Libsyn Directory

Burned by the “Big Guys” with Jason Miller of BitLyft

Release Date: 09/14/2023

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

In this special edition of the SMB Community Podcast, host James sits down for an in-depth discussion with Jason Miller Jason Miller - founder and CEO of BitLyft.

Have you ever been lured in by a big-name vendor, only to discover their definition of services didn't quite match your expectations?

Tune into "Burned by the Big Guys" as we dissect real-life stories of vendor disappointments and uncover the discrepancies that often lie beneath polished pitches.

In this episode we’ll share what questions to ask vendors, how to spot red flags, and provide an overview of what should actually be part of your service package.

Don't get side-tracked by glossy brochures; learn from those who've been there.

Book a demo with BitLyft:

https://www.bitlyft.com/

Suggest reads - StrengthsFinder 2.0:

https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253922/popular-cliftonstrengths-books.aspx

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Resources and Links:

Kernan Mastermind Roadshow: September 28-29 – Scottsdale, AZ!

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/