SMB Community Podcast

Host Karl sits with Acronis's Righter Kunkel at the Cyberfit Summit 2022!

Righter is a seasoned leader with responsibilities for strategy, design, implementation, and execution of corporate customer success vision anchored with financial growth.

Righter has over 20 years of leadership experience in the public sector/commercial education and consulting industry. Righter has a deep working knowledge of operating a global for-profit partner, employee, and customer training business to include the internal business functions of development, certification, enablement, sales, services, and operations.

Sponsor Memo: Small Biz Thoughts Technology 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://smallbizthughts.org

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Host Karl sits with Acronis's Michael Callahan at Cyberfit Summit!

Michael is a security marketing executive with the rare combination of branding, product and technical expertise. Proven track record in both large and startup companies developing and executing go-to-market and enablement programs that drive record revenue.

He is an experienced leader who creates a collaborative environment while setting clear objectives and holding himself and the team accountable to deliver results.

Specialties: corporate marketing, product marketing, field marketing, product management, web marketing, social media, corporate communications, branding, messaging and press and analyst relations

Sponsor Memo: 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 PC Matic by visiting https://PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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Fire Clients - or Prune Your Client Garden - with Erick Simpson and Karl Palachuk

Recently, our friend Erick Simpson blogged that "end of year" is a great time to fire some clients. He and Karl are pretty much in agreement on that, but look at it from different perspectives.

Erick was on the ChannelPro Network podcast and talked about this approach. So, Karl wrote a blog post about the same topic from a different perspective.

In this interview, Karl interviews Erick about why you might want to get rid of some clients and how it can actually result in making more profit AND making your staff a lot happier.

Background articles: - Erick's blog: https://ericksimpson.com/erick-simpsons-msp-newsletter-october-2022-its-time-to-fire-some-customers/

- ChannelPro podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MI15aTE1DU (ChannelPro Weekly podcast #245).

- Karl's Blog: https://blog.smallbizthoughts.com/2022/11/fire-clients-and-give-better-service.html

Erick is, of course, the author of some of the best selling books on Managed Services, and is a great coach, trainer, and mentor for many in the community. You can catch up with him at https://ericksimpson.com.

Sponsor Note: FieldEffect

MSPs are frequently at the forefront of cyber security challenges. Between changing customer expectations and the growing threat landscape, you are stretched thin.

Need a helping hand?

Download research sponsored by FieldEffect, and learn how offering MDR increases revenue, simplifies operations, and maximizes margins for MSPs.

This independent analysis explores the growing managed detection and response (MDR) market and how MSPs can differentiate their managed security service with the right MDR solution.

You'll also find insights from five MSPs who have added covalence, a hybrid MDR solution, to their offerings and the positive impact it has had on business.

Want to learn more? Check the link in the show notes.

https://hubs.li/Q01cPMsj0

:-)

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Jost James sits down with Hartland Ross.

Hartland Ross is a digital marketing strategist, founder and president of eBridge Marketing Solutions – a digital marketing agency and M&A advisory firm founded in 2001 catering to IT service firms providing opportunities for growth through acquisition and & organic marketing strategies.

Hartland has been working in the sales and marketing of IT services and SaaS firms since 1999.

He is well recognized and regarded in the IT services industry and to date has worked with hundreds of firms providing opportunities for business growth through M&A, marketing strategy and by providing industry advice, recommendations and introductions.

Resources and Links:

https://www.thehostbroker.com

https://www.ebridgemarketingsolutions.com

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

Sponsor Memo: 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 PC Matic by visiting https://PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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Host Karl sits down with Loren Williams of PCs for People.

After more than 25 years working for IBM and other companies that bought, sold, and leased computer equipment, Loren Williams moved to the non-profit sector joining PCs for People in 2021. Loren focuses on building relationships with organizations that want to put their "retired" technology towards bridging the digital divide. In his spare time, Loren likes to bicycle and travel.

According to the Pew Research Center, about 4 in 10 adults with lower incomes do not have a desktop or laptop computer (41%). In our modern society, reliance on technology access has never been greater, as it has become a necessity for learning, working, health care and many other daily activities.

PCs for People works to fix this problem. In 2021 we distributed 53,000 computers to low-income individuals and saved 3.5 million pounds of electronics from going into landfills.

Resources and Links:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/

https://www.pcsforpeople.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-r-williams/recent-activity/shares/

Sponsor Memo: Nodeware

Know about Nodeware?

Nodeware is an in-demand and real-time cybersecurity solution that helps businesses reduce their risk of ransomware or other cyber attacks —all with breakthrough simplicity and affordability.

With truly continuous vulnerability scanning, even during normal business hours, you'll get real-time alerts of network access & new found risks, with easy and insightful reports to take action on and report to your customers.

