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Unleashing the Power of Business IT Solutions for a Competitive Edge in 2023

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of 2023, businesses are continually seeking innovative Business IT Solutions to gain a competitive edge.

To stay ahead of the curve, organizations need to harness the power of cutting-edge Business IT Solutions.

In this blog post, we will explore the top IT solutions that can propel your business forward and unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and success.

The Era of Disruption: Reinventing Business IT Solutions

In today’s fast-paced and disruptive business environment, the traditional approach to Business IT Solutions is no longer enough.

To thrive, businesses must embrace innovative technologies that align with their strategic objectives and empower their workforce.

Let’s delve into some of the most powerful and transformative solutions available.

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

Incorporating AI and ML technologies can revolutionize the way businesses operate.

These advanced solutions enable automated decision-making, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.

From automating repetitive tasks to extracting valuable insights from vast amounts of data, these solutions can enhance decision-making, optimize processes, and provide a personalized customer experience.

Business IT Solutions leveraging AI and ML at the forefront of digital transformation are:

  • Intelligent Virtual Assistants:

AI-powered virtual assistants like chatbots or voice assistants can handle customer queries, provide personalized recommendations, and assist with basic tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex activities.

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

AI and ML can analyze customer data, interactions, and purchase history to provide insights for better customer segmentation, targeted marketing campaigns, and personalized recommendations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.

  • Predictive Analytics:

ML algorithms can analyze historical data and identify patterns to make predictions about future trends, demand forecasting, and customer behavior.

This helps businesses optimize inventory management, pricing strategies, and resource allocation.

  • Fraud Detection:

AI can detect anomalies and patterns in large volumes of data to identify potential fraudulent activities, such as credit card fraud, insurance claims fraud, or cybersecurity breaches.

ML algorithms can continuously learn from new data to improve accuracy and minimize false positives.

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP):

NLP techniques enable machines to understand and process human language.

This can be utilized for automated email responses, sentiment analysis of customer feedback, text summarization, and content generation, enhancing communication and streamlining processes.

  • Recommendation Systems:

AI-powered recommendation systems analyze user preferences, behavior, and historical data to suggest personalized products, services, or content.

This can significantly improve cross-selling, upselling, and customer engagement, boosting sales and revenue.

  • Process Automation:

ML algorithms can automate repetitive and rule-based tasks, such as data entry, document processing, or quality control, reducing errors and saving time.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) combines AI and ML to mimic human actions and automate complex workflows.

  • Supply Chain Optimization:

AI and ML can optimize supply chain operations by analyzing data from various sources, predicting demand, optimizing inventory levels, and identifying potential bottlenecks or disruptions.

This leads to improved efficiency, cost savings, and better customer service.

  1. Cloud Computing:

The cloud has become an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes.

It enables seamless collaboration, scalable infrastructure, and access to resources from anywhere in the world.

Embracing cloud solutions empowers businesses to reduce costs, improve agility, and drive innovation.

With the ability to quickly scale resources up or down, businesses can adapt to fluctuating demands, launch new products and services faster, and optimize their IT infrastructure.

Here are some examples of Cloud Computing as Business IT Solutions:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

IaaS provides businesses with virtualized computing resources over the internet.

Users can access and manage virtual machines, storage, and networking infrastructure.

Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, and Google Cloud Compute Engine.

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS):

PaaS offers a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud.

It provides a platform for developers to build, test, and deploy applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

Examples of PaaS platforms include Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.

  • Software as a Service (SaaS):

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, allowing users to access and use the software via a web browser.

Examples of SaaS include customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce, collaboration platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, and project management tools like Asana and Trello.

  • Public Cloud:

Public cloud services are provided by third-party cloud service providers, and resources are shared among multiple organizations.

Examples of public cloud providers include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM Cloud.

These providers offer a wide range of services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

  • Private Cloud:

Private cloud refers to cloud infrastructure that is dedicated to a single organization.

It can be managed internally or by a third-party provider.

Private cloud offers enhanced security and control, making it suitable for organizations with specific compliance requirements.

Examples of private cloud solutions include VMware Cloud Foundation, OpenStack, and Microsoft Azure Stack.

  • Hybrid Cloud:

Hybrid cloud combines both public and private cloud environments, allowing organizations to leverage the benefits of both.

It enables seamless integration and movement of workloads between public and private clouds.

For example, an organization may use a public cloud for scalable computing resources and a private cloud for sensitive data storage.

  • Multi-Cloud:

Multi-cloud refers to the use of multiple cloud service providers to meet specific business needs.

Organizations can select different cloud providers for different services or applications.

This approach provides flexibility, avoids vendor lock-in, and allows leveraging the unique capabilities of various cloud providers.

Fractional CTOs technology

Empowering Businesses with Business IT Solutions

In this section, we will explore specific areas where IT solutions can make a significant impact on business operations, fostering growth and ensuring a competitive edge.

  1. Cybersecurity Solutions:

In an era of escalating cyber threats, robust cybersecurity solutions are paramount.

Implementing advanced security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, protects sensitive data, mitigates risks, and safeguards your business from potential breaches.

Here are some Business IT Solutions that focus on cybersecurity ,provide peace of mind, and maintain customer trust, a crucial element in today’s data-driven landscape:

  • Firewalls:

Firewalls are a fundamental security solution that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

They act as a barrier between internal networks and the external internet, protecting against unauthorized access and potential threats.

  • Antivirus/Antimalware Software:

Antivirus and antimalware software detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

These solutions scan files, email attachments, and websites for known malware signatures or suspicious behavior to protect systems and data from infections.

  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS):

IDPS solutions monitor network traffic and system activity to detect and prevent unauthorized access or malicious activities.

They analyze network packets, log files, and behavioral patterns to identify potential threats and trigger alerts or block suspicious activities.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN):

VPN solutions establish secure and encrypted connections over untrusted networks, such as the Internet.

They enable remote users to access private networks securely, protecting data from eavesdropping and ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

DLP solutions help prevent the unauthorized disclosure or loss of sensitive data.

They monitor and control data transfers, both within the organization and to external parties, to ensure compliance with data protection policies and prevent data breaches.

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM):

IAM solutions manage user identities, access privileges, and authentication mechanisms within an organization.

They enable organizations to enforce strong access controls, manage user credentials, and ensure that only authorized individuals can access systems and data.

  • Encryption:

Encryption solutions protect data by converting it into unreadable form using cryptographic algorithms.

Encrypted data can only be decrypted with the appropriate encryption keys.

Encryption safeguards data both at rest (stored on devices or servers) and in transit (during transmission over networks).

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):

SIEM solutions collect, analyze, and correlate security event data from various sources, such as logs and network devices.

They provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities, helping organizations identify and respond to security incidents effectively.

  • Web Application Firewalls (WAF):

WAF solutions protect web applications from common web-based attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).

They analyze web traffic, inspect requests, and enforce security policies to block malicious activities targeting web applications.

  • Security Awareness Training:

While not a technological solution, security awareness training plays a crucial role in cybersecurity.

It educates employees about potential risks, safe practices, and how to identify and respond to phishing attempts, social engineering, and other security threats.

 

  1. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:

Harnessing the power of data analytics and business intelligence solutions enables businesses to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data.

