Vertical IQ Expands Coverage of Recent Banking Closures
In the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank closures,…
Targeting Cash-Intensive Industries as a Critical Part of Your Growth Strategy
It’s no secret that deposits have been dominating the discussion around banking…
Thoughts from the ABA Conference for Community Bankers
The American Bankers Association (ABA) held their Conference for Community Bankers…
Federal Government Revises the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
We all know that industries evolve to offer new products or services in new ways.…
Thoughts from the CUNA Business Lending Roundtable
For the first time ever, I attended the Credit Union National Association (CUNA)…
Fitness Centers Shaping Up for a Rebound
They say that beach bodies are made during the winter, and most fitness centers DO…
That’s a Wrap! Top 10 Industry Profiles for 2022
The end of the year is prime time for countdowns and retrospectives. You’ve seen…
Holiday Shopping Season Shaping Up to Be Especially Jolly for Retailers
The U.S. retail sector is enjoying a prosperous holiday season. The National Retail…
Start Knocking the Socks Off of Clients with Industry Intelligence
It seems like there is a day to celebrate nearly EVERYthing … from National…
Industry Intelligence Gives Credit Unions Big Benefits for Small Businesses
Happy International Credit Union Day (Oct. 20) to those who celebrate! Credit…
A Look at the Agricultural Sector on National Farmers Day
Happy National Farmers Day! We want to start by saying “thank you” to the…
Industry Intelligence: The CEO’s Playbook Against Inflation, Economic Headwinds
I’m a big college football fan, especially right now since my NC State Wolfpack is…
Why Vertical IQ Added Nonprofit “Fund Accounting” to its Platform
We all hear the term “nonprofit” used to describe everything from a hospital that…
America’s SBDC Preview: Vertical IQ Heads to San Diego for 43rd Annual Conference
We’re excited to be back on the road again! Next week, we will kick off our fall…
Vertical IQ Fall Preview: Upcoming Events, Conferences, and More
With summer starting to fade from view, fall activities and events are just around…
Vertical IQ Helps Bankers Capitalize on a Merger
When a bank announces a merger, it can unleash a variety of concerns from existing…
Lessons in Industry Intelligence from the RMA Conference
Our partnership with the Risk Management Association (RMA) makes for an insightful…
Industry Intelligence and Best-in-Class Training: A Powerful Combination
Kyle Peterdy (pictured right), Vice President of the Commercial Banking &…
Incorporate Industry Intelligence to Create Win-Win Partnerships
It was such a thrill to be able to attend the recent Forrester B2B Summit North…
On the Road Again: Upcoming Conferences and Webinars
We’re back, baby! After a pandemic hiatus, the team at Vertical IQ is hitting the…
Groove Puts Industry Intelligence in Your Inbox!
