SMB Community Podcast

Fun question of the day . . . If you were offered the position of mayor of your city, would you take it?

. . . wherein two of our hosts determine that they are two halves of a politician.

-- -- --

Promo: Join Us for Killing IT Live - October 20th Info and registration at killingitlive.com No editing. No second takes.

Join hosts Dave Sobel, Ryan Morris, and Karl Palachuk for this special live event.

You’ll see behind the curtains as we prep and produce a live show. PLUS, we’ll stick around and answer questions so YOU can be part of the show as well.

We’ll record an episode of the podcast for you — broadcast live with video!

-- -- --

Topic 1: Amazon’s bi-annual report on government requests for data . . .

Over 30,000 requests for information from various governments around the world for the six months ending June 30th. This includes subpoenas, search warrants, and court orders (or their equivalent in various countries).

This includes requests regarding Amazon Echos, Ring devices, etc. It does NOT include requests related to AWS, which only numbered 632!

The number of devices with your personal information, photos, and data is growing every year. Remember, that robot dog serves more than one master.

https://d1.awsstatic.com/Information_Request_Report_June_2021_x.pdf 

Topic 2: Is Facebook’s problem just “hubris?” We can fix this!

“I don't think the Facebook Files show a company that is evil or incompetent. It seems to show a company that is in way too deep, but still thinks it can totally get things back under control.”

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210929/17352047662/facebooks-latest-scandals-banality-hubris-messiness-humanity.shtml 

Topic 3: CISA Issues Guidance to Mitigate Threats to Autonomous Vehicles

CISA has published more guidance. Once lesson is: MSPs are not their only target. Another Lesson: Emerging tech is being held to some reasonable standards.

Links:

https://www.hstoday.us/nppd/cisa-issues-guidance-to-mitigate-threats-to-autonomous-vehicles/ 

https://www.cisa.gov/autonomous-vehicle-security 

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Autonomous%20Ground%20Vehicles%20Security%20Guide.pdf 

-- -- --

Remember to sign up for Killing IT Live - free!

Killing IT Live - October 20th Info and registration at www.killingitlive.com  

:-)

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

Host Karl talked to Noelle Johnson, Co-Founder and Learning and Development Partner with Johnson Squared Consulting. Noelle has over a decade of experience working in operations and transforming company culture into a more equitable and happier work environment.

She has earned a positive reputation for her expertise and has been quoted in Forbes, Fast Company, Glassdoor, NPR, and more. She has worked in operations in tech for years, including working at CompTIA for a few years. Now she owns a company that focuses on supporting women transitioning their careers in tech.

Noelle has given speeches and lead workshops to small and large groups, in person and digitally, on topics including but not limited to; accessibility, psychological safety, establishing inclusion effort at work, self-advocacy at work, developing a diverse network, allyship, and addressing internal unconscious bias.

Some links . . .

website: www.johnson2consulting.com Website Audit: https://www.johnson2consulting.com/audits/ Accessibe: https://accessibe.com/a/zz06tlp

Also . . . Johnsonsquaredconsulting.com DEIallaccess.com

-- -- --

Sponsor note: Cisco Partner Program

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 including 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

:-)

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

Question of the Day: What was your first W2 job?

Topic 1: Vendors Selling Around their Partners

Listener Lucy asks: "Why the **** do vendors keep overlooking the sales rep who owns the customer in their Channel program?"

There's natural tension between vendors and their solution provider partners. Why do we have to keep revisiting this topic?

(Also, she agrees with Dave that a sandwich requires two pieces of bread.)

Topic 2: Thoughts on taking UI to government activities

Dominos (and other) have made some huge advancements in tracking the progress of their services. This is both a UI (user interface) and a CX (customer experience) topic. So where is the government when it comes to next-gen UI and CX?

Link: https://statescoop.com/why-government-technologists-love-dominos-pizza-tracker/ 

Topic 3: Facebook/Instagram for Children?

Holy smokes. Thankfully, Facebook has decided to "hold off" on releasing a version of Instagram geared toward children. We universally think it's a bad idea. But we also point out that lots of other platforms are targeting children - illegally.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/technology/facebook-instagram-for-kids.html 

-- -- -- Sponsor Note: Think you know PC Matic? Think again. PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security. Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allow-listing. Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency. Find out more about by visiting https://pcmatic.com/MSP.  Be sure to ask about PC Matic’s exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign.

:-)

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

Host James Kernan interviews Amy Woods from Content 10X.

Amy is an expert in content repurposing and the Founder of Content 10x – a niche creative agency. She helps content creators grow their audience by maximizing their return on the content they create. She works with businesses, entrepreneurs and thought leaders, and is the content repurposing powerhouse behind some of the most well-known podcasts and video shows.

Amy is the host of The Content 10x Podcast and she is the author of best-selling book Content 10x: More Content, Less Time, Maximum Results, the ultimate guide to reaching more people online with your content.

