Is your business email not working or not being delivered?In this episode of the Business Owner’s IT Podcast, Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down one of the most common issues business owners face: email delivery failures.From missing invoices to lost communication, email problems can impact your business fast. The good news? Most of these issues come down to simple misconfigurations that are easy to fix once you know what to look for.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* Why business email not working is the #1 reason IT companies get calls.* The real reason emails fail to send or be received.* What SPF (Sender Policy Framework) does and why it matters.* How DMARC policies determine whether emails are accepted or rejected.* Why DKIM authentication adds another layer of security.* How spam filtering and DNS records work together.* Why one small DNS error can completely break email delivery.* What to ask your IT provider to ensure your email is set up correctly.Why This Matters:Email is still the backbone of business communication, but it’s also one of the most unreliable if not configured correctly.If your email isn’t working, it could mean:* Missed opportunities.* Lost revenue.* Broken client communication.* Increased security risks.Need Help Fixing Your Email?If your business email is not working, our team is here to help.👉 Visit: https://www.uniquecomputingsolutions.com👉 Or leave a comment below, we’ll help point you in the right direction.#email #cybersecurity #businessemail💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Are you stuck constantly fixing IT problems… or is your technology finally working for you?In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down what it really means to be on an IT journey, and why most businesses don’t even realize where they stand.From outdated systems and reactive firefighting… to proactive strategies, organization, and even “IT Nirvana,” this episode helps business owners understand how IT maturity impacts productivity, security, and growth.👉 If you’ve ever wondered:“Why does our IT always feel like a mess?”“Are we being proactive… or just reacting?”“What should good IT actually look like?”This episode is for you.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ The different stages of an IT journey.✔️ Reactive vs proactive IT (and why it matters).✔️ What a disorganized vs organized IT environment looks like.✔️ How cybersecurity frameworks (like CIS) improve your business.✔️ Signs your IT provider is actually doing their job.✔️ When your business is ready for AI and tools like Copilot.🚨 Real Talk for Business Owners:If your systems are outdated, undocumented, or constantly breaking… you’re not alone. Many businesses operate this way without realizing how much it’s costing them in time, stress, and lost revenue.The goal?👉 Get your IT aligned with your business so you can stop worrying about technology and start focusing on growth.💬 Join the Conversation:How does your IT feel right now?👉 Organized or chaotic?👉 Proactive or reactive?Drop a comment, we respond to everyone.💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Building a strong IT partner relationship isn’t just about technology, it’s about trust, service, and real business value.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter sit down with Alex Aguirre to talk about what really happens behind the scenes when businesses evaluate and switch Managed Service Providers (MSPs).From Alex’s early days selling vacuums door-to-door to building a successful MSP sales pipeline, the conversation dives into the real challenges of selling IT services and helping business owners solve technology problems that impact revenue, productivity, and growth.If you're a business owner, executive, or technology enthusiast trying to understand how IT services actually work, this episode is packed with insights.In This Episode:• The surprising path from door-to-door sales to MSP consulting.• Why price almost never wins an IT deal.• The most common reasons companies switch MSPs.• How MSP sales cycles actually work.• The difference between selling products vs services.• How IT services can increase productivity and revenue.• What business owners should prepare before switching IT providers.• Why relationships matter more than most companies realize.One of the biggest takeaways? Businesses don’t switch IT providers because of cost, they switch because of service, trust, and long-term partnership.Who This Podcast Is For✔ Business Owners.✔ Entrepreneurs.✔ IT Leaders.✔ Technology Enthusiasts (Tech Champions).✔ Anyone considering switching their Managed IT provider.Need Help With Your Business IT?Unique Computing Solutions helps businesses strengthen their technology foundation with proactive IT support, cybersecurity solutions, and strategic consulting. Visit our website below. #businessowner #business #msp 💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

