609: Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Release Date: 03/18/2025
620: From Rooftops in Spain to QuickBooks User Pains
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss recent events including a vacation and the ACEs conference. They dive into a detailed troubleshooting story involving QuickBooks server issues and explore the challenges associated with setting up Windows PCs and QuickBooks for clients. Additional topics include managing one password admin access for clients and a debate over using cases for Macs. The episode also highlights the 10th anniversary of the Mac Admins community and offers useful insights for managed service providers. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:08 Vacation...
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619: Mac Misfires, Backblaze Blues, and the Cost of Bad Support
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode, the hosts of Command Control Power discuss their personal lives and tech experiences, including outdoor activities and everyday tech issues. They delve into a peculiar issue one encountered with a MacBook Pro during an update, which turned out to be related to Dell Display Manager. The conversation also covers Backblaze backup anomalies, Apple's migration assistant quirks, and problematic customer service interactions with vendors like Microsoft and RingCentral. To wrap up, the team reflects on the importance of considering user behavior in quality assurance for tech products...
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Best Of CCP - 288: Shoehorns, Straight Jackets & Ducktape
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, thaey discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.
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617: Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models The hosts of Command Control Power are joined by Adam Engst of Tidbits Content Network for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of AI, the ethics of technology in business, and how evolving business models are influencing content creation. Topics include the 35th anniversary of Tidbits, the importance of maintaining human decency in business practices, the future of AI-based answer engines compared to traditional search engines, and the need for businesses to develop AI policies. Engst also shares personal...
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616: Backblaze Blues, Alectrona Patch Updates & the MacBook Air That Took Flight
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
The hosts of Command Control Power discuss recent issues with Backblaze, including failed updates and poor communication, which have eroded trust among users. They delve into the technical struggles with Apple's update processes and highlight improvements to the Electronic Patch software. Jerry shares a personal story about accidentally leaving his MacBook Air on top of his car and the ensuing repair saga, illustrating the importance of awareness and preparedness in the IT field. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the frustrations and foibles that come with managing tech in...
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615: Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth In this episode, the discussion revolves around the concept of boutique consultancy, highlighting the benefits of providing a personalized, high-touch service over rapid, automated responses. The conversation delves into the comparison between boutique firms and large-scale competitors, focusing on client satisfaction versus cost-saving strategies. Drawing parallels to Apple's business approach, the discussion extends to the evolution of consulting within the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of intelligent strategy...
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614: Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen of Origin 84
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Michael Thomsen of Origin 84, dialing in from Australia. Michael shares critical insights into the use of AI in IT consulting. Topics range from the pros and cons of binge-listening to tech podcasts to the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, sharing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency, such as generating meeting summaries, handling complex client requests, and...
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613: Inside the World of IT: Daily Challenges and Unlikely Solutions
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss several interesting and challenging situations they’ve encountered. They start by encouraging listeners to support them on Patreon for additional content, including unedited YouTube broadcasts. The main discussions cover a range of topics: the idea of maintaining up-to-date hardware for clients, how to strategically manage old equipment, and the peculiar case of a client getting inundated with spam emails likely as a cover for fraudulent activities involving a Best Buy purchase. They explore possible solutions and share their...
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Best Of CCP - 020: Client Anecdotes & Rates
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.
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611: Breaking Bad-Blaze
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Join us for an engaging episode of Command Control Power as Jerry reports live from a beautiful chapel in Paris. He shares his travel experiences in the city, the challenges of walking and navigating with Apple Maps, and the frustrations with iPhone battery life. The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into tech issues, including a detailed discussion on the recent woes with Backblaze's backups, Apple's AI shortcomings, and how customer feedback plays a role in tech improvement. Tune in for insights, tech tips, and a few laughs along the way.
info_outlineIn this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome back Justin Esgar of ACEs Conference. The discussion kicks off with light-hearted banter about colds and convincing Jerry to buy a ticket for the upcoming ACEs Conference. Justin shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily routine and the value of attending ACEs, highlighting its focus on business growth for consultants, the expansion of the conference to include special training sessions at the 'big fruit company' campus, and how it helps attendees improve client relations and efficiencies. The conversation also covers the unique supportive nature of the Apple community and the upcoming Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship in honor of Justin's father. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion about the ACES Mastermind program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community support in the tech industry.
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin Esgar
01:01 Daily Routine and Behind the Scenes
01:56 ACEs Conference Overview
02:50 Special Training and Business Focus
04:43 Consulting and Sales Strategies
16:24 Importance of Cyber Insurance
19:13 Bringing Employees to ACEs
26:28 Tim Pearson's Chat and Wedding Insights
26:55 Honoring My Dad: The Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship
28:35 Funny Story: The Car Mix-Up
29:59 All Things MSP and Podcasting
31:22 The Sandwich Compliment and Fearless Feedback
36:57 Mastermind Program and Business Coaching
42:06 The Unique Apple Community
47:44 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts