RSPA Trusted Advisor

In Episode 100 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks with Rob Dorsey, the Vice President of Sales for BlueStar, about building relationships and making sales in the retail IT channel. Dorsey, who has worked in channel sales for over 25 years, shares his insights on the importance of passion, sincerity, and mindset to build long-term relationships and partnerships.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 99 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks technology trends in label printing with Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics, and Kate Orara, Star’s Partner Development Manager. Levin and Orara share how VARs and ISVs can take advantage of new delivery avenues requiring new labeling solutions, increased consciousness related to food safety and allergens, and helping merchants go green and save money at the same time.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 98 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks with Chris Allen, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Heartland, about SMB marketing best practices for VARs and ISVs. Allen shares his secrets to developing core messages, utilizing a B2B website to generate leads, executing effective email campaigns, and engaging on social media to win new customers.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 97 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks with Dan Brattland, the President and Chair of COCARD Marketing Group, about sales messaging best practices for VARs and ISVs. Brattland shares how you can create presentations that best capture your value proposition, how to tailor that narrative to specific audiences or specific needs, and how to sync that message with all marketing and service activities.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  

In Episode 96 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA CEO Jim Roddy talks with Tom Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Global Payments Marketing at PayIQ, about his company’s study “How ISVs are Staying Competitive in an Evolving Market.” The report addresses ISV business model changes, integration challenges, payments strategies, the shift to the cloud, and more. You can access an eBook based on the report here: www.pay-iq.com/rspa  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 95 of “The Trusted Advisor,” RSPA General Counsel Jill Miller sits down with RSPA CEO Jim Roddy to discuss VAR and ISV best practices related to privacy policies. Miller also recaps her RetailNOW 2023 surcharging and cash discounting panel and shares what issues she heard about most at the show.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT VARs and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.

In Episode 94 of “The Trusted Advisor,” James Frank, an Innovations Consultant at Toshiba, previews his RetailNOW 2023 education session “Future Trends in Retail & Hospitality.” Frank and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss the challenges and opportunities personalization presents, innovation best practices VARs need to know, and how retail will change to serve Millennials and Gen Z better.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT resellers and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  Register today for RetailNOW 2023, the retail technology channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event! Join RSPA and retail IT channel leaders live and in-person July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. RetailNOW will have everything you’ve come to expect from the RSPA – plus several new features including:   Niche and Startup Alley in the expo hall featuring new ISV exhibitors seeking partners  Exclusive, in-depth discussions about new channel opportunities for 2023 and beyond  New voices in our industry: Markets adjacent to the point of sale will inject cutting-edge VARs and software developers who will discuss IoT, AI, 5G, mobility, edge computing, robotics, and cloud technologies  Recognition of emerging technology vendors, VARs, and ISVs who set the pace for the rest of the industry  Celebration of the RSPA’s 75th Anniversary  An exclusive roadmap for VARs and ISVs outlined during a unique keynote conversation discussing the future of the retail IT channel  If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2023. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 93 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Blake Rouse, the Sr. Director of Business Development at payments provider Cardknox, previews his RetailNOW 2023 education session “Why PayFac-as-a-Service? Benefits of the PFaaS Model for ISVs & VARs.” Rouse and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss the challenges, risks, and benefits of the payment facilitator (PayFac) business model, PayFac recurring revenue opportunities, and the forecast for the PayFac model in the retail IT channel.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT resellers and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   Register today for RetailNOW 2023, the retail technology channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event! Join RSPA and retail IT channel leaders live and in-person July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. RetailNOW will have everything you’ve come to expect from the RSPA – plus several new features including:   Niche and Startup Alley in the expo hall featuring new ISV exhibitors seeking partners  Exclusive, in-depth discussions about new channel opportunities for 2023 and beyond  New voices in our industry: Markets adjacent to the point of sale will inject cutting-edge VARs and software developers who will discuss IoT, AI, 5G, mobility, edge computing, robotics, and cloud technologies  Recognition of emerging technology vendors, VARs, and ISVs who set the pace for the rest of the industry  Celebration of the RSPA’s 75th Anniversary  An exclusive roadmap for VARs and ISVs outlined during a unique keynote conversation discussing the future of the retail IT channel  If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2023. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 92 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Tom Bronson, the Founder and President of consulting firm Mastery Partners, previews his RetailNOW 2023 education session “Using KPIs to Drive Results in Your Business.” Bronson and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss how KPIs keep your business on course, why VARs need to track their recurring revenue, and what’s the number one mistake solution providers make to harm business value. “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT resellers and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.  Register today for RetailNOW 2023, the retail technology channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event! Join RSPA and retail IT channel leaders live and in-person July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. RetailNOW will have everything you’ve come to expect from the RSPA – plus several new features including:   Niche and Startup Alley in the expo hall featuring new ISV exhibitors seeking partners  Exclusive, in-depth discussions about new channel opportunities for 2023 and beyond  New voices in our industry: Markets adjacent to the point of sale will inject cutting-edge VARs and software developers who will discuss IoT, AI, 5G, mobility, edge computing, robotics, and cloud technologies  Recognition of emerging technology vendors, VARs, and ISVs who set the pace for the rest of the industry  Celebration of the RSPA’s 75th Anniversary  An exclusive roadmap for VARs and ISVs outlined during a unique keynote conversation discussing the future of the retail IT channel  If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2023. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org. 

In Episode 91 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Rick Feuling, the CEO of VAR/ISV RITE Enterprises and Cloud Retailer, previews his RetailNOW 2023 education session “Five Cheat Codes on How to Lead: From One VAR/ISV CEO to Another.” Feuling and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss the ethics of persuasion, how to talk pay changes with your employees, and how to transition from being a VAR to the VAR/ISV hybrid business model.  “The Trusted Advisor,” powered by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), is an award-winning content series designed specifically for retail IT resellers and software developers. Our goal is to educate you on the topics of leadership, management, hiring, sales, and other small business best practices. For more insights, visit the RSPA blog at www.GoRSPA.org.   Register today for RetailNOW 2023, the retail technology channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event! Join RSPA and retail IT channel leaders live and in-person July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. RetailNOW will have everything you’ve come to expect from the RSPA – plus several new features including:   Niche and Startup Alley in the expo hall featuring new ISV exhibitors seeking partners  Exclusive, in-depth discussions about new channel opportunities for 2023 and beyond  New voices in our industry: Markets adjacent to the point of sale will inject cutting-edge VARs and software developers who will discuss IoT, AI, 5G, mobility, edge computing, robotics, and cloud technologies  Recognition of emerging technology vendors, VARs, and ISVs who set the pace for the rest of the industry  Celebration of the RSPA’s 75th Anniversary  An exclusive roadmap for VARs and ISVs outlined during a unique keynote conversation discussing the future of the retail IT channel  If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2023. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow   The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software developers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers education, hotlines for legal, security, sales, and business advice, industry advocacy, and discounts on other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW and Inspire which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.