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Join the conversation with the ever-insightful Ryan Grimes, founder of My IT Indy, as we revist his IT business one year after our last podcast with him! 

With a narrative that's bound to resonate with entrepreneurs and tech aficionados alike, Ryan shares the tactical sales and marketing maneuvers that accelerated My IT Indy from its modest 2004 roots to today's towering achievements. 

He generously spills the secrets behind his consistent marketing and customer success stories, shedding light on how these elements fueled a year of unprecedented growth. If you're angling for a no-holds-barred exploration of business growth, peppered with personal trials and triumphs, you're in the right place.

Switching tracks, we delve into the art of podcasting as a masterstroke for networking and expanding businesses. Reflecting on my own podcasting escapades, Ryan and I dissect the ingenious method of inviting potential clients to guest on podcasts, a move that sparks deeper relationships and mutual promotional wins. 

It's a conversation that will make you reconsider your approach to content creation, business development, and digital marketing. Sharpen your pencils and take notes; these insights are akin to striking gold in the quest for a thriving, innovative business model.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Join me as I sit down with Dustin Bolander, a visionary entrepreneur who has carved a path from leading a Managed Service Provider to pioneering a cybersecurity insurance firm.

In a gripping recount of his professional voyage, Dustin outines his transition from IT to the intricacies of the insurance world. Our dialogue journeys through the start of his MSP, Clear Guidance, his strategic focus on law firms, and the epiphany that steered him towards Beltex, where he's reshaping cyber insurance. 

For anyone curious about the alchemy of tech-savvy entrepreneurship and industry know-how, Dustin's story is a compelling testament to the power of experience and adaptation.

In the throes of a digital age where cyber threats loom large, we dissect the tough terrain of cyber insurance and its slow dance with technology. As Dustin and I unravel the challenges, from sluggish industry responses to events like Log4j to the evolving relationship between traditional insurers and MSPs, we reveal the transformative potential of MSP involvement. If you have ever wondered how these cyber guardians can turn the tide on post-incident recovery and redefine the insurance landscape, this insider's look offers a front-row seat to the metamorphosis underway.

Finally, we venture into the labyrinth of launching an insurance company amidst a tangle of regulations and the quest to make cybersecurity insurance accessible. 

From the maze of state-level insurance laws to the creation of Beltex, Dustin peels back the curtain on the daunting yet rewarding process. 

As we wrap up, our exploration emphasizes the indispensable role of MSPs, not just as IT managers, but as critical advisors in cyber insurance. For a deep dive into the confluence of technology, entrepreneurship, and the insurance industry, don't miss this illuminating discussion with a trailblazer who's charting a new course.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Join me: Carrie Richardson, partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting, on today's episode of WIN, where we talk about something everyone likes:  free money!

Unlock the mysteries of Market Development Funds and Joint Marketing Funds with the expertise of Debbie Kestin, the marketing guru from Kestin Impact Consulting.

You're in for a treasure hunt as we navigate through the untapped potential of MDF and JMF, resources that could be the catalyst for your marketing breakthrough. 

With Debbie's rich background from IBM, we tackle the hurdles that prevent many MSPs from claiming the funds that sit idle each year, while offering strategies to overcome the fear of upfront costs and unrealized marketing goals. Sure, the terms and conditions of these 'free money' pools may seem daunting, but by the end of our conversation, you'll be equipped to approach them with confidence and a game plan to elevate your business's marketing game.

In a marketplace saturated with products and services clamoring for attention, it's vital to understand how to make the most of vendor support in marketing efforts. 

Dive into the world of effective proposals and the execution of campaigns that capture the imagination, both of which Debbie and I dissect with precision. 

We share the playbook on hosting events with a magnetism that extends beyond the primary audience to their families, ensuring a memorable experience and solid lead generation. As we spin tales of past co-marketing triumphs and the significant advantage of collaboration with marketing firms adept at analytics, this conversation promises a cascade of insights to refine your approach to vendor-supported marketing funds. 

Join us, and let's boost your marketing impact together.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered why some marketing plans lead to a cascade of new clients while others fizzle out? Join me, Carrie Richardson, and my expert co-host, Ian Richardson, as we pull back the curtain on constructing a marketing strategy that hits the mark every time. 

