Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

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 U.S.-focused AI investment, Ninja One’s $500 million funding milestone, and a surprising admission from HP about their customer service wait times. Additionally, this week's 5 Minutes with a Smart Person features Ken Miller. Ken talks about his business, which combines AI and VAs to optimize SMB operations.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:14 Event Recap: M365 Community Days 04:43 MSP Question of the We

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 the Week: How do you get the most out of industry events?    04:11 Networking Tips for Industry Events   08:10 Choosing the Right Events to Attend   13:41 CRN Magazine's 2025 Outlook    17:52 Sophos Acquisition and Layoffs   19:54 Local Event Highlights and Closing Remarks   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 c

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 Bowl Recap and Reactions 06:15 MSP Question of the Week: What is the Value of my MSP?  13:36 T-Mobile and Starlink Partnership 16:10 DeepSeek Hack and Government Response 17:27 Microsoft Action Pack Program Ending 19:02 Franchise Growth in the IT Industry 20:49 CEO Shuffling in the Tech Industry 21:28 Weekend Reads: Intel and Kaseya Leadership Changes 23:59 5 Minutes with a Smart Person Interview: Manish Bhardia of AIMEY.AI 27:49 AI Productivity Le

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 Person special guest, Melissa Hockenberry from First Things First Training and Consulting, shares insights on customer retention and how her company customizes training to enhance client experiences.    Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to SMB Community Podcast   00:52 Hosts' Morning Banter   01:35 MSP Question of the Week: AI in Sales   03:32 AI's Impact on MSPs   10:15 Industry News Highlights   13:04 Dell's Return to

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss winter weather conditions across the Midwest, then transition into tech news, including rumors of a potential acquisition involving Intel. The conversation shifts to insights on compliance for managed service providers (MSPs), particularly around the new CMMC regulations. They also talk about TikTok's current legal challenges and the latest Citrix acquisition. This week's 5 Minutes with a Smart Person features an interview with Brandi Bonds of Next Level Now, who shares her expertise on providing strategic CFO services to MSPs, emphasizing the importance of accurate financials and strategic planning. The show wraps up with discussions on upcoming classes and events aimed at helping IT professionals improve their business skills and stay ahead in the industry.    Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:51 Weather Chat and Personal Updates 03:59 Tech News: Intel Acquisition Rumors 06:43 CMMC

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the dynamics of reselling computer hardware and software for MSPs, emphasizing the importance of building trust with clients. They highlight recent changes in market leadership among PSA and RMM tools, with Kaseya overtaking ConnectWise. The conversation also covers major developments in the tech industry, such as the proliferation of data centers and chip manufacturing to support AI growth. Additionally, Amy announces a new class aimed at helping MSPs add AI management and security services to their offerings, underscoring the significant business opportunities in AI management.    Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 Weather Woes and Personal Stories 03:29 MSP Question of the Week: Should MSPs Resell Hardware and Software? 04:29 Debate: The Role of MSPs in Selling Hardware 14:11 Big Players vs. Small Players in the MSP Market 15:20 TikTok and Tech Industry News 24:00 Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life 27:37 Upcoming AI

In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchik and James Kernan dive into the best AI tools for marketing and sales, including popular choices like ChatGPT and Gong. They discuss the latest news in the IT industry, such as Fred Voccola's abrupt resignation from Kaseya and the rebranding of CompTIA's nonprofit arm. The conversation also covers expectations from Apple's upcoming product updates and potential regulatory actions in consumer privacy. Lastly, Amy and James share details about their upcoming educational classes focused on AI management and mergers and acquisitions, respectively.   Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview  01:04 MSP Question of the Week: AI Tools for Marketing and Sales 02:26 Exploring AI Tools and Newsletters 04:53 Using AI for Content Creation and Marketing 06:08 AI in Video Content and Sales Tools 10:33 Kaseya CEO Resigns: https://www.crn.com/news/channel-news/2025/fred-voccola-out-as-kaseya-ceo-5-things-to-know    14:14 CompTIA's New Identit

