SMB Community Podcast: Business Advice for Small MSP Owners

Topic 1: New Fad - Work from Work Wednesdays

Zooming from the office is what the NYT calls the “Worst of both worlds.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/16/business/return-to-office-hybrid-work.html

Topic 2: Apple has killer deals with several State DMVs

Apple having states pay for their tech rollout -- how much is their responsibility, when Apple controls the tech?

https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/14/22781570/apple-making-states-pay-digital-id-service 

Topic 3: Electric Vehicles are super hot - including used.

Overview https://www.virta.global/global-electric-vehicle-market 

Rivian https://www.investopedia.com/rivian-ipo-what-happened-and-why-it-matters-5209505 

Used EVs https://www.wired.com/story/used-evs-hotter-demand-ever/ 

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Sponsor Note: Cisco

Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you. With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more at https://lnkd.in/gsydMya 

:-)

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From Karl: Everyone is a little overwhelmed with the fast-changing world of cybersecurity and what we should be doing. I wanted to give folks some clear, precise guidelines and questions about starting this process. I go into some detail on the questions and process I recommend for engaging EVERY client in this discussion.

I make reference to the model cybersecurity training you can access and download from https://www.mspwebinar.com. You can view the entire 1-hour video (recorded live with a client in November 2021), and download the PowerPoint in PPTX format. Download it, remove my branding and graphics, and create your own version. Hey, it's easier to edit my stuff than to start with a blank page, right?

And if you are a member of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community, you can access example resources for data handling documents and the sample client-facing cybersecurity questionnaire. If you're not a member, sign up now at https://www.smallbizthoughts.org.

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Sponsor Note: Gozynta

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, building an entire lego death star, or most of the content put out by Karl Palachuk in a week.

Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day.

Visit them at https://gozynta.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: Skimpflation: Will this affect us?

Aside from basic inflation, will the labor shortage cause this for IT services?

https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2021/10/26/1048892388/meet-skimpflation-a-reason-inflation-is-worse-than-the-government-says-it-is 

Topic 2: China’s Privacy Law

China's new policy looks "western" at first, but is used for strick tracking of citizens. The Personal Information Protection Law allows the government to blacklist companies, including those outside the country. Will companies go along or opt out of the largest market in the world?

Do providers really care?

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-personal-data-law 

Topic 3: Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can crack it in a decade

It makes sense once you hear it. But it's still surprising.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/11/03/1039171/hackers-quantum-computers-us-homeland-security-cryptography/ 

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Sponsor Note: Egnyte

Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers? Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions. With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance. Want to learn more? Check out https://Egnyte.com/msp, and when you do, tell them we sent you.

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Host James Kernan interviews Dakota Fitzgerald from the new TDSynnex to discuss the Tech Data-Synnex merger and what it means for IT Service Providers.

Dakota is the SYNNEX StellrCloud Cloud and Platform Strategist. Her background is in coding, development, and mass communications. In her current role, she works to develop new and innovative Cloud Strategies that provide resellers with the competitive advantage they need to navigate disruption and thrive in the Cloud arena.

By connecting passionate people to powerful platforms through purposeful partnerships, TDSynnex is becoming the leader for Digital Transformation in the channel. Through end-to-end solutions, support, and services, Dakota works to serve reseller partners, vendors, and colleagues in making TDSYNNEX StellrCloud the obvious destination for all Cloud needs.

More info at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota17fitzgerald/

And of course . . . https://www.tdsynnex.com/

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Sponsor Memo: Acronis

Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It's a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients' security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at https://Acronis.com.

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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: Looking at Tech Companies as nation states

When one organization has so much money and does so many things that they "compete" with nation states, should we begin to treat them that way? Note that one article is from Foreign Affairs magazine.

Links:

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-login-0e7854d2-2b30-44e4-921a-e78b4e2db256.html?chunk=1&utm_term=emshare#story1 

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2021-10-19/ian-bremmer-big-tech-global-order 

See also the book: The Big Switch by Nicholas Carr

Topic 2: Using AI to parse CEO’s words

Is this truly useful AI or just a faster version of the obvious?

