Alex Ivanov | Trust as Currency: The New Measurement of Success for VCIOs
Release Date: 01/14/2025
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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...
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Brendan Giesick | The Evolution of MSP Leadership
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes Brendan Giesick, the industrious CRO of Adams Brown Technology. They delve into Brendan’s unique journey into the MSP industry, illustrating his transition from a business major with ambitions in retail marketing to a key figure in managed services. Brendan shares insightful anecdotes from his experiences, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from his mentors and career pivots that led him to his current role at Adams Brown. The conversation unravels the distinctions between established MSP organizations like...
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The Blueprint for a High-Impact vCIO Program
MSP Business School
In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle delves into the evolving role of the VCIO within the managed service provider space, coinciding with a special St. Patrick's Day greeting to viewers. Brian contrasts the often superficial duties of traditional account managers with the strategic, forward-thinking responsibilities critical to the position of a VCIO. The episode emphasizes how MSPs can develop VCIOs not just as technical overseers but as integral business leaders capable of steering organizations through the rapid changes imposed by new technological advancements....
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Shane Naugher | Automation or Extinction
MSP Business School
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Doug Kreitzberg | The Hidden Insurance Risk Lurking in Your Clients’ Tech Stack
MSP Business School
Join Brian Doyle on this episode of MSP Business School as he sits down with Doug Kreitzberg from SeedPod Cyber to discuss the intricate world of cybersecurity insurance. Kreitzberg, with a rich background in the insurance industry, explores the dynamic relationship between MSPs and cyber insurance providers. He highlights the importance of having well-designed insurance programs that align with the specific technology and risk environments of SMBs (Small and Medium-sized Businesses). Doug's insights shed light on how MSPs can leverage cyber insurance to build trust and offer more value to...
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Dave Sobel | How to Build a Business That Actually Survives the AI Pivot
MSP Business School
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Keegan Sullivan | If You’re Talking to Everyone, You’re Talking to No One
MSP Business School
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle introduces Keegan Sullivan, a creative marketing force leading the charge at Threat Captain. The discussion highlights Keegan's unique approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and creative expression in an industry saturated with sameness. Keegan shares his professional journey, from his early days of capturing stories with a camera to his current role, where he uses his talents to demystify complex concepts and build captivating narratives that resonate with audiences. Throughout the...
info_outlineShow Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/
Guest Name: Alex Ivanov
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ivanov-5018b429/
Company: Accellis
Website: https://www.accellis.com/
Host: Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/
Welcome to the latest episode of MSP Business School, featuring Alex Ivanov from Accellis. In this engaging session, host Brian Doyle and Alex explore the evolving role of the Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) within the MSP realm, particularly in the context of Technical Business Reviews (TBRs). Alex shares his wealth of experience in MSP practice, elucidating the journey from an engineering background to leading a client strategy team at Accellis.
Through candid conversation, this episode delves into how vCIOs act as client advocates, focus on trust-building, and help demystify the technology landscape for businesses.
The discussion navigates the nuanced responsibilities of vCIOs and the inherent need to balance technology recommendations with business goals. Alex emphasizes the importance of establishing trust, likening the vCIO role to being both advisor and partner to clients, especially in industries like legal services replete with type-A personalities.
The conversation further highlights the significance of strategic preparation in client relationships, fostering clearer communication, and demystifying cybersecurity risks to empower informed business decisions. Join this insightful session to gain a deeper understanding of navigating complex client dynamics and enhancing MSP client engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- vCIOs must prioritize trust and client advocacy, focusing on strategic guidance rather than sales.
- Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients is essential for long-term success in MSP engagements.
- Preparation and understanding client motivations are crucial, especially when dealing with type-A personalities like legal professionals.
- Regular, non-sales-focused TBRs can enhance client trust and reveal deeper business needs.
- vCIO roles are evolving to include more emphasis on cybersecurity awareness and client education.
Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com