SMB Community Podcast

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for businesses, particularly in the IT sector. The hosts discuss the current state of AI, emphasizing the need for IT professionals to understand and implement AI solutions effectively. They highlight the importance of training staff on AI technologies and suggest that businesses should focus on automation rather than merely labeling their services as AI-driven. The conversation underscores the necessity of engaging with clients to identify their specific needs and how AI can be leveraged to address those challenges.

The hosts also touch on the recent developments in the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) and its efforts to redefine its mission and community engagement. They reflect on their experiences at the GTIA's ChannelCon event, noting a positive atmosphere and a renewed focus on connecting IT professionals across various sectors. Despite the enthusiasm, they express concerns about the relatively low membership numbers and the need for the organization to demonstrate its value to attract a broader audience.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the geopolitical implications of AI technology, particularly regarding the sale of AI chips by companies like Nvidia and AMD to China. The hosts explore the complexities of international trade and security, questioning the motivations behind China's demand for assurances against backdoors in these chips. They highlight the irony of China, a country with its own history of security breaches, insisting on such guarantees, and discuss the broader implications for global technology collaboration.

Finally, the episode emphasizes the critical need for security to be integrated into technology from the ground up. The hosts argue that manufacturers should not be allowed to sell products that lack inherent security features. They advocate for a shift in the industry mindset, where security is a fundamental aspect of product design rather than an afterthought. This conversation leads to a broader reflection on the responsibility of IT professionals to educate clients about security and the importance of proactive measures in an increasingly interconnected world.

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the MSP community. They start with a casual chat about the weather and gardening before moving on to a listener's question regarding the best ways to communicate price increases to customers. The conversation shifts to security concerns, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities in printers and scan-to-email features, and the implications for MSPs. They also discuss recent developments in AI, including users' reactions to changes in Chat GPT and the security risks posed by new hacking techniques. The episode concludes with discussions about managing various devices on networks, upcoming events and courses, and the importance of continual learning and adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 Weather and Personal Updates

02:44 Handling Price Increases

11:03 AOL's Nostalgic Announcement

12:25 ChatGPT and AI Developments

17:07 Printer Security Concerns

23:27 Upcoming Events and Courses

27:22 Closing Remarks

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, our host James Kernan, along with guests Christina Klein from Land Sweeper and Martin from B2B Cyber Secure, discuss the importance of data, automation, and innovative tools in transforming the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. Christina and Martin share their experiences and successes using Lansweeper to drive IT asset discovery, risk assessment, and cybersecurity compliance. They also explore how MSPs can leverage Lansweeper data to enhance service offerings and build trust with clients. The episode highlights future developments in AI and automation for Lansweeper and provides listeners with actionable steps to integrate these tools into their operations.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast

00:26 Meet the Guests: Christina Klein and Martin Dubreuil

01:21 Martin's Success with Lansweeper

03:12 Christina on Leveraging Lansweeper data

09:18 The Role of Cybersecurity in MSP Operations

13:53 Automation and Integration with Lansweeper

23:40 Future of Lansweeper and AI Integration

28:48 Conclusion and Signoff

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About Christina Klein:

Christina Klein has worked in the tech industry for 27 years. Her current role is the VP of Global Managed Service Providers. Her career has spanned from global giants like Microsoft & AWS to scale-ups like Movere and Lansweeper. Passionate about building & communicating the value of technology solutions through partnerships, Ms. Klein is an award-winning public speaker, 2023 Channel Chief and 2023 Role Model of the Year finalist.

About Martin Dubreuil:

With over 20 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, Martin Dubreuil specializes in IT asset discovery, risk assessment, and managed security services. As Associate & Director of Advisory Services at B2B Cyber Secure, a strategic partner of Lansweeper, he helps organizations secure their IT environments, optimize asset management, and strengthen compliance.

For the past 12 years, Martin has leveraged Lansweeper to provide comprehensive network visibility, vulnerability detection, and cybersecurity insights. His expertise enables businesses to identify risks, reduce attack surfaces, and implement proactive IT security strategies through managed services and automation.

"Using Lansweeper, we uncover network vulnerabilities by identifying unmanaged assets, providing insights for improving both IT and OT environments."

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

Navigating IT Contracts, AI Trends, and Industry Events: A Recap In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the importance of managed service contracts and how they impact the valuation and security of IT businesses. They cover recent industry events including ChannelCon in Nashville, applauding its organization and opportunities for networking with top vendors. Finally, they delve into the positive economic impact of AI on the IT sector, with insights on job security concerns and the future of various professions. Tune in for advice on leveraging opportunities in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:15 Vacation Highlights

05:48 Question of the Week: Managed Service Contracts

10:56 Channel Con Event Recap

19:22 Positive Economic Trends and AI Impact

27:24 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews renowned wellbeing coach Ana Nikseresht. They discuss her journey from Iran to the U.S. and her evolution into a wellbeing coach. Ana shares her holistic approach to health, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical aspects. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, consistency, and compassionate accountability in achieving lasting results. Ana also discusses practical tools, like the Carb Manager app, to help clients track their progress. The episode underscores the transformation possible through dedicated coaching and intentional living.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast

01:02 Meet Ana Nikseresht: A Journey from Iran to the US

02:14 Anna's Personal Health Struggles and Transformation

05:02 The Honor Approach: Personalized Wellbeing Coaching

11:27 Tools and Techniques for Lasting Health

15:57 Success Stories and Client Experiences

18:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

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About Ana Nikseresht:

Connect with Ana at [email protected]

