Kevin Fliess

On our latest #CAS panel on marketing and positioning CAS, we couldn't help but bring up pricing as a key component! Amy Vetter, CPA, CSP, CGMA, RYT delivered a lot of hard won lessons in pricing, just a few I dropped below! (if you're not getting invited to attend these panels, be sure to get on our newsletter https://lnkd.in/e96TXajN) 🔥 Figure out who you are, who are the customers you want to attract, how do you do the work so you understand overhead cost / cost of doing business, THEN building out the price 🔥 Price does NOT equal timesheets 🔥 3 pricing pages PER niche so packages can communicate specific value / KPI's for the niche 🔥 You ideally want deliverables that are also not time bound (videos, tutorials) 🔥 You can also include 'a la carte' items 🔥 You MUST scope. You MUST keep to the scope. You MUST train on scope... All.The.Time 🔥 Bookkeepers are the biggest upsell to controllership services (bookkeepers know their scope!) 🔥 If you become a 'yes' person to clients, you sell something your staff is likely not trained on, therefore it's unlikely it will be profitable Jetpack Workflow The B3 Method® Institute #advisory #accounting #pricing #marketing

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The benefits of MIT Sloan Executive Education - In my inbox this morning - Thinking Forward Microsoft chief scientist: To make the most of gen AI, use your imagination 1. Can lending standards be too tight for too long following an economic shock? New research from MIT Sloan professor Jonathan Parker and colleagues indicates that can be the case when banks go the extra mile to screen out bad borrowers. The researchers’ findings suggest that some of the persistence of tightness after a shock is self-inflicted. When banks try to protect themselves by increasing their due diligence in evaluating potential borrowers, they set off a chain reaction whereby other banks do the same and increase the credit crunch in two ways: By not funding people who are less creditworthy, tighter standards worsen the overall quality of the pool of potential borrowers, which in turn creates an even bigger incentive for banks to employ tight standards in the future. In a good market, lending standards are inefficient when they’re too tight. They amplify and prolong downturns, decrease overall lending, and increase credit spreads. If the market is in good shape, less due diligence makes more sense, said Parker, co-director of the MIT Consumer Finance Initiative. “The chances that [a loan] will fail are very small. Some of them will default and lose a little bit of money, but that will be a rare event,” he said. 2. How much will artificial intelligence affect productivity in coming years? Writing recently in the Financial Times [subscription required], columnist Soumaya Keynes observed that there have been several attempts to estimate the effects of generative AI on annual productivity growth, “with pretty varied results.” Goldman Sachs last year estimated that in rich countries, generative AI could increase productivity by about 1.5 percentage points over a decade. McKinsey predicted that generative AI could deliver an increase of 0.1 to 0.6 percentage points between 2023 and 2040. And, more recently, MIT professor Daron Acemoglu calculated a boost over the next decade of, at most, 0.2 percentage points and suggested that over the next decade, around 5% of tasks will be profitably replaced or augmented by AI. “Some uncertainty is, of course, healthy,” Acemoglu said of the change brought on by AI, since “we are at the very, very beginning of it.”   MIT Sloan Office of Communications Building E90, 9th Floor 1 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 #AI #mit #misinformation

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This is a big one 🥁: We're excited to announce that Microsoft is the founding capital partner in the Investing in Digital Equity in Appalachia (IDEA) Fund. IDEA Fund will invest in community-focused Internet Service Providers (ISPs) best placed to meet the digital needs of residents and businesses in Appalachia. “Access to reliable broadband is a prerequisite for rural communities to reach their full potential in the areas of education, employment, healthcare and much more," said Vickie S. Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Global Airband Initiative. "Digital opportunities shouldn’t be out of reach for communities across Appalachia. Our work with Connect Humanity will help catalyze the additional funds and tools needed to close the gaps. Microsoft Airband is proud to be a founding capital partner in the IDEA Fund.” In a region where families are +30% more likely to lack a broadband subscription, and where some counties have fewer than 20% of households using broadband speeds, supporting ISPs ready and willing to build high-speed broadband in rural areas left behind by the market is essential. Brian Vo, our Chief Investment Officer, explains: “With the right partners, it’s possible to build gold-standard internet in every rural and low-income community in Appalachia. Public investment is necessary but insufficient. It must be paired with capital from partners that prioritize community needs and understand root causes of digital inequity, while grasping the strong economics of community-based broadband. That’s what we have in Microsoft and why we’re excited for their partnership.” Alongside our partner Appalachian Community Capital, Connect Humanity is working to convene a diverse group of capital partners including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), banks, impact investors, and foundations through IDEA Fund to offer affordable finance at flexible terms that enables ISPs to build in high-cost and/or low-income areas on a sustainable basis. A huge thanks to Vickie Robinson and the entire Airband team for their leadership and partnership. Their support marks a huge leap forward for IDEA Fund. Read the announcement to learn more: https://lnkd.in/esG_Ybgz #DigitalEquity #ImpactFinance #ImpactInvesting #CommunityBroadband #Appalachia

