SMB Community Podcast: Business Advice for Small MSP Owners

This podcast is not sponsored by big AI...but if anyone is offering, we're listening.

Segment One: Bing AI

In the race for the best search engine, Microsoft introduces an AI-powered Bing!

Amy and Karl pose the question: How will AI dictate if your answer is the top result?

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with Sam Saab

Karl sits down with our friend--Speaker, Author & Recognized Pioneer in the CRM Industry Sam Saab!

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Segment Two: Have You Seen the Green Comet Yet?

Because we haven't. If anyone has one of those government funded weather machines, let us know. There are too many clouds in the way of this mysterious, emerald fireball.

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Sponsor Memo: SBTTC

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org

Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success.

Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org

:-)

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.

The answer is yes--It is another chatGPT episode...

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Segment One: Rob Rae joins Pax8 and the return of MSP Shows

We discuss going public versus an MSP being bought out by an investment firm. Sometimes, it means sales and numbers because priortiy #1 making it harder to for technology and customer service to thrive.

Shows are slowly but surely phasing out of the online events back into the lovely air conditioned venues across the states.

But that does not mean it feels the same pre pandemic.

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Segment Two: chatGPT & the Green Comet

Well it happened. chatGPT offers a $20 a month subscription and BuzzFeed announces that it's use the chatbot to generate content. Confirming too all that BuzzFeed is not a real news service. Or is this just the future? (1) LinkedIn https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6925682-chatgpt-plus-access

Also, comet is green. Green is comet. Which chemical is burning?

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Segment Three: We are Numero Uno!

We are the number one Managed Service Podcast . . . according to https://blog.feedspot.com/msp_podcasts/

Resources and Links:

Don't forget to check out James' mastermind group:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

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Sponsor Memo: NSITSP

Hey MSPs: People are talking about you - behind your back.

They're regulators and legislators. They're CISA and the states of Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. And more.

Every state now has at least one committee in their state legislature that focuses on cybersecurity. That means regulation is coming. You can count on it.

The National Society of IT Service Providers was created to give you a seat at the table when someone's talking about you. That includes regulator, legislators, and even the media.

Find out more and join today at https://www.nsitsp.org

We're working on your behalf to turn the industry into a profession.

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.

Topic 1: Score 1 for the Good Guys in the Cyber Wars

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-0f2b3e6a-1272-4510-8fd2-c1aa9128b8db.html

In a significant development in the fight against ransomware, the FBI announces that they have shut down a notorious cyber gang after infiltrating their system months ago and secretly giving decryption keys to ransomware victims.

Topic 2: Ummmm … This is Some Seriously Scary Big Brother Stuff

https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3p7xj/scientists-are-getting-eerily-good-at-using-wifi-to-see-people-through-walls-in-detail

Scientists have announced that they are able to see people through walls using WiFi technology. And not just the “heat blob” from Hollywood movies … but detailed movements and positions. On a scientific note, this is cool. On a security / privacy note, this is super eerie. 

Topic 3: No One Is Surprised: The First Victim in the AI Wars Will Be … Ethics

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-77eb3638-5655-4156-b6dc-abb7129dde34.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Sure, generative AI is fun. We have had our laughs and we’re starting to grind the gears to find legitimate uses for services like ChatGPT … and the possibilities are incredible. But never forget that this isn’t just about technology, it’s about business. And the incumbents aren’t going to just let the upstart take over the industry. And once the race for market domination begins, the commitment to ethics and fair treatment are likely to be the first casualties.

https://www.nist.gov/trustworthy-and-responsible-ai 

Princeton computer science professor says don't panic over 'bullshit generator' ChatGPT

https://www.businessinsider.com/princeton-prof-chatgpt-bullshit-generator-impact-workers-not-ai-revolution-2023-1

"It is trying to be persuasive, and it has no way to know for sure whether the statements it makes are true or not," he said. 

Also … this one is incredibly funny:

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-77eb3638-5655-4156-b6dc-abb7129dde34.html

:-) 

The Onion weighs in with the most accurate take on ChatGPT yet.

Sponsor Memo: OITVOIP

Let’s cut the FUD; don’t let anyone scare you from selling VoIP because “compliance is hard”. 

With our newest Managed Compliance service, OITVOIP removes compliance headaches from the picture while you retain control of your client relationships. 

