SMB Community Podcast

Topic 1: “Return on Character” Exchange Traded Fund focuses on companies run by a character!

But, somehow, Tesla and Meta are not part of the index. Perhaps too much character is just too much.

Links:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220324005096/en/ROC-Investments-Launches-the-World%E2%80%99s-First-%E2%80%98Return-On-Character%C2%AE%E2%80%99-ETF 

Related article from Harvard on the role of “character” on business success:

https://hbr.org/2015/04/measuring-the-return-on-character 

Topic 2: The Shift Away from Reseller Models Accelerates … But Are MSPs Ready to Adapt?

Not a technology conversation, per se … but a conversation about the business of technology. The shift to recurring revenue, consumption economics, and an ecosystem approach to customer engagement / support has been coming for years. Last week Microsoft stepped on the accelerator and not all partners are thrilled with the change.

Links

https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/microsoft-introduces-new-solutions-partner-score-plans-program-name-change

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/entire-technology-industry-should-watching-microsoft-story-jay-mcbain/?trackingId=wgA7j4qoYNsukXrREykzjg%3D%3D#

https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/new-petition-calls-new-microsoft-partner-score-impossible-

Topic 3: AI to help troubled kids

Links:

https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/protocol-enterprise/trevor-project-ai-lapsus-hacking?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

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Sponsor Memo:

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 PCMatic.com/MSP today.

:-)

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Host Karl speaks to Charles Preston on Human Risk Managment (HRM), Security awareness training, amd simulated phishing.

Charles Preston is the CEO & Founder of usecure, the Human Risk Management (HRM) solution that is transforming the way MSPs strengthen their clients' human security posture. With a wealth of experience in selling technology solutions to SMBs, Charles has amassed a number of key sales tips and insights to help run a successful IT business.

Resources and links:

www.usecure.io

Blog linking to usecure new 2022 guide: https://blog.usecure.io/free-ebook-the-2022-guide-to-reducing-human-cyber-risk

Sponsor Memo:

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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Topic 1: The big switch-off: Workers want a legal right to ignore out of hours emails The majority of employees would support a new law giving them a 'right to disconnect' from workplace communications.

Links: 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/right-to-disconnect-workers-want-a-legal-right-to-ignore-emails-from-their-boss/

Topic 2: TSA allows Arizonians to use their e-drivers license

TSA enables Arizona residents to use mobile driver’s license or state ID for verification at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | Transportation Security Administration

Topic 3: Managed Services Market Growth & Trends

Managed Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solution, By Managed Information Service (MIS), By Deployment, By Enterprise Size, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

The global managed services market is expected to reach USD $731.08 billion by 2030. The market is projected to register a CAGR - compound annual growth rate -  of 13.4% from 2022 to 2030. 

Links:

https://www.reportlinker.com/p06246923/Managed-Services-Market-Size-Share-Trends-Analysis-Report-By-Solution-By-Managed-Information-Service-By-Deployment-By-Enterprise-Size-By-End-Use-By-Region-And-Segment-Forecasts.html

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Sponsor Memo: 

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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Hosts Karl interviews Andy Liverman Anderson is the CEO and Co-Founder of DataStream Insurance.

Andy has close to a decade of experience in cybersecurity and technology with leadership roles at Envelop Risk, Dispel, LiquidSpace, and Lovely. Andy is also the host of the podcast Cyber Security Dispatch. Before transitioning to technology, he was a Wall St. credit research analyst covering the insurance space at Barclay's Capital.

Andy holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Columbia University Business School. A former member of the US National Rowing Team, Andy is now an avid but terrible tennis player. Additional Relevant Information Please contact Brian Sherman at CommCentric for arrangements and questions.

References and Links: https://datastreaminsurance.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DataStream-Insurance-104589198575876

https://www.linkedin.com/company/datastream-cyber-insurance/

https://twitter.com/DataStream_Ins

Sponsor Memo:

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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Topic 1: Public Databases Stumble into War in Ukraine

Early in the Ukraine invasion, Google Maps and Flight Radar 24 found that their data were being used by the Russians to view auto and air traffic inside Ukraine. We've touched on related topics like this for years, so we weren't super surprised.

Links:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/25/google-maps-ukraine-invasion/ 

https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/a-look-at-some-military-activity-in-airspace-around-ukraine/ 

Topic 2: People  Find Deep Fake Faces More Trustworthy than Real Faces

You want beautiful symmetry? Program it!

Link:

https://singularityhub.com/2022/02/21/people-trust-deepfake-faces-more-than-real-ones-study-finds/ 

Topic 3: Hacker Gets Pissed Off and Takes Down North Korean Internet

Link: https://www.wired.com/story/north-korea-hacker-internet-outage/ 

-- -- -- Sponsor Memo: SafeDNS

SafeDNS - the Web filtering solution for MSPs.

with an ever-increasing number of cyberattacks and data loss - customers ask “how to deal with it?”

Answer -Add an extra layer of protection: Web filtering solution on a DNS level. Deploy SafeDNS and be protected in minutes. with a Reseller panel and Whitelabel capability, generate more recurring revenue with AI-powered DNS Threat Protection. all with 24/7 support.  Want to learn more?   For details, please contact us - https://safedns.com  

:-)

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Corey Kirkendoll is the President & CEO of 5K Technical Services. 5K Technical Service, is an award- winning Managed Service Provider (MSP) company that is committed to establishing solid IT solutions for Small-to-Medium sized Businesses (SMB) throughout the North Texas area.

Corey is recognized by his peers as an IT Expert. Through his leadership, his relentless focus on being process-oriented and his commitment to delivering excellence in security and compliance, he has been a major influence on the rapid growth not only within his own MSP but with other MSP's across the country as well.

