SMB Community Podcast - Peer Groups, Interactive Videos, and What's on Our Radar
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Release Date: 01/12/2023
Exploring the Four-Day Work Week
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy & James dive into the concept of a four-day work week for IT professionals. They explore the pros and cons, including staggering staff schedules and focusing on productivity. The hosts also discuss how the current economic climate might impact tech spending and business operations. Additionally, Amy and James share their top recommended business and personal growth books, emphasizing the importance of execution, giving, and maintaining a strong personal philosophy in business. Tune in to gain insights on modern work...
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Strategies For Selling Your Business
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: Join hosts Amy and James in this episode of the SMB Community Podcast as they delve into the best practices for selling your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. Learn about the emotional and financial facets of selling an MSP, the importance of having a clear exit strategy, and ensuring a good fit with potential buyers. The hosts also discuss the recent technical issues with Zoom and Spotify and provide insights into Microsoft break glass accounts. Stay updated with the latest on the antitrust cases involving Meta and Google. Additionally, James shares information about upcoming...
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Navigating Growth and Strategic Planning for MSPs
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various aspects of running a successful MSP. They start by diving into the MSP question of the week about creating an org charts for small teams. Both hosts emphasize the importance of delineating responsibilities and using the EOS accountability chart for better team structure. They also talk about the challenges and opportunities in selling security solutions and the importance of offering a strategic value to clients. Later, James interviews Max Miller from Workland Partners about current...
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Embracing EOS and Navigating Industry Challenges
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James are back! The main topic revolves around the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its benefits for small to mid-sized MSPs, particularly those with five or more employees. James shares his expertise and insights into how EOS can improve business structure, accountability, and goal setting. The conversation also touches on industry news, including a new 3% service tax in Maryland targeting MSPs, the importance of CMMC certification for retaining government business, and Microsoft's release of the new mini PC...
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Exploring Leadership as a Level 1 Tech
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss a range of topics relevant to IT professionals. They start with a question about leadership for entry-level tech employees, emphasizing that leadership can be demonstrated at any level. The conversation then shifts to cybersecurity, highlighting an insurance industry report that identifies firewalls, VPNs, and RDP as common entry points for ransomware attacks. Amy suggests moving away from traditional perimeter security in favor of cloud solutions. The hosts also touch on the significance of AI...
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AI Tools: Which One Is The Best?
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a variety of news and trends that affect the MSP community. Key topics include Google's acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, the impact of tariffs on tech prices, and how MSPs can use this information to their advantage. They also delve into Gartner's study on the overuse of cybersecurity tools and its implications for SMBs. In the AI segment, they share a range of AI tools relevant for businesses, such as Notebook LM, amy.io, and tools discovered on AppSumo like QUSO. James announces the...
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Enhancing Workplace Efficiency with AI: Interview with Zulfiya Forsythe of Omadli Group
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan from Kernan Consulting interviews Zulfiya Forsythe, CEO and founder of Omadli Group, about the transformative power of AI in the workplace. Forsythe shares her unique journey from accounting to tech, highlighting the development of data analytics and AI solutions that help businesses streamline administrative tasks and gain actionable insights. The discussion covers how Forsythe's team partners with MSPs to create automation around reporting, build executive dashboards, and leverage AI tools to enhance business...
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Rebranding and Future Growth: An Interview of MJ Shoer of GTIA
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews MJ Shoer of GTIA, formerly known as CompTIA. MJ shares his extensive background in the IT industry, having transitioned from an MSP owner to a key figure at CompTIA and now GTIA. They discuss the reasons behind the rebranding to GTIA and the organization's continued focus on member benefits, global expansion, and impactful philanthropy. MJ also highlights GTIA's unique value propositions, such as their extensive industry research, mentorship programs, and inclusive networking events. The conversation provides...
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Strategizing MSP Growth: Windows 10 End of Life
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan dive into how IT professionals can leverage the end-of-life schedules of Microsoft Windows 10 to generate new business. This week, they emphasize the importance of planning and maintaining a regular upgrade schedule for client systems to avoid issues and ensure security. The conversation also touches on the impact of drone deliveries in dense areas and the evolving landscape of remote meetings, with a particular focus on Zoom's declining market share. The team also explores the necessity for MSPs...
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Offshoring vs. Local Hiring: Where to Find Success
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
In this Thursday episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss recent events and trends in the IT and business world. Amy details her recent speaking engagement at the M365 Community Days event, highlighting the importance for MSPs to network with internal IT professionals. The hosts dig into the question of whether MSPs are finding success with offshore resources versus local hiring. They share mixed opinions but note a growing number of success stories with offshoring, particularly post-pandemic. The episode also covers major news, including Apple’s...
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
:-)