We take you through the trenches of our own marketing journey with Doberman, sharing the wins and the lessons learned. You'll discover how a deep understanding of your target customer and a consistent, resonant message can transform your marketing efforts from mundane to meteoric.

Then we switch gears and tackle the MSP sales landscape with a focus on a cost-effective sales process that promises to revolutionize your prospecting, selling, and account management. 

We're not just throwing theories at you; we're talking proven strategies enriched by the wisdom of industry gurus like Tracie Orisko and Walter Crosby. 

And for those thinking about selling their business, you'll get a front row seat to the emotional and practical complexities involved, with tips from my own experience and the unparalleled support from Ian who helped navigate through the sale of Managed Sales Pros. 

This episode is packed with hard-won insights that will equip you to refine your approach and scale new heights in your business endeavors.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the keys to unlocking stellar decision-making in the corporate world with me, Carrie Richardson, as I sit down with Bart Justice, an innovator at the helm of Arise Forums.

Prepare to have your mind broadened as we traverse the landscape of the Judgment Index, an assessment tool that transcends your typical personality quizzes. Bart, with his deep roots in EOS and Traction, shares a treasure trove of experiences that harmonize the roles of visionary and integrator. He also uncovers the criticality of aligning personal values with job-specific necessities, a strategy that ensures businesses achieve their highest potential. This is an episode rich with insights on the delicate balance of core values within a company, and how these should mirror more than just aspirations, but the actual deeds shaping an organization's culture.

Then, we shift gears to look at how life's pivotal moments can drastically alter our values, examining through personal stories the evolution of my own principles in response to parenthood and the entrepreneurial journey. You'll hear a moving account of redemption and the potent effect of living out one's foundational values, a narrative that demonstrates the profound impact these ideals have on both personal growth and professional relationships. While we only scratch the surface on the future of AI in sales and marketing, you can anticipate a follow-up discussion that promises to delve into the innovative use of technology in streamlining business practices. So, if you're after a conversation that combines practical business wisdom with the transformative journey of personal values, then join us for an episode that's both enlightening and compelling.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Join Carrie Richardson, Partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting and Founder of Croocial as she asks entrepreneurs an important question, "What's Important Now?"

Starting with his founders journey, and ending with his latest WIN,  this week's guest is Michael Cervino from Circle Square Consulting in Pennsylvania.

Michael has built a business in three years that is already outperforming  70% of the companies in his industry.

Join me as Michael recounts his voyage from support work with managed service providers to captaining his own ship in the stormy seas of a global pandemic. His story is one of tenacity and evolution, navigating the profound personal and professional metamorphoses that come with trading an operational helm for the crowning challenge of business ownership.

Michael's reflections on the pivotal role of empathy and responsibility shine a light on the human aspect of leadership, underlining the impact of our decisions on employees and their families. This episode peels back the layers of maintaining core values and a customer-centric focus while embracing technological advancements as a beacon for guiding a business to success.

Step into the burgeoning realm of artificial intelligence in managed services, led by Michael's expert navigation through the opportunities and cautionary tales that accompany AI's integration into industries teeming with technical acumen.

We'll dissect the nuanced balance between leveraging tools like ChatGPT for legal contract creation and the imperative for human vigilance amidst data security concerns.

As we investigate the evolving landscape of AI models, like GPT-4, Michael shares insights on the importance of AI education, stringent vendor selection, and the irreplaceable role of MSPs in maintaining security and compliance.

Amidst these discussions, we're left with Michael's optimistic forecast for a year brimming with potential and his unwavering belief in the enduring value and triumphs that Circle Square and the managed services industry stand to offer.

Want to be a guest on WIN?   Here's the link to apply!  https://randr.consulting/connect

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Carrie Richardson, partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting and founder of the content collaboration company, Croocial, hosts today's episode of WIN!

Angela Chryplewicz, the co-owner of Lasting Impressions in Canton Michigan is the second entrepreneur from this business to appear on WIN!

Listen to Carla Ejaz's WIN recording about Lasting Impressions and the challenges they have experienced - including a major Covid pivot, and a total loss fire!