By leveraging real-time analytics and predictive modeling, organizations gain deeper understanding of customer behavior, market trends, and operational performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Some Business IT Solutions that help businesses identify new opportunities, optimize processes, and gain a competitive advantage in their industry are:

  • Descriptive Analytics:

Descriptive analytics focuses on summarizing and visualizing historical data to understand past events and trends.

It includes techniques such as reporting, dashboards, and data visualization tools that provide a clear picture of what has happened in the business.

Examples include generating sales reports, financial statements, and performance dashboards.

  • Diagnostic Analytics:

Diagnostic analytics aims to uncover the root causes and reasons behind past events or trends.

It involves analyzing data to understand why certain outcomes occurred.

Techniques used in diagnostic analytics include data exploration, drill-down analysis, and correlation analysis.

For example, identifying factors that contributed to a decline in sales or investigating the causes of customer churn.

  • Predictive Analytics:

Predictive analytics utilizes historical data and statistical modeling techniques to make predictions about future events or outcomes.

It involves analyzing patterns and relationships in data to forecast trends and probabilities.

Examples include demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and customer churn prediction.

Machine learning algorithms are often used in predictive analytics.

  • Prescriptive Analytics:

Prescriptive analytics goes beyond predictions and provides recommendations or optimal actions to achieve desired outcomes.

It leverages data, mathematical modeling, and optimization algorithms to suggest the best course of action.

Examples include supply chain optimization, resource allocation, and dynamic pricing strategies.

  • Text Analytics:

Text analytics focuses on extracting meaningful insights from unstructured textual data, such as customer feedback, social media posts, or support tickets.

Techniques used in text analytics include sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and text classification.

It helps businesses gain insights into customer opinions, market trends, and brand perception.

  • Geospatial Analytics:

Geospatial analytics combines spatial data (e.g., maps, GPS coordinates) with other data sources to uncover patterns and insights related to geographic locations.

It enables businesses to analyze and visualize data based on geographic attributes.

Examples include location-based marketing, site selection analysis, and logistics optimization.

  • Real-time Analytics:

Real-time analytics involves analyzing data as it is generated to gain immediate insights and enable real-time decision-making.

It is used in scenarios where timely actions are critical, such as fraud detection, network monitoring, and dynamic pricing.

Streaming data processing platforms like Apache Kafka and Apache Flink are commonly used for real-time analytics.

  • Self-Service Analytics:

Self-service analytics empowers business users to perform data analysis and generate insights without heavy reliance on IT or data scientists.

It involves user-friendly tools and interfaces that allow users to explore data, create visualizations, and generate reports.

Examples include tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Google Data Studio.

fractional CTO, startups
  1. Agile Project Management:

Agile project management methodologies, supported by Business IT Solutions, revolutionize the way teams collaborate, plan, and execute projects.

By enabling iterative development, continuous integration, and transparent communication, businesses can improve project delivery, reduce time-to-market, and adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics.

Here are some Business IT Solutions that facilitate effective project management, foster innovation, and ensure that businesses can rapidly respond to customer needs:

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile frameworks.

It involves breaking down projects into small, manageable units called sprints.

A cross-functional team collaborates to complete work in short iterations, typically lasting two to four weeks.

Daily stand-up meetings, backlog refinement, sprint planning, and sprint reviews are key Scrum practices.

Kanban is a visual project management system that focuses on visualizing the workflow and limiting work in progress (WIP).

Work items are represented as cards on a Kanban board and moved through different stages (columns) based on their progress.

Kanban provides transparency, promotes flow efficiency, and helps teams manage their work effectively.

Lean project management emphasizes minimizing waste, optimizing efficiency, and delivering value to customers.

It borrows principles from lean manufacturing and applies them to project management.

Lean methodologies focus on continuous improvement, value stream mapping, and eliminating non-value-added activities to increase productivity and customer satisfaction.

  • Extreme Programming (XP):

Extreme Programming is an Agile methodology that emphasizes close collaboration, continuous feedback, and frequent releases.

XP incorporates practices such as pair programming, test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration, and short development cycles.

It aims to improve software quality, responsiveness to change, and customer involvement.

  • Feature-Driven Development (FDD):

Feature-Driven Development is an Agile approach that focuses on delivering features incrementally.

It involves breaking down a project into feature sets, developing each feature set sequentially, and delivering working software at regular intervals.

FDD emphasizes domain object modeling, iterative and incremental development, and feature-centric planning.

  • Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM):

DSDM is an Agile framework that provides a structured approach to project management.

It promotes active user involvement, frequent delivery of increments, and collaboration among stakeholders.

DSDM follows time-boxed iterations, emphasizes on prioritization and requirements validation, and encourages early prototyping and testing.

  • Crystal:

Crystal is a family of Agile methodologies that are tailored to fit the unique characteristics and constraints of different projects.

Crystal methodologies prioritize communication, team collaboration, and simplicity.

Crystal methodologies adapt to project size, criticality, and team dynamics, allowing for flexibility and customization.

  • Agile Project Management Tools:

Various project management tools support Agile methodologies and practices.

Examples include Jira, Trello, Asana, and Monday.com

These tools provide features like task boards, backlog management, collaboration, and progress tracking, enabling teams to manage and track Agile projects effectively.

Emerging Trends and Future Perspectives

To maintain a competitive edge in 2023 and beyond, it’s crucial to stay abreast of emerging trends and anticipate future shifts. Here are a few key areas that are poised to shape the business IT landscape in the coming years.

  1. Internet of Things (IoT):

The proliferation of IoT devices offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses to collect, analyze, and act upon real-time data.

From smart factories to connected healthcare systems, IoT-driven solutions will continue to optimize processes, improve customer experiences, and create new business models.

Business IT Solutions that integrate IoT technologies can enable businesses to harness the power of connected devices, drive operational efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams.

  1. Blockchain Technology:

Blockchain’s decentralized and transparent nature has the potential to revolutionize various industries, such as supply chain management, finance, and healthcare.

Implementing blockchain solutions can enhance security, streamline transactions, and foster trust among stakeholders.

Business IT Solutions leveraging blockchain technology can enable secure and efficient transactions, reduce fraud, and provide immutable records, leading to increased transparency and efficiency.

  1. Edge Computing:

With the proliferation of Internet-connected devices and the increasing demand for real-time data processing, edge computing is gaining prominence.

By bringing computation and data storage closer to the source, businesses can reduce latency, improve performance, and overcome bandwidth limitations.

Edge computing Business IT Solutions can empower businesses to process data locally, enhance the performance of real-time applications, and enable faster decision-making.

Conclusion:

In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, harnessing the power of Business IT Solutions is no longer an option but a necessity.

By embracing disruptive technologies, leveraging data-driven insights, and anticipating future trends, businesses can position themselves for success in 2023 and beyond.

Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and agile project management are just a few areas where Business IT Solutions can provide a competitive edge.

By staying ahead of emerging trends like IoT, blockchain, and edge computing, businesses can future-proof their operations and unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Embrace the power of Business IT Solutions, and propel your business towards a prosperous future.

For further reading and insight on the advantages of Business IT Solutions, check out the articles below:

Why Technology Can Help Drive Your Business (forbes.com)

7 Crucial IT Trends for 2023 | Built In

Here’s an informative video to keep you up to date on the current Business IT Solutions trends:

TOP 7 Technology Trends in 2023 – Bing video

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Posted in Business Owner

Understanding the Role of a Fractional CTO: 2023 Guide for Startups

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

Let’s start by understanding the startup industry dynamics and implications to illustrate the core advantages of hiring a Fractional CTO.

