SMB Community Podcast: Business Advice for Small MSP Owners

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy have a jam-packed agenda. They start off discussing the ongoing heatwave affecting various parts of the country before diving into critical cybersecurity concerns related to the U.S.'s recent conflict with Iran. They emphasize the importance of securing critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks. They then tackle the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent, highlighting the importance of work-life integration, competitive compensation, and a strong company culture with unique perks. Additionally, they stress the urgency of upgrading Windows 10 machines to Windows 11 to ensure security and compliance. The podcast concludes with announcements about upcoming industry events and a giveaway featuring valuable resources for MSPs.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome

02:22 Cybersecurity Alert: US-Iran Conflict

04:16 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

13:00 Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade Urgency

16:52 MSP Upcoming Events

19:44 Conclusion and Farewell

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to delve into a series of key topics for IT professionals and managed service providers (MSPs). They discuss the recent CloudFlare outage and its relatively minimal impact on businesses, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. The episode's main focus is on how MSPs can stand out and provide value in a competitive and commoditized market by emphasizing unique selling propositions and customer-centric strategies. They also touch on the implications of leadership changes at Southwest Airlines and their potential impact on the airline's unique value proposition. Economic updates and their effects on business growth are reviewed, along with the continued significance of robust marketing efforts. The episode wraps up with lighter discussions about wildlife challenges in gardening and wishes for a happy Father's Day.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:44 CloudFlare Outage Discussion

02:20 MSP Question of the Week: Standing Out in a Low-Cost World

11:54 Southwest Airlines Changes

15:59 Economic Update and Marketing Tips

18:26 Community Announcements and Freebies

22:26 Father's Day Reflections and Closing Remarks

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the IT and MSP community. The hosts delve into a listener's question on the advisability of borrowing money for business growth, discussing potential pitfalls and safer investment strategies, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. The episode also covers significant industry news, such as the surprising appointment of Rania Sukar as the new CEO of Kaseya, speculating on what changes she might bring to the company. Amy and James share further insights into differentiating MSPs through AI, business direction, and technical leadership, emphasizing the importance of tailoring services to clients' specific business goals. They also discuss financial planning, highlighting trends in 401k savings and offering advice on retirement planning for business owners.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 Weekend Catch-Up

03:18 MSP Question of the Week: Should a business borrow money for business growth?

06:35 Industry News: New CEO for Kaseya

11:22 Differentiating MSPs in 2025

18:58 Financial Health and Retirement Planning for MSP Owners

27:34 Upcoming Events

29:31 Conclusion and Sign-Off

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss how to retain key employees during company acquisitions, sharing real-life experiences and effective strategies such as retention bonuses and clear role definitions. They also delve into the benefits of a four-day workweek, the importance of NFR programs for software vendors, and advancements in AI for ad generation and management. Additional topics include the emotional impact on employees during an acquisition and recent tech industry news, including AI adoption and its governance challenges.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings

00:35 Weekend Recap

02:04 MSP Question of the Week: Key Employee Retention During Acquisitions

08:53 Listener Questions and Contact Information

09:34 News Highlights: AI and IT Industry Updates

17:08 Discussion on Four-Day Work Week

26:21 Upcoming Event: Ask Anything on Mergers and Acquisitions

27:35 Closing Remarks

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss their Memorial Day experiences before diving into a deep discussion about the future of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the impact of AI on the industry. They examine predictions for 2026, including the staggering forecast that 75% of MSP services will be delivered by AI within the next few years. They emphasize the importance for MSPs to innovate and adapt to stay relevant. The episode also covers recent news, including a significant partnership between Qualcomm and Dell, updates on legal issues faced by Delta Airlines and CrowdStrike, and an overview of the Gartner Magic Quadrant for 2025 in the security sector. The hosts also share personal updates and upcoming events, including James Kernan's Mastermind live event and Amy's new portable Starlink Mini for connectivity on the go.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome

01:25 MSP Question of the Week: Predictions for 2026

02:40 Impact of AI on MSP Services

04:55 Challenges and Opportunities for MSPs

14:24 CrowdStrike and Delta Airlines Incident

16:40 AI in the News: Qualcomm and Dell Partnership

20:42 Gartner Magic Quadrant for 2025

22:37 Upcoming Events and Announcements

24:21 Starlink Mini Purchase and Plans

26:01 Conclusion and Farewell

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the viability of selling small MSP practices, emphasize the growing market for small MSP sales, and suggest dual strategies for business growth through acquisitions and marketing. The conversation covers Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett's step down and the impact of AI on the job market. They also highlight updates in Microsoft Windows 11 and new features in the Office suite. Lastly, the hosts introduce 'Fizz,' a new party planning app by Instacart, tailored for shared orders and delivery, aiming to simplify gatherings.

