Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Products, stories, and tips for the MSP and IT Professional)

Robert J. Scott, co-founder of Monjur, returns to the IT Business Podcast to discuss their contracts-as-a-service platform for IT managed service providers. Scott highlights the benefits of participating in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator program, including valuable connections and exposure that have accelerated Monjur's growth. 

Monjur offers a cloud-based legal service with industry-leading templates customized for each MSP and dynamically updated. The platform integrates with quoting tools and sales processes, streamlining the contracting process. Scott explains the difference between their Essentials and Standard plans, with the Essentials plan designed for smaller MSPs with revenue under $1.5 million. 

The interview covers how Monjur stays current with various state and international laws using AI-powered legal research tools in partnership with Lexis Nexus. Scott also discusses the affordability of their services, with plans starting at $149 per month for smaller MSPs. 

The conversation explores the types of templates available, including master service agreements, statements of work, and specialized attachments for managed compliance and AI services. Scott emphasizes the importance of their Schedule of Third-Party Services, which acts as a waiver protecting MSPs from liability related to third-party vendors. 

The podcast also discusses the relationship between Monjur's services and E&O insurance, highlighting how their platform provides additional protections not covered by insurance. Scott explains how Monjur can assist MSPs in incident response and claims defense, depending on their insurance carrier and policy.

Key Takeaways: 

• Monjur offers cloud-based, dynamically updated legal services for MSPs
• The platform integrates with quoting tools to streamline the contracting process
• Pricing starts at $149/month for smaller MSPs with revenue under $1.5 million
• Monjur uses AI-powered legal research tools to stay current with laws and regulations
• The Schedule of Third-Party Services provides crucial liability protection for MSPs
• Monjur's services complement E&O insurance by offering additional protections

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv sits down with Michelle Accardi, CEO of LionGard, to explore the latest advancements in MSP technology and the exciting developments at LionGard. The conversation kicks off with a discussion about Liongard’s role in enhancing MSP operations through comprehensive attack surface management. Michelle explains how Liongard’s platform automates IT asset inventory, monitors configuration changes, and provides a cyber risk dashboard tied to cyber insurance controls.

Michelle introduces Leo, Liongard’s generative AI support agent, designed to assist partners with support needs, ticket updates, and generating new reports. This AI tool aims to increase partner satisfaction by providing immediate answers and facilitating efficient problem resolution.

The episode also highlights the upcoming RoarCon event, Liongard’s inaugural user conference, set to take place in Frisco, Texas. Michelle shares her excitement about the event, which will feature keynote speaker Eric O'Neill, a cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative. Additionally, Michelle discusses her initiative, MSP Mavens, a networking group for women executives in the MSP industry, aimed at fostering peer support and professional growth.

Throughout the interview, Michelle emphasizes the importance of growth for both LionGard and its MSP partners. She discusses strategies for MSPs to monetize their tech stacks and improve efficiency, ultimately driving profitability. The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment where Michelle shares a personal story about her daughter's recent adventure in Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Liongard’s Platform: Automates IT asset inventory, monitors configuration changes, and provides a cyber risk dashboard.
• Leo AI Support Agent: Assists with support needs, ticket updates, and report generation, enhancing partner satisfaction.
• RoarCon Event: Liongard’s inaugural user conference featuring cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill.
• MSP Mavens: A networking group for women executives in the MSP industry, promoting peer support and professional growth.
• Growth Strategies: Emphasis on monetizing tech stacks and improving efficiency to drive profitability for MSPs.

Website: https://www.liongard.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv recaps his recent attendance at multiple tech conferences, focusing on IT Nation Secure and PAX 8 Beyond. He highlights key announcements from these events, including ConnectWise's Security 360 product and PAX 8's new Marketplace. 

The podcast explores the world of conference swag, with Uncle Marv reviewing various items across categories such as tech gadgets, writing utensils, socks, and shirts. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful, quality swag that attendees will actually use and appreciate. 