Developing a startup is fraught with challenges. New ventures have a staggering 90% failure rate, and 10% of new businesses succumb to those difficulties within the first year. First-time startup founders face a daunting 18% success rate, highlighting startup companies’ formidable hurdles and overwhelming odds.

A startup’s success relies on exemplary leadership and technical expertise, especially in a limited budget and capital setting. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Fractional Chief Technology Officer role in 2023, its significance, and how it can help startups tip the scales in their favor.

Startup Overview

A startup is a fledgling company at its inception, typically initiated by one or more visionary entrepreneurs driven to create a product or service they believe will meet specific market demand.

Startup ventures typically grapple with substantial initial expenses and minimal revenue, prompting founders to seek financial backing from various channels, including family, friends, venture capitalists, crowdfunding, and loans. The competition for venture capital funding is fierce, with an average of over a thousand proposals submitted annually to venture capital firms. Unfortunately, approximately 30% of startups ultimately meet their demise, even with such backing.

An average startup launch costs $3,000, and a considerable portion of financial commitment goes toward payroll as one of the most significant expenses. You can only operate a startup with the right people, so having a high payroll price point is expected. However, the high price required to avail specific expertise may prove fatal in the long term.

What is a Fractional CTO?

A Fractional or Part-time Chief Technology Officer or Chief Technical Officer (CTO) is a C-level executive who manages the company’s technological requirements. A fractional CTO provides strategic guidance, technical leadership, and expertise on a flexible schedule tailored to the startup’s needs.

fractional CTO, startups

Key Responsibilities of a Fractional CTO

A CTO often requires over 15 years of IT experience, complemented by a graduate degree and computer sciences and business administration certifications. A CTO wears various hats, including strategic planner, resource allocator, customer relations liaison, and infrastructure overseer.

These are the specific responsibilities to expect:

  • Technology Strategy Development – collaborate with the startup’s leadership team to define and align technology goals, strategies, and roadmaps.
  • Technical leadership – guide architectural decisions, technology selection, and implementation best practices.
  • Team management – the CTO oversees the development team, fosters collaboration, sets goals, and ensures efficient project execution.
  • Technology evaluation and integration – assess and recommend technologies, tools, and third-party integrations that align with the startup’s requirements and long-term vision.
  • Security and compliance – ensure the startup’s technology infrastructure and practices comply with relevant security standards and regulations.
  • Vendor and stakeholder management – collaborate with external vendors, partners, and stakeholders to drive successful technology partnerships.
  • Technological updates – promote a culture of continuous improvement, adopt agile methodologies, and stay updated with the latest industry trends. 

 

A full-time CTO’s average base salary is $257,971 as of July 2022. Consider your startup’s unique demands when choosing between full-time or part-time CTO. 

What are the Benefits of Fractional CTOs to Startups?

Technology is a rapidly evolving industry with heavy competition. The tech industry, predominant in the United States, experiences the highest failure rate among startups. The Financial Technology (Fintech) sector is particularly volatile, as around 75% of fintech startups fail within two decades.

These are the advantages of hiring a CTO fractionally:

Cost Efficiency and Optimization

Most startups often tussle with high payroll costs because they need the best people to maximize their impact. Hiring full-time employees in the early stages with low funding can be expensive. A fractional C-level executive allows a top-tier talent to assist at a fraction of the cost.

Flexibility and Scalability

Startups often experience fluctuating technological needs. A fractional arrangement gives the company the required assistance, offering flexibility by adjusting their involvement based on the startup’s requirements, whether during critical development phases, fundraising, or technological pivots.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

The CTO can guide and mentor development teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. They provide technical leadership, establish best practices, and optimize development to ensure efficient and high-quality output.

Technology Strategy and Expertise

Fractional CTOs bring valuable insights and experience to help startups develop a technology roadmap aligned with their business goals without sacrificing cost. They assist in identifying and prioritizing technology initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

fractional CTO, startups

How to Engage a Fractional CTO for Your Company

Startups inherently carry a high risk of failure but offer an exceptional workplace environment characterized by innovation, substantial learning prospects, and attractive benefits. Adding a technological expert will improve your company’s success rate.

These are the steps for engaging a fractional CTO:

  • Assess your needs and define expectations – identify the areas where you require expertise and guidance. Determine the engagement scope and establish a framework for regular communication and progress updates.
  • Search and evaluate – explore candidates with relevant industry experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record. Consider their availability, cultural fit, and communication skills.
  • Collaborate and integrate – foster open and transparent communication and provide them with the necessary resources and access to stakeholders.
  • Measure success – define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the engagement impact, regularly assess progress, and adjust the scope as needed.

Startups that Benefit from Fractional CTOs

Every startup, with its distinct journey and ambitions, requires a tailored approach to harness the full potential of technology. Fractional CTOs bring a wealth of expertise to the following stages:

Early-stage

Early-stage startups with limited resources and need strategic technology guidance can benefit from a part-time CTO in setting up scalable technology infrastructure, establishing development processes, and navigating technological challenges.

Technology-driven

Startups heavily reliant on technology as their core business, such as SaaS companies or tech platforms, can leverage a fractional CTO‘s expertise in developing robust, scalable architectures, optimizing performance, and ensuring a competitive edge in the market. 

Transitioning

Startups undergoing significant technological transitions, such as migrating to a new platform, adopting cloud infrastructure, or implementing machine learning capabilities, can benefit from an interim CTO’s experience as they facilitate a smooth transition, mitigate risks, and ensure successful implementation. 

Scaling

Startups experiencing rapid growth and scaling challenges can benefit from the strategic guidance of a fractional CTO to oversee the design of scalable architectures, optimize workflows, and ensure the technology infrastructure can accommodate increased demand. 

Mature

Even mature startups can find value in engaging a part-time CTO during critical phases such as product expansions, international expansions, or significant technology upgrades. A CTO provides valuable insights and guidance, ensuring smooth transitions and successful execution. 

Interim Leadership Needs

Startups facing leadership gaps due to the departure of a CTO or during the search for a permanent replacement can engage a fractional CTO to provide interim leadership, offer stability, maintain technology momentum, and bridge the gap until you find a permanent CTO. 

Business-Product Alignment

Startups with exceptional products or services but limited business experience can benefit from a temporary CTO’s guidance in aligning technology strategies with the overall business goals, ensuring that the technology roadmap supports the startup’s unique value proposition and market positioning.

fractional CTO, startups

Maximize and Optimize Your Fractional CTO Arrangement

Startups have the unique opportunity to gain much-needed experience from a temporary CTO. In this ever-evolving tech-driven world, they are versatile in adapting their expertise to suit the special startup needs at every stage. Whether navigating uncharted waters, scaling new heights, or simply seeking to maximize your technological potential, your technology head brings the wisdom and guidance to make all the difference in your startup’s success.

These are some ways to optimize and maximize your part-time CTO arrangement:

Technological Assessments

Startups scale their technology infrastructure to support a growing user base. The CTO creates the groundwork for scalability, ensuring the technology can handle increased loads while maintaining optimal performance.

