TubbTalk: The Podcast for Managed Service Providers

In this episode, Richar talks to Alex Martin. Alex is the cyber security analyst for UK-based LMS Group, a role he took on after achieving a degree in cybersecurity and forensic computing. LMS support a range of businesses of different sizes; they provide consultancy, break/fix, security compliance and virtual CIO services.

We talk about the tools they use in LMS Group, including PSA, RMM and phishing simulation and training. Alex explains how the usecure simulation tool is used internally with new starters and to educate new and existing clients about human risk.

He also tells me how he shares the results of those tests with clients, and the importance of viewing them as a learning opportunity and not a reason to tell someone off. Plus, he tells me how the tool helps LMS Group to grow, as well as about their relationship with usecure.

Mentioned in This Episode

• ConnectWise
• Cloud app management tool: Automate
• M365
• Cisco Meraki
• usecure
• Zen Software
• Cyber Reason podcast
• Dark Net Diaries podcast
• Book: David Sanger: Perfect Weapon
• Book: Kevin Mitnick: The Art of Deception

In this episode, Richard talks to Keith Edmunds of Tiger Computing to learn more about Linux for MSPs.

They discuss:

• Why businesses use Linux over the traditional Microsoft solutions
• How the advent of Cloud Computing means people worry less about their operating system they
• The benefits to MSPs of focusing on a niche rather than trying to be a "Jack of All Trades"
• How MSPs can partner with Tiger Computing to support their clients who use Linux

In this interview, Richard speaks to Scott Riley, the founder of Cloud Nexus, a UK-based MSP specialising in the Microsoft Stack. Scott explains that he decided to niche the business to give a better service, outsourcing other tasks to select partners.

Richard and Scott discussed the pros and cons of working with the Microsoft Stack, and how niching into using it led Scott to set up the Microsoft 365 Masterclass.

Scott shared which tools he uses in Cloud Nexus and why MSPs should outsource their helpdesk. He also shares honestly about the limitations of outsourcing and when it’s not the best option.

Richard also asks Scott about the SOC and helpdesk support he gets from Uptime Solutions, the relationship they have with Cloud Nexus, and why Uptime’s company culture makes them a great fit for the business. Plus, Scott shares the best and worst things about running an MSP.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Microsoft 365
• Azure
• Michael Gerber – The EMyth Revisited
• Uptime Solutions
• Linux
• Collaboration software: SharePoint
• M365 Masterclass
• The Tech Tribe
• Halo PSA
• Datto
• Accounting software: Xero
• Heimdall via Brigantia
• Pax8
• Documentation tool: IT Glue
• Password sync: Keeper
• Cybersecurity Awareness training: KnowBe4
• usecure
• Cofense (formerly PhishMe)
• Third party web content filter: AnyDNS
• Bit Defender
• Sophos
• Intercept X
• ConnectWise (formerly Continuum)
• Service desk: InBay
• MSP Coach: Pete Matheson
• Microsoft Autopilot
• Cybersecurity: Huntress

In this episode, Richard talks to Matt Jarett, the co-founder of DaMTech. They support small businesses in the North East of England. He describes them as a hybrid MSP, offering cloud, VoIP and software solutions. However, their SMB clients also need help with CCTV, cabling and other general tech advice.

He and Richard discuss why DaMTech chose to partner with Giacom and the specific solutions they use, including M365 Secure. Matt also explains how using Vade email security and Acronis data backup save them time.

Matt explains the Microsoft cloud offerings he likes, and why he uses them with the small businesses he supports. He and Richard also discuss how MSPs can secure client data in the cloud, and why VoIP services have been such a successful offering for DaMTech.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Giacom
• Acronis
• Email security Vade
• Exclaimer email signature

In this episode, Richard is joined by Paul Croker, founder of 18IT. Paul describes his business as doing IT differently, with a cup of tea and some rock and roll. He aims to make the complex simple, and seeks to help small and medium sized enterprises protect what is important to them, and to their clients.

They talk about Paul’s experience of transitioning from a large, corporate IT team to running his own MSP. Paul shares the tools he uses in the business and the kind of support he provides.

They discuss partner relationships, and how Pax8 differs from other vendors. Paul explains the culture at Pax8, how they help him grow, and how he’s inspired by some of the key team members. Plus, Paul talks about the highs and lows of running a business, and why MSPs need to build better connections with vendors.

Mentioned in This Episode

• ConnectWise
• Datto
• Pax8
• The TechTribe
• Hiemdall
• Sentinel
• Dropsuite
• Simon Rosemeyer
• Timothy Hughes
• Andy Bounds

Have you ever wondered which are the tools or solutions that help making your peers Managed Service Provider businesses profitable?

Richard Tubb here, to let you know that the next season of TubbTalk, the podcast for IT consultants, is going to be focused on MSP tools. Now if you work in the IT Managed Service Provider space, then TubbTalk has always brought you interviews with the smartest, most successful people in our industry.

