Digital Innovation Tools

“Let’s move everything to the channels with the best ROI,” suggested a CFO to a CMO at a $75mm SaaS brand. “Not so fast,” replied the seasoned CMO, “marketing doesn’t work that way.” A painful conversation ensued. As usual, I had questions. Should CMOs look at performance by channel? Of course. Most importantly, it can identify trends over time. A channel that worked well for you last year might be underperforming this year due to macro issues. For example, many B2B brands are seeing drops in organic search traffic and increased costs for paid search. Some of this is caused by the rise of LLMs, including in Google searches. But even with this example, it’s not that simple. Search performance is also directly linked to top-of-mind brand awareness. In my recent podcast interview with Jason Ing, CMO of Gusto, he shared that their search (both paid and organic) performance improved dramatically this year as they increased spending on brand advertising (specifically, promoted videos on linear TV, YouTube, and social channels). Should CMOs share channel performance data with other execs? Not if they can help it. Sharing this data with executives who don’t understand the interconnectedness of marketing activities will jump to faulty conclusions, like, “Let’s put all our money into search since that’s the most effective lead source.” Like Search, Email is another channel that, in isolation, can easily be misinterpreted. Sarah Jordan, the CMO of Constant Contact, a leading email service provider, recently shared, “Open rates of emails can increase dramatically when coupled with multichannel marketing activities.” Case in point – On Monday, I saw an ad for a new type of Allbirds (my secret obsession) on Instagram, and then an email arrived inviting me to an event at their SOHO store. Sold. When I show up at the store, they’ll attribute it to the email. It's not wrong, but it's also not the whole story. Sure, that’s a B2C story. One impulse buyer. Short sales cycle. B2B sellers face buying committees and longer sales cycles. But that only means that you need more touches via more channels to advance and close the sale. Since data must be shared with other executives, how do you avoid getting granular?  🐧 💜 Start by aligning with Sales. Better yet, create a plan that will make Sales love you. On this week’s episode of CMO Huddles Studio, Kelly Hopping, CMO of Demandbase, noted that everyone on her team knows their role in generating Sales love. Explains Hopping, “It doesn’t mean that everything is optimized for Sales or bottom of the funnel pipeline – it means we give them a brand that they love, content that’s easy to consume and share, events that they’re proud to invite their customer to, etc.” Once Sales understands how the pieces fit together, you can then jointly share metrics on a campaign level or a multi-quarter basis. Ideally, these include blended measures of brand strength AND pipeline health. What metrics are you sharing?

AIM Research has just Launched its GenAI-Powered Cybersecurity Vendor Landscape Report. The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of Generative AI. Here are some key Insights: ✢ Major cybersecurity providers are not just adding GenAI features—they're fundamentally rethinking their platforms to incorporate AI agents, copilots, and context-aware assistants. This shift is moving tools from private previews to public availability, signaling a readiness for broader implementation in 2024. ✢ The industry faces a skill-gap and burnout crisis. GenAI-powered tools are emerging as a solution to alleviate these challenges by handling repetitive and intricate tasks. ✢ Vendors are expanding beyond traditional solutions. We're seeing the rise of AI agents that autonomously monitor and respond to incidents, copilots that assist IT teams in real-time, and platforms that simulate attacks to test and strengthen security postures. ✢ The new wave of tools brings capabilities like intelligent summarization, natural language querying, multilingual conversational functions, proactive security measures, alert prioritization, decision-ready analysis, guided recommendations, and automation. ✢ Vendors are focusing on enhancing functionalities in autonomous threat detection and providing transparency in how AI systems reach conclusions. Access the complete report here: https://lnkd.in/gxj8vY3N Darktrace, Deep Instinct, Dropzone AI, ExtraHop, Fortinet, Mandiant (part of Google Cloud), Prophet Security, Torq, Radiant Security, ReliaQuest, SentinelOne, Simbian, Swimlane, Sysdig, Wiz, Stream.Security, Sysdig, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Orca Security, Cisco, ZEST Security, Proofpoint, Aqua Security, Netskope, Dazz, Sweet Security, Zscaler, Sentra, Tenable, Mitiga, Rapid7, Trend Micro, Lacework, Uptycs

