SMB Community Podcast

SMB Community Podcast episodes:

• 06.27.2024

  Partner Conflicts

  1.) The MSP Question of The Week How do you deal with partner conflict? We discuss the "Four R's" of conflict resolution: Recognize, Reflect, Respond, and Resolve. --- 2.) Notes on The News Apple AI rollout and Cybersecurity! Is your...

  
• 06.25.2024

  Louis Erickson & Sam Blowes of Bit-Wizards

  Host James sits down with Louis Erickson and Sam Blowes of Bit-Wizards for an exclusive interview.  Louis Erickson is the co-founder and COO, and Sam Blowes is the Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards–an award winning IT services provider based...

  
• 06.20.2024

  Tracking Vending Subscriptions

  1.) Notes On The News  Cybersecurity, AI, and now...M&A;? We discuss our opinion on the next new hot topic of the techworld.  Also, Microsoft now backpedaling due to backlash on RECALL. Finally, Ken Patterson leaves PAX8 and now is heading...

  
• 06.13.2024

  VCISO Training and the Coolest Niche in SMB IT

  Host Karl attended the ChannelPro Live event in Columbus, Ohio. He interviewed two folks who are doing some cool things.  Wayne Small from Australia is retooling himself and his business to take a new approach to the Virtual CISO Role....

  
• 06.06.2024

  Determining Employee Compensation

  1.) MSP Question of The Week Employee Compenstion--How much is too much or too little? --- 2.) Notes on The News  Amy blog article – Financial Crimes Enforcement Network article Linkedin: https://nsitsp.org/news/financial-crimes-enforcement-network/ --- 3. Strategies for Local Businesses in Local Market ...

  
• 05.30.2024

  Employee Accountability for Subpar Performance

  1.) MSP Question of The Week How do you hold employees accountable for subpar performance? --- 2.) James at SMB Techfest James kicked off the first session on the main stage by sharing how EOS can help your business scale....

  
• 05.23.2024

  How To Purchase an MSP with No Money Down

  1.) The MSP Question of The Week How do you buy another MSP with no money down? --- 2.) Notes on The News Kaseya 365 subscription debuts at $3.99! https://www.channele2e.com/news/kaseya-365-subscription-debuts-at-3-99 Major Leadership Changes at PAX8, CEO steps aside... Pax8...

  
• 05.16.2024

  Endpoint Detection and Response for the MacOS with Huntress

  Host Karl Palachuk interviews Wes Hutcherson and Stuart Ashenbrenner from Huntress on the challenges and (and victories) of securing macOS endpoints.  As you know, MacOS represents a growing percentage of the business device operating system market, outperforming both Linux and...

  
• 05.09.2024

  Banning Non-compete Agreements?

  1.) MSP Question of the Week Should you ban Non-compete Agreements?  --- 2.) Notes on The News  Big Tech firms lost its dream status due to layoffs and instability: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/28/how-working-for-big-tech-lost-dream-job-status.html --- 3.) Five Minutes with A Smart Person -...

  
• 05.02.2024

  Do MSPs Prefer iPhones or Androids?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week Which do you prefer: iPhone or Android? Is there a clear winner?  --- 2.) Notes on The News     What are the current TOP Password Managers? https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-password-managers,review-3785.html "Big Tech" censoring content...and other clickbait-y...

  
• 04.25.2024

  Charging for Onsite Travel?

  1.) The MSP Question of The Week  Should you charge for onsite travel?  And what's best--Price per seat or per device?   --- 2.) Notes on The News  The FBI is warning consumers against using public phone charging stations in order...

  
• 04.18.2024

  Dima Kumets of Huntress Labs

  Host Karl caught up with Dima Kumets, Principal Product Manager at Huntress Labs focused on their Security Awareness Training product. It was an entertaining interview! This interview focuses on the Security Awareness Training product, which features a truly engaging way...

  
• 04.11.2024

  Reselling Copilot As A Service?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week Is there an opportunity there for MSPs to resell consulting service around copilot? --- 2.) Notes on The News  Windows features disappearing in 2024: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2285358/10-windows-features-disappear-soon-2024.html Google looking to purchase Hubspot: https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/google-parent-alphabet-eyes-hubspot-acquisition-report United States Cyberforce: https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/03/25/united-states-cyber-force/ ...and more! ...

  
• 04.04.2024

  Tracking MDF As a Small MSP

  1.) MSP Question of The Week Is it worth the time to track MDF/Rebates from your vendors partners if you are a small MSP? --- 2.) Notes on The News  April fool’s joke? Gmail announced 20 years ago today:  ...

  
• 03.28.2024

  Should Remote Workers Return to The Office?

  Host Amy and James are back!  1.) MSP Question of The Week: Should you force remote workers back in to the office? And do workers prefer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payment? --- 3.) Notes on The News  N-able 2024...

  
• 03.21.2024

  Karl Palachuk at Channel Partners 2024

  We follow Karl Palachuk as he makes his way through Channel Partners Expo 2024!    Thank you to our guests (in order): Dave Seibert of SMBTechFest  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseibert99 https://www.smbtechfest.com/index.asp   Michelle Ragusa McBain of Sonicwall  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleragusamcbain https://www.sonicwall.com/leadership/michelle-ragusa-mcbain/   Mikey Pruitt of...

