Intelligent Technical Solutions

Chief Security Officer | CMO

LanXpert dba Intivix

★ Rob Schenk
☎ 415-728-0008
✉ secure@itsasap.com

ITS specializes in cybersecurity, risk & compliance, managed IT, and Co-managed IT services for businesses who understand the advantages that smartly applied technology can play in the marketplace. We empower our clients with the right technology for their business needs, enabling them to be more competitive, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable.

Master Business and Tech Strategist - Helping Clients Systematize Chaos and Execute

MyWorkDrive

MyWorkDrive “cloudifies” your Windows File Shares enabling easy, secure, and fast remote access to your work files. Work remote productively using Browser, Mobile & Mapped Drive file access to your permissioned shares --- All without VPN, Syncing or storing files in a public cloud.

For today’s organizations, it’s common to have a large percentage of employees who need remote access to company files. But, in-house users don’t want to give up the benefits of an internal network (speed, ease of use). 

MyWorkDrive give users, secure remote access to their organization’s files using Windows Server storage---with no security worries about your data being in the cloud or syncing down to remote computers.

MyWorkDrive has complete integration with Office365, allowing users to open and save files in Office 365.

Enjoy all the benefits of the cloud with local file access and control.

Co-Founder

Aikido

Chief Instructor of Aikido Institute of San Francisco.

Computer Shopper Magazine, PC Magazine, Windows IT Pro Magazine

Freelance Computer Journalist, focus on Small Business Networking

ZD Labs

Senior Network Analyst

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.

My Role in Strengthening Your Business Security at ITS

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 a more reliable future.

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

Rob Schenk

Wonderful achievement, thank you to our team, clients, and partners!

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

View company: Intelligent Technical Solutions

The MSP community came together to recognize both the standouts and the people who quietly keep things running. 𝗜𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁.
 
At the MSP Titans of the Industry Awards Gala, our CEO, Tom Andrulis, received the 𝗠𝗦𝗣 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹/𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗦𝗣. It was a proud moment for our team at Intelligent Technical Solutions.
 
Awards matter, but what stayed with us was seeing the whole community acknowledged for the work it does day in and day out.

This field is filled with people who solve hard problems, protect businesses, and support others without asking for attention. MSP Success 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗲 created a night that brought that work into view. 

It recognized the builders, the leaders, and the crews behind the scenes who keep clients stable and secure.
 
Mike Rhea🔒🛡️  Rob Schenk Jason Fontana Dave Dyas Robin Robins TMT @
Jay Ryerse, CISSP Charles Henson Wayne Hunter Abraham Garver Dan Izydorek ▲ Justin Shanken Michael Glasser Field Effect Harold Mann  
 
#MSPTitans #ITS #Cybersecurity #BestMSSP #ManagedServices #BusinessSupport #TechThatWorks #ITS #Leade rship #ChannelGrowth #ManagedIT #Cybersecurity #TeamUpdate

𝗖𝗖𝗣𝗔 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 “𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁” 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀.

If you run a dealership or any consumer-facing business in California, here’s the short version: the 2026 CCPA update will touch your 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳, 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵)

𝟭. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲
• “Do Not Sell or Share” link must be visible wherever data is collected.
• Cookie banners must have 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗻𝘀. No dark patterns.
• Closing a banner = 𝗻𝗼𝘁 consent. If cookies still fire, you’re out of compliance.
  
𝟮. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. You must spell out:
• What data you collect
• Where it comes from
• Who you share it with (specific categories)
  
𝟯. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱. If you offer a toll-free number or in-store collection points, teams must know how to handle:
• Access requests
• Corrections
• Deletions
• Downstream notifications
  
𝟰. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 
Anywhere you collect customer data such as a showroom, F&I, service, call center, they must display a compliant “notice at collection” that includes the Right to Limit sensitive info.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄
• Audit your site and cookie banner behavior
• Update your privacy policy with clear disclosures
• Review phone and in-store workflows
• Confirm vendor contracts match 2026 CCPA rules
  
California is now enforcing. Businesses that fix this early will avoid penalties and build trust with customers who expect transparency.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️  Intelligent Technical Solutions ▲ Justin Shanken Dave Dyas Jason Fontana

(7) Intelligent Technical Solutions: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn

JSESSIONID

li_at

Talks about #phishing, #security, #ransomware, #cybersecurity, and #incidentresponse

Chief Revenue Officer | Empowering Business Growth Through Technology | Strategic IT Consulting | Cybersecurity & Compliance | AI

CEO of Black Breach | 100% FTC Cybersecurity for Dealerships | Former Counterintelligence Special Agent | Veteran | Speaker

Driving Scalable Growth | Executive Leader | SaaS, Cloud & GTM Strategy

Channel Partnerships | Business Development | SaaS | Empowers Businesses | Evangelism

Sean Harris

Look forward to this important discussion!

Cyber insurance won't pay if you can't prove the breach.

No proof, no payout. It's that simple.

