Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

I love talking with Dave Seibert for lots of reasons: One is his optimism. Before we hit the record button, he just kept going on and on about all the great opportunities he sees in 2022. So I hit record and made him slow down a bit. Dave is a longtime community builder, managed service provider, influencer, Microsoft MVP, and organizer of the SMB Techfest. We sat down for a year-end review and look into the new year. We start with an update on SMB Techfest and their plans for the new year. Q1 (January) and Q3 (July) will be virtual events and Q2 (April) and Q4 (October) will be live, in-person events. As Dave points out, he does his event four times per year because our industry changes all the time. And that's a good transition to our actual show contents. Our industry is typified by "change." Well, the pandemic has sped that up considerably. Dave helps us reflect on what we learned in 2021 and what he sees ahead in 2022. More than half the show is spent on opportunities in 2022! Links: SMB TechFest – quar

Host Karl caught up with Vadim Peskov, CEO and Founder at Diffco. The company develops mobile AI and computer vision solutions. Vadim has a lot of expertise in FinTech, cybersecurity, and B2B software development. He is also an advisor at Alchemist Accelerator and numerous startups. He is an expert and speaker who combines years of experience in AI-enhanced applications and Computer Vision, Cybersecurity, VC, and product design. The Diffco team has been developing powerful Android and iOS apps, AI-enhanced solutions and back-end architecture since 2008. The company specializes in transforming any business visions into revenue driving products for startups and SMBs, or complex scalable systems for enterprise companies. Links: - https://diffco.us  - https://www.facebook.com/diffco.us/  - https://www.linkedin.com/company/diffco  ----- Sponsor Memo: Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a singl

Host Karl talks with Scott Sandland from Cyrano.ai, a company that is developing smart "AI" software that will help counselors address some tough emotional issues. Scott started out focusing on teen suicide and has built up systems from there. Scott is the former world's youngest hypnotherapist. A few companies (and decades) later he is the CEO of a company focusing on artificial empathy and strategic linguistics. As a former executive director and CEO of a mental health clinic and longtime technologist, he has experience leading purpose driven organizations. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, Psychology Today, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Scott has presented his AI work at the United Nations AI for Global Good Conference and is a frequent guest lecturer at various universities. Here we dig into AI chatbots that are attempting to do good things - with empathy and strategy. We also dig into some of the current issues with AI and ethics. Scott's company builds and has patented an A

Host Karl talked to Matt Solomon and Kevin Lancaster from Channel Program. They are producing a series of new programs for the SMB IT Channel, including Channel Pitch, Channel Explorer, and Channel Cash. Kevin is the CEO and Matt is the Chief Business Development Officer of the new company. They have joined forces again to start Channel Program, an innovative collaboration platform uniting the best Channel Partners (MSP's, MSSP's, VAR's, IT Service Providers, and Consultants) with the best Technology Vendors out there. Kevin and Matt previously led ID Agent, one of the fastest-growing start-ups through acquisition in a 2 year period. The new programs are: Channel Pitch - Allows MSPs/Channel Partners to attend anonymously and provide valuable feedback to the vendors. For vendors, they get 7 mins, (even playing field), cut out the fluff, and get direct feedback. Channel Explorer - Video platform, allow both MSPs and Vendors the ability to build a brand, thought leadership, community. Channel Cash - Launching th

Host Karl interviews Harry Brelsford and Scott Lopez about maintenance as the great new MSP opportunity. Scott is the creator of AOM - Alternative to OEM maintenance (AOM). Technology entrepreneur Harry Brelsford has teamed with Austin-based ZPI to bring the AOM World ecosystem to market to drive MSP success. Harry is best know for the SMB Nation community and several other startups including 420MSP. Link: https://aom.world/  -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Acronis Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions? Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management. As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue. Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at https://Acronis.com.  :-)

