Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Joel Cahill LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-cahill/

Company: INFIMA Security Website: https://infimasec.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, hosted by Brian Doyle, listeners are introduced to Joel Cahill, co-founder of Infima, a cybersecurity company grounded in behavioral science. With Brian navigating through a scratchy voice due to Connecticut's pollen season, the discussion takes a dive into Joel's transition from a high-paced Wall Street career to steering a company aimed at refining security awareness training. This career leap was not just a change of industry but also a melding of unique backgrounds with Joel's trading insights meeting his co-founder's cybersecurity prowess from his time working with the Department of Defense.

The conversation unpacks the application of behavioral science in both finance and cybersecurity, revealing insights into why people often react impulsively to potential phishing threats and how proper training can counteract these tendencies. Joel elucidates on the creation of Infima's automated security training solutions, shedding light on how these solutions reduce the strain on MSPs while empowering employees to become vigilant cyber defenders. This process doesn't just bolster cybersecurity but significantly adds value for MSPs looking to deepen their impact and effectiveness within their clientele.

• Behavioral Science in Cybersecurity: Joel explains the crossover of behavioral science principles from his trading experience to enhancing security awareness training.

• System 1 and System 2 Thinking: The episode dives into Kahneman's concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking and its relevance to cybersecurity training, particularly in phishing awareness.

• Company Culture and Cyber Awareness: Encouragement of a supportive company culture where employees are empowered to report mistakes promptly to mitigate cyber risks.

• Fully Automated Security Solutions: Infima's innovative approach to providing an automated and fully managed security awareness training platform for MSPs.

• The Value of Communication: Stressing the importance of MSPs effectively communicating with clients to bring value through understanding and overcoming cybersecurity challenges.

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Jim Houghton LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshoughton/

Company: JCMR Technology Website: https://jcmr.net/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this latest episode of MSP Business School hosted by Brian Doyle, listeners are introduced to Jim Houghton, the COO of JCMR. This engaging conversation dives into Jim's extensive 34-year journey within the IT sector. Listeners gain insights into his various roles, from engineering to consulting, and some of the critical lessons he has learned managing both startups and roles within Fortune 500 companies. Doyle and Houghton explore the evolution of technology within companies, touching on the influence of technological advancements on business processes.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the differences between operating within large corporations and MSPs. Jim brings to light the challenges of aligning resources and sales strategies to a company's operational scale and skillset. Key discussions also include leveraging AI and automation for business transformation, understanding customer needs, and moving beyond the allure of “shiny toy syndrome” in tech. With both profound insights and pragmatic advice, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for those navigating the IT and MSP landscape.

• Differentiating Corporate and MSP Operations: Understand how the dynamics and processes in MSPs differ drastically from those in large corporate settings, with an emphasis on sales cycles and resource management.

• Technology Evolution in Business Processes: Explore how emerging technologies, especially AI, should be strategically aligned with current business goals to enable process disruption and innovation.

• Customer-Centric Solutions: Successful MSPs tailor their offerings, addressing real customer pain points and avoiding the trap of technology for technology’s sake.

• Learning from Experience: Jim shares valuable lessons on adaptability and career progression, emphasizing the importance of being a lifelong learner and adapting to industry changes.

• Balance in Solutions: Navigating client engagements by delivering manageable and scalable tech solutions little by little, rather than overwhelming them with more than they can handle both financially and operationally.

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Matt Yesbeck LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattyesbeck/

Company: Yesteck Website: https://yesteck.io/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this insightful episode of the MSP Business School podcast, host Brian Doyle welcomes Matt Yesbeck, a seasoned IT professional and entrepreneur who has carved a unique path in the managed service provider (MSP) industry. Yesbeck shares his journey from years spent in IT, through various corporate roles, to founding Yesteck IT Services and the innovative platform MSPX. This platform aims to streamline the process of buying and selling MSP contracts, unlocking new growth opportunities for MSP businesses.

