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Volume 269, Issue 1 << Previous Issue | Next Issue >>
IT - Marketing
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5 Best SaaS Marketing Strategies To Generate More Sales
The SaaS industry is growing at a fast pace. The global SaaS market is anticipated to reach $60.36 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 9.22% between 2019-2023
"This rapid growth indicates a rise in competition for your SaaS company. To stay ahead of your rivals, you need robust marketing strategies that help attract your core audience and increase the conversion rate.

Marketing helps the sales process to acquire quality leads. Inbound marketing helps to educate the customers and pulls them towards the end of the buying funnel easily.

Here are the five best marketing strategies that can help your SaaS business generate more sales..."

Business 2 Community, August 4th, 2020
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How To Increase Customer Loyalty: 5 Customer Retention Strategies
One of my biggest responsibilities as a marketer is to help generate new leads for clients
"I would venture to say that 90 percent of all conversations I have with clients are about developing a piece of content, a new landing page, or some other piece of content that needs to help drive new leads.

But what about current customers?

Consider this scenario: Have you ever ordered food for pickup or ordered ahead of time through an app, only to show up and see someone walk in and get their order ahead of you?

If you have, you know that it's easy to feel frustrated. You held up your end of the bargain as a customer by calling ahead or using an app to place your order, but somehow, something was missed and when you arrive, your order isn't ready-someone who just walked in gets theirs first..."

Business 2 Community, August 4th, 2020
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Lead Generation In 2020: 8 Advanced Strategies
"Lead generation is at the core of most marketing strategies-you want to create content that brings in new audiences and more revenue..."
"While a number of beginner strategies work well to generate leads, these sources dry up eventually.

That is when marketers need to look at advanced tactics that will give them access to new revenue streams.

We detail eight such techniques to incorporate in your 2020 marketing plan..."

Business 2 Community, August 6th, 2020
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IT - Sales
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Are You Engaging The Real Customers?
I was doing a series of deal reviews-not unlike most of the deal reviews I do. We were talking about the people involved in the buying process
"What struck me in each discussion was how few people were being engaged at the customer - and that the right people weren't being engaged, even by the customer buying group.

Typically, the sales team focused their engagement strategy through one person-usually a friend or sponsor. Sometimes, there were a small number of other people involved. In the reviews, the sales people confidently said, 'We've identified all the people in the decision-making process.'

These were all technical/IT project solutions, so the only people the sales people were engaging were in the IT organization..."

Business 2 Community, August 4th, 2020
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Can A Sales Process Help Sell Value?
Discounting and selling in bad economic times seem to go hand in hand, and they shouldn't. Selling value is the way to avoid discounting
"The mindset of the salesperson plays a role. Here's another way to help sellers avoid discounting and sell value - A repeatable sales process.

Not only does following one provide a roadmap for the salesperson to know where to go in a sales conversation, which our data indicates can increase closed business by up to 15%, but it also enables sellers to more consistently sell value, thus not feeling the urge to discount. Let me show you how it works..."

Business 2 Community, August 4th, 2020
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How To Write Sales Prospecting Emails That Convert
On a recent virtual selling webinar we delivered one of the attendees asked 'Do you have any suggestions on how to cut through the high-volume message clutter and information overload suffered by potential prospects?'
Rather than limit my answer just to that individual, I thought I would share it with you too. So here are six simple tips to make your emails more effective.

  • Have a good reason to contact them
  • Write a compelling subject line
  • Make it short
  • Make it clear
  • Format your email for skimming

Read on for details

Business 2 Community, August 3rd, 2020
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It's The Message, Stupid
"If I was to call you stupid how would you feel? You'd probably be offended, but I can guarantee, the message would get your attention. I'll explain that in a bit..."
"The first thing I want to talk about is systems. I just finished writing my fifth book called 'Toilet Paper Math', and it explains how a system of marketing can work. The bottom line with systems is they only work when you feed them the right message for the right audience at the right time.

Hands Tied In A Knife Fight

I've talked recently with a handful of financial advisors who obviously are having trouble because we're in the middle of very challenging times. And they're trying to figure out how they can get their message out. Unfortunately, most financial advisors are going to a knife fight with both hands tied behind their backs. What do I mean by this? It's called compliance..."

Business 2 Community, August 6th, 2020
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On Measuring Sales Performance
It's becoming increasingly complicated to measure sales performance-particularly in complex B2B sales. We are used to setting quotas and measuring our progress against those quotas
"But our measurement systems are getting increasingly complex.

