Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

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 need for a dedicated cyber military force. Additionally, the podcast covers notable industry news including Google's legal battle over search data, Elon Musk's new project to rival Microsoft, and Tesla's strategic shift towards humanoid robots. The episode concludes with upcoming events and courses aimed at helping MSPs leverage AI for their businesses.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome  01:39 M

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 partnership between Ninja One and Halo, and James shares details about the upcoming Millionaire Mastermind event in September.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings  02:14 MSP Question of the Week: Starting an AI Practice 06:22 AI in the Workforce: Insights from Executives 12:00 Tech News: Apple and Microsoft Updates 17:19 Ninja One and Halo Partnership 19:05 Upcoming Events: Millionaire Mastermind  21:27

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 Introduction and Greetings 02:08 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting Top-Level Technical Talent 08:47 Discussion on Millionaires and Wealth Distribution 15:24 The Importance of In-Person Job Interviews 19:34 Value of Job Skill Certificates and Continuous Learning 27:27 Conclusion --- 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

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 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXw2mrmW6lk.  Subscribe to the SMB Community Podcast at https://smbcommunitypodcast.com. Feedback always welcome.        

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 techniques. The episode concludes with discussions about managing various devices on networks, upcoming events and courses, and the importance of continual learning and adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 Weather and Personal Updates 02:44 Handling Price Increases 11:03 AOL's Nostalgic Announcement 12:25 ChatGPT and AI Developments 17:07 Printer

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 developments in AI and automation for Lansweeper and provides listeners with actionable steps to integrate these tools into their operations. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 00:26 Meet the Guests: Christina Klein and Martin Dubreuil 01:21 Martin's Success with Lansweeper 03:12 Christina on Leveraging Lansweeper data  09:18 The Role of Cybersecurity in MSP Operations 13:53 Automation and Integrat

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 opportunities in the ever-evolving IT landscape.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:15 Vacation Highlights 05:48 Question of the Week: Managed Service Contracts 10:56 Channel Con Event Recap  19:22 Positive Economic Trends and AI Impact 27:24 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection

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 dedicated coaching and intentional living.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 01:02 Meet Ana Nikseresht: A Journey from Iran to the US 02:14 Anna's Personal Health Struggles and Transformation 05:02 The Honor Approach: Personalized Wellbeing Coaching 11:27 Tools and Techniques for Lasting Health 15:57 Success Stories and Client Experiences 18:51 Conclusion and Contact Information --- Abou

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 Marketing Toolkit led by Robin Robins. The episode concludes with a discussion of top cities for jobs and small business opportunities in the U.S.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:05 MSP Question of the Week: Text Marketing Campaigns 10:46 Industry News: Microsoft SharePoint Attacks 13:11 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack 15:47 Apple's Foldable Technology 18:22 Kaseya Acquires Technology Marketing Toolkit 2

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 platforms and their uses, and discusses her upcoming involvement in community initiatives like 'Dance for a Chance' and the NCHS back-to-school program.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Meet Shannon Bingham: Pageant Queen and Business Owner  01:28 Shannon's Journey and Passion for Adoption 03:08 Navigating the Adoption Process 12:02 Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners 14:20 Shannon's Social Media Strategies 2

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan is joined by Justin Maxwell, a partner at Big Life Financial. The discussion centers around exit planning, legacy creation, and strategic planning for IT professionals and business owners. Justin explains the concept of a fractional family office and how Big Life Financial offers comprehensive services that include accounting, investment management, insurance, estate planning, and boutique investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear end goal in mind, regular tax planning, and the benefits of proactive financial strategies. Justin also provides insights into innovative legacy planning methods, such as investing in your own business and creating family foundations. The episode concludes with practical advice for business owners and the availability of additional learning resources and courses from Big Life Financial.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction  00:28 Special Guest Introduction: Justin Maxwell from Bi

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy delve into best practices for conducting employee reviews, emphasizing regular feedback and separating reviews from raises. The hosts also cover recent cybersecurity news, highlighting a ransomware attack on Ingram Micro and the ongoing saga with TikTok's ownership changes and cybersecurity compliance.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 4th of July Weekend Recap 04:20 MSP Question of the Week: How Often Should You Conduct Employee Reviews? 12:13 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack 17:30 TikTok's New US App 19:59 Upcoming Events and Announcements 21:51 Conclusion    --- 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 wit

