Digital Sales Platforms

I almost fired our best SDR last year. It wasn’t personal. He was a good guy, worked hard, and always showed up on time. But month after month, his numbers weren’t improving. Emails went unanswered. Calls never connected. Demos? Non-existent. We were both frustrated. I started to wonder if he was the problem. Maybe sales wasn’t his thing? Then one afternoon, we grabbed coffee. Instead of talking numbers, we talked openly. I asked him straight-up: “Why isn’t it working?” He took a deep breath and replied: “I’m following our playbook. I send hundreds of emails, but honestly, I’m just guessing. I don’t really know who’s ready to talk, so I try everyone.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. We’d built a system based on volume and hope, not precision. It wasn’t him. it was us. We’d given him the wrong tools, the wrong strategy. So instead of letting him go, we completely changed how we did outbound. We stopped guessing. We started paying attention to signals: Who’s visiting our LinkedIn profiles? (Tracked via Teamfluence™) Who’s engaging silently with our posts? (Tracked via Clay) Who’s spending serious time on our website? (Tracked via RB2B) Suddenly, our SDR wasn’t sending cold messages. He was following signals that said, “Hey, I’m interested. Talk to me.” Within a month, his reply rate doubled. In two months, he became our top performer. Today, he leads our outbound team. It wasn’t about effort. It was about timing and having a system that showed him exactly when to reach out and who to reach out to. Outbound isn’t about sending more messages. It’s about knowing exactly when and how to engage. If your SDRs are struggling, ask yourself: Are they failing you or are you failing them? It might change your perspective. It certainly changed ours. #Outbound #SalesLeadership #SDRlife #RevOps #LinkedInSales #SalesLessons #GTMStrategy #B2BSaaS #SmartSelling #GTMEngineering #AIOutbound #Teamfluence #Clay

139,000 videos sent. One Vidyard award. Zero competitors even close. And I still don't understand why more teams aren't using video. It is truly the most under utilized tool in sales (not just propsecting) My teams at PatientPop sent more one-to-one videos than anyone I know. Not generic marketing videos. Not AI. Personal, one-to-one prospecting and post sale/mid sales cycle videos. 139,000 in 18 months. Vidyard literally gave us an award for it. And here's what kills me: Most sales teams send maybe 10 videos a month. Total. It. f'n works. Execs get 10 cold emails a day. 10 cold calls a day. They get 2-3 videos a month. MAYBE (execs chime in here, how many do you get?) You do the math on where you can stand out. But it's not just about being different. Video lets you control everything: - The tone (enthusiastic, not desperate) - The pace (fast, not rushed) - The humanity (real person, not automation) You become human in 30 seconds. It also lets you show, not just tell. Email: You tell them you noticed something. Video: You show their actual website while explaining what you noticed. Email: You tell them you're excited. Video: They see your energy, your research, your preparation. Email: You tell them about your product. Video: You show them exactly what matters to them. See the difference, ya'll? Here is the exact framework that we used for videos. **K** - Know: "Here's what I know about you..." **P** - Problem: "Here's the problem you're probably facing..." **I** - Impact: "Here's what that problem is costing you..." **C** - Connect: "Here's why I'm reaching out..." **C** - Call to action: "Here's what I'd like you to do..." Under 60 seconds if you've never talked. 90 max. Up to 3 minutes if you've spoken before. A lot of people also overthink video in a big way. We had one key rule. End it and send it. Stumbled? Send it. Dog barked? Send it. Said "um" three times? Send it. No redos. No perfection. No overthinking. The stumble makes you human. The dog makes you real. Perfect videos feel like marketing. Imperfect videos feel like people. One last key tip here. The email/msg has to sell the click. Nobody cares that you sent them a video. They care about what's in it for them. Your subject line, your email, your link text - everything should scream value, not "watch my video." Tell them WHY to watch. What they'll learn. What problem you'll solve. The video isn't the value. What's IN the video is the value. Here's my challenge to you. Pick 5 prospects tomorrow. Send them each a personal video: 1. Show their website/LinkedIn while you talk 2. Use KPICC structure (60 seconds max) 3. End it and send it (no redos) 4. Email sells the click, not the video 5. Follow up with confidence: "Did you see what I put together?" Then call each of them 2-3x the next week & watch your connect rates triple. Because while everyone else is sending bland email templates, you're showing up as a human. And humans buy from humans.

