SMB Community Podcast

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

:-)

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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.

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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.

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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

:-)

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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.

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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

:-)

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New music, new intro, new everything. We reboot the entire podcast format, and welcome new host Amy Luby.

Our Hosts are:

• Amy Babinchak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/
• James Kernan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/
• Amy Luby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycluby/
• Karl Palachuk - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/

Call for help: Amy is looking for robots out in the wild! Connect with her via LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for a show on AI chat and how you might use that.

Please like, subscribe, and share. We look forward to a great new format!

– – –

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

:-)

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Happy New Years! For our last episode of 2022, Host James chats with Mathieu Manaigre.

Published author and a mastermind of overlapping calendars, Mathieu is backed by a team of amazing experts allowing him to do all the fun work involved in building the most loved IT services company in Canada.

Resources and Links:

www.avenirit.com

https://www.facebook.com/aveniritinc

https://www.linkedin.com/company/avenir-it-inc.

https://twitter.com/AvenirITInc

Sponsor Memo: SBTTC

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

:-)

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Host Karl catches up with Yvette Steele.

Yvette Steele is a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader building inclusive and equitable workplaces one employee at a time. Her belief that "inclusion is everybody's job that anybody can do" was the catalyst of the book "Impactful Inclusion Toolkit: 52 Activities to Help You Learn and Practice Inclusion Everyday in the Workplace." Since entering the workforce in the late 1980's, she was frequently the only African American woman on the team or one of a few where bias, sexism, racism and prejudice were served daily making it impossible to consistently perform at peak levels. Decades later, these issues persist with the same intensity where many continue to be disempowered in their efforts to maximize potential. In this time of increased awareness of unfair systems and practices plaguing people of color, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community and others, her book provides the roadmap to acquire the skills needed to create cultures of equity, inclusion and belonging.

Yvette has been recognized as a diversity thought leader on the inaugural Channel Futures DE&I 101 List for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through words, actions, and leadership and has served on the DEI Advisory Committee for YMCA-USA, Tech Advisory Board Steering Committee for the National Urban League, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force for Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. You'll find her calling out the issues and providing solutions on diversity and workforce focused podcasts, blogs, news articles and panel discussions to include the Wall Street Journal, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the ChannelPro Network.

Resources and Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Impactful-Inclusion-Toolkit-Activities-Workplace/dp/1119930200/

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

Sponsor Memo: SBT Tech Community

his podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at 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 SmallBizThoughts.org

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Karl Palachuk has a major announcement . . . followed by a discussion of The Five Employee Rules You Can't Forget - No matter how difficult the job market is right now.

Karl has been procuding materials for IT consultants who are tackling the challenges of hiring in as we roll the calendar over to 2023. He recently posted a recorded webinar at https://www.mspwebinar.com on Hiring and Keeping Great Employees in 2023 - https://mspwebinar.com/finding-and-keeping-great-employees/.

In this podcast, Karl outlines five extremely important things you need to remember, even in a difficult job market.

Karl is one of the SMB Community Podcast hosts. He has written more than twenty books, and runs the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community as well as IT Service Provider University.

Karl has built and sold two managed service businesses. He has been a professional consultant for more than three decades, and he has been an active community builder in the SMB IT market for more than fifteen year. He's also the founder of the National Society of IT Service Providers and is currently their Executive Director.

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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 Acronis.com.

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