Get started selling faster than ever! Visit HTTPS://oit.co/ mspradio to learn more today! 

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

Our OG, legend, matriach, and instagram hawties hath returned. What are the meaning of all these nicknames and which belong to who? Find out in today's episode.

Segment One: Layoffs everywhere and so is Elon...What the hell is going on?

Layoffs have made its inevitable moment in the MSP world. Also, legend has it that if you say Elon in the musk three times to a mirror at night you get another click worthy article.

Segment Two: An MSP and a concrete vendor walk into a bar...

Dave Seibert attends every event--we mean it.

Resources and Links:

James Event:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Karl's NSITSP All-Member Meeting:

https://nsitsp.org/event/q1-all-member-meeting/

Sponsor Memo: Linode

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook, The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now. This resource and more at linode.com/mspradio.

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.

Topic 1: Sorry: Let’s talk jobs.

December: Total new jobs UP 235,000. That is despite the fact the enterprise companies (500 employees+) reduced jobs by 151,000

https://adpemploymentreport.com/ ← Great summary stats

Spotify  600 (6% of workforce) Twitter  3,700 (50% of those who lasted this long) Salesforce 7,000 (10% of workforce) Microsoft 10,000 (5% of workforce) Tesla  10,000 (10% of workforce) Google  12,000 (6% of workforce) Amazon 18,000 (1% of workforce)

Oh, and . . .

Apple  0 (0% of workforce) - Minor adjustments at retail locations

See also the big Layoff-Tracker Service at TrueUp -  https://www.trueup.io/layoffs 

NOTE - TrueUp also lists about 180,000 tech job openings right now.

Topic 2: The FBI crime data is not good!

We have a crime data dilemma. 

The recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, CA will NOT be included in the FBI's nationwide crime statistics.

It turns out, the county as well as 33% of other law enforcement agencies, have not be using the the justice department's crime reporting system. 

Does this data disconnet present new opportunities? 

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-whats-next-add26afa-8dd9-45d6-9e98-19120c707fe6.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Topic 3: First Personal Drone to be Produced by India

No, Wally, you don’t get a flying car. But you might get a personal drone. Currently going into production for the Indian Navy. But keep your eyes open for a civilian version.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-first-passenger-drone-will-be-showcased-by-navys-tableau-on-republic-day/articleshow/97292778.cms

Maybe you do get a flying car:

https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/01/09/flying-cars-virginia-jetson

The maker of the Jetson One — a single-passenger aircraft whose manufacturer says it can take off and land from a driveway — says one of its first customers is in Charlottesville, with a delivery scheduled for later this year, per the company's website.

Sponsor Memo: NSITSP 

Hey MSPs: People are talking about you - behind your back.

They're regulators and legislators. They're CISA and the states of Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. And more.

Every state now has at least one committee in their state legislature that focuses on cybersecurity. That means regulation is coming. You can count on it.

The National Society of IT Service Providers was created to give you a seat at the table when someone's talking about you. That includes regulator, legislators, and even the media.

Find out more and join today at https://www.nsitsp.org

We're working on your behalf to turn the industry into a profession.

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

Amy B has returned from a January in the UK. Brr! That said, we are happy to report that she kept warm and the pubs are a-boomin'...

Segment One: Five Minutes with a Smart Guy - Dave Seibert!

It's said humans can only concentrate for a good 15 minutes...Today, we explore five minutes of focus with our friend and renowned smart guy, Dave Seibert.

Dave Seibert is a leader, author, speaker, and awarded influencer in the technology industry. His 35 year career includes Fortune 50 & 100 corporations, National IT Franchises, Business and Startups. Let's pick at his brain, shall we?

You can pick his brain further at SMB Techfest. We hope to see you there!

Segment Two: Attaining YOUR Personal Goals & Microsoft Layoffs

Amy B's peer group is going live! We discuss the simple method that will propell you to success and, to quote Amy, "Make it rain.". Hint, hint: marketing is kind of important.

Speaking of marketing, chatGPT remains relevant: Amy B uses it for content creation. Remember, it's still in beta, so before you blindly chatGPT up your next newsletter, it's best to give it an old fashion peer review.

Oh yeah...and Microsoft...again.