Every year, companies lose millions in denied claims. They had coverage. They had a breach. 

What they didn't have was evidence.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀:
• Missing or incomplete logs
• No evidence of security controls before the attack
• Delayed incident reporting
• Gaps in documentation of your response
• Failure to follow your own security policies

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲:
• Clear, time-stamped incident logs
• Proof you had the right controls before the attack
• Documentation of your response actions
• Evidence you followed policy requirements
  
If you can't hand this over, your claim is dead on arrival.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘅: Build a system that collects and stores this evidence automatically. Don't wait for a breach to scramble for documentation.

On December 4, Intelligent Technical Solutions and Cork will be breaking it down how to close denial triggers, what evidence to collect, and how a cyber warranty works in the real world.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀.

You’ll hear from Rob Schenk, Dan Candee, and Sean Harris, security and insurance leaders who've helped executives close denial gaps and secure payouts when it matters most.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://lnkd.in/gmB8xDMZ

Don't let a missing log or delayed response cost you a payout. 

Get the proof you need before you need it.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Dave Dyas Jason Fontana Sean Harris ▲ Justin Shanken  

#CyberInsurance #RiskManagement #CyberSecurity #BusinessContinuity #CyberWarranty

𝗖𝗖𝗣𝗔 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗔𝗜 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.
 
The next wave hits between 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, and it affects any California business using customer data, automation, or AI.
 
𝟭. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
 
Starting in 2026, any “significant risk” data activity, like targeted advertising, handling sensitive data, automated decision-making, will require a documented risk assessment.  Initial assessments due 𝟭𝟮/𝟯𝟭/𝟮𝟳, reporting by 𝟰/𝟭/𝟮𝟴.
 
𝟮. 𝗔𝗜 / 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳)
 
If you or your vendors use AI to screen applicants, approve credit, assign work, or influence compensation:
 
• You must notify consumers 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 using ADMT
• Many consumers gain the right to 𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁
• You must offer a 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 process for appeals
 
𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴+)
 
Larger businesses will need third-party audits covering access controls, MFA, encryption, patching, vendor oversight, and more, with an 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆.
 
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄
 
• Map where personal and sensitive data actually lives
• Document targeted advertising and tracking tools
• Inventory any AI or automated decision systems
• Ensure your cybersecurity posture can withstand an audit
 
CCPA began with cookie banners. It’s now becoming a full data governance framework and the businesses that prepare early will avoid the scramble when these deadlines hit.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ ▲ Justin Shanken Intelligent Technical Solutions Dave Dyas Jason Fontana

Stop trying to "𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸" your way to healthcare survival. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

We recently analyzed a scenario where a rural hospital was looking down the barrel of a $𝟰𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘁 due to upcoming HR1 cuts and market shifts.

For most risk managers and administrators, the knee-jerk reaction to a number that big is to cut. Cut services. Cut staff. Cut lines of care.

But as we discussed with Doug McCoy from Eastern Plumas Health Care in our latest webinar, the math has changed. In the current landscape, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽.

If you cut services, you lose the community. If you lose the community, you lose the hospital.
Instead, the winning strategy for 2026-2028 is 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

As I’ve sketched out in the infographic below, the path to keeping the doors open involves three distinct plays:

1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁: Stop viewing Quality Incentive Programs (QIP) as administrative burdens. Operationalize them as primary revenue streams.
2. 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿: Physician burnout is a massive financial risk. We have to streamline EHR workflows to reduce friction, allowing your limited staff to do more without breaking.
3. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁" 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲: Silence breeds panic. You must proactively communicate stability to your community to stop patient out-migration before it starts.
   
The "Cliff" is coming in 2027. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿.

We are currently helping facilities build this exact roadmap, shifting from reactive survival to proactive resilience.

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/gjYcSYsa

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺: https://lnkd.in/gPFtNgh3

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Intelligent Technical Solutions Dave Dyas Jason Fontana 

#RuralHealth #HealthcareLeadership #HospitalAdministration #IntelligentTechnicalSolutions #Resilience

Super informative conversation with Dan Candee from Cork and our own Sean Harris discussing cyber warranties and how they can help your business during difficult cyber incidents.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Dave Dyas Jason Fontana

Most leaders focus on the cyberattack. The real threat is the cash flow gap that follows.

For many businesses, that gap looks like 𝟭𝟴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝟰 𝘁𝗼 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀. That is what you have to close.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆. In one session, business leaders saw:
• The five denial triggers that quietly sink claims
• Why “being compliant” is different from having proof
• How long can payout delays strain payroll, vendors, and recovery
• What real ACH fraud and SharePoint breach cases look like in practice

A huge thank you to our speakers for making this real for leaders who own the risk:
• Rob Schenk , Chief Security Officer at @Intelligent Technical Solutions
• Sean Harris , Chief Security Risk Officer at @Intelligent Technical Solutions
• Dan Candee , Chief Executive Officer at @Cork
  
𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮? See how overlooked cash flow gaps can stall 
operations after a cyberattack and how faster, tech-driven cyber support keeps businesses operational during a claim.