In this Thursday episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan talks with Mike Anderson, Director of Global Channels for EZDMark. They discuss the importance of DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) in improving email deliverability and protecting domains from spoofing. Mike shares his journey from the car business to technology, and explains how EZDMark's user-friendly analytics platform aids MSPs in managing DMARC concerns and monetizing these services. They highlight the platform's risk assessment tool, which allows MSPs to generate quick, customized risk assessments to attract potential clients. The episode concludes with details on special promotions and the simplicity of onboarding with EZDMark.   Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to SMB Community Podcast 00:54 Meet Mike Anderson from EZDMark 01:58 Mike Anderson's Journey into Technology 03:08 Understanding EZDMark and DMARC 04:33 EZDMark's Unique Features and Benefits 06:34 The Power of EZDMark's Assessmen

In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews Mike Semel, a prominent expert in cybersecurity compliance. Mike shares his extensive background in the IT industry, dating back to the 1970s, and discusses his transition from being an MSP to becoming a top compliance consultant. They delve into the differences between cybersecurity and compliance, the significance of proper documentation, and the importance of risk-based selling for MSPs. Mike also introduces his comprehensive educational program and a new CMMC reference guide aimed at helping MSPs ensure their clients' compliance with evolving regulations. The discussion highlights the urgent need for MSPs to deliver compliant services and the growing regulatory scrutiny in various industries.   Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 00:27 Meet Mike Semel: Compliance Guru 01:27 Mike's Journey in the IT Industry 03:29 The Importance of Compliance in IT 05:20 Cybersecurity vs. Compliance 09:35 Mike's Consu

1.) MSP Question of the week:  What are your channel predictions for the new year of 2025? --- 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 --- 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 w

To kick off the new year, hosts James and Amy discuss business plans & goals, this week's MSP question of the week, as well as year-end news. --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  When should a business update their business plan and goals? --- 2.) Notes on the News Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has resigned as of December 1: https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/tech/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-resigns/index.html  In late November, a ransomware attack disrupted a third-party software used by Starbucks to track and manage its baristas’ schedules. As a result, the coffee chain has had to switch to manual operations:  https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/25/tech/starbucks-ransomware-attack/index.html --- 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 y

In the final episode of the calendar year 2024, Amy and James sit down to discuss the final MSP Question of the week as well as current events and news. --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  How often should you and your business attend channel events? --- 2.) Notes on the News Tiktok will be banned from the U.S. starting on January 19, 2025. Will they be forced to sell or shut down? Cryptocurrency Bitcoin prices have surpassed $100,000 for the first time in history. How will President-elect Trump's administration handle this? https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/tech/bitcoin-100k-trump-hnk-intl/index.html  Broadcom ,AT&T have reached a settlement in the VMWare legal dispute https://www.ciodive.com/news/broadcom-att-vmware-settlement-licensing-support-lawsuit/733763/   On the move - Channel moves of executives moving/going --- 3.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person: Jason Rorie from Triad Resource LLC Jason Rorie, a seasoned IT and Cyber Security professional with over two decades of experience, has launched a visi

To finish off the calendar year 2024, host James Kernan sits down with Karl Palachuk to discuss this year's hot topic: mergers & acquisitions. In this episode, James and Karl uncover the importance of timing and understanding when the ideal time to buy/sell a practice would be.   Our upcoming events and more: Check out the link below for details on upcoming 2025 events: http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind   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 y

Now nearly halfway into December, James and Amy return to discuss Q4 marketing plans and recent headlines in the news. --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  What are some good marketing campaigns to run at the end of the calendar year? --- 2.) Notes on the News a). Amazon Chip Supplier: As one of the top web server suppliers in the world (AWS), Amazon is capitalizing on a great market opportunity.  b.) Paid Training for Cybersecurity: James and Amy both realize there is a big skills gap in our industry. While training can be expensive and time-consuming, training can help cultivate culture and knowledge amongst your team. https://www.technewsworld.com/story/paid-training-placement-program-eases-cybersecurity-hiring-challenges-179437.html https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/23/how-tech-bros-bought-americas-most-pro-crypto-congress-ever.html https://www.channele2e.com/news/canalys-rmm-psa-leadership-matrix-ninjaone-halopsa-have-a-lot-of-momentum ---  Our upcoming events and more: December 4: M&A Workshop in Scotts

