I translate complex cybersecurity and AI concepts into engaging, trust-building content that drives action—turning non-technical business leaders into informed decision-makers.

Think Your Business is Safe? Cybercrime is the World’s Third-Largest Economy.

In the IT world, I've seen cybercrime grow exponentially, almost as large as the economies of the US and China.

Imagine if Your Business Had 16 Days of Downtime. 
A typical business grapples with 16 days of downtime during a cyberattack. 

That’s over two weeks of potential revenue loss striking without notice!

Moreover, the implications extend beyond initial disruptions:
-> Operational Shutdown: Imagine your business grinding to a halt due to a cyberattack.
-> Trust at Stake: A single data breach can erode the confidence of clients and partners.
-> Financial Impact: The cost of cyber incidents goes beyond immediate expenses, affecting long-term revenue.
-> Client Loss: Customers seek security; they'll move to competitors if your systems are vulnerable.
Compliance Challenges: Keeping up with legal requirements is key to uninterrupted business growth.

But... There's Hope.

Cybersecurity: My Mission, Your Peace of Mind

At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), my mission aligns with our goal of providing uncompromised safety.

We do more than defend at ITS. We boost your business' resilience.
-> Robust Defense: Our top-tier security measures shield you from diverse digital threats.
-> Continuous Business Growth: Our support ensures your business thrives, uninterrupted.
-> Tech for Profit: We use technology not just for safety, but to increase your efficiency and profitability.
-> Team Empowerment: We educate your staff, turning them into cybersecurity advocates.
-> Compliance as an Edge: Adherence to regulations becomes a unique competitive advantage for your business.

Partner with ITS for Future-Proof Security:
-> Customized Protection: Security solutions crafted to fit your specific business needs and budget.
-> Friendly, Professional Support: Our team offers round-the-clock monitoring for cyber-resilient IT infrastructure.
-> Invest Wisely: Each security enhancement with us is a strategic step toward more peace of mind.

Act Now to Secure Your Business's Future
Your company's security isn't optional—it's a necessity in today's world. 
Don't wait for a breach to take action!

Book a Free Security Risk Assessment
Message me for a free security risk assessment and secure your peace of mind.

PS: Cybersecurity isn't just a line of defense; it's a critical business strategy. Secure your future now.

Rob Schenk

Looking forward to leading an informative cyber risk discussion with my colleague Patrick Curtin and our friends at National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA)! 

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Intelligent Technical Solutions  Dave Dyas    Field Effect

Helping Companies Not Get Hacked | Cyber/AI Guy Who Speaks Human | Protecting 500+ clients since 1996.

National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA)

View company: National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA)

Don't miss out on registering for this exclusive webinar! Join us for this virtual session with Rob Schenk, Chief Strategy Officer Intelligent Technical Solutions, as he guides us through how to align technology, security, and operations in ways that support scale without adding unnecessary complexity.

Don’t miss out! Register Now!
https://lnkd.in/gSbTdARY

Looking forward to this important conversation with my colleague, Patrick Curtin to help companies understand the latest trends, how best to lower their risk exposure, and where to invest smartly in 2026. 

Registration link and more info below!

Dave Dyas Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Field Effect

View company: Intelligent Technical Solutions

In 2026, the gap between “we’re fine” and “our IT’s down” gets smaller.
 
Faster attacks. Tighter insurance requirements. More exposure across cloud, SaaS, and third-party platforms.
 
Join Rob Schenk, Chief Strategy Officer of Intelligent Technical Solutions and Patrick Curtin , Director of Technical Sales of Field Effect  in the webinar:
 
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙮𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠: 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙌𝟮
 
Built for leaders who need clear priorities without technical overload.
 
𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
 
• The top cyber threats emerging in 2026
 
• How attackers are breaking into businesses like yours
 
• What insurance carriers will expect next year
 
• How to evaluate whether your defenses are truly ready
 
• What to prioritize in Q1 and Q2
 
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://lnkd.in/gqQfBvnJ
 
Dave Dyas Jason Fontana Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ 
 
#Cybersecurity #CyberRisk #RiskManagement #CyberInsurance
 
#Ransomware #IncidentResponse

Mike Forgie, Local Marketing Specialist

Digital Marketing Specialist

Helping Local Service Businesses Get Found and Get Sales — Not Just Clicks. | Google Maps, SEO, & High-Intent Ads

“Why isn’t our business the top result when people search for what we do?”
If that’s something you’ve asked recently, I built this for you.

I’m Mike Forgie, founder of Next Step Connect, and I help service-based businesses stop guessing at what’s working—and finally show up where it counts.

In the last decade, I’ve worked with hundreds of teams across real estate, healthcare, legal, construction, and automotive to install one thing:

A predictable system that drives qualified local leads from search.