Watch the full webinar: https://lnkd.in/gEqp33FT

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Jason Fontana Dave Dyas 

#CyberInsurance #CashFlowProtection #CyberSecurity #BusinessResilience #SMBLeadership

Investigative reporter, krebsonsecurity.com

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is meeting right now to vote on a proposal to scrap cyber rules that the FCC began adopting during the Biden administration.

https://lnkd.in/e9cHadnz

"The commission first declared that the 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) “affirmatively requires telecommunications carriers to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications,” and then it proposed specific requirements that telecoms should have to meet."

Pay no mind to the fact that the FBI recently warned the public away from sharing sensitive information over the public telephone networks because they are all so completely owned by state-sponsored hackers from China that they should not be trusted. 

Also, try to ignore the fact that CALEA data is exactly what the Chinese hackers succeeded in gaining access to, including call and text message metadata.

What's clear is that what we've been doing to encourage telcos to care more about prioritizing security is not working at all. That said, they have shown through their actions that they're not going to do it on their own.

https://lnkd.in/eNBAKJSJ

Open article: FCC plan to scrap telecom cyber rules draws congressional backlash by cybersecuritydive.com

FCC plan to scrap telecom cyber rules draws congressional backlash

Stephen T King CEO, COO, CIO, Founder 7x startups. Leading strategy to modernize IT, cyber and ops

Coming soon on Thursday!

Learn why Cyber Insurance claims get denied and how to make sure you aren’t one of them.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️ Sean Harris Dave Dyas Jason Fontana

𝟳𝟮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁.

Right now, somewhere, an executive is watching their cyber insurance claim get denied. They thought they were covered. 

They weren't wrong about that.

What they were wrong about, though, was the evidence.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵: Insurance companies deny claims because you can't prove what happened.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀.

Intelligent Technical Solutions and Cork are pulling back the curtain on what actually gets claims approved with: 

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝘾𝙮𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝘿𝙤 𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮
• Thursday, December 4 | 1:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET

𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
• Which gaps in your documentation are costing you millions right now
• The exact format insurers expect your evidence in
• How cyber warranties become your financial lifeline when claims drag on for months

Experts Rob Schenk, Dan Candee, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 Sean Harris will show you what denied claims have in common and how to avoid having one.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱:
Every day you wait is another day your business is exposed to claim denials that could cripple your recovery.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://lnkd.in/gmB8xDMZ

The next breach won't wait. Your claim preparation shouldn't either.

Mike Rhea🔒🛡️  Dave Dyas Jason Fontana

Open article: Register | Webinar | Dec 4 2025 | Cyber Insurance with Cork by itsasap.com

Register | Webinar | Dec 4 2025 | Cyber Insurance with Cork

Mike Forgie, Local Marketing Specialist

Digital Marketing Specialist

Next Step Connect

Next Step Connect has a sole purpose: connect you to your audience. 
We use paid and organic Ad Strategies to deliver you qualified prospects for easier sales.

Owner

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.

Marketing Strategist

M studio Design & Marketing

M studio is an amazing branding, marketing, design and communications agency. Their assets such a Public Relatiosn assists perfectly in the target marketing needed for effective off-page SEO. As for on-page SEO, I work with designers and developers to create websites that will perform on both search engines and as lead generating vehicles

SEO Specialist

PCG Digital Marketing

I started as a Content Writer and quickly moved my way up the ranks at PCG resulting in a Digital Marketing Specialist position. 
One of my main duties at PCG was to create a user journey throughout our new website in order to capture leads. Each page on the site was optimized for specific keywords, whether general or long-tail.

Evolution

I managed the Public Relations/Marketing team of four to reach target markets, developed promotional campaigns to increase search engine optimization and social media awareness, and organized the creation of copyright materials such as press releases, blog posts, and print/online advertisements.

Public Relations/Marketing Manager

Artist Arena

My duties as a freelance apprentice were to administer fan club websites for top pop bands (e.g. Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Green Day), organize and disperse promotional material, and promote the fan clubs.

Freelance

EMI Music Publishing

For college credit I interned for EMI Group, mainly Virgin and Capitol Records, in New York. Here I learned how to read Nielson Soundscan reports, develop and analyze press packets for musicians like Katy Perry, and analyze albums to match with products and/or organizations.

Intern

Excess dB Entertainment

As a member of the street team I handed out promotion materials, performed stagehand work, was the liaison for guests and artists, catered to artists, and attended events at least once a week.

Street Team

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

Mike Forgie

Black Friday—buy a damn reusable mug.

Seriously. No marketing post today.

Just go splurge on a mug you actually like.

Walk into a store, test them out in person, find the one that connects with you, and buy it there.

Then take it to a cafe and use it.
Use it 100 times.

That's the real economy. That's the community you're actually part of.

No algorithms. No optimization. 

Just you supporting a business that's probably run by someone doing exactly what you're doing...showing up and making it work.

