CloudFlare Outage: Facing IT Challenges and Market Competition
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Release Date: 06/19/2025
Optimizing Business Valuations
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various strategies for making MSP companies more valuable before a sale, including eliminating red flags, organizing business documentation, and having a clear elevator pitch. They also talk about industry trends such as the growing demand for specialized services like cloud computing and cybersecurity, the resurgence of buyer interest in smaller companies, and the impact of AI on business valuations. The hosts review recent cybersecurity incidents affecting major companies and discuss the potential...
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Embracing AI: Insights & Rollout Strategies
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss various topics including the shift in weather in the Midwest, the importance of developing an AI practice for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and insights from top MSP executives about AI in the workforce. Amy highlights her AI course for MSPs, emphasizing the need for an AI acceptable use policy. The hosts also discuss the potential challenges and opportunities in AI investments, recent news about foldable phones from Apple, and the significance of the Windows 95 anniversary. Additionally, they mention the...
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Attracting Top-Tier Tech Talent
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics including the challenges of hiring level 3 and level 4 IT professionals, the importance of certifications and ongoing education in the IT industry, and the current job hiring trends influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also touch upon an interesting study on the growth of millionaires globally and its implications. The hosts offer practical advice for SMBs on developing relationships with subcontractors and enhancing company culture to attract top talent. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00...
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Dave Sobel Demonstrates Agentic AI at The Business of Tech
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
In this episode, host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dave Sobel to talk about his "explainer video" on Artificial Intelligence. Dave is the host of the Business of Tech Podcast - https://businessof.tech. Recently, Dave posted a video describing all the ways he uses AI agents to collect articles, filter them, and give him enough information to put together a show. He also reveals all the tools he uses for database management, storage, and everything else. This is a great example of the kinds of things IT consultants need to be helping their clients with regarding AI! See Dave's video...
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Navigating Price Increases
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the MSP community. They start with a casual chat about the weather and gardening before moving on to a listener's question regarding the best ways to communicate price increases to customers. The conversation shifts to security concerns, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities in printers and scan-to-email features, and the implications for MSPs. They also discuss recent developments in AI, including users' reactions to changes in Chat GPT and the security risks posed by new hacking...
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Client Success Stories Leveraging Lansweeper
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, our host James Kernan, along with guests Christina Klein from Land Sweeper and Martin from B2B Cyber Secure, discuss the importance of data, automation, and innovative tools in transforming the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. Christina and Martin share their experiences and successes using Lansweeper to drive IT asset discovery, risk assessment, and cybersecurity compliance. They also explore how MSPs can leverage Lansweeper data to enhance service offerings and build trust with clients. The episode highlights future...
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Navigating Managed Service Contracts: What Is Best?
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: Navigating IT Contracts, AI Trends, and Industry Events: A Recap In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the importance of managed service contracts and how they impact the valuation and security of IT businesses. They cover recent industry events including ChannelCon in Nashville, applauding its organization and opportunities for networking with top vendors. Finally, they delve into the positive economic impact of AI on the IT sector, with insights on job security concerns and the future of various professions. Tune in for advice on leveraging...
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Health in the Workplace: Interview with Ana Nikseresht
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews renowned wellbeing coach Ana Nikseresht. They discuss her journey from Iran to the U.S. and her evolution into a wellbeing coach. Ana shares her holistic approach to health, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical aspects. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, consistency, and compassionate accountability in achieving lasting results. Ana also discusses practical tools, like the Carb Manager app, to help clients track their progress. The episode underscores the transformation possible through...
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Marketing Campaigns via Text Messaging: Good or Bad?
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the pros and cons of text marketing campaigns for IT businesses, emphasizing their annoyance and potential limited use for alerts and existing clients. They provide updates on recent IT security threats, including Microsoft's vulnerability in SharePoint servers and the Ingram Micro ransomware attack. The hosts also address industry events such as ChannelCon and news about Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhones. Additionally, they highlight recent acquisitions, such as Kaseya's confirmed purchase of Technology...
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The Importance of Giving Back: Interview with Shannon Bingham
SMB Community Podcast by James Kernan
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Shannon Bingham, a successful business owner, former beauty pageant winner, and passionate adoption advocate. Shannon talks about her journey from growing up in Lennox, Iowa to owning a successful salon in Omaha, Nebraska. She discusses her personal experience with adoption and offers advice for those considering it. Shannon also shares marketing tips for small business owners, emphasizing the importance of consistency, authenticity, and understanding your audience. She highlights the different social media...
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In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to delve into a series of key topics for IT professionals and managed service providers (MSPs). They discuss the recent CloudFlare outage and its relatively minimal impact on businesses, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. The episode's main focus is on how MSPs can stand out and provide value in a competitive and commoditized market by emphasizing unique selling propositions and customer-centric strategies. They also touch on the implications of leadership changes at Southwest Airlines and their potential impact on the airline's unique value proposition. Economic updates and their effects on business growth are reviewed, along with the continued significance of robust marketing efforts. The episode wraps up with lighter discussions about wildlife challenges in gardening and wishes for a happy Father's Day.
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:44 CloudFlare Outage Discussion
02:20 MSP Question of the Week: Standing Out in a Low-Cost World
11:54 Southwest Airlines Changes
15:59 Economic Update and Marketing Tips
18:26 Community Announcements and Freebies
22:26 Father's Day Reflections and Closing Remarks
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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
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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