2 MAY 2024 · The show begins with a commercial for the NetAlly EtherScope NXG, a network analyzer that supports Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. Uncle Marv then introduces the episode, mentioning that he has exclusive news to share. However, he quickly realizes that the news he had - Kaseya's announcement of their new Kaseya 365 subscription service - had already been announced the previous day at the Kaseya Connect conference in Las Vegas. Uncle Marv then brings on Michelle Accardi from Liongard, who is attending the Kaseya Connect conference. Michelle shares her thoughts on the Kaseya 365 announcement, noting that it is giving MSPs another option to consider for driving profitability, but that there are also other great vendors offering good value. Michelle also discusses Liongard's recent announcement of their new AI support assistant, Leo, which can help partners with onboarding, support, and reporting. Later in the episode, Uncle Marv shares another "exclusive" news item - Brooke Lee's move from PIA to ScalePad as the Director of Channel Development. However, he again realizes that this news had already been announced. Uncle Marv then goes on to share his experience using the NetAlly EtherScope NXG to troubleshoot a customer's Wi-Fi issues, where he was able to identify that the customer's ring cameras were reporting an incorrect country code, which was causing connectivity problems. Key Takeaways:  - Kaseya announced their new Kaseya 365 subscription service, which aims to revolutionize the MSP industry - Liongard announced their new AI support assistant, Leo, to help partners with onboarding, support, and reporting - Brooke Lee has moved from PIA to ScalePad as the Director of Channel Development - The NetAlly EtherScope NXG can be a valuable tool for troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, including identifying devices with incorrect country code settings Links from the show:Man stopped at Miami Airport with snakes in his pants: https://tinyurl.com/4r2sz5yzFlorida Man chucks pasta at driver over "glaring headlights": https://tinyurl.com/2kezdc7kLiongard announces AI Companion "Leo": https://tinyurl.com/4d8yxw97 === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

2 MAY 2024 · Sean Lardo, the program manager for Pitch It, shares that this year's application process saw a record number of submissions, with a diverse group of vendors applying from various business sectors. While there were concerns about an influx of AI-focused applicants, Lardo notes that the program still attracted a healthy mix of solutions, with AI, cybersecurity, and other innovative offerings represented. The Pitch It program is a 16-week accelerator that provides vendors with extensive training and mentorship to help them refine their pitches and navigate the MSP ecosystem. Lardo emphasizes the importance of not just innovation, but practical, useful solutions that can seamlessly integrate with existing MSP technology stacks. The program culminates in a live pitch competition at IT Nation Connect, where the top three finalists compete for cash prizes and the coveted "steak knives" for third place. Lardo also discusses the success of last year's Pitch It finalists, noting that the three winners - Thread, VCIO Toolbox, and NodeWare - have collectively seen a $3 million increase in annual recurring revenue since participating in the program. This underscores the value of the accelerator in helping vendors scale and thrive within the MSP community. Key Takeaways:  - Record number of Pitch It applications, with a diverse mix of vendors - Focus on practical, integrative solutions, not just innovation for innovation's sake - 16-week accelerator program provides extensive training and mentorship for vendors - Past Pitch It finalists have seen significant revenue growth since participating - Podcast and IT Nation events offer opportunities for vendor spotlights and interviews Links from the show:IT Nation website: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

1 MAY 2024 · The conversation begins with a discussion on the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce. According to a survey conducted by Parallels' parent company Alludo, 83% of the workforce is expected to continue working remotely in some capacity. This shift has presented significant challenges for companies that were previously accustomed to a fully in-office model. Many organizations struggled to provide the necessary remote access and security measures to support their employees working from home. Chris Marks explains that the primary challenges companies face relate to skills and time, as they try to re-architect their IT infrastructure and security posture to accommodate the new remote work reality. Traditional solutions like VPNs are no longer sufficient, as they provide broad access once an attacker gains entry. Parallels is helping customers explore alternative solutions, such as secure access web apps and Zero Trust approaches, to minimize risk and restrict the flow of potential threats. The discussion then transitions to the concept of the "hybrid cloud," which Marks clarifies is often misunderstood. Many organizations believe they have a hybrid cloud environment, when in reality, they are simply managing two separate infrastructures - their legacy on-premises systems and new cloud-based projects. Parallels aims to help customers deliver a consistent and seamless experience for end-users, regardless of the underlying infrastructure. Key Takeaways:  - Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay, with 83% of the workforce expected to continue working remotely in some capacity. - Companies are struggling to provide the necessary remote access and security measures to support their employees working from home. - Traditional solutions like VPNs are no longer sufficient, and organizations are exploring alternative approaches like secure access web apps and Zero Trust. - The concept of "hybrid cloud" is often misunderstood, with many companies managing two separate infrastructures rather than a true hybrid environment. - Parallels is helping customers deliver a consistent and seamless experience for end-users, regardless of the underlying infrastructure. === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