In a special segment, Uncle Marv interviews Cynthia Schreiner from CyberQP about their popular hot sauce swag. Cynthia explains the thought process behind choosing hot sauce as their signature item, highlighting its ability to start conversations and leave a lasting impression. 

The episode also touches on the increasing number of tech conferences and the challenges of attending multiple events in a short period. Uncle Marv expresses his intention to scale back on conference attendance in the future.

Key Takeaways: 

• ConnectWise released Security 360, a new product for MSPs to aggregate security data
• PAX 8 unveiled their new Marketplace with features like storefronts and Opportunity Explorer
• Quality and thoughtfulness in swag items are crucial for leaving a lasting impression
• Unique swag items, like CyberQP's hot sauce, can become a company's signature at events
• The tech conference landscape is becoming increasingly crowded

Website: https://cyberqp.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Darrin Swan with Todyl to discuss the company's comprehensive cybersecurity platform designed for SMBs and MSPs. Darrein explains that Todyl was founded to address the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by smaller businesses that lack the resources of larger enterprises. 

Todyl's platform integrates various security tools into a single, user-friendly solution, including next-gen firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and secure remote access capabilities. This approach simplifies cybersecurity management for SMBs and allows MSPs to offer robust security services to their clients more efficiently. 

Darrin highlights the importance of a layered security approach, emphasizing that traditional antivirus solutions are no longer sufficient in today's threat landscape. He explains how Todyl's platform provides comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats. 

The conversation touches on the challenges of securing remote work environments, a concern that has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Todyl's solution includes secure remote access features that enable businesses to protect their networks and data regardless of where employees are working. 

Darrin also discusses Todyl's partnership model with MSPs, explaining how the platform enables these providers to offer enterprise-grade security solutions to their SMB clients without the need for extensive in-house expertise or resources. This model helps bridge the cybersecurity gap for smaller businesses while creating new revenue opportunities for MSPs. 

The interview concludes with Darren sharing his insights on the future of cybersecurity, predicting a continued increase in threats and the growing importance of AI and machine learning in detecting and mitigating these risks. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Todyl offers a comprehensive cybersecurity platform tailored for SMBs and MSPs.
2. The platform integrates multiple security tools into a single, user-friendly solution.
3. A layered security approach is crucial in today's threat landscape.
4. Secure remote access is a key feature for protecting distributed work environments.
5. Todyl's partnership model enables MSPs to offer enterprise-grade security to SMBs.
6. AI and machine learning are expected to play an increasing role in future cybersecurity solutions.

Website: https://www.todyl.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Simon Green, a veteran in the IT industry, joins Uncle Marv to discuss his extensive career and the changing landscape of technology. With over 25 years of experience, Simon has witnessed the transformation of IT from mainframes to cloud computing. 

Simon reflects on his early days in IT, starting as a programmer and gradually moving into management roles. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the fast-paced tech world. Simon shares how he transitioned from hands-on technical work to leadership positions, highlighting the need for both technical expertise and people skills in IT management. 

The conversation covers the challenges faced by IT professionals, including keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and managing client expectations. Simon offers practical advice for newcomers to the field, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation in core IT concepts while remaining open to emerging trends. 

Simon and Uncle Marv explore the impact of cloud computing and artificial intelligence on the IT landscape. They discuss how these technologies are reshaping businesses and creating new opportunities for IT professionals. Simon provides insights on how companies can leverage these technologies to improve efficiency and stay competitive. 

The episode concludes with Simon sharing his thoughts on the future of IT and offering guidance to business owners on integrating technology into their operations. He emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to IT investments and the importance of aligning technology with business goals.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving IT industry
2. Balancing technical skills with people management is key for IT leaders
3. Cloud computing and AI are transforming the IT landscape
4. A strong foundation in core IT concepts is essential for career growth
5. Aligning IT strategies with business goals is critical for success

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Rex Frank, a veteran in the managed services industry, shares his journey from working at a break-fix company to becoming a leader in managed services. He emphasizes the critical role of process documentation in scaling IT businesses and improving service quality. 

