Tech for Business

In this third LinkedIn Live AI chat, Kelsey and Todd discuss how to define and prove AI ROI, arguing many AI projects fail due to poorly defined returns beyond simple time-savings. They distinguish AI activity from AI value, stressing goal-driven, iterative adoption and measurable milestones executives and CFOs can trust—typically cost savings (growth without headcount) or revenue impact (more leads, faster launches, higher win rates). They walk through ROI approaches for practical scenarios including SOP creation and searchable copilots, marketing email HTML generation, new-hire self-serve process help, AI-assisted RFP drafting, job descriptions and onboarding templates, automated revenue-report narratives, customer success call recaps, contract review prep, and meeting-to-action-item pipelines, emphasizing reduced rework, fewer dropped tasks, better decisions, improved customer satisfaction and retention, and lowered legal and operational costs.00:00 Live Chat Kickoff00:14 Defining AI ROI01:39 Activity Versus Value02:33 Proving ROI to CFOs04:19 Measuring After the Fact06:04 ROI Scenario Challenge06:42 SOPs and Process Consistency09:36 Marketing Email Automation10:49 Onboarding and New Hire Support12:53 Sales RFP Drafting13:58 HR Docs and Consistency15:44 Finance Reporting Summaries18:55 Customer Success Recaps20:27 Legal Contract Review22:06 Meeting Actions and Accountability24:00 Todd’s ROI Tips26:02 Wrap Up and Next Episode

In this LinkedIn Live episode, host Kelsey and Todd discuss how to improve AI workflow results by moving beyond vague prompts like “write me a marketing email” and using an iterative approach. Todd shares the CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task), recommends prompting AI to ask clarifying questions one at a time, and stresses specifying desired outputs such as a Word document, table, or executive summary. They demo a prompt-building tool called Prompt Cowboy and discuss using screenshots or PDFs to extract, simplify, or reformat information, including translating legal documents into plain English. The conversation highlights governance concerns such as AI memory, paid vs. unpaid tools, and avoiding sensitive data like PII, employee information, financials, and health details. Todd also mentions agents for specialized compliance use cases and a voice tool called Whisper Flow for capturing ideas while away from a keyboard.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:55 Why Prompts Fail01:49 CRIT Prompt Framework04:10 Handling Complex Requests05:50 Prompt Cowboy Demo07:58 Iterative Prompting Tips10:32 Screenshots and Privacy16:23 Everyday Business Use Cases19:04 Saved Prompts Debate26:44 Agents and Compliance27:53 Wrap Up and Voice Tools30:05 Outro and Next Episode

Kyle (CEO & President at CIT) and Brett (VP of Technical Sales at Genians) join us to discuss recurring and emerging security challenges, including protecting the inside of the network, visibility into who and what is connected, and meeting audit requirements in regulated industries like credit unions and manufacturing. They discuss how VPN zero-days and compromises render perimeter-only defenses insufficient, emphasizing network access control (NAC), device trust policies, alerts, segmentation, and zero-trust principles such as least privilege. They note many organizations lack accurate asset inventories and are surprised by the number of connected devices, including rogue or unmanaged equipment. For prioritization, they recommend starting with core best practices (firewalls, EDR, MFA) and moving toward NAC and ZTNA-style remote access as VPN risk increases. They also cover budget and complexity barriers, product overlap, analysis paralysis, and practical AI adoption examples like Slack AI and Microsoft Copilot for search.Learn more about Genians: https://www.citsolutions.net/about-computer-integration-technologies/partners/genians/00:00 Security Challenges Today01:18 Inside Network Threats03:14 VPN Zero Days Defense04:13 Why Problems Persist08:40 Prioritizing Security Steps10:50 Budget and Complexity Barriers13:34 Hidden Devices Discovery18:05 Common Missteps and Overlap19:48 Practical AI Use Cases24:08 Action Steps and Wrap Up

