SMB Community Podcast - Peer Groups, Interactive Videos, and What's on Our Radar
Release Date: 01/12/2023
Top Opportunities for 2026
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss the top opportunities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking ahead to 2026. They focus on the importance of AI integration, data management, and the need for proper training, as well as compliance and governance issues. They also touch on the ongoing trends in mergers and acquisitions within the MSP industry. Additional topics include leveraging industry awards for marketing and the ongoing debate around cryptocurrency investments. The episode is full of actionable advice for MSPs aiming...
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Pricing: How to Navigate Changes
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a range of topics from winter weather arriving early to significant layoffs in the tech industry for 2025. They delve into the complexities and best practices of raising prices for MSPs and share insights on strategic cost-cutting. The episode also touches on interesting historical hacking anecdotes, CIA cryptographic puzzles, Amazon's space program, and major announcements from Microsoft Ignite. Key takeaways include the integration of Copilot and Purview in Business Premium and the introduction of passkey...
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What are the Best KPI's?
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy kick off with a weather update from Michigan and Nebraska and discuss the changing nature of fall leaf collection. The conversation then shifts to the MSP question of the week, focusing on the best KPIs and metrics for MSP CEOs, emphasizing the importance of role-specific indicators. They explore financial and performance metrics in depth and touch upon AI's transformative role in the workplace. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the evolving nature of work hours, reflections on the recent FAA issues, and updates on...
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Is Distribution Dead?
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the evolving landscape of IT distribution and whether it is becoming obsolete. They reminisce about the days when IT professionals relied heavily on specific distributors and how the market shift has changed their role. They also touch on the U.S. Senate passing the budget bill, LinkedIn's top 50 startup list for 2025, Apple's advancements in satellite technology, and a change in leadership at Kaseya. Additionally, Amy announces the return of her scholarship program for Microsoft certifications, and James gives...
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New Years: 2026 Strategy/Planning
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the importance of timely year-end planning for IT professionals, suggesting October as the ideal start time for preparation. They cover effective strategies for developing annual goals, emphasizing the need for a personalized approach and tactical objectives. The hosts also examine the recent cloud outages from AWS and Azure, stressing the importance of diversifying cloud services. They touch on the growing presence of AI in technology and its implications for MSPs. Additionally, they explore the upcoming 50th...
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How To Finish The Year Strong
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss strategies for IT professionals to finish the year on top, including sales tips, inventory reduction, and tax advantages through IRS Tax Code Section 179. They also delve into the feasibility and future of humanoid household robots, debating their practicality and cost. Additionally, they touch on industry news such as the rising dominance of AMD processors, recent Microsoft 365 outages, and the importance of outcome-based funding over traditional MDF. The episode wraps up with details on an AI class and an...
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Enhancing AI Literacy for IT Professionals: An Interview with Leslie Dewey
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosted by James Kernan, special guest Leslie Dewey, CEO of Sweetwater Street, shares her expertise on artificial intelligence (AI). Leslie discusses her background in media and security, which led her to a passion for AI. She provides insights into AI literacy, automation benefits, and practical tips for business owners to integrate AI into their operations. The conversation also covers the importance of AI training, the challenges of data security, and ways to leverage AI as a competitive advantage. Leslie emphasizes the need for...
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Exploring Cyber Risk Management: An Interview with Kevin Schmidt
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Kevin Schmidt from Coalition. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity and cyber risk management, focusing on Coalition's comprehensive approach that integrates cyber insurance with cybersecurity solutions. Kevin highlights the unique aspects of Coalition’s services, which include active insurance and real-time risk assessments. He explains how their platform helps service providers discuss cybersecurity as a business risk, emphasizing the financial impact of cyber incidents on SMBs. Kevin also outlines...
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Optimizing Monthly Cashflows for MSPs
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss weekend highlights and then dive into crucial advice for improving monthly cash flow for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). They emphasize the importance of collecting payments upfront, managing monthly subscription income, and understanding monthly burn rates. They also cover consumer insights, including the rise of 'silver startups' among older generations and increasing tech budgets for cloud, cybersecurity, and AI. Finally, industry updates include the appointment of a new VP of Global Channel Sales at...
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Maximizing AI: Leverage and Monetization
SMB Community Podcast
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the monetization of AI for MSPs, leveraging existing skills and tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. They encourage MSPs to differentiate themselves by adopting AI technologies and utilizing available marketing funds. The hosts address the potential lapse of the CISA Act, the importance of upgrading to Windows 11, and California’s new AI legislation. They also highlight changing buyer demographics and emphasize the need for modern engagement strategies. Additionally, the show covers recent news,...
info_outlineThrough rolling blackouts and timezones, our team prevail for another special all-hosts episode of the Small Biz Community Podcast.
Before we get into it, we would like to ask our listeners, how wild is too wild New Orleans? Hosts Amy L has your answer!
Segment One: New Amazing Growth-Focused Peer Group from Amy Babinchak and the Quarterly Peer Group with James Kernan
Host Amy B shares with us her latest mentor-led peer group. In today's episode, Amy discusses her goals for this new venture for business owners looking to find a community with like-minded individuals.
For more details, check it out here:
https://www.thirdtier.net/2023/01/02/new-growth-focused-peer-group/
Similarly, Host James's Quartely Peer Group is mixing business and pleasure at the Mastermind Orlando Event.
We pick Host James's mind a bit: What's with MSPs and Florida?
Check it out here:
http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind
Segment Two: Tolstoy
There are a gazillion How To, Where To, and What To videos. Long form videos can be seriously disengaging which can be attributed to the lack of interactions this videos have to offer.
But, hey, remember those Choose Your Own Adventure storybooks? Tolstoy is taking that concept and running with it with their interactive video services.
Check out NSITSP'S example here: https://player.gotolstoy.com/qeqr5th6dnr1w
Segment Three: What's on Your Radar?
LastPass - and more end-user confusion...Following the most recent breach, the uncertainty of its survival has been a hot topic. How do we earn the trust of end-users?
Host Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address is out now.
Host Jame's discusses his one page business--efficient for a industry that is rapidly moves forward.
Resources and Links:
Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address
Dot Com Secrets
https://www.amazon.com/Dotcom-Secrets-Underground-Playbook-Growing/dp/B08B9ZHVVG/
Expert Secrets
https://www.amazon.com/Expert-Secrets-Underground-Converting-Customers/dp/B08B9DTGFM/
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Sponsor Note: NSITSP
By now you've heard of the National Society of IT Service Providers. But why should YOU join? The NSITSP is committed to transforming our Industry into a Profession. They've established an industry-wide code of ethics and are working to improve the reputation of IT consultants nationwide.
Wherever anybody is talking ABOUT IT consultants, NSITSP wants a seat at the table. That includes the media, government regulators, and the general public. Take pride in your industry and show off your membership.
Join us today at https://www.NSITSP.ORG
:-)