Command Control Power: Apple Tech Support & Business Talk

In this episode, we delve into the integration of generative AI, Apple's advancements in AI technology particularly their Apple Intelligence offering, and the broader implications of AI in various fields. Our special guest, Adam Engst of TidBITS Content Network, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the technological breakthroughs, societal implications, and future trends. From insights on continuity cameras and MagSafe to discussions about the future of AI in content creation, this episode covers a wide array of topics sure to engage tech enthusiasts.

Jerry got himself an NFR license of Camo Pro

Since he has to take notes, Adam used Audio Hijack to transcribe the WWDC 2024 Keynote

We discuss Apple's Marketing and Evolving Tech

“Generative AI gives you a statistically probable answer” - Adam Engst

Jerry chimes in about his email anxiety and how it has helped him communicate well with clients.

Adam generally doesn’t use AI to write, but he does use Grammarly.

Joe sees a future where each user’s AI will just talk to each other.

At what point will you be able to have AI send something in your name without any adjustments?

Will AI steal our jobs? “AI isn’t going to steal any job where you have to interact with people.”

Trusting the source of your information…

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends of AI

Join TidBITS Content Network to receive top notch content tips and articles you can use in your content marketing.

THANK YOU TO OUR PATREON SPONSORS!

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

In this episode of Command Control Power, host Joe and co-hosts Sam and Jerry debrief the ACEs Conference 2024. The episode also touches on the various technologies and vendor booths that fascinated the hosts, including LionGuard and Halo PSA, as well as the different people they met and reconnected with. Sam's presentation on his MSP journey is highlighted alongside humorous moments and key takeaways. A special thanks to Justin Esgar for organizing a successful conference!

Topics:

Adam Engst delivered a thought provoking presentation about AI.

A great list of patrons, friends, and fellow consultants were at the conference this year.

We reflect on the overall conference experience and the parts we loved the most.

Smaller conferences offer a more intimate experience.

Sam had the opportunity to present at ACES this year and he discusses how we are always learning.

He opened the kimono so to speak to get into his billing practices over the years.

“Don’t negotiate against yourself” - Joe Saponare

Brian Lattanzio and Omar Elshamy came to represent Apple, as well as offer a custom training.

Jerry will be at the next one, as long as it’s “east of the Mississippi”.

The CCP Team is joined by Tom Bridge, Partner at Technolutionary, IT services firm in Washington DC area 

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

Topics:

Day in the Life: We talk busy schedules and naps on trains.

Joe talks about his concert adventures and the power of naps.

One of Joe’s client has an issue with the mail preview pane.

Sam is a glutton for punishment by continuing to use Apple Mail and Calendar for Exchange.

The ongoing debate (or is it?): PCs are for Business, Mac computers for home?

Navigating Calendly's features and scheduling challenges.

Vendor Venting: A deep dive into Adobe's licensing woes.

27:39 A Personal Touch: From Breakfast in Queens to Veterinary Ventures

Working with both Google and Microsoft.

A Shoutout to our newest VIP Supporters - Cirrus Partners!

Check out the merch shop!

Evaluating the Key Smart Card.

Jerry recommends an Amazon Prime show called Clarkson’s Farm.

THANK YOU TO OUR PATREON SPONSORS!

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

In this episode of Command Control Power, we welcome back Shelley Watson, a seasoned professional in the tech industry. We delve into a wide range of topics including Shelley's history of presenting and training and her transition from running Wheelwrights to starting a new business venture. The discussion moves into deeper waters as Shelley shares insights on ageism, gender bias in the tech industry, and the importance of building trust with clients. She emphasizes the value of experience, synthesizing information, and how being seasoned professionals can give them an edge. Shelley also touches on the significance of having a constructive influence beyond just technical assistance and the importance of diversity and amplification in the workplace. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, professional advice, and Shelley’s outlook on the future of her career.

We talk a bit about Shelley's journey and her training days.