Want to learn more?

Visit https://nodeware.com/partners to find out more.

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Host Karl speaks with Patrick and Mike Clements of SherpaDesk.

As co-founder and CEO of SherpaDesk, Patrick is committed to delivering a powerful easy to use professional services automation (PSA) solution that simplifies the three core activities of MSPs and IT Service Providers; track customer requests, log billable time, and manage customer's assets.

Patrick has spent over 20 years in building software technology companies. He is a member of several non-profit boards and is an active member of the entrepreneurial community in mentoring new startups.

Mike's best asset is being able to relate to people by listening to what they have to say. Mike has had over 20 years of in success in sales and the customer experience profession. He has led multi-million-dollar teams at Oracle and is a member of several non-profile boards.

He enjoys spending time with his three young kids and is very passionate about the outdoors. Mike enjoys pushing himself by competing in Iron Man, or trekking in the Peruvian Andes.

He's been part of the SherpaDesk team for 15 years and has an identical brother, that happens to be SherpaDesk's CEO

Resources and Links:

https://www.sherpadesk.com

https://www.sherpadesk.com/blog

https://www.facebook.com/SherpaDesk/

https://twitter.com/sherpadesk

https://www.reddit.com/r/SherpaDesk/

Sponsor Memo: OITVOIP

Did you know about STIR/SHAKEN?

If you're doing voice for your customers, you had better — the deadline was June 30.

This technology is focused on reducing robocalls, and providers have to take action. Are you compliant?

The team at OITVOIP has put together resources for you to learn more… or, for their customers, it's already handled.

Want to learn more?

Visit https://oit.co/mspradio/ for resources to help make sure you're covered.

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Host Karl speaks with Anne Hall.

Anne Hall is the owner and founder of ITagree – The Agreement Lifeguard, providing legal agreements-as-a-service globally.

Anne recognized just how much IT companies struggled with customer agreements so she decided to put her 25 years' experience as an IT lawyer in New Zealand to use in an innovative way, establishing ITagree in 2016.

ITagree provides access to the specific types of legal agreements needed by IT companies, quickly and cost-effectively, in order to help them to reduce business risk. ITagree's agreements have been developed and refined to suit the needs of IT companies in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and several European countries.

ITagree was founded by Anne Hall who has 25 years of experience as a specialist IT lawyer in New Zealand.

Anne wanted to provide IT companies with access to IT legal agreements without delays or big legal fees. Now we have customers all around the world and the ITagree team continues to be committed to saving time and costs on legal agreements, so you can focus on growing your business.

ITagree is a global leader for MSPs and IT companies in helping them to reduce unnecessary business risks.

ITAgree has you covered if you provide: Managed Services Microsoft 365 or Azure Private Cloud Hosting Professional Services Third Party SaaS Master Services Agreements And more! For Example Hardware-as-a-Service AWS Services Supply Unified Communications SaaS, including for Microsoft add-on

Resources and Links:

www.itagree.com

https://itagree.com/blogs/news

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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Host Karl speaks with Donna Turgeon.

In her role as head of channel, Donna will lead Infosec's channel sales team and indirect go-to-market strategy, operations and revenue globally.

Donna brings 30 years' experience driving indirect and direct revenue, ensuring customer success, delivering global GTM programs, leading corporate Channel and Distribution strategy, recruiting and onboarding business partners, and building effective Global sales and support teams.

Donna is a multiple-year CRN Channel Chief award winner. Before her role at Infosec, she built an excellent indirect and direct sales and Marketing organization as CRO of VIPRE Security Group. She has held various senior leadership roles at various companies, including KnowBe4, Tech Data, InspiredeLearning and AccentHealth.

Resources and Links:

http://www.infosecinstitute.com/channel Email: [email protected]

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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Host Karl speaks with Dave Charest.

Dave Charest is Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, the online marketing leader trusted by millions of small businesses. In his role, Dave acts as an educator and an advocate for small business leaders, marketing professionals, and nonprofits by providing them with practical marketing advice that can help them achieve their goals. He is a dynamic leader, speaker, creator, and award-winning marketer who strives to inspire small businesses by simplifying the complex world of online marketing.

Resources and Links:

https://www.constantcontact.com/

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 https://linode.com/mspradio

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Host Karl chats with Brian Laufer.

Brian Laufer is the Vice President of QuoteWerks. With a background in IT consulting, software development, and government contracting, he works to ensure business owners and sales professionals have the tools they need to obtain their goals. Brian makes this happen through educating the community and by facilitating seamless integrations between distributors, CRMs, PSAs, QuoteWerks, QuoteValet, and others.

Resources and Links: https://www.quotewerks.com/

Sponsor Memo: 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 inculding Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes. https://lnkd.in/gsydMya

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