Host Karl sits down with friend, Jerry Koutavas. As President of The ASCII Group, Jerry Koutavas is responsible for creating resources and services aimed at helping IT and managed service providers better manage their time and their bottom line.  Koutavas oversees the creation, implementation, and adoption of benefits at The ASCII Group which services over 1,400 MSPs in North America. A widely-recognized figure in the IT industry, Jerry has more than 25 years of experience in the Channel. ...

1.) MSP Question of the week:  Will the US economy adversely affect my business?          In summation, it will...if YOU let it. And what does tabasco hot sauce have to do with you?   ---    2.) Notes on the News   Tech lay offs yet again! Google, Amazon and Snap are among latest to announce major layoffs.   See: https://www.channele2e.com/news/google-amazon-snap-latest-to-announce-layoffs   3.) Cool Tech Gifts   Our experts way in. :-)   --- Our upcoming events: Jan...

Host James sits down with Venvito's Founder Rob Fegan on partnering with Microsoft.  Venvito was formed to teach other Microsoft partners how to harness the scale and reach of Microsoft's field teams. Sharing with other owners, founders, and leaders the messaging, the mechanics, and the mindset necessary to partner with Microsoft, growing your Microsoft practice through mutually beneficial relationships at all levels within Microsoft.   Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfegan/ ...

Today the SMBCP is whole again: Karl is back!      1.) MSP Question of The Week   What is the best commission plan for salespeople?    ---   2.) What's New in the News    OPEN AI – blew up!   And ransomware attacks are on the RISE!    Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years; this has led to significant financial losses, data breaches and operational disruptions across various sectors. As of 2023, over 72% of organizations worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks,...

In this week's edition of SMBCP, we sit down with the Chief Information Officer of TS Banking Group, Julian Caldwell. We discussed how to get into the door with executives--What are they looking for in MSPs? And hpw to become "Sticky" Long Term strategic partners with your customers? Listen today to see why most MSP's fall short of these expectations...   Our upcoming events: Kernan Mastermind Roadshow Dec 7-8th, 2023 in Newport Beach CA –    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind   ...

Host Karl goes down under for the SMB IT Pro Con! In this episode, Karl captures bite-sized interviews with the best in the industry.  Featuring (In Order): Dean Calvert of Calvert Technologies  Elias Mansour of N-Able Matt Koenig of Nodeware  Pablo Munoz of Ninja One Peter Ward of Dijital Team Shaun Witherden of Kaseya  Shaun Capps of Pax8 Ted Deane 2Excel Tim Lippa Halo PSA Will Parker HP Elite  --- Our upcoming events: Kernan Mastermind Roadshow Dec 7-8th, 2023 in Newport...

Happy Thanksgiving!   In this turkey day edition of SMBCP, we have Chip Reaves in the studio! Chip’s expertise is in Microsoft software, teaching courses on a variety of apps and iterations from 2010 to the most current Microsoft 365. He has been interviewed on TV and other major media on topics related to small business technology and entrepreneurship, including ABC News, BusinessWeek TV, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, and is a member of Jim Blasingame’s “Brain...

For this week's episode, we are joined by our co-host Amy Babinchak!  ---         1.) The MSP Question of the Week What can you do NOW to increase the value of your business BEFORE you sell? Host James and Host Amy break it down.  1. Business Plan  2.    Written Agreements both customer and employee  3.    Focus on Core Service  4.    Unique Assets  5.    Clean Books and record keeping  6.    Business Process Bible  7.    Diverse Customer-base  8.    Strong People ---   Our...

1.) MSP Question of The Week          What do you do when your customer hires one of your employees? Have you prepared with a non-solicitation in your agreement?  Did they let you know in advance or hire behind your back? Do you contact them?   All the questions answered with Host James!      2.) Five Minutes with a Smart person –   Steven Frank of TDSynnex   TDSynnex is MUCH MORE than a distributor, they are a partner We discussed resources that my customers use to grow and scale...

In this episode of the SMBC podcast, we have three special cohost!   Host James sits with Alex Farling, Wes Spencer and Kyle Christensen of Empath.   https://www.empathmsp.com/   Tune in as we discuss the next big moves for Empath.    ---   Our upcoming events: Kernan Mastermind Roadshow Dec 7-8th, 2023 in Newport Beach CA –    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind   https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event     Use code: EARLYBIRD   Jan 16-18th in...

1.) The MSP Question of the Week   What is your unique selling proposition? Or your "superpower"?   ---   2.) Notes on the News    Understanding Your Competitors – SWOT Analysis on your business.   https://www.msptechnews.com/business-news/evaluating-business-rivals/   We discuss:   - Understanding your competitors is crucial for staying competitive in today’s business landscape. - A successful competitor comparison involves evaluating various aspects, such as service...

1.) What's Up with You?   One of our favorite topics on the show: What do you prefer--the large events or the smaller events?    Let us know and send us message at [email protected]!   Host James breaks down the pros and cons of both.    ---   2.)  MSP Question of the Week   Should you have one offering or multiple offerings – AND – what is your recommendation for price per seat?        3.) James's Quick Marketing Tip   Please, update your headshots / video on your...