She talks on stages all around the world about content repurposing, including at events like PodFest Multimedia Expo, Podcast Movement, Youpreneur Summit and RadioDays. Amy podcasts and writes about content repurposing at content10x.com and shares ideas on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Website - https://www.content10x.com Twitter - @content10x Instagram - @Content10x Facebook - https://facebook.com/content10x LinkedIn - https://LinkedIn/in/amywoods2

- - - - -

Sponsor Memo

Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour

Threats to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too …but knowing where to get good guidance isn't always easy. Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. I'm going again –this year in-person, in Miami – and you should join me. Experts like Erick Simpson; Larry Walsh; and Acronis' Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team's productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online, Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at https://Acronis.events

:-)

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

Question of the Day: What is a photo?

Topic 1: When AI Breaks Bad

Once again we address the question of ethics and AI.

From Axios: "A new report about artificial intelligence and its effects warns AI has reached a turning point and its negative effects can no longer be ignored." Have we reached the point where we should automatically look for the negative effects first?

Link: https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-future-0a5d2e2c-acd8-422b-a37c-1fc93f78a76f.html 

Topic 2: Let’s look at CISA . . . again.

Last week we talked about the CISA advice for your customers. Here we revisit, and look at the “Low fruit” considerations that you might actually decide to adopt today. These include Backup documentation, Client data segregation, and Financial health of IT service providers.

Link: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/risk-considerations-msp-customers 

See also Karl's blog posts on this: - https://blog.smallbizthoughts.com/2021/09/the-government-is-telling-your-clients.html  - https://blog.smallbizthoughts.com/2021/09/three-things-you-should-do-in-response.html 

Topic 3: Next Gen Crowd Sourcing?

Pondering . . . is there a new name for the group behavior that's emerging on the Internet in the 2020's? For example: - TikTok investors follow members of Congress - Reddit investors manipulate the stock market - Amateur sleuths help in the search for missing persons

Question: Is there a name for this kind of activity? It seems like there's something other than "crowd sourcing" here.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/20/style/gabby-petito-case-tiktok-social-media.html 

Sponsor Memo:

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire Lego death star. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at www.Gozynta.com

:-)

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

Host Karl caught up with Marvin Bee from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Marvin runs MB Systems of South Florida Inc. You may know Marvin at the host of the Podnutz Pro Podcast (see www.podnutzpro.com).

We start out with one of Marvin's famous "Florida Man" news stories along with his own business origin story. Of course that leads to the general issue of dealing with clients who don't quite "get" it.

If you haven't heard the Podnutz Pro podcast, please check it out. Marvin mixes a little fun, tech info, and business advice. Search for Podnutz Pro on your favorite pod catcher.

We have a great conversation about growth, customer service, and all the details of building a business in the modern era. And we touch on growth strategies (fast vs. slow) and sales in the SMB space.

Marvin's links:

Podnutz Pro Podcast: https://www.podnutzpro.com

MB Systems: https://www.mbsystems.net

Twitter: @podnutzpro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8se7g23P_Qg7qS0YpJd0KQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

-- -- --

Sponsor Memo:

Gatekeeper from Calyptix Security

MSPs do battle daily against cyber hostilities such as ransomware attacks and data breaches. Fight smarter. Call in the cavalry. Gatekeeper from Calyptix Security is here.

Reduce stress and implement proper safeguards — as advised by the FBI, NSA and DHS — with Calyptix's purpose-built solution for small businesses.

Zero Trust access secures RDP and SSH connections with two-factor authentication. There's no need for open ports to the internet, client installs, or VPN. Plus, you'll enjoy audit-friendly access across all types of devices.

Learn more at https://calyptix.com/gatekeeper.

:-)

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

Question of the day: What is a sandwich?

Topic 1: Apple Pay . . . Again

The headline says Apple lost … but the article makes it clear that Epic is the one who is disappointed and is appealing.

Let see: Epic violated their agreement and owes Apply $3.5 Million. But Apply can’t have those kinds of agreements going forward. And Apple’s not a monopoly.

Seems confusing, but it does mean there will be other options to pay for in-app purchases on AppStore apps to work around Apple. But Epic still doesn’t think that is enough. Let the lawyer games begin.

Link: https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/10/22662320/epic-apple-ruling-injunction-judge-court-app-store 

Topic 2: Microsoft Study Finds Problems with Employee Productivity in Remote Work

In a study or more than 60,000 employees, Microsoft find that the shift to remote work has hurt communication and collaboration. A separate study shows that individual workers feel better supported by bosses than ever before. The first finding looks bad for employee productivity and long-term innovation; the second suggest happier, more productive workers.

Note: Microsoft also announce that employees won’t be returning to the office in October as expected.

Link: https://www.geekwire.com/2021/study-microsoft-employees-shows-remote-work-puts-productivity-innovation-risk/ 

Topic 3: Cybersecurity Vulnerability Could Now Impact a Business’ Credit Rating … Things are Getting Serious!

Startup BitSight generates reports on the likelihood that an organization will be breached. They just received a $250 million investment Moody’s. Moody's provides corporate "credit rating" information. In your future: Credit ratings base on Cybersecurity preparedness.

