutions that SMBs can leverage to improve their security posture. To dig into these, today Ian is joined by Nate Haleen, Lead Developer & Division Lead at Procellis Technology Inc. and Tyler Cohen Wood, a keynote speaker, author, national security expert, and overall cyber authority.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Influencing Your Cybersecurity Decisions

While the cloud may have once been an unfamiliar concept, it has now become the baseline for operations for businesses of all sizes. In this new era, where priorities have shifted to increasing the efficiency and agility of innovation, developers and businesses are finding ways to level up their own platforms by integrating apps from the marketplace. 
 
In this episode, Ian is joined by Grant Shirk, Head of Product Marketing at Cisco Meraki, and Miriam Kung, SMB Product Marketing at Meraki, to discuss this new era of the cloud and how small businesses can take advantage of these developments to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business.html?ccid=cc004168

Small Business, Big Solutions: The Future is Cloudy

As businesses grow so to does the complexity of picking the correct solutions from the correct partner. What goes into a comprehensive solution? What attributes should you look for in choosing a technology partner? Why are there so many acronyms in the security space?  

To answer these questions and discuss what the future holds, our host Ian is joined by Doug Stevens, Vice President of Manage Services, and Michael O’Connell, a Security Solutions Architect at Aspire Technology Partners, partner of Cisco.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions for security: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/security.html

Learn more about Aspire's security offerings: https://www.aspiretransforms.com/solutions/cyber-security/

Small Business, Big Solutions: Security to Aspire To

Of all of the technologies that are imperative to the success of small and medium businesses, the most controversial and confusing is also the most critical - security. There is a swath of misinformation on security for SMBs and what they should and should not be looking for.

To settle the arguments and provide some clarity to the issue, our host Ian is joined by two of his Cisco counterparts - Alison Stahl the Director of the Americas Security Channel and Ryan Franks, the Global Director of Managed and Growth partners.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions for security: www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/…ness/security.html

Small Business, Big Solutions: Demystifying Security for SMBs

The concept of cyber resiliency for businesses is not entirely new, but its prominence has grown significantly in recent years, partly due to high-profile, high-visibility breaches. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are inevitable, so it’s imperative that businesses focus on preparing for and surviving breaches. To do so, security needs to be prioritized in all aspects of your business, and not just bracketed on last-minute.

To delve deeper into this topic, Ian is joined by Ken Dymond, a Practice Development Manager at Insight, a leading solutions integrator and Cisco Partner.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Insight into Cyber Resilience

When it comes to cyber security, you're not just protecting your business, you're also protecting your employees and clients. As a small or medium business, the threat of cyber security attacks are imminent. The reality is, you have to be prepared to survive an attack, not prevent one.

In this episode, we recap previous conversations that host Ian Thompson has had with guests around the topic of cyber security. He explores sobering statistics, essential strategies, and tangible steps every business should take to protect itself in an increasingly digital world.

Learn more about Cisco solutions for SMBs at cisco.com/go/smb.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Turning the Scary into Secure

Partners only! Join us for the first episode in a special series of the Small Business, Big Solutions podcast. In these episodes, which are geared toward Cisco partners and distributors, we sit down with some of the brightest minds on the Cisco SMB team and share insider knowledge and resources guaranteed to ignite growth in the SMB space.​

In this episode, we explore Cisco's innovative approach for managed service providers through MSP Expressway for SMB, offering low-touch, scalable managed service solutions tailored to SMB needs. With Managed Services emerging as the powerhouse route to market, we hope to help partners and distributors capitalize on this promising sector, queueing up transformation in the SMB landscape.​

Tune in to learn how Cisco is redefining its SMB strategy, poised to capture a larger market share and empower SMBs with smarter, more secure, and productive network solutions.

Small Business, Big Solutions: The SMB Partner Edge - Drive Business with Managed Services

Join us for the second episode in a special series of the Small Business, Big Solutions podcast. In these episodes, which are geared toward Cisco partners and distributors, we sit down with some of the brightest minds on the Cisco SMB team and share insider knowledge and resources guaranteed to ignite growth in the SMB space.​

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic and promising landscape of the SMB (Small and Medium Business) market. With SMBs shifting back into a growth mindset and projecting impressive growth rates of up to 68% over the next few years, there is a unique opportunity for Cisco and our partners to deliver outstanding outcomes for their customers.​

Tune in to discover how you can leverage these insights to empower SMBs and drive mutual success in a rapidly changing market.

Learn more about Cisco solutions for small and medium businesses here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business.html

Small Business, Big Solutions: The SMB Partner Edge - Uncovering the Opportunity

Cybersecurity, remote work, full stack observability, oh my! SMBs have got a lot on your mind. Worrying about securing their workforce wherever they work, shouldn’t be one of them. In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Davis, COO, and Timothy Connley, Partner Manager at IT Savvy, a Cisco partner.

Tune in as we explore the technologies and strategies that companies need to enable their workforce, enhance the remote and in-office work experience, and empower SMB IT infrastructures. Discover how to navigate the challenges of hybrid work environments, ensure robust security, and maintain productivity and connectivity seamlessly, no matter where your workforce is.

Learn more about Cisco solutions for small and medium businesses here: www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/…mall-business.html

Small Business, Big Solutions: Securing and Connecting the Remote Workforce

AI is everywhere. Every business is talking about it, and seemingly everyone has used it in one way or another. Are we in an AI revolution? What does it mean for the future of work, and the corresponding cybersecurity concerns that come with it? Is the toothpaste out of the tube?  