Host Karl interviewed Manoj Srivastava, General Manager of ID Agent and Graphus. Today's employees have a better understanding of cybersecurity risks than in years past, but it can still feel like a massive undertaking to get everyone to complete even the most basic of training. While hacking into a system is difficult, sophisticated social engineering attacks tricking users to give away their credentials is far more common, meaning anyone can fall victim to these scams. Manoj explains why training is not enough. He believe cybersecurity awareness should be embedded into the culture of an organization, with employees understanding how their daily behaviors contribute to the cyber environment. Links: www.kaseya.com  www.idagent.com   www.graphus.ai    About Manoj Srivastava Manoj Srivastava is General Manager, ID Agent and Graphus, where he focuses on products that help managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals protect their customers – small and mid-sized companies – against cybercrime. He overs

From Karl: Everyone is a little overwhelmed with the fast-changing world of cybersecurity and what we should be doing. I wanted to give folks some clear, precise guidelines and questions about starting this process. I go into some detail on the questions and process I recommend for engaging EVERY client in this discussion. I make reference to the model cybersecurity training you can access and download from https://www.mspwebinar.com. You can view the entire 1-hour video (recorded live with a client in November 2021), and download the PowerPoint in PPTX format. Download it, remove my branding and graphics, and create your own version. Hey, it's easier to edit my stuff than to start with a blank page, right? And if you are a member of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community, you can access example resources for data handling documents and the sample client-facing cybersecurity questionnaire. If you're not a member, sign up now at https://www.smallbizthoughts.org.  ----- Sponsor Note: Gozynta Did you know t

Host James Kernan interviews Dakota Fitzgerald from the new TDSynnex to discuss the Tech Data-Synnex merger and what it means for IT Service Providers. Dakota is the SYNNEX StellrCloud Cloud and Platform Strategist. Her background is in coding, development, and mass communications. In her current role, she works to develop new and innovative Cloud Strategies that provide resellers with the competitive advantage they need to navigate disruption and thrive in the Cloud arena. By connecting passionate people to powerful platforms through purposeful partnerships, TDSynnex is becoming the leader for Digital Transformation in the channel. Through end-to-end solutions, support, and services, Dakota works to serve reseller partners, vendors, and colleagues in making TDSYNNEX StellrCloud the obvious destination for all Cloud needs. More info at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota17fitzgerald/  And of course . . . https://www.tdsynnex.com/  ----- Sponsor Memo: Acronis Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of

Host Karl talked to Corey White. Corey is a proven security industry veteran with more than 25 years of success building and implementing security strategies and leading consulting teams. His work encompasses virtually every industry, including government, high tech, hospitality, critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Corey is disrupting the modern approach to cybersecurity with Cyvatar.ai, making cybersecurity effortless for businesses with fully managed customer-centric security solutions that are mapped to business outcomes. As the industry’s first membership-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, Corey’s mission for Cyvatar is to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. Corey also served as the SVP of Worldwide Consulting, Chief Experience Officer at Cylance and as the Southwest Director of Consulting for Foundstone & McAfee/Intel Professional Services. He’s an avid lover of bio-hacking, manifestation, and meditation. He

Host Karl talked to Larry Mandelberg, one of the founding members of the National Society of IT Service Providers Board of Directors. Larry is a long-time technologist and business consultant. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Businesses Don't Fail, They Commit Suicide. Larry is a "serial entrepreneur" who solves complex business problems for companies in a wide range of industries. He represents the fifth generation of his family’s business, inheriting 150 years of successful organizational experience. Larry has experience in all stages of business growth. He has launched four start-ups, led a merger, and conducted a successful turnaround. When the NSITSP was formed in the Summer of 2021, Larry was selected as one of the Board members. He brings a great deal of experience in non-profit boards as well at professional businesses and business success. Links: https://mandelberg.biz  https://mandelberg.biz/mandelblog/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymandelberg/  https://businessesdontfail.com  For inf