What does CMMC compliance really mean for business owners, and why should you care now?In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in plain English. They share real-world insight from their own journey toward CMMC alignment and explain how this evolving framework impacts businesses working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government entities.Whether you’re a manufacturer, contractor, MSP, or business owner handling sensitive data, this conversation walks through what’s changing, where the biggest challenges lie, and why waiting is no longer an option.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ What CMMC is and why it exists.✅ How CMMC affects businesses and service providers.✅ Why MSPs are choosing to align with CMMC, even when not required (yet).✅ The hidden costs and operational changes most companies don’t anticipate.✅ Physical security, access controls, logging, policies, and employee training requirements.✅ Why “acceptable risk” is no longer acceptable.✅ How to start closing your compliance gaps before it impacts your contracts.💡 Tip of the Week:If your business needs to be CMMC compliant, start now. You can’t do this alone, and trying to will cost you more in the long run.⏰ Chapters:00:00 — Podcast Introduction00:13 — Why We’re Pursuing CMMC Certification00:55 — Why MSPs Matter in CMMC Compliance01:19 — Are MSPs Required to Be CMMC Certified?02:10 — What Does CMMC Stand For?02:25 — Our Timeline for Becoming CMMC Certified03:22 — Physical Security Requirements (Doors & Building Access)05:21 — Software Tools and FedRAMP Requirements06:23 — Why CMMC Services Cost More06:45 — Employee Training and Access Restrictions07:31 — MSP Access Risks and Security Controls09:07 — Understanding the CMMC Gap Assessment09:38 — What Is Split Tunneling?10:25 — Logging, SIEM, and Log Retention Requirements11:30 — Testing Incident Response Readiness12:35 — NIST Rules on Device Naming13:23 — Password Policies and MFA Requirements14:10 — The CMMC Certification Process14:47 — Helping Businesses Become CMMC Compliant15:46 — Why Legacy Systems Are a Compliance Risk16:45 — FIPS Encryption and Hardware Requirements17:37 — Why CMMC Is Changing the Industry19:02 — Final Thoughts on CMMC19:41 — Tip of the Week: Start Preparing Now20:53 — Tip of the Week #2: Policies Must Be Followed22:25 — Closing ThoughtsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Tony and Ryan explain why working with experienced coaches and proven frameworks is the smartest path forward, and how doing it right can actually strengthen your overall security posture.👇 Join the conversationHave questions about CMMC or compliance frameworks? Drop them in the comments; we’re happy to help.#cmmc #cmmccompliance #cybersecurity 💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Microsoft Copilot pricing is changing in 2026, and for business owners, the opportunity is real. But before adopting AI, there’s one critical question to answer:Is your Microsoft environment secure enough?In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down Microsoft Copilot pricing, bundles, and Secure Score, and explain why security must come first when adopting AI.In this episode, we cover:✅ Microsoft Copilot pricing updates for 2026.✅ Limited-time Copilot discounts through March 31.✅ Business Premium + Copilot bundle savings.✅ Annual vs monthly commitment differences.✅ 10-seat minimum requirements for promotional pricing.✅ What Microsoft Secure Score actually measures.✅ Why most businesses start at 30–40% Secure Score.✅ What 0–30%, 30–50%, 50–70%, and 70%+ Secure Scores mean.✅ MFA best practices (Authenticator app vs SMS).✅ Conditional Access, Intune, and Defender security controls.✅ Why cyber insurance providers now ask about Secure Score.✅ How to secure your Microsoft 365 tenant before using AI.If you’re a business owner, IT leader, or Tech Champion evaluating Microsoft Copilot, this episode explains why AI adoption without security increases risk.💡 Tip of the Week: Secure your house first.🔐 Why Secure Score Matters for CopilotMicrosoft Copilot integrates deeply with:✅ Microsoft 365.✅ OneDrive.✅ SharePoint.✅ Exchange.✅ Power Automate.Without proper security baselines, AI tools can expose data and increase liability. Tony and Ryan explain how Secure Score provides a measurable way to understand your real security posture, and why 70%+ should be the goal.

⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to The Business Owner’s IT Podcast.00:18 – Microsoft Copilot pricing changes explained.00:34 – Business Premium + Copilot bundles overview.00:56 – Why your IT provider may not mention Copilot pricing.01:58 – Annual commitments and upgrade limitations.02:53 – Copilot pricing for 2026 ($21 vs $360).03:54 – Limited-time 25% Copilot discount through March 31.04:24 – Business Premium bundle savings breakdown.04:57 – 10-seat minimum licensing requirements.05:26 – What Microsoft Copilot actually does.05:56 – Why Copilot and Secure Score go together.06:22 – What Microsoft Secure Score measures.07:04 – Secure Score risk levels explained (0–70%+).08:38 – MFA: Authenticator apps vs SMS.09:58 – Diminishing returns above 85% Secure Score.10:32 – How Nerdio helps automate Secure Score improvements.11:32 – Why AI adoption requires strong security baselines.12:15 – Cyber insurance and Secure Score requirements.13:02 – Securing your house first with Business Premium.14:05 – Tip of the Week: Secure your house first.14:38 – Upcoming CMMC and compliance discussions.💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

AI for Business is everywhere, but most business owners quickly realize it’s not as simple as flipping a switch.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, host Ryan Carter is joined by Nick Gerasch for a practical, no-hype conversation about AI for business, automation, and AI agents.They break down why AI often fails when expectations aren’t clear, how automation and generative AI actually work together, and where businesses can find real value today.If you’re a business owner or tech champion trying to understand how AI for business really works behind the scenes, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what delivers results.👍 Like the episode if it helped clarify AI for business💬 Comment if you want the full list of AI use cases discussed📌 Subscribe for weekly technology insights for business owners#aiforbusiness #ai #artificialintelligence 💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

