SMB Community Podcast

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 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/

---

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.

---

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/

---

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."

---

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

---

Segment One: MSP Question of the Week

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

---

Segment Two: What Are You Up To?

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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?

---

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.

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?

---

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.

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

—

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

—

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

---

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.

---

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/

---

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.