Link: https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/13/bitsight-raises-250m-from-moodys-and-acquires-cyber-risk-startup-visiblerisk/ 

Sponsor note:

Threats to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too …but knowing where to get good guidance isn’t always easy.

Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. I’m going again –this year in-person, in Miami – and you should join me. Experts like Erick Simpson; Larry Walsh; and Acronis’ Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team’s productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online, Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at https://Acronis.events 

:-)

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

Karl caught up his long-time friend Dave Seibert. Dave is a managed service provider, a Microsoft MVP, organizer of the SMB Techfest events, and much, much more.

Dave is an internationally-recognized community builder. This includes his status as a Microsoft Influencer and his own ProTier Peer groups. On top of all that, Dave's whiz on LinkedIn and networking.

Karl talks to Dave about how he manages to attend so many events and have success on so many fronts. Dave also gives some words of wisdom on "being success" in the world of technology today.

Leverage the resources Dave Seibert brings together to accelerate your business:

SMB TechFest – quarterly technology conference www.smbTechFest.com

Complementary registration to join a SMB TechFest conference www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Worldwide

ProTier Peer Groups – Building Dream Teams to Accelerate Business Growth www.ProTierPeerGroups.com

I have 20 years P2P experience (Partner to Partner) on successful teamed client projects www.ITinnovators.com

DaveSeibert.com – My site of my many activities and resources www.DaveSeibert.com

Join me on Social Media platforms to stay engaged www.LinkedIn.com/in/DaveSeibert99 www.Facebook.com/dseibert

-- -- --

Sponsor Note:

BVOIP — the Cloud communications offering designed specifically for IT providers, bvoip offers a complete Unified Communications suite which can also be tightly integrated via Microsoft Teams. Bvoip delivers the modern workforce cutting edge features including Contact Center, integration to your business apps, and real time visibility into your remote workers.

You control the price, with a unique hybrid model that avoids the complex dial tone taxation or compliance bullseye. Don't get stuck in a vendor relationship that works against you! Bvoip is channel only company that's here to support you. Find out more by visiting https://bvoip.com/mspradio

:-)

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

Topic 1: CISA Guidelines for MSP Clients

Like it or not, the US Government has defined Managed Services, and published guidelines for your clients and prospects to evaluate you! We expect a lot of heat - and maybe some light - to come out of this document.

Related Links: - https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/09/03/cisa-insights-risk-considerations-managed-service-provider 

- https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/cisa-insights_risk-considerations-for-msp-customers_508.pdf 

Topic 2: Forcing options to Apple Pay and Google Pay

In the continuing saga of Apple (and others) forcing app developers to use their pay systems, the government of South Korea has decided that Apple and Google cannot force game makers and others to use only their payment gateways. This is, of course, the beginning of other nations jumping into fray.

We comment - including how this might affect potential lawsuits in the US.

Link: - https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/31/south-korea-first-country-to-curb-google-apples-in-app-billing-policies.html 

Topic 3: Tesla building their own chip to train self-driving vehicles

What? Tesla joins the chip-making industry - because they can't buy the chips they need! Is this a sign of impending disruption for Intel, AMD, and others? Tesla has a unique demand, given the specific requirements of their autonomous vehicle strategy. And if they can't buy chips elsewhere, they're going to make their own - for now.

Link: https://link.wired.com/view/5e3f0a597e553f71453d575deurb4.7s9/5a9cf463 

-- -- --

Sponsor Note:

Think you know PC Matic? Think again.

PC Matic is working with MSPs to deliver true zero trust/default deny endpoint security.

Allowing only trusted applications and blocking all the rest. A light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting.

Layering a default deny approach provides MSPs of all sizes the ability to again focus on prevention, and PC Matic delivers this without impacting performance or efficiency.

Find out more about by visiting https://pcmatic.com/MSP 

Be sure to ask about PC Matic's exclusive lead sharing program for MSPs backed by a prime time national TV campaign.

:-)

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

Host Karl talked to Abe Stein, Co-founder and General Manager at Matter365.

Matter365 is a practice management solution for law firms, accounting firms, and SMBs of all kinds. It is built on top of Microsoft 365. As an experienced entrepreneur and sales leader, Abe has led Go-To-Market and business development for early stage and growth stage cloud software businesses across North America and Europe.

Matter365 is the only practice management solution that is fully integrated with Microsoft 365. Matter365 enables legal, accounting, and business advisory professionals of all kinds to run their entire firm through a single pane of glass. By creating dedicated, matter-specific spaces in all of a firm's Microsoft applications, Matter365 equips MSPs and VARs with an integrated solution to delight their professional services clients.

Links Web - www.matter365.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/matter365 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/matter365 Twitter - https://twitter.com/matter365 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAgZMCkY37krjulvZ_NwcfA/featured

-- -- --

Sponsor Memo:

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week?

That time is 120 prospect calls, building an entire lego death star, or most of the content put out by Karl Palachuk in a week. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit them at www.gozynta.com

:-)

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