Resources and Links:

For free sign up to the SMB Techfest:

https://smbtechfest.com/go/karl

Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address

https://mspwebinar.com/

James Event

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Amy B's Peer Group

https://www.thirdtier.net/2023/01/02/new-growth-focused-peer-group/

Sponsor Memo: Acronis

Every client needs Cyber Protection. But that doesn't mean service providers have to deploy a jumbled patchwork of solutions to get it done.

Modern protection starts with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud.

Acronis combines backup, anti-malware, endpoint protection, management and robust ransomware defense all from a single console. That's why successful MSPs use Acronis to generate more recurring revenue AND reduce churn.

It's easy to get started at https://acronis.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.

Topic 1: Small companies are “labor hoarding” while large companies are laying off.

https://www.utahbusiness.com/labor-hoarding-tech/ 

https://www.teambonding.com/labor-hoarding/ 

Keeping employees at any cost!

Topic 2: Understanding the Dynamics of the Tech Workforce in 2023

Data Point 1: Tech Layoffs are Happening … But Not Because Tech is Suddenly Less Valuable

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-e28dd906-601f-480d-8c1a-656851613556.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0

Data Point 2: Tech Jobs are Less Attractive to Young Professionals https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/09/tech-jobs-less-desireable-2023

Data Point 3: Shifting Preference for Generalists vs. Specialists … Plus a Mainstream Rise of “Business IT” Contributors

https://www.ciodive.com/news/technology-workforce-trends-2023/639543/

Amazon layoffs delivered by email. ← Low class or just modern times?

Topic 3: Cal Newport on the Digital Workplace: We got it wrong

Too much distraction. In fact, ALL distraction, all the time.

Primary thesis = We rarely get things right the first time. But we treat technology as if we do.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/01/23/magazine/cal-newport-interview.html

See also https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/

Sponsor Memo: Linode

The days of limiting yourself to the big players is coming to an end. Modernize your cloud offerings by partnering with Linode and Akamai.

The cloud landscape is growing with alternative cloud providers like Linode offering better price to performance and better support at the fraction of the cost.

There’s just some clients that don’t fit into the one size fits all box of the Big 3. Enter Linode, Linux cloud hosting at the fraction of the cost of the big players.

Your customers can save up to 70% on their cloud bill.  

Find out more at https://linode.com/mspradio

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

Amy B. is off to England so it's up to Karl, Amy L, James, and content creating AI to get us through the day...

Segment One: Customer Service gone Awry - Noma, Rated the World's Best Restaurant, Is Closing Its Doors

https://nyti.ms/3GQgMgQ

Segment Two: The Economy and CMIT Aquired!

James, our in-house sales specialist, shares the forecast for Q1 and Q2.

Followed by some great news with Amy L. Speaking of Amy, what is Amy B up to and where has she gone?

Segment Three: AI - chatGPT

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/19/1065596/how-to-spot-ai-generated-text/#:~:text=Researchers%20at%20Harvard%20and%20IBM,generated%20by%20a%20computer%20program

Karl tests out the chatGPT waters:

"Karl: regarding the book great by choice, what are the top lessons about culture

chatGPT: The book "Great by Choice" by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen explores the factors that contribute to success in business. According to the authors, one of the key lessons about culture is the importance of creating a culture of discipline. This means having a clear set of values and principles that guide decision-making, and a consistent approach to achieving goals. Additionally, the book emphasizes the need for a culture of productive paranoia, where leaders are constantly aware of potential threats and take proactive measures to mitigate them. Another important aspect of culture highlighted in the book is the need for a culture of innovation, where experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged and rewarded.

Karl: give me that as a folk song

chatGPT:

Verse 1: Discipline is what we need To guide us on our journey With values and principles We'll make the right decisions

Chorus: Great by choice, we'll be With a culture that's disciplined We'll succeed, you'll see With a clear path and vision

Verse 2: Productive paranoia's key To stay ahead of the game We'll be aware and take action To keep us from going insane

Chorus: Great by choice, we'll be With a culture that's paranoid We'll succeed, you'll see With a plan and strategy deployed

Verse 3: Innovation is what we'll bring To keep us on top We'll experiment and take risks And never, ever stop

Chorus: Great by choice, we'll be With a culture of innovation We'll succeed, you'll see With new ideas and invention

Outro: With discipline, paranoia and innovation We'll be great by choice, you'll see With a culture that's strong and true We'll achieve success, it's guaranteed."