🤖 HexStrike AI MCP Agents – Automating Cybersecurity with AI �� HexStrike AI MCP Agents is an advanced Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that connects AI agents (Claude, GPT, Copilot, etc.) with 150+ cybersecurity tools. It’s designed to support automated penetration testing, vulnerability discovery, bug bounty workflows, and security research — all in authorized environments. 💡 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ AI + Security Tools – Seamlessly bridges LLMs with real-world cybersecurity utilities 🔗 2️⃣ Automated Testing – Streamlines vulnerability scanning & reporting 🛠️ 3️⃣ Bug Bounty Support – Helps researchers find and responsibly disclose issues ethically 🎯 4️⃣ Security Research – Ideal for labs, red/blue team exercises, and academic studies 📚 5️⃣ Productivity Boost – Saves time by orchestrating multiple tools under one framework ⚡ 🌟 Why It Matters: AI isn’t just powering productivity — it’s also transforming cyber defense and security research. Frameworks like HexStrike help professionals test smarter, fix faster, and stay ahead of evolving threats. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. Tools and frameworks like HexStrike must be used only on systems you own or have explicit written permission to test. Unauthorized use is illegal and unethical. #AISecurity #CyberSecurity #EthicalHacking #PenTesting #BugBounty #AIResearch #InfoSec #SecurityTools #AIandCyber #TechInnovation

Not All “Hacking Gadgets” Are Illegal — Some Are Essential for Cybersecurity. Most people hear “hacking tools” and think of something negative. In reality, these devices are widely used by security professionals to test, analyze, and strengthen systems. Here are 7 powerful tools and what they actually do: 1. Raspberry Pi A compact, low-cost computer used for learning cybersecurity, running Linux, and building security testing labs. 2. Rubber Ducky A USB device that looks like a pen drive but can automate keystrokes to simulate attacks and test system vulnerabilities. 3. Flipper Zero A multi-functional tool that interacts with RFID, NFC, and infrared signals. Useful for testing access control systems. 4. LAN Turtle A covert network auditing tool that helps security professionals monitor and analyze network traffic. 5. Wi-Fi Pineapple Used for testing Wi-Fi security. It can simulate rogue access points to identify network weaknesses. 6. Alfa Network Cards High-power Wi-Fi adapters used for packet capturing and wireless security testing. 7. Ubertooth One An open-source device used to monitor and analyze Bluetooth signals for security assessments. From Raspberry Pi to Wi-Fi Pineapple, these tools help uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Understanding them isn’t just for experts anymore. It’s becoming a basic necessity in today’s digital world. 🔐 Learn them. Use them ethically. Stay ahead. Secure Today. Safe Tommorow. Tanishka Gupta

