Press Release - Top 100 Power Hour Becomes the West McDonald Co. Influencers' Circle

 

October 4, 2023

The acclaimed weekly event, the Top 100 Power Hour, is pivoting with a fresh direction under the experienced guidance of West McDonald Co. Starting this month, the curation of the influential list will transition to West McDonald Co., introducing a new approach to selecting the industry shapers and thought leaders.

Founder West McDonald, known for his past efforts in managed print and his current pragmatic vision in harnessing generative AI for business amplification, will personally handpick the individuals on the list based on their tangible influence that he has experienced firsthand. Not everybody on the current Top 100 list will transition to the Influencers' Circle as membership will be limited to 40 members. 

Moreover, the scope of the new Influencers' Circle is broadening beyond the office equipment channel to encompass various technology solution channels including Managed IT, Cybersecurity, and Generative AI among others. This expansion aims to foster a more holistic representation of the technology solutions space, encouraging a vibrant interplay of ideas and solutions.

MyQ: The Vanguard of Modern Print Management

Press 'Ctrl+P' for Progress: MyQ is Your Shortcut to Smarter Print Management

In a digital-first world, it's easy to forget the importance of reliable, efficient printing. But let's be real: the need for hard copies isn't disappearing anytime soon. That's where MyQ comes in, revolutionizing the way we think about print management by making it smarter, more secure, and eco-friendly.

OpenAI's ChatGPT Predicts Potential Apocalyptic Scenarios

In an interesting twist, OpenAI's ChatGPT, an AI language model, shared its own predictions on potential apocalyptic scenarios for humanity. 

Greg's Words

Everybody is talking about how AI is going to destroy humanity when it is more likely humanity will destroy humanity.

Heavy hitters in the realm of science, business and AI log in with views on our demise.  Even the AI Wonderboy-de-jour chips in.

Check out our quick take on the end of the world as we know it.

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Key highlights:

• Tech leaders, including Elon Musk, express concerns over AI's rapid development and potential negative impacts.
• Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson warns of the potential "nail in the coffin" for the internet due to AI-generated fakes.
• ChatGPT shares four potential apocalyptic scenarios resulting from various threats to humanity.

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Companies Embrace Efficiency to Tackle Inflation and Economic Uncertainty:Without Copier Salespeople

 

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Date: April 29, 2023

Greg's Words

For decades, we in the copier industry have been telling prospects our hardware "increases productivity and reduces costs". We lied. Well, we defined the narrative to fit our mission of selling 10 copiers a month. (or whatever)

The world is increasing productivity and reducing costs through more efficient workflows - and if you are simply selling copiers, printers, or MpS, they are doing it without you and viewing your relationship as a target for cost reduction.

AI eats workflows 24/7 and will decimate everything from middle management to the C-Suite.

More than how the internet shook things up, bigger than that gift from Prometheus, and vastly more liberating than the invention of the Wheel, Generative AI is shifting our world, changing how we work, chit-chat, learn, and more. 

Hold onto your linen, because the speed of this tech revolution is faster than light. These jaw-dropping tools we're ogling at today? They'll be old news by year's end since they're leveling up like crazy and getting mixed into other gizmos and services at breakneck speed. 

Buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're in for a wild one...

Key highlights: 

• Companies like AT&T and Meta Platforms are focusing on efficiency and productivity improvements in response to economic challenges. 
• AT&T's Project Raindrops initiative aims to simplify and eliminate unnecessary business processes, saving employees nearly 3 million hours a year. 
• While the impact of small improvements on the bottom line is difficult to quantify, research suggests that saved time is often reinvested in the company as additional work.

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AI-Powered Einstein is Revolutionizing Salesforce: Is This the End of CRMs?

Say goodbye to pushy salespeople and hello to AI.

From the articles, Salesforce not ready to unleash generative AI on its customers, Salesforce hits the hyper-space button on AI with Einstein GPT, Salesforce to add ChatGPT to Slack as part of OpenAI partnership, Salesforce’s Einstein GPT soldiers up in the AI arms race, Salesforce Announces Einstein GPT, the World’s First Generative AI for CRM

Executive Summary:

1. Salesforce's new Einstein GPT AI tool aims to reduce the amount of time required to sell and provide more personalized content for customers.
2. AI is changing the sales landscape by liberating buyers from pushy salespeople and allowing them to make informed decisions.
3. The integration of AI in sales will revolutionize the industry and lead to more efficient and satisfying experiences for both buyers and sellers.