In the first AI Live chat on LinkedIn, Kelsey interviews CIT President and CEO Kyle about how he uses Claude Code as an agent-based executive assistant running locally on his MacBook. Kyle describes building MCP connectors into business systems like Halo (ticketing/PSA), NetSuite (financials), email, and team chats, plus using “skills” that load only when needed to save tokens and cost. He explains how he prompts in plain language while the AI helps build the setup, and shares examples like generating daily “morning” and end-of-day recaps, creating customer health summaries, and quickly producing spreadsheets to identify inactive customers by correlating invoicing and support data. They discuss rapid shifts in AI-assisted coding, data quality checks, ROI, and how AI may transform roles more than replace them.00:00 Welcome And Setup00:47 CEO Nighttime AI Habits01:45 Building A Local Agent03:44 Daily Workflow With Claude05:11 Plain Language Development07:37 Claude For Everyone08:54 Skills And MCP Explained14:19 AI Writing Software Shift16:59 Productivity ROI Examples19:56 Quick Hit Use Cases20:55 Voice Notes to Tasks21:19 Instant Customer Checkins23:14 Reengaging Stale Accounts26:21 Access Permissions and Data Quality28:07 Validating AI Outputs29:28 Cost Value and Key Users31:44 Daily Recap Replacing Dashboards33:37 Agents and the Future of Work36:05 Replacing vs Transforming Roles41:35 Adoption Advice and Wrap Up

Human Oversight, Transparency & What It Means for Global AI RegulationIn this episode, Todd (COO & CISO) and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity) to discuss South Korea’s new AI Basic Act and what it signals for AI regulation globally. They outline the law’s focus on guardrails such as mandatory disclosure when AI is used, clear labeling of AI-generated content, human oversight in high-impact areas (like healthcare and critical infrastructure), and explainability around how AI-driven decisions are made. The conversation compares South Korea’s approach as a middle ground between the EU’s stricter governance (EU AI Act) and the US’s current emphasis on innovation and some AI deregulation, while noting the US has limited election-related rules around deepfakes. They discuss real-world risks like AI errors in allergen data, misleading or harmful AI content, and business impacts including compliance pressure, the importance of human validation, and maintaining an inventory of where AI is used to address “shadow AI.” They also note that South Korea’s fines appear relatively small compared to EU-style penalties, and that broader impact will depend on enforcement and how regulations evolve over the next several years.00:00 AI Regulation Kickoff00:26 South Korea AI Act Basics01:17 Transparency and Labeling Rules02:22 Elections and Deepfakes03:21 Real World Risk Examples04:39 Global Approaches EU US Korea05:41 How Global Rules Shift07:20 US Policy Tensions and Lawsuits09:00 Business Compliance and Fines10:10 Explainable AI in Banking11:16 Regulated Marketing Disclosures13:23 Shadow AI and Inventories14:33 Explainable AI Expectations14:46 Disclosure and AI Skepticism15:50 AI in Customer Delivery16:29 Code Risk and Accountability17:18 Hallucinations in Compliance18:03 Human in the Loop18:59 Leadership and Validation19:50 High Stakes Decisions20:59 Regulation and Enforcement21:34 Wrap Up and Next Episode

CEO & President Kyle and Graphic Designer & Brand strategist Kelsey explore how prompting has evolved from using AI like a “smarter Google” to structured strategies that deliver sharper, less generic results.They break down the CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task), share why detailed context reduces hallucinations, and explain how prompt libraries and model memory speed up repeatable work. The conversation also dives into context engineering with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Google Workspace Gemini to make AI outputs more relevant and secure.Plus: common prompting mistakes, model comparisons, multimodal inputs, and how to onboard teams without losing brand consistency.Listen now to level up how you work with AI.00:00 Prompting Then vs Now: From “Smarter Google” to Strategic Skill 00:39 Why AI Sounds Vanilla: Averages, Models & AI Slop 01:33 Prompt Engineering & the CRIT Framework 02:35 Interview-Style Prompts: Fewer Hallucinations, Better Results 04:10 Garbage In, Garbage Out: Treat AI Like a New Hire 05:04 Let AI Help Write Prompts + Tools & Libraries 07:08 Why One-Liners Fall Flat (Contractor Analogy) 07:55 From Prompts to Systems: Templates & Model Memory 11:21 Context Engineering: Files, Memory & Workplace Data (Copilot/Gemini) 13:27 Over-Prompting: Context Limits & When to Reset 16:26 Set Outcomes, Don’t Micromanage 18:22 Smarter Models: Gemini & Claude Need Less Steering 19:06 Claude Opus vs ChatGPT: Speed vs Detail 20:27 Multi-Model Workflow: Use Each for Its Strength 21:20 Why New Models Feel Smarter 22:11 Ask AI to Improve Your Prompts 24:42 Planning Mode: Structured Builds & AI Interviews 26:13 Training Teams: Frameworks, SOPs & Safe Experimentation 31:47 Multimodal & Voice Prompting (Gemini’s Edge) 33:15 Wrap-Up & What’s Next