There is an art in being an extrovert and engaging with audiences

Shelley talks about transitioning from Wheelwrights to DBQ Technology

Navigating the Pandemic: Adapting to remote work and training

She discusses the challenges and strategies of closing a business

Vendor relationships and the intricacies of business closure can be a tough road

We discuss building trust and demonstrating motives in business

Jerry has questions about navigating age and experience in the consulting world

This leads us down a path to gender bias in our field

Shelley talks about the power of amplification

People say things that are indicators as to who they are. Pay attention to those queues

t may be uncomfortable to do so, but it is key to find ways to make someone aware of something they said

You may not feel like your comment will matter, but you could be one of many that triggers change

Progress, improvement, relief is important for people

The Role of Technology Professionals in Social Change

Concluding Thoughts on Ageism and Future Conversations

Shelley was hoping to get into her favorite conversation like the Hold Harmless clause, which means we will have to have her back on again!

Check out http://commandcontrolpower.com/dbqtech for Command Control Power merchandise

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

Michael Thomsen, founder of Origin 84 sits down with us once again to have a long overdue conversation.

Michael shares how he and his company has faired since the pandemic.

Will Joe miss ACES for his 20th wedding anniversary?

While in town for ACES 2024, Michael will take the opportunity in to do some fascinating work and experience the Grand Staircase in Utah.

We talk about how Origin 84 is reassessing and potentially adjusting client relationships to optimize efficiency and alignment with their post-pandemic vision.

Initial focus was to identify clients who: -No longer align with our current business goals (products, services, target market). -Have outdated contracts that lack clarity on terms, expectations, and fees.

Creating timelines is important to establish a completion date.

Client contracts shows the full value of the business.

Use the media narrative to create opportunities for your business.

Conduct client reviews (surveys, one-on-one meetings, etc.) to assess alignment and contract status.

Develop and implement clear communication protocols (preferred channels, response times, etc.).

Establish healthy boundaries with clients (e.g., scope of work limitations, after-hours communication expectations).

Improve client relationships and manage expectations through clear communication.

Origin 84 sat down as a team to re-evaluate client relationships and used a multitude of factors to decide to continue to work with them.

We discuss the difficulty to assess profitability per client with unlimited monthly models.

Time tracking is still critical to understand if your company is profitable.

“Track the time, sell the value.” Jason Harrison

Jerry talks about how he manages his business as an army of one.

Be careful proposing to all your clients. What happens if they all say yes?

Michael gives us some great insight into his business acumen. 

It all flows back to Burning Man for Joe. 

Command Control Power has some new merch!

Anyone going to ACES Conference in Salt Lake City? I decided I couldn't miss it, so now I'm going! And had this idea...

👕 Get a free Cmd Ctrl Pwr sticker with this one weird trick! 👉 Come to ACEs Conference wearing your CCP t-shirt, and look for Sam or Joe, and we’ll give you a free sticker! 🛒 Need a new CCP shirt? Order now for delivery in time for ACEs!

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Jason Dettbarn joins us on the show once again! Jason is the founder and CEO at Addigy.

Jason has been on our show many times over the years.

Jason talks about how he didn’t pay himself for two years as he built up Addigy’s business.

MDM (Mobile Device Management) has been around for 14 years and is a traditional method for managing mobile devices.

DDM (Declarative Device Management) is a newer approach by Apple that takes more initiative in managing devices.

MDM tells devices what to do, while DDM provides a recipe for the devices to follow and manage their own state.

• Advantages of DDM:

• Less burden on MDM servers

• Devices are more proactive in managing their state

• Requires less communication between servers and devices

• Challenges of DDM:

• MDM tools are still needed for some tasks (e.g., software deployment, agent-based features)

• Requires trust in Apple to manage devices effectively

Key takeaways:

• DDM is a significant shift in Apple's device management philosophy.

• MDM and DDM will likely coexist for several years.

• Agents will still play an important role in device management alongside DDM.

   

• There's a need to balance user experience with enforcing compliance policies. Ideally, compliance checks should happen seamlessly without interrupting the user workflow.

• Conditional Access features in Microsoft Endpoint Manager allow enforcing compliance rules and remediating issues automatically.

• Managed Apple IDs with built-in compliance features can improve data compartmentalization on Apple devices.

• Users should be able to see their compliance status and take corrective actions if needed.

• AI-powered smart filters can help identify devices with potential issues based on user-defined criteria.

• Addigy is developing a new solution to simplify and automate updates for public software and third-party applications.

• Jason talks about how collaboration between vendors is crucial for creating a more secure and efficient mobile device management ecosystem.