Overview: In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the value of peer groups for MSP business owners, emphasizing their role in solving operational challenges. They highlight how different peer groups focus on various aspects like sales, marketing, and technical support. The duo also covers recent news including the Iranian-Israeli cyber conflict's implications for MSPs, Nvidia's stock performance, and Canada's trade tax developments. Additionally, they discuss a significant decline in Windows desktop use and Reddit's stance against AI-generated content. To wrap up, they share details on valuable promotions from industry experts and remind listeners to sign up for relevant newsletters and mastermind groups.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:37 Question of the Week: Peer Groups for MSP Business Owners 08:01 Book Recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality 12:19 Event Highlights: Mastermind Event in Omaha 15:08 Current Events: Iranian-Israel Conflict and

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy have a jam-packed agenda. They start off discussing the ongoing heatwave affecting various parts of the country before diving into critical cybersecurity concerns related to the U.S.'s recent conflict with Iran. They emphasize the importance of securing critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks. They then tackle the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent, highlighting the importance of work-life integration, competitive compensation, and a strong company culture with unique perks. Additionally, they stress the urgency of upgrading Windows 10 machines to Windows 11 to ensure security and compliance. The podcast concludes with announcements about upcoming industry events and a giveaway featuring valuable resources for MSPs.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome  02:22 Cybersecurity Alert: US-Iran Conflict 04:16 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent 13:00 Windows 10 to W

Overview: 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. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:44 CloudFlare Outage Discussion 02:20 MSP Question of the

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the IT and MSP community. The hosts delve into a listener's question on the advisability of borrowing money for business growth, discussing potential pitfalls and safer investment strategies, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. The episode also covers significant industry news, such as the surprising appointment of Rania Sukar as the new CEO of Kaseya, speculating on what changes she might bring to the company. Amy and James share further insights into differentiating MSPs through AI, business direction, and technical leadership, emphasizing the importance of tailoring services to clients' specific business goals. They also discuss financial planning, highlighting trends in 401k savings and offering advice on retirement planning for business owners.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:24 Weekend Catch-Up  03:18 MSP Question of the Week: Should a business borrow money for bu

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss how to retain key employees during company acquisitions, sharing real-life experiences and effective strategies such as retention bonuses and clear role definitions. They also delve into the benefits of a four-day workweek, the importance of NFR programs for software vendors, and advancements in AI for ad generation and management. Additional topics include the emotional impact on employees during an acquisition and recent tech industry news, including AI adoption and its governance challenges.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:35 Weekend Recap 02:04 MSP Question of the Week: Key Employee Retention During Acquisitions  08:53 Listener Questions and Contact Information 09:34 News Highlights: AI and IT Industry Updates 17:08 Discussion on Four-Day Work Week 26:21 Upcoming Event: Ask Anything on Mergers and Acquisitions 27:35 Closing Remarks  --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss their Memorial Day experiences before diving into a deep discussion about the future of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the impact of AI on the industry. They examine predictions for 2026, including the staggering forecast that 75% of MSP services will be delivered by AI within the next few years. They emphasize the importance for MSPs to innovate and adapt to stay relevant. The episode also covers recent news, including a significant partnership between Qualcomm and Dell, updates on legal issues faced by Delta Airlines and CrowdStrike, and an overview of the Gartner Magic Quadrant for 2025 in the security sector. The hosts also share personal updates and upcoming events, including James Kernan's Mastermind live event and Amy's new portable Starlink Mini for connectivity on the go. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome  01:25 MSP Question of the Week: Predictions for 2026  02:40 Impact of AI on MSP Ser

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the viability of selling small MSP practices, emphasize the growing market for small MSP sales, and suggest dual strategies for business growth through acquisitions and marketing. The conversation covers Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett's step down and the impact of AI on the job market. They also highlight updates in Microsoft Windows 11 and new features in the Office suite. Lastly, the hosts introduce 'Fizz,' a new party planning app by Instacart, tailored for shared orders and delivery, aiming to simplify gatherings.  1.      Warren Buffet is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway – will remain chairman Berkshire Hathaway is preparing for its first leadership change in 60 years after 94-year-old Warren Buffett announced that he will step down as CEO at the end of 2025 2.      AI Trends  --        95% CIOs increasing spend on AI tools    39% let go employees and 55% regret it…   This is a HUGE opportunity for MSP’s

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews industry guru Rich Freeman of Channelholic. Rich discusses his background in covering the SMB channel and managed services, along with his insights on current industry trends. They delve into the impacts of supply chain uncertainties, AI adoption and its implications for MSPs, and the trend of larger MSPs acquiring smaller ones. Rich shares data on AI's role in business, security implications, and the emerging need for new roles such as 'agent boss.' The conversation also highlights the opportunities and challenges for smaller MSPs in a rapidly evolving market. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Rich's newsletter at Channel Holic for more in-depth analysis and updates. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 00:26 Interview with Industry Guru Rich Freeman 01:04 Discussing Industry Trends and News 03:07 Strategic Partnerships and Supply Chain Insights 06:33 The Impact of AI on the Industry 14