A Journey Through Community Banking in the Lone Star State

Did somebody say “roadtrip”? This past week, I had the pleasure of hitting the road…


Touchdowns, Chocolate and Banking: Our Thoughts from ABA’s Conference for Community Bankers

Y’all, if there’s one thing we love, it’s heading to the Lone Star State for a…


Achieve Your 2024 Resolutions with Industry Intelligence

As the third week of the new year comes to a close — how is your New Year’s…


Going Beyond Business: Vertical IQ Cares Program Inaugural Year in Review

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life…


Top 10 Industry Profiles for 2023

It’s hard to believe 2023 is coming to a close! It’s been a rollercoaster year…


Thoughts from American Banker’s Small Biz Banking Conference

The American Banker’s Small Biz Banking Conference [SBB] feels like home away from…


3 Things We’ve Learned About How Experienced Sales Professionals Use Vertical IQ

We recently hosted the first of two fall webinars focused on how our customers are…


Navigating the Age of Intelligence: 6 Insights From the 6sense Breakthrough Conference

Events with our Vertical IQ partners tend to be some of our favorites, so it’s no…


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The Value of Third-Party Data

We trust the experts in numerous areas of our lives. If you need a major car…


Leading with Purpose: Thoughts from the Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference

The financial industry has come a long way in promoting gender diversity and…


Embracing Diversity, Tech, and Collaboration: Insights from PrimeGlobal MegaWeek

If you’re in the accounting world, chances are you’re already familiar with…


A Credit Renaissance: Reduce Underwriting Lending Risks

How Credit and Credibility Are Inextricably Connected

Our eBook, A Credit Renaissance: Reduce Underwriting Lending Risk and Revive the…


Reimagining Main Street: Thoughts from the 2023 America’s SBDC Conference

Hot chicken, country music, and celebrities galore — could Nashville get any…


Man and female having a meeting in office

5 Ways Industry Intelligence Helps Deepen Your Relationships

Here at Vertical IQ, we often talk about how our Industry Intelligence is…


Inforum: The Secret Sauce in Vertical IQ’s Industry Forecasts

There are any number of scenarios where it would be incredibly helpful to have a…


The S&P Community Bankers Conference Reminds Us to Remember the Details

I recently attended the S&P Global Market Intelligence Community Bankers…


Attracting More Deposits: Ain’t You Special… Yet?

Vertical IQ co-founder and Clarity Advantage president Nick Miller has been…


The AAM Summit is a Reminder to Focus on Worth

Me and B3 Method Institute CEO Amy Vetter If there is one thing that’s more…


Abrigo’s ThinkBIG Conference Got Me Thinking Big

I attended Abrigo’s ThinkBIG Conference last week, and it truly was a great event:…


Vertical IQ Kicks Off Spring Events Schedule

Put away your coats, throw open the windows, and celebrate: Spring is HERE! And…


Risk Management: A Chance to Be Your Business Owner’s Hero

For a period of nine months from April 2022 to January 2023, Silicon Valley Bank…


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…


Can Clean Energy Overcome Its Growing Pains?

Renewable energy is a hot-button topic in the current economic landscape, and it…


discussing business ideas

Thoughts from the CUNA Business Lending Roundtable

For the first time ever, I attended the Credit Union National Association (CUNA)…


Cryptocurrency 201: What’s In Crypto’s Future?

In this second installment in our two-part blog series on cryptocurrency, we…


Cryptocurrency 101: The Essential Facts About Crypto

This is the first installment in our two-part blog series examining the rise of…


Advice from the Experts Blog Series: Nick Miller

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


Advice from the Experts Blog Series: Viveka Von Rosen

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


Five Thoughts from the Sales 3.0 Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


Jack Hubbard cover

Advice from the Experts Blog Series: Jack Hubbard

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


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Advice from the Experts Blog Series: Brynne Tillman

