SMB Community Podcast

We catch up with Host Karl and Host Amy. Find out who's smoke free.

Segment One: The MSP Question of the Week Do you have to be a "technical" person in order to run a successful IT consulting business?

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Segment Two: Five minutes with a Smart Person - Sarah Hansen

Host James sits down with Sarah Hansen of Hansen Collective.

Upon earning her bachelor's degree in journalism and media communications at Colorado State University, Sarah Hansen set out to forge a career path that was both creative and flexible in social media marketing.

After gaining experience working as a social media strategist with top performing midwest agencies and freelancing with brands around the country, at the age of 23, Sarah launched her own social media brand– Hansen Collective.

Not only is Hansen Collective a place where she uses her online marketing expertise to help both international and domestic clients, but it's also a place where she can foster a community and educate her audience on creating effective social media strategies for personal brands and businesses alike.

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Segment Three: Notes on the News

Technology we didn't expect...Car companies have become the "natural" providers of home electrical systems and DC battery power.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/28/23776690/gm-energy-ultium-home-ev-charging-v2h-stationary-storage

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Resources and Links

CompTIA Free registration - August 1-3 Use code SBSmallBizThoughts23 Link: https://i.snoball.it/p/3igU/l

XChange Nashville = Karl attending August 20-33 See https://event.thechannelco.com/xchange-august/agenda

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.

Segment One: Notes on the News

We sit down with Amy B and James and discuss the PAX8 marketplace Microsoft $5 Subscription Based Business Assist, and Microsoft Most Recent Security Response.

Microsoft Business Assist: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/business-assist-for-microsoft-365-37deb8fe-61cc-4cf9-9ad1-1c8d93475070

Microsoft Security Blog: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/06/14/cadet-blizzard-emerges-as-a-novel-and-distinct-russian-threat-actor/

Windows patch: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5028407-how-to-manage-the-vulnerability-associated-with-cve-2023-32019-bd6ed35f-48b1-41f6-bd19-d2d97270f080

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with A Smart Person - Oliver Nshom

Oliver Nshom is one of the Best Public Speaking Trainers, graduate from the Business Leadership School USA, a certified speaker from Kernan Consultancy USA, Trained and certified Human Resource professional (CHRP), Trained and certified Customer Relationship Professional (CCRP), Trained and Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Trained and Certified Speaker and Coach (CSC). He recently batched the Star Heroes after completing his Executive Master's Program from MOGi Global Leadership School in Nigeria.

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Segment Three: What Are You Up To?

Our hosts gear up for event season.

Check out these awesome events will be at:

CompTIA Free registration - August 1-3 Use code SBSmallBizThoughts23 Link: https://i.snoball.it/p/3igU/l

XChange Nashville = Karl attending August 20-33 See https://event.thechannelco.com/xchange-august/agenda

Sponsor Memo: ITSPU

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.

Segment One: What are you up to?

Amy B, James, and Karl--3/4th of our wonderful hosts join is for today's episode.

Amy B joins on the road as she drives north to...the boat.

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with a Smart Person – Our Very Own James Kernan!

James Kernan's first and last time as our smart person ;)!

Today, we discuss James's course on Leadership and Management Principles for MSPs over at ITSP University.

Learn more about this course here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zzbZqkPZz8&t=2s

https://www.itspu.com/

Check out James's event: Kernan Mastermind LIVE Event – Denver June 29-30th

LINK TO REGISTER: http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

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Segment Three: MSP Question of the week and Notes on the News

Q: Do you have to be an early adopter if you're an IT consultatant?

And does it dictacte success?

Sometimes the latest, greatest tool just add up in the server closet.

And sometimes change isnt necassary. As they say, if it ain't broke...

In the news: Amy B reads an article.

"Twitter owes google and AWS a boat load of money for hosting them in their evironement."

In short, Twitter is the dreaded "deadbeat client".

So, when should you cut off your deadbeat client?