Forget Black Friday marketing noise.
I bet YETI or Stanley 1913 are on sale somewhere. 

Go buy a mug.

I Help Local Businesses Get Found and Get Sales — Not Just Clicks. Google Maps/Search Engine/AI Optimization & High-Intent Ads

Realizing the site I ignore the most ranks for high volume keywords.

It all started when I created mikeforgie.com as a creative outlet.

I was writing about things that genuinely intrigued me—true fans strategy, minimalist marketing, lean business operations, sustainability. 

No keyword research. No optimization. Just curiosity.

I was juggling SEO strategy for clients while just exploring thoughts on my own site.

By being natural. 
By being curious. 
By actually solving problems with a perspective only I had, people were finding it. 

Real searches. Real keywords.

After months of ignoring it, I looked at the data.

mikeforgie.com ranks for a ton of keywords. Not because I chased them. Not because I optimized. Because I answered questions people were actually asking, from an angle nobody else was offering.

This proves something fundamental: 
You don't need to chase the algorithm.

You need to solve a problem with a unique perspective.

It's not about optimization.
It's about authenticity solving real problems.

What's a topic you're curious about that you've been afraid to write about because "it wouldn't rank"?

Tell me in the comments.

My fiancé and I won Best Dressed at the Bartender's Ball.
A lesson in showing up...

This was her night.
She works weekends while everyone else is off.

So when the industry throws an event on a Tuesday, when most bartenders are finally off, we go all in.

Not halfway...
...All in.

We didn't just show up.
We showed up with intention.
And it paid off.


How you show up matters.
In life. In business. Everywhere.

Most people show up halfway:
Half-effort websites
Generic LinkedIn profiles
Copy-paste marketing

Then wonder why they don't stand out.

Showing up isn't enough.
Showing up with intention is what wins.

Whether it's:
A networking event
Your website design
A client pitch
Your social media presence
An industry celebration

The businesses that stand out are the ones that put in the effort to stand out.

Most local businesses show up to Google like it's casual Friday.
The ones winning look like they're dressed for the ball.

This is why I love working with local businesses.

They understand community.
They show up for their industry.
They support each other.

The Bartender's Ball wasn't just an event.
It was the hospitality industry celebrating the people who work while everyone else is out.

That's the kind of community local businesses build.
And that's worth showing up for.

How are you showing up in your business? 
Casual Friday or Best Dressed?

Don't be distracted like every other business owner...
Here's what you can accomplish in the next 30 days:

December is the most underrated month for building your 2026 foundation.
Everyone's winding down. That's exactly why you should be building.

WEEK 1:
→ Run a free website scan (https://lnkd.in/exURC7Wb)
→ Hand results to your dev with a fix timeline
→ Audit who has access to your assets (Google Analytics/Search Console/Business Profile, Ads accounts). Make sure YOU'RE the admin!

WEEK 2:
→ Request a topical authority map from your SEO or via AI
→ Start gathering case study information from your best clients
→ Collect 5-10 contacts for reviews. People are busy with holiday right now, but if you finished a service, ask for a review immediately!

WEEK 3:
→ Write a press release announcing a new feature, service, or case study. 
→ Publish that case study on your site
→ Create 2-3 content pieces around it

WEEK 4:
→ Review everything you built
→ Plan January strategy based on what actually worked
→ Send that press release to local media

This isn't chaos. It's strategic foundation-building while everyone else is checking out.

Ready to get ahead in December?

PS - I am relly having fun with Gemini lately. Image creation is fun!

I've been analyzing n8n workflows for SEO automation.
And there's 1 thing I'm happy I DON'T see

Hundreds exist: 
Content generation 
Keyword research 
Meta tags 
Social scheduling 
SEO audits

But what is missing?
Automated link building!

And that tells you everything about 2025 SEO.
If this was 2015, n8n would have: 
PBN automation 
Web 2.0 link farming 
Directory submissions 
Comment spam bots 
Link exchanges

Today?
Cold outreach templates 
Guest post pitching 
Relationship tracking

Notice the shift?
2015: Automate the links 
2025: Automate the outreach

The links themselves can't be automated anymore.
The links that matter require: 
Real relationships 
Editorial approval 
Value exchange 
Human conversation

You can't automate a local news feature.
You can't bot an industry publication placement.
You can't script a podcast mention.

Google got smarter.
They detect: 
Automated link patterns 
Content existing just to link 
Link farm domains 
Unnatural velocity

The algorithm evaluates: 
Source authority 
Editorial context 
Traffic quality 
Brand mentions

This is why n8n focuses on outreach, not links.

You can automate: 
Finding prospects 
Tracking conversations 
Follow-ups 
Relationship management

You can't automate: 
Editorial trust 
Link-worthy content 
Genuine authority 
Real citations

Link automation missing from n8n isn't a gap.
It's proof the game elevated.