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We recently discussed the evolving focus on profitability and operational efficiency in KPI frameworks with Eli Wolfson, Senior Associate at Moneta Ventures, and James Chan, CPA, experienced venture CFO. Wolfson notes a shift towards profitability, stating, “We’ve definitely seen that shift in emphasis to focus on profitability. I don’t think we’ll ever move away from revenue being the core driver. But in the picture of all the other metrics, and in the context of the company, that’s where the focus has really shifted.” Chan adds, “We’re definitely looking at the burn multiple more now.” Learn more about their perspectives and strategies here: https://lnkd.in/e2rUgmsY 

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500+ signups and counting! 🤯 Join me for a free, 30-minute session ⚡️ next Monday, May 13: https://lnkd.in/gA2NSiNr that I'm leading with Maven. There's capital-B 𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰, and then there's 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴—creating it, governing it, distributing and scaling it through campaigns, and so on. 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 is a hard-to-pin-down intersection of critical thinking, visual design and UX design, copywriting, psychology, and cultural analysis. Brands become drivers that shape how society thinks, acts, and function. Throw in trend forecasting and advertising, listening and research, and it's one of the most powerful—and complex—arts we practice. So if THAT'S hard, then 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴, on the other hand, is a beast of its own. Aside from the CEO, you're *the one* who's best positioned to drive the most org-wide cross-functional alignment and alliance—pushing through constant subjectivity. You're fighting the constant battle to prove that branding is NOT at odds with product or growth. And you know you need to keep a long-term, big-picture mindset while executing, responding, and shipping at top-speed. You need structure to do this well. You need a strategy. This session pulls from my 4-week Maven course (https://lnkd.in/giUqJ8ee) and from my experience leading brand at high-growth companies like Gusto, Notion, and Brex. Students come from beloved tech brands like Figma, Faire, Calendly, Typeform, Instrument, Noom, and Inflection AI, to name a few. I'm packing as much as I can into 20 minutes with 10 minutes of Q&A. Come join the fun! #brand #brandmarketing #brandstrategy #leadership #branding #lightninglesson

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As the economy tightens, the partnership between Chief Financial Officers and Chief Marketing Officers becomes crucial. 🤝 In Forbes, Seismic's CMO Paige O'Neill shares key insights on how strategic alignment between CFOs and CMOs drives higher growth. Read more of Paige's Q&A, below.

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On this episode of the Turpentine Finance podcast, our CFO, Dan Fletcher, joins host Sasha Orloff to share how CFOs can build trust with the CEO and the board to balance growth and profitability across different company stages. Dan also discusses the differences in working with PE vs VC investors, and more. 💡 Tune in 🎧: https://lnkd.in/dUy3ZK-V 

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Best thing about having Ryan Bennett of digital customer experience consultancy Cylogy, Inc. as a colleague is he not only fixes all things CMS for me, he's also a great writer with some strong opinions on the trends shaping the digital customer experience software landscape. "Over time, however, the experience acquired on a particular CMS may become less important as generative AI does more and more of the heavy lifting around frontend and backend development." https://lnkd.in/exJFySdq #CMSWirecontributors

