SMB Community Podcast

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 discover their definition of services didn't quite match your expectations?

Tune into "Burned by the Big Guys" as we dissect real-life stories of vendor disappointments and uncover the discrepancies that often lie beneath polished pitches.

In this episode we'll share what questions to ask vendors, how to spot red flags, and provide an overview of what should actually be part of your service package.

Don't get side-tracked by glossy brochures; learn from those who've been there.

Book a demo with BitLyft:

https://www.bitlyft.com/

Suggest reads - StrengthsFinder 2.0:

https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253922/popular-cliftonstrengths-books.aspx

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Resources and Links:

Kernan Mastermind Roadshow: September 28-29 – Scottsdale, AZ!

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

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

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

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2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Lisa Shorr

Host James sits down with Lisa Shoor and discuss the importance of "soft skills"

https://shorrsuccess.com/

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

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3.) Notes on the News

Microsoft breaks its own rule for licensing.

...and a follow up on Remote vs. In-Office

Resources and Links:

Kernan Mastermind Roadshow: September 28-29 – Scottsdale, AZ!

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

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

1.) MSP Question of The Week

Do your workers come into the office, work remote or hybrid?

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2.) Five minutes with a Smart Person

Host Karl sits down with Kathryn Rose of ChannelWise.

Kathryn Rose is an innovator, and the founding CEO of award-winning global expert marketplaces (getWise, channelWise) that provide business owners and professionals in targeted markets, access to thousands of vetted executives, coaches/mentors, education and resources that accelerate business or career growth. She is a former Wall Street executive sales leader and an author of 9 books. She has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, CBS Marketwatch, Fox News and more. She was recently named Worth Magazine Top 100 Entrepreneurs, Forbes Top 1000 innovators and a member of the prestigious Nasdaq Milestone Makers program

Learn more: https://www.channelwise.com/about-us

3.) Notes on the News

The infamous cage match and another vendor claims their product is what will make you money.

Resources and Links:

Kernan Mastermind Roadshow: September 28-29 - Scottsdale, AZ!

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

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

Segment One: The MSP Question of the Week

Do you attend social events with clients?

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Segment Two: Notes on the News

ChatGPT is getting alarmingly less accurate! This is huge.

https://www.popsci.com/technology/chatgpt-human-inaccurate/

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Kernan mastermind September 28-29 - Scottsdale, AZ:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

or

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/

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

Segment One: The MSP Question of The Week

How many shows should an MSP attend in a year?

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Segment Two: Minutes with A Smart Person - Jake Gregorich

Host James sits down with Jake Gregorich of Lyra Technology Group and discuss sales and marketing philosophies.

Jake oversees revenue generation for Lyra Technology Group. He joined the team in 2023 to help grow people, increase collaboration among Lyra companies, and serve as a resource to help drive revenue growth.

Prior to Lyra, Jake worked with MSPs including Impact Networking, Ntiva, and Equilibrium IT. He also served as an independent consultant to private equity backed MSPs and private equity companies looking to enter the MSP market on sales & marketing, diligence, acquisitions, and integration.

Outside of work, he enjoys good drinks, food, and laughs with his pregnant wife carrying their 1st child, golden retriever, and large extended family. When he is not spending time with family and friends, Jake can be found outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, and playing team sports.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gregorich-47b27948/

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Upcoming Events:

Host Karl attends XChange in Austin!

See: https://event.thechannelco.com/xchange-august/agenda

Kernan Masterminds September 28-29 - Scottsdale, AZ - http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/

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

Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University

IT Service Provider University helps you improve the business side of your business.

We launched IT Service Provider University in 2013 and today we offer more than twenty courses on every aspect of running your consulting business.

IT Service Provider University provides training and pathways to certification for individual IT Service Providers as well as offering company-level certifications.

Pathways Include

Management

Technician

Sales/Marketing

Service Manager

Front Office

Learn more about professional classes and certifications at https://ITSPU.com

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

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 author with "more than 150 years of combined business experience." A natural problem solver, Larry represents the 5th generation of his family's business. He started working at a young age where he learned from his father before and after school.

Larry is an effective catalyst for change who has solved intractable problems and achieved new levels of efficiency and success for businesses in multiple industries. A prolific writer, Larry has published more than 80 columns. His first book, Businesses Don't Fail, They Commit Suicide is scheduled for release in early 2018. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered more than 60 business-changing keynotes and workshops.

https://mandelberg.biz/about-larry/

https://www.amazon.com/Businesses-Dont-Fail-Commit-Suicide-ebook/dp/B0C3F9GQZ9#:~:text=Businesses%20Don't%20Fail%2C%20They%20Commit%20Suicide%20is%20an%20inspiring,strategic%20planning%20and%20proactive%20mindset.

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Next up: James Steel at ChannelCon

An experienced IT channel leader with a passion for the Managed Service Provider (MSP) and IT Support Provider community and a specialism for working closely with partners in North America and Europe to drive growth.

Also a proud member of CompTIA's UK Executive Council where I work together with the hugely talented team to increase exposure for the great work the organisation does within the MSP space in particular.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%91%87-james-steel-8964947/

https://www.linode.com/partners/

https://www.akamai.com/

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Sponsor Memo: Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community

NOW is the time to join the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at https://SmallBizThoughts.ORG

There is no better value for training and education in managed services. 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 5-week courses, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Prices go up July 1st. Join now and you can lock in the lower price for life. See all the details and Join us today at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

🙂

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

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 how to take advantage of it.

And...Is our industry dominated by the "Magnificent Seven?"