If you're still thinking 2015: 
"I need 100 backlinks this month"

You're playing the wrong game.
The new game: 
"How do I get featured in local news?" 
"What value can I provide publications?" 
"Who should I build relationships with?"

One high-authority mention beats 100 directory links.
One news feature beats 1,000 comment backlinks.
One guest post beats an entire PBN.

I focus clients on:
Press releases (real coverage) 
Guest posts (editorial placements) 
Local partnerships (authentic collaborations) 
Case studies (content worth citing) 
Community involvement (events worth mentioning)

These create: 
High-authority backlinks 
Brand mentions 
Traffic 
Trust signals

None can be automated.
If it could be automated, it wouldn't be valuable.

Google rewards what's hard to fake: 
Real authority 
Real relationships 
Real value

The SEO community moving from automation isn't a problem.
It's proof we're playing the right game.

Shortcuts disappeared because they stopped working.
What's left requires strategy, relationships, and effort.
That's why it works.

Looking for automated link building means chasing 2015 tactics in 2025.
The links that matter can't be automated.
They must be earned.

Are you chasing volume or building authority?

Quick thread on why most SEO strategies STILL fail...
Watch me do a search at the end of the video, then implement below 👇 

The mistake: only optimizing for generic "near me" keywords
Ex: "apartments near me" or "apartments in [City]." 

Why these generic terms alone don't work: 
You're often competing against GIANTS.
(in Ex. case Zillow, Apartments.com and 100 other properties). 

What works (and great for getting recommended by AI like ChatGPT as well):
Long-tail, intent-based keywords!

"2-bed apartments with rooftop in [neighborhood/city]" or "dog-friendly apartments near [specific transit]" or even "luxury apartments with a gym in  [neighborhood/city]"

Lower volume, but way higher conversion.

AI search optimization:
ChatGPT and Perplexity don't rank websites. They cite them. 
You need to be the source they recommend, not just a listing.

Local authority signals:
Google Business optimization, local reviews, neighborhood content. 
This is where most properties leave money on the table.

Content that answers renter questions, not marketer questions:
 "What's the commute to [major employer]?" not just "Why choose our community?"

The strategy isn't complicated. 
It just takes a decent amount of time to implement. 

Pet owners, do you look up generic terms or do you look up "dog friendly" when searching for rentals, hikes, places to eat, etc?

(7) Matthew Wassel | LinkedIn

My client got recommended by ChatGPT. And landed a new client from it.
Here's exactly what we did:

We didn't "optimize for ChatGPT."

We built an unstoppable service page.

STEP 1: Focus on ONE service
Not 10 things. One thing done better than anyone else.

STEP 2: Own that page
Optimize it like your life depends on it. Structure, keywords, clarity.

STEP 3: Build content around it
Case studies proving it works. Blog posts answering questions. FAQs. Features. Real proof.

STEP 4: Get backlinks
From relevant, authoritative sources. Proves you're legitimate.

STEP 5: Tell people about it
Press releases. Social posts. Direct outreach.

But here's the real secret: We aligned their goal with reality.

We made sure the content was AUTHENTIC.
Real case studies. Real results. Real people.

Then we built the brand story around it.

ChatGPT didn't recommend them because of a secret algorithm hack.

It recommended them because when someone asked for that service, the most authentic, proven, well-documented answer was their page.

Stop chasing platforms.

Build something worth recommending.

What service could you absolutely own right now?

Search bar = buyers
Stop being scared of AI search platforms.

I see the fear—"SEO is dead, AI is changing everything, how do I compete?"

Here's the truth: ChatGPT, Perplexity, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google...

They all have search bars.

And search is search.

Many skills that worked for Google still work for Claude. Still work for Instagram. Still work for wherever people are searching.

Buyer intent is buyer intent. Information searches are information searches. Solution searches are solution searches.

The platform changes. The human need doesn't.

So stop trying to "crack the code" of AI search.

Just optimize for search—everywhere.

SEO, AI optimization, social search optimization—call it what you want.

It's just Search Everywhere Optimization.

There's a search bar? There's a way to optimize for it.

Don't care what platform you're on.

Where are you sleeping on search optimization right now?

I spent last week auditing my client's competitors' ads.
What I found? The same two plays. Over and over.

"Luxury Apartments in [City]" — generic, forgettable, competing with everyone
"1 Month Free!" — the race to the bottom that's eating margins industry-wide

Here's the thing: when everyone's running the same ads, nobody wins. 
You're just bidding against each other for the same eyeballs.

So we do something different.

Instead of "Luxury Apartments in Austin," we run:
→ Hyper-targeted relocation ads — specifically to people outside the state who are actively searching. They're not comparison shopping 15 properties. They need help. They convert faster.
→ Feature-specific messaging — pet-friendly policies, free gym memberships, private covered parking. The stuff renters actually care about but nobody highlights.
→ Audience segmentation — different ads for different renter profiles. Not one generic message blasted to everyone.

The result? Higher quality leads. Lower cost per acquisition. 