Highlighting the challenges many MSPs face, Yesbeck discusses how the idea for MSPX was born out of necessity. His son, tasked with pruning customers that no longer fit their business model, discovered the lack of a centralized place to divest these contracts efficiently. Yesbeck explains how MSPX is set to revolutionize the industry by providing a trusted marketplace backed by escrow transactions and AI-driven contract evaluations. This not only facilitates easier contract transfers but also ensures secure buyer-seller interactions, promising a value-based approach to expanding one's MSP business portfolio.

• Innovative Path to MSPX: Matt Yesbeck shares his unique career transition from IT technician to business owner and innovator in the MSP sector.

• Marketplace Solution: MSPX provides a platform for MSPs to buy and sell contracts, addressing a previously unmet need in the industry.

• Secured Transactions: The marketplace offers escrow-backed transactions to ensure confidence and security in the transfer of MSP contracts.

• Growth Opportunities: MSPX offers smaller MSPs a unique avenue for growth, facilitating easier access to new contracts and clients.

• Business Flexibility: The platform's features, such as revenue-based financing, empower smaller MSPs to expand without traditional financial constraints.

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Dustin Puryear LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinpuryear/

Company: Giant Rocket Ship Website: https://giantrocketship.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle is joined by Dustin Puryear of Giant Rocketship to delve into effective solutions for enhancing service delivery within MSP operations. Dustin shares his journey from managing an MSP to developing a vendor product that addresses the industry’s common pain points. The conversation focuses on how Giant Rocketship innovates ticket management and service coordination through automation, reducing backlog and improving client satisfaction.

Dustin Puryear explains the genesis of Giant Rocketship as a response to the inefficiencies he noticed in ticket management during his MSP tenure. By automating the dispatch and prioritization of tasks, Rocketship helps MSPs manage workloads more effectively, saving time and resources. Dustin highlights the importance of focusing on the volume of work rather than ticket numbers, a common oversight in service delivery operations. With trends towards AI and automation, the discussion underscores the evolving nature of MSP business models and the necessity of adapting to new technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Streamlining Operations: Giant Rocketship automates the dispatch process, helping MSPs reduce ticket backlogs and improve service efficiency. 

• Prioritization Through Automation: By prioritizing tickets based on SLA, customer impact, and team capabilities, the system ensures that urgent tasks are addressed promptly. 

• Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing automation can help MSPs reassign resources and potentially reduce staffing needs, significantly improving ROI. 

• Evolving Perceptions: Dustin emphasizes shifting from ticket-focused to activity-focused operations to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction. 

• Industry Trends: The adoption of AI and automation in MSPs is reshaping traditional service delivery models, necessitating a more strategic approach to technology and resources. 

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Insightful coaching session with Brian Doyle from VCIO Toolbox, listeners are introduced to the concept of "Governance as a Service" and how it can significantly impact and enhance the Managed Service Provider ecosphere.

Brian explains the importance of governance in the security and compliance sectors, particularly in building a cybersecurity culture that increases cyber insurance viability and meets regulatory requirements.

With the rising attention to governance in updates from frameworks like NIST CSF and CIS, organizations need a structured approach to ensuring cybersecurity and compliance efficacy. 

Throughout the episode, Brian discusses the essential components of an effective governance service including policy development, risk management, compliance monitoring, and data governance. He accentuates the role of MSPs in facilitating these processes, helping clients navigate regulatory landscapes such as CMMC, HIPAA, and ISO standards. Listeners will learn valuable strategies for enhancing client MSP relationships through stakeholder engagement, training, and continuous improvement, ultimately driving new recurring revenue streams for their business. Tools like VCIO Toolbox’s Cybranch GRC platform are highlighted for their efficacy in supporting these initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Governance as a Critical Component: Governance plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, facilitating compliance, reducing audit workloads, and mitigating security risks, making it a valuable service offering for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
• Evolving Regulatory Landscape:** Frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0 and CIS have shifted focus heavily towards governance, underscoring the importance of having robust governance systems to adhere to compliance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement and Client Engagement: Proactively maintaining policies, engaging with multiple stakeholders, and fostering a cybersecurity culture can streamline governance processes and strengthen client relationships.
• Maximizing MSP Tools and Resources: Utilizing technologies and frameworks effectively can help ensure clients meet their cybersecurity objectives with increased efficiency.