Reuters: "The outsized gains have come with big earnings expectations for the seven companies: Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Alphabet (GOOGL.O), Amazon (AMZN.O), Nvidia (NVDA.O), Tesla (TSLA.O) and Meta Platforms (META.O). BofA Global Research projects they will increase earnings by an average of 19% over the next 12 months, more than double the 8% estimated rise for the rest of the S&P 500."

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Segment Two: Fives Minutes with A Smart Person - Lucas Acosta

"I'm a fixer. I left Apple to provide business-class solutions for businesses using Apple products. We've got a fantastic team offering a few specific solutions for businesses using Apple products. I'd love to connect and learn how you're using your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, or HomePod! ;)

Specialties: Mobile Device Management (MDM), Mobile Content Management (MCM), Asdeq, MobileIron, AirWatch, Casper Suite, Mac consulting, iPad consulting, Apple IT, Mobile Security, Mac training, iPad training, Group training.

Did I mention I work with people I love? I'm proud of every single one of my team members. I hire only full-time W2 employees with benefits. We've got a fantastic culture built around servanthood, and hospitality."

Lucas's LinkedIn page:

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

Blog and newsletter on MSP best practices:

https://lucasacosta.com

---

Our Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.instagram.com/james_kernan/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/JKernan

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

https://www.instagram.com/karlpalachuk/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizthoughts

Sponsor Memo: Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community

NOW is the time to join the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at https://SmallBizThoughts.ORG

There is no better value for training and education in managed services. 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 5-week courses, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Prices go up July 1st. Join now and you can lock in the lower price for life. See all the details and Join us today at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

🙂

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

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 results Coach and is also a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo, and Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified.

She is also the CMO at ChannelMastered and CEO of https://TheCMOGuru.com

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Segment One: MSP Question of the Week

What can MSP's do to market their business with little or no budget?

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Segment Two: What Are You Up To?

Catch James and Charlene at ChannelCon in Las Vegas and more!

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Segment Three: Five Minutes with A Smart Person - Mr. Van Deeb

Host James and Mr. Van Deeb sit down and talk becoming successful by doing the right thing in the workplace and how leaders help others succeed.

Van Deeb is the country's foremost expert on building relationships and is dedicated to helping others become successful in the sales and service industry. He has inspired tens of thousands of professionals throughout the country to succeed through his motivational and informative keynote speeches, workshops, speaking events, newsletters, and books.

SPONSOR MEMO: IT Service Provider University

IT Service Provider University helps you improve the business side of your business.

We launched IT Service Provider University in 2013 and today we offer more than twenty courses on every aspect of running your consulting business.

IT Service Provider University provides training and pathways to certification for individual IT Service Providers as well as offering company-level certifications.

Pathways Include

Management

Technician

Sales/Marketing

Service Manager

Front Office

Learn more about professional classes and certifications at https://ITSPU.com

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

Segement One: MSP Question of the Week

From Janet Schijns, a question and a survey:

"Today I am thinking about how Generative AI will impact the channel partner cost to serve vendors in the future. For example: By using Generative AI to create your marketing materials, better select ideal customers, customized dev work, customer support, or other tasks that AI can do to help lower your overall costs, does this actually result in a lower cost of serving the vendor product/solutions you distribute? Or will it have no impact?"

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/janetschijns_generativeai-channelpartners-surveying-activity-7069746600708841472-go6A

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Segment Two: Notes on the News

New suggestions for what a secure password is in the era of AI:

https://www.hivesystems.io/blog/are-your-passwords-in-the-green

Nvidia - Absurdly expensive? $385/share. Market cap $952B. Connectwise up for sale?

https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/142vndc/connectwise_buyout_heres_whats_really_going_on/

---

Sponsor Memo: Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community

NOW is the time to join the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at https://SmallBizThoughts.ORG

There is no better value for training and education in managed services. 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 5-week courses, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Prices go up July 1st. Join now and you can lock in the lower price for life. See all the details and Join us today at https://www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

:-)

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

Segment One: The MSP Question of The Week

I have clients that have three PCs but don't need a whole lot, what should I do?

Segment Two: Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Dr. Lance Reichenberger

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Host James sits down with his friend, Dr. Lance Reichenberger.

When Lance was only 11 years old, he began working with and programming computers. His father, an engineer, sometimes worked on a computer at home. When he was not using the machine for his professional work, he allowed young Lance to learn while playing with this computer. This was before even a dial-up modem, when transferring data required a 5 ½ inch floppy disk. He found there was not much on the hard drive, so he began rewriting the programs. He changed out the hardware, added capabilities and eventually added an early stage modem to access in the internet.

Technology was a natural match for his abilities and his father encouraged him to use the natural ability to create a future. As a young man, he volunteered in the emergency room of a hospital learned a lot about medicine. This led him to become an EMT and paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Although he had plans to become a doctor, those plans were sidetracked. He did, however, do a lot of the network cabling, computers, and programming at several medical organizations. He continues to be a subject matter expert in the area of medical technology.

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Segment Three: Notes on the News

Cage fight! Yup, it's our turn to give our two cents on Zuckerberg vs. Musk.

Azure AD gets a new name:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates/azure-ad-is-becoming-microsoft-entra-id/#:~:text=Microsoft%20Entra%20ID%20is%20the,secure%20access%20experiences%20for%20everyone.

And finally, is it recession time?

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Resources and Links:

CompTIA Free registration - August 1-3

Use code SBSmallBizThoughts23

Link: https://i.snoball.it/p/3igU/l

Karl will be at XChange Nashville August 20-33!

Check out more: https://event.thechannelco.com/xchange-august/agenda

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 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.