In this episode, Deanna Davenport, VP of Customer Success at ePlus (CX Global Partner of the Year) discusses their motto of "Customer first. Services led. Results driven." Tune in to hear the CX Global Partner of the Year discuss success with Partner Advanced Services, 96% renewal rates, 90% cSAT, and more.

Episode 58 - ePlus - Customer First. Services Led. Results Driven.

AI, brought to you by two people who use too much ChatGPT (but not on our work computers). Ian and Kat dig into if AI is making us dumb, how it can be implemented for businesses and where we think it is going, all while trying to not get too doom and gloom. 

"AI isn't going to replace people, but people who use AI are going to replace people who don't"

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

404 Script Not Found: AI?

We start with a recap of Ian's trip to Japan (spoiler: it was awesome). 

We then get to discussing Webex backgrounds with some very serious opinions - are you a virtual background person?

We wrap up by identifying ways to create balance at work, especially at a company that is heavy on meetings. Also, we definitely don't want to return-to-office, but we do want to see people in person (trust us, this makes sense). All in all, a great, somewhat off the rails episode! 

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


404 Script Not Found: Working in Tech

Full disclosure: Ian sounds like he is underwater (but is just stuffed up). Not all heroes wear capes.

We jump in by discussing how AI is changing the eComm game. Then discuss the need for making eComm in the channel more prevalent and easier, utilizing what we see in B2C. 

We wrap up with Kat's questionable relationship with sales (and tee up a future episode). Another (mildly) educational, but very fun episode! 

404 Script Not Found: eComm

Kat is back from her wedding, and everyone is circling back with her, which begs the question: do you reply to sales reps who slide into your LinkedIn DMs? What about cold emails?

Ian shares a tip to help filter out spam on LinkedIn, and maybe even make your profile more memorable. 

We then try to figure out how spam filters work before coming up with some solutions of our own...sorry if you are in purgatory! 

If you want to learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs like email security: www.cisco.com/c/en_uk/solutions/…mall-business.html



404 Script Not Found: Gaslighting LinkedIn

Kat is an Oura Ring snob, and thinks Apple Watches are "trash," while Ian is #TeamAppleWatch.

We then get into voice memos and how many texts the average person we get each day (turns out Ian needs more friends)! 

We wrap up talking VR goggles and glasses, and how we think it may be a bridge too far, even if the Webex roadmap has a lot of cool stuff in it like holograms! 

If you want to learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs like email security: www.cisco.com/c/en_uk/solutions/…mall-business.html

404 Script Not Found: Wearable Tech

We're handing out tariffs, but not the kind you think! This episode is all about things we don't like at work, and thus wish we could tariff. From wearing many hats to meetings after hours, we run the gamut of everything that irks us at work. Follow along at home, and let us know what you would tariff! 

This episode does NOT contain political views, stances or commentary on the actual tariffs (we promise).

If you came to listen to this episode to learn something about Cisco's solutions for small and medium businesses (which we really did not cover in this one), you should 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: That's a Tariff

Kat got hacked...again? Guys we are not security experts if that was not clear. 

Both Ian and Kat have been on the road, and they have some takes on people's travel habits and what proper etiquette should and should not be in 2025. From who gets the armrest to how you should sit when you are waiting at the gate, we have you covered (we think).

If you came to listen to this episode to learn something about Cisco's solutions for small and medium businesses (which we really did not cover in this one), you should 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: Travel Etiquette

We're back with an episode we actually did research for! 

Kat admits she's learning something from Ian? (7:48 if you don't believe it either), and at 9:18, Ian gets nervous deciding 404's niche.  

On top of the laughs, this week you get Kat and Ian's LinkedIn learnings and best practices - from an emoji in your name to best practices to boost your posts. And PLEASE for the sake of Ian's mental health, comment on 404: Script Not Found's LinkedIn posts. 

If you came to listen to this episode to learn something about Cisco's solutions for small and medium businesses (outside of optimizing LinkedIn posting), you should 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: LinkedIn Tips

We're talking everything influencer marketing this week, from the influencer(s?) themself. From internal influencers and employee advocacy to finding the right "celebrity" to support your brand, we share what we've learned. Shoutout to the Giggly Squad.

Kat shares what goes into making good influencer content based on her own experiences, and we find ourselves talking AI again...is Bing actually important? 

Somehow along the way, we end up power ranking our old email accounts (turns out Kat had them all).

404 Script Not Found: Influencer Marketing

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

This week Kat and Ian are diving into one of their favorite topics - Workplace Productivity. We've heard Ian's terrifying email organization (or lack thereof before), but believe it or not, this week he's coming in hot with the productive tips. 

Tune in this week for WebEx features that even Kat didn't know existed, and a general education on online folders for Ian. 

OH and if you're here for additional information on Cisco's solutions that can support your team's productivity, *cough* Webex *cough*, 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: Workplace Productivity

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

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 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

The AI landscape is akin to the Wild West right now. There are so many solutions on the market, and it can be hard for SMBs to know which ones are secure and which can best support their internal systems. Many SMBs need an experienced guide that can navigate this rapidly evolving industry.   

I'm joined by Dustin Holub, Director of Solutions Architecture at Technology Group Solutions, a Cisco Partner. He helps us cut through the noise by dispelling common fears surrounding AI and providing practical tips that enable SMBs to maximize the benefits of the latest LLM technologies.  

Learn more about Cisco's solutions for SMBs: www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutio…usiness/index.html  

Check our TGS’s offerings here: https://www.tgs-mtc.com/  

Small Business, Big Solutions: Putting the Intelligence in AI

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

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!

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