Emerging Opportunities in Vendor Management: MSPs can further integrate governance services by managing vendor and supplier risks, providing comprehensive security and compliance solutions to clients. Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Welcome to another engaging episode of MSP Business School, where your host Brian Doyle dives into the pressing issue of cyber insurance claims, which shockingly sees over 40% rejected, posing significant threats to businesses. In this fireside chat, Brian navigates through the core challenges MSPs face when dealing with cyber programs for their customers, urging them to build robust security and governance frameworks to minimize risks and ensure their claims are payable during security incidents.

In this episode, the transcript illuminates how MSPs can enhance their cybersecurity offerings by focusing on accurate application processes, comprehensive policies, and improved risk management strategies. By implementing frameworks like NIST CSF or CIS, MSPs can better serve clients, ensuring that gaps are identified, and risks mitigated effectively. Brian stresses the value of multifaceted cybersecurity programs, from human capital considerations to architecture, tools, and advisory services, offering insightful strategies to build resilient client partnerships and establish themselves as trusted advisors in the C-suite.

• Cyber insurance claims see a 40% rejection rate, often due to inaccuracies in insurance applications.

• Creating a culture of cybersecurity through detailed policies, user training, and risk assessment is crucial for businesses.

• MSPs are encouraged to adopt a governance layer, leveraging frameworks like NIST CSF, to facilitate comprehensive risk management profiles.

• Emphasizing the role of VCISO, MSPs should assist clients in developing strategic cyber programs addressing architecture, tools, training, and compliance.

• Ensuring robust incident management and cybersecurity defense programs can safeguard against both immediate threats and long-term reputational damage.

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Larry Meador LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymeador/  Company: Cavelo Website: https://cavelo.com Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle engages in a vibrant conversation with Larry Meador from Cavelo. Brian touches on his past experiences and insights into the MSP space, setting a friendly and informative tone for the discussion. Meanwhile, Larry shares his rich career journey, shedding light on the lessons learned and transformations observed in the industry over the years. The episode explores Larry's transition through different roles and companies, concluding with his current position at Cavelo, where he is instrumental in their mission to redefine attack surface management. Larry Meador delves into Cavelo's core functionalities and the significance of its platform in addressing the complexities of modern MSP environments. He emphasizes the shift towards comprehensive data management, identity access management, and asset discovery as key elements in an MSP's cybersecurity framework. Larry highlights the growing importance of understanding the whereabouts of sensitive data and the increasing demands of cyber insurance protocols. This episode is packed with valuable insights into leveraging technology for compliance and security optimizations, sustaining a trusted adviser role in the MSP sphere.

Key Take Aways: :

• Larry's Career Path: With over 20 years in the MSP space, Larry Meador enriches the discussion with his extensive background and transitions through various roles leading up to Cavelo.
• Cavelo's Platform: Cavelo offers an attack surface management platform focusing on data discovery, asset discovery, identity access management, and vulnerability management for MSPs.
• Increased Compliance Needs: The conversation underscores how compliance and cyber insurance requirements are reshaping the responsibilities and capabilities of MSPs.
• MSP as Trusted Advisors: Larry points out the evolution of MSPs into roles similar to management consultants, emphasizing proactive data and security management.
• Industry Evolution: Addressing the broader industry shifts post-COVID, the discussion draws parallels with past trends, setting the stage for the future of MSP services. Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Join Brian Doyle on the MSP Business School podcast as he has a fireside chat with Frank Raimondi from Nodeware. This episode provides an engaging exploration of the critical importance of cyber hygiene for businesses heading into the new year.

It highlights the evolving responsibilities of MSPs in the cybersecurity landscape. As Frank delves into the intricacies of effective cybersecurity strategies, he also shares news about his new podcast venture, "Frankly Speaking," bringing fresh perspectives to existing and potential Nodeware users.

In this insightful episode, listeners will gain valuable knowledge about essential measures for reinforcing cybersecurity, including vulnerability management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), email security, and security awareness training.

Emphasizing the importance of proactive cyber hygiene, Raimondi speaks to the expanding role of penetration tests and third-party risk assessments. The conversation also touches on the growing necessity for MSPs to guide their clients through the changing cybersecurity terrain, with businesses realizing the significant risks posed by inadequate security measures. This episode is rich with strategies to boost security postures and reduce potential liabilities.