Resources and Links:

https://nsitsp.org/events

NSITSP's Webinar on Change Management:

https://nsitsp.org/event/webinar-change-management-for-it-service-providers/

CompTIA Free registration – August 1-3

Use code SBSmallBizThoughts23

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

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Sponsor Memo: SBT Tech Community

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community.

Check us out at https://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://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: What are you up to?

Host Amy B and Karl discuss the latest in flower power.

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Allen Edwards

Allen began his I.T. career in 1994 as an entry-level tech, climbing the ladder through positions such as network technologist and then division manager in just six years. He founded his first I.T. company in 2002, and in ten short years led the enterprise through a transition from break/fix to MSP, and from custom ticketing to AutoTask before moving to ConnectWise Manage.

Allen started Eureka Process with a view to benefiting their clients through immersion in their daily process and activity. Allen brings his breadth of technical and leadership knowledge to the table, along with proven leadership implementation skills to guide his clients and their teams through fostering the development of the hard and soft skills that make success inevitable.

Allen is strict about Eureka's mandate, always add value first, whether that means working with C-level executives to elevate their leadership game or getting hands-on with front-line techs or the sales team. A sought-after MSP expert, he aims to offer his clients a sense of relief from the demand and complexity of running a successful MSP. Allen wants to reinvigorate teams with enthusiasm and a sense of possibility while building meaningful, growth-centered relationships that support next-level performance.

With a passion for adventure, Allen fills his spare time nurturing any one of his varied interests. From scuba diving to snow skiing, acro-yoga and travel – he looks to take in all this world has to offer.

https://eurekaprocess.com/about/

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Segment Three: MSP Question of the week and Notes on the News

Q: Do we have too few ports on new laptops?

Is AI really going to kill us all? Why is there a move by AI-creators to scare everyone? Is it the end of work?

Resources and Links:

https://nsitsp.org/join/

Kernan Mastermind LIVE Event - Denver June 29-30th

LINK TO REGISTER: http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

CompTIA Free registration - August 1-3

Use code SBSmallBizThoughts23

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

Sponsor Memo: SBT Tech Community

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community.

Check us out at https://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://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: What are you up to?

Karl just wrapped up the SMB Online Conference!

Check it out here: https://smbonlineconference.com

Three days of smart people & fun.

James is revving up for his LIVE event in Denver this month June 29th-30th.

Register here: http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Interested in more live shows?

Use Karl's code for CompTIA Free registration!

Use code: SBSmallBizThoughts23

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

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Brian Hoppe

Karl sits down with this week's smart person.

Brian has been part of the Managed Services industry since the early 2000s. He earned both his Bachelor's and MBA from Baylor University. For over 20 years, Brian has worked in multiple MSPs and has bought and sold multiple MSPs.

He has grown multiple MSPs to over $5 million in revenue and managed MSPs in excess of $15 million in revenue. Brian has a thorough understanding of all the ins and outs of running a highly successful MSP.

His expertise in leadership and coaching can help any MSP owner or CEO achieve the results they want in both business and life. He is passionate about finding the right clients for his coaching practice to help take their business and leadership to the next level.

Check out more here: https://brianhoppe.com

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Segment Three: Notes on the News and MSP Question of the Week

Our QOW: What's more important: People or Process?

As for the Notes on the News...

Does the Netflix crackdown on password sharing affect you?

https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/23/23734725/netflix-password-sharing-us-pricing-streaming

Fun with Statistics: Managed Services Market is $205B worldwide...headed to to reach $594.8 B by 2031.

We gotta ask: Why not just project $595B?

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/managed-services-market-A14724

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Sponsor Memo: SBT Tech Community

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community.

Check us out at https://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://smallbizthoughts.org

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

Host Amy and James take over the pod once again.

Segment One: What are you up to?

Amy and Karl finalize their sessions for the SMB IT Pro conference in Australia this October!