Frank discusses the challenges faced by managed service providers (MSPs) in the early days, including the transition from break-fix models to proactive maintenance. He highlights the importance of standardization and how it contributes to better service delivery and increased profitability. 

The conversation explores the concept of "process maturity" and its impact on business operations. Frank explains how well-documented processes can lead to consistent service delivery, reduced errors, and improved customer satisfaction. He also touches on the significance of employee training and the benefits of having clearly defined roles and responsibilities within an organization.

Frank shares insights on pricing strategies for MSPs, emphasizing the need to align pricing with the value delivered to clients. He discusses the evolution of pricing models in the industry and how businesses can optimize their pricing to remain competitive while ensuring profitability. 

The interview concludes with Frank's thoughts on the future of managed services, including the potential impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the industry. He encourages MSPs to continually adapt and improve their processes to stay ahead in an ever-changing technological landscape. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Process documentation is crucial for scaling IT businesses
2. Standardization leads to improved service delivery and profitability
3. Well-defined processes contribute to consistent service and reduced errors
4. Pricing should align with the value delivered to clients
5. Continuous adaptation and improvement are essential for MSP success

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Nancy Henriquez, an IT veteran with more than two decades of experience, joins Uncle Marv to discuss her career trajectory and the lessons she's learned in the tech industry. Nancy began her journey at Motorola, where she spent 15 years honing her skills and climbing the corporate ladder. She then moved to Citrix, where she faced new challenges and opportunities for growth. 

Throughout the interview, Nancy emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the IT field. She shares how she navigated through various roles, from individual contributor to people manager, and the valuable lessons she gained from each position. Nancy also discusses the significance of mentorship and how it has shaped her career and leadership style. 

The conversation explores the challenges Nancy faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She offers advice on how to overcome these obstacles and the importance of building a strong support network. Nancy also shares her experiences with work-life balance and how she manages to juggle her professional responsibilities with personal commitments. 

Nancy provides insights into effective leadership strategies, stressing the importance of empathy, clear communication, and fostering a positive team culture. She discusses how these principles have helped her succeed in her current role as a senior director at a major tech company. 

The interview concludes with Nancy's thoughts on the future of IT and the skills that will be crucial for success in the coming years. She encourages listeners to embrace change, stay curious, and never stop learning. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Continuous learning is crucial in the fast-paced IT industry
2. Mentorship plays a vital role in career development
3. Adaptability is key to navigating different roles and companies
4. Effective leadership requires empathy and clear communication
5. Building a strong support network is essential for overcoming challenges
6. Work-life balance is achievable with proper time management and prioritization
7. Embracing change and staying curious are important for long-term success in IT

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv sits down with Daniel Ellis, the CEO and founder of PC PowerSave, to discuss the innovative software solution designed to reduce energy consumption and costs for computer systems. Daniel shares his passion for technology and sustainability, detailing his journey from working in IT for a school to developing a prototype that eventually became PC PowerSave. 

Daniel explains how PC PowerSave works, highlighting its two main modes: analysis and optimization. The software analyzes the power consumption of computer systems and provides detailed reports on potential savings. It then optimizes settings to reduce energy usage, such as adjusting monitor brightness and shutting down idle computers. This not only saves money but also helps MSPs demonstrate value to their clients. 

The conversation also covers the practical aspects of deploying PC PowerSave, including its compatibility with various hardware and its ease of installation via a single PowerShell command. Daniel emphasizes the software's flexibility, allowing MSPs to resell it or integrate it into their service offerings as a differentiator. 

Daniel shares his experiences with the Pitch It Accelerator program and his involvement in the IT Nation community, expressing his excitement for the upcoming IT Nation Connect event. The episode concludes with Uncle Marv wishing Daniel luck in the Pitch It contest and encouraging listeners to explore more vendor profiles on the IT Business Podcast website.