Technology, almost by definition, is intended to make our lives easier (although…
A Case for Industry Intelligence: N.C.’s Small Business and Technology Development Center
Rachel Bridgers (pictured right) is a business counselor at the North…
Guest Post: Industry Intelligence Best Practices for Sales Enablement
With an extensive background in banking, Cameron Harrison (pictured right) is the…
Banks & Their Clients Reaping Rewards of Vertical IQ/S&P Global Collab
Some collaborations just make sense. David Bowie and Queen. Michael Jordan and…
You Know It: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Relevant Industries
The idiom, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another” has felt especially on the nose…
A Conversation with N.C. Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Deanna Day
Deanna Day (pictured right) is the statewide senior research analyst for…
A Recap of the 2022 ICBA LIVE Conference in San Antonio
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) is one of the largest and most…
The “Strategic 4”: Connect the Dots Between Client Issue and Bank Solution
As the Director of Training and Customer Success at Vertical IQ, I love helping…
Four Industry Intelligence How To’s for Sales Development Reps
The role of sales development representative is akin to a tour guide. You are…
Industry-Focused News You (and Your Clients) Can Truly Use
With today’s 24-hour news cycle, you have the latest news headlines thrust upon…
For Banks and Bankers: Choosing the Best Industry Niches is Art and Science
I was honored to be invited to speak during the Jan. 7 Barlow Research Associates…
Why Industry Intelligence is a Must for Achieving Your 2022 Goals
If you’re like me, you’re finally back into the groove after the holiday season…
A Look Back at 2021’s Top 25 Industry Profiles
You probably recall thinking at the end of 2020 that things would be getting back…
Introducing Our New VP of Strategic Partnerships, Paul Hock
We are very excited to welcome the newest member of the Vertical IQ team, Paul…
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Could Be a Boon for Certain Industries
The $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also called the Infrastructure…
Become a Specialist in a Generalist’s World by Using Industry Intelligence
I’ve long been curious about-industry specialization within the sales process. I…
Part 7 of 7: Give Small Business Platform Lending a Clearer View with Industry Intelligence
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 6 of 7: Private Equity Informed by Industry Intelligence
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 5 of 7: Get Group Banking on Team Industry Intelligence
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 4 of 7: Industry Intelligence Adds Up for Wealth Management & Investments
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 3 of 7: Credit Underwriting Can Connect the Dots with Industry Intelligence
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 2 of 7: Industry Intelligence Puts Card Services in Charge
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Part 1 of 7: Industry Intelligence Offers a Wealth of Treasury Management Insight
Your commercial and small business bankers love Vertical IQ for call preparation,…
Put Two “I”s in Your Customer Success Team: Industry Intelligence
Your company’s customer success team is all about ensuring satisfaction after the…
The Secret is Out: Industry Intelligence Ups Your Marketing Game
As a marketing professional, you are involved in strategy and tactics at every…
Industry Intelligence Gives De Novo Banks a New Way of Doing Business
It seems like every week, there is a new tech startup making the news. While…
Using Intelligence Tools for Remote Selling Adds Value for Prospects
Jack Rants: Live is a weekly webcast featuring bank sales expert Jack Hubbard. Each…
Accounting Firms Can Boost Advisory Capabilities with These 5 Steps
This is the time of year when accountants are usually taking a well-deserved break…
How Everyone Can Win with the Work-From-Home Trend
The COVID-19 pandemic turned the world on its head in countless ways. Among them,…
Create Loyal Super-Fans Along the Buyer’s Journey (Part 3 of 3)
What is a brand or product that you absolutely love and can’t (or don’t want to)…
Become a Trusted Co-Pilot on The Buyer’s Journey (Part 2 of 3)
You’ve heard the famous proverb from philosopher Lao Tzu: “The journey of a…
Increase the Sum of the Accounting Trust Equation
Most CPAs and accountants are “numbers people,” adept at distilling complex…
Hit the Road to Deliver Value Throughout the Buyer’s Journey (Part 1 of 3)
Who could use a little vacation right about now? I know I’m ready! Planes are…
Industry Focus: Dive into Swimming Pool and Spa Retailers
Who would have guessed that, in addition to toilet paper and hand sanitizer,…
Moving Beyond Sales Clichés to Add Value
“How’s business?” This might just be the oldest sales conversation-starter in the…
Why Should a Small Business Go Global?