25 APR 2024 · Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by sharing a story about using his NetAlly EtherScope network tester to troubleshoot a client's fiber internet connection issue, highlighting the value of having the right tools to demonstrate technical expertise. He then introduces his guest, Dave Scott, who has over 20 years of experience helping technology businesses with their marketing and growth strategies. Dave and Uncle Marv discuss the common frustration MSPs face when trying to find the "easy button" for marketing, as many get caught up jumping from one program to another without seeing the desired results. They emphasize that while there may be a small percentage of MSPs who find success with certain marketing tactics, the majority struggle to make their marketing efforts effective. Dave suggests that the root of the problem often lies in a lack of consistency and personalization in the content and messaging MSPs use to reach their target audiences. He recommends that MSPs take the time to deeply understand their customers' pain points and challenges, and then create hyper-personalized content that addresses those specific issues. This approach, combined with a well-documented sales funnel process, can help MSPs build a more successful and sustainable marketing strategy. Key Takeaways:  - Consistent, personalized marketing is key for MSPs to effectively reach and engage their target customers - MSPs need to invest time in understanding their customers' specific pain points and challenges to create relevant, valuable content - Documenting the sales funnel process and following it closely can help MSPs improve the effectiveness of their marketing efforts Links from the show - Website: https://scottgrowthstrategies.com/ - AI Powered Writing Assistant: https://www.jasper.ai/ - AI Powered SEP Platform: https://seo.ai/ - Improve your  email subject line: https://subjectline.com/ - Florida Man Saves Neighbor from 11-Foot Gator: https://tinyurl.com/4s9xhdsc - Florida Man tackles gator with bare hands: https://tinyurl.com/4ka7t4mb - YouTube Video without news commentary: https://tinyurl.com/yc5mbex2 === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

24 APR 2024 · Sean and Dave share the backstory behind writing "The Pumpkin Plan for MSPs." They explain how their personal experiences and mistakes in the industry inspired them to create a book that provides practical, battle-tested advice for managed service providers. The authors emphasize that their goal was not to reinvent the wheel, but to distill the essential lessons from Mike Michalowicz's original "Pumpkin Plan" and adapt them specifically for the MSP community. A key theme of the book is helping MSPs find their "sweet spot" - the unique value proposition that sets them apart from competitors. The authors stress that MSPs should not simply copy others' strategies, but rather uncover what they do best and double down on those strengths. They share how being brutally honest about their own business missteps has allowed them to provide authentic, relatable guidance to their readers. Throughout the discussion, Sean and Dave highlight the importance of always keeping your business "exit-ready," even if you have no immediate plans to sell. They explain how maintaining a company in prime condition for a potential buyer can pay dividends, whether you ultimately decide to transition ownership or continue running the business. The authors draw from their personal experiences to illustrate how being prepared for unexpected opportunities or challenges can make all the difference. Key Takeaways:  - Adapt proven business principles to your unique MSP context - Uncover and capitalize on your company's distinctive strengths - Maintain an "exit-ready" mindset to maximize the value of your business - Learn from your own mistakes and those of others in the industry Links from the show:Get the Pumpkin Plan for Manager Service Providers book: https://amzn.to/3UvZxItEncore Strategic Business Consulting Firm: https://encorestrategic.io/Michael Porter's "What is Strategy": https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/Michael-Porter-Strategy/ === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