These are the other roles of a fractional CTO in assessing technology:

  • Stack Evaluation – Assess the existing technology stack and provide recommendations for optimization and modernization. Analyze current technologies’ compatibility, performance, and scalability and suggest improvements or alternative solutions.
  • Risk Assessment – thoroughly assesses potential technology risks and vulnerabilities, identifying areas where security breaches or technological failures could occur and providing strategies to mitigate these risks.
  • Agile Transformation – adopt agile methodologies and practices by facilitating the transition from traditional development approaches to agile frameworks, enabling iterative development, faster time-to-market, and increased responsiveness to changing market needs.
  • Technological Debt – identify and manage technical debt, which refers to suboptimal code, architecture, or infrastructure. Prioritize and address the situation, reducing long-term risks and improving the technology’s stability and maintainability.

Daily Executive and Operational Tasks

Startup CTOs create technology budgets, optimize resource allocation, and make informed technology investment decisions. They help identify cost-effective solutions and manage technology-related expenses. Aside from technical assessments, they are also in charge of daily company activities.

These are some of their day-to-day tasks with the tech team:

  • Documentation and Sharing – promote the creation of technical documentation, architectural diagrams, and guidelines, ensuring that knowledge is shared across the organization and accessed by future team members.
  • Talent Acquisition – assist in building high-performing technical teams by adequately defining roles and responsibilities. Establish hiring criteria, conduct technical interviews, and guide team structure and skill development.
  • Team Development and Training – identify skill gaps within the technical team and recommend training programs or initiatives to upskill existing team members. Promote a culture of continuous learning and guide relevant technical certifications and professional development opportunities.
  • Quality Assurance and Testing – establish robust quality assurance and testing processes, ensuring comprehensive performance and security testing of software applications to improve product quality and reliability.
  • Crisis Management – During system failures or cybersecurity breaches, provide guidance and leadership to minimize the impact, investigate the root cause, and implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.
  • Crisis Communication – handle communication with stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors, in a technology-related crisis or incident. Provide transparency, manage expectations, and offer reassurance during challenging situations.

Development, Planning, and Strategy

Startup CTOs stay updated with emerging technology trends and help startups anticipate their potential impact on the industry. They provide insights on upcoming technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, or the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing startups to align their strategies proactively.

These are the CTO development and strategic responsibilities:

  • Innovation Roadmap Visualization – create visual representations of the technology roadmap, making it easier for stakeholders and investors to understand the strategic technology initiatives and their timelines, facilitating effective communication and alignment.
  • Product Development Lifecycle – collaborate with product managers and development teams to define product roadmaps, prioritize features, and ensure timely and successful product releases.
  • Innovation and Trends – stay updated with the latest technological trends, industry best practices, and emerging innovations.

Business to Business (B2B) and Partnership Efforts

Fractional CTOs have extensive networks and experience establishing technology partnerships and managing vendor relationships. They assist startups in evaluating and selecting the right vendors and negotiate contracts that align with the startup’s needs and goals.

These are some of the external partnership responsibilities:

  • Technology Vendor Evaluation – evaluate potential technology vendors and select the ones that align with their needs and long-term vision. Assess vendor capabilities, conduct due diligence, negotiate contracts, and establish partnerships that support the startup’s growth.
  • Technical Due Diligence – in mergers, acquisitions, or funding rounds, perform technical due diligence, assessing the technology stack, code quality, infrastructure, and security practices of potential partners or investment targets, providing valuable insights to support decision-making. Assist investors in performing technical due diligence on potential investment opportunities, evaluating the technology infrastructure, code quality, scalability, and potential risks, and providing valuable insights to support investment decisions.

Data Privacy and Compliance

With the increasing importance of data privacy regulations, Fractional CTOs ensure that startups implement appropriate measures to protect user data and comply with relevant privacy laws, guiding the implementation of privacy policies, data handling practices, and compliance frameworks.

These are the compliance tasks:

  • Technology Governance – establish frameworks that define policies, standards, and guidelines for technology decision-making and implementation. Ensure consistency, security, and compliance across the organization’s technology landscape. 
  • Patent and Intellectual Property Strategy – collaborate with legal and intellectual property teams to develop strategies for protecting and leveraging technology patents and intellectual property. Assist startups in identifying patentable technologies and defining commercialization strategies.

Post-Merger Technology Integration

A Fractional CTO plays a crucial role in integrating the technology infrastructure of the involved companies during mergers and acquisitions. A CTO can assess compatibility, facilitate data migration, and ensure a smooth transition to a unified technology ecosystem.

Startups can make informed decisions regarding augmenting their technical leadership and driving their businesses forward in 2023.

Remember, while a C-level executive can provide invaluable guidance, you should find the appropriate fit for your startup’s unique needs and goals. The provisional CTO can become an instrumental partner on your journey to success with careful consideration and effective collaboration.

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Posted in Business Owner

Part-time Leaders: The Ultimate Guide to Fractional C-Suite Executive

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

Competitive businesses must continually evolve and adapt to the ever-shifting landscape of the market. Embracing the concept of part-time or fractional C-suite executives represents a groundbreaking strategy. This approach involves the part-time strategic employment of experienced executives, ensuring the business benefits from their expertise and leadership precisely when needed.

Developing businesses depend heavily on robust support, especially from their committed workforce. The expertise required is inversely proportional to the company’s size and financial resources, making it evident that smaller and emerging enterprises benefit significantly from seasoned professionals’ guidance.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups need help attracting and retaining full-time executives due to financial constraints and business instability that tenured workers avoid. This blog post explores the compelling advantages of hiring fractional C-level executives as a competitive edge.

The Emergence of Fractional C-Suite Executives

Hunting for highly qualified and competent C-level executive (CXO) candidates poses significant financial challenges for emerging companies. Businesses can optimize their budget and financial resources by hiring freelancers instead of maintaining an in-house workforce, resulting in annual cost savings ranging from 20% to 30%.

These are some of the average industry rates for typical executive roles:

Fractional C-suite executives, called fractional, interim, or part-time executives, are reshaping how businesses access high-level leadership and expertise. These professionals provide strategic guidance to companies part-time or contract, expertly filling senior executive roles. What sets them apart is their unique ability to offer these essential services for a fraction of the time and cost typically associated with full-time executive hires.

This innovative approach offers a compelling and cost-effective solution for companies needing top-tier leadership. These executives bridge the gap, delivering the critical expertise and guidance emerging businesses require without imposing the substantial financial burden of full-time executive positions.

These freelancers represent a dynamic and agile solution that directly addresses the evolving demands of contemporary businesses. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that organizations, regardless of their size, possess the necessary strategic leadership to survive and flourish in a fiercely competitive and constantly shifting marketplace.

Fractional Executive Value Propositions

Fractional C-level executives bring a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to their businesses. They offer the leadership and strategic thinking typically associated with full-time executives but with greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Their extensive experience allows them to tackle complex challenges, offering valuable insights and solutions confidently.

Here are some of the compelling advantages of hiring fractional executives:

  • Cost-Effectiveness – hiring part-time executives presents an enticing and viable alternative, seamlessly delivering the same high-caliber expertise and leadership while alleviating the financial strain.
  • Experience and Expertise – as seasoned veterans in their fields, they can quickly assess the organization’s needs, develop comprehensive strategic plans, and execute them efficiently.
  • Mentorship and Skill Development – Interim executives are there to execute plans and mentor and guide less experienced team members. Their mentorship can be pivotal in developing your existing workforce’s skills and leadership capabilities.

