Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy & James dive into the concept of a four-day work week for IT professionals. They explore the pros and cons, including staggering staff schedules and focusing on productivity. The hosts also discuss how the current economic climate might impact tech spending and business operations. Additionally, Amy and James share their top recommended business and personal growth books, emphasizing the importance of execution, giving, and maintaining a strong personal philosophy in business. Tune in to gain insights on modern work environments and literary recommendations for professional success.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 MSP Question of the Week: Exploring the Four-Day Work Week  06:00 Performance-Based Work Models 14:48 Economic Concerns and Business Insights  19:38 Personal Economy vs National Economy  21:00 Grocery Prices and Economic Perception 21:53 Book Recommendations and Their Impact  31:29 Gratitude and Mindset in Business

Overview: Join hosts Amy and James in this episode of the SMB Community Podcast as they delve into the best practices for selling your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. Learn about the emotional and financial facets of selling an MSP, the importance of having a clear exit strategy, and ensuring a good fit with potential buyers. The hosts also discuss the recent technical issues with Zoom and Spotify and provide insights into Microsoft break glass accounts. Stay updated with the latest on the antitrust cases involving Meta and Google. Additionally, James shares information about upcoming events and seminars that focus on mergers and acquisitions, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging episode! --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction  01:46 Question of the Week: WWhen is the best time to sell your business? 10:06 Zoom Outage and Tech Troubles 13:32 Microsoft Break Glass Accounts 16:34 Meta and Google Antitrust Issues 22:21 Personal Stories and Upcoming Events 26:37

Overview: In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various aspects of running a successful MSP. They start by diving into the MSP question of the week about creating an org charts for small teams. Both hosts emphasize the importance of delineating responsibilities and using the EOS accountability chart for better team structure. They also talk about the challenges and opportunities in selling security solutions and the importance of offering a strategic value to clients. Later, James interviews Max Miller from Workland Partners about current M&A trends in the IT and cybersecurity sectors, offering valuable advice for MSPs considering selling their business. The episode wraps up with a reminder to stay connected and share questions or comments with the hosts.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings  02:09 MSP Question of the Week: Creating an Org Chart 03:18 The Importance of Accountability Charts 09:40 Challenges in Selling Security 11:56

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James are back! The main topic revolves around the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its benefits for small to mid-sized MSPs, particularly those with five or more employees. James shares his expertise and insights into how EOS can improve business structure, accountability, and goal setting. The conversation also touches on industry news, including a new 3% service tax in Maryland targeting MSPs, the importance of CMMC certification for retaining government business, and Microsoft's release of the new mini PC Windows 365 device. Both James and Amy emphasize the importance of organization, industry representation, and staying current with compliance and technological advancements.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Weather Chat and Spring Excitement 01:46 Question of the Week: Implementing EOS for Small MSPs 08:53 Importance of Business Vision and Employee Engagement 14:38 News: Maryland's New Service Tax on MSPs 19:02

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss a range of topics relevant to IT professionals. They start with a question about leadership for entry-level tech employees, emphasizing that leadership can be demonstrated at any level. The conversation then shifts to cybersecurity, highlighting an insurance industry report that identifies firewalls, VPNs, and RDP as common entry points for ransomware attacks. Amy suggests moving away from traditional perimeter security in favor of cloud solutions. The hosts also touch on the significance of AI tools in marketing, legacy planning, and training. They discuss the looming impact of AI on data centers and speculate that current high-power usage may be short-lived due to technological advancements. The episode wraps up with light-hearted personal anecdotes, including plans for launching their boats for the season. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:40 MSP Question of the Week: Leadership as a Level O

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a variety of news and trends that affect the MSP community. Key topics include Google's acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, the impact of tariffs on tech prices, and how MSPs can use this information to their advantage. They also delve into Gartner's study on the overuse of cybersecurity tools and its implications for SMBs. In the AI segment, they share a range of AI tools relevant for businesses, such as Notebook LM, amy.io, and tools discovered on AppSumo like QUSO. James announces the creation of an AI tool list that will be shared with listeners.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Hosts' Health and Upcoming Events 01:26 Google Acquires Cybersecurity Company Wiz 02:59 Impact of Tariffs on MSPs 07:36 Gartner's Cybersecurity Trends for 2025 09:57 Intel's Positive Developments 11:03 Cool AI Tools for Your Business 22:15 Conclusion and Farewell --- New Book Release: I'm proud to annou

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan from Kernan Consulting interviews Zulfiya Forsythe, CEO and founder of Omadli Group, about the transformative power of AI in the workplace. Forsythe shares her unique journey from accounting to tech, highlighting the development of data analytics and AI solutions that help businesses streamline administrative tasks and gain actionable insights. The discussion covers how Forsythe's team partners with MSPs to create automation around reporting, build executive dashboards, and leverage AI tools to enhance business efficiency. The episode also touches on the current explosion of AI tools and the importance of educating users to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast  00:24 Meet the AI Guru: Zulfiya Forsythe 00:48 From Accounting to AI: Zulfiya Forsythe's Journey 04:40 AI in the Workplace: Real-World Applications 08:09 Partnering with MSPs: A Win-Win 12:52 The

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews MJ Shoer of GTIA, formerly known as CompTIA. MJ shares his extensive background in the IT industry, having transitioned from an MSP owner to a key figure at CompTIA and now GTIA. They discuss the reasons behind the rebranding to GTIA and the organization's continued focus on member benefits, global expansion, and impactful philanthropy. MJ also highlights GTIA's unique value propositions, such as their extensive industry research, mentorship programs, and inclusive networking events. The conversation provides a comprehensive overview of GTIA's objectives and MJ's vision for the future.   Chapter Markers:   00:00 Introduction 00:27 Interview with MJ Shoer: Beginnings and Career Journey  04:16 The Evolution of GTIA and Its Impact 12:48 Member Benefits and Opportunities 19:02 Future Vision and Strategic Planning 21:42 How to Get Involved with GTIA 22:43 Conclusion and Farewell   New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release o

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan dive into how IT professionals can leverage the end-of-life schedules of Microsoft Windows 10 to generate new business. This week, they emphasize the importance of planning and maintaining a regular upgrade schedule for client systems to avoid issues and ensure security. The conversation also touches on the impact of drone deliveries in dense areas and the evolving landscape of remote meetings, with a particular focus on Zoom's declining market share. The team also explores the necessity for MSPs to obtain CMMC certification to maintain government contracts, and the ongoing trends in mergers and acquisitions within the market. James and Amy also announce the start of a new series focused on exploring productive AI tools. Check out the chapter markers below for more!   Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 MSP Question of the Week: Windows 10 End of Life 05:52 The Drone Dilemma: A Look into the Future

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