There, they will discuss why retirement looks different for business owners and Amy will be doing a technical deep dive: getting Microsoft 365 Business Premium's Endpoint detection and Response features setup.

As for James, anything goes on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-kernan-varcoach_business-consulting-ama-activity-7064672657526456321-80QK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Don't forget to sign up for James's Kernan Mastermind LIVE Event - Denver June 29-30th:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

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Segment Two: Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Ashlyn Szilva

Ashlyn Szilva achieved her doctorate in history with a specialization in Research Analysis. She has taught as a professor of history, journalism, and photo history for 2 1/2 years. She is now the Director of Social Media and Digital Marketing for JS Group Consulting where she worked part-time during her education. She manages the social media influence and social selling strategy for over a dozen technology firms big and small and am well known for her ability to create influencers in a digital normal. She still likes to utilize her research analysis skills from her education and does so now researching trends in the channel. On top of this she also runs her own LLC, ANS Group which focuses on social media and digital marketing.

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Segment Three: The MSP Question of the Week

What certifications should I be focusing to complete if I'm looking for a better position in IT?

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Sponsor Memo: SBTTC

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

In today's special episode, Host Karl heads out to Channel Partner's Las Vegas.

We follow him on his adventures through the vendor hall.

So what do these vendors have for sale and what socks do they have?

Thank you to all vendors who participated in this episode!

Listed below in order:

https://www.tdsynnex.com/na/us/

https://www.ninjaone.com/

https://www.hooksecurity.co/

https://ussignal.com/

https://threatlocker.com/

https://www.scalecomputing.com/

https://pia.ai/

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Sponsor Memo: IT Service Provider University

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.

We catch up with hosts Amy B and James!

Segment One: So what's up with you?

Amy B is back from Channel Partners!

Here takeaway: The expo hall is multi football fields long and every third booth was a bar.

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Segment Two: 5 Minutes with a Smart Person - Manny Palachuk

Host Karl catches up with Brother Manny.

Manuel Palachuk has over 30 years of business, management, and training experience in the computer and electronics industries. Manuel has owned several successful businesses, managed several successful IT and MSP service companies, and coached, mentored, or trained many more businesses all over the world. He is an expert of process, systems, and their efficiency who is driven toward continuous improvement in all aspects of business. He is a well-known author in the IT consulting community for Small and Medium-sized Businesses, and an experienced speaker and trainer at industry conferences.

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Segment Three: Social Media Marketing & Brand Awareness

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Sponsor Memo: 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://NSITSP.ORG

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

Today, our host congregate from their hotel rooms.

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Segment One: 5 Minutes with a Smart Person - Larry Mandelberg

We speak with Larry Mandelberg.

Larry is an effective catalyst for change who achieved new levels of efficacy and growth for businesses in industries as diverse as software, automotive, education and agriculture.

If change is causing your staff grief, frustration, baldness, or acne, I can help. After all, nobody likes change done unto them. Everybody likes change they do unto others, and I know how to flip that script.

This class provides proprietary content from Larry Mandelberg, a non-recovering, 5th generation serial entrepreneur who's owned 13+ businesses. He has launched four start-ups, led a merger, and performed a successful turnaround. 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 2023. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered more than 60 business-changing keynotes and workshops.

Mr. Mandelberg is a student of organizational lifecycles and has developed a system to help business owners create sustainable growth. He has been a guest on television and radio programs talking about business and entrepreneurship. Through his consulting practice he provides leadership development, executive coaching, ethics training and strategic planning to mid-sized organizations and their Boards.

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Segment Two: MSP Question of the Week All things MSP group owner, Eric Anthony, asked his question of the day, "Do you use SLA's?"

He got zip, zero, nada responses to his post. And he asks why that is. So we ask, does anyone care about SLA from an MSP?

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Segment One: 5 Minutes with a Smart Person - Larry Mandelberg

We speak with Larry Mandelberg.