Host Karl caught up with Toby Nangle, a channel sales pro with Field Effect. With a 23-year career in technology channel sales, Toby has worked extensively in the Education Technology, Cloud, IT Infrastructure and IT Security sectors. His expertise lies in developing cohesive channel strategies, identifying and developing the shortest path to revenue for new technologies and implementing the necessary internal and external structures to support channel partnerships. Field Effect works to bring simplicity to a complex process of delivering top-notch cybersecurity. Their primary product is Covalence, which bring great security monitoring from a wholistic approach. Rather than deploy a variety of "DR" (detection/response) tools, Covalence monitors all traffic on both your on-site and cloud networks with one portal. Alerts are managed through a central system and delivered to MSPs. Of course it also connects to your PSA and other tools. If you're interested in offering a successful managed security practice, the

Host Amy interviewed Ben Yarbrough, CEO at Calyptix Security Corporation about their new product launch. Ben founded in 2005 and has focused on the Small/SMB space from the start. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer and network security industry. Skilled in Firewalls, Managed Services, Business Development, and Entrepreneurship. Strong business development professional graduated from University of Virginia School of Law and Davidson College. Contact Info LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/ben-yarbrough-b500385  Twitter - @BenYarbrough -- -- -- Sponsor memo: Gozynta Mobius  Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week? That time is 120 prospect calls, building an entire Lego death star, or most of the content put out by Karl Palachuk in a week. Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation. Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBo

Host Karl talked to Noelle Johnson, Co-Founder and Learning and Development Partner with Johnson Squared Consulting. Noelle has over a decade of experience working in operations and transforming company culture into a more equitable and happier work environment. She has earned a positive reputation for her expertise and has been quoted in Forbes, Fast Company, Glassdoor, NPR, and more. She has worked in operations in tech for years, including working at CompTIA for a few years. Now she owns a company that focuses on supporting women transitioning their careers in tech. Noelle has given speeches and lead workshops to small and large groups, in person and digitally, on topics including but not limited to; accessibility, psychological safety, establishing inclusion effort at work, self-advocacy at work, developing a diverse network, allyship, and addressing internal unconscious bias. Some links . . . website: www.johnson2consulting.com  Website Audit: https://www.johnson2consulting.com/audits/  Accessibe: http

Host James Kernan interviews Amy Woods from Content 10X. Amy is an expert in content repurposing and the Founder of Content 10x – a niche creative agency. She helps content creators grow their audience by maximizing their return on the content they create. She works with businesses, entrepreneurs and thought leaders, and is the content repurposing powerhouse behind some of the most well-known podcasts and video shows. Amy is the host of The Content 10x Podcast and she is the author of best-selling book Content 10x: More Content, Less Time, Maximum Results, the ultimate guide to reaching more people online with your content. She talks on stages all around the world about content repurposing, including at events like PodFest Multimedia Expo, Podcast Movement, Youpreneur Summit and RadioDays. Amy podcasts and writes about content repurposing at content10x.com and shares ideas on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Website - https://www.content10x.com  Twitter - @content10x Instagram - @Content10x Faceboo

Host Karl caught up with Marvin Bee from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Marvin runs MB Systems of South Florida Inc. You may know Marvin at the host of the Podnutz Pro Podcast (see www.podnutzpro.com).  We start out with one of Marvin's famous "Florida Man" news stories along with his own business origin story. Of course that leads to the general issue of dealing with clients who don't quite "get" it. If you haven't heard the Podnutz Pro podcast, please check it out. Marvin mixes a little fun, tech info, and business advice. Search for Podnutz Pro on your favorite pod catcher. We have a great conversation about growth, customer service, and all the details of building a business in the modern era. And we touch on growth strategies (fast vs. slow) and sales in the SMB space.   Marvin's links: Podnutz Pro Podcast: https://www.podnutzpro.com  MB Systems: https://www.mbsystems.net  Twitter: @podnutzpro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8se7g23P_Qg7qS0YpJd0KQ  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/  -- --