Link:

https://www.reuters.com/technology/ai-can-see-through-you-ceos-language-under-machine-microscope-2021-10-20/ 

Topic 3: Facebook shuts down facial recognition

Facebook is shutting down their facial recognition program - and deleting the database altogether. Have they found a soul? Is this actually a good business decision? What don't we know about this big decision?

Links:

https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/facebook-shutting-down-facial-recognition 

https://gizmodo.com/google-is-going-to-charge-cops-for-your-data-1841221086 

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Sponsor Memo:

Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at https://Acronis.com. 

:-)

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Host Karl talked to Corey White.

Corey is a proven security industry veteran with more than 25 years of success building and implementing security strategies and leading consulting teams. His work encompasses virtually every industry, including government, high tech, hospitality, critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Corey is disrupting the modern approach to cybersecurity with Cyvatar.ai, making cybersecurity effortless for businesses with fully managed customer-centric security solutions that are mapped to business outcomes. As the industry's first membership-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, Corey's mission for Cyvatar is to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions.

Corey also served as the SVP of Worldwide Consulting, Chief Experience Officer at Cylance and as the Southwest Director of Consulting for Foundstone & McAfee/Intel Professional Services. He's an avid lover of bio-hacking, manifestation, and meditation. He can offer valuable insights into the current state of affairs as well as the dangers on the horizon. He would love to talk about cyber security as it relates to healthcare, hospitality, gaming, cannabis, and more.

https://cyvatar.ai/

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-- -- -- Sponsor Note: PC Matic

Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow-listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more by visiting https://pcmatic.com/MSP. Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign.

:-)

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: Trolls Are Born, Not Made

While self esteem is a factor, Internet trolls don’t have low self esteem. They have a high tendency to sadism. When mixed with high self esteem, you get a troll.

Who are these people and how did they become trolls. Research gives us some insights.

https://theconversation.com/new-research-shows-trolls-dont-just-enjoy-hurting-others-they-also-feel-good-about-themselves-145931 

Topic 2: Async Business Collaboration Models

One of Karl's favorite topics! Let's focus on focus. Asynchronous communication goes a long ways to making focus possible and effective.

If you can find people who work asynchronously, and give them the right tools, amazing things can be done.

https://www.protocol.com/workplace/async-work-goodbye-meetings 

Also: https://www.geekwire.com/2021/study-microsoft-employees-shows-remote-work-puts-productivity-innovation-risk/ 

Topic 3: Desperate for Workers, Restaurants Turn to Robots

It’s about time! Lines have gotten longer and longer due to pandemic upheaval and a shrinking workforce.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/business/restaurants-robots-workers.html 

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Sponsor Note: Gozynta

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at https://Gozynta.com. 

:-)

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Host Karl talked to Larry Mandelberg, one of the founding members of the National Society of IT Service Providers Board of Directors.

Larry is a long-time technologist and business consultant. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Businesses Don't Fail, They Commit Suicide.

Larry is a "serial entrepreneur" who solves complex business problems for companies in a wide range of industries. He represents the fifth generation of his family's business, inheriting 150 years of successful organizational experience. Larry has experience in all stages of business growth. He has launched four start-ups, led a merger, and conducted a successful turnaround.

When the NSITSP was formed in the Summer of 2021, Larry was selected as one of the Board members. He brings a great deal of experience in non-profit boards as well at professional businesses and business success.

Links:

https://mandelberg.biz https://mandelberg.biz/mandelblog/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymandelberg/ https://businessesdontfail.com

For information on the NSITSP, please visit https://nsitsp.org

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Sponsor memo: Calyptix Security

Cyber security for small business has become overwhelming. Unprecedented threats, escalating rhetoric and limited resources. None of us can battle alone. Lean on your community at Calyptix Security. The Calyptix Community Shield automatically unites small businesses and raise the costs and challenges for cybercriminals by harnessing threat intelligence from our community. If they attack any one of us, everyone gets the benefit with Community Shield. The best part? No added costs. By working together, we will prevail. Learn more at https://calyptix.com and tell them Karl sent you.

