Leveraging Chambers of Commerce for Client Attraction
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Release Date: 10/17/2024
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...
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Maximizing Industry Events: Tips, Trends, and Insider Insights
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss effective strategies for making the most out of attending industry events. They highlight the importance of sitting with different people at meals, asking questions during sessions, and breaking the ice in socially awkward situations. The conversation shifts to upcoming events, the challenges of event attendance, and relevant industry news, including Sophos's recent layoffs and industry forecasts for 2025. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:44 MSP Question of...
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Business Valuations: What is My Worth?
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss various topics including the aftermath of the Super Bowl, the trends in mergers and acquisitions, and the effectiveness of Microsoft Action Pack programs. They explore the potential of AI in increasing productivity through a new book, 'AI Productivity Leap', and AI project management software. The episode also covers trending news from the growth trends of tech franchises to leadership changes in major companies. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introductions 00:52 Super...
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Enhancing MSP Success: AI, Customer Retention, and Industry Trends
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss the transformative impact of AI on MSP sales and efficiency, emphasizing AI's potential to double market size and help MSPs manage new applications. Amy announces the start of her new AI class. This episode also delves into recent tech industry news, including the U.S. Department of Justice's intervention in the HPE and Juniper deal, changes in Ingram Micro's leadership, Dell's policy on employee location, and CrowdStrike's efforts to recover its reputation. This week's 5 Minutes with a Smart...
info_outlineChristopher Barber - Cheaper Than a Geek
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjbarber/
Host Karl had a great chat with Christopher Barber from Cheaper Than a Geek in Maryland. Topics include networking for client attraction, and using Chambers of Commerce to spread a wide net that brings in new clients for decades.
Chris got involved in his local chamber and worked his way up to being involved at the state and federal levels. Chris tells how he stumbled at first, with the local chamber, and then learned how to leverage it year after year.
Side note: Chris gives out "nerd" glasses as a gimmick, and Nerds candy at parades. Details in the podcast.
About Christopher Barber
Barber is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Nerd at Cheaper Than A Geek, an award-winning IT services firm known for delivering enterprise-level support to small businesses. With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Christopher has built a reputation as a leader in providing innovative, customer-centric solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a digital world.
He has served at the executive level on multiple chamber boards, including the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce, and is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from cybersecurity to the strategic benefits of IT outsourcing. Christopher’s dedication to exceptional service and community engagement has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Most Admired CEO by The Daily Record and as a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Top 100 Small Business honoree.