Well, this season, we're interviewing your fellow MSP business owners to understand which platforms and solutions they use to either save them money or make them money.

We'll be speaking for instance to MSP owners such as Paul Croker of 18IT, Scott Riley of Cloud Nexus and Shabad Chawla of Tech Sapiens, amongst many others, to hear the tools that they use to bring their businesses success.

So our MSP tool season starts on Sunday, the eighth of May 2022. So make sure you subscribe to TubbTalk the podcast for IT consultants in your favourite podcast player, or visit tubb.co forward slash TubbTalk for all the details. I'll see you there!

Chloe Cameron is the Chief People Officer EMA at PAX8. She describes her current role at Pax8 as nothing short of enabling people to do the best work of their lives at the business. 

Chloe tells Richard how she defines culture and what it looks like within Pax8. She explains why you should be clear on your values and purpose, and how to encourage the right culture in your MSP. 

They also talk about what to do if someone isn’t the right fit for your business, the skills Chloe uses every day and what it’s like being a Woman in IT. Chloe also shares her advice for women joining the IT industry. 

From a business perspective, they explore how to encourage more women into IT and how to manage a hybrid workforce. Plus, they look at why women are less assertive than men and how we can start to break the bias in the workplace. 

They also talk about managing your energy levels and expectations as an introvert, and supporting good mental health in the workplace. 

Mentioned in This Episode

Jim Dethmer: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

In this episode, Richard talks to Shruti Ghatge. Shruti is the co-founder and CEO at Zomentum, a company that is redefining MSP sales. They describe themselves as the revenue centre of a technology partner business; customers use them to produce quotes, manage revenue and track client accounts.

Shruti explains to Richard where the idea for the business came from and how it differs from other, more traditional revenue platforms. They talk about how Zomentum helps MSPs with the sales process and how you can reframe it to make it less scary for you and your clients. 

They also discuss how you can use the tool to assess where your clients are and what they might need, why we should move away from the QBR review model and how the Goolash acquisition will make it easier to manage licences and billing. 

Mentioned in This Episode

• QuoteWerks
• Goolash (now Zomentum Connect)
• The Tech Tribe

In this episode, Richard speaks to Blair Lyon, VP of Cloud Experience for Linode. They accelerate innovation by making cloud computing simple, accessible, and affordable to all.

Blair himself is a sales marketing and technology expert, with over 25 years’ experience building businesses and delivering award winning solutions for the Fortune 1000.

They talk about what makes Linode different and why they have so many fans in the IT space. Blair explains what the alternative cloud is and how you can use it alongside another cloud solution.

Richard and Blair discuss the Linode customer service model, how MSPs can use the alternative cloud for a competitive advantage, the cloud services Linode offer and how they manage cybersecurity internally.

Blair also explains why MSPs might choose Linode and partner with them rather than the ‘big three’ cloud provider, and how you can get started with cloud computing. And he shares what the recent Akamai acquisition means for the company.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud
• Kubernetes
• Akamai
• OVH cloud
• Cloud software: Digital Ocean
• Code software tool: TerraForm
• Ransomware protection: Guardicore
• ebook: The MSP’s Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure
• CloudFlare
• Don Norman: Design of Everyday Things
• Dave Peterson: Play Bigger
• Inspirational speaker and author: Simon Sinek
• ExactTarget (now SalesForce)
• Infrastructure software: Equinix
• Sales & marketing expert and author: Jay Baer
• Team workspace: Slack
• Team workspace: Confluence

In this episode, Richard talks to Ben Jenkins, Senior Solutions Engineer at ThreatLocker. ThreatLocker is an application allowlisting, ring-fencing and data storage control platform that protects businesses from malicious and misuse software. 

They talk about what ThreatLocker offers MSPs, what zero trust means, and how to deploy the software for better cybersecurity. Ben explains what elevation control and data storage control are, and the tools ThreatLocker integrates with. 

Richard and Ben discuss why MSPs shouldn’t rely solely on antivirus and how antivirus allowlisting works as well as usability vs security. They look at how ThreatLocker is licenced, the subscription options, partner programmes and why they don’t work with SMBs. 

Plus, Ben shares the resources he uses to stay up to date with the current situation in cybersecurity and the broader IT industry, and who inspires him in business and life. 

Mentioned in This Episode

• Slack: https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/
• Splunk: https://www.splunk.com/
• AppBlock for Android: https://www.appblock.app/
• Freedom for iOS: https://freedom.to/freedom-for-ios
• RSS Feed Reader: Pocket https://getpocket.com/en/
• Backup Tool: Veeam https://www.veeam.com/vm-backup-recovery-replication-software.html
• Channel E2E: https://www.channele2e.com/
• The Register https://www.theregister.com/
• The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/
• The Bleeping Computer: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/
• MSP sub-Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/