First, as we look at leveraging teams to sell complex deals, I hear increasing concerns with, 'Who do we credit?' Particularly, when many people contribute and we need to credit different people.

Second, are we measuring the right things? Is revenue/orders the only thing we should be measuring? Are there other goals, equally important to achieving our overall organizational goals, that we should be measuring?..."

Business 2 Community, August 5th, 2020
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The Problem With Account Planning
I was asked to sit in on a number of account plan updates. It's mid year, so it's time to pull out the account plan, blow off the digital dust, and update it
"The structure of the account plans looked like 99% of the account plans I have seen (and if I'm honest, some that I used to develop decades ago). The first few pages were about the customer. Some financial and business data was presented-revenues, profits, growth. Some of the strategies and priorities for the account were presented-usually taken from the Chairman/CEO letter in the annual report. Perhaps a market overview is included..."
Business 2 Community, August 4th, 2020
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SF IT vBeers Broward
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vBeers South Florida - Weekly Virtual Meetups via Zoom
Online - Zoom
vBeers meetups are informal networking events for South Florida Tech professionals.

In-person vBeers are suspended until the COVID-19 thread is diminished and public gathering are again allowed. I will host a Virtual vBeers every Wednesday until in-person events resume.

After the intros, the rest of meeting will be an informal hangout!

Please join the live meeting at 6:00PM EST with this Zoom link:

You can also join by phone:

  • Meeting ID: 792 850 274
  • 646 558 8656 US
  • +16465588656,,792850274# US (New York)

vBeers@Boca is sponsored by TechLauderdale:

  • "TechLauderdale promotes the growth, connectivity, and awareness of the thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Fort Lauderdale"

Hosted by John J. McLaughlin

Wednesday, August 12th, 2020: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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Monthly Meetup of IT Sales and Marketing Professionals (South Florida)
Online - Zoom
This is a group for IT Sales and Marketing Professionals to meet with their peers, learn from each other and share referrals.

Note the new time: Lunchtime!

How has COVID-19 changes how you do sales and marketing?

After the intros, the rest of meeting will be an informal hangout!

In-person meetups are suspended until the COVID-19 threat is diminished and public gathering are again allowed, we will run the meetups as Zoom video conferences.

Enjoy your lunch with IT sales and marketing colleagues and competitors!

Hosted by John J. McLaughlin

Monday, August 24th, 2020: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
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vBeers South Florida - Weekly Virtual Meetups via Zoom
Online - Zoom
vBeers meetups are informal networking events for South Florida Tech professionals.

In-person vBeers are suspended until the COVID-19 thread is diminished and public gathering are again allowed. will host a Virtual vBeers every Wednesday until in-person events resume.

After the intros, the rest of meeting will be an informal hangout!

Please join the live meeting at 6:00PM EST with this Zoom link:

You can also join by phone:

  • Meeting ID: 792 850 274
  • 646 558 8656 US
  • +16465588656,,792850274# US (New York)

vBeers@Boca is sponsored by TechLauderdale:

  • "TechLauderdale promotes the growth, connectivity, and awareness of the thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Fort Lauderdale"

Hosted by John J. McLaughlin

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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PeopleTek News
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Integrity Gauge
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent - Douglas MacArthur, American Five Start General
"Does your work culture value integrity? If yes, does it conduct surveys and solicit feedback to validate their perceptions of integrity within the workplace?

We've worked with companies that do measure it (along with other dimensions), and sadly integrity year over year gets rated poorly.

Why?

It was felt that leadership did not exhibit the behaviors that were desired in others, and that the actions, processes, and communication (or lack of) did not support the company values and beliefs..."

PeopleTek News, August 5th, 2020
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Kelly Merbler News
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Management Is Not Leadership.
I vividly remember when I was first promoted into a management role many moons ago. It was the big moment that I had been working towards since graduating from college. I couldn't wait to put the title of 'Manager' on my business card. Being in my 20's, this was kind of a big deal for me.
"I had been a proven performer for a consistent number of years. In my mind, I was the obvious choice for the role when an opening became available. That's just how it always worked! The top performers were the 'chosen ones' who became the next managers.

If I only knew then what I know now. I was not ready for the manager role just because I had big numbers and exceeded my sales goals. That should not have been the metrics which somehow translated into being ready for becoming responsible for others..."