Automation and technology are redefining agriculture from a labor-intensive livelihood into a data-driven, intelligent ecosystem capable of feeding a growing global population while protecting natural resources. Modern farms are no longer guided solely by experience and seasonal intuition; they are supported by real-time insights from sensors, satellites, drones, and AI-powered systems that enable farmers to act with precision rather than guesswork. Automated equipment reduces human effort while improving accuracy in planting, irrigation, and harvesting, allowing farmers to maximize yield with minimal waste. Meanwhile, data analytics and predictive technologies empower agricultural communities to anticipate weather risks, manage soil health, and respond swiftly to climate challenges, making farming more resilient and sustainable. This transformation not only boosts productivity but also helps balance profitability with environmental stewardship, ensuring that agriculture evolves into a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient system. Ultimately, the fusion of automation and technology in farming is not just about producing more food—it is about cultivating a future where innovation, sustainability, and food security grow together. Feel free to share your thoughts. 💬

SoftPOS Creeping Slowly Towards Potential? 🚀 Simply put, SoftPOS is a software-based application that allows non-payment devices, like smartphones or tablets, to accept card-based payments. This technology emerged from advancements in Near Field Communication (NFC), mobile operating systems, and cloud-based payment processing. Initially, mobile payment acceptance depended on hardware-based POS systems or attachments, such as dongles connected to smartphones. However, as NFC technology became more prevalent in smartphones and tablets (as seen with mPOS devices like Zettle by PayPal and SumUp), it paved the way for software-only POS solutions, eliminating the need for additional payment hardware. Early adopters of SoftPOS in Western markets (North America and Europe) are mostly small and micro businesses. These businesses are cost-sensitive, complexity-averse, and tend to be operated via the owners’ mobile device. SoftPOS providers can equip these merchants with the ability to accept payments almost instantly, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution. This is especially beneficial in sectors where mobility is a premium and where commerce interactions are already app-based 📱 SaaS platforms with embedded payments are also a segment where we see early adoption of SoftPOS. These SaaS companies, or ISVs, are keen on SoftPOS as a means to eliminate the need for a second payment device. POS ISVs already provide or operate via commerce-enabling hardware, so having a second or third hardware domain complicates their lives materially. Many ISVs, particularly those in less volume-intensive verticals want to simply enable their existing devices for payment acceptance. As mobile payments continue to gain momentum, the synergy between SoftPOS and SaaS is set to transform how businesses manage their operations and process payments 💳 The future of SoftPOS in Europe and North America continues to look promising. SoftPOS technology and the advantages it brings (low cost, ease of use, real-time enablement, etc.) are simply too compelling to be held back indefinitely. As with any innovation, SoftPOS requires bellwethers to drive the herd toward mass-market adoption, and the market seems to be waiting for these leading case studies to be more visible. We believe it is only a matter of time before SoftPOS becomes a mainstream payment acceptance tool in North America and Europe, focused around certain merchant segments and use cases where the utility of stand-alone devices are less consequential. Source: Flagship Advisory Partners - https://t.ly/UvJZc    #Innovation #Fintech #Banking #Retail #EmbeddedFinance #FinancialServices #POS #SoftPOS #Payments #NFC #Acceptance #Processing

A sustainable future for agriculture depends on aligning digital solutions with strong data layers and an enabling context where technology, infrastructure, policies, and human capital create resilience for farmers and markets. Looking at the evolution of agriculture, we see how deeply the sector is shaped by digital layers that connect advisory services, smart farming, supply chains, and financial access. Each element gains relevance only when supported by an environment that integrates reliable infrastructure, fair markets, and clear policies. Data flows, integration platforms, and analytics are not abstract elements. They provide farmers with timely knowledge, facilitate transparent transactions, and open access to capital. Around these elements, technologies and human skills amplify impact, shaping ecosystems that can adapt to climate, market, and social pressures. I believe the future of agriculture depends on this synergy. It is not a question of adding more technology, but of creating a fabric where solutions, digital tools, and policies operate in balance. Reflection on this point is essential for anyone interested in the resilience of global food systems. #DigitalAgriculture #SmartFarming #Sustainability #AgriTech #FutureofFood