Most lease-up campaigns look at what competitors do.
The ones that win ask: "What are they not doing?"

Honestly, I get the 1-month free strategy for some instances. 
Property owners/managers - is this working in your markets?
If you rent, is this enough to make you choose a place to live in?

Had a call with a real estate agent the other day.
She said something that genuinely blew my mind.

"I can get my clients 3.75% financing because of my relationship with the builders of this development."

3.75%!!!!

In a market where most buyers are looking at 6%+ rates.

That's not a small advantage. That's a game-changing advantage.

Here's the crazy part: she doesn't tell anyone.

No banner on her website. No landing page. No ads. No social posts. Nothing.

She's sitting on the single biggest differentiator in her market... and keeping it a secret.

So I told her exactly what to do:
Website banner -  front and center, impossible to miss
Dedicated landing page - built specifically for this offer
Hyper-targeted ads - driving traffic to that page, featuring the rate
Newsletter launch - nurture leads who aren't ready yet
Social media blitz - post about it constantly until everyone in her market knows
Your competitive advantage means nothing if nobody knows about it.

Most businesses have something that makes them different. 
A relationship. A process. A result they consistently deliver.

But they bury it. Or assume people will figure it out.
They won't.

If you have an edge, shout it from the rooftops.

What's your biggest competitive advantage that you're probably not talking about enough? I'm curious what's hiding in plain sight.

Google's voice search algorithm is the blueprint for AI search.

And most people missed it.

Here's why this matters:

When voice search launched, Google had to solve a problem:

People don't speak like they type.

Typed search: "plumber near me"
Voice search: "Hey Google, who's a good plumber in my area that can come today?"

Google had to understand:
Natural language
Context
Intent
Conversational queries

Sound familiar?

That's exactly what AI search does now.

ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Claude...

They all process queries the same way voice search does.

Here's the pattern:

Voice search taught Google:
"What's the weather" = user wants current local weather
"How do I fix a leaky faucet" = user wants step-by-step instructions
"Best pizza place open now" = user wants immediate recommendation with hours

AI search uses the same logic:
Question-based queries
Context awareness
Conversational understanding
Intent matching

This is why voice search optimization = AI search optimization.

How to optimize for both:

1. Write like people speak

Don't write: "Our plumbing services provide residential and commercial solutions."

Write: "We fix leaky faucets, clogged drains, and burst pipes for homes and businesses."

Natural language. Conversational tone.

2. Answer questions directly

Structure content as Q&A:

"How much does it cost to fix a leaky faucet?"
"Most repairs cost between $150-300 depending on severity."

Both voice search and AI can extract this clearly.

3. Use long-tail, conversational keywords

Old keyword: "plumber"
Voice/AI keyword: "emergency plumber available today"

Old: "lawyer"
Voice/AI: "do I need a lawyer for a car accident"

4. Focus on local + immediate intent

Voice search users want:
"Near me"
"Open now"
"Available today"

AI search users want the same immediate, local answers.

Optimize for urgency and location.

5. Create content that answers "why" and "how"

Voice queries are often:
"Why is my sink draining slowly?"
"How do I unclog a toilet?"

AI search queries are similar:
"Why do I need SEO for my local business?"
"How does AI search work?"

Answer these thoroughly.

The businesses that prepared for voice search in 2018?

They're ahead for AI search in 2025.

Because they already optimized for:
Natural language
Question-based content
Conversational tone
Intent matching

Everyone else is scrambling to catch up.

The pattern was there.

Most people just didn't see it.

If you optimized for voice search, you're already optimized for AI search.

If you didn't, start now.

Same principles. Same strategy.

Are you still optimizing for typed keywords or conversational queries?

I have 247 PDFs saved in my downloads folder.
I've read maybe 10 of them.

And I'm guessing you have the same problem.

We collect knowledge like it's rare.
But knowledge isn't rare anymore.
Implementation is.

Here's what changed:
2015: Information was scarce.
Download every PDF.
Hoard knowledge.
Maybe read it later.

2025: Information is abundant.
AI can answer anything.
Knowledge is free.
The bottleneck is execution.

So here's what I do with PDFs now:
I don't read them.
I turn them into systems.

The process:
1. Download the PDF
2. Feed it to Claude or ChatGPT
3. Ask: "Turn this into an executable workflow"
4. Create a Custom GPT or n8n automation
5. Now it DOES the thing instead of just explaining it

Example:
Old: "47-page guide to local SEO"
New: Custom GPT that audits your site and gives you specific action steps

That's the shift.
From knowledge → to implementation.

Here's what this means for content creators:
If you're still offering informational PDFs as lead magnets, you're competing in 2015.
You're giving people more information they won't use.

Give them:
Guides
Ready-to-run workflows
Custom GPTs they can use immediately
Prompts that execute the strategy
Templates they can fill in

Don't just give knowledge.
Give implementation.

Because here's the truth:
Nobody has a knowledge problem anymore.
We all have an execution problem.
I can Google "how to do local SEO" and get 10,000 results.

