The Evolution of Managed Services Past Present and Future
Release Date: 08/01/2024
John Harden | Turning MSPs into Managed Intelligence Providers with AI
MSP Business School
In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle engages in a dynamic discussion with John Harden, a pioneer in the AI realm within the MSP industry. With an impressive 17-year tenure in the sector, John Harden brings an expert perspective on the rapid evolution of AI technology. As MSPs grapple with AI's practical applications and benefits, Harden provides insights into achieving scalability, responsibility, and repeatability with AI solutions. John also shares his experience of launching Lemhi, a new venture focused on guiding MSPs to effectively harness AI for service improvements...
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Fireside Chat | The MSP's Guide to Becoming an AI Strategic Partner
MSP Business School
Join Brian Doyle in this insightful episode of MSP Business School as he delves into the burgeoning role of AI in Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This episode offers a deep dive into how MSPs can navigate the dynamic landscape of AI to enhance their service offerings and foster substantial client relationships. Brian leverages his wealth of experience to outline strategic approaches to integrating AI into business conversations, underscoring the shift from traditional IT services to a more holistic AI-driven advisory role. Throughout the episode, Brian outlines the significant impact of AI...
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Chris Cooke | The Secret to Building a Sustainable Business
MSP Business School
In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle engages with Chris Cooke, founder of Ethikai, to explore innovative strategies for business growth, particularly within the world of Managed Service Providers. The episode introduces Chris's unique approach to operations consultancy that prioritizes understanding the core of business challenges instead of only addressing surface symptoms. Doyle and Cooke delve into topics such as pattern recognition, the importance of ethical business practices, and the Japanese concept of "Ikigai" which contributes to Ethikai's ethos. The conversation...
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The Trusted Advisor Blueprint: Evolving VCIO, VCISO & AI Leadership in MSPs
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle dives deep into the evolving roles of external leadership within managed service providers (MSPs). Focused on concepts like VCIOs and the newer roles of VCISOs and Virtual Chief AI Officers, Brian unpacks the complexities and contributions these positions bring to customer leadership hierarchies. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, he shares valuable strategies on how MSPs can position themselves as trusted advisors and integral parts of their clients' success stories. Brian explores the challenges and...
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James Steel | Using Customer Stories to Drive MSP Sales and Marketing
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle sits down with James Steel from MSP Testimonials to discuss the power of customer testimonials in marketing strategies for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). James shares his journey and insights from years within the MSP arena, highlighting how video testimonials can be a game-changer in building trust and establishing new client relationships. With the challenge of marketing acquisition looming large for MSPs, this conversation uncovers actionable steps that can drive substantial results in presence and outreach. Throughout the...
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Dori Spade | Why Sales and Service Misalignment Is Costing You Deals
MSP Business School
In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes Dori Spade, founder of Call to Action, to delve into the intricacies of the MSP industry. Dori shares her extensive experience in the field, discussing the common issues of misalignment between sales and service teams and how she addresses these through her "Seamless Sales Delivery Model." With a rich background that spans both leadership and operational roles within MSPs, Dori provides insights into how organizations can improve their service delivery to boost client retention and enhance sales performance. Dori emphasizes the...
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Amy Babinchak | Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Selling Your MSP
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of the MSP Business School podcast, host Brian Doyle welcomes Amy Babinchak, a respected authority in the MSP industry, to discuss the crucial steps and emotional aspects of selling a managed service provider business. With her extensive background and years of direct experience, Amy delves into the journey of exiting a business through her new book, "20 Questions Every Owner Should Ask Before Selling Their MSP." The conversation focuses on preparing MSP owners emotionally and strategically for the sale of their business while ensuring they maximize the value of their...
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Sean Sweeney | Navigating Enterprise Challenges as an MSP
MSP Business School
In this episode, Sean Sweeney shares his unique journey from law to technology, his experience supporting enterprise and SMB clients, and insights on AI adoption and risk management in MSPs. Guest Name: Sean Sweeney LinkedIn page: Company: Valley Technology Partners Website: Show Website: Host Brian Doyle: Sponsor vCIOToolbox:
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The Gap Between What You Sell and What Clients Hear
MSP Business School
In this enlightening coaching session, Brian Doyle offers his seasoned insights into the gap between client perceptions and the actual deliverables provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Doyle, drawing on his extensive background as an MSP, provides a nuanced understanding of how to bridge these gaps through clear communication and precise contract terms. The episode dives into topics like client assumptions about MSP deliverables, how to manage these expectations, and offers strategic approaches to avoid conflicts arising from misunderstandings in service agreements. Throughout the...
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Josh Hohbein | Simplifying Security Without Sacrificing Protection
MSP Business School
In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes the dynamic and insightful Josh Hohbein from centrexIT. Josh, highlighted as a rising star in cybersecurity, shares his expansive journey from tech support to a leadership role in cybersecurity and automation. The conversation unveils how Josh's background in service industries has shaped his understanding and approach to managing IT services. Josh discusses the challenges of aligning cybersecurity frameworks with client understanding and interest. By distilling complex standards into manageable and actionable plans, he ensures...
info_outlineEpisode Summary:
In this very special 200th episode of the MSP Business School podcast, host Brian Doyle reflects on the journey since their inception in 2020. This episode, recorded live from ChannelCon at Comptia, resonates with appreciation and a forward-looking vision for the MSP community. Brian delves into the origins of the podcast, the motivations behind starting it with his co-founders Rob Rogers and Tim O’Neill, and the milestones they have achieved over the past four years.
Throughout the episode, Brian emphasizes the podcast's commitment to delivering valuable insights into MSP sales, business development, and broader industry trends. He discusses the evolution of managed services from the early days of box sales and VOIP systems to the current landscape dominated by AI, cloud services, and heightened cybersecurity demands. Brian highlights the necessity for MSPs to adapt to these changes by building use cases for AI, focusing on security and governance, and becoming management consultants to their clients.
Key Takeaways:
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Evolution of MSP Business: Brian outlines the transformation of managed services over the past two decades, highlighting shifts from hardware sales to cloud services and AI integration.
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Importance of Cybersecurity: A major theme is the increasing importance of cybersecurity, especially in light of evolving threats and the complexities introduced by AI.
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Adapting to Market Changes: The need for MSPs to continually adapt, embrace new technologies, and serve as business consultants to their clients is emphasized.
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Community Engagement: Brian expresses gratitude to listeners and encourages engagement to tailor future content to the community's needs.
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Future Direction: He provides insights into the future direction of the podcast, focusing on advanced topics like AI, security, and new service models for MSPs.