Security. Everyone is talking about it and everyone claims they are following guidelines and securing their data, but I am still consistently being asked the same question from partners, "where do I start?" Everyday partners hear about various vendors and solution portfolios, but they’re still struggling with the best way to broach the subject with end-users. There is concern that using various statistics about the importance of security comes off as a scare tactic, and understandably that’s not the way they want to be perceived by their customers.

In the same way that you may decide to drink Orange Juice for a Vitamin C boost, workout to improve your overall health, or avoid those cookies that showed up for a co-worker’s birthday, you can take all the right steps and still succumb to illness.  Security is no different; no matter how “secure” you or your clients are, there is always risk. However, fear not because there are still many steps you can take to minimize risk and ensure the best health and longevity for both you and your clients’ organizations.

In 2018, Channel Partners are dealing with a ridiculously high amount of marketing fluff and fear tactics.  Never before has there been so much interest in the channel from Wall Street, equity firms, and end users themselves. All of this attention and spotlight means more vendors developing programs, more complexity as vendors merge with one another, and more emerging solutions that the channel is told to sell lest they miss out on the “skills pivot” that is necessary to handle “digital transformation.”

Everyone talks about ‘cloud’ and defines it in their own way. Because of the various definitions and interpretations, the topic of cloud has become an instant eye-roll or sense of boredom when brought up.

In 2017, Contact Center trends focused around data integration. In 2018, there has been a renewed emphasis on showing increased business value through the use of more intelligent contact centers. With the advent of social integration, machine learning, chat bots, and powerful analytics as part of CCaaS solutions, or as add-on solutions, contact centers are being transformed into holistic customer intelligence hubs.

It’s hard to believe the second quarter is already upon us. No doubt you’ve finalized your goals for 2018 and are eager to start putting those plans into motion. Whether your initiatives include investing in new staff, expanding your technology portfolio or developing a marketing strategy, TBI can help you achieve those goals.

One of the least liked phrases around here is digital transformation. What does it mean? It’s so nebulous and doesn’t attach any particular technology or pain point when using it. We talk about the customer’s digital journey and it means something different for every company and every “owner” of said journey.

Start 2018 off right by aligning your best practices.