Empowering Farmers Through Digital Innovation and Regenerative Agriculture: Solidaridad’s Transformative Impact in India!! During a recent visit to Solidaridad Network’s Smart Agri Hub in Bhopal, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable strides being made to revolutionize agriculture across 12 Indian states. By bridging the digital divide, Solidaridad is empowering over a million farmers with contextual, personalized advisories that address their unique challenges. From real-time hyper-local weather forecasts and pest infestation alerts to tailored agronomic advice, this initiative is equipping farmers with tools to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and mitigate risks in an unpredictable climate. The Smart Agri Hub exemplifies innovation in action. By leveraging mobile platforms and IoT-enabled solutions, farmers receive timely insights—like adjusting irrigation before a drought or treating crops ahead of pest outbreaks—transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies. This digital ecosystem not only safeguards livelihoods but also fosters resilience, enabling smallholders to thrive amid climate volatility. The visit also included the Nico Roozen International Center of Excellence for Regenerative Agriculture, a hub pioneering sustainable farming practices. Here, research and on-ground training converge to promote soil health, biodiversity, and low-carbon techniques, ensuring agriculture remains viable for future generations. None of this would be possible without the visionary leadership of Dr.Suresh Motwani and his dedicated team, whose passion for farmer welfare and environmental stewardship is palpable. Their holistic approach—merging technology, education, and ecology—is setting a global benchmark for inclusive, regenerative agriculture. As India’s farmers face mounting challenges, Solidaridad’s work offers a blueprint for empowerment through innovation. It’s inspiring to see how digital tools and sustainable practices can uplift communities, turning vulnerability into vitality. The future of farming is bright—and it’s being cultivated in Bhopal today.

Agriculture has always been the foundation of India’s economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods and ensuring food security for a growing population. Yet, despite its crucial role, the sector has long struggled with inefficiencies, unpredictable yields, and limited access to financial and technological resources. In response to these challenges, the Indian government has taken a transformative step through the 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, a visionary initiative aimed at integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics into the agricultural terrain. This mission is not just about digitization but about creating a robust ecosystem where farmers can leverage digital tools to 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. The government’s ambitious plan to issue 11 crore 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐃𝐬 by 2026-27 under the Digital Agriculture Mission marks a significant shift toward organized and data-driven farming. As of March 2025, over 4.85 crore unique Farmer IDs have already been generated, each linked to Aadhaar and land records, streamlining access to 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 . This structured approach is expected to not only reduce bureaucratic delays but also enhance financial transparency, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients without leakages. With its phased expansion, the survey covered 436 districts during the Kharif season of 2024 and extended to 461 districts during the 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. By June 2025, a nationwide rollout of this digital crop survey is expected, allowing policymakers to make data-backed decisions on resource allocation, market pricing, and supply chain efficiencies. The integration of real-time data will empower the agricultural sector with predictive analytics, 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. The launch of AI-powered initiatives such as the 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐞-𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐭 provides farmers with real-time assistance on best farming practices, weather forecasts, and pest control measures. Furthermore, AI and machine learning models are being deployed under the National Pest Surveillance System to detect early signs of pest infestations, enabling timely intervention and minimizing crop losses. The adoption of IoT-enabled smart irrigation systems is further optimizing water usage, ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices, particularly in drought-prone regions. The future of farming is digital—precision, productivity, and prosperity for every farmer.

With the sun still rising over the cornfields, I stood beside Casey in Philo, Illinois, assessing the massive planter that would sow this season’s crop. His tractor was fitted with AI-powered tools - retrofitted onto decades-old equipment, calibrated through trial and error, adapted piece by piece to meet the realities of his land. In rural America, AI isn’t as abstract as headlines and sci-fi futures. It’s already reshaping who can farm, how they operate, and whether they can compete with industrial-scale agriculture. In a recent op-ed for The News-Gazette, I reflected on my time visiting farmers, Agricultural Sciences departments, and farm bureaus across central Illinois and what this moment means for the next generation of farmers. The dynamics are clear: Large, well-resourced farms are using AI to optimize decisions across planting, inputs, and yield. But small and family-run operations face a very different landscape: high barriers to entry, limited digital infrastructure, and justified skepticism about whether these technologies were ever built with them in mind. 🌽 Over 96% of U.S. farms are family-owned, yet most ag-tech investment is aimed at large-scale operations. 📉 Fewer than one in four small farms have access to even basic digital tools, let alone adaptable AI systems. 🌧 For many, a single season of drought, disease, or market volatility can force a permanent exit. This Independence Day on July 4th, consider how AI might be used to sustain Americans who feed communities, steward land, and absorb climate shocks, all while navigating tools they had no hand in shaping. If we want AI to strengthen food systems and sustain rural economies, then American policy should design, invest, and guide based on the conditions these farmers live and work in every day. You can read the full piece here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eNKkn64q #AIforGood #PublicInterestTech #Agriculture #DigitalFutures The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation #farmtech #independenceday