  
• 03.14.2024

  Stephen Thomas of Asigra

  Karl interviewed Stephen Thomas from Asigra. Thomas oversees global revenue and shapes the sales and customer success strategy. He is an accomplished executive With over 25 years of experience in building and guiding sales and customer success teams within the...

  
• 03.07.2024

  Christophe Reglate of SXIPHER

  Host James sits down with Christophe Reglate of SXIPHER. Look out for the PROMO for 20% off in the month of March! https://www.sxipher.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-reglat-7360b0141/ Call: (386) 479-4074 Email: [email protected] — Our upcoming events: AUSTIN TX – MASTERMIND LIVE (March 28-29th)...

  
• 02.29.2024

  Competing As A Small MSP

  Yes, another opener about the weather. ;)    1.)  The MSP Question of The Week How can small MSPs compete with larger firms in the same market? https://www.msptoday.com/topics/msp-today/articles/458682-msps-must-focus-strengths-not-be-afraid-partner.htm --- 2.) Notes on The News  The AT&T; outage  results in...

  
• 02.22.2024

  Identifying Worthwhile Opportunities

  We are back after the long weekend with great hair... 1.) MSP Question of the week:  How do you qualify an opportunity so you don’t waste your time? Check out Amy's whitepaper:  https://www.thirdtier.net/product/whitepaper-how-to-build-a-valuable-local-linkedin-network/ --- 2.) Notes on the News...

  
• 02.15.2024

  Val King of Whitehat Technologies

  Host James sits down with Val King. Val is the CEO of Whitehat Virtual Technologies and responsible for day-to-day-operations, as well as leading the company’s product development and technology strategy. Val has 20 years of experience in technology, compliance, and...

  
• 02.08.2024

  Work Culture and Business Acquisition

  1.) MSP Question of The Week How important is work culture as it relates to acquisition or merger? and Why everything boils down to customer experience... See:  https://www.channele2e.com/native/customer-experience-is-everything 2.) Five minutes with a Smart Person -  Val King of...

  
• 02.01.2024

  How Do MSPs Deal with Stress?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week   How do busy MSP business owners deal with stress?   Host Amy and Host James discuss their strategies.    ---   2.) Five Minutes with A Smart Person -  Eric Anthony    Host...

  
• 01.25.2024

  What is The Best Business Structure For MSPs?

  Host Amy and Host James catch up and catch a tan.    1.) MSP Question of The Week   What is the best business structure for new MSPs?   See: https://www.toptal.com/finance/interim-cfos/c-corp-vs-s-corp#:~:text=Compared%20to%20traditional%20S%20or,it's%20taxed%20as%20a%20corporation   ---   2.) More Tech Layoffs?   EY...

  
• 01.25.2024

  Yearly Business Goals and Objectives

  *Due to a small error, we are re-releasing this episode that was originally set for January 19th, 2024. Thanks for understanding. :-) 1.)  Should you update your GOALS and OBJECTIVES every year?  The short answer? Yes.  Email James ([email protected]) for...

  
• 01.19.2024

  AI Strategy for 2024

  Host Karl does a deep dive into the four steps you need to take for your “AI Strategy” in 2024. Learn it, use it, teach it, sell it. Whatever you do, just don’t ignore it.   AUSTIN TX...

  
• 01.04.2024

  Jerry Koutavas of ASCII

  Host Karl sits down with friend, Jerry Koutavas. As President of The ASCII Group, Jerry Koutavas is responsible for creating resources and services aimed at helping IT and managed service providers better manage their time and their bottom line.  Koutavas...

  
• 12.28.2023

  Big Tech Layoffs Coming

  1.) MSP Question of the week:  Will the US economy adversely affect my business?          In summation, it will...if YOU let it. And what does tabasco hot sauce have to do with you?   ---    2.)...

  
• 12.21.2023

  Desmystify Selling with Microsoft with Rob Fegan

  Host James sits down with Venvito's Founder Rob Fegan on partnering with Microsoft.  Venvito was formed to teach other Microsoft partners how to harness the scale and reach of Microsoft's field teams. Sharing with other owners, founders, and leaders the...

  
• 12.14.2023

  The Best Commission Plan for Salespeople

  Today the SMBCP is whole again: Karl is back!      1.) MSP Question of The Week   What is the best commission plan for salespeople?    ---   2.) What's New in the News    OPEN AI – blew...

  
• 12.07.2023

  Julian Caldwell: What CIOs Look For in an MSP

  In this week's edition of SMBCP, we sit down with the Chief Information Officer of TS Banking Group, Julian Caldwell. We discussed how to get into the door with executives--What are they looking for in MSPs? And hpw to become...

  
• 11.30.2023

  Karl at SMB IT Pro Con Australia!

  Host Karl goes down under for the SMB IT Pro Con! In this episode, Karl captures bite-sized interviews with the best in the industry.  Featuring (In Order): Dean Calvert of Calvert Technologies  Elias Mansour of N-Able Matt Koenig of Nodeware ...

