Join us as we welcome Adrian Corral, the business and technical product manager at Avalara, to discuss their Salesforce connectors and comprehensive tax solutions. Adrian also highlights the complexities of taxability across different industries and how Avalara’s sophisticated tax engine simplifies these challenges. In this episode, we explore the future trends in composable architecture, particularly focusing on Salesforce and its compatibility with headless architecture. Learn about the advantages of using APIs over traditional SDKs and how KPIs drive executive buy-in for cutting-edge technologies.

We discuss the benefits of hybrid composable architecture and its competitive edge in hiring developers. Additionally, Adrian shares insights on AI-powered note-taking tools and their impact on enhancing user experiences. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Avalara’s role in ensuring tax compliance and supporting the infrastructure of an effective e-commerce storefront.

Show Highlights:

• Future trends in composable architecture and the advantages of using APIs over SDKs

• Simplifying taxability complexities in industries like manufacturing with Avalara's sophisticated tax engine

• Competitive edge of hybrid composable architecture and hiring Node.js developers

• The role of KPIs in driving executive buy-in for new technologies

• The potential of AI-powered note-taking tools to revolutionize user experiences and streamline tasks

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

• Learn more about Commerce Cloud Innovations here: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/innovations/

• Avalara AppExchange Listing: https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3A00000FMiPDUA1

• B2B & D2C Commerce, Payments and OMS Roadmap Webinar on August 8th at 11am ET: http://sfdc.co/B2Broadmap

• B2C Commerce Roadmap Webinar on August 21 at 1pm ET: http://sfdc.co/B2Croadmap

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Bettina Donmez, Puma's ace in the realm of e-commerce, joins us in a gripping exchange that marries the agility of online retail with the finesse of personalized customer service. Transitioning from the skies of the airline industry, she lands into the dynamic world of digital commerce, bringing a collection of insights on how to genuinely connect with customers.

With a common codebase as the cornerstone, we traverse the delicate balance between scalability and personalized experiences that cater to diverse consumer desires. Bettina elucidates the journey from high-pressure scenarios to remarkable success stories, emphasizing the indispensable role of a solid backend system, artificial intelligence, and the power of unwavering vendor relationships.

We explore the surprising parallels between conscious parenting and effective leadership and the potential role of generative AI like ChatGPT in shaping these aspects of our lives. We envision a digital future where ethics and innovation coexist, considering the creation of digital personas and the responsibilities we share in demystifying technology. Join us in this episode that promises to leave you with a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology, personal growth, and the ethical paths we pave toward the future.

Show Highlights:

• Collaboration with Salesforce to enhance customer engagement and societal impact through innovative retail strategies.

• The significance of scalable and adaptable e-commerce platforms for handling high-traffic product launches.

• Personalization in digital shopping through robust content strategies and the potential role of an AI concierge to assist time-pressed shoppers.

• The use of generative AI for parenting and leadership, offering neutral guidance and support in complex situations.

• Ethical considerations in tech and the responsibility of the tech community to educate and guide the public through digital advancements.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Join us as we welcome Pree and Sasha from Salesforce to explore the critical role of data in business operations, particularly within the Commerce Cloud. Pree emphasizes the strategic use of high-quality, actionable data to make informed decisions and enhance customer experiences. Meanwhile, Sasha shares her passion for crafting innovative solutions to complex problems. We also address the anxiety retailers often feel around data collection and underscore the importance of having a solid data strategy.

Listen in as we discuss the importance of connected data in maximizing the potential of Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Discover how Data Cloud for Commerce provides valuable insights by contextualizing data, enabling businesses to avoid costly inventory mistakes and deliver personalized experiences. We also stress the necessity of breaking down data silos to unlock the full potential of integrated data, leading to smarter decision-making and innovative solutions.

Show Highlights:

• Importance of actionable, high-quality data in driving business growth and enhancing customer experiences.

• Strategies for effective data utilization to make informed decisions and boost customer loyalty.

• Innovative solutions to address retailer anxieties around data collection and management.

• Benefits of seamless integration between inventory systems and marketing efforts to prevent customer frustration.

• The power of Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Data Cloud for Commerce in breaking down data silos.

• Role of AI in enhancing data insights, optimizing supply chains, and personalizing customer experiences.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

• To learn more about Commerce Cloud Innovations, go here: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/innovations/

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

What if your smartphone could not only enhance your shopping experience but also predict your needs before you even knew them? In this episode, we sit down with Helen Slaven, the Chief Revenue Officer at POQ, to explore the incredible impact of mobile apps and AI on the retail industry. With her journey starting at IBM, Helen offers a wealth of knowledge on the exponential growth of mobile technology and its critical role in e-commerce.

Discover the future of retail apps as Helen highlights the integration of Salesforce into mobile platforms, transforming them into powerful tools for customer engagement and retention. Learn how businesses can go beyond replicating e-commerce experiences by offering innovative functionalities like personal POS systems, geo-location prompts, and barcode scanners.

From AI-driven content creation to consumer-driven supply chains, this discussion uncovers how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with expert knowledge on the future of mobile apps and the evolving dynamics of the retail industry.