Corey is a Tech Titan and has received numerous awards in the IT industry.

References and links: www.5ktech.com

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Topic 1: Hackers without Borders - Welcome to 21st Century Warfare

A new humintarian group emerges in the wake of armed conflicts in Ukraine. Hackers without Borders aim to aid victims of war via the cyberworld. 

https://portswigger.net/daily-swig/were-firefighters-for-victims-of-armed-conflict-hackers-without-borders-co-founder-on-ngos-timely-arrival

Topic 2:  Microsoft finds itself in the middle of a war in the Ukraine

In stopping malware attacks, they find themselves taking sides, and working with our government. Analogies to Detroit carmakers in WWII are natural.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-finds-foxblade-malware-on-ukrainian-systems-removing-rt-from-windows-app-store/ 

Topic 3: How Big Technology Systems are Slowing Innovation

The assumption has always been that technology is the source of innovation: new capabilities that enable businesses to do things they couldn’t before and empowering small businesses to compete against large entrenched market leaders. But the latest evidence suggests that technology systems adopted by large firms may be having exactly the opposite effect.

This story is behind a pay wall.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/02/17/1044711/technology-slowing-innovation-disruption/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17aXAtn_6n-xux271KMQdtWBU9FKpyAxu/view?usp=sharing

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Sponsor Memo: 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 PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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Keywords / tags

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Host Karl talked to author and entrepreneur Jennifer Bleam about her new book: Simplified Cybersecurity Sales for MSPs.

By now, the majority of your listeners have accepted the mission to protect their clients. If they don't learn to sell cybersecurity effectively, countless small and medium sized businesses will be financially and personally affected. The future of those businesses depend on the content of this book.

Jennifer Bleam is a wife, the mother of three boys, and a mentor for MSPs looking to dominate their marketplace and build the company of their dreams. Her drive and expertise has led her to grow several multi-million dollar companies and divisions in under two years each.

She's been featured in countless trade publications and podcasts and has been a guest speaker and trainer on stages around the world including North America, Australia, and Europe.

To date, Jennifer has coached nearly 2,000 MSPs on effective sales and marketing to small and medium sized businesses.

References and links: www.MSPSalesRevolution.com

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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://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/partners/partner-with-cisco/provider.html

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Special guest co-host: Susanne Tedrick - Principal Infrastructure Specialist; Azure for Sports - Microsoft | LinkedIn

Topic 1: Texas Sues Meta Over Facial Recognition

Texas is suing over past use of facial recognition technology. The suit accuses Facebook of violating the state's privacy laws by capturing biometric data on tens of millions of Texans without properly obtaining consent. 

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/texas-sues-facebook-over-its-use-of-facial-recognition-report-says/

Topic 2: Why Companies are not cutting back on office space.

Let's discuss how leaders can best support hybrid work environments and the steps needed to meet workers where they, well, work best. 

https://hbr.org/2022/01/why-companies-arent-cutting-back-on-office-space

Topic 3: NFTs - Hype, Facts, and Future

While NFT’s initial hype might not meet reality in the short term, is it akin to a fad, or does it have the potential to be a transformational technology area?

Source: Gartner Hype Cycle Ranks NFTs at 'Peak of Inflated Expectations' Amid Craze - Decrypt 

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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Host Karl talked to Cam Roberson, Vice President of Beachhead Solutions about choosing the right security tools.

BeachheadSecure for MSPs provides a PC and device security platform for businesses and MSPs to encrypt data and automate threat responses.

Earlier in his career, he was a product manager at Apple and ran an advertising agency in for 15 years before selling the firm. He also teaches courses at his local community college on business and entrepreneurship.

Additional Relevant Information Some more detail on the topic/thesis Cam's interested in bringing to the SMB Community Podcast if interest (with no shortage of examples and energy):

SMBs rely on their MSPs for expert and clear-eyed perspectives on their technology needs. That is especially true when it comes to data and system security. But given that the current security solution landscape has been rendered nearly incomprehensible by fancy new (and newer) acronyms, it's no surprise that businesses seek experts able to tell EDR from XDR and SOAR from SIEM to guide their systems to safety.

In truth, MSPs themselves must be more careful than they are right now in examining the the actual substance of potential solutions, since marketing departments have been more than happy to play fast and loose with acronym definitions. The acronym terminology on a product's tin may have more to say about industry sales trends than what threats the tool actually addresses. Those marketing pressures also drive security acronyms to shift meanings and become increasingly hazy.

The better approach for MSPs is to follow a disciplined strategy that selects solutions based on clients' specific security needs and not on ephemeral acronyms or marketing hype. A loose strategy that chases acronyms only leads to an endless high-stakes game of whack-a-mole, where new risks regularly pop up to threaten unprepared systems and MSPs scramble to bat them down before harm is done.

Ultimately, the false comfort of nebulous high-level acronyms doesn't protect SMBs. It's MSPs focusing on the gritty details of clients' security needs that gets the job done. Web Sites, Blogs, and Social Media Links we can Promote on the Podcast

Links:

https://www.beachheadsolutions.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/camroberson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beachhead-solutions/

Sponsor Memo: Trend Micro

As an MSP managing the security of multiple clients, ensuring you can quickly & efficiently respond to security incidents across your customers is critical to reducing the severity and consequences. Trend Micro's SOC-as-a-Service solution tailored for MSPs not only augments your existing team with security expertise but also proactively hunts for threats and indicators of attack across your entire customer base.

We call this "multitenant detection & response." Learn more and get the MSPs SOC-as-a-Service playbook using the link in the show notes or visit https://trendmicro.com/msp

https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/partners/channel-partners/managed-service-provider.html?modal=s4c2-tile-socaas-playbook-c42c13

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