Whether your business is getting buried in Google Maps, wasting ad spend on low-quality traffic, or just not seeing ROI from your current marketing…
You don’t need another agency.
You need a system built on buyer intent, trackable results, and total clarity.

What We Deliver:
✅ Google Maps + Organic Search Rankings – for the exact terms your buyers are already searching
✅ High-Intent Google Ads – tracked to real calls, form fills, and appointments
✅ Clarity – with real-time dashboards and reporting you don’t need to decode

Our clients don’t wonder where their leads are coming from. They know.
And they don’t lie awake at night hoping the phone rings. It already is.

📩 DM me or email mike@nextstepconnect.com
📊 Or grab your Free Local Growth Audit at nextstepconnect.com

Marketing Strategist

Hey! If you need a marketing strategy for better search engine results or social media exposure, it is time we talk.

Need help getting your business exposure online? I can help you with SEO, Google/Facebook/Instagram ads, and more!

My main clients include:
Agencies that need SEO and social media strategies developed and performed.
Experiential markets such as yacht rentals, supercar/exotic auto drives, helicopter tours, and more. For many of these markets, I can provide photo and video services.
Any company that needs local clients such a wedding equipment (tent, chair, table, etc) rental, contractors, construction equipment rental, medical practices, and more.

Mike Forgie

Anna York slid into my email with this gem and and I had to share it. 

Yes this is very similar to a standard Seo page but the details that lean in unique content (case studies, authority signals) are crucial. Also, I love the “intent based offer” section.

I created a very similar pages like this for an apartment building in NJ. They were more focused like pet policy and amenities pages which help with everything from lease up campaigns to ai overviews.

Google Maps/Search Engine/AI Optimization, Websites, and Purchase-Intent Ads for Commercial Real Estate

SEO meets AI | LinkedIn Top 12 AI Voice to follow in Europe | Practical guides

12 elements your landing page needs to be visible in AI search 👇 

Most pages are built for Google only.
Not for ChatGPT.
Not for Perplexity.
Not for Gemini.

That means no visibility in AI answers.
No recommendations.
No new organic traffic.

Search has changed.
Ranking keywords is no longer enough.

You now need an AI-Visible landing page.

A page that does three things:

→ Builds trust for humans and AI
→ Answers real questions, not just keywords
→ Converts high-intent organic traffic

I’m currently writing Become AI-Visible.
A practical guide on how to show up inside AI answers.

This checklist is a direct excerpt from the guide.

Here’s my 12-point checklist 👇

1. Headline + subheadline
Clear outcome.
Entity-based language.
Specific audience.

Example:
“The AI-Powered SEO Strategy for B2B SaaS Teams.”

2. A real hero asset
Not a stock image.
A video, diagram, or data.
Something AI would actually cite.

3. Above-the-fold CTA
One clear action.
No scrolling needed.

4. Authority signals
Client logos.
Media mentions.
Podcast appearances.

5. Problem → solution in Q&A
Ask the question your buyer asks AI.
Answer it clearly.

6. Features → outcomes
What does this enable?
What changes after using it?

7. Case studies
Real people.
Real names.
Real numbers.

8. Clear pricing
No confusion.
Anchor price to value and ROI.

9. Final CTA + intent offer
Repeat the action.
Offer a high-value resource.

10. Human support
Live chat.
Clear contact.
Real experts behind the page.

11. SEO basics still matter
Speed.
Mobile.
Clean structure.

12. AI visibility elements
Entity schema.
Structured data.
Consistent messaging everywhere.


This is the new SEO.

I’m sharing updates and early access to Become AI-Visible via the waitlist.

👉  If you want the guide first, join here:  https://lnkd.in/exGt-VAK


P.S. When you join, you’ll also get a high-resolution infographic with a detailed explanation for each point.

—

 #AIVisible #SEO #AI #LLM #FutureOfSearch #DigitalMarketing

Our client is #1 on Perplexity. #1 on ChatGPT. #1 in Google AI Mode.

For local apartment searches.

6 months ago, they didn't exist.

Here's what actually moved the needle:

→ Google Business Profile optimization (weekly posts, images, FAQs)
→ Consistent NAP across every platform
→ Building citations on authoritative sources
→ Content structured so AI can actually reference it
→ Local press releases

No secret tactics. No "AI SEO hacks."

Just the fundamentals done consistently.

The results?

→ 336,700% increase in search views
→ 252,900% increase in maps views
→ 3,556 lead actions
→ Highest star rating in the market (4.7)

Most SEOs are still fighting for Page 1.

Meanwhile, AI is already answering the question for your customers.

The question isn't "Will AI change search?"

It already has.


Are you optimizing for AI recommendations yet?

✋ I have an AI playbook just for local. Want it? Comment "playbook" and I wil DM you.

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This is one of the most POWERFUL flywheels for SEO/AIO/GEO

Most people treat reviews like they're just reviews.
They're not.