This knowledge transfer from the part-time executives may be invaluable for the company’s long-term growth and success, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Flexibility

Fractional C-suite executives function as contracted professionals, allowing them to adapt their level of involvement based on the company’s evolving needs. Whether the organization requires expertise for specific projects, during periods of rapid growth or transition, or ongoing, they can be tailored to suit the business’s unique demands. This adaptability ensures that businesses receive the support they require when needed.

Identifying the Right Fractional Executive

Choosing the perfect executive for your organization is a pivotal and nuanced decision that warrants meticulous attention to your company’s distinctive requirements, ethos, and strategic aspirations. Making a well-informed choice when it comes to selecting a fractional executive can have a significant impact on the success and growth of your organization.

To ensure a successful partnership, follow these guidelines:

  • Define Your Needs – understand what you want to achieve for directional purposes.
  • Check for Experience and Expertise – scrutinize their track record to ensure that it aligns with the areas where you require assistance. Consider their prior roles, projects, and industries they’ve worked in.
  • Evaluate Cultural Fit – assess their qualifications, interpersonal skills, and adaptability to your organization’s values and ethos.
  • Look for Flexibility – check for the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, take on new challenges, and remain aligned with your shifting strategic direction.
  • Seek Recommendations and References – speak with others who have collaborated with candidates to gain insights into their work ethics, communication styles, and ability to deliver results.
  • Transparent Communication – establish a framework for ongoing communication to maintain alignment and promptly address concerns.
  • Test the Waters – start with a short-term project or probationary period to evaluate the compatibility.

This selection process involves assessing the candidate’s skills and qualifications and gauging their compatibility with your company’s culture and long-term vision.

Fractional C-Suite Executives for Business Success

Fractional executives represent a dynamic, cost-effective solution for businesses seeking top-tier leadership and expertise. Their adaptability, wealth of experience, and ability to drive strategic initiatives while simultaneously nurturing the team’s growth make them a valuable asset for companies of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.

Ultimately, the right executive is an adept professional and a true strategic partner who can seamlessly integrate into your organization and drive it toward success, making this choice a defining factor in your company’s growth and prosperity. Companies like the Lighthouse Power Business supply fractional C-suite executives to sufficiently accommodate your company’s growing needs.

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Posted in Business Owner

Don’t Get Left Behind! Why Your Small Business Needs E-commerce SEO Marketing

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

Don’t Get Left Behind! Why Your Small Business Needs E-commerce SEO Marketing

In the rapidly evolving digital era, the business landscape has transformed significantly. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are now shifting towards e-commerce platforms to stay competitive and reach a larger customer base. However, simply having an e-commerce website is not enough. It is vital to make your online store visible to potential customers, and that’s where e-commerce Search Engine Optimization (SEO) marketing comes into play.

E-commerce SEO marketing refers to the process of enhancing your website to improve its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). The goal is to attract quality organic traffic, boost conversions, and ultimately increase your business’s revenue. Regardless of your business’s size, implementing an effective SEO strategy is a must. Here’s why your small business should not get left behind and needs e-commerce SEO marketing.

Improved Organic Visibility

The first and foremost benefit of e-commerce SEO is improved organic visibility. When your e-commerce site is optimized for search engines, it stands a better chance of appearing on the first page of search results for specific keywords relevant to your business. As the saying goes, “the best place to hide a dead body is the second page of Google.” In other words, if your e-commerce store is not on the first page, it’s almost invisible to potential customers.

Cost-Effective Marketing

SEO is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies. Unlike paid advertising, SEO targets users who are actively seeking your product or service online. It requires an upfront investment to optimize your website, but once you rank highly in search engines, it provides a steady stream of organic traffic at no ongoing cost. For small businesses with limited budgets, this is a considerable advantage.

Enhanced User Experience

Google’s algorithms prioritize websites that offer a good user experience. This includes factors like page loading speed, mobile-friendliness, easy navigation, and high-quality content. An optimized e-commerce website not only ranks higher in SERPs but also provides a better user experience, leading to lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates.

Building Trust and Credibility

In the digital world, trust and credibility are fundamental. A website that ranks high in search results is often perceived as more trustworthy and credible by users. By investing in e-commerce SEO, you can establish your small business as an authority in your industry, building trust and credibility with potential customers.

Increased Conversion Rates

SEO-optimized websites are fast, easy to navigate, and compatible with mobile and desktop devices. Such websites are more likely to grab and hold attention from your readers or visitors – meaning they’re more likely to convert into loyal customers, subscribers, or repeat visitors.

Future-Proofing Your Business

SEO is not a one-time effort, but a long-term investment. Search engine algorithms and user behaviors constantly change. By investing in SEO, you ensure that your website evolves with these changes, future-proofing your business. The ongoing nature of SEO allows you to adapt to new trends and stay ahead of your competitors.

Analytics and Insights

With e-commerce SEO, you have access to insightful data through tools like Google Analytics. You can monitor your website’s traffic, understand user behavior, identify which keywords are bringing in traffic, and discover areas for improvement. This data is invaluable in refining your marketing strategies and making informed business decisions.

In conclusion, e-commerce SEO marketing is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small businesses in today’s digital age. It offers an opportunity to increase organic visibility, save on marketing costs, enhance user experience, build credibility, increase conversion rates, future-proof your business, and gain valuable insights. Don’t let your small business get left behind. Start investing in e-commerce SEO marketing today and reap the rewards of increased visibility and sales.

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Posted in Business Owner, Uncategorized

Top 10 Innovations in Cloud-Based CRM You Should Know

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

Top 10 Innovations in Cloud-Based CRM You Should Know

Cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have been a game-changer for businesses worldwide. They have revolutionized the way organizations interact with their customers, manage relationships, and analyze data. As technology continues to evolve, these systems are getting more innovative, and they are being equipped with advanced features that are transforming the business landscape. This article will explore ten of the most innovative developments in cloud-based CRM systems that you should know.

  1. Artificial Intelligence Integration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration is one of the most significant innovations in cloud-based CRM systems. AI-driven CRM uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data and predict customer behavior, helping businesses make informed decisions. The technology also automates repetitive tasks, freeing up employees’ time and boosting efficiency. CRM systems with AI capabilities can offer personalized product recommendations, predict customer churn, and help with lead scoring, among other things.

  1. Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics in CRM involves using data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify future outcomes based on historical data. It helps businesses anticipate customer behavior and trends, allowing them to make proactive and knowledge-driven decisions. Predictive analytics can be used to forecast customer lifetime value, purchase behavior, and the likelihood of churn, giving businesses valuable insights for strategic planning.

  1. Social CRM

Social CRM is a new approach that integrates social media platforms with CRM systems. It enables businesses to engage with customers on the platforms they frequent, thus fostering better relationships. Social CRM can track customer interactions across different social media platforms, provide insights into customer preferences and behavior, and help businesses tailor their marketing strategies.

  1. Mobile CRM

With the rise of smartphones, mobile CRM has become a necessity for businesses. It provides employees with access to CRM data and functionalities anytime, anywhere, increasing productivity and efficiency. Mobile CRM allows salespeople to update records on the go, managers to approve deals from anywhere, and customer service reps to resolve issues promptly, no matter where they are.