Key Takeaways

• PC PowerSave is a software solution designed to reduce energy consumption and costs for computer systems.
• The software operates in two modes: analysis and optimization, providing detailed reports and making subtle adjustments to save energy.
• MSPs can resell the software or integrate it into their service offerings, providing a financial and environmental benefit to their clients.
• The software is easy to deploy via a single PowerShell command and is compatible with various hardware, excluding Mac systems.
• Daniel Ellis shares his journey from IT work in a school to developing PC PowerSave and his involvement in the IT Nation community.

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Introduction:

• Uncle Marv introduces the episode and the guest, Dave Maik from Defense X.
• Defense X is a cybersecurity company that participated in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator Program.

Discussion Highlights:

• Program Experience: Dave shares his positive experience with the Pitch It program, emphasizing the exposure and growth it provided.
• Product Features: Defense X offers a secure web browser solution with DNS protection, credential protection, and file protection. The core product focuses on browsing protection, preventing credential misuse, and scanning file downloads.
• Employee Monitoring: The product includes features for monitoring employee activities and assessing risk scores based on their browsing behavior.
• New DNS Solution: Defense X recently launched a cost-effective DNS-only solution at 25 cents per license, aimed at providing basic protection and an entry point for further upgrades.
• Feature Enhancements: The company continuously updates its product based on client feedback, ensuring quick implementation of new features.
• AI Integration: Defense X is exploring AI to enhance its cybersecurity solutions.
• Market Differentiation: Dave explains how Defense X's DNS solution offers more comprehensive features compared to other products and integrates well with various MSP tools like ConnectWise, Ninja, and Datto.
• Future Plans: The company aims to expand its market presence and continue adapting to new cybersecurity threats.

Key Takeaways

1. Defense X provides a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with secure web browsing, DNS protection, credential protection, and file protection.
2. The company has launched a new, affordable DNS-only solution to help MSPs start with basic protection.
3. Defense X continuously updates its product based on client feedback, ensuring quick implementation of new features.
4. The company is exploring AI to enhance its cybersecurity offerings.
5. Defense X's solutions integrate well with various MSP tools, providing a seamless experience for users.

Website: https://www.defensx.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Cameron McFie introduces Xeneth's flagship product, MSPlus, which provides billing automation solutions for managed service providers. The software focuses on two main modules: Microsoft CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) and managed services contracts. 

MSPlus aims to save MSPs time and money by automating billing processes, particularly for Microsoft 365, Azure, and other managed services. Cameron explains that the software can significantly reduce billing time, with some companies cutting their billing process from 30 days to just a day or two. 

The discussion highlights the potential for increased revenue, with Cameron stating that MSPs are often under-billing by 5-10% due to manual errors or outdated pricing. This translates to a global issue worth billions of dollars in the managed services industry. 

Cameron emphasizes Xeneth's expertise in the Microsoft CSP program and their ability to provide consulting services alongside their software. He explains unique features like split billing for different user types and the ability to accurately bill for various Microsoft services, including Azure usage. 

The conversation touches on Cameron's background in the MSP industry and how his experiences led to the creation of Xeneth. He shares anecdotes about under-billing issues in his previous roles, which motivated him to develop a solution for accurate billing. 

The interview concludes with Cameron discussing Xeneth's participation in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator program and their plans for future growth. He mentions their focus on serving MSPs with 50 or more customers and their goal to streamline the onboarding process further. 

Key Takeaways: 

• MSPlus automates billing for Microsoft CSP and managed services contracts
• The software can save MSPs significant time in their billing processes
• Many MSPs are under-billing by 5-10%, leading to lost revenue
• Xeneth offers expertise in Microsoft CSP alongside their software solution
• The product is best suited for MSPs with 50 or more customers
• Xeneth offers a free trial for up to 10 customers to demonstrate potential revenue gains

Website: https://xeneth.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.