1. Warren Buffet is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway – will remain chairman

Berkshire Hathaway is preparing for its first leadership change in 60 years after 94-year-old Warren Buffett announced that he will step down as CEO at the end of 2025

2. AI Trends -- 95% CIOs increasing spend on AI tools

39% let go employees and 55% regret it…

This is a HUGE opportunity for MSP's to learn/market AI as a service

3. Microsoft updates: Windows 11 update and Office a after book

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/microsoft-to-preload-word-minutes-after-boot/ar-AA1E0qSB

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:18 MSP Question of the Week

08:36 Warren Buffett Steps Down

12:02 AI Trends and Impacts

17:47 Microsoft Updates

20:24 Fun with New Apps

23:08 Conclusion and Sign-Off

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews industry guru Rich Freeman of Channelholic. Rich discusses his background in covering the SMB channel and managed services, along with his insights on current industry trends. They delve into the impacts of supply chain uncertainties, AI adoption and its implications for MSPs, and the trend of larger MSPs acquiring smaller ones. Rich shares data on AI's role in business, security implications, and the emerging need for new roles such as 'agent boss.' The conversation also highlights the opportunities and challenges for smaller MSPs in a rapidly evolving market. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Rich's newsletter at Channel Holic for more in-depth analysis and updates.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast

00:26 Interview with Industry Guru Rich Freeman

01:04 Discussing Industry Trends and News

03:07 Strategic Partnerships and Supply Chain Insights

06:33 The Impact of AI on the Industry

14:07 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Market Trends

19:47 Security Implications of AI

23:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy & James dive into the concept of a four-day work week for IT professionals. They explore the pros and cons, including staggering staff schedules and focusing on productivity. The hosts also discuss how the current economic climate might impact tech spending and business operations. Additionally, Amy and James share their top recommended business and personal growth books, emphasizing the importance of execution, giving, and maintaining a strong personal philosophy in business. Tune in to gain insights on modern work environments and literary recommendations for professional success.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction

00:44 MSP Question of the Week: Exploring the Four-Day Work Week

06:00 Performance-Based Work Models

14:48 Economic Concerns and Business Insights

19:38 Personal Economy vs National Economy

21:00 Grocery Prices and Economic Perception

21:53 Book Recommendations and Their Impact

31:29 Gratitude and Mindset in Business

33:03 Discipline and Purpose in Life

35:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

Join hosts Amy and James in this episode of the SMB Community Podcast as they delve into the best practices for selling your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. Learn about the emotional and financial facets of selling an MSP, the importance of having a clear exit strategy, and ensuring a good fit with potential buyers. The hosts also discuss the recent technical issues with Zoom and Spotify and provide insights into Microsoft break glass accounts. Stay updated with the latest on the antitrust cases involving Meta and Google. Additionally, James shares information about upcoming events and seminars that focus on mergers and acquisitions, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging episode!

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction

01:46 Question of the Week: WWhen is the best time to sell your business?

10:06 Zoom Outage and Tech Troubles

13:32 Microsoft Break Glass Accounts

16:34 Meta and Google Antitrust Issues

22:21 Personal Stories and Upcoming Events

26:37 Conclusion and Farewell

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overview:

In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various aspects of running a successful MSP. They start by diving into the MSP question of the week about creating an org charts for small teams. Both hosts emphasize the importance of delineating responsibilities and using the EOS accountability chart for better team structure. They also talk about the challenges and opportunities in selling security solutions and the importance of offering a strategic value to clients. Later, James interviews Max Miller from Workland Partners about current M&A trends in the IT and cybersecurity sectors, offering valuable advice for MSPs considering selling their business. The episode wraps up with a reminder to stay connected and share questions or comments with the hosts.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

02:09 MSP Question of the Week: Creating an Org Chart

03:18 The Importance of Accountability Charts

09:40 Challenges in Selling Security

11:56 Value-Based Selling and Strategy

18:02 Data Security Concerns

21:12 Facebook Breaches and Data Theft

23:53 Retail Store Privacy Concerns

25:46 5 Minutes w/ a Smart Person: Max Miller of Worklyn Partners

26:10 Max Miller's Background and Workland Partners

30:46 M&A Activity in the MSP Space

34:06 Advice for MSP Owners Considering Selling

40:49 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

43:18 Podcast Wrap-Up and Future Plans

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.