Smb Community Podcast By Karl W. Palachuk

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

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