22 APR 2024 · Introducing Stack Tracker for MSPsColin Knox explains that StackTracker goes beyond just mapping an MSP's technology stack. It focuses on the reseller aspect of an MSP's business, providing insights into the usage, costs, and profitability of the solutions they are reselling to clients. By pulling in data directly from vendors, StackTracker can show MSPs their vendor spend, revenue, and profitability across their entire product portfolio. This allows MSPs to identify opportunities for optimization, such as consolidating redundant solutions or upselling underutilized products to clients. Empowering MSPs Through Data AnalysisThe system also uses AI to analyze the data and provide actionable recommendations to the MSP. This includes identifying anomalies, such as duplicate deployments of the same product, as well as quantifying revenue and profit opportunities across the client base. The AI-driven insights aim to help MSPs make more informed decisions about their technology stack and pricing strategies, ultimately driving greater profitability. Colin emphasizes that the key value proposition of StackTracker is empowering MSPs to grow their businesses smarter and more profitably. Key Takeaways:  - StackTracker provides deep visibility into MSPs' technology stacks, including usage, costs, and profitability - Focuses on the reseller aspect of an MSP's business, not just internal tool usage - Uses AI to analyze data and provide actionable recommendations for optimization and growth - Helps MSPs identify revenue and profit opportunities across their client base - Aims to enable MSPs to make more informed decisions about their technology stack and pricing === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

19 APR 2024 · Lori Hardtke is a solo MSP owner who has been in the IT industry for many years, working in various roles such as IT manager at large companies like Mayo Clinic. Over time, Lori realized that she didn't want the responsibility of managing employees and decided to run her business as a solo operation, leveraging subcontractors when needed.  In 2018, Lori came across the Profit First book by Michael Michalowicz and was initially hesitant to implement the system. However, in 2019, she decided to give it a try and was able to pay off a $19,000 credit card within four months of implementing Profit First. Lori was so impressed by the impact Profit First had on her business that she decided to become a certified Profit First professional and is now building a Profit First Academy to help other MSPs achieve profitability.  Lori emphasizes that the key to success with Profit First is trust in the system and the discipline to follow the recommended percentages for allocating funds to different accounts, such as profit, taxes, and marketing. She also highlights the importance of streamlining expenses and negotiating better deals with vendors, which can have a significant impact on the bottom line. Lori's own business is 100% remote, with her operating from Maui, and she has found success in presenting her business as part of a larger network of resources, rather than just a solo operator. Key Takeaways:  - Implementing the Profit First system can significantly improve profitability and cash flow for MSPs - Becoming a certified Profit First professional can help MSPs guide other businesses through the Profit First implementation process - Streamlining expenses, negotiating better deals, and presenting the business as part of a larger network of resources can all contribute to the success of an MSP Show Links: - Lori's MSP Website: https://www.bytewize.net/ - Profit First for MSPs: https://www.profitfirst4msps.com/ === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

18 APR 2024 · Uncle Marv's recap of the Channel Pro Live eventUncle Marv starts by discussing his recent trip to Channel Pro Live in Orlando, Florida. He shares his overall positive impression of the event, noting that the location, accommodations, and Wi-Fi were all satisfactory. The content and speakers were also well-received, with the keynote by Manuel Palachuk and panels featuring industry experts like Rayanne Buchianico, Eric Long, and Carlos Perez. Uncle Marv emphasizes that the event was not a "pitch fest" and provided valuable conversations for attendees.  Next, Uncle Marv shares a "junior story" about a client who has been with him for a long time but has consistently shopped around for cheaper services. When an employee filed a personal claim against one of the client's customers, the client wanted to know what files the employee had accessed, but Uncle Marv's team did not have the capability to track that level of detail. The client had previously declined to pay for additional features like 24/7 support and file monitoring, and Uncle Marv had to remind them that they were getting what they paid for. This led to a tense conversation, but ultimately, Uncle Marv engaged a digital forensic specialist to investigate the issue and will be implementing the additional tracking features the client now wants, at an additional cost. Uncle Marv emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and pricing with customers, as discussed on the All Things MSP show. He stresses the need to stand firm on pricing and not cave to customer demands for additional services without proper compensation. This episode serves as a cautionary tale for IT professionals and managed service providers to ensure they are properly managing customer expectations and pricing their services accordingly. Key Takeaways:  - Importance of setting clear expectations and pricing with customers - Need to stand firm on pricing and not cave to customer demands for additional services without proper compensation - Value of providing high-quality content and avoiding "pitch fests" at industry events - Challenges of managing client relationships and balancing customer needs with business requirements Links from the Show:  - Channel Pro Live Events: https://events.channelpronetwork.com/ - Learn about the Island Router: https://www.islandrouter.com/ - Florida Man Beats 5-Year Old for Watching PAW Patrol: https://tinyurl.com/4defyzdd - Florida Man Kills Roommate over $1: https://tinyurl.com/3yka94xn === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

