“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

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

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!