Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

Host James Kernan discussses security offerings, specifically looking at offering vCISO services as part of your cyber security stack. 1.) MSP Question of the Week: Should you offer vCISO services? ---  2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person Host James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing, to discuss being strategic about M&A discussions. --- 3.) Notes On The News  Chris Day, founder of ScalePad, has taken over as CEO, focusing on creating an integrated suite of products rather than pursuing new acquisitions. Outgoing CEO Dan Wensley will remain as a shareholder and advisor. Additionally, a recent IBM study reveals that business leaders' confidence in IT has significantly declined, with only 47% considering their IT organization effective, down from 69% in 2013    Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/german-intelligence-says-russian-gru-group-behind-nato-eu-cyberattacks-2024-09-09/   Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-nvidia-s-record-us

Host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dor Eisner, CEO of Guardz. Right off the bat, Eisner points out the reason enterprise cybersecurity attacks are different from those focused on small business. Like it or not, most of the attacks that work against SMB clients will not work against larger enterprises. Eisner discusses the toolsets that are built specifically to attack small businesses, and marketed that way on the dark web. Assuming you don't want to spend time browsing the dark web, it's good to have a partner who is willing to. Guardz is focused completely on securing small businesses, and helping them to secure their networks in a way that helps them lower their insurance premiums. Think about what that means for your clients: A dashboard that benchmarks a network against the requirements and checklists used by cybersecurity insurance companies to set rates. A secure network AND lower insurance rates: That's a great combination! You can connect with Guardz at: https://guardz.com Request a Guardz Demo at htt

Host James Kernan sits down with an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick, President of Rialto Marketing. Founded in 2012, Tim created Rialto with the vision of having a positive lasting impact on the businesses they work with. Tim believes there are three (3) critical elements of marketing: strategy, planning, and leadership. Having a passion for developing and growing businesses has allowed Tim and Rialto Marketing to accomplish groundbreaking marketing campaigns over the years.   ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/   

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding big wins, Windows 10 End of Life, and an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick 1.) MSP Question of the Week: Can you share some big wins? Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss various successes and wins with clients over the years. ---  2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person Host James Kernan interviews Tim Fitzpatrick, the President of Rialto Marketing. Rialto provides marketing consulting and outsourced CMO services to help B2B professional service firms that need accelerated growth without the full-time cost. --- 3.) Notes On The News  This week, James and Amy discuss the Windows 10 End of Life deadline and marketing campaigns to try. ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up n

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - Do you have an entry level MSP offering? This week, James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down to discuss entry level MSP offerings. Does your company offer one? Hear James and Amy speak about the benefits and drawbacks that an entry-level MSP offering can have on your business. ---  2.) Notes on the News Discussion on Olympics: Athletics abilities Media giant TikTok’s response to the U.S. ban decision.  CNN article:  https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/27/tech/tiktok-response-to-us-ban/index.html --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news  

Host James Kernan sits down with Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry. Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon are the co-founders of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry. Kevin Lancaster has a strong background in the channel technology space. He previously served as the CEO of ID Agent, a cybersecurity company, which he grew significantly before its acquisition by Kaseya. Matt Solomon also has extensive experience in the industry. He worked alongside Kevin at ID Agent and later became the Channel Chief at Kaseya. Matt has spoken at over 150 industry events across six countries. Together, they launched Channel Program to create a collaborative, video-enabled platform for IT Service Providers and Vendors. Do you have any specific questions about their work or the Channel Program? Check them out: Channel Program | Home --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernan

Host Karl got together with Jamie Levy, Director of Adversary Tactics from Huntress.  Jamie is also a longtime researcher, developer and board member of the Volatility Foundation. She has worked over 15 years in the digital forensics industry, conducting investigations as well as building out software solutions.  We got together to discuss the Huntress 2024 Threat Report. Download here: https://www.huntress.com/resources/2024-cyber-threat-report?utm_campaign=CY24-Q2-Threat-Report&utm_source=smb-community-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=August-2024-threat-report Jamie walks us through some of the major trends, including important "take-downs" and ransomware trends. One interesting finds is that squishing down one threat leaves room for other threats to increase. Her analogy to apex predators in the animal world is excellent.  Karl's favorite quote from this interview (though scary): "The smaller businesses are the testbed" for malware writers. Why have a test network when you can use live m

Host James Kernan sits down with Baxter Lanius to discuss automating customer payments using the software tool, Alternative Payments. At Alternative Payments, their mission is to lower the barrier and make smarter payments accessible to one and all. More in-depth, Alternative Payments provides offline businesses the opportunity to participate in online transactions - enabling merchants to accept credit cards, ACH, and B2B PNPL, while accessing powerful reporting and analytics all-in-one. Check them out: Alternative Payments | Payments for service-based businesses --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/  Our Social Links: https://www.linkedin.com

Host James Kernan sits down with Dustin Puryear to discuss sales and marketing for MSP's. Dustin Puryear is indeed a prominent figure in the tech world. As the founder of Puryear IT, he leads a team dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance business operations. His expertise is widely recognized, with contributions to well-known publications like Windows Magazine and CIO.com. Additionally, he’s been featured in interviews on Federal News Radio and Microsoft Podcasts. Dustin’s involvement extends to national tours with Microsoft, where he shares his insights on enterprise technology with C-level executives. He has also authored several white papers and a book titled “Best Practices for Managing Linux and UNIX Servers". His blog, “Bayou Technology Blog,” reaches a large audience annually.   Check them out: IT Managed Support and Consulting Firms in Baton Rouge (puryear-it.com) --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD

Host James Kernan sits down with Larry Garcia to discuss the EOS compatible and reporting collaboration tool known as Strety.  Larry Garcia is the co-founder of Strety, a company that provides a Business Operating System Software (BOSS) designed to help companies improve their operational efficiency. Strety focuses on key performance indicators (KPIs), goal setting, and project management. Garcia has written about various topics related to employee engagement and effective team meetings, emphasizing the importance of well-structured and productive meetings. Check them out: Strety | Run your Business Operating System in Teams --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https:/

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding project quotes, the Olympics, and an exclusive interview with Larry Garcia, founder of Strety. 1.) MSP Question of the Week: Should you quote hourly or fixed-fee for projects? Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss the different strategies to pricing as it relates to scalable projects for clients. ---  2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person Host James Kernan interviews Larry Garcia, co-founder and president of the business management tool, Strety. This solution is design for small and medium-sized businesses to help improve operational efficiency. --- 3.) Notes On The News  This week, James and Amy discuss the Olympics, Bitcoin, and the recent stock market movement. Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/bitcoin-falls-569-58987-2024-08-04/ CNBC article: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/02/tech-stocks-wrap-up-steepest-three-week-slump-in-two-years-led-by-plunge-in-amazon-and-intel.html ---  Our upcom

Host James Kernan sits down with Jason Miller, founder and CEO of BitLyft Cybersecurity, for an exclusive interview.  As the founder, Jason has dedicated his 20-year IT career, including co-founding SaaS pioneer Reviora, to removing cybersecurity barriers for mid-sized enterprises. Establishing BitLyft in 2016, Jason set out to unburden security teams with innovative, approachable, and affordable solutions, a vision which has made BitLyft a respected managed detection and response provider.  Established in 2016, BitLyft is a leading managed security service provider, dedicated to delivering mid-sized organizations with high-touch, personalized cybersecurity solutions. Our prioritization of service and security excellence, creates a holistic defense approach that allows our clients to navigate the digital world with unwavering confidence. With BitLyft by your side, cybersecurity challenges evolve into robust protection, ensuring resilience in the ever-changing digital landscape. Check them out: https://www.bit

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - How did Crowdstrike affect you? This week, James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing. James addresses the security concern, "Isn't Security 101 eliminating the single point of failure? ". Listen as James and Charlene discuss the aftermath of the Crowdstrike outage. ---  2. ) Notes on the News Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-says-about-85-million-its-devices-affected-by-crowdstrike-related-2024-07-20/ --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

1.) Interview with Mandy Teply of the Fit Method. Hear how health and fitnes in the workplace can help with motivation and productivity. ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

1.) Interview with Rob Scott, co-founder of Monjur Contracts-as-a-service legal solutions ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

1.) The MSP Question of The Week Where do you draw the line with Cyber Security?      ---  2.) Notes On The News  We talk: Cyber Security Insurance Rates and June's Auto Dealership Hack.  Reuters Article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/cyber-insurance-rates-fall-businesses-improve-security-report-says-2024-06-30/ ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

1.) The MSP Question of The Week When is the best time to sell your MSP? ---  2.) Notes On The News  We talk: June's Auto Dealership Hack and Pax8 Beyond Event.  ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind  Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!! SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18 www.smbtechfest.com Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

1.) The MSP Question of The Week How do you deal with partner conflict? We discuss the "Four R's" of conflict resolution: Recognize, Reflect, Respond, and Resolve. --- 2.) Notes on The News Apple AI rollout and Cybersecurity! Is your MSP adapting with the times? --- 3.) Five Minutes With A Smart Person: Rob Scott Host James sits down with Rob Scott of Monjur, a Legal Service for MSPs. Learn more: https://monjur.com/author/rscott/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjscott --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – June 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200! Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/   

Host James sits down with Louis Erickson and Sam Blowes of Bit-Wizards for an exclusive interview.  Louis Erickson is the co-founder and COO, and Sam Blowes is the Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards–an award winning IT services provider based in Florida. Louis is a serial entrepreneur that has built and grown several technology companies and departments, starting with Bit-Wizards’ Custom Software Engineering department. From there, Louis fostered the Bit-Wizards’ Digital Marketing department, the Bit-Wizards' Managed IT Services department, and finally, co-parenting communication service, TalkingParents. Sam Blowes is the Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards. He helps clients integrate their businesses into Microsoft’s Cloud based project management system and central hub. He works in the IT department internally, providing support and SharePoint integration for his co-workers. He’s a technology enthusiast in many areas, and is a creative problem solver. Check them out: https://bitw

1.) Notes On The News  Cybersecurity, AI, and now...M&A? We discuss our opinion on the next new hot topic of the techworld.  Also, Microsoft now backpedaling due to backlash on RECALL. Finally, Ken Patterson leaves PAX8 and now is heading to TODYL. --- 2.) The MSP Question of The Day  How do you track vendor subscriptions?  --- Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Tampa, FL – June 27-28th http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200! Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!  Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!  Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/  Our Social Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan https://www.facebook.com/karlpalachuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlpalachuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybabinchak/ https://www.facebook.com/amy.babinchak/ https://thirdtier.net https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdTierIT