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 Field Effect partner program is a great place to start. We dig into a good deal of the technology as well as deployment and monitoring for the MSP. Their service is sold on a per-user basis in order to make sure people don't exclude devices due to price. Their ideal market is between 25 and 2,500 users. (Not strictly enforced.) Links: Field Effect Partner Program: https://fieldeffect.com/partner-program/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/FE_Partners  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/field-effect-partners/  :-) Sponsor Memo: BVOIP BVOIP — the Cloud communications offering designed  specifically for IT providers, BVOIP offers a complete Unified Communications suite which can also be tightly integrated via Microsoft Teams. BVOIP delivers the modern workforce cutting edge features including Contact Center, integration to your business apps, and real time visibility into your remote workers. You control the price, with a unique hybrid model that avoids the complex dial tone taxation or compliance bullseye. Don’t get stuck in a vendor relationship that works against you! BVOIP is channel only company that’s here to support you. Find out more by visiting www.bvoip.com/mspradio  :-)    

SMB Community Podcast by Karl W. Palachuk

Field Effect Helps you Build a Successful Managed Security Practice

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 QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit them at www.Gozynta.com  :-)  

Calyptix Launches Community Shield - Host Amy Babinchak

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: https://accessibe.com/a/zz06tlp  Also . . . Johnsonsquaredconsulting.com  DEIallaccess.com  -- -- -- Sponsor note: Cisco Partner Program Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program? Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there’s a program option for you. With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco’s leading technologies including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/partners/partner-with-cisco/provider.html  :-)  

Noelle Johnson on Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Technology

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 Facebook - https://facebook.com/content10x  LinkedIn - https://LinkedIn/in/amywoods2  - - - - - Sponsor Memo Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour Threats to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too …but knowing where to get good guidance isn’t always easy. Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. I’m going again –this year in-person, in Miami – and you should join me. Experts like Erick Simpson; Larry Walsh; and Acronis’ Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team’s productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online, Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at https://Acronis.events  :-)  

The Power of Content Repurposing with Amy Woods

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/  -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: Gatekeeper from Calyptix Security MSPs do battle daily against cyber hostilities such as ransomware attacks and data breaches. Fight smarter. Call in the cavalry. Gatekeeper from Calyptix Security is here. Reduce stress and implement proper safeguards — as advised by the FBI, NSA and DHS — with Calyptix’s purpose-built solution for small businesses. Zero Trust access secures RDP and SSH connections with two-factor authentication. There’s no need for open ports to the internet, client installs, or VPN. Plus, you’ll enjoy audit-friendly access across all types of devices. Learn more at https://calyptix.com/gatekeeper.  :-)  

Marvin Bee - Podnutz Pro, Florida Man, and Growing Your MSP Business

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 – My site of my many activities and resources www.DaveSeibert.com  Join me on Social Media platforms to stay engaged www.LinkedIn.com/in/DaveSeibert99  www.Facebook.com/dseibert  -- -- -- Sponsor Note: BVOIP — the Cloud communications offering designed specifically for IT providers, bvoip offers a complete Unified Communications suite which can also be tightly integrated via Microsoft Teams. Bvoip delivers the modern workforce cutting edge features including Contact Center, integration to your business apps, and real time visibility into your remote workers. You control the price, with a unique hybrid model that avoids the complex dial tone taxation or compliance bullseye. Don’t get stuck in a vendor relationship that works against you! Bvoip is channel only company that’s here to support you. Find out more by visiting https://bvoip.com/mspradio  :-)  

Dave Seibert - Connector, Coach, and Conference Organizer Extraordinaire

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 - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAgZMCkY37krjulvZ_NwcfA/featured  -- -- -- Sponsor Memo: 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 QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button. With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit them at www.gozynta.com  :-)  

Matter365 - Helping MSPs and VARs provide vertically integrated solutions in Microsoft 365

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 Speakers, 22 Educational and Interactive Sessions, Networking Happy Hours, and a Self Assessment To Help You Grow. And best of all, it's free. Register Free: https://www.canapii.com/events/cisco-provider-elevate  :-)

Why Cybersecurity Is an Imperative for Small Business

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 Community - https://innovatetosuccess.com/ite-community-lp/  :-)  