My Impressions: CRM platforms such as Salesforce are being eliminated; So too, are selling professionals.

#Microsoft, #Meta, #Alphabet, #Salesforce, and more are gazing into the Last Event Horizon and they are scared.

Think about it: Artificial Intelligence manipulates data through processes applying algorithms, presenting information based on the processes and calculations. (An overly simplistic description)

• Everything we do in sales is a process.
• Everything we do in purchasing is a process.
• AI optimizes our processes by comparing them to every other similar process that has ever happened in history.

We have slipped the event horizon. Quicking a secular metamorphosis of the sales industry by leveraging data and analytics to provide customers with personalized recommendations and insights, while also optimizing providers' workflows and processes. This eliminates the non-productive and emotionally influential forces in the selling process, replacing the need for traditional salespeople with a direct communication channel between the prospect's AI system and the provider's AI system. (See Ecosystem)

AI is not just a tool or software solution anymore; it's eating all other forms of software and solutions.

From copiers to 7th-generation jet fighters, whatever requirement, including variables from pricing to retirement, the right solution is presented through this streamlined and efficient process. 

In this new landscape, the role of salespeople will be eliminated because 'my AI talks with your AI' and good things happen.

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Amazon CEO Announces Plan to Return to the Office Despite Employee Satisfaction with Remote Work

In this article, we discuss Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's announcement that the company plans to return to the office for the majority of its employees at least three days per week from May 1, 2023. 

Despite the fact that 77% of employees report greater productivity while working off-site, Jassy believes that being in the office together most of the time allows for better collaboration, more effective invention, and easier learning. 

However, there is no presented or existing data to support any of the documented reasons for a return to the office, and a new study from the University of Birmingham found that the majority of managers see benefits in working from home, including increased productivity, motivation, and concentration. 

The article questions the value of chance encounters and serendipity in the workplace and suggests that cultivating strong relationships, developing new skills, and actively seeking out opportunities to grow and learn are more effective strategies for success.

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What is a "Polycrisis" and Why You Should Care About It

The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released its “Global Risks Report 2023”, warning that eroding geopolitical cooperation will contribute to a potential "polycrisis" of interrelated environmental, geopolitical, and socioeconomic risks relating to the supply of and demand for natural resources. The term "polycrisis" was popularized by historian Adam Tooze and has become a buzzword in the world of business and finance. But what exactly is a "polycrisis" and why should you care about it?

A "Polycrisis" is a concatenation of shocks that generate crises that trigger crises in other systems, making the combined effect far worse than the sum of its parts. The notion of a "polycrisis" is based on the idea that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected and complex, making it vulnerable to an interconnected, complex global catastrophe.

Commercial Real Estate 'StarChamber' Calls on #Biden to Fight #WFA

Here they come.  

The powers of the commercial real estate kingdom, a roundtable no less, are enlisting the US Government as return-to-office heavies, asking the Biden administration to consider back-to-office mandates for government workers.

Walt's Weekly Words - Week 15 - July 15

Walt's Spin

"What's old is new." A statement uttered by countless generations before and leagues to come. For me, and I am sure many timeline-compatriots, today's world seems eerily reminiscent. Certainly not identical, and more than nostalgic. 

More like a Renaissance.

Managed Print Services is still alive and experiencing a bump. Partly due to some pent-up demand and a reduction of IT resources.

The demand is provisional. I still believe pivoting into IT services is possible, not strictly because of an existing print-centric relationship as much as the supporting infrastructure of MPS practices is a solid foundation for the transition.

Sales and marketing will shift demographics and talk tracks, but needs assessments and proposals are parallel paths. But again, the demand for IT services has a shelf life.

Consolidation runs rampant, and the larger, establishments remain overconfident in their temporary position.

Week 15 - July 15

Walt's Spin

"What's old is new." A statement uttered by countless generations before and leagues to come. For me, and I am sure many timeline-compatriots, today's world seems eerily reminiscent. Certainly not identical, and more than nostalgic. More like a Renaissance.