If there is one business lesson learned from the pandemic it is that — for better…
Vertical IQ’s Top Industry Profiles for Q1 2021
Here at Vertical IQ, we really dig data. That’s why our in-depth Industry…
How Accountants Can Tackle A Tax Season Like No Other
COVID-19 has created challenges for nearly every industry, and accountants are no…
Webinar Recap: Social Selling: Content to Conversations
When people hear the word “marketing,” they often think of print or TV…
Industry Focus: Landscaping Services Are In Season
Spring is in the air in much of the U.S., and that means it’s go-time for the…
Banking Sales Expert Shares Thoughts on Virtual Selling
Jack Hubbard is the chairman and chief experience officer at St. Meyer and…
Retail and Food Services Sales Numbers Show Promise
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released their January 2021 Advance Monthly Sales…
Webinar Recap: Banking Strategies & Trends to Win, Grow & Retain More Business
In the first can’t-miss session of our Vertical IQ Spring 2021 Banking Webinar…
Personalize Your B2B Sales and Marketing with Industry Intelligence
If we learned one thing from the events of 2020, it’s that businesses must be agile…
Last Seen Leaving the CEO’s Office (Part 3 of 3)
Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed >> Related:…
Solving the Case of the Frozen Sales Pro (Part 2 of 3)
Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed >> Related:…
Unsolved Mysteries of Losing a Sale (Part 1 of 3)
Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed Reports of strange…
Five Ingredients for Sales Success in 2021
By nearly anyone’s standards, 2020 was a doozy. The world struggled to manage a…
A Look at the Top 25 Industry Profiles for 2020
If you’re like me, you are ready to kick 2020 to the curb! It’s been a year when…
Golf Courses Rake in the Green Amid the Pandemic
So many businesses have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic, in part…
What’s The Next Big Idea for Cash Flow Tools? Maybe It’s You.
Here at Vertical IQ, we are passionate about helping our customers understand…
Now More Than Ever, Industry Intelligence Is A “Must Have”
Today, it is more critical than ever to have access to Industry Intelligence so…
A Closer Look at Veteran-Owned Businesses
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business…
Let the Shopping Season Begin: Internet, TV & Mail-Order Retailers
You know the big guys — Amazon, eBay, QVC, L.L. Bean — but there are a lot more…
Welcome to Prospectville
September saw NFL and college football starting to come back to life, bringing a…
August Retail Sales: Are the Winners and Losers Starting to Plateau?
The Census Bureau released the Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services,…
4 Ways to Use Industry Intelligence to Grow Your Accounting Firm
Remember those commercials for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups where the actors would…
Using Industry Intelligence on Accounting Marketers’ Tactics
We see you, accounting marketer. We understand that the pressure is on to figure…
July Construction Spending Offers Some Optimism, Some Stagnation
Last week, we shared some positive news about residential construction in the U.S.…
Use Industry Intelligence to Take Less and Give More
This is the fifth and final post in a series of five blog posts about how to create…
When Success Requires Shape-Shifting: Lakeland Bank’s Story
Sitting outside on my deck this morning, I caught sight of a small lizard zooming…
Protecting Bank Assets by Identifying and Managing Risks
Written by David Nicholson, founder and president of Credit Training, Inc.…
How Industry Intelligence Helps Build Better Marketing Initiatives
You’ve heard of industry information, industry insights, and industry research, but…
Add Value to SBDC Client Meetings with Industry Intelligence
As a small business development center (SBDC) counselor, you see a wide range of…
Using Industry Intelligence to Offer Alternative Ideas
This is the third in a series of five blog posts about how to create and implement…
Make More Informed Recommendations with Industry Intelligence
This is the second in a series of five blog posts about how to create and implement…
Building Confidence: Residential Construction Shows Signs of Hope
On Friday, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…
Retail and Food Services Sales Reveals Mixed Picture
On Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau released their latest data on estimated retail…
A Closer Look at Who is Getting PPP Dollars
You’ve probably seen the headlines this week about the government’s release of more…
May Retail & Food Service Data Improves as Shutdowns Ease
The U.S. Census Bureau’s May 2020 retail and food service data was released on June…
Industry Spotlight: Grocery Stores
The nation’s 41,000 grocery stores have experienced a raucous 2020, due in large…
Math Meets Civics: Education Job Numbers Plummet During Pandemic
Earlier this week, I shared with you the detrimental financial impacts the COVID-19…
Why is the Healthcare Industry Suffering Financially During a Pandemic?