Ian Luckett - Innovate to Success in 2021

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 to client data constantly evolve, so your strategies must evolve too. But knowing where to get good guidance isn’t always easy. Well, nowhere will you hear more helpful insights from leading cyber protection experts than at the Acronis #CyberFitSummit. Experts like Dave Sobel, Erick Simpson, Larry Walsh, and Acronis’ Amy Luby will show you how to boost profits, reduce risk, and improve your team’s productivity, as well as the latest cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and processes. In person and online, Learn more about the Acronis #CyberFit Summit World Tour at https://Acronis.events  :-)

What's Up at TechCon Unplugged

Host Karl Palachuk talks about how he got started in the SMB consulting business, and a few early decisions that made all the difference. Feedback welcome. You can find the 68-point checklist at https://store.smallbizthoughts.com (it's free). :-)  

Karl's "Origin Story" in SMB IT

Host Karl caught up with Ryan Morris from Morris Management Partners and the Secure Connections Podcast by IOTSSA. Ryan is a longtime member of the SMB IT Community and a well-known speaker and trainer in the industry. And, of course, he's one of the hosts of The Killing IT Podcast - https://killingit.smallbizthoughts.com.  Ryan is the principal at Morris Management Partners. MMP provides: Go-To-Market Strategy & Planning Sales Training & Channel Management Best Practices Partner Recruiting & Onboarding Strategy Partner Assessment & Profile Development Partner Enablement & Business Skills Training As Ryan describes it, they spend about half their time on the vendor side and about half on the IT Solution Provider side of things. And now . . . Ryan has joined the Secure Connections podcast and provides his genius on their platform as well. That podcast addresses tools and techniques for managing your security offering. Of course, Ryan focuses on the business side of all of this. IOTSSA is the IOT Security Services Association. You can find them at https://www.iotssa.com.  Ryan's contact info is: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmorris303/  Website www.morrismanagementpartners.com   Twitter @ryanmorris303  :-)  

Ryan Morris on IOTSSA, Secure Connections, and the Business Side of Everything

Host James interviews Karl Palachuk from the National Society of IT Service Providers on their new initiatives and what they're up to. What is the National Society of IT Service Providers? A new IT-central professional association dedicated to education, professionalism, and advocacy on behalf of the SMB IT industry. For more information on NSITSP, visit https://www.nsitsp.org   Karl Palachuk is one of the long-term leaders in the SMB IT community worldwide. He is the author of more than twenty books, and the founder of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. For more information, visit: - https://www.smallbizthoughts.org - https://www.karlpalachuk.com :-)  

What is the National Society of IT Service Providers?

Building an “Operating System” for your Business Brett Jaffe is a strategic coach and advisor for IT professionals. Host Karl caught up with him to discuss the topic of creating a business operating system. Over a period of 25 years, Brett has built and sold three companies (including an MSP, cloud reseller, and digital forensics business), led hundreds of soldiers as an officer in the US Army, and built an international channel partner program from inception to over $30M in revenue. Brett is a former EOS® Implementer and certified DISC trainer and currently serves as as a strategic coach and founding partner at ConnectStrat as well as CEO of audIT MSP Sales Automation. Web sites: www.connectstrat.com  www.auditforit.com  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 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 :-)  

Building an “Operating System” for your Business

Host Karl interviewed Ali Imran from Boundless Digital. Boundless Digital provides a system for Managing Cisco Meraki Organizations. With the Boundless Digital service, one engineer can do the work of many, including automate the deployment, troubleshooting, and overall administration of Meraki organizations. Imran is a Solutions Consultant working in the pre-sales process, as well as aiding in product development. Boundless Digital is a Cisco ecosystem partner. Then sell to MSPs that cater to the SMB market, as well as to Enterprises that could benefit from network automation. Web site: https://www.boundlessdigital.com/  Boundless Digital also has a social media presence on all major platforms. -- -- -- Vendor Memo: This podcast is sponsored by Linode. Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider as voted by G2 and Trust Radius, has resources specifically for delivering digital experiences in the cloud with better ease and affordability while not being locked into long-term agreements and commitments. Their guide, “The Golden Ratio of Price to Performance in Cloud Computing“ details how alternative cloud providers and open source tools can lower costs and ease moving to multi-cloud environments. This resource and more at http://linode.com/mspradio.  :-)  

Network Automation with Boundless Digital

Podcasts, articles, and reference materials for Managed Service Providers. Brought to you by internationally recognized MSP Consultant Karl W. Palachuk.

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SMB Community Podcast by Karl W. Palachuk

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