I can ask ChatGPT and get a complete strategy in 60 seconds.
The information exists.

What's missing?
The system that helps me DO it.
AI solved knowledge access.
Now the value is in systems that execute the work.

Your PDF graveyard proves it.
You downloaded all that information.
But you didn't implement any of it.

Not because you're lazy.
Because turning knowledge into action takes effort.

And that's where AI changes everything.

Now you can:
Take any PDF
Turn it into a workflow
Build a system that executes
Actually implement the strategy

Knowledge was the currency in 2015.
Implementation is the currency in 2025.

Stop hoarding PDFs.
Start building systems.

How many unread PDFs are sitting in your downloads folder right now?

Knowledge is not a lead magnet.
Implementation is.

Where to spend your marketing dollars right now. 

Zachary Geleott and I had a chat about services to offer and what to charge. This is a gold nugget from that conversation. 

Also, I may need to just buy Descript because this was the easiest editing I have ever done.

I'm grateful we're all burning out on AI.
Yeah, you read that right, that's my Thanksgiving statement.

Is it annoying to see the same thing posted 100 times? Absolutely.

Does it prove we're all trying to figure this out together? Yes.

Does it prove people care enough to share what they're learning in public? Also yes.

We're in a universal shift. Everyone's learning something new. Some people are sharing their breakthroughs. Some people are sharing their mistakes.

That's how you learn as a community.

So I'm grateful for the noise. For the repetition. For everyone taking the risk to share instead of hoarding.

Let people share their experience. Let them figure it out loud.

We all had to start somewhere.

Show you are grateful. 
Tag someone in the comments who is posting about AI!
Especially, those posting about AI and SEO...I love it!

I surf as often as I can. Not because I'm good at it.....I'm not.
It is because it is one of the things I work for. 

I make money so I can afford to do the things I love. 
I love surfing. 

Also, there's something about being in the water that resets everything.

You can't check Slack. You can't answer emails. You can't think about your pipeline.

You just have to be present. Read the waves. React.

And somehow, every time I rinse off and get back to work, the answers are clearer.

The problems that felt impossible? Smaller.
The decisions I was overthinking? Obvious.

I used to think grinding harder was the answer to everything.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is step away from it.

What's your version of this? The thing that clears your head and makes you sharper? Curious what works for others.

"What should I spend my marketing budget on?"
Most owners know they need to show up. 
They just don't know the smart way.

I ask two questions:

#1: Do you need money now or later?
Money later = You're doing well, want to scale. Build brand & reputation first. Organic optimization, SEO, AI optimization. These compound.

Money now = You need an immediate return. Run ads. Money out = money in. Bigger spend, bigger payoff.

#2: How much?
Here's where math saves you: "What's your profit margin on your top service? How many new clients can you service monthly?"

I worked with a general contractor charging $15K per bathroom remodel. Five jobs/month at $2,500/month in my services? That's a steal. ROI is obvious.

So here's what I'm curious about: 
Which one are you—money now or money later? 
More importantly, which one should you actually be?

We have ~25 working days left in 2025.
And your business is going to suffer.

Thanksgiving. Black Friday. Christmas. New Year's.

And right now, one of two things is happening:
1. You're letting the year run out.
Thinking: "I'll restart in January when I'm recharged."
2. Or you're scrambling.
Trying to make magic happen before December 31st.
Either to hit your numbers or justify next year's marketing budget.

Here's the reality:
You can't create 6 months of SEO momentum in 25 days.
You can't significantly fix your AI search visibility by Christmas.
You can't build authority by New Year's Eve.

But you CAN make strategic moves that set you up for Q1.

Here's what actually works right now:

Option 1: Hire now. Don't expect magic.
If you hire an agency or consultant today, you're not getting results by January 1st.

That's not how organic optimization works.
Google takes time.
ChatGPT takes consistency.
AI search rewards sustained effort.

But if you hire NOW, you get:
Strategy built in December
Execution starting in January
Momentum by March
Results by Q2

You're not buying holiday miracles.
You're buying a Q1 head start.

Option 2: Pay for consulting clarity.
If you're not ready to hire, get strategic direction.

Pay someone to answer:
Do you need SEO, AIO, or GEO?
Should you be on TikTok, LinkedIn, or X?
Where is your marketing budget best spent?
The easy answer: Where is your ideal customer hanging out?

But most businesses guess rather than seek clarity.

Spend $500-1,000 on consulting now.
Get a roadmap for Q1.
Stop wasting budget on platforms that don't matter.

Here's what NOT to do:
Don't expect an agency to deliver results in 3 weeks.
Don't blow your entire Q4 budget on paid ads hoping for a miracle 
(well, if you are failing, hyperfocus those ads - I can consult on that)
Don't start a massive project on December 20th that dies in January.

Make strategic moves:
Hire for Q1 execution (not holiday miracles)
Get consulting clarity (so you're not guessing in January)
Plan your Q1 campaigns now (so you hit the ground running)

Most businesses will coast through December.
Then panic in January wondering why they're behind.