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


financial speaker on stage

Five Thoughts from the Financial Brand Forum

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


shoes and socks on table

Start Knocking the Socks Off of Clients with Industry Intelligence

It seems like there is a day to celebrate nearly EVERYthing … from National…


Larry Levine featured image

Advice from the Experts Blog Series: Larry Levine

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


Man speaking

Global Entrepreneurship Week: A Tip of the Cap to Innovation

Happy Global Entrepreneurship Week! The right to start your own business with…


Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the Experts

Advice from the Experts Blog Series – Introduction

Vertical IQ’s latest eBook, entitled “Unlock Sales Readiness: Advice from the…


speakers on stage

Five Thoughts from the Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


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Five Thoughts from the Risk Management Association Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


acounting advisory services

Industry Intelligence Gives Credit Unions Big Benefits for Small Businesses

Happy International Credit Union Day (Oct. 20) to those who celebrate! Credit…


Computer chip

The Long Game: CHIPS Act to Boost Domestic Production, Address Supply Chain Woes

The $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act (also called the Creating Helpful Incentives…


Convention show

Five Thoughts from the 6sense Breakthrough User Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


Sunset

Five Thoughts from American Banker’s Small Biz Banking Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


Planning

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…


Selfie at show

Five Thoughts from the NYBA Combined Retail & Small Business + Trust & Investment Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


Vertical IQ team

Five Thoughts from America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Conference

This fall, our associates recall experiences from the events, conferences, and…


Art museum

Why Vertical IQ Added Nonprofit “Fund Accounting” to its Platform

We all hear the term “nonprofit” used to describe everything from a hospital that…


San Diego harbour

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…


Boats on water

Vertical IQ Fall Preview: Upcoming Events, Conferences, and More

With summer starting to fade from view, fall activities and events are just around…


bank mergers handshake

Vertical IQ Helps Bankers Capitalize on a Merger

When a bank announces a merger, it can unleash a variety of concerns from existing…


RMA 2022 conference; call preparation

Lessons in Industry Intelligence from the RMA Conference

Our partnership with the Risk Management Association (RMA) makes for an insightful…


on the road for upcoming events

On the Road Again: Upcoming Conferences and Webinars

We’re back, baby! After a pandemic hiatus, the team at Vertical IQ is hitting the…


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Groove Puts Industry Intelligence in Your Inbox!

Technology, almost by definition, is intended to make our lives easier (although…


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Guest Post: Industry Intelligence Best Practices for Sales Enablement

With an extensive background in banking, Cameron Harrison (pictured right) is the…


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Banks & Their Clients Reaping Rewards of Vertical IQ/S&P Global Collab

Some collaborations just make sense. David Bowie and Queen. Michael Jordan and…


N.C. Small Business & Technology Development Center’s SBTDC Deanna Day

A Conversation with N.C. Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Deanna Day

Deanna Day (pictured right) is the statewide senior research analyst for…


icba-live-2022 community banking

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…


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A Brief Summary of the 2022 ABA Community Bankers Conference

The 2022 American Bankers Association (ABA) conference for community bankers was…


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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…


businessman sitting on stairs; sales development

Four Industry Intelligence How To’s for Sales Development Reps

The role of sales development representative is akin to a tour guide. You are…


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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…


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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…


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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…


Introducing Our New VP of Strategic Partnerships, Paul Hock

Introducing Our New VP of Strategic Partnerships, Paul Hock

We are very excited to welcome the newest member of the Vertical IQ team, Paul…


Industry Profile Report

Industry Profile Report Dive Deep into the industry with a 25+ page industry…


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First-Hand Account: How Readiness Wins in a Competitive Market

In this guest post, Jerry Bazata, a commercial lender in Portsmouth, New…


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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…


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Give Clients the Benefits of a Consultant Without the Big Price Tag

More than ever, value-added advice is essential for sales readiness. Given the…


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Savvy Sales Pros Thrived by Improving Skill Sets Amid Pandemic

The past year created numerous problems, both large and small, as people tried to…


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After PPP Ends, Don’t Overlook This Important Fourth “P”

By HD Jacobs, Senior Depository and Lending Solutions Product Specialist at S&P…


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Moving Beyond Sales Clichés to Add Value

“How’s business?” This might just be the oldest sales conversation-starter in the…


Brynne Tillman webinar RECAP social selling

Webinar Recap: Social Selling: Content to Conversations

When people hear the word “marketing,” they often think of print or TV…


Jack Hubbard remote selling webinar

Webinar Recap: 8 Keys to Remote Selling

I recently hosted a webinar with banking sales expert Jack Hubbard, chairman and…


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Swap: Potential Benefits and Downsides to the Bank and Borrower

Guest post by David Nicholson, Owner of Credit Training Inc. For commercial…


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Banking Sales Expert Shares Thoughts on Virtual Selling

Jack Hubbard is the chairman and chief experience officer at St. Meyer and…


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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…


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Why Aren’t Bankers Viewed as Advisors by Their SMB Clients?