Show Highlights:

• The transformative impact of mobile technology on e-commerce and retail.
• Statistics on smartphone usage and the projected growth of the mobile app industry.
• Enhancing retail apps with Salesforce integration for personalized customer experiences.
• Innovative app functionalities like personal POS systems, geo-location prompts, and barcode scanners.
• The role of AI in content creation, personalization, and its integration with Salesforce's Einstein and Data Cloud.
• Evolving retail landscape: user-generated content, consumer-driven supply chains, and AI's potential in forecasting and sustainability.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew
• To learn more about Commerce Cloud Innovations, go here: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/innovations/

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Join us as we master the 2024 holiday shopping season with Caila Schwartz, Director of Research and Insights at Salesforce. In this episode, we go into Salesforce's Holiday Insights HQ, revealing how Caila and her team predict holiday shopping trends using a blend of proprietary data and consumer surveys. Discover why more consumers are leaning on credit amid rising prices and how value shopping is becoming crucial.

Learn about the resurgence of concentrated shopping during Cyber Week, the increasing importance of loyalty programs, and actionable strategies to leverage data and AI-driven tools for personalized shopping experiences. Don't miss out on these expert insights and practical tips to optimize your holiday retail strategy.

Show Highlights:

• Discussion on the shift towards value shopping due to rising prices and consumer reliance on credit.

• Examination of Cyber Week's renewed importance and the growing preference for online shopping.

• Exploration of the increasing significance of loyalty programs amidst rising digital marketing costs.

• Analysis of supply chain challenges, particularly middle-mile costs driven by higher crude oil prices and overseas conflicts.

• Strategies for leveraging data and AI to personalize shopping experiences and enhance consumer engagement.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

• Follow Natalija Pavic on LinkedIn to stay on top of new episodes and highlights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natpavic/

• Checkout Caila's full report here: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/holiday-shopping-predictions/

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Joining us in this episode is Dr. Trish Myers, who delves into her journey with Salesforce. From revolutionizing a 40-year-old family-owned service company with a rapid digital transition to leading global delivery teams at Rafter One, Dr. Myers' story is one of perseverance and innovation. We explore the vital role of the Salesforce community, the importance of continuous learning, and the significant impact of subscription management systems and automation for business efficiency.

Dr. Myers offers invaluable insights from her research on digital strategies, emphasizing the necessity of proactive innovation and customer-centric approaches. Tune in for a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and profound business insights.

If you would like a deeper dive into certain features from this show, message Nat with your top requests, and if you are a Salesforce Commerce Cloud customer, partner, or expert interested in being a guest on the show, include this in your message.

Show Highlights:

• The supportive Salesforce community, known as Ohana, and its impact on Dr. Myers' professional journey.

• Importance of maintaining and innovating e-commerce and self-service portals to stay competitive.

• The critical role of subscription management systems and automation in enhancing business efficiency.

• Real-world examples of cost savings and strategic benefits from leveraging Salesforce’s B2B Commerce licenses.

• Customer-centric strategies and the importance of continuous improvement and proactive innovation in digital channels.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

• Follow Natalija Pavic on LinkedIn to stay on top of new episodes and highlights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natpavic/

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Rochester Electronics, whose leaders, Tracey Corbitt and Linda Monroe, transformed the company into a vital supplier of semiconductors for medical devices during the global pandemic. Through a digital transformation powered by Sales Cloud and MuleSoft integrations, the company not only streamlined real-time inventory management during a semiconductor shortage but also enhanced the customer experience through self-service options.

We also explore Rochester's strategic shift from dealing exclusively in obsolete parts to including active products, a move that bolstered its resilience against supply chain disruptions. Additionally, we discuss the integration of AI and automation, which has revolutionized customer service and hints at the vast potential of AI in both professional and personal contexts.

Show Highlights:

• Digital transformation with Sales Cloud enhancing customer engagement and service.

• Managing real-time inventory and overcoming semiconductor shortages with Salesforce and MuleSoft.

• Transitioning from obsolete parts to active products to diversify and stabilize customer supply.

• Downsizing the customer service team through AI and automation, reallocating staff to more strategic roles.

• Upcoming integration of Salesforce marketing technologies for better customer insights and engagement.

• Potential future applications of AI in various business processes like RMA and guided selling.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

In this episode, e-commerce pioneer Mark Rubin, founder of Kasama and Salesforce aficionado, takes us on a digital odyssey through his illustrious career in e-commerce development. From foregoing law school to embarking on a journey that's seen coding breakthroughs and vibrant city living, Mark reveals how personal passions and a humorous life philosophy have shaped his professional triumphs. He shares insights into the thrill of launching an e-commerce platform for St. Jude's and discusses the power of AI in commerce, the importance of soft skills, and the innovative strategies for deploying sites on Commerce Cloud. Whether you're a developer, project manager, or simply curious about the future of commerce, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to navigate the ever-evolving world of e-commerce with success.

Show Highlights:

• The role of personal interests and "superpowers" in Mark's professional success.

• Insights on rapid e-commerce development for St. Jude's and the thrill of launching innovative projects on Commerce Cloud.

• The importance of soft skills in tech, agency growth, and balancing technical expertise with leadership and communication.

• Approaches to deploying sites on Commerce Cloud, catering to B2C, B2B, and D2C business needs, and leveraging headless commerce.

• The transformative role of AI in commerce, enhancing capabilities for developers and project managers, and its application in real-world projects.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.