🔐 90% of Cybersecurity Work Happens with These Tools — Let Me Prove It If you want to break into cybersecurity or upgrade your tech stack, save this. This is the toolkit that’s powering real-world SOC teams, Red Teams, and Threat Analysts at companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and CrowdStrike. 🧠 What Most Security Posts Miss — This Covers: ✅ Networking Surveillance Use tools like Wireshark and Nmap not just to map networks, but to detect unusual port behavior and packet anomalies before IDS triggers. ✅ App Vulnerability Scanning BurpSuite, ZAP, and Veracode allow developers to embed security testing inside CI/CD — saving hours of patching post-deploy. ✅ Cloud Security Monitoring Cloud-native tools like Prisma Cloud and AWS Security Hub automatically scan cloud misconfigs — one of the top causes of data breaches. ✅ Incident Response Stack Tools like TheHive, MISP, and SANS SIFT are used in SOCs for rapid triage, evidence collection, and threat intel correlation. 🔐 Insider Insight: What the Pros Actually Use Here’s how actual teams combine tools in the field: 🔹 John The Ripper + Hashcat 👉 Used in Red Team assessments to simulate credential compromise. 🔐 Industrial Use: Password audits on enterprise Active Directory exports. 🔹 SolarWinds 👉 Often used for system log forensics, especially in hybrid environments. 💡 Tip: Pair it with EnCase for deep-dive investigation in malware-laced systems. 🔹 WiFi Pineapple 👉 PenTesters use it to demonstrate real-world Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks — yes, even in corporate cafeterias. 🔹 Cobalt Strike 👉 Used by both defenders and attackers. It simulates Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) — now part of many blue team training scenarios. 🧪 Pro Tip: Combine These Tools for Real-World Impact a) Scan → Nmap / Nessus b) Exploit → Metasploit c) Report → TheHive d) Harden → Checkmarx, Veracode e) Monitor & React → Prisma Cloud + Lacework That’s how CloudSec & DevSecOps teams run secure pipelines today. 🛡️ Why This Matters in Industry ==> 70% of breaches happen due to misconfigurations or known CVEs. ==>Top companies automate 80% of vulnerability scans. ==>Security engineers are now expected to know tools AND automate with them (Python/Go scripting). 🚨 You don’t need to memorize tools — you need to know how & when to use them. 💥 Final Thought If you’re a: 🎓 Fresher → Start with Wireshark, BurpSuite, and Metasploit 🧑💻 Developer → Learn OWASP ZAP, Veracode, and Snyk 🧠 Security Pro → Master TheHive, MISP, and threat intel platforms Cybersecurity isn't optional anymore. It's baked into every layer of modern tech — from mobile apps to microservices. 👀 Follow me Mazharuddin Farooque for more tech stacks decoded like this.

We used Clay + Claude Code + Apify to launch a multi-channel outbound system that self-improves over time. Here's the actual process Alex Fine🌲 and Understory built for us: Step 1: They fed 569 demo call transcripts into Claude Code via the Fireflies API to extract competitive signal: which tools kept coming up, what specific language frustrated prospects used, what objections stalled deals, and what made someone stay on the call. Step 2: Claude analyzed all 569 calls and built a competitor displacement map. Nine competitors ranked by how often they appeared and how dissatisfied those prospects actually were, based on the exact words they used. Step 3: Every transcript, intake form, strategy session, and past campaign result got indexed into a structured knowledge base. It updates automatically every time a new call comes in. The system gets smarter with every interaction. Step 4: They connected Apify directly into Claude Code via MCP. Claude identified the right actor, pulled unique data on decision-makers at companies actively using those high-displacement competitor tools, and pushed 9,000+ contacts to a webhook automatically. Absolutely no manual list building. Step 5: That webhook dropped everything straight into Clay. They enriched, validated, and segmented by firmographic signals and intent data. Step 6: They wrote the copy based on everything the knowledge base surfaced. Messaging built around the exact language our target prospects use when they're unhappy with a competitor. Every version synced live to Google Docs via the Google MCP so we could see and edit in real time. Step 7: Campaigns launched via Instantly for email and HeyReach for LinkedIn. Every reply, positive, negative, or neutral, gets analyzed and fed back into the knowledge base. Every LinkedIn response. Every new demo call that books. Claude re-analyzes what resonated, what didn't, and why. The brief updates automatically. The next campaign starts with sharper targeting, better messaging, and fresher signal than the one before it. Campaign 2 starts smarter than Campaign 1. Campaign 3 smarter than Campaign 2. The results already prove it! Most agencies finish a campaign and start the next one from scratch. The Understory guys built us a GTM system that gets better every run. Can't wait to see what they do us next! Keep building.