  1. Omnichannel Support

Omnichannel support in CRM is an integrated approach to customer interaction that provides a seamless experience across all channels. Whether a customer contacts a business through email, phone, live chat, or social media, the information is stored and accessible in one place. It ensures consistency and efficiency in customer interaction, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  1. Voice Technology Integration

The integration of voice technology into CRM systems is another significant innovation. It involves using voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri to interact with the CRM system. Users can ask the voice assistant to pull up customer records, schedule meetings, or set reminders, making CRM tasks more convenient and efficient.

  1. Advanced Customization

Today’s CRM systems offer advanced customization options. Businesses can tailor the system to their specific needs, whether it’s customizing the interface, creating custom fields and modules, or developing custom workflows. Advanced customization allows businesses to have a CRM system that fits their processes perfectly, improving user adoption and maximizing ROI.

  1. Data Enrichment

Data enrichment involves enhancing existing customer data with additional, relevant information. CRM systems integrated with data enrichment tools can gather data from various sources, clean it, remove duplicates, and then add valuable information to customer profiles. This leads to more accurate and targeted marketing and sales efforts.

  1. Third-Party Integrations

Many cloud-based CRM systems now offer seamless integration with third-party applications, from email marketing tools and project management apps to accounting software and e-commerce platforms. These integrations allow businesses to centralize their operations in one place, streamlining processes and improving data visibility across the organization.

  1. Enhanced Security

Measures

Security is a top concern for businesses, especially when dealing with sensitive customer data. Recent innovations in CRM systems focus on enhanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular audits. Additionally, cloud-based CRM providers are focusing more on compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA, providing businesses with the confidence that their data is secure.

In conclusion, cloud-based CRM systems are evolving rapidly, and these ten innovations are just the tip of the iceberg. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of CRM. Businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve should keep an eye on these trends and consider how they can leverage these innovations to improve their customer relationship management.

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Posted in Business Owner

Beyond Coaching: The Value of Fractional C-Suite Leaders in Today’s Business Landscape

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

While executive coaching is an invaluable tool for personal and professional growth, there may be situations where it is not enough to meet the demands of the business. When a business is facing significant challenges or opportunities, a more hands-on approach may be necessary. This is where fractional C-suite leaders come into play.

A fractional executive is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to an organization on a part-time or project basis. They are not full-time employees, but rather work on a contract basis, providing strategic guidance and leadership to the organization. Fractional executives can fill roles such as CEO, CFO, CMO, COO, or any other C-suite position depending on the needs of the business.

In contrast to an executive coach who works primarily with individuals to enhance their leadership skills, a fractional executive takes an active role in the company’s operations and decision-making processes. They are directly involved in strategy formulation and execution, crisis management, change management, and other critical business activities.

There are several scenarios where a business might need a fractional C-suite leader in addition to an executive coach.

Firstly, if the business is experiencing rapid growth or change, a fractional executive can provide the much-needed expertise and guidance to navigate the transition effectively. They can help manage scaling operations, entering new markets, or implementing new business models.

Secondly, for startups and small businesses that might not have the resources or need for a full-time executive, a fractional executive is an excellent solution. They provide access to high-level expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive.

Thirdly, if a company is facing a crisis or a significant challenge, a fractional executive with specific experience in crisis management can be instrumental. They can help steer the company through the crisis and lay the foundation for recovery and future success.

Lastly, when a company needs to fill a gap in skills or knowledge in their leadership team, a fractional executive can step in to provide the necessary leadership and expertise. This could be due to a sudden departure of a key executive, or a temporary increase in workload or complexity due to a specific project or initiative.

In summary, while an executive coach can help enhance a leader’s capabilities and effectiveness, a fractional C-suite leader can provide hands-on leadership and strategic guidance to navigate complex business challenges and opportunities. By combining the strengths of executive coaching and fractional leadership, a business can optimize its potential for growth and success.

Posted in Business Owner, Uncategorized

Harnessing the Power of Executive Coaching: An Essential Tool for Business Leaders

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

Executive coaching: navigate an ever-changing and increasingly complex global landscape, the role of an executive coach has become more critical than ever.

At its core, executive coaching is a professional relationship between a trained coach and a client (who is typically a business leader) with the goal of enhancing the client’s leadership or management performance and personal satisfaction, and subsequently, the effectiveness of the organization.

An executive coach is not just a consultant or a mentor, but a specialist who uses a range of techniques and tools to help executives realize their potential, identify and overcome obstacles, and achieve their personal and professional goals. Executive coaching is a blend of coaching, mentoring, advice, and feedback, often underpinned by psychological theories and models. It is a powerful tool that can have a transformative impact on individuals and organizations alike.

One of the primary reasons why a business owner or executive would benefit from hiring an executive coach is the need for an unbiased sounding board. Often, it can be challenging for leaders to gain unbiased feedback within their organization due to power dynamics. Executive coaches provide a confidential, neutral space for leaders to reflect on their challenges, explore new ideas, and receive honest, constructive feedback.

An executive coach can also help leaders develop new skills and strategies to improve their performance. Whether it’s learning how to effectively manage a team, navigate a company through a difficult period, or improve communication and negotiation skills, an executive coach can provide the necessary guidance and support. By offering a different perspective, a coach can help leaders see their blind spots and understand the impact of their actions on others and the organization.

Moreover, executive coaches can guide leaders through periods of transition, whether it’s a promotion, a career shift, or navigating the company through significant changes or crises. Change can be a time of uncertainty and stress, and having a coach provides support, perspective, and actionable strategies to manage the change effectively.

Additionally, executive coaching can significantly contribute to enhancing a leader’s emotional intelligence – a key factor in successful leadership. Coaches work with leaders to improve their self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. By improving these areas, leaders can build more robust relationships, manage teams more effectively, and create a positive work culture.

Finally, in the face of increasing work demands and stress levels, an executive coach can provide tools and techniques to manage stress and prevent burnout. They can help leaders establish a better work-life balance, ensuring they remain effective in their roles without compromising their well-being.

In conclusion, an executive coach serves as a trusted advisor, a skilled teacher, and a mirror reflecting the truth. The benefits of executive coaching extend beyond the individual, impacting teams and organizations by boosting performance, facilitating change, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and development. As a business leader, engaging an executive coach can be one of the most valuable investments you make in your personal development and the success of your organization.

Posted in Business Owner, Uncategorized

Top 10 Best Tulsa Business Consulting Firms

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

In the US, nearly half of all new businesses don’t survive to reach their 5-year anniversary. Typically, the management team knows what is needed to keep their business healthy and profitable but they lack the time, knowledge, or resources to accomplish it.

Hiring business consulting firms can alleviate the pressure of the massive number of things that need to be done for your company’s survival. As the consultants integrate with your team, they can ease your pain points and teach you how to thrive in the next phase.

Here, we’ll provide you with a list of the top 10 best options for consulting firms in Tulsa. We’ll also review what makes some business consulting firms better than others so that you can choose the right option for you.

Top 10 Best Business Consulting Firms in Tulsa

While there are specialty consulting firms available, it’s wise to use one that will cover all of your bases. When you’re reading online reviews for business consulting firms, pay attention to firms that have worked successfully with companies similar to your own business. 