  
• 11.23.2023

  SMBCP's Smart Person: Chip Reaves

  Happy Thanksgiving!   In this turkey day edition of SMBCP, we have Chip Reaves in the studio! Chip’s expertise is in Microsoft software, teaching courses on a variety of apps and iterations from 2010 to the most current Microsoft 365....

  
• 11.16.2023

  Increasing Your Business's Value BEFORE Selling

  For this week's episode, we are joined by our co-host Amy Babinchak!  ---         1.) The MSP Question of the Week What can you do NOW to increase the value of your business BEFORE you sell? Host James...

  
• 11.09.2023

  Your Clients Hires Your Employee -- Now What?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week          What do you do when your customer hires one of your employees? Have you prepared with a non-solicitation in your agreement?  Did they let you know in advance or hire...

  
• 11.02.2023

  What's Next for Alex Farling?

  In this episode of the SMBC podcast, we have three special cohost!   Host James sits with Alex Farling, Wes Spencer and Kyle Christensen of Empath.   https://www.empathmsp.com/   Tune in as we discuss the next big moves for Empath. ...

  
• 10.26.2023

  What Is Your Unique Selling Proposition?

  1.) The MSP Question of the Week   What is your unique selling proposition? Or your "superpower"?   ---   2.) Notes on the News    Understanding Your Competitors – SWOT Analysis on your business.   https://www.msptechnews.com/business-news/evaluating-business-rivals/   We...

  
• 10.19.2023

  MSP Packaging and Pricing

  1.) What's Up with You?   One of our favorite topics on the show: What do you prefer--the large events or the smaller events?    Let us know and send us message at [email protected]!   Host James breaks down the...

  
• 10.12.2023

  What Is Your Favorite Password Tool?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week          What is your favorite password tool? --- 2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person – Lori Hardke  Host Karl discuss “PROFIT FIRST” with our guest Lori Hardtke. Check out Lori's...

  
• 10.05.2023

  How To Compensate Fully Remote Workers

  In this episode of SMBCP, Host James quickfires some insight on today's hot topics: How to compensate fully remote workers, dealing with late payers, and the search for entry level technicians.   1.) The MSP Question of the Week Can...

  
• 09.28.2023

  Husband and Wife at the Same Company: Yes or No?

  Today's special episode of SMBCP we have a special guest host, Donna Blum.  1.) The MSP Question of the Week         Is it a good idea for couples to work together in the same company?  --- 2.)...

  
• 09.21.2023

  When Should I Hire My First Sales Person?

  1.) MSP Question of the Week  When should I hire my first sales person? --- 2.) Smart Person - Brianna Haun  Brianna's passion is to provide a level of excellence in serving clients, leading a team, and impacting the community...

  
• 09.14.2023

  Burned by the “Big Guys” with Jason Miller of BitLyft

  In this special edition of the SMB Community Podcast, host James sits down for an in-depth discussion with Jason Miller Jason Miller - founder and CEO of BitLyft. Have you ever been lured in by a big-name vendor, only to...

  
• 09.07.2023

  What is EOS?

  1.) MSP Question of the Week What the heck is EOS? We break down Entrepreneurial Operating System. Recommended reading: https://www.amazon.com/What-Heck-EOS-Employees-Companies/dp/1543699561#:~:text=Based%20on%20his%20years%20of,companies%2C%20helping%20them%20implement%20EOS --- 2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Lisa Shorr  Host James sits down with Lisa Shoor...

  
• 08.31.2023

  What's Best--Remote or In The Office?

  1.) MSP Question of The Week Do your workers come into the office, work remote or hybrid? --- 2.) Five minutes with a Smart Person Host Karl sits down with Kathryn Rose of ChannelWise.  Kathryn Rose is an innovator, and...

  
• 08.24.2023

  Social Events with MSP Clients

  Segment One: The MSP Question of the Week  Do you attend social events with clients? --- Segment Two: Notes on the News  ChatGPT is getting alarmingly less accurate! This is huge.  https://www.popsci.com/technology/chatgpt-human-inaccurate/    --- Kernan mastermind September 28-29 -...

  
• 08.17.2023

  MSP Events

  Segment One: The MSP Question of The Week How many shows should an MSP attend in a year? --- Segment Two: Minutes with A Smart Person - Jake Gregorich  Host James sits down with Jake Gregorich of Lyra Technology Group...

  
• 08.09.2023

  Businesses Don't Fail

  For this edition of SMBCP, Host Karl sits down with two lovely guests in two seperate five minutes with a smart person. Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Double Feature!  First up: Larry Mandelberg is a consultant, speaker and...

  
• 08.03.2023

  The IT Magnificent Seven

  Segment One: MSP Question of the Week/Notes on the News We combine our two segments-- With Twitter X's arrival (and departure, which social media should MSPs be using? We compile a list of our social media necassities for MSPs and...

  
• 07.27.2023

  Marketing for the MSP with Charlene Ignacio

  Today Hosts James welcomes our guest co-host: Charlene Ignacio! Being from Hawaii, she makes friends everywhere she goes. What you see online is what you get in person. She serves as a multi-industry CEO, speaker, author, serial entrepreneur for, business...