Few businesses have made it through the past year completely unscathed. Whether it…


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Last Seen Leaving the CEO’s Office (Part 3 of 3)

Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed >> Related:…


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Solving the Case of the Frozen Sales Pro (Part 2 of 3)

Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed >> Related:…


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Unsolved Mysteries of Losing a Sale (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by David Buffaloe Private Investigator – Name Undisclosed Reports of strange…


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S&P Global Integrates Vertical IQ Industry Data to Help Lenders Better Understand Customers

By Guest Blogger Cam Saucier, Product Manager, U.S. Financial Institutions at…


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Readiness Wins in 2021

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2021! While 2020 served up more than its share of…


measuring cups on table

Five Ingredients for Sales Success in 2021

By nearly anyone’s standards, 2020 was a doozy. The world struggled to manage a…


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Boost Your Virtual Sales Results Using Industry Intelligence

The red lights are blinking, the sirens are blaring, the signs that say “Danger…


analysing charts on tablet and computer

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…


cloudy evening

How Banks and Bankers Can Prepare for An Impending Crisis

We may be in the lull before the storm. I really like to think optimistically, but…


Fisher-Price figures

I’d Like to Live in a Fisher-Price Town

2020 has been a year packed full of crazy, and this week’s elections are likely to…


shaking hands at office

The Competitive Advantage of the Community Bank

Community banks have had a challenging year; it’s been unlike anything our nation…


two females looking at laptop

Relationships Still Matter in Business Banking

Barlow Research Associates is probably the most well-known, and certainly the most…


two men looking at mockup town

Welcome to Prospectville

September saw NFL and college football starting to come back to life, bringing a…


male and female looking at laptop

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…


female smiling at coworker

When Success Requires Shape-Shifting: Lakeland Bank’s Story

Sitting outside on my deck this morning, I caught sight of a small lizard zooming…


meeting at a table with tablets

Keep it Real: Initiating More Meaningful Client Conversations

This is the fourth in a series of five blog posts about how to create and implement…


Add Value to SBDC Client Meetings with Industry Intelligence

As a small business development center (SBDC) counselor, you see a wide range of…


Webinar Recap: Local Economies and Why You Should Know Them

Vertical IQ recently hosted a webinar on how advisors of small businesses can…


Using a Strategic Mindset to Build Trust with Clients and Prospects

This is the first in a series of five blog posts about how to create and implement…


Questions Surround the Final Phases of Reopening

There’s been broad confusion about the “phases of reopening” the U.S. economy. The…


Why SMBs are Switching Banks & What You Can Do to Stop Them

2020 has been one of the toughest years for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs)…


The Secret to Sales Success in a Down Economy

Written by Tony Cole, founder and Chief Learning Officer of Anthony Cole Training…


Why a Crisis May Be Prime Time for Accounting Marketing

I recently attended a Capstone Marketing webinar entitled, “Marketing Your…


Webinar for Accounting Marketers: Using Industry Intelligence to Grow Your Firm

Across many industries, marketers are consistently asked to do more with less.…


Reopening Realities: What Will Sales Calls Look Like in This “New Normal”?

I’ve talked to a lot of Vertical IQ customers lately about what meeting with…


Key Metrics: Why Advisors Need to Understand Their Local Economies

The U.S. economy gets a lot of attention — and rightly so. Since 1871, the U.S. has…


Leading Under Pressure: How Can You Help?

Written by Lisa Earle McLeod, author of Leading with Noble Purpose As we all…


Overcoming Hurdles: How Business Bankers Can Meet Customers Where They Are

With the economic peril caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, every small and…


Advising Customers & Prospects Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted nearly every aspect of people’s…


The Circle of Trust…

Written by Martin Wise, founder and CEO of RelPro …and the opportunity (necessity)…


Using the 10-Second Rule to Improve Your Client Meetings

You’ve heard of the 5-second rule, whereby food that has been dropped may be eaten…


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…