Lighthouse Power Business
5 Stars (17 Google reviews)
With a successful track record spanning more than 20 years, Lighthouse Power Business works with your company on every level. Their services include all aspects of business and executive development, consulting and training across your sales and HR departments, and deep-dive analytics to get to the root of any problems you’re currently experiencing.

Lighthouse will implement effective systems that can scale as you grow. They can manage your web dev, all channels of marketing and SEO content creation. This is a great option when you need to get your profitability back on track with proven results with their existing and past clients. They work across a variety of industries with businesses facing any kind of challenges. 

Address: 26 S Park St Suite B, Sapulpa, OK 74066
Phone: (720) 779-2313

Clay Clark Business Coaching 
4.9 Stars (1552 Google reviews)
Clay Clark hosts the popular consulting conference called Thrivetime Show. Together with other successful entrepreneurs, he shares the best practices and inside secrets that they’ve used to build more than a dozen million-dollar companies. 
Address: 3920 W 91st St S, Tulsa, OK 74132
Phone: (855) 955-7469

Winning Hand Corporation
4.9 Stars (8 Google reviews)
Winning Hand Corporation specializes in financial consulting. They work closely with owners on business development strategies. Plus, if you’re looking to sell or enlist investors, they offer brokerage services to ensure a healthy fiscal outlook for any situation. 

Address: Virtual Business
Phone: (918) 760-3150

Nozak Consulting
5 Stars (74 Google reviews)
Nozak Consulting is a specialty agency that focuses on digital marketing efforts as a means to increase your online presence and drive more traffic to your business. They manage all aspects of web dev, run strong marketing campaigns, and create automations to free up your valuable time. 

Address: 6931 S 66th E Ave #105, Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: (918) 947-9559

Redmond Growth
5 Stars (382 Google reviews)
The owner of Redmond Growth has over 20 years of experience in coaching and consulting with businesses. Their strategy includes weekly Action Focus meetings that keep your team on track toward your goals. They promise that their approach can help businesses operate on systems that allow owners to be less involved in day-to-day activities. 

Address: 2166 E 61st St, Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: (918) 298-7766

Arrowhead Consulting
5 Stars (32 Google reviews)
At Arrowhead Consulting, their mission is to challenge your company’s established tactics and ways of thinking. They’ll work to implement strategic changes that can increase your productivity and profitability. 

Address: 5314 S Yale Ave Ste. 500, Tulsa, OK 74135
Phone: (918) 631-7321

Joplin Consulting Group
5 Stars (80 Google reviews)
With a focus on developing your executive team, Joplin Consulting Group uses thought-provoking strategies to increase the results for your company’s KPIs with innovative implementation.  

Address: Virtual Business
Phone: (918) 408-5760

All Solutions Consulting
5 Stars (62 Google reviews)With about three years of experience under their belt, All Solutions Consulting operates a full-service consulting group to help entrepreneurs and start-ups learn how to be successful. They also offer personal Life Coaching services. 

Address: Virtual Business
Phone: (918) 851-4816

The Persimmon Group
4.3 Stars (3 Google reviews)
The team at Persimmon Group is dedicated to helping your team evolve. They dig deep into coaching and development for growth across all areas of people, projects, and leadership. The focus is on disrupting systems to create positive change in results. 

Address: 11 E 5th St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: (918) 592-4121

Barracuda Consulting
5 Stars (5 Google reviews)
Barracuda Consulting is a group that specializes in helping you master your Human Resources department. They believe that your people are the most important asset and will help you develop a stronger team through business-forward training and strategy.

Address: 802 W Main St, Jenks, OK 74037
Phone: (918) 216-9214

Business Consulting Services

There are several options for consulting firms that specialize in doing one thing really well. If you just have one area to focus on that could be a good choice for you.

However, full-service business consulting firms should be able to confidently advise on everything from financial strategies to website development. A well-balanced agency gives you access to a talented team with an array of skills. Be sure they can cover all of your needs without having to enlist additional agencies.

The IT department should be able to handle all aspects of web dev, creative design, e-commerce, and mobile apps. They should have experts on the technical side and the UX side working seamlessly together. 

Financial planning, revenue management, and accounting should pair with other business consulting offerings. Expect things like sales and HR support, business strategy coaching, and analysis reports. 

In their marketing team, look for content strategies that include SEO experts and experienced copywriters. You want proven brand management, qualified visual designers, email management, and social media gurus. 

Lighthouse Power Business has the tools to drive your company to a more successful future. Contact us today to get started. 

Posted in Business Owner, Uncategorized

Top 10 Best Tulsa Digital Marketing Firms

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

There is no way around it. In today’s digital world, successful digital marketing drives business success. Digital marketing firms offer the expertise to make it happen. When it comes to Tulsa digital marketing firms, many excellent agencies offer complete digital marketing services. 

Are you looking for a full-service marketing firm in Tulsa to increase your product or service visibility and boost sales? You are in luck: there are many good ones to choose from! Keep reading to discover the top 10 best digital marketing firms in the Tulsa area. 

Lighthouse Power Business

5 Stars (17 Google Reviews)

Lighthouse Power Business has 30 years of experience in helping businesses grow using a variety of digital marketing techniques. Their services include the development of crucial digital marketing elements such as SEO, website design and development, digital advertising, app development, and videos, as well as email and SMS marketing services. 

The mission of Lighthouse Power Business is to provide high-quality marketing services that offer effective strategies to help your business grow and thrive. At the core of our business, is customer satisfaction. We strive to deliver excellent results and develop long-term relationships with our clients. 

Address: 26 S Park St, Suite B, Sapulpa, OK 74066

Phone: (720) 779-2313

Littlefield Agency

5 Stars (20 Google Reviews)

A list of digital marketing firms in Tulsa must include the Littlefield Agency, an agency that offers a wide array of digital marketing services to clients in the area. It’s a family-owned firm that prides itself in “re-imagining brands” to stay steps ahead of the competition. The agency specializes in brand strategy and design, as well as content creation, content strategy, email marketing, and social engagement. 

Address: 1350 S Boulder Ave #500, Tulsa, OK 74119

Phone: (918) 295-10000

Anchor Marketing Co. 

5 Stars (13 Google Reviews)

Anchor Marketing Co. is a full-service digital marketing agency that uses a variety of digital marketing services focused on driving more traffic to your business.  Their mission is to help small businesses win in a saturated digital world. 

The services they offer include website development, marketing campaigns, Google Ads, email and social media marketing, branding, and design. 

Address: Tulsa, OK 74133 

Phone: (918)568-3660

D2 Branding of Tulsa

5 Stars (49 Google Reviews)

D2 Branding offers a “dream team” that delivers digital marketing services and business consulting for a wide range of businesses. They focus on strategic marketing campaigns that incorporate several elements of digital marketing techniques to make for cohesive and effective digital campaigns. Their ultimate goal is to increase the profitability of your business. 

Address: 9321 S Toledo Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137

Phone: (918) 520-8012

Chatter Marketing Inc.

5 Stars (23 Google Reviews)

“Because Chatter Matters!” The slogan of Chatter Marketing Inc. sums it up: all marketing, advertising, social media, and branding should lead to increased buzz about your business or product. Chatter Marketing is focused on helping businesses grow by developing leads and increasing sales. They offer all of the digital marketing services to help businesses succeed, including branding, website design, search engine marketing, and social media management.  