Last week, I shared with you some of the industries that have been hardest-hit by…
These Industries are Among the Pandemic’s Hardest Hit
At Vertical IQ, we recently have focused our research efforts on monitoring the…
Help Clients Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Their Industry
It’s the topic on nearly everyone’s mind right now: coronavirus (COVID-19). And…
When Life Gets Crazy, Get Specific
In the midst of chaotic times such as these, my mind turns to messaging. Sounds…
Even Better Than a Handshake: Financial Focus
Connect as a Proxy CFO to Help Guide Small Business Owners Face-to-face meetings…
Honing the Human Element
We’ve all heard the phrase, “I’m only human.” There was even a hit song from ‘80s…
Battle of the Century: Banking Bots vs. Human Business Bankers
I’m continually amazed by what you can do with new technology, applications,…
Hit the Mark with These Arrows in Your Quiver of Prospecting Tools
As a client success manager, I love talking with people about ways to get the most…
Industry Spotlight: Candy Manufacturers
The sweet smell of love is in the air…oh wait, no…that’s candy that I smell! The…
The Power of Personalization and Advice in B2B Banking
Our Vertical IQ co-founder and CEO, Bobby Martin, recently co-hosted a webinar with…
Who Are the Winners and Losers in the USMCA?
The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed by the namesake…
Using Vertical IQ to Support Your Workplace Banking Program
Thanks to the increased use of technology like ATMs, online banking, and direct…
The Secret Sauce: Enabling Bankers with Industry-Specific Content
Written by Shaalin Parekh, Senior Market Development Manager at Seismic It’s no…
12 Ways to Use Industry Research to Win More in 2020
The new year is a good time to start new, better habits, from improving our diets…
Podcast Recap: 7 Secrets for Bankers To Become the Trusted Advisor for Small Businesses in 2020
Small business banking is being disrupted. Those cliché, predictable conversations…
Industry Spotlight: Jewelry Stores
December is the month when the nation’s 15,200 jewelry stores really shine! Indeed,…
Key Takeaways From 2019 Small Business Banking Conference
Members of the Vertical IQ team recently attended the American Banker Small…
Webinar Recap: High-Touch Coaching in a High-Tech World
The final installment in Vertical IQ’s free fall webinar series was last week—a…
Leadership Spotlight: Vertical IQ’s New CMO, David Buffaloe
David Buffaloe recently joined Vertical IQ as chief marketing officer (CMO). David…
Webinar Recap: Playing Offense and Defense to Prepare for the Future
The second installment in Vertical IQ’s free fall webinar series was last week—a…
Building SMB Client Relationships with Insight and Foresight
Of course every business services firm that calls on small- to mid-sized businesses…
Helping Change How SMB Owners Think About Cash Flow
“If I had to run a company on three measures, those measures would be customer…
3 Motivations to Become a Better Value-Added Advisor
A value-added advisor is someone whose ideas and advice you respect enough to…
How to Help Small Businesses Compare Their Financials to Their Industry
“Are we keeping up with the Joneses?” Owners of small and mid-sized businesses…
Webinar Recap: Red Ocean vs. Blue Ocean Sales Strategies
Last week, we hosted the first installment in Vertical IQ’s free fall webinar…
Adding Industry Knowledge into Your Contact Strategy
When it comes to gaining trust with small to mid-sized business (SMB) owners,…
Upgrade Your Prospect Presentations with These 3 Tips
You’re pulling together a presentation for a new small to mid-size business (SMB)…
Which Industries Should I Target?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was developed as the…
4 Ways to Help SMBs Manage Cash Flow
You may have heard the platitude, “Cash is the most important, yet least…
The 3 Local Economic Indicators Every SMB Advisor Should Know
The economy is a hot topic lately, with pundits arguing over whether we are or…
2 Simple Ways to Wow Prospects at a Networking Event
Speaking with people you don’t know at a networking event can be a tricky…
Turn Industry News into Valuable Content for SMB Owners
There is arguably no one busier than a small to mid-sized business (SMB) owner.…
5 Organizations You Need to Know to Know Small Business
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of niches that small businesses…
Helping Small Business Owners Understand What Their Company is Worth
For most small to mid-sized business (SMB) owners, their company is their most…
Ready for Change: Addressing Trigger Events with Small Business Owners
“Trigger events” are major changes that affect a business. They can be milestones…
5 Steps to Improve Your Client Meeting Quality by 50 Percent
As a busy professional, you likely find yourself burning the candle at both ends…
How Generalists Can Develop Niche Industry Specialties
In 2017, River Cities Capital Funds, a growth equity fund focused on healthcare and…
Webinar Recap: Building Prospecting Momentum
Last week, we hosted the final installment in Vertical IQ’s free spring webinar…
Industry Spotlight: Hotels & Motels
It’s summertime, and the 41,000 hotels and motels in the U.S. are rolling out the…
Using Industry Research to Address Succession Planning
This week, I read an article that got me thinking about the importance of…
Webinar Recap: Save Me! Save Me Now!
