RSPA Trusted Advisor

In Episode 74 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Alejandro Swaby, the Director of Sales for RSPA VAR member Cervion Systems, previews his RetailNOW 2022 panel “Organically Grown Leadership.” Swaby and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss leadership from several angles including how metrics accelerate leadership development and why initiative is a required character trait for successful future leaders. “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 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 73 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Kirsten Trusko, CEO and Co-Founder of RSPA member Emerging Markets Coalition (EMC), previews her RetailNOW 2022 panel “What's a ‘Cashless ATM’? And Other Alternative Payment Methods in Cannabis.” Trusko and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss “good guys” and “bad guys” in cannabis payments, opportunities and pitfalls with cashless ATMs, and recommended actions for VARs who are interested in the cannabis vertical. “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 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 72 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Dan Brattland, President and Chair of RSPA member COCARD Marketing Group, previews his RetailNOW 2022 presentation “VAR and ISV Sales and Customer Strategies for the New Normal.” Brattland and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss sales myths, sales best practices, and why growth-oriented solution providers need to embrace delegation and sales training. “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 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 71 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Brian Booth, founder and CEO of software developer Enroll & Pay, previews his RetailNOW 2022 presentation “Innovating for the Payments Space: An ISV’s Perspective.” Booth and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy discuss how to establish a culture of innovation, the role of AI in product development, and mistakes ISVs make with their VAR partnerships. “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. Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 70 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy talks with Tracey Lande, Vice President of Strategy and Growth/Business Development Lead at VAULT, about her unconventional – and highly successful – employee recruiting strategies. Lande shares how her personal journey back to the retail IT channel is influencing her hiring plans at VAULT, the importance of personalizing open positions and creating outcome-based job descriptions, and how to leverage your network and social media to build a strong team fast. “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. Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 69 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy sits down with Mike Monocello, the co-founder of DevPro Journal and XaaS Journal, about his perspective on the ever-changing retail technology channel – both the past 15 years and what’s ahead. Monocello and Roddy also break down an RSPA-exclusive chart analyzing current and emerging business models in the retail IT channel including VARs, ISVs, ISOs, PayFacs, and DISDs (Direct Independent Software Developers).   “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.   Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 68 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy sits down with Paul Griffiths and Stephen Bergeron of apg (formerly APG Cash Drawer) to discuss rebranding lessons for VARs, ISVs, and vendors in the retail technology channel. They discuss rebranding principles and processes, how to best engage employees and customers during this journey, and why resellers with “cash register” in their company name are likely candidates for a rebrand of their own. “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.  Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. 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 67 of “The Trusted Advisor,” Hunter Allen of VAR Cervion Systems, Tom Bronson of industry consultant Mastery Partners, and the RSPA’s Jim Roddy analyze the 2022 RSPA Retail IT Channel KPI Study. Among the topics discussed are the recent success of ISV/VAR hybrids, the as-a-Service recurring revenue business model’s continued acceptance, expected mergers and acquisitions, and the state of today’s retail IT channel. To obtain your copy of this year’s RSPA Retail IT Channel KPI Study, follow this link: 2022 RSPA Retail IT Channel KPI Study “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. Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow

In Episode 66 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy sits down with Mark Fraker, CTO of RSPA distributor member BlueStar, to explore VAR opportunities with electric vehicle charging stations. Roddy and Fraker discuss the technologies, target market, and reseller recurring revenue opportunities related to EVCSaaS – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations-as-a-Service. “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. Registration is now open for RetailNOW 2022, 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 24-26 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 & Startup Alley in the expo hall, the first-ever ISV Community Networking Reception, six education tracks (Executive Education, Security & Legal, NextGen Technology, Sales & Customer Service, Cannabis, plus a new ISV Education Track), and more. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. It’s Where the Industry Meets! www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow

In Episode 65 of “The Trusted Advisor,” the RSPA’s Jim Roddy talks with Randy Gunter, one of the principals at VAR Spark Solutions Group, and Jeff Sanders, the President of VAR Southwest Point of Sale, about customer service best practices for retail technology solution providers. Among the topics discussed are reactive and proactive customer communication strategies, the importance of an annual customer survey, how to win over an upset customer, and the biggest customer service mistake many resellers make.   “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.   If you like this episode, you’ll love the courses offered at RetailNOW 2022 – 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 24-26 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. If you’re serious about the retail IT channel, you have to attend RetailNOW 2022. It’s Where the Industry Meets! Learn more and register today: www.GoRSPA.org/retailnow