Kelly Merbler News, August 6th, 2020
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Julie Kantor News
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The Hidden Power Of Storytelling In Corporate Mentorship
Storytelling makes up a significant part of American culture, and has helped shape the American identity for generations
"As kids, we learned through stories. We learned to love our neighbors, solve problems, and accept ourselves through lessons learned in books. Even as adults, we continue to engage in storytelling, although most people call it 'the news' these days. Regardless, it's easy to overlook just how important storytelling is to everyday life, and without it, life would crumble in our hands..."
Julie Kantor News, August 5th, 2020
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Sponsor - TechLauderdale
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Promoting the Growth, Connectivity, and Awareness of the Thriving technology ecosystem in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Become a Member of the Ecosystem, Join TechLauderdale Today
Membership benefits for TechLauderdale were designed to provide individuals and organizations with the choice on how to best utilize member benefits, with a great deal of flexibility and exclusivity. Key benefits of this structure include new ways for members to support the Greater Fort Lauderdale tech ecosystem, while at the same time taking advantage of ongoing tech education and training, exclusive networking and learning opportunities, and making valuable connections.

  • Individual - $100/year or $10/month
  • Bronze - $500 (1 to 3 Employees)
  • Silver - $1,500 - (4 to 25 Employees)
  • Gold - $2,500 - (25 to 50 Employees)
  • Platinum - $3,500 - (over 50 Employees)

TechLauderdale has recently updated its membership levels with increased benefits for each level to better align the value we have to offer with the mission of the organization and our value pillars of: Learn, Connect, and Grow. Read the full membership letter here that explains the changes to the program in greater detail.


Sponsor - SIM
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Connects the Area's Premier IT leaders - for Business Solution Exchange, Professional Development, and Timely Education
Joining SIM connects you with top IT leaders in the industry, including: CIOs, senior IT executives, prominent academicians, consultants, and other top IT professionals
The Chapter strives to strengthen professional communications among members who direct the application of information technology in private and public organizations. Chapter activities include:

  • Meeting to share innovative ideas and real-world experiences which address enterprise information needs. We have excellent speakers from our membership and bring in industry executives or subject matter experts from many sources.
  • Providing presentations by leading national information-management professionals and executives who benefit from management-information systems.
  • Challenging our comfort levels by exchanging ideas with peers and business counterparts.
  • Being a resource for each other, and personal networking.

The geographical scope of the South Florida Chapter is Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County. Subscribe to receive emails from the chapter to get notified of all relevant events in the area. If you are already subscribed, you will be sent a link to update your preferences.

Society for Information Management (SIM) - South Florida Chapter
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Sponsor - ISACA
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ISACA South Florida Chapter
A diverse group of innovative thought leaders partnering with the community to serve as the first choice for professional development and a global role model for ISACA Chapters by 2024
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

  • ISACA South Florida Chapter outreach to more than 1,000 professionals, and partner organizations which represent a range of Corporate IT Audit, IT Compliance, IT Governance & IT Security responsibilities in a cross section of industries and business sizes
  • Extensive networking opportunities, face-to-face contact and one-on-one meetings
  • Display of your latest products and services to all attendees
  • Traffic flow throughout the exhibition area
  • Display of your logo and link to your home page on our ISACA South Florida Chapter web site

Find out more! Contact us at president@isacasfl.org

Corporate IT Audit, IT Compliance, IT Governance & IT Security Professionals
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Sponsor - ISSA
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Not-for-profit Organization of Information Security Professionals and Practitioners
The ISSA South Florida Chapter (SFISSA) is a not-for-profit organization of information security professionals and practitioners
ISSA provides educational forums and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members. Members include practitioners at all levels of the security field in a broad range of industries, such as communications, education, healthcare, manufacturing, financial and government. SFISSA is an excellent vehicle for those who need to acquire CPE credits for certification needs. We need your support, so we hope that you will consider becoming a sponsor to support our chapter.

Sponsorship Options: Chapter sponsorship

Platinum sponsors $1,500/meeting benefits include:

  • Non-marketing presentation at one SFISSA meeting (including attendee/sign-in list)
  • Higher priority in speaker selection for SFISSA Annual Conference
  • Logo signage displayed at meetings*
  • Logo, name and company URL on SFISSA website for event
  • Materials distributed at SFISSA meetings*
  • 5 minute presentation at 1 SFISSA meetings per year

Program sponsors $1,000/meeting benefits include:

  • Non-marketing presentation at one SFISSA meeting
  • Logo signage displayed at meetings*
  • Logo, name and company URL on SFISSA website for event
  • Materials distributed at SFISSA meetings*
  • 5 minute presentation at 1 SFISSA meetings per year

Conference sponsorship opportunities coming soon.