To kick off the month of December, James and Amy are back with another episode of the SMB Community Podcast. --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  Should I require my remote employees to return to the office? In response to a recent article by Amazon, it sounds not so desirable. For Amazon, their reasoning was due to a lack of innovation. Perhaps there is a type of creative thinking that is missing? Tune in to hear more! ---  Our upcoming events and more: December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX   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/    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

Another fun week of James and Amy! Following Halloween, James and Amy shared their mission of Halloween costumes and handing out Halloween candy. Kicking off this week's episode, DATTOCON missed out an opportunity for press and hype.  From lack of a major announcement, there is a PR opportunity missed.  --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  How can you hold your team accountable? Business coaches are being hired all across the country due to a lack of accountability. Instead, James and Amy share some insightful areas to strengthen your accountability with your team: Set goals with your team on a set cadence either daily or weekly Create expectations in writing with your team. Utilizing meetings, such as a daily huddle, can be a great opportunity to do a checkin with the team and leadership. Enhanced communication is effective accountability. Accountability is not conflict, instead, accountability is effective communication. Train your employees. Without proper training, it is difficult to hold employees account

Hosts James and Amy are back this week to discuss the series of noteworthy headlines from this week as well as this week's MSP question of the week. --- 1.) Notes On The News IT Nation - one announcement CompTIA Aquired - New Divisions will be created Department of Labor - Ruling for Overtime Labor --- 2.) MSP Question of the week:  Are you a REAL MSSP? What does it take to become a MSSP? ---  Our upcoming events and more: December 4: M&A Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX   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 and Amy sit down this week to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure success with your business.   1.) MSP Question of the week:   What reports or KPI’s do you need to manage your business?  Article by Amy:   https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2024/09/26/how-do-msps-measure-success-im-hitting-my-metrics-but-not-sure-theyre-the-right-ones/ --- 2.) Notes On The News  https://www.channele2e.com/news/big-3-rmm-psa-vendors-see-market-share-slip-canalys ConnectWise market share dropped from 26.8% to 24.3%. Kaseya market share dropped from 22.9% to 22.7% N-able market share dropped from 12.5% to 11.4% NinjaOne’s market share grew from 8.4% to 9.4% All others combined had a market share of 29.4% last year, which grew to 32.1% this year.  Canalys is forecasting the managed services industry itself to grow from $548 billion in 2024 to $608 billion in 2025. https://mspradio.com/podcast/marriotts-52m-fine-cybersecurity-warnings-and-tech-updates-from-microsoft-linkedin-

This week, host James Kernan speaks with David Sims, founder of Security First IT, regarding navigating HIPAA from the lens of MSP business ownership. About David Sims Since 1998, David is an experienced IT and cybersecurity professional who specializes in healthcare security and compliance. With over two decades of hands-on experience, he founded Security First IT to provide advanced solutions tailored to healthcare providers and small to medium-sized practices, ensuring they stay secure in an ever-changing threat landscape. David also founded and runs the podcast "Help Me with HIPAA", a show dedicated to how MSPs navigate healthcare and help their clients. https://securityfirstit.com/ https://helpmewithhipaa.com/ ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE - Scottsdale, AZ - December 5-6th 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/ 

Returning to the podcast, host James sat down with Tim Fitzpatrick from Rialto Marketing. Topics include defining your processes, establishing your onboarding, and identifying your competitive advantage in the markets you serve. About Tim Fitzpatrick Tim is the President of Rialto Marketing, a company that provides marketing consulting, advisory, and outsourced or fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services. Rialto Marketing specializes in helping B2B professional service firms accelerate their growth by building and managing their marketing engines. He also hosts the Rialto Marketing Podcast which features interviews with B2B professional service firm owners and executives who are actively working to grow their businesses. The podcast aims to help listeners learn from the experiences of these successful professionals by discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly of their journeys. It's a great resource for anyone looking to accelerate their business growth and gain valuable insights from industry l