Resources and Links:

Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address

https://mspwebinar.com/

James Event

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Amy B's Peer Group

https://www.thirdtier.net/2023/01/02/new-growth-focused-peer-group/

Sponsor Note: PCMatic

PC Matic — Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting.

The perfect compliment to your current security stack. No minimums and no annual contracts. Find out more about by visiting https://PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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.

Topic 1: Algorithms Need Management Training, Too!

From Wired Magazine.

Human beings excel at avoiding responsibility for difficult decisions. Management and personnel decisions are often difficult. Therefore, they are great candidates for turning decision-making over to the bots.

What could possibly go wrong?

https://www.wired.com/story/platform-work-labor-economy-ai/ 

Topic 2: Microsoft drops $1 Billion on ChatGPT

I should have bought more Microsoft stock yesterday. :-) 

Looking to the true “next level” of product development. Microsoft was an early investor in ChatGPT 

https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-openai-investment-the-smartest-1-billion-ever-spent-2023-1

Topic 3: Apple to drop Broadcom chip and make their own.

Is this just the never-ending story of “control” of supply chain, or is there a strategy for secret development here? (Are there future technologies that are more easily developed in private, when you don’t have to share future features with an outside chip builder?)

https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-drop-key-broadcom-chip-2025-in-house-design-bloomberg-news-2023-01-09/

Sponsor Memo: Acronis 

Every client needs Cyber Protection. But that doesn’t mean service providers have to deploy a jumbled patchwork of solutions to get it done.

Modern protection starts with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud.

Acronis combines backup, anti-malware, endpoint protection, management and robust ransomware defense all from a single console. That’s why successful MSPs use Acronis to generate more recurring revenue AND reduce churn.

It’s easy to get started at https://Acronis.com

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

Through rolling blackouts and timezones, our team prevail for another special all-hosts episode of the Small Biz Community Podcast.

Before we get into it, we would like to ask our listeners, how wild is too wild New Orleans? Hosts Amy L has your answer!

Segment One: New Amazing Growth-Focused Peer Group from Amy Babinchak and the Quarterly Peer Group with James Kernan

Host Amy B shares with us her latest mentor-led peer group. In today's episode, Amy discusses her goals for this new venture for business owners looking to find a community with like-minded individuals.

For more details, check it out here:

https://www.thirdtier.net/2023/01/02/new-growth-focused-peer-group/

Similarly, Host James's Quartely Peer Group is mixing business and pleasure at the Mastermind Orlando Event.

We pick Host James's mind a bit: What's with MSPs and Florida?

Check it out here:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Segment Two: Tolstoy

There are a gazillion How To, Where To, and What To videos. Long form videos can be seriously disengaging which can be attributed to the lack of interactions this videos have to offer.

But, hey, remember those Choose Your Own Adventure storybooks? Tolstoy is taking that concept and running with it with their interactive video services.

Check out NSITSP'S example here: https://player.gotolstoy.com/qeqr5th6dnr1w

https://www.gotolstoy.com/

Segment Three: What's on Your Radar?

LastPass - and more end-user confusion...Following the most recent breach, the uncertainty of its survival has been a hot topic. How do we earn the trust of end-users?

Host Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address is out now.

Host Jame's discusses his one page business--efficient for a industry that is rapidly moves forward.

Resources and Links:

Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address

https://mspwebinar.com/

Dot Com Secrets https://www.amazon.com/Dotcom-Secrets-Underground-Playbook-Growing/dp/B08B9ZHVVG/

Expert Secrets https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Secrets-Underground-Converting-Customers/dp/B08B9DTGFM/

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Sponsor Note: NSITSP

By now you've heard of the National Society of IT Service Providers. But why should YOU join? The NSITSP is committed to transforming our Industry into a Profession. They've established an industry-wide code of ethics and are working to improve the reputation of IT consultants nationwide.

Wherever anybody is talking ABOUT IT consultants, NSITSP wants a seat at the table. That includes the media, government regulators, and the general public. Take pride in your industry and show off your membership.

Join us today at https://www.NSITSP.ORG

:-)

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.