You have 25 working days.

Use them strategically.

Not to create magic.

To set up momentum.

What's your plan for Q1? Are you hiring now or scrambling in January?

PS - If you want to meet with me about how to show up in Google, ChatGPT, AI overviews, etc - DM me. 

I have consulting hours specifically set aside to get you set up in 2026.

Most businesses coast in December. Then panic in January. Don't be most.

I got bored. I prompted. This is the insane result.

I was a little stuck on what I wanted to post today.
Rarely will you see me post true infographics, because I don't like designing them.

But that was my ah-ha moment.

Gemini 3 and Nano Banana are popping off right now in AI forums, so I took an old topic like blog post layout (saw this in the forum too), and applied it to a webpage (because I love service pages).

Then I simply said "Create an infographic based on the above information. Use  a web page as the image and layout where each element should go. deliver in 9:16"

But, you could replate these directions to just say "use relevant visuals,
appropriate for.." and fill in your audience.

And BOOM!
This isn't so bad. Not my style, but good information.

I spent the weekend with a close friend who owns several multifamily properties in the town I live in, and my brain is full. 

We talked about everything...selling, buying, what the rental market looks like right now, and my favorite, marketing rentals. 

One thing he said stuck with me:
"I can afford to buy a property right now, but I am not going to. It doesn't make sense." 

Which, I have heard him say before - "It has to make sense." 

Sounds obvious. But it's not.

He broke down that "makes sense" encompasses:
- Are we at the peak in price?
- Is the property just appealing because it is in the town? Or is actually in a good spot? 
- Did they overdevelop and we are going to see a drop?
- Are they going to change the street parking (big issue by me)?
...and a ton of other questions. 

Ok, now, let me spin this on you because you know I am just making a metaphor....

Here's why this matters for marketing:
SEO and AI optimization specialists fall into the same trap.

We get excited about ranking for keywords like "how much is rent in [city]" because the search volume looks great.

But that's top-of-funnel. Informational. Tire-kickers.
If that's all you're ranking for, you're missing bottom-of-funnel—the searches with actual intent. The ones that convert.

Before chasing any strategy, ask: 
Does this actually make sense for ROI?

Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Even if it looks good on paper.

Does anyone else have sound advice that seems obvious?
I would love some tips from property investors because I know they have learned some lessons.

Most local businesses compete on price and proximity.
Here's how to compete on value instead...and get a ton of SEO, AIO, GEO value

Build a free tool for your target customer.
(yes, I will tell you how to to EASILY do it)

Not a PDF.
Not a checklist.
An actual tool they can use.

Here's why this works:
People remember businesses that help them.

A contractor offering a "Cost Calculator for Home Renovations"?
I'm bookmarking that.

A landscaper with a "Exact Plants For Your Sunlight Analysis"?
I'm coming back to that.

An accountant with a "Tax Deduction Estimator for Small Business"?
I'm using that.

You become the business people return to.
Not because you're cheap.
Because you're useful.

Here's how to build one:

Step 1: Find the question your customer is asking
Ask ChatGPT: "What questions do homeowners ask before hiring a plumber?"
Or: "What's trending on Reddit in r/homeimprovement related to plumbing?"

You'll find:
"How much does it cost to..."
"How do I calculate..."
"What's the average price for..."

Tip - most people want to save money or make the best decision.

Step 2: Brainstorm tool ideas with AI
Prompt: "My target customer wants to know [question]. What simple online tool could answer this?"

AI will suggest:
Calculators
Estimators
Comparison tools
Decision trees
Assessment quizzes

Step 3: Build the tool (no coding required)
Use platforms like:
Replit (AI-powered code generation)
bolt.new (build apps with prompts)

Feed your idea to these tools and they'll build it for you.

Step 4: Gate it with lead capture
Require:
Name
Email
Phone number

Or use Google sign-in for easier access.

Now every person who uses your tool becomes a lead.

Step 5: Promote the tool
Add it to your website homepage
Share it on social media
Run local ads to it
Get featured in local news ("Local plumber creates free tool for homeowners")

What this does for your business:

Drives traffic (people share useful tools)
Builds authority (you're the expert who made this)
Captures leads (name, email, phone)
Creates return visits (they come back to use it again)
Differentiates you (competitors are just listing services)


Most local businesses say: "Here's what we offer."
Smart ones say: "Here's a solution to your problem."

One hopes for a transaction.
The other creates a relationship.

You don't need to be a developer.
You just need to identify the question your customer is asking.

Then build a tool that answers it.

What question is your target customer asking that you could turn into a free tool?

1 Free Tool =

↓

Goodwill
(People remember you)

+

Lead Capture
(Name, email, phone)

+

SEO Value
(Rankable content + backlinks)

+

Social Media Content
(Shareable, useful posts)

+

Easy As Hell to Create
(AI builds it for you)

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