From rice fields to global carts: how TikTok shop is transforming vietnamese agriculture Vietnam’s agricultural sector is undergoing a quiet revolution. For decades, small producers were dependent on intermediaries to reach global markets. Today, digital platforms like TikTok Shop are changing that dynamic — with measurable impact. During the Vietnamese Agricultural Product Week, 50 livestreams of specialty fruits led to nearly 10,000 orders in just 72 hours. Another 60 livestreams of OCOP and handicraft products generated over 12,500 orders. The format works: high engagement, fast conversion, and scalable exposure. Since 2024, the number of Vietnamese agricultural products listed online has grown by 30%. By 2028, experts project Vietnam’s online export value to reach $5.8 billion. More than 13,000 OCOP products are now live on digital platforms, with international reach. Amazon has highlighted three promising categories for Vietnamese producers: dried fruits and vegetables, spices, and tea. Meanwhile, companies like DH Foods and NewBam are showing that small brands — when certified, well-packaged and market-oriented — can gain traction in mature markets like the US, Europe, and Japan. Why it matters: Cross-border e-commerce reduces the role of intermediaries, improves access to consumer data, and accelerates international brand building. With a digital-first mindset, even smaller producers can move up the value chain. Learnings for European players: Vietnam shows that with the right platform partnerships, deep product knowledge, and export readiness, even traditional sectors like agriculture can unlock new growth. The example is clear: digital infrastructure is no longer optional — it’s a strategic enabler for global access. Company background: TikTok Shop is the commerce division of TikTok, owned by ByteDance (China). It is rapidly becoming a key e-commerce channel across Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, TikTok Shop has partnered with the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre to boost the visibility and sales of local OCOP-certified and specialty products. #ecommerce #retail #foodtech #vietnambusiness #agriculture #crossborderecommerce #tiktokshop #ocop #farmtotable #digitalselling #fmcg #export #marketaccess #retailinnovation #directtoconsumer #branding #onlinesales #supplychain #logistics #southeastasia #vietnam #asia #globaltrade #amazon #foodexport #consumertrends #agritech #productdevelopment #sustainability #omnichannel #startups #europe

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻? There is a compelling case for off-the-shelf Procurement solutions. But there are potential downsides to consider. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳: ▪️ new features are tied to hefty price hikes ▪️ evolution to changing business needs is not possible ▪️ architecture options are dictated by vendor upgrade plans ▪️ product roadmap do not align with your specific plans and needs ▪️ the flexibility promised through rich functionality does not materialise Yes, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸? Talking to many companies on their Digital Procurement, this major worry is real. Given the long range of investment payback, it would be an illusion to bet on building own solutions. 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 in this case - 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 of a company. Find here a few points which come to mind to 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻 but build a stable Digital Procurement architecture, while keeping flexibility: ✅ Build a 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 choosing solutions with an API-first to easily integrate or replace components over time. Modern solutions can be integrated and orchestrated without hard dependencies! ✅ 𝗛𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 by buying core capabilities like Source to Contract solutions but build or extend AI plug-ins or custom Automations. Intelligent Automation & Orchestration solutions provide extra flexibility and not just a patch. ✅ 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭, factoring in possible migration paths to prevent costly transitions later. For example ingesting the data of your Spend Analytics provider regularly into your own data lake. ✅ 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 which does not overcommit to a single provider but uses a mix of best-of-breed tools where flexibility matters most. Rationalising your vendor choice can bite you down the line. Procurement Tech should evolve at pace with your business needs, not lock you into someone else’s roadmap. The best strategy here is: Flexibility as a principle. ❔What's your view on this challenge. Anything missing on the picture? ❔Can vendor lock-in be minimised.