Managed Print Services is still alive and experiencing a bump. Partly due to some pent-up demand and a reduction of IT resources.

The demand is provisional. I still believe pivoting into IT services is possible, not strictly because of an existing print-centric relationship as much as the supporting infrastructure of MPS practices is a solid foundation for the transition.

Sales and marketing will shift demographics and talk tracks, but needs assessments and proposals are parallel paths. But again, the demand for IT services has a shelf life.

Consolidation runs rampant, and the larger, establishments remain overconfident in their temporary position.

Smaller, more agile companies bite at their ankles, stirring up turbulence and poised to disrupt the onetime disruptors.

 

On a more celestial stage, the Webb telescope released stunning photos of our both crowded and sparse galactic neighborhood. The pictures are sure to give a great perspective.

The DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem continues to grow as we welcome All Associates to the realm. These guys have been measuring office output usage and Running Up That Hill, since the 80s.

Have a great weekend!

Week 12 - July 1

Tigerpaw, Xerox, Meta & Psychedelics

Walt's Spin

This week, Tigerpaw moves forward, robots are causing stress at the 'Sarah Conner' level, and Zuke tells it like it is, predicting rough waters ahead. Mark my words, Meta, Alphabet, Tesla, Netflix, Disney, Hulu, and dozens of other high-tech darlings will transform beyond relevancy to be replaced by up-and-coming Young Turks.

Studies continue to reveal back to office mandates are harmful and serve only the plantation bosses of the 21st century.

Currently, six out of ten US workers are remote, yet our cousins to the north, Canada, report a mere one out of ten working from home - how very obedient of them.

Trying to understand the brain can be a trippy escapade and big-headed scientists are using data and Psychedelics to help understand what goes on between our ears. 

Take a trip and find out.

More DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem Influencers discovered. This time in the realm of Sales Acquisition. Firms inside and out of the office technology niche contribute to helping sales move with the times and remain rooted in proven, foundational relationship concepts. Turbulence demands smarter, more worldly, selling professionals comfortable with meeting face to face AND nurturing through every channel.

A saddened industry mourns the loss of a Xerox power player - Ichan may leverage to reignite options and opportunities.

Greg Walters, Inc./DOTC & All Associates Reignite Relationship

 The DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem Expands R&D Division

Plotting the Data-Based Course Into a World Without...

Our crack team of researchers, data scientists, investigators, and web-surfers have been enhanced - dare I say, 'augmented'.  

We've rekindled an alliance with a company known by the biggest players in the industry.  Their computational analyses comprise more than 1,000 variable elements and scientific approach has been referenced in thousands of client engagements. 

I've worked with All Associates Group on many projects from Mayo to Mission Health - indeed, back in the IKON days, their analytical engine was available to every salesperson in the company.  The cream of the crop professionals engaged the tool often, with resounding results.

Tigerpaw Talks July 13, 3PM EST

Learn about the Leading Influencer of Infrastructure, in the DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem.

Leaving Old Waters: Charting a new and profitable course 

If you think you’re stuck with a business management platform and provider that makes you miserable, you won’t want to miss this event. 

Join Tigerpaw CEO James Foxall and VP of Customer Success Trevor Moses on Wednesday, July 13 at 3pm ET to learn:

• How office equipment dealers win with Tigerpaw’s investment in some of the top talent and partnerships in the industry 
• Exciting new ways to automate your business that aren’t even an option with your current platforms 
• How using one ERP to manage all your lines of business powers growth, even in a challenging economy 

Register here: 

https://tigerpaw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4VYFAnxUTaOYMIBmJRYS0A

“Why Tigerpaw One is the Leading Influencer, Infrastructure” Greg Walters, the DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem

The Infrastructure Influence includes ECi, Forza, and Tigerpaw One.

The grading system is simple: What Influencer would I recommend to a client building or changing an existing program. The client could be a provider or the ultimate consumer.

I’ve evaluated hundreds of components and teams over the decades assembling tech solutions that help reduce costs, increase sales, or eliminate inefficiencies. Through this lens of experience, I evaluate each Influencer over approximately 20 data points.

There are no losers. Just being an Influencer in the DOTPE is an accomplishment.

For Tigerpaw One:

Eight Firms Recognized as Influencers of Merit - Sales Acquisition.