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Our B2i Digital Featured Company, AIM ImmunoTech (NYSE American: $AIM) (https://lnkd.in/erRzxGa9), has filed its definitive proxy statement ahead of the Annual Meeting scheduled for December 17, 2024. AIM’s Board calls on shareholders to vote “FOR” all four incumbent candidates on the WHITE universal proxy card, citing concerns that an activist group’s self-interested agenda could disrupt the Company’s momentum and jeopardize near-term value creation. The letter to shareholders outlines the Board’s view on the activist group’s history and motivations. It details how the group, led by individuals with connections to past securities law issues, is attempting to replace the entire Board without proposing a clear operational plan. AIM warns that this attempt could destabilize the Company’s current trajectory and allow access to AIM’s resources without a constructive strategy. The current Board highlights AIM’s strong progress with Ampligen®, a first-in-class investigational drug, across multiple high-need areas: - Ongoing Phase 2 trials in combination with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi for pancreatic cancer, with preliminary data showing stable disease in some subjects at six months. - Positive interim data from Ampligen’s use alongside pembrolizumab for recurrent ovarian cancer. - Findings from AIM’s Phase 2 study for post-COVID fatigue, suggesting Ampligen may provide relief for patients with moderate to severe fatigue. AIM’s Board believes these achievements underscore the Company’s dedication to creating sustainable value for shareholders and advancing treatments for patients with unmet needs. Shareholders are encouraged to visit www. SafeguardAIM.com for detailed information about the proxy process and AIM’s ongoing initiatives. For continued updates, sign up for AIM’s investor alerts at https://lnkd.in/e6grvEvX and read the full news release: https://lnkd.in/eevzWnGq AIM’s management team includes CEO Thomas K. Equels, COO Peter Rodino III, Medical Officers Charles Lapp, MD, and David Strayer, MD, Scientific Officer Chris McAleer PhD, and CFO Robert Dickey. Additionally, Christopher F. Nicodemus, MD, FACP, joined AIM as a consultant on September 15, 2024. For Investor Relations questions, please contact Jenene Thomas and her team at JTC IR and sign up to receive news email alerts from AIM, including the CEO Corner Series, at https://lnkd.in/e6grvEvX. #Biotech #ClinicalTrials #Ampligen #AIMImmunoTech @AIMImmuno #PancreaticCancer #OvarianCancer #PostCOVID #Immunotherapy #AnnualMeeting

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We could argue that consumers are changing their behavior – like shouting to an empty room that they need something – because #technology is changing first...but emerging #tech could turn this on its head. https://lnkd.in/gZhmwEy #digitalmarketing

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My column in MarTech published yesterday. The predictions are grounded in years of C-suite interviews and associated data. Like all predictions, even if they’re directionally correct they may take longer to manifest. That said, it is clear that we have reached a point of crisis in B2B GTM. The definition of “crisis” is a moment from which things can get better or very much worse. That applies here. None of us like moments of crisis. They represent fundamental instability, and the threat of unwelcome change. However, with the right responses, crises are also huge opportunities. I believe that we stand on the threshold of a golden era in GTM, but we all have to choose to do what’s necessary to realize it. What’s on the table from the CEOs and CFOs I spoke to is a demand for a common rule book on navigating, forecasting, optimizing, and correcting GTM spend and operations. Without this, the present dysfunctions will only deepen. The executives I interviewed said a number of things very clearly and consistently. A big takeaway was the dissolution of confidence and trust in their Marketing and Sales functions. The question of “who’s right, and who’s wrong” will need attention, but the main objective is repairing one of the most important relationships in business today.

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Our B2i Digital’s Featured Company Beneficient (Nasdaq: $BENF) (https://lnkd.in/ecNwg-Y9) released its Q2 Fiscal 2025 results, highlighting its second consecutive profitable quarter and strategic initiatives to support its growth in alternative asset markets. A webcast is scheduled for November 15, 2024, at 8:00 AM Eastern to discuss results further. To listen, visit the Beneficient investor relations website at least ten minutes before the start time and register at https://lnkd.in/e5TMzwHH. Among the highlights of Q2 Fiscal 2025 were: -Reported investments with a fair value of $335.0 million, increased from $329.1 million at the end of the company’s prior fiscal year, and served as collateral for Ben Liquidity’s net loan portfolio of $260.7 million, up from $256.2 million. -Revenues increased to $8.6 million, compared to a loss of $(42.8) million a year earlier. On a year-to-date basis, revenues for fiscal 2025 were $18.6 million compared to a loss of $(45.5) million for fiscal 2024. - Operating expenses declined significantly to $22.3 million, including a non-cash goodwill impairment of $0.3 million, from $339.0 million a year earlier, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment of $306.7 million. Beneficient’s management noted, “We are pleased to report our second consecutive profitable quarter as a public company, which we believe positions Ben as a leading solution for liquidity and primary capital in large and growing private investment markets. Additionally, we are pleased to have strengthened our balance sheet through a previously announced transaction whereby our subsidiary Beneficient Company Holdings, L.P. redesignated approximately $125.5 million of its preferred equity as non-redeemable.” Beneficient’s experienced leadership team includes CEO Brad Heppner, President & Chief Fiduciary Officer Derek Fletcher, Global Head of Originations & Distribution Jeff Welday, CIMA, CFO Greg Ezell, Chief Underwriting Officer Scott Wilson Counsel David Rost, CTO Maria Rutledge, VP Marketing Shileen Weber, CDMP, and IR Dan Callahan. If you have questions about the company’s news releases, contact Mike Wetherington and Matthew Kreps from Beneficient’s IR firm, Darrow Associates. For more information, please see the company’s earnings release at https://lnkd.in/eFawdwnG. For more news, updates, and information about Beneficient, please visit B2i Digital. #B2iDigital #Beneficient #AlternativeAssets #BENF #Q2Results #FinTech #Investors