In this episode, we are joined by Cole, a Power Platform Developer, and Kelsey, a Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist, to discuss the key differences between various AI models. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trial and error, context, and the specific needs of different departments within a business. We also touch on the practical applications of GPT, Copilot, and other tools, and explore how businesses can better align their AI strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into AI utilities, effective prompting, and strategic decision-making to boost your business productivity and efficiency.00:00 Introduction to AI Models00:27 Differences Between AI Models01:14 Practical Applications and Preferences03:05 AI Tools and Their Use Cases04:22 Choosing the Right AI Tool08:20 Memory and Context in AI15:24 Effective Prompting and Tone20:10 Building Context in AI Conversations22:26 Balancing Business Tools and Employee Preferences23:40 Understanding the Gap Between Business and Personal Tool Use24:20 Tailoring Tools to Department Needs25:55 The Importance of Pilot Programs for AI Tools28:48 Governance and Safe Use of AI Tools30:58 The Creative Process of Using AI Tools34:22 Effective Communication with AI Models37:04 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Join Jason & Nate for an in-depth discussion on the evolution of file storage and compliance in the commercial furniture industry. They delve into the practical implications of technology on business outcomes, especially focusing on the compliance and security components crucial for industry standards like CMMC. They explore the benefits of cloud-native solutions like Ignite for file storage, addressing common pitfalls with traditional on-premise servers, and the importance of optimizing IT resources to drive business efficiency. Learn about scaling amidst mergers and acquisitions, compliance requirements, and how modern IT infrastructures can support design and business innovation. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice on navigating the complex landscape of technology, security, and compliance.Resources:Learn more about CMMC: https://www.citsolutions.net/demystifying-cmmc-elevating-cybersecurity/Explore AI leadership: https://www.citsolutions.net/ai-leadership-workshop/Register for Tech Con: https://www.citsolutions.net/tech-con/registration/Aura Rendering: https://www.citsolutions.net/solutions/contract-furniture/rendering-services/00:00 Introduction and Podcast Kickoff00:44 Importance of Compliance and Security01:22 Technology's Role in Business Outcomes03:15 Challenges with Traditional IT Infrastructure03:50 Impact of COVID on IT Strategies05:51 The Shift to Cloud Solutions08:22 File Storage Solutions for Design Firms12:23 Compliance and Cybersecurity Concerns13:27 Evaluating Total Cost of Ownership17:31 Choosing the Right File Storage Platform23:56 Compliance Requirements and CMMC27:12 Access Control and Compliance27:26 Data Residency and Overseas Collaboration28:09 Government Compliance and FedRAMP28:41 Third-Party Providers and Compliance29:42 Government Clouds and Employee Screening30:11 Importance of Compliance in Business30:39 Simplifying IT Management32:20 Scalability and Mergers33:58 Acquisition Challenges and Solutions34:46 File Storage and Migration Tools35:21 Industry Mergers and Platform Management39:24 Specialized IT Services for Dealerships42:02 Closing Remarks and Future Events

In this series episode of our Tech for Business podcast, join Todd, COO and CISO, and Nate, Director of Cybersecurity, as they discuss the evolving cybersecurity landscape for 2026. They explore the critical importance of transitioning to Zero Trust architecture, managing identity tools beyond Microsoft Active Directory, and leveraging cloud-based solutions. Discover insights on the roles of non-human IDs, implications of AI advancements, and the significance of fundamental security measures like endpoint protection and network segmentation. Learn how organizations can proactively prepare for future cybersecurity challenges, integrate modern IT infrastructure, and stay informed about regulatory changes. Don't miss the actionable tips on maintaining robust security in an ever-changing technological environment.00:00 Introduction to 2026 Security Trends00:52 The Future of Identity Management07:59 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity13:53 Legislation and Compliance in 202619:22 Low-Hanging Fruits for Cybersecurity in 202626:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to an exciting episode as we kick off 2026 with our top tech trends! Join Kyle (President & CEO), Todd (COO & CISO), and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity) as they explore the hottest topics in technology. From the ongoing importance of Zero Trust Network Access to the rapid advancements in AI and wearable tech, this episode is packed with insights. Discover how AI is being leveraged across various sectors, the implications of wearable technology in business, and the essential steps for enhancing cybersecurity in the modern world. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of tech and how it can transform your organization! 00:00 Introduction and Tech Trends Overview01:11 The Importance of Zero Trust Network Access03:52 Augmented Reality and Wearable Tech13:13 AI Legislation and Privacy Concerns16:52 The Future of AI and Robotics24:33 Supply Chain and Shadow AI Challenges26:49 Future of Coding and AI in 202627:54 Impact on SaaS Market28:23 Security and User Protection28:48 Micro Teams and Revenue Opportunities29:32 Efficiency Gains and Cost Reduction31:01 Orchestrating AI for Maximum Efficiency34:13 Learning from AI40:22 AI's Role in Strategic Planning45:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode, we dive into the practical aspects of implementing AI in your business. Host Kyle, CEO and President, and Scott, Director of Strategic Services, discuss their personal experiences with AI and automation. They explore major roadblocks businesses face when starting AI projects, such as data unification and training. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration across departments, strategic governance, and continuous training to effectively leverage AI tools. Tune in to discover actionable insights on how to kickstart your AI journey and drive productivity gains. Don't miss out on these expert tips to start 2026 with success!00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker00:26 Personal AI Implementations03:38 Challenges in AI Implementation for Businesses04:08 Data Management and AI11:02 Training and Collaboration for AI Success19:18 The Future of AI in Business26:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources: https://www.thestreet.com/investing/pentagon-gave-palantir-448-million-learn-why https://www.citsolutions.net/solutions/consultations/ai-consulting-services-for-business/