Larry is an effective catalyst for change who achieved new levels of efficacy and growth for businesses in industries as diverse as software, automotive, education and agriculture.

If change is causing your staff grief, frustration, baldness, or acne, I can help. After all, nobody likes change done unto them. Everybody likes change they do unto others, and I know how to flip that script.

This class provides proprietary content from Larry Mandelberg, a non-recovering, 5th generation serial entrepreneur who's owned 13+ businesses. He has launched four start-ups, led a merger, and performed a successful turnaround. 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 2023. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered more than 60 business-changing keynotes and workshops.

Mr. Mandelberg is a student of organizational lifecycles and has developed a system to help business owners create sustainable growth. He has been a guest on television and radio programs talking about business and entrepreneurship. Through his consulting practice he provides leadership development, executive coaching, ethics training and strategic planning to mid-sized organizations and their Boards.

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Segment Two: MSP Question of the Week All things MSP group owner, Eric Anthony, asked his question of the day, "Do you use SLA's?"

He got zip, zero, nada responses to his post. And he asks why that is. So we ask, does anyone care about SLA from an MSP?

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Segment Three: Are Indirect Career Paths Possible Today?

There once was a time where you could train to be a psychology and end up working as IT service provider.

But, now that these pathways have matured and standards raised, is the impossible still possible?

Also an update on our ChannelPartners adventures.

As heard in the vendor hall…"We're the easiest security solution!"

…from every security solution. Is the easiest solution the best solution? What happened to expertise?

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Sponsor Ad: The SMB Online Conference

Mark your calendars and plan to join us May 17-18 at the SMB Online Conference 2023.

Two full days of content.

More than a dozen speakers.

A special Killing IT Live podcast recording.

And much more.

Every three years, Karl Palachuk and Small Biz Thoughts bring you a spectacular two-day online conference. And they do it right.

Save $100 by registering today at https://smbonlineconference.com

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

Segment One: What's New in the News and Parrots on Zoom

"Stats" from Syncro MSP:

https://storage.pardot.com/498741/1680897830mTi9uJgH/MSP_Resources_Communities_2023.pdf

603 respondents - Very unrepresentative of the MSP community.

And also, parrots talking to each other on Zoom!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-taught-pet-parrots-to-video-call-each-other-and-the-birds-loved-it-180982041/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHcAOlamgDc

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Segment Two: 15 Minutes with a Smart Person(s) Justin and Matt of the Partner Masters

The Partner Masters:

https://forms.microsoft.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Utst8GVMJ0S04Lir58VMVCi7Z49gv-RKrSi-5jurRu5UN1NVS1kwRDhUTTlMSDVDU1g4VUI1TkxOMS4u

Matt Soseman

Matt is a unique and experienced IT professional who has led digital transformation projects that have fundamentally changed the way a organization does business. Matt is motivated by the results in new business outcomes and new business scenarios that increase an organizations revenue and drives their bottom line - but more important, changes the world for the better.

Justin Slagle

After spending 10.5 years working at Microsoft in the Partner organization, it was easy to see that too many partners were being left behind. Justin and team founded The Partner Masters to help empower ALL Microsoft partners to achieve more with a specific focus on building a profitable practice. Their team has over 40 years of combined experience working at Microsoft across sales, marketing, operations and engineering. The Partner Masters look forward to empowering you to build your Microsoft practice!

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Segment Three: More on Artificial Intelligience

AI has exposed the search engines are not working out for people and that we're good at faking technology.

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Sponsor Memo: SMB Online Conference

Mark your calendars and plan to join us May 17-18 at the SMB Online Conference 2023.

Two full days of content.

More than a dozen speakers.

A special Killing IT Live podcast recording.

And much more.

Every three years, Karl Palachuk and Small Biz Thoughts bring you a spectacular two-day online conference. And they do it right.

Save $100 by registering today at https://smbonlineconference.com

Check out the latest episode!

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