South Florida Chapter of the ISSA
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Sponsor - Refresh Miami
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Educate, Inspire, Connect and Grow South Florida's Tech and Startup Ecosystem
Be front and center at all our monthly speaker events, get training on the latest technologies, break bread with our distinguished speakers, and find qualified candidates via our sponsored job listings
Be front and center at all our monthly speaker events, get training on the latest technologies, break bread with our distinguished speakers, and find qualified candidates via our sponsored job listings.

Refresh Corporate: $2000/Year

  • Guaranteed ticket to all speaker events
  • Complimentary ticket to three (3) Refresh Miami workshops ($150 value!)
  • 40% discount on all other Refresh Miami workshops ($160 value!)
  • Preferred Access to VIP/Speaker Dinners
  • Discounts on Community Events
  • Partner Discounts
  • Refresh Miami T-Shirt
  • Ability to post relevant events to Community Calendar
  • Ability to post jobs to Refresh Job Board
  • Ability to post business to Refresh Miami Tech Map

$2000/Year


Sponsor - Palm Beach Tech
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A Nonprofit Membership Association Building the Palm Beaches into a Tech Hub
Check our Membership options and help build the Palm Beaches into a Tech Hub!
Our Memberships are based on Exposure, Talent, & Business

  • STARTUP - $500/year
  • Tier 3 - $1,000/year
  • Tier 2 - $2,500/year
  • Tier 1 - $5,000/year

Palm Beach Tech is a nonprofit membership association Building the Palm Beaches into a Tech Hub.


Sponsor - SFHIMA
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Create and Encourage an Environment Conducive to Promoting HIM Practices and Emerging HIM Occupations
We are the SMEs in health information! So whether you are a student, a recent graduate, seasoned professional or profession partner, your local chapter is here for you.
South Florida Health Information Management Association.

The theme from FHIMA for this year is 'Smooth Sailing Ahead'.

SFHIMA is ready to set sail with more great informational sessions, networking and continuing education opportunities. Sessions this year will be offered in person and via remote web connections.

South Florida Health Information Management Association (SFHIMA)
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Sponsor - PMI
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Advance the PM Profession Through the Promotion of PMI Certification Training
To be a conduit of innovation, networking and support for the next evolution of Project Managers through strategic focus, customer centricity and operation agility
Mission

  • Advance the PM profession through the promotion of PMI certification training and project excellence acknowledgement.

  • Provide members and volunteers with networking, leadership roles and superior development and education events and activities,

  • Ensure alignment with PMIs talent triangle, compliance with PMIs core values and contribution to the improvement of the PM body of knowledge.

We are only one of over 270 Chapters serving Project Management Institute (PMI) members and communities in more than 70 countries around the world. These local communities help spread awareness of the profession and PMI by reaching out to local governments and organizations, hosting events or seminars for local practitioners and providing opportunities to learn, network and earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) toward maintaining credentials.

PMI South Florida Chapter
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Sponsor - IIBA
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Premier World-Wide Professional Association for Business Analysts
We are the local representative of the International Institution of Business Analysis (IIBA), the premier world-wide professional association for business analyst
Sponsorships are available.

The objectives of the Chapter are to:

  • Promote and advance the profession of Business Analysis
  • Provide opportunities to our members to gain knowledge and network with experienced professionals across various industries and government agencies
  • Provide access for members to a formal "knowledge base" as well as forums for sharing expertise, expressing professional opinions and building a reputation within the industry
  • Provide pathways to learn about business analysis best practices
  • Create corporate support for the IIBA within the local market by superior marketing/awareness programs that demonstrate the value of business analysis and the IIBA
  • Liaise with industry and association partners to increase awareness and benefit of IIBA Chapter members
  • Encourage and provide opportunities for our members to become Business Analysis certified professionals

As our events calendar and past events reflect, we have a mix of day time symposiums for professional development, after work meetings focused on a topic of particular concern to business analysts, and online meetings and webinars to develop your technical skills and analytical competencies, as well as one to two premiere dinner events per year with at least one distinguished guest speaker.

International Institution of Business Analysis (IIBA), March 12th, 2020
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