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_outline1.) MSP Question of the week: What are your channel predictions for the new year of 2025?
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2.) Notes on the News
- Microsoft is planning to invest about $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/
01/03/tech/microsoft-ai-data- centers/index.html - Last week, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the law, clearing the way for it to take effect on January 19. Days later, TikTok asked the court to issue a temporary pause on the ban while the company asks the Supreme Court to review its challenge to the law: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/
12/13/tech/tiktok-ban-appeals- court-supreme-court/index.html
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New Book Release:
I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats.
Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve.
Available now on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/f2NKASI
Sponsor Memo:
Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).
If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.
There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.
For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com