Last week, we hosted the second installment in Vertical IQ’s free spring webinar…
How “Purpose” Can Drive A Bank’s Success
As the senior sales associate at Vertical IQ, I am always interested in learning…
Webinar Recap: What a Beer Cart Driver and Boutique Hotel Can Teach Us About Welcoming New Clients
Vertical IQ kicked off our free spring webinar series a few weeks ago with a great…
Industry Focus: A Clean Perspective on Janitorial Services Companies
It’s spring cleaning time! And the nation’s 53,000 janitorial service providers are…
The Value of Anticipation
As a mom of soccer players, I hear my kids’ coaches reiterating the importance of…
What’s Your Story? Paint a Clearer Picture Using Financial Data
Accounting Today published an article a few weeks ago entitled, “Why accountants…
In a Tech-Driven World, Stand Out with Expert Advice
A recent Wall Street Journal article entitled “The Problem for Small-Town Banks:…
The Most Valuable Advice Financial Pros Can Offer to Business Owners
If you are an accountant or financial advisor, it’s a busy time of year for you as…
Feeling the Pinch: Industries Hit by Government Shutdowns
Last month’s partial government shutdown cost the nation’s economy an estimated $11…
3 Reasons Why Your Industry Knowledge Matters to Small Business Owners
When studying economics—or marketing for that matter—one of the first concepts that…
Personalization, Partnerships, and Payments Top Small Business Banking Conference Agenda
“It’s like the question, ‘Do you prefer your toothbrush or your dentist?’,”…
What Consumer Debt Means for the State of the U.S. Economy
In order to have industry expertise, one must also have solid knowledge on the…
Survey of Small Businesses Explores What Owners Really Want
At Vertical IQ, we often talk about how industry research can help build…
New Smartphone App Offers Industry Insights on the Go!
Vertical IQ’s cofounders are former financial professionals, so we understand what…
The How and Why of Industry Structure
One of the fascinating things about working for Vertical IQ is learning about the…
How Bankers Can Help Business Owners Plan Exit Strategies
Two members of the Vertical IQ team and I attended the 2018 Exit Planning Summit in…
3 Trends Bankers Should Key In On When Meeting with Computer Programming Firms
It seems that just about everything today relies upon computers, and as a result,…
A Healthy Environment for the Medical Device Industry
We noticed an interesting article in the August 15 issue of American Banker…
Industry Spotlight: Commercial Equipment Rental and Leasing
Despite the credit risks inherent to commercial equipment rental and leasing…
Tariffs & Trade Wars: Should Your Bank Client Worry?
A hot topic in the news lately has been tariffs and the resulting “trade wars” they…
Industry Focus: The Financial Health of Fitness Centers
They say that beach bodies are made during the winter, and most fitness centers DO…
Should Banks Make a Move in the Self-Storage Industry?