•  Cybersecurity as a Priority: Implementing strong cyber hygiene is crucial for businesses to safeguard against claims rejections and ensure better engagement with their customers. 
• Proactive Measures: Tools like vulnerability management, MFA, and security awareness training play a significant role in reducing cybersecurity risks.
• Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Emphasizing the cultural shift towards cyber awareness and making staff a key line of defense against potential threats.
• Value of Penetration Testing: MSPs are encouraged to offer penetration testing to evaluate and reinforce their clients' existing cybersecurity measures critically.
• Expansion of Cyber Services: MSPs have lucrative opportunities by adding more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity services based on emerging threats and client demands.

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ 

Guest

Name: Frank Raimondi  LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankraimondi/ Company: Nodeware Website: https://nodeware.com

Host

Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of MSP Business School, Brian Doyle engages with Andrew Hartman, the founder of Time Boss, to delve into the intricacies of effective time management.

The conversation highlights common pitfalls in managing time and stress, particularly in high-demand environments like MSPs, where technical founders often struggle with overwhelming tasks. Andrew shares his personal journey through oppressive stress, which even affected his health, and how he developed strategies that became foundational to his company, Time Boss.

 Andrew discusses the essence of managing chaos and the uniqueness of Time Boss, a system developed over a decade to bridge the gap between pressing daily demands and sustainable productivity. Key themes include the importance of carving out time for priorities amidst chaos, the impact of stress on creativity and performance, and the need for a structured framework to navigate daily tasks effectively.

By adopting the Time Boss methodology, MSPs can expect a notable increase in productivity and personal peace, achieving a balanced work-life dynamic.

Key Takeaways:

• Separate Chaos from Priorities: Andrew emphasizes the need to allocate time for both chaos and strategic priorities to manage overwhelming workloads effectively.
• Habit Change is Essential: Andrew stresses that improving time management involves altering long-standing habits and embracing new approaches to workload management.
•  Unified Team Approach: By incorporating a shared language for time management within teams, organizations can enhance coordination and empathy among team members.
• Time Overlap Awareness: Understanding comeback time and multitasking effects on productivity can reclaim lost hours and increase focus on core tasks. 
• Reality-Based Time Planning: Andrew advises that recognizing time's limitations helps in strategic adjustments to align tasks with available resources.

Guest Name: Andrew Hartman

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman/  Company: Time Boss  Website: https://www.timeboss.us/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Guest Name: Jonathan Schofield LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnathan-schofield/ Company: Channel Falcon Website: https://www.channelfalcon.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle converses with Jonathan Schofield of Channel Falcon. As a prominent figure in the MSP community, Schofield shares his journey from technology sales into his pivotal role within the managed service provider space. Highlighting the significance of building a recognizable brand through consistent messaging and strategic outreach, Jonathan emphasizes the necessity of authentic connections for accruing mental real estate and driving business success. |Jonathan delves into the concept of mental real estate, illustrating its critical role in MSP growth strategies. Suggesting that traditional marketing approaches don't always translate into the IT services sector, he champions the power of authentic, physical human interactions as a means to earn prospective customers' trust. Throughout the conversation, Schofield offers insights on leveraging existing client relationships, networking locally, and the value of engaging in community-centric initiatives to elevate business visibility. His unique perspective is drawn from firsthand experiences and his ongoing work with Channel Falcon, where he seeks to create an economy of trust for businesses seeking reliable MSPs. Key Takeaways:

• Mental Real Estate: Building mental real estate through authentic connections is crucial for MSPs to stand out among prospective clients.
• Networking: Engaging in local networking is a powerful strategy; proximity and personal interactions outweigh traditional marketing methods in the IT service industry.
• Iterative Development: Seeking client feedback prior to launching new initiatives ensures relevance and increased engagement.
• Service Responsibility: MSP growth is the sole responsibility of its leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive and strategic outreach.
• Channel Falcon Vision: Jonathan's vision for Channel Falcon involves creating a trust-based network that facilitates secure and efficient MSP-client connections.

Sponsor: vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com