Step into the world of promotional marketing, where branding comes alive in the most creative and unexpected ways. Our guest, Angela Chryplewicz, is one of the owners of Lasting Impressions.

Angela has mastered the art of making brands memorable, from stamping logos on socks to crafting custom hot sauces. She shares the story of her transition, from being an employee in her father's business to becoming a co- owner, an experience that comes with its fair share of challenges and lessons.

Family and business might seem like oil and water, but Angela's story tells us otherwise. With her firsthand experience in a family-owned business, she brings us the reality of keeping family ties intact while running a thriving business. Angela frankly discusses the complexities involved in purchasing a family business, the value of professional evaluations, and the significance of establishing clear boundaries when mixing family and business. She talks about the roles and responsibilities each family member assumes and how they support each other through this journey.

This episode isn't just about the highs and lows of a family-run business. 

Angela also gives us an insider's view into the promotional marketing industry.  Tune in to hear about Angela's journey, the lessons she's learned, and the creative ways in which she's helping businesses make lasting impressions.
 
Don't miss this insightful episode, where family, creativity, and business come together in an extraordinary way.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

What if we told you that being an engineer and running a successful business is not only possible but can also be enjoyable?

Carrie Richardson, Partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting, is your host for this episode of  What's Important Now.

Meet James Riley, a remarkable engineer-turned-entrepreneur, who has grown a small IT services startup in Tucson, Arizona, into a thriving and growing business.

This episode of WIN takes you on James's fascinating journey, from his  transition into entrepreneurship to the strategic planning and compliance measures that have propelled his company's growth. We also delve into the immense importance of technology in an increasingly compliance-driven market.

But there's more to James's story.

Alongside building a successful business, he's also nurtured an amazing marriage-business partnership with his wife for 26 years.

Together, they've managed not only to create a profitable organization but one that helps individuals find and fulfill purpose in their lives.

Get ready for some invaluable insights on balancing a business and a marriage, the future vision for his company, and the mission that drives their shared enterprise.

If you're seeking wisdom from a process-driven business owner who's also focused on being an incredible life partner, this episode is an absolute must-listen!

Want to connect with James?  The JNR Networks website is here!

Have a business WIN you'd like to share with the world?  We're always interested in interviewing business owners with great stories!!!  Schedule a podcast recording here! 

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Join Carrie Richardson and her guest, Harrison Leffel-Jones, Executive Director of the Lansing Regional SmartZone.

In this episode of WIN, Harrison shares an overview of how the Lansing Smart Zone assists new and existing entrepreneurs.

Learn how you can connect with other experts, mentors and start-up enthusiasts in mid-Michigan.  

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us Fan Mail

Dave Cava grew his MSP to an impressive 10MM in annual revenue prior to his exit in 2017. 

Post-exit, he joined Shawn Walsh as a partner in Encore Strategic, a consulting and strategic planning group. 

When he first joined Encore, Dave was primarily responsible for recruiting talent for their growing MSP clients. 

Shawn and Dave have co-authored a book inspired by (and licensed by) Mike Michalowicz's Pumpkin Plan.  The book is a "love letter to technology service providers who feel like they're never going to get off of the hamster wheel".

Dave and Shawn both realized they had been following the principles of "The Pumpkin Plan" long before they read the book, and both entrepreneurs benefitted from having healthy businesses that led to the exit multiples that MSP business owners dream of.

Learn about the challenges associated with writing a book with a co-author, the benefits of the Pumpkin Plan process, and the free workshop that Shawn and Dave are hosting at Comptia Channel Con.

Your host for this episode of WIN - What's Important Now is Carrie Richardson, partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting.  Let's get in to it!

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?

They are the co-founders of Fox & Crow Group, a software development company building growth platforms for MSP and IT channel businesses.

Learn more at:

Fox & Crow Group - the MSP Sales Process platform and all-in-one CRM solution 

Fox & Crow Instinct - the MSP Decision Intelligence Platform for IT Channel Vendors

Fox & Crow Jackdaw - Competitive Intelligence Reports on Demand for MSP businesses

 
Book time with Carrie here!

Be a guest on WIN!  We host MSP channel founders, executives and sales and marketing leaders who are willing to share advice with other IT channel firms on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.