Eric Watkins, President of Abstrakt, highlights the growing challenges businesses face when building in-house Sales Development Representative (SDR) teams. Rising costs, complex technology needs, and extended timelines are driving many companies to consider outsourcing as a more efficient and effective solution for their sales goals.

1. Challenges of Building In-House SDR Teams

• Rising Costs: Recruitment, onboarding, and retaining skilled personnel demand significant financial resources.
• Complex Technology: Companies struggle with the integration and optimization of AI-driven sales tools and software.
• Extended Timelines: Developing outreach strategies, accountability metrics, and tracking performance can delay results.
• Skill Gaps: Expertise in sequencing, content planning, and follow-through is often underestimated.

2. Benefits of Outsourcing to Specialized Teams

• Cost-Effective Solutions: Outsourcing eliminates the need for ongoing training, technology investment, and process development.
• Faster Results: Immediate access to experienced professionals and proven systems accelerates growth.
• Measurable Impact: Companies like Abstrakt handle over 100,000 appointments annually, showcasing the effectiveness of outsourcing.

3. Why Choose Abstrakt?

• Expertise Across Industries: Over a decade of experience in omnichannel appointment setting and B2B lead generation.
• Proven Systems: Delivers measurable growth through tailored sales strategies.
• Efficient Processes: Handles the complexities of SDR operations, allowing businesses to focus on scaling.

4. Watkins’ Advice for Businesses

• Evaluate resources, timelines, and sales accountability.
• Identify gaps in expertise and infrastructure.
• Partner with specialized teams to achieve faster and more effective growth.

Building an in-house SDR team is a complex and resource-intensive process. Outsourcing to experts like Abstrakt offers businesses a cost-effective and efficient alternative, providing access to experienced professionals, advanced tools, and proven strategies. As Watkins notes, partnering with a team that specializes in SDR operations helps companies achieve their sales goals more effectively and efficiently.

Abstrakt strengthens its position as a thought leader in business growth through its acclaimed podcast, The Grow Show. In the latest episode, "Decoding SEO: Insider Secrets from an Expert," Chief Revenue Officer Jeff Winters and Director of Digital Strategy Adam Weber dive into SEO strategies poised to shape 2024 and beyond. With a focus on high-ticket B2B sales, they discuss how businesses can adapt to Google’s evolving algorithms and user behavior metrics.

1. Key SEO Shifts for 2024

• Google’s Helpful Content Update:
  • Introduced in late 2023, it prioritizes user-focused, high-quality content.
  • Outdated tactics like keyword stuffing are becoming less effective.
• User Behavior Metrics:
  • Metrics like time on site, page interactions, and bounce rate are now critical to search rankings.
  • A well-designed user interface (UI) can significantly boost SEO performance.
  • "Improvements to website UI are sometimes more impactful than targeting specific keywords," said Weber.

2. SEO’s Role in High-Ticket B2B Sales

• Winters highlighted SEO as an often-overlooked but crucial strategy for B2B success.
  • SEO helps businesses stay competitive in high-ticket markets.
  • Competitors are already investing in SEO to capture premium audiences.

3. Abstrakt’s Commitment to Empowering Businesses

• Through The Grow Show, Abstrakt shares actionable insights to help companies navigate the dynamic digital landscape.
• Topics address real-world challenges, ensuring businesses remain informed and competitive.
• The company’s focus on education reinforces its role as a leader in digital strategy.

As SEO continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to Google’s updates and prioritize user behavior metrics. Abstrakt’s The Grow Show equips listeners with the knowledge and strategies needed to stay ahead in the competitive B2B landscape. With actionable insights and expert advice, the podcast serves as a valuable resource for driving growth in 2024 and beyond.

Assembly, a global leader in marketing and media strategy within the Stagwell (STGW) network, has announced the appointment of Josh Berman as Executive Vice President and Assembly Lead. Based in New York, Berman will co-lead Assembly East, focusing on enhancing brand partnerships, driving innovation, and ensuring impactful client growth.

1. Assembly’s New Operating Structure

• Earlier this year, Assembly reorganized its operations into ‘Assemblies’ tailored to geographic and industry-specific needs.
• Berman’s role will center on deepening relationships within Assembly East, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to customized client solutions.

2. Josh Berman’s Media Industry Expertise

• Brings 15 years of experience in media planning, buying, and strategy.
• Previous role: Managing Partner and Client Lead at Wavemaker, where he led media initiatives for Church & Dwight brands and drove global product development efforts.
• Career highlights include collaborations with top-tier brands such as Citi, Campbell's, IKEA, Tiffany & Co., Amgen, Marriott, and AT&T.

3. Driving Innovation and Growth at Assembly

• Berman will leverage his expertise in data, technology, and media-creative integration to unlock brand performance.
• Focus on delivering tailored strategies that align with clients’ evolving needs.