To answer these questions and discuss what the future holds, our host Ian is joined by Omar Zarabi, President and CEO of Port53 Technologies, a top SMB partner of Cisco.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions for security: www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/…ness/security.html

Learn more about Port53’s security offerings: https://port53.com/

Small Business, Big Solutions: Buttoning up Security with Port53

While the cloud has become table stakes for businesses, what it enables companies to do remains almost limitless. From faster collaboration to powering machine learning, the cloud is the key for SMBs everywhere. But what does that look like in application?

For a look into how the cloud is powering life sciences companies and how those learnings can apply to other SMBs, Ian is joined by Ethan Simmons, the managing partner of PTP, a top SMB partner of Cisco.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions for cloud networking: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/networking/index.html


Learn more about PTP’s offerings: https://ptp.cloud/services/

Small Business, Big Solutions: Cloud Coverage with PTP

New titles, technologies and routes to market. The partner space that serves small and medium businesses is rapidly evolving. From shifting investments to OpEx, adopting AI and incorporating managed services there is a lot to learn, let alone master. 
 
For a look into what the future holds for both partners and customers, Ian is joined by Chris Caprio, CEO of Focus Technologies, a top SMB partner of Cisco.

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

View Focus Technologies' solutions here: https://www.focustsi.com/services-solutions/


Small Business, Big Solutions: Focusing on the Future of SMBs

Video killed the radio star, and SASE killed the firewall. While it may not be as catchy, it might be just as valid. The shift to the cloud changed the way businesses work, and now it is having impacts on how they protect themselves. 

To dig into this bold statement, and unpack the impact AI will have on small and medium businesses, Ian is joined by Tim Orozco, Managing Partner of Stratus Information Systems, a top SMB partner of Cisco.

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

View Stratus Information Systems' solutions here: https://stage.stratusinfosystems.com/ 

Small Business, Big Solutions: Is SASE Killing the Firewall?

SMB is an entirely partner-driven channel, and yet so many manufacturers miss the mark when it comes to scaling through their partners. Marketing has evolved, yet strategies have not. How do we ensure our partners are getting the right content and resources to effectively create awareness and demand?

To answer this question, and dig into trends shaping channel marketing, Ian is joined by Alex Whitford and Efe Senel from Channext who also cohost the Partnerships Unrivaled Podcast.

Learn more about Cisco's marketing solutions for partners to market to SMB customers: https://ebooks.cisco.com/story/cisco-smb-partner-campaign-kit/

Check out Channext here: https://channext.com/partners

Small Business, Big Solutions: Partner Marketing's Evolution

Communication is key, and cloud communications have quickly become a critical component for businesses of all sizes, helping organizations stay agile in an increasingly digital-first world. Yet, many small businesses are still navigating the shift from outdated phone systems to modern, cloud-based solutions that unlock new opportunities for growth.

In this episode, Ian is joined by Ben Rife, President and CEO of Bullfrog Group and long-time member of the Cisco SMB Advisory Board, to discuss his new book, Cloud Calling Secrets. Ben reveals how small and medium businesses can identify when their phone systems are holding them back, why now is the time to embrace cloud communications, and how solutions like Cisco Webex Calling can transform the way businesses operate. He also dives into real-world success stories, practical tips for a seamless transition, and how his book helps demystify the decision between vendors.

Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html

To buy Ben's book for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Calling-Secrets-Underground-Communications/dp/B0DT1813Z1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3kYo4R4GAtkiSVlo_FeQKw.Mrykj20lEL2_eQtDW6jLCIlvAL0fWdOSWktNqDG7Z2Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=cloud+calling+secrets&qid=1749670806&sr=8-1

Small Business, Big Solutions: Cloud Calling Secrets

New is always better, right? 

In this episode, Ian is joined Dave Soscia, Vice President of Cisco Product Management and Business Development at D&H Distributing to talk about his perspective on Cisco’s new partner program and how partners can optimize their profile before the launch date. Dave digs into how distribution can help partners with business analysis, practice consultations and even building and executing a business plan. The channel is changing, and partners are the ones who will continue to drive that change.

Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html

Learn about D&H’s partner offerings: https://www.dandh.com/v4/view?pageReq=focusedlanding&focus=SPAS1&int_cid=NS-NAV&utm_campaign=ASCII


Small Business, Big Solutions: A 360 View of Cisco's New Partner Program


The way we work has evolved. The technology that has driven that are collaboration tools like Webex that allow work to be something you do, not somewhere you go. But what does the future look like, and are there applicable lessons from the past that we can learn?

Ben Rife is back for round 3, and bring with him Brad Oliver, the Director of the US Commercial Collaboration SMB & Midmarket Sales Organization at Cisco to talk through practical advice and real-world examples to help small businesses navigate the rapidly changing landscape of modern teamwork. 

Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html

To buy Ben's book for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Calling-Secrets-Underground-Communications/dp/B0DT1813Z1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3kYo4R4GAtkiSVlo_FeQKw.Mrykj20lEL2_eQtDW6jLCIlvAL0fWdOSWktNqDG7Z2Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=cloud+calling+secrets&qid=1749670806&sr=8-1

Small Business, Big Solutions: The Past, Present and Future of Collaboration

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!