17 APR 2024 · Uncle Marv and Tim Fitzpatrick dive into the challenges many MSPs face when it comes to marketing their businesses. Tim explains that the first step in developing a successful marketing strategy is to understand where the business is currently and where it wants to go. This involves identifying the target market, crafting the right messaging, and ensuring the offerings are aligned with the needs of the ideal clients. Tim cautions against the temptation to jump straight into marketing tactics, such as social media or paid advertising, without first establishing a solid strategic foundation. He emphasizes that "hope is not a marketing strategy" and that MSPs need to take a more focused and targeted approach to their marketing efforts. Tim suggests that MSPs should avoid getting caught up in the latest marketing trends and instead focus on the channels and activities that resonate with their specific target audience, even if that means avoiding certain platforms or tactics. The discussion also touches on the importance of profitability over top-line revenue when evaluating client relationships. Tim agrees with Uncle Marv's experience of needing to "fire the big whales" - clients that generate a significant portion of revenue but are not profitable. This aligns with the strategic approach to marketing, as MSPs should be attracting the right type of clients, not just any clients. Key Takeaways:  - Develop a marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals and target audience - Avoid jumping straight into marketing tactics without a solid strategic foundation - Focus on the marketing channels and activities that resonate with your ideal clients - Prioritize profitability over top-line revenue when evaluating client relationships === LinksRialto Marketing Website: https://www.rialtomarketing.com/Rialto Marketing Podcast: https://www.rialtomarketing.com/rialto-marketing-podcast/Revenue Roadblock Scorecard: http://revenueroadblockscorecard.com/ === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

12 APR 2024 · Strap in for a strategic deep dive into the world of help desk management, where I reveal how transitioning to a specialized team structure can turn your service from satisfactory to exceptional. We navigate the shift from generalist to niche expert pods, ensuring that your team is not just dealing with the day-to-day but excelling in their specialized fields, from healthcare to banking. It's more than just technical know-how; it's about crafting a client experience that sticks, and I'm spilling the beans on the tools and tactics that can get you there. Brook and Coach start by discussing the different approaches MSPs can take when formalizing their help desk operations. Brook Lee emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the approach should be tailored to the size, maturity, and client needs of the MSP. Outsourcing the help desk can be a viable option, especially for smaller MSPs where the technicians are often out on-site with clients. However, Coach cautions that outsourcing comes with its own financial considerations and that partnering with another solo technician can also be an effective interim step before building an in-house help desk. Regardless of the approach, they both agree that establishing clear processes, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) is crucial. This "tribal knowledge" needs to be documented so that new hires or outsourced providers can quickly get up to speed and provide consistent support. As the MSP scales, the panel discusses the benefits of transitioning from a single help desk queue to a more specialized, tiered model where technicians can focus on their areas of expertise. This not only improves efficiency but also allows the MSP to charge higher rates for their specialized support. The discussion then turns to the importance of using metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive help desk efficiency. Brook and Coach share strategies for setting realistic service level agreements (SLAs) and using automation to escalate tickets that are at risk of missing their SLAs. They also highlight how these metrics can be used to motivate and upskill help desk technicians, rather than just as a punitive measure.Wrapping things up, we talk numbers—but not just any numbers. We're focused on the KPIs and SLAs that will make or break your help desk's reputation for rapid and reliable service. You'll walk away with actionable insights on nurturing both employee satisfaction and customer loyalty, guaranteeing a win-win scenario for your MSP business. Key Takeaways:  - There is no one-size-fits-all approach to help desk operations; the solution should be tailored to the MSP's size, maturity, and client needs - Establishing clear processes, procedures, and SOPs is crucial for scaling help desk operations - Transitioning to a tiered, specialized help desk model can improve efficiency and allow for higher billing rates - Metrics and KPIs should be used to drive help desk efficiency and motivate technicians, not just as a punitive measure Links from the show:PIA website: https://pia.ai/Florida Man Accused of using kids to collect money for fake charity: https://tinyurl.com/yctme4p3  === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcastOne-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv=== Music: Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoAuthor: AlexanderRufireLicense Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024