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How do we turn a ship this big? Culture eats Strategy for breakfast, and culture is evident in your process execution. If executing on strategy is important to you and your business (and why wouldn’t it be?) take a listen to this podcast and maybe subscribe. Who knows, maybe you can turn this ship… Join us for the thrilling conversation between Lukas Egger and Juuso Hämäläinen on the importance of clear, aligned strategies in our latest episode "Bad Strategy, Bad Execution". Tune in to understand how leadership culture influences a company's efficiency and the crucial difference between output and outcome. Don't miss these precious insights from the world of transformation & business leadership that could redefine your strategies! - OpenSAP podcasts https://imsap.co/6040YkaQm - Spotify https://imsap.co/6041YkaQW - Apple Podcasts https://imsap.co/6042YkaQo - TuneIn https://imsap.co/6043YkaQU

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What does it take to build a #DemandGen machine that not only delivers leads but drives real, measurable business impact? In this episode, Michael Callahan (Salt Security), James B. Stanton (CuraLinc Healthcare), and Jeff Morgan (Elements) discuss how they've built scalable, high-performing demand gen engines. From refining incentive strategies to focusing on ideal customer profiles (ICP), these seasoned marketers share practical tips on boosting conversion rates and maximizing ROI in B2B marketing. Learn how to align sales and marketing teams, leverage AI and automation tools, and avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the best demand gen strategies. Key Discussion Points:  🔧 How to fine-tune incentives to attract the right prospects.  🔧 Why narrowing your ICP can boost conversions and drive more qualified leads.  🔧 The power of partnerships in driving down customer acquisition costs.  🔧 How AI tools are enhancing marketing efficiency and delivering better insights.  🔧 Real-world examples of successful (and not-so-successful) demand gen campaigns. Tune in to learn the strategies that top B2B marketers use to build demand gen machines that deliver lasting results.  Listen via the link in the comments.

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For years, marketers have struggled with low match rates. Ultimately, this hurts advertising campaigns, ROAS, and ROI. I’m happy to announce that GrowthLoop has partnered with TransUnion to help marketers accurately target advertising in the wake of ongoing third party cookie deprecation. Our partnership with TransUnion, uniting their TruAudience Marketing Solution and GrowthLoop’s composable CDP, allows marketers to target their advertising spend accurately and reach the right customers. Our private preview customers are already seeing GrowthLoop Enhanced Match Rate deliver ~80% increases in match rates between customers and advertising data. Learn more about the partnership here: https://lnkd.in/ed3fsj_b #MarketingSolutions #AudienceSegmentation #AdTech #GrowthLoop

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Prioritizing tasks is an essential part of getting things done. By structuring your day and tackling the most important items first, you'll be able to accomplish more in less time. But how do you know which tasks to prioritize? The key is to get better at estimating how long they take. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. I shared my insights with Renegade Marketing this week on Drew Neisser's #TuesdayTips. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's using an AI tool or prioritizing your own thoughts, taking the time to get organized can save you time in the long run. And for the rest of your to-do list, consider delegating tasks to others who can help. Remember, it's all about working smarter, not harder. What are your tips for prioritizing tasks? Share in the comments below! #productivity #timemanagement #prioritization

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Learn how to continuously refine your retention strategies through experimentation and benchmarking against industry standards. Register now for instant access to this on-demand webinar. 👉 https://lttr.ai/AWIqg #subscriptionmodel #subscriptioninsider #subscriptioneconomy #subscriptionbusiness #subscription #memberships #subscriptionservice #subscriberretention #churn

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