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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.

This special edition of The Killing IT Podcast was recorded before a live audience in a special presentation made possible by Cisco.

If you missed the “Live” portion, register at killingitlive.com to listen to the bonus topic and receive announcements about the next Killing IT Live broadcast. -- -- --

Topic 1: After much fanfare, what’s up with The Contract for the Web two years later?

Sir Tim Berners-Lee's project - The Contract for the Web - promised to encourage governments to ensure access and privacy; corporations to encourage the best and discourage the worst in people; and citizens to be both creators and collaborators.

Well, two years later, we don't think much has changed.

Links:

https://contractfortheweb.org/ 

https://contractfortheweb.org/2021/10/07/save-the-date-join-us-to-launch-the-tech-policy-design-lab/ 

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Topic 2: Has the Dream of AI Died? Faded? Evolved?

One article on this topic asks whether "losing AI" would be a bad thing. The trend looks like China is way ahead of the west, except with regard to the moral use of artificial intelligence. Another article reports that some computer experts think ending human oversight is a very bad idea.

What are the stakes of us losing our edge because we have ethics?

Links:

https://www.vox.com/recode/22725044/china-ai-race-pentagon-wechat 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/even-computer-experts-think-ending-human-oversight-of-ai-is-a-very-bad-idea/#ftag=RSSbaffb68 

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Topic 3: Smart Cities Produce Unfathomable Amounts of Data.

This topic ties together several of our ongoing discussions: AI, analytics, 5G, privacy, automation, simulation, environmental impact, tech impact on real life, and big business opportunities.

But are we any smarter or better off?

https://www.axios.com/smart-city-5g-data-privacy-0f8e6535-3cad-4ceb-86a2-dd4cefcd28a7.html 

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NOTE: You can catch the BONUS topic at https://www.killingitlive.com. 

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Sponsor Memo:

Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you. With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/partners/partner-with-cisco/provider.html 

:-)

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Host Karl caught up with Toby Nangle, a channel sales pro with Field Effect.

With a 23-year career in technology channel sales, Toby has worked extensively in the Education Technology, Cloud, IT Infrastructure and IT Security sectors. His expertise lies in developing cohesive channel strategies, identifying and developing the shortest path to revenue for new technologies and implementing the necessary internal and external structures to support channel partnerships.

Field Effect works to bring simplicity to a complex process of delivering top-notch cybersecurity. Their primary product is Covalence, which bring great security monitoring from a wholistic approach. Rather than deploy a variety of "DR" (detection/response) tools, Covalence monitors all traffic on both your on-site and cloud networks with one portal.

Alerts are managed through a central system and delivered to MSPs. Of course it also connects to your PSA and other tools.

If you're interested in offering a successful managed security practice, the Field Effect partner program is a great place to start. We dig into a good deal of the technology as well as deployment and monitoring for the MSP. Their service is sold on a per-user basis in order to make sure people don't exclude devices due to price. Their ideal market is between 25 and 2,500 users. (Not strictly enforced.)

Links:

Field Effect Partner Program: https://fieldeffect.com/partner-program/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FE_Partners

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/field-effect-partners/

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Sponsor Memo: BVOIP

BVOIP — the Cloud communications offering designed specifically for IT providers, BVOIP offers a complete Unified Communications suite which can also be tightly integrated via Microsoft Teams. BVOIP delivers the modern workforce cutting edge features including Contact Center, integration to your business apps, and real time visibility into your remote workers.

You control the price, with a unique hybrid model that avoids the complex dial tone taxation or compliance bullseye. Don't get stuck in a vendor relationship that works against you! BVOIP is channel only company that's here to support you. Find out more by visiting www.bvoip.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.