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle, the CEO and President of CIT, to discuss how to choose and implement your first AI project. Kyle provides insights into prioritising AI projects, from identifying repetitive and time-consuming tasks to using AI for automations and augmentations. He explains the importance of documenting processes, tracking time, and evaluating ROI to ensure the success of AI initiatives. Kyle also shares practical examples, such as using AI to process vendor invoices, and tips on enhancing sales tasks with AI. Additionally, the conversation covers measuring success metrics, handling setbacks, and the role of consultants in AI implementation. Tune in to learn how to achieve significant time savings and efficiency through thoughtful AI integration.00:00 Introduction to AI Projects00:43 Identifying Time-Consuming Tasks01:42 AI in Vendor Invoice Processing03:45 Calculating ROI for AI Projects04:46 Starting Small with AI07:06 AI in Sales and Meetings11:02 Measuring Success of AI Implementations13:25 Leveraging AI for Task Management14:07 Measuring Success Beyond Immediate Projects14:54 Deciding When to Abandon a Project16:48 Importance of Documenting Processes17:14 Automation vs. AI: Understanding the Difference18:46 Planning and Building AI Agents23:31 Engaging Consultants for AI Implementation27:07 Final Tips for Business Leaders

In this episode, we are joined by Kyle, the President and CEO, and Todd, the COO and CISO, to discuss the critical importance of vetting your vendors. Kyle and Todd delve into why businesses need to meticulously select their vendors, the risks of failing to perform due diligence, and the benefits of building strong partnerships. They also offer practical advice on key questions to ask during the vetting process and emphasize the importance of ongoing vendor evaluation. Whether you're part of a small to midsize business or a larger enterprise, this episode provides valuable insights into maintaining security and ensuring long-term vendor partnerships.00:00 Introduction to Vendor Vetting00:26 Understanding the Importance of Vendor Vetting01:45 Risks of Not Vetting Vendors03:48 Benefits of Thorough Vendor Vetting05:35 Choosing Vendors for Long-Term Partnerships08:27 Key Questions to Ask When Vetting Vendors09:11 Commonly Missed Checklist Items10:58 Financial Stability and Acquisition Risks12:03 Account Management and Vendor Relationships12:56 Understanding Vendor Partnerships13:08 Evaluating Company Culture15:38 Compliance and Vendor Due Diligence17:16 Key Questions for Vendor Assessment21:39 Reevaluating Vendor Relationships23:41 Final Thoughts on Due Diligence