Karl caught up his long-time friend Dave Seibert. Dave is a managed service provider, a Microsoft MVP, organizer of the SMB Techfest events, and much, much more. Dave is an internationally-recognized community builder. This includes his status as a Microsoft Influencer and his own ProTier Peer groups. On top of all that, Dave's whiz on LinkedIn and networking. Karl talks to Dave about how he manages to attend so many events and have success on so many fronts. Dave also gives some words of wisdom on "being success" in the world of technology today. Leverage the resources Dave Seibert brings together to accelerate your business: SMB TechFest – quarterly technology conference www.smbTechFest.com  Complementary registration to join a SMB TechFest conference www.smbTechFest.com/Go/Worldwide  ProTier Peer Groups – Building Dream Teams to Accelerate Business Growth www.ProTierPeerGroups.com  I have 20 years P2P experience (Partner to Partner) on successful teamed client projects www.ITinnovators.com  DaveSeibert.com

Host Karl talked to Abe Stein, Co-founder and General Manager at Matter365. Matter365 is a practice management solution for law firms, accounting firms, and SMBs of all kinds. It is built on top of Microsoft 365. As an experienced entrepreneur and sales leader, Abe has led Go-To-Market and business development for early stage and growth stage cloud software businesses across North America and Europe. Matter365 is the only practice management solution that is fully integrated with Microsoft 365. Matter365 enables legal, accounting, and business advisory professionals of all kinds to run their entire firm through a single pane of glass. By creating dedicated, matter-specific spaces in all of a firm’s Microsoft applications, Matter365 equips MSPs and VARs with an integrated solution to delight their professional services clients. Links Web - www.matter365.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/matter365  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/matter365  Twitter - https://twitter.com/matter365  YouTube

Host Karl interviews Jim Goldman from Trava Security, Inc. Jim wrote the book on cyber security, literally! He is a nationally published author and frequently requested speaker and subject matter expert on relevant technical topics such as cybersecurity. He was a university faculty scholar at Purdue University, started a cybersecurity research lab serving the FBI, and built the company's first Security GRC organization at Salesforce. He is currently the co-founder and CEO at Trava. Jim is also a member of the invitation-only Forbes Technology Council where he is a respected voice on the Expert Panels and a regular thought-leadership content contributor. Links:  Website - www.travasecurity.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigoldman/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/travasecurity  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/  -- -- -- Sponsor note: The FIRST EVER Cisco Provider Elevate 2 day Virtual event is September 14 and 15 to start the journey with Thought Leaders from around the world. With 55 Spe

IT/MSP Business Growth Coaching Services  Host Karl interviews Ian Luckett from Innovate to Success. Ian Luckett is a multi-talented IT & MSP business growth expert with over 20 years' experience as a mentor, coach and business strategist. Over the years of working at various blue-chip companies holding a variety of senior positions, no one fits the profile better than Ian to help you build a profitable IT & MSP business by increasing your sales, productivity and profits. He uses his MSP Profitbuilder system to help techie business owners to increase their sales, profits and productivity. Ian's major expertise is in developing great Business Leaders. All too often we forget the skill of Leadership and this is a common thread throughout all of his work in the channel. Contact Links: Web - https://www.innovatetosuccess.com  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianluckett/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ianluckettofficial  IT Experts Podcast - https://innovatetosuccess.com/podcast/  IT Experts Co

Host Karl caught up with Paco Lebron from the MSP Unplugged podcast to talk about their upcoming LIVE event in Chicago - TechCon Unplugged. Juicy details at https://techconunplugged.com/.  Paco Lebron is the CEO and Founder of ProdigyTeks Inc. an MSP located in the West Loop of Chicago. Paco also co-hosts MSP Unplugged, a live, weekly podcast for aspiring IT business owners and vendors in the MSP space. In addition, is the co-founder of TechCon Unplugged, a dedicated multi-day conference for IT business owners. This will be an in-person event September 17-19th in Chicago/Rosemont, IL. Learn from amazing panels to help maintain and improve your business. Meet vendors to find products and services that can save you time and money. Rub elbows with your peers in the community. Along with a great Micrsoft365 Boot camp held by Cyber Matt Lee. Links and notes: Web site - https://techconunplugged.com/  Social - https://www.facebook.com/mspunplugged  Podcast - https://mspunplugged.com    Sponsor Note: Acronis Threats