🎧 Is artificial intelligence headed for a crash, or are we just witnessing the early stages of the next major technology shift?👉 In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter tackle one of the biggest questions facing business owners and tech leaders today: Is AI about to crash?🤔 Drawing on real-world experience from the dot-com era, the conversation compares today’s AI boom to the early days of the internet, including sky-high valuations, massive investments, and companies burning cash without clear paths to profitability.✅ This episode covers:* Whether the current AI hype mirrors the dot-com bubble.* Lessons learned from the tech crash of the early 2000s.* Why cloud services and the internet feel more fragile than ever.* Major outages affecting Microsoft, AWS, Cloudflare, and CrowdStrike.* The importance of redundancy, business continuity, and smart IT planning.* How AI is already changing search, advertising, and decision-making.If you’re a business owner or Tech Champion trying to separate hype from reality, this episode will help you think critically about where AI is heading and how to prepare your business either way.#ai #artificialintelligence #podcast💻 Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

The holidays are the most dangerous time of year for small businesses, and hackers know it.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down the real-world scams targeting business owners right now, including FBI holiday warnings, phishing emails, fake government notices, credit card skimmers, and why cybercriminals intentionally “detonate” attacks during Christmas and New Year’s when companies are least prepared.If you’re a business owner or a Tech Champion who wants to protect your money, your identity, and your systems, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.🚨 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* Why email is still the #1 delivery method for scams.* How attackers impersonate Amazon, IRS, Social Security, and even local governments.* The truth about credit card skimmers and why swiping is no longer safe.* How gift card scams really work, and how thieves drain your balance instantly.* Why hackers wait 200+ days inside networks before launching attacks.* What to do when you receive suspicious emails, and what not to click.* How tools like Barracuda Incident Response can remove threats from every inbox in seconds.🛡️ Key Security Tips for Business Owners:✔️ Never click links in suspicious emails.✔️ Always visit websites directly to verify issues.✔️ Avoid swiping magnetic strip cards; use tap or chip only.✔️ Inspect card readers at gas stations and terminals.✔️ Pick up packages quickly to avoid porch pirates.✔️ Train your employees. Phishing is still the easiest way in.Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business survival strategy.🎧 Subscribe to The Business Owner’s IT Podcast for weekly insights designed to help business owners stay protected, productive, and ahead of today’s threats.#holidayscams #scam #holidaySince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down why Apple Pay may be the most secure way for business owners to make payments today.Inspired by a conversation with a government cryptography expert, Tony and Ryan discuss how Apple Pay tokenization, device security, and tap-to-pay encryption protect you from stolen card numbers, website breaches, and skimmer attacks.Whether you’re a business owner, technology enthusiast, or one of our Tech Champions, this episode shows how Apple Pay can streamline purchasing, safeguard financial data, and reduce fraud risk.Learn how Apple Pay protects businesses using tokenized card numbers, cryptographically secure transactions, tap-to-pay NFC, and device-level identity verification. Tony and Ryan explain how Apple Pay reduces fraud risk, prevents stolen card data, simplifies checkout, and makes online purchasing safer for business owners.If you’re looking for secure business payments, reduced credit card theft risk, or a simplified technology workflow, this episode is for you.Subscribe to our channel to support business technology education and join our community of Tech Champions today!#applepay #applepaysecurity #itpodcastSince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Your remote workforce can be one of your biggest competitive advantages, or your most dangerous cybersecurity vulnerability.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down a shocking real-world case where foreign threat actors successfully infiltrated over 130 U.S. companies by posing as remote workers. Using fake identities, laptop farms, and unsecured personal devices, these attackers gained inside access to American businesses, putting sensitive data, finances, and operations at serious risk.This episode dives deep into the hidden cybersecurity risks within today’s remote workforce and explains exactly how business owners can protect themselves through:* Device ownership and lockdown policies.* Identity verification and vetting.* Multi-factor authentication (MFA).* Application control and monitoring.* Eliminating risky BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups.If your business relies on a remote workforce, hybrid employees, or offshore contractors, this episode is essential viewing. The Tech Champions share real-world safeguards and best practices that help ensure the person behind the keyboard is truly who they claim to be.Whether you’re a business owner, IT leader, or Tech Champion, this conversation will help you:✅ Reduce insider threats.✅ Prevent unauthorized remote access.✅ Strengthen your cybersecurity guardrails.✅ Protect your company’s data, identity, and revenue.👉 Subscribe for more cybersecurity insights for business owners👉 Watch now to secure your remote workforce before a breach secures you#remotework #remoteworkforce #cybersecuritySince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957