Building a Security Culture: Insights from CIT In this episode of 'Our Tech for Business' podcast, Nate, the Director of Cybersecurity, and Todd, the COO and CISO, dive into the importance of building a robust security culture within organizations. They discuss the significance of integrating security into company culture, the challenges faced when implementing security measures, and the disconnect between business leaders and employees regarding cybersecurity. With practical advice for non-tech leaders and employees, they share insights on how to transition from mere compliance to a committed security culture. Tune in to learn how to foster security awareness and commitment across all levels of your organization.00:00 Introduction to Building a Security Culture00:29 The Importance of Security Culture01:12 Challenges in Implementing Security Measures03:09 Misconceptions About Cybersecurity04:53 Evolving Security Practices at CIT09:51 Empowering Non-Security Professionals14:13 Engaging in the Security Process14:43 IT Leaders and Executive Buy-In15:03 Translating Business Needs to Security15:13 Driving Security in Non-Tech Leaders15:38 Advocates for Security16:00 Creating a Safe Feedback Environment16:17 Transitioning from Compliance to Commitment16:56 The Role of Business in Security18:41 The Importance of Compliance19:25 Culture Change in Organizations20:30 Practical Steps for Non-IT People23:19 Outsourcing Security Services27:03 Communication and Culture28:17 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this special Cybersecurity Awareness Month episode of the Tech for Business podcast, Todd (COO and CISO) and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity) discuss the importance of critical infrastructure and its relationship to cybersecurity. They provide insights into what constitutes critical infrastructure, the impact of legacy systems, and the foundational best practices for cybersecurity. Key highlights include the significance of multifactor authentication, password security, network segmentation, and the role of culture in cybersecurity measures. Whether you are a private business owner or part of critical infrastructure, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to enhance your cybersecurity posture.00:00 Introduction to Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity00:34 Defining Critical Infrastructure01:26 Impact of Critical Infrastructure on Daily Life02:15 Identifying Critical Infrastructure04:23 Cybersecurity Best Practices05:36 Challenges in Securing Legacy Systems07:32 Password Security and Common Mistakes10:02 Approaching Legacy Systems: Patch or Replace?15:51 Barriers to Improving Security19:27 Practical Advice for Dealing with Legacy Systems21:40 Conclusion and Future TopicsSources: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-hacking-us-critical-infrastructure-retired-general-tim-haugh-warns-60-minutes-transcript/https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/critical-infrastructure-sectors

In this episode of the Tech for Business podcast, hosts Jason, vCIO, and Mitchel, business development representative, share their experiences from Configura’s Experience Conference. They discuss the importance of understanding how users leverage technology, the role of designers in commercial workspace solutions, and the innovative Aura Acceleration product aimed at enhancing designers' efficiency. The episode also highlights their participation in and presentations at the conference, emphasizing the community's role and the value of continuous improvement in IT services for the design industry.00:00 Welcome to Our Tech for Business Podcast00:19 Recap of the CET Experience Conference00:44 The Importance of User Conferences01:33 The Role of Technology in Commercial Interior Design03:59 Mitchell's Insights from the Conference04:59 Challenges Faced by Designers Across Industries06:21 Technology Budget Constraints in Dealerships08:55 Breakout Sessions at the Conference13:00 Introduction to Aura Acceleration15:03 Enhancing Designer Efficiency with Aura Acceleration15:34 Global Accessibility and User Feedback16:16 Challenges and Solutions in Rendering Offload16:45 Conference Insights and User Engagement17:23 Unexpected Success and Future Improvements18:28 Reflections on the Conference Experience19:15 Building Community and Professional Growth21:05 Showcasing Work and Client Testimonials22:27 Future Plans and Community Initiatives26:35 Final Thoughts and GratitudeCustomer Testimonials:https://youtu.be/Aq5AlKLK4PEhttps://youtu.be/Ka8k8Bl9EIU Aura Acceleration: https://www.citsolutions.net/aura-acceleration/

In this episode we sit down with Ven, Director of Information Security at ArmorPoint. The discussion dives deep into the rising threat of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), where ransomware developers create and sell or lease their malicious software to other criminals. The episode explores the roles of RaaS operators, affiliates, and initial access brokers, highlighting the rapid deployment and wide-reaching impact on businesses, particularly small businesses. We also touch on the adaptation strategies for cybersecurity professionals, the role of AI in these attacks, and practical steps businesses can take to improve their defenses. Join us to understand the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and how to build a culture of resilience in your organization.Learn more about ArmorPoint here

Delve into the complexities of home network security, especially in the era of smart devices. They discuss data usage by smart devices, share insights on the importance of segmenting networks, and detail measures to enhance home network security. From explaining the significance of unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to weighing the pros and cons of having multiple high-tech gadgets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to secure their home network while embracing smart technology.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic00:28 Viral Article on Smart Devices01:20 Smart Home Devices: Convenience or Concern?02:23 Personal Tech Preferences and Practices04:21 Home Network Security Basics06:08 Data Privacy and Smart Devices08:34 Security Recommendations for Home Networks13:19 Balancing Tech and Privacy at Home30:04 Remote Work and Home Network Security34:22 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysResources: https://informationsecuritybuzz.com/your-smart-washer-pose-a-threat-to-yo/