4. Leadership Vision from Assembly

• Rick Acampora, Global CEO of Assembly, emphasized the agency’s dual commitment to being both agile and impactful.
  • “Josh’s expertise in media strategy and innovation will be key as we continue to elevate and fuel growth for our clients,” said Acampora.

Josh Berman’s appointment as Executive Vice President underscores Assembly’s dedication to staying at the forefront of marketing innovation. With his extensive experience and vision, Berman is set to drive measurable success for Assembly’s clients, ensuring the agency remains a trusted partner in a dynamic industry.

monday.com Ltd., the multi-product platform driving work management across industries, has been named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for Marketing Work Management Platforms (MWMP). This recognition underscores monday.com’s unique achievement as the only work management platform named a Leader in three distinct Gartner Magic Quadrant™ reports this year.

1. Triple Recognition in 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant™ Reports

• Recognized as a Leader in three reports:
  • Marketing Work Management Platforms (MWMP) – Newly recognized in 2024.
  • Adaptive Project Management and Reporting (APMR) – Leader for the third consecutive time in September 2024.
  • Collaborative Work Management (CWM) – Leader for the second consecutive time in December 2024.

2. Statement from Leadership

• Daniel Lereya, Chief Product and Technology Officer at monday.com, highlighted the company’s focus on innovation:
  • "This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering flexible, intuitive solutions that empower teams to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and stay competitive."

3. Key Features Driving monday.com’s Leadership

• Marketing-Specific Benefits:
  • Centralized hub for ideation, planning, and execution.
  • Enhanced visibility into project timelines, budgets, and statuses for managers and leaders.
  • Seamless collaboration enabling effective team communication.
• Productivity Boost:
  • Customizable workflows tailored to team needs.
  • Automation features reducing manual tasks.
  • Support for strategic initiatives through transparency and accountability.
• AI Integration:
  • Advanced AI features that automate routine tasks and provide actionable insights for better decision-making.

4. Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Insights

• Gartner’s Magic Quadrant™ offers an analytical evaluation of providers based on execution capabilities and vision completeness, making monday.com’s recognition a testament to its market leadership.

monday.com’s continued recognition in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant™ reports solidifies its position as an industry leader, driving innovation in work management solutions. By integrating cutting-edge AI and fostering a culture of collaboration, monday.com is enabling teams to operate more efficiently in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Global professional services firm Huron has announced the promotion of Hope Katz to executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, effective January 1, 2025. Katz, who has been with Huron since 2018, will oversee the firm’s global legal operations, continuing to play a pivotal role in its executive leadership team.

1. Hope Katz’s New Role and Responsibilities

• Elevated to executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary.
• Leads Huron’s global legal function.
• Acts as a key legal advisor to the senior management team and the board of directors.

2. Leadership Endorsement

• Mark Hussey, CEO and president of Huron, expressed confidence in Katz’s capabilities:
  • “Hope has been an excellent addition to our executive leadership team. She brings a solid understanding of our business and has been a trusted partner to our leaders. I am excited for her broader contributions in her new role as executive vice president and general counsel.”

3. Professional Background and Expertise

• Over 20 years of experience in global employment law, corporate governance, litigation, and compliance.
• Previous roles include:
  • Senior Employment Counsel at Accenture
  • Associate General Counsel and Vice President at Hitachi Consulting
  • Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in litigation and corporate restructuring groups.

4. Academic and Community Contributions

• Education:
  • B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan.
  • J.D. from Cornell Law School, where she was an editor of the Cornell Law Review.
• Community Involvement:
  • Member of the American Bar Association.
  • Board member of the Children’s Research Fund, supporting the Stanley Manne Research Institute at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
• Based in Huron’s Chicago office.

Hope Katz’s promotion marks a significant milestone for Huron’s leadership team. With her extensive legal expertise and dedication, Katz is poised to drive the company’s growth and provide strategic legal oversight, reinforcing Huron’s commitment to excellence.

Lavu, the world’s first mobile Point of Sale (POS) system and a trusted partner for local restaurants in over 80 countries, has received multiple accolades in G2’s latest awards cycle. Based on verified customer reviews, these awards highlight Lavu's commitment to simplifying restaurant operations and enhancing profitability through innovative, all-in-one technology solutions.

1. G2 Awards and Recognitions
Lavu has been recognized for excellence in multiple categories:

• Easiest Setup: Small Business & Mid-Market
• Easiest Admin: Small Business & Overall
• Easiest to Use: Small Business & Mid-Market
• Best Support: Small Business & Mid-Market
• Best Meets Requirements: Small Business & Mid-Market
• Highest User Adoption: Small Business & Overall
• Users Most Likely to Recommend
• High Performer: Small Business, Mid-Market & Overall

2. CEO’s Statement on the Achievement

• Saleem S. Khatri, CEO of Lavu, expressed gratitude and commitment:
  • “These awards are a testament to the incredible trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team to deliver innovative solutions.”
  • Emphasized Lavu’s mission to help restaurants thrive in an ever-changing industry.