A positive review is a spark. Here's what that spark becomes:

IMMEDIATE ASSETS:
Screenshot → Social proof on your site, LinkedIn, Instagram
Google embed → Strong internal link, fresh content on your homepage

THE EXPANSION:
Case study → Blog post → Multiple internal links → Authority boost
That same review → Interview → Video → Audio → Podcast episode

THE MULTIPLIER:
Unique, citable content → Gets referenced → Creates backlinks
More authority → Better rankings → More visibility → More reviews

One review becomes dozens of assets.

Dozens of assets build authority.

Authority builds rankings.

Rankings bring more reviews.

And the flywheel spins.

Many people chase reviews like they're the end goal.

But reviews are the beginning. They're the raw material for a content machine.

Stop asking for reviews and thinking you're done.

Start asking for reviews knowing you're just starting.

One authentic customer voice, multiplied across your entire strategy, compounds into rankings you can't buy.

How many reviews are sitting in your inbox right now that you haven't turned into assets?

Want an easy review acquisition strategy? DM me. I have an entire AI that will help you.

A prospect told me:
 “Mike, I don’t want to waste money on SEO if Google’s AI is taking all the clicks.”

Fair.
AI overviews and zero-click results are a real fear.

But here are the facts:
- Google Business Profile feeds into AI Overviews.
- Prospects use AI for research — but transactions happen after.
- If you’re not optimized, how will AI even recommend you?

The mess?
Convincing them not to ditch SEO for the next shiny acronym.

The pivot?
- Reputation still drives AI.
- SEO builds that reputation. 
- Content keeps it fresh.

Here’s a simple strategy:
1. Launch a reviews acquisition campaign
2. Build a content plan to update GBP, site, and socials
3. Earn placements on local “Top 10” lists

Sometimes the hardest part of SEO isn’t tactics.

I have a fully laid out checklist/guide on how to optimize and get recommended by AI in my featured section....go snag it!

Humblebrag for a new apartment building - how we dominated this organic market with SEO/GEO/AIO. 

I finished my yearly reports for my clients, and this one makes me very proud. 

From absolute 0 to beating well-established buildings in Google Maps, Search, AI overviews, and LLM results.

The image is only one part of a year-end review. I can't share details on their report, but here is the simplified SEO strategy:

GBP Optimization
Weekly posts - consistent property updates
Regular image uploads - showcasing amenities and units
FAQ generation - targeting searcher questions (unfortunately Google is dropping this feature)
Review acquisition and response - drafted and ready for publishing

Backlinking:
Directory listings - general, niche, and locational
News releases - press releases are VERY powerful for AI results
Guest posts - industry-leading sites

The wild part: we haven't even launched our on-site content strategy because we are planning a site migration. Once that is done, 🤯 ! 

Sorry to brag, but this was such a great experience and I look forward to building more communities in 2026.

I built 5 Claude Skills that run my entire SEO workflow.

No Ahrefs.
No Semrush.
No $500/month tool stack.

Here's what each one does:

1. Organic Search Strategist
↳ Analyzes SEO, AI Overviews, and AI citability in one audit
↳ Outputs a prioritized 90-day action plan

2. Keyword Research
↳ Clusters keywords using the 6 Circles Method
↳ Validates every pillar before you write a single word

3. SEO Content Writer
↳ Writes content matched to your brand voice
↳ Includes meta titles, descriptions, and schema markup

4. Link Building Planner
↳ Finds link gaps between you and competitors
↳ Prioritizes by DA and topical relevance

5. Brand Voice
↳ Extracts your exact tone from existing content
↳ Every piece of content sounds like you, not AI

The result?

Full SEO audits that cost agencies $2,000 → done for $0.15.
Monthly tool costs → $6 instead of $500+.

These aren't prompts. 
They're full skill systems inside Claude Code.

So, what would you want a skill for?

5 Claude Skills For Search and AI Optimization

Our client has 11 backlinks. Their competitor has 107,000.
Guess who ranks #1 for "suboxone clinic near me"?

Our client.

Here's what actually matters for local rankings:

→ Targeted content for specific locations
→ Strong on-page SEO
→ Location relevance signals
→ Google Business Profile optimization
→ Consistent NAP across directories

The competitor has more links.
More authority.
More budget.

But they're not showing up when patients search locally.

Our client is.

42 top-3 local rankings.
127% more keywords in the top 10.
All without a massive backlink budget.

The SEO industry obsesses over backlinks.

And yes, they matter.

But for local businesses?
Specificity beats scale.

Stop chasing links.
Start owning your local presence.

What's working for your local SEO right now?
What are your thoughts on backlinks?

taplio

The Battle

Rob Schenk

Mike Forgie

Followers

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Performance ScoreRob Schenk's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMike Forgie's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

Rob Schenk

Mike Forgie

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Rob Schenk's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMike Forgie's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreRob Schenk's LinkedIn Performance