21 high-intent leads in 90 days for a client who had never done outbound in the US before! Here’s how we helped a manufacturing client go from 0 leads to a repeatable system that now drives consistent conversations across the US. 📍Client:  A manufacturing Operations Management platform targeting manufacturing firms in the US. 📍Challenges: * Entering the USA without a prior outbound motion. * Low early traction on senior personas (C-level, VP) and minimal engagement via email; only two early positives from cold calls. * We had to quickly figure out: → What roles respond? → What industries engage? → Which channels actually work? 📍Our approach: We launched a multi-channel appointment-setting campaign: Targeting: → Manufacturing verticals (Chemical, F&B, Consumer Goods, Construction) → Personas in Operations and Continuous Improvement → Roles: Mid-level managers, directors, and C-levels Channels: → Started with LinkedIn, email, and cold calling → After 30 days, we leaned in on LinkedIn-only; it was the only one working Messaging: → No hard-sell pitches → Focused on exploratory, discovery-first conversations 📍Results: In 90 days: Reached 2,718 prospects Generated 21 high intent leads 📍A few observations: ✅ Industry Fit Matters Chemical and Food & Bev manufacturers responded best. Why? These industries often deal with complex processes and legacy systems, so the idea of streamlining operations or improving shop-floor visibility hits home faster. 14 leads and 3 meetings came from just these verticals. ✅ The Right Personas Make the Difference Continuous Improvement and Ops Managers were most open to conversations. They’re hands-on with daily problems and more likely to engage when messaging speaks to solving inefficiencies or removing manual overhead. Senior execs, by contrast, were harder to engage cold, likely due to bandwidth, gatekeeping, and lack of immediate context. ✅ Message Framing Matters When we led with “Can we explore how your team is approaching [X]?” instead of “Let me show you our platform,” …response rates significantly improved. Outbound can work, even in complex, traditional industries. But it has to be channel-aware, persona-specific, and discovery-led. Every market looks tough until you find what clicks. If you’re figuring out outbound for your US GTM, let’s talk - we’ve run this play before.

Virtual fencing replaces traditional wire fences with GPS-enabled collars and digital mapping. Farmers define boundaries in software, and animals receive audio cues, sometimes followed by mild stimuli, when approaching those limits. 🇳🇴 The system referenced here is developed and engineered in Norway by Nofence, a company specializing in digital livestock management technology. 🔎 What is shaping adoption: 🔸 Flexible grazing control with real-time boundary adjustments 🔸 Reduced dependence on physical fencing infrastructure 🔸 Improved rotational grazing and pasture recovery 🔸 Data visibility through continuous tracking of animal location and movement 📊 The technology is being adopted in regions facing labor shortages, extensive grazing areas, or environmentally sensitive landscapes. It aligns with precision agriculture trends where automation and data increasingly guide farm-level decisions. 🌱 As livestock systems evolve, digital boundaries may influence land allocation, herd scaling, and the connection between pasture productivity and food supply chains. How do you see virtual fencing reshaping pasture management and livestock economics in the next decade?

After 220+ closed deals, here’s one thing I’ve learned: One channel isn’t enough anymore. In 2025, prospects live everywhere - and if you’re only emailing or only calling, you’re invisible. Here’s exactly how to build a multichannel approach that actually works: 𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 → Don’t start by sending 100 messages. → Start by finding why to reach out. → Use intent tools, job changes, or hiring spikes to time your outreach. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Make a “trigger list” - 3 reasons someone might care today, not someday. 𝟮. 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘂𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 → Comment on their posts. → React to company updates. → Send a relevant note or insight before you ever call. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Block 10 minutes daily for “pre-touch” activity on LinkedIn. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 → Day 1: Personalized email → Day 2: Call → Day 4: LinkedIn message → Day 6: Follow-up with new angle → Day 10: Pattern interrupt (voice note, short video, or DM) 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Create a 10-day cadence that mixes all three — and stick to it. 𝟰. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗼 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 → Email = insight → Call = connection → LinkedIn = credibility → Video = emotion 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Stop copying the same message across channels. Align tone to medium. 𝟱. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗺 → Tools like ️Salesforge 🔥 make this easier in 2025 enroll contacts, sequence across channels, and scale what’s working. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Spend one hour a week reviewing data. If a channel underperforms, tweak your message, not just your volume. The result: - 3x reply rates - More live conversations - Stronger pipeline consistency My take: Multichannel isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right thing in more places. Your prospects don’t live in one inbox - so your outreach shouldn’t either. PS. Curious - are you a phone, email or LinkedIn person?