Greg Walters, Inc. Recognizes the Top Sales Acquisition Influencers for the Copier & Managed Print Services Niche

Tigerpaw Software: Leading Influencer, Infrastructure

The First of many: Tigerpaw Software

The DOTPE is designed to help resellers find and establish partnership relationships with proven, innovative, dealer-centric, organizations aligned to deliver the best customer experience possible.

Prospective customers will make more informed decisions when choosing a reseller.

Dealers will have a clear understanding of the most customer-centric, dealer-friendly ecosystem resources to align when building or enhancing go-to-market programs.

Walt's Weekly Words: Week 6, #TwitterBots, #TigerPaw, #MPS Ecosystem, #Bill Gates & #JohnnyCash

Walt's Spin

This week, congress talks about UFO's, retail giants take a major financial hit - no surprise there - Elon fact checks TwitterBots, more recognizing printers as an IT asset, digital connection is personal, there is a new office technology Partnership Ecosystem model, employers start coffee houses in the suburbs to serve employees and of all things, we have a shortage of sand.

It's going to get worse.

The supply chain troubles will devolve on all fronts and in every industry. The fear of Covid19 shutdowns, labor shortages, War, and an overdependence on global suppliers will stymie any recovery for the next 24 to 36 months.

Gas, diesel - Washington D.C. filling stations are updating pumps to handle three digits(ten dollars per gallon).

Read the rest here. 

The DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem

Put simply, the Ecosystem is a collection of Influencers with a set of Influences on our industry.

In it, we identify the key players in each of the 12 Influences and evaluate them through 20 data points.

 

Within each Influence, there is at least one Influencer.  We’ve selected your firm as an Influencer and will compare you with other Influencers in your Influence.

Great, what does it mean?  

This is not an echo chamber. The goal is to identify and acknowledge Influencers aligned to provide a superb customer experience to the Ultimate Consumer; businesses in all niches making the digital transformation journey. 

Greg Walters, Inc. Releases the DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem.

12 Influences and Influencers Outlined and Measured in the DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem Model

 
 
Oconomowoc, Wi. – Greg Walters, Inc. announces the release of the DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem (DOTPE) blueprint. The DOTPE identifies 12 Influences that shape the customer experience. Examples of Influences include OEMs, Training firms, Infrastructure, Software Applications, Finance, Toner Suppliers, etc. Within each influence, one or multiple Influencers vie for relevancy and participation in the sales journey. 

This change in perspective is mandated by the current business environment, in which the customer journey is no longer transactional, but never-ending. A strong team of niche providers working toward a common goal, with clear and transparent roles, will collaborate and provide a collective and increased value to customers.

“For over a decade, we’ve defined the network of vendors and resellers as the 'Office Technology Landscape.' This view needs an update," said Walters. "In today’s dynamic and turbulent business environment, it is beneficial to establish relationships beyond vendor and reseller.  Companies that utilize partnership ecosystems drive innovation, maximize efficiencies, and bring greater value to their clients."
 
The group is currently interviewing and evaluating Influencers against 20 data points. The model will highlight and rank relevant firms within each Influence, measuring everything from financial viability to their social footprint.
 
Through the model, resellers will see how existing relationships stack up and make educated decisions when building or revamping partnerships. The ultimate consumer will compare their existing or future providers against established standards and KPIs.
 
Technology resellers, and managed IT firms will benefit from the DOTPE by knowing who to review when forming their specific ecosystem.  Prospective clients will gain insight into the quality and effectiveness of their provider when compared to other industry resellers.
 
The DOTC Office Technology Partnership Ecosystem model is available now at thedeathofthecopier.com and the evaluation results will be presented throughout the summer.
 
For more information or to be considered as an Influencer contact Greg@grwalters.com. 

 

Buyers Want More Than ECom & Retail - GAP Intelligence

Good article on The Imaging Channel.

It has always been my opinion that ECom is NOT a panacea nor is it a threat.

ECom is a stepping stone; one of many Influences within the New MpS Partnership Ecosystem.

"When considering the inventory challenges that dealers and MPS providers are currently facing, it’s important to understand that they’re not unique to the channel and these customers would be challenged to find available printer inventory to purchase online or in-store as well..." 

-Valerie Alde-Hayman, gap intelligence