Americans have a lot of STUFF. For many people, they have more than can be…
Industry Spotlight: Child Care Centers
School may be out for the next few months, but thankfully for America’s working…
Key Lessons from Interactions with Business Bankers
As the founder and owner of several businesses, I get my fair share of calls from…
Industry Focus: All Eyes on Optometry Practices
Given recent industry growth and their relatively safe credit risk, optometry…
5 Essential Trusted Strategies for Business Banking Success
It wasn’t so long ago that a business banker could get by based on their…
7 Ways to Use Vertical IQ for the Credit Underwriting Process
I truly enjoyed my job as a business banker. I relished the opportunity to meet new…
How to Avoid Cliché Questions Bankers Ask Business Owners
As the director of client success at Vertical IQ, I communicate with bankers on a…
Industry Spotlight: Convenience Stores
In the late 1990s, as a banker in Wilmington, North Carolina, one of my best…
7 Things You Can Do to Get the Most Out of Vertical IQ
Your bank leadership is telling you that you need to be using Vertical IQ to…
Why It’s Worth Convincing Skilled Bankers to Use Vertical IQ
Experienced bankers—people who have been in the financial industry for 10, 20, even…
How to Make CPAs an Ongoing Source of Bank Referrals
”Centers of influence”(COIs) are a select group of people who can help to increase…
The 10 Most Popular Vertical IQ Industry Profiles
Now that we are in full swing with the new year, it’s a perfect time to think about…
5 Tips for Upping Your Bank’s Vertical IQ Usage
We all remember the ghostly voice from Field of Dreams telling Ray (Kevin Costner),…
Industry Spotlight: Restaurants
There’s no doubt about it: Americans LOVE to eat! And we have the restaurants to…
Key Takeaways From the 2017 Small Business Banking Conference
Members of the Vertical IQ team recently attended the American Banker Small…
Industry Spotlight: Physician Practices
As cold and flu season kicks into high gear around the holidays, a lot of folks…
Industry Spotlight: Machine Shops
Look around your office: Every chair, lamp, pen, and coffee mug likely was made…
Industry Spotlight: Breweries
Are you a beer aficionado? There’s no doubt that people in the U.S. enjoy knocking…
A 5-Minute Summary of The ABA Bank Marketing Conference
The annual ABA Bank Marketing Conference was held in New Orleans on Sept. 24–26…
Finding Opportunity in Small Business Transitions
As the Baby Boomers reach retirement age, you can expect to see more ownership…
A More Tailored Sales Approach for the Seasoned Banker
You’ve been a banker for years, working your way up in the ranks and gaining…
Identify Your Next Industry Niche? Go Where There’s Profits
In my January blog “5 Reasons Every Business Banker Should Have Industry Niches,” I…
Industry Spotlight: Calling on Law Offices
When I was a private banker in the late ‘90s in Wilmington, North Carolina, I found…
Why Bankers & FAs Need a “Wealth” of Industry Knowledge
As a private banker, you are tasked with understanding the “big picture” of your…
What I Learned at The Barlow Research Conference
Why Keeping Up with Your Banking Competition Keeps Getting Tougher What I learned…
Become Your Clients’ “Mini-Economist” in 5 Minutes
When I was a banker calling on businesses, company owners frequently would ask me,…
Developing a Contact Strategy That Wins Over Business Owners
Having been a banker for 13 years and a relationship manager for five, I found that…
Vertical IQ is the Busy Branch Manager’s Life-Line
In March 2005, I was promoted to the branch manager position for one of the local…
Cashing In: Consider These Niches for Growing Deposits
Driving home from work recently, I saw a new “For Sale” sign in the yard of a…
What’s the Big Deal About Dental Practices?
Dental practices and other privately-owned medical practices have long been…
5 Reasons Every Business Banker Should Have Industry Niches
Knowing a little bit about a lot of things increases your odds of winning at Trivia…