1.) MSP Question of The Week          What is your favorite password tool? --- 2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person – Lori Hardke  Host Karl discuss “PROFIT FIRST” with our guest Lori Hardtke. Check out Lori's next class: https://www.itspu.com/all-classes/classes/profit-first-for-msps/ More on Lori: https://www.profitfirst4msps.com/ --- 3.) Notes on the News  This week we have a lot to catch up on: What do you think about the new dress code for Congress? The power usage of AI is...

In this episode of SMBCP, Host James quickfires some insight on today's hot topics: How to compensate fully remote workers, dealing with late payers, and the search for entry level technicians.   1.) The MSP Question of the Week Can you pay your remote employees less money compared to employees coming to the office? — 2.) Notes on the News https://www.msptechnews.com/business-news/the-challenge-of-late-paying-clients/ https://www.msptechnews.com/msp-news/talent/ — Our Social...

Today's special episode of SMBCP we have a special guest host, Donna Blum.  1.) The MSP Question of the Week         Is it a good idea for couples to work together in the same company?  --- 2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Nick Wolf of EVO Security Nick is a senior sales  executive with experience growing channel partnerships for MSP focused vendors. From 2011-2020 Nick was a key member of Datto, and onboarded over 750 MSPs, which helped grow the company to be acquired for over...

1.) MSP Question of the Week  When should I hire my first sales person? --- 2.) Smart Person - Brianna Haun  Brianna's passion is to provide a level of excellence in serving clients, leading a team, and impacting the community through a value driven lifestyle. Gaining a new perspective, shifting a mindset, or creating something new, ignite my soul... https://www.linkedin.com/in/alignconsulting/ https://rss.com/podcasts/aligned/ --- 3.) Notes on the News   Google Anti-trust, Microsoft...

In this special edition of the SMB Community Podcast, host James sits down for an in-depth discussion with Jason Miller Jason Miller - founder and CEO of BitLyft. Have you ever been lured in by a big-name vendor, only to discover their definition of services didn't quite match your expectations? Tune into "Burned by the Big Guys" as we dissect real-life stories of vendor disappointments and uncover the discrepancies that often lie beneath polished pitches. In this episode we’ll share what...

1.) MSP Question of the Week What the heck is EOS? We break down Entrepreneurial Operating System. Recommended reading: https://www.amazon.com/What-Heck-EOS-Employees-Companies/dp/1543699561#:~:text=Based%20on%20his%20years%20of,companies%2C%20helping%20them%20implement%20EOS --- 2.) Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Lisa Shorr  Host James sits down with Lisa Shoor and discuss the importance of "soft skills" https://shorrsuccess.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisashorr --- 3.)...

1.) MSP Question of The Week Do your workers come into the office, work remote or hybrid? --- 2.) Five minutes with a Smart Person Host Karl sits down with Kathryn Rose of ChannelWise.  Kathryn Rose is an innovator, and the founding CEO of award-winning global expert marketplaces (getWise, channelWise) that provide business owners and professionals in targeted markets, access to thousands of vetted executives, coaches/mentors, education and resources that accelerate business or career...

Segment One: The MSP Question of the Week  Do you attend social events with clients? --- Segment Two: Notes on the News  ChatGPT is getting alarmingly less accurate! This is huge.  https://www.popsci.com/technology/chatgpt-human-inaccurate/    --- Kernan mastermind September 28-29 - Scottsdale, AZ: http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind or  https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event    Our Social Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/ ...

Segment One: The MSP Question of The Week How many shows should an MSP attend in a year? --- Segment Two: Minutes with A Smart Person - Jake Gregorich  Host James sits down with Jake Gregorich of Lyra Technology Group  and discuss sales and marketing philosophies. Jake oversees revenue generation for Lyra Technology Group. He joined the team in 2023 to help grow people, increase collaboration among Lyra companies, and serve as a resource to help drive revenue growth. Prior to Lyra, Jake...

For this edition of SMBCP, Host Karl sits down with two lovely guests in two seperate five minutes with a smart person. Five Minutes with a Smart Person - Double Feature!  First up: Larry Mandelberg is a consultant, speaker and author with “more than 150 years of combined business experience.” A natural problem solver, Larry represents the 5th generation of his family’s business. He started working at a young age where he learned from his father before and after school. Larry is an...

Segment One: MSP Question of the Week/Notes on the News We combine our two segments-- With Twitter X's arrival (and departure, which social media should MSPs be using? We compile a list of our social media necassities for MSPs and how to take advantage of it.  And...Is our industry dominated by the “Magnificent Seven?” Reuters: “The outsized gains have come with big earnings expectations for the seven companies: Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Alphabet (GOOGL.O), Amazon (AMZN.O),...

Today Hosts James welcomes our guest co-host: Charlene Ignacio! Being from Hawaii, she makes friends everywhere she goes. What you see online is what you get in person. She serves as a multi-industry CEO, speaker, author, serial entrepreneur for, business results Coach and is also a  2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo, and Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified. She is also the CMO at ChannelMastered and CEO of https://TheCMOGuru.com --- Segment One:  MSP Question of the Week What can MSP’s do...

Segement One: MSP Question of the Week From Janet Schijns, a question and a survey: "Today I am thinking about how Generative AI will impact the channel partner cost to serve vendors in the future. For example: By using Generative AI to create your marketing materials, better select ideal customers, customized dev work, customer support, or other tasks that AI can do to help lower your overall costs, does this actually result in a lower cost of serving the vendor product/solutions you...