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Making things easy makes for sticky merchants," says Eric Berstein, COO at ValorPaytech. Learn how ValorPayTech makes things easy for merchants with an omni-channel processor-agnostic payment acceptance solution that supports cash discounting. Plus Patti reports on year-end consumer spending, and James offers his take on interchange padding.

There's a lot of value to be gained from partnering with independent software vendors (ISVs), "but it needs to be a two-way street," says Cal Grant. Grant, a 15-year veteran of merchant services, has spent much of his career forging relationships with ISVs and is now Chief Revenue Officer at Caseroads, an ISV specializing in automating law offices. Learn first hand what ISVs are looking for from payment processing partners, and about opportunities for selling to law firms. Plus Patti updates listeners on the latest round of PPP loan funding, and James offers a how-to on predicting revenue streams from cash discounting merchants.

In this special holiday episode of the merchant sales podcast, we are bringing you 3 recent Q&A sessions where James Shepherd talks with industry professionals about merchant cash advances, agent compensation and getting merchants off the fence.

Learn first hand how the Payroc team has built a merchant sales powerhouse. Plus get expert advice from James for selling on value. And Patti reports on how ill-prepared businesses with automated fuel dispensers are for the upcoming EMV compliance deadline, and discusses how ISOs and MLSs can turn this into an opportunity.

Consumers' personal information (PI) is under attack, rendering merchants vulnerable, but PCI compliance is only one part of the answer. Learn from Dr. Ross Federgreen, CEO at CSR Privacy Solutions, how ISOs and MLSs can update service offerings to help protect merchants handling PI, and create robust new revenue opportunities in the process. Plus Patti reports on the growing trend toward POS lending, and James explains why highly successful sales professionals new to merchant services should focus on cash discounting and terminal leasing.

Helping SMBs pivot to online sales is the next big opportunity in merchant services, says Keith Sampson, National Sales Director at North American Bancard. Keith and Grace Hwang of BigCommerce explain how the two firms are partnering to empower NAB's sales partners to sell ecommerce services. Then James and Patti discuss opportunities for pitching online scheduling coupled with cash discounting to help small salon-type businesses weather the COVID storm, and Patti wraps up the podcast with a look at how ecommerce is driving sales this holiday shopping season.

B2B payments are a huge opportunity for the taking by ISOs and agents, says Roger McNamara, President of Guide2Interchange. Roger describes how to grow residuals by honing in on the unique needs and value prop for B2B merchants accepting card payments. Plus James explains 3 strategies for deploying successful ISO sales teams, and Patti reports on merchant card acceptance preferences.

Get answers to some probing questions. This video will give relevant advice that you don’t want to miss! Today I’m answering some great questions from an agent. He has a 200-location franchise interested in cash discounting. Listen and get answers to these questions and more.

This week, Ben Robinson, Director at Apeiron, describes a technology solution that keeps merchants processing online even when their Internet connections are down. Then, Patti reports on anticipated spending trends for the year-end holiday season, and James addresses a question on the minds of many ISOs: to 1099 or W2?

Kevin Smith, President of Secure Bancard, explains how his wholesale ISO has taken previously outsourced processes in house to boost efficiency, effectiveness and profitability. James offers advice on selling POS solutions, and Patti reports on a new Visa initiative to drive more contactless adoption among small and micro-merchants.

Bob Carr has been building successful ISOs since the 1980s, and in this week's episode he shares some secrets of his success. "You can still make good money in this business," Bob says. Bob, who latest venture is called Beyond Inc., describes how a commitment to training makes this possible. Plus, Patti reports on how the SBA is simplifying the PPP loan forgiveness process for some small businesses, and James explains why ISOs and agents should adjust their attitudes around selling cash discounting to dine-in restaurants.

"There's an app for that," says Steve Benson, CEO at Badger Maps. In this week's featured interview, Steve explains how mapping technology can help agents and can boost sales by at least 20% sales while driving 20% fewer miles. Then Patti reports on one big bank's play for Square merchants, and James has some tips for newbies.

Agents selling cash discounting have significantly stronger residual streams than those just selling traditional card processing, says Dave Fiegle, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Retriever Merchant Solutions. The biggest obstacle to success isn't merchant attitudes, but agent buy in, Dave says. James continues on this theme during Questions from the field, and Patti reports on changing consumer shopping and payment habits.

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There are 2 strategies I see merchant sales reps using to succeed in 2020. In this special 20 minute podcast episode, James shares two paths to success that individual merchant sales reps and small ISOs are taking in 2020 to position themselves for the future. One of these paths might surprise you! Join James as he shares insights from his consulting trips, one on one coaching and interactions on social media to learn what the top merchant sales professionals are really doing in 2020 to grow their portfolio.

Discover challenges & opportunities of using telemarketers Building a team of telemarketers that can provide agents with a steady stream of solid leads takes time, but "it pays for itself in the long term," explains Dustin Magaziner, Partner at PayBright, in our featured interview. Then Patti reports on new rumblings in Washington over interchange. And James suggests a new telemarketing pitch: contactless payments.

An advanced sales technique – Buffer Statements Want to make double or triple your current income? There is an elite group of sales professionals who are the top 1%. Find out if you have the “X” factor and learn to use buffer statements.

Discover the value of adding high-risk accounts to your book Wondering if it's time to learn how to step out of your comfort zone and pursue high-risk merchant accounts? Josh Ewin, President & COO at Helios Payments, explains how Helios has built a strong book of business around high-risk businesses, like ecommerce, CBD and subscription services. Plus, Patti reports on growing demand for Buy-Now-Pay-Later services, and James offers insights on selling technologies and POS solutions.

How to get banks to send you merchant accounts on auto pilot. Learn the ins and outs of establishing valuable bank referral relationships with EPNA president Laura Calixte. As a follow up to this interview, James shares his thoughts on the future of statement analysis and online applications as well the new ISO Amp solution.

My all-time favorite opening pitch Which of my opening pitches has sold the most merchants? I’ve sold hundreds of merchant accounts; find out which opening has been my favorite.