3. Customer Feedback Drives Innovation

• Lavu views customer feedback as a catalyst for innovation.
• Saleem S. Khatri added:
  • “Every update and feature we develop is inspired by customer feedback. Our ultimate goal is to create a seamless experience that rivals the perfect dining moment.”

4. G2’s Endorsement

• An industry expert from G2 stated:
  • “Recognition in these categories underscores Lavu’s focus on delivering value and fostering customer satisfaction. Their solutions stand out for their usability and the trust they’ve built with their user base.”

5. Partnering for Success

• Lavu’s roadmap is designed with restaurant owners in mind, streamlining operations and increasing profitability.
• Message to customers:
  • Lavu extends heartfelt thanks to its valued customers for their trust and collaboration in shaping the future of the restaurant industry.

The accolades from G2 affirm Lavu’s role as a trusted partner for restaurants worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Lavu is driving the industry forward, helping restaurants achieve operational excellence and long-term success.

Ibotta, Inc., the largest digital promotions network in North America, has announced the appointment of Chris Riedy as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective January 13, 2025. Reporting to CEO and founder Bryan Leach, Riedy will join Ibotta's Senior Leadership Team to drive revenue growth and strengthen ties with premium brand partners.

1. Key Responsibilities as Chief Revenue Officer

• Oversee all revenue-generating activities at Ibotta.
• Lead Ibotta’s Sales team to drive measurable incremental sales at scale.
• Enhance relationships with Ibotta’s portfolio of premium brand partners.
• Solidify Ibotta’s position as a key partner within the CPG ecosystem.

2. CEO’s Statement on the Appointment

• Bryan Leach, CEO and Founder of Ibotta, remarked:
  • “Chris is a dynamic, proven leader with expertise in scaling high-performing sales organizations globally. His insights will help us drive sustainable revenue growth and optimize sales operations.”
  • Expressed confidence in Riedy’s ability to further Ibotta’s mission to “Make Every Purchase Rewarding.”

3. Chris Riedy’s Background and Expertise

• Brings over 25 years of experience in sales, business development, product, and marketing.
• Previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at tvScientific.
• Held leadership roles at X (formerly Twitter), including:
  • Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.
  • Vice President of EMEA.
  • Managing Director of US Retail, Financial Services, Travel & Mobile + Inside Sales.

4. Statement from Chris Riedy

• Riedy expressed enthusiasm about joining Ibotta:
  • “Ibotta is a pioneer in the evolving digital promotions space with a strong record of innovation and customer satisfaction. I’m excited to drive continued revenue growth and market leadership with the team.”

5. Educational Background

• Bachelor of Arts from Denison University.
• Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University.

With Chris Riedy’s extensive experience and leadership, Ibotta is poised to accelerate its growth, strengthen its partnerships, and continue its legacy of innovation in the digital promotions space.

Box, Inc., the leading Intelligent Content Management (ICM) platform, has been named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Document Management. This recognition underscores Box’s continued evolution in transforming how organizations manage and secure content, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, intelligent content portals, no-code application builders, metadata extraction, and intelligent document processing (IDP).

1. Box’s Recognition in Gartner Magic Quadrant

• Box was named a Leader for its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision in the document management space.
• The company was evaluated among 15 vendors, with Box’s leadership further solidified by its comprehensive AI-powered content management platform.

2. Diego Dugatkin’s Statement on the Achievement

• Diego Dugatkin, Chief Product Officer at Box, commented on the recognition:
  • "Our evolution from content storage to a full-scale AI-powered content management platform demonstrates our capability to drive innovation. This acknowledgment reflects our commitment to understanding market needs and offering secure, end-to-end content lifecycle solutions that drive business value."

3. Box’s Innovation and Capabilities

• Box combines the simplicity of cloud-based file sharing and collaboration tools with the depth of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions.
• Key features include:
  • AI-powered workflow automation
  • Enhanced metadata capabilities
  • Governance and compliance
  • Tools tailored for Line of Business (LOB) needs
  • Ability to replace bespoke custom builds with intelligent solutions

4. Industry Leadership and Additional Recognitions

• Box was also recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape and Aragon Research Globe for Enterprise Content Platforms earlier this year.
• These recognitions reinforce Box’s consistent leadership across major industry analyst communities.

Box’s continued investment in innovative technologies and its recognition as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Document Management solidify its role as a trailblazer in the content management space. The company remains dedicated to helping businesses realize the full value of their content through secure, scalable, and AI-driven solutions.