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the pros and cons of text marketing campaigns for IT businesses, emphasizing their annoyance and potential limited use for alerts and existing clients. They provide updates on recent IT security threats, including Microsoft's vulnerability in SharePoint servers and the Ingram Micro ransomware attack. The hosts also address industry events such as ChannelCon and news about Apple's upcoming foldable iPhones. Additionally, they highlight recent acquisitions, such as Kaseya's confirmed purchase of Technology Marketing Toolkit led by Robin Robins. The episode concludes with a discussion of top cities for jobs and small business opportunities in the U.S.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:05 MSP Question of the Week: Text Marketing Campaigns

10:46 Industry News: Microsoft SharePoint Attacks

13:11 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack

15:47 Apple's Foldable Technology

18:22 Kaseya Acquires Technology Marketing Toolkit

20:54 Upcoming Event: Channel Con

26:25 Conclusion and Farewell

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About Shannon Bingham:

Shannon Bingham is an Omaha-based entrepreneur and beauty industry leader who co-founded Seven Salon & Boutique in 2004, earning national recognition such as Salon Today's Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons. A professionally trained cosmetologist, she's also an international brand educator for TIGI and IGK, Vice‑Chair of Nebraska's DHHS Board of Cosmetology, and an award‑winning photographer. In recent years, Shannon has leveraged her platform as Mrs. Nebraska International 2023 and Mrs. Midwest International 2024 to advocate passionately for adoption awareness, sharing her personal journey and inspiring local families.

Learn more about Shannon at https://linktr.ee/shanbingham

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Shannon Bingham, a successful business owner, former beauty pageant winner, and passionate adoption advocate. Shannon talks about her journey from growing up in Lennox, Iowa to owning a successful salon in Omaha, Nebraska. She discusses her personal experience with adoption and offers advice for those considering it. Shannon also shares marketing tips for small business owners, emphasizing the importance of consistency, authenticity, and understanding your audience. She highlights the different social media platforms and their uses, and discusses her upcoming involvement in community initiatives like 'Dance for a Chance' and the NCHS back-to-school program.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Meet Shannon Bingham: Pageant Queen and Business Owner

01:28 Shannon's Journey and Passion for Adoption

03:08 Navigating the Adoption Process

12:02 Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners

14:20 Shannon's Social Media Strategies

20:58 Upcoming Projects and Closing Remarks

---

About Shannon Bingham:

Shannon Bingham is an Omaha-based entrepreneur and beauty industry leader who co-founded Seven Salon & Boutique in 2004, earning national recognition such as Salon Today's Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons. A professionally trained cosmetologist, she's also an international brand educator for TIGI and IGK, Vice‑Chair of Nebraska's DHHS Board of Cosmetology, and an award‑winning photographer. In recent years, Shannon has leveraged her platform as Mrs. Nebraska International 2023 and Mrs. Midwest International 2024 to advocate passionately for adoption awareness, sharing her personal journey and inspiring local families.

Learn more about Shannon at https://linktr.ee/shanbingham

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan is joined by Justin Maxwell, a partner at Big Life Financial. The discussion centers around exit planning, legacy creation, and strategic planning for IT professionals and business owners. Justin explains the concept of a fractional family office and how Big Life Financial offers comprehensive services that include accounting, investment management, insurance, estate planning, and boutique investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear end goal in mind, regular tax planning, and the benefits of proactive financial strategies. Justin also provides insights into innovative legacy planning methods, such as investing in your own business and creating family foundations. The episode concludes with practical advice for business owners and the availability of additional learning resources and courses from Big Life Financial.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction

00:28 Special Guest Introduction: Justin Maxwell from Big Life Financial

01:41 Understanding Family Offices and Their Importance

04:26 Strategic Planning for Business Owners

06:51 Tax Strategies for Business Owners

11:50 Exit Planning and Wealth Preservation

14:03 Innovative Legacy Planning Ideas

18:45 Courses and Coaching for Wealth Building

21:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

24:35 Closing Remarks

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About Justin Maxwell:

Justin was a teacher and researcher before he started working with the BLF team in 2019. Justin discovered the entrepreneurial itch and quickly found that, like education, the financial and tax world loves to push everyone through the same square box. However, this doesn't work in education or finance. His mission is to change that approach and deliver holistic tax and financial solutions for fellow successful entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Justin at www.biglifefinancial.com

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmaxwellwealthpreserve/

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy delve into best practices for conducting employee reviews, emphasizing regular feedback and separating reviews from raises. The hosts also cover recent cybersecurity news, highlighting a ransomware attack on Ingram Micro and the ongoing saga with TikTok's ownership changes and cybersecurity compliance.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction

00:32 4th of July Weekend Recap

04:20 MSP Question of the Week: How Often Should You Conduct Employee Reviews?

12:13 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack

17:30 TikTok's New US App

19:59 Upcoming Events and Announcements

21:51 Conclusion

---

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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

Overview:

In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the value of peer groups for MSP business owners, emphasizing their role in solving operational challenges. They highlight how different peer groups focus on various aspects like sales, marketing, and technical support. The duo also covers recent news including the Iranian-Israeli cyber conflict's implications for MSPs, Nvidia's stock performance, and Canada's trade tax developments. Additionally, they discuss a significant decline in Windows desktop use and Reddit's stance against AI-generated content. To wrap up, they share details on valuable promotions from industry experts and remind listeners to sign up for relevant newsletters and mastermind groups.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:37 Question of the Week: Peer Groups for MSP Business Owners

08:01 Book Recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality

12:19 Event Highlights: Mastermind Event in Omaha

15:08 Current Events: Iranian-Israel Conflict and Cybersecurity

17:18 Tech News: Nvidia Stock and Canada-US Trade Talks

19:37 Industry Trends: Decline of Windows Desktops

24:42 Reddit's War Against AI

27:11 Promotions and Free Offerings for IT Professionals

29:06 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

---

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

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