Address: 9321 S Toledo Ave, Ashton Creek, OK 74137

Phone: (918) 906-7587

U-Thrive Marketing

5 Stars (35 Google reviews)

U-Thrive Marketing strives to make marketing affordable for all businesses. They have in-house experts in all areas of marketing from online marketing, to graphic design, and web development.  They make sure that your digital marketing campaigns are well-targeted to ensure the best cost-effectiveness and conversions to sales. U-Thrive Marketing provides an affordable marketing option with a big agency feel. 

Address: 1621  S Eucalyptus Ave, Ste 207, Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Phone: (918) 812-9374

Quantus Creative Marketing

5.0 Stars (7 Google Reviews)

As a results-driven creative marketing agency, Quantus Creative focuses on expertise, experience, and excellence. The agency customizes digital marketing plans for each client, offering techniques and strategies that deliver results. Quantus Creative prioritizes customer care while helping grow your brand or business. Some of the services include web design, SEO, and social media management, along with other digital marketing solutions. 

Address: 1209 S Frankfort Ave Suit 303, Tulsa, OK 74120

Phone: (918) 794-2758

Byers Creative 

5 Stars (20 Google Reviews)

Byers Creative believes that every company has a story to tell and they have the “visual storytellers” to make and deliver that message. Their strategy combines talent and experience with a passion for creating bold, new campaigns for clients. Calling themselves a one-stop marketing shop, Byers Creative offers a full range of digital marketing services. They personalize their strategy to the client’s wishes and needs, using a combination of services including graphic design, web development, social media management, and marketing research and development, among others. 

Address: 7308 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 74136

Phone: (918) 949-3399

Hampton Creative

5 Stars (6 Google Reviews)

Hampton Creative inspires to tell creative stories and create unique experiences that inspire people and use the momentum created to propel brands forward. 

Offering branding, marketing, design, and interactive elements, Hampton Creative offers all the elements necessary to build a strong social media marketing campaign. The company is made up of in-house marketers, designers, copywriters, strategists, photographers, producers, and “geeks” who provide all the knowledge needed to develop a digital marketing plan and get the work done for you. 

Address: 3939 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135

Phone: (918) 877-5577

The Montgomery Group

4.6 Stars (11 Google Reviews)

Collaboration with the customer is a key part of the mission of The Montgomery Group. With a wide range of experience working with tech, industrial, celebrity, and legal brands, they pride themselves on bringing people together. 

Offering a range of services from website design and development, as well as advertising and SEO, The Montgomery Group is a full-service, forward-thinking digital marketing agency. 

Address: 32 S Lewis Ave Suite B, Tulsa, OK 73104

Phone: (818) 861-9393

Top 10 Best Digital Marketing Firms in Tulsa

For any business to thrive in our increasingly digital world, digital marketing strategies are critically important. In Tulsa, these top 10 best digital marketing firms offer high-quality marketing strategies for every business. Having the right strategy improves the marketing success and visibility of your product or service, with the ultimate goal of driving sales.

Ready to give your business a digital marketing boost?

At Lighthouse Power Business, we offer digital marketing plans to make your business stand out from the rest with a powerful online presence. Be sure to check out all the services we offer to help grow your business. 

Posted in Business Owner, Uncategorized

Supercharge Your Success with A Business Manager (Fractional CFO)

Posted on by Jerry Nichols

If you’re a small business trying to gain profits and market share, leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting an edge. The United States is home to almost 33 million different small businesses. One of the best ways to help your company rise to the top is by finding a quality business manager. 

You can hire someone full-time on a salary, but many companies today are supercharging their success by outsourcing the work to CSuite executives. What does this mean for your company, what are the benefits, and how can you make the right hire?

We’re happy to explain. 

The tips below will help you when you’re considering outsourcing business manager services. 

What Is the Role of a C-Suite Executive Business Manager?

Hiring a C-Suite executive to serve as a business manager can work out for your company in several ways. These pros take on several roles when called upon, such as fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

You might choose a specialist, or a business manager that provides all-encompassing services. Some responsibilities that an outsourced executive business manager might fill include: 

  • Handling your risk assessment and strategic planning
  • Playing a role in your company’s board or other governing body
  • Auditing the way that you use your company’s resources
  • Establishing programs and initiatives
  • Providing professional coaching to your employees and managers

Companies can decide on what role executive business managers can fill, so consider this as a starting point. 

What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing a Business Manager?

So, is it worthwhile to outsource your business manager, rather than hire someone full-time? The simple answer is a resounding yes. These professionals are skilled and can help you do more with less each work week. 

Here are some advantages that you’ll appreciate:

You Get Access to a Wealth of Experience

There’s no substitute for the level of experience you get access to when outsourcing to an executive business manager. By title and category, they’re at the top of their field, so you cut through trial and area and start to get results. 

They’ve been through several business management challenges throughout their careers, so you can count on the fact that they’ve faced adversities and obstacles. 

It’s a Cost-Effective Practice

By outsourcing this work, you’re getting high-level service without paying a full-time salary. To get this level of experience as a salaried position in your company, it would take a lot of vetting, more money to budget, and you’d have to also offer a competitive benefits package. 

You’ll also save money on any projects that you carry out. For instance, using a search form to hire someone to put together an Information Technology (IT) team and build infrastructure will cost far more than outsourcing for fractional CTOs and allowing them to leave their imprint. 

Upgrading and Overseeing Your Technology

You need to always be prepared from a tech standpoint in this day and age. We live in a Web 2.0 world that is rapidly speeding toward the next evolution. People are increasingly using tech like voice search and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

About 43% of cyberattacks today are perpetrated against or target small businesses. 

In other words, you can’t afford to get left behind with your tech. Working with professionals with the highest standards and levels of information will help you modernize your company and handle these and other tech issues. 

They Can Help You Raise Money and Address Debt

Outsourcing a CFO is also an excellent way to raise funds and handle debt issues. 

One of the best reasons to outsource business manager services is because they can help your company create a budget that you can stick to. These pros also have relationships they can leverage so that you get seed money for different business ventures. 

The sky is the limit when your company is raising money and minimizing debt, but you can be in for a world of hurt if these are issues that you struggle with. 

You Can Establish Some Ironclad Practices and Protocols

Another reason to outsource to executive-level pros is that they can leave you with strong practices, protocols, and standards. They can establish routines that will set you on the right track and help your company improve its culture as it increases profits and brand awareness. 

A strong culture also means that you will improve employee retention and reduce turnover. 

How Can You Hire a Business Manager?

First and foremost, consider your goals and the challenges you’re facing so that you know what work you need. Choosing a fractional CMO is easier when you know what kind of marketing needs you have and what audience you’re trying to reach.  

Budget for outsourcing services to make sure that you’re getting the service that you need without pauses in progress. Once you’ve found some quality pros, book a consultation with at least three business management companies, get their rates in writing, and create a working arrangement that is best for your company now and for however long you need them. 

Outsourcing Your Business Advisory Services

These tips explain the advantages of having an executive-level business manager for your company. You should leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting this standard of professional help for your business. 

At Lighthouse Power Business, we have everything you need to be more productive and effective. When you’re ready to request a quote, send us a message to schedule a call, or pick up the phone and dial (720)779-2313.

Posted in Business Owner