https://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/A look at the strategies, services, and success tips IT providers need to make it big in managed services from two of the industry’s most experienced MSP authorities, Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman of Channel Mastered]]>enTechnologyChannel Masteredhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ec4488fc6c5d5af9b7a66701d3fc271c.jpghttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:12:37 +0000MSP ChatMSP Chatpodcasts@channelmastered.comA look at the strategies, services, and success tips IT providers need to make it big in managed services from two of the industry’s most experienced MSP authorities, Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman of Channel MasteredA look at the strategies, services, and success tips IT providers need to make it big in managed services from two of the industry’s most experienced MSP authorities, Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman of Channel Mastered]]>trueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-131-public-service--73021728
Discussed in this episode:
Ontario police: Do not bring grenades to police stations

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73021728Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:12:33 +0000MSP ChatLive from Ingram Micro’s 2026 Trust X Alliance Unplugged event in (fabulous, trust them) Buffalo, N.Y., Erick and Rich discuss the role community and trust play in adapting to AI transformation and strategies for easing employee anxieties about what...
Discussed in this episode:
Ontario police: Do not bring grenades to police stations

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>2598false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-130-vcaiiso--72915706
Discussed in this episode:
It’s Governance First, AI Second at Squash
Police detain 2 teens after a joy ride in a Waymo in Northern California

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72915706Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:15:23 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why service desk automation startup Squash believes there’s a close connection between AI automation for MSPs and governance and why they’re probably correct, as well as three steps MSPs can take to ready tomorrow’s generation...
Discussed in this episode:
It’s Governance First, AI Second at Squash
Police detain 2 teens after a joy ride in a Waymo in Northern California

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.
]]>3788false130fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-129-hungry-and-confused--72782437 
Discussed in this episode:
N-able Sheds Light on AI’s Shadows
AI agents are breaking things and organisations know it. They are deploying more anyway.
AvePoint Research Reveals AI Visibility Gaps Have Nearly Tripled as AI Agents Scale and Almost Half of Enterprise Employees Now Rely on Agents Daily or Weekly
New Research Finds Workforce AI Policy Compliance Is an Enforcement Problem, Not an Awareness One
DoorDash Delivery Robot Invades SWAT Scene, Won’t Leave as Cops Flashbang Resident
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72782437Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:19:15 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss N-able’s Shadow AI Visibility solution and the larger opportunity it represents for MSPs to add AI services, plus why and how to build a multi-quarter AI and security roadmap for your clients today. Then they’re joined by James... 
Discussed in this episode:
N-able Sheds Light on AI’s Shadows
AI agents are breaking things and organisations know it. They are deploying more anyway.
AvePoint Research Reveals AI Visibility Gaps Have Nearly Tripled as AI Agents Scale and Almost Half of Enterprise Employees Now Rely on Agents Daily or Weekly
New Research Finds Workforce AI Policy Compliance Is an Enforcement Problem, Not an Awareness One
DoorDash Delivery Robot Invades SWAT Scene, Won’t Leave as Cops Flashbang...]]>4703false129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-128-feel-the-burn--72695471 
Discussed in this episode:
Rewst Answers the Automation Divide With AI-Native Capabilities as MSP Task Volume Surges 2.4x
Man crowned world’s loudest person makes as much noise as a jet taking off
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72695471Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:45:34 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Rewst’s effort to democratize automation for everyone who works at MSPs and their agents too, plus three ways to address customer satisfaction issues before they ruin client relationships. Then Rich is joined by Rewst CRO... 
Discussed in this episode:
Rewst Answers the Automation Divide With AI-Native Capabilities as MSP Task Volume Surges 2.4x
Man crowned world’s loudest person makes as much noise as a jet taking off
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4192false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-127-too-many-lamborghinis--72588212 
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Unveils the Industry’s First Predictive Intelligence Platform to Lead the Era of Predictive IT
ESET Finds that SMBs Currently Leverage Cyber Insurance to Arm Against Attacks, Report Incidents and Improve Resilience
Gaming PC saves owner from bullet fired by neighbor’s dog
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72588212Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:06:50 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss ConnectWise’s new AI-native platform, the fate of its earlier Asio platform, and why today’s most successful MSPs solve business problems, not technology problems. Then they’re joined by Tony Anscombe of ESET for an insightful... 
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Unveils the Industry’s First Predictive Intelligence Platform to Lead the Era of Predictive IT
ESET Finds that SMBs Currently Leverage Cyber Insurance to Arm Against Attacks, Report Incidents and Improve Resilience
Gaming PC saves owner from bullet fired by neighbor’s dog
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3329false127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-126-1-0-count--72493435 
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8 Launches Managed Intelligence Solutions to Help Partners Monetize AI and Deliver Real Outcomes for Their Clients
The Pax8 Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook
‘Like a movie script’: Former Air Canada pilot arrested after allegedly flying with fake licence: police
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72493435Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:49:56 +0000MSP ChatComing to you live from Pax8 Beyond in Salt Lake City, Erick and Rich discuss the many ways Pax8 is trying to accelerate the path from managed service provider to managed intelligence provider, plus three things you can do to reduce recurring issues... 
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8 Launches Managed Intelligence Solutions to Help Partners Monetize AI and Deliver Real Outcomes for Their Clients
The Pax8 Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook
‘Like a movie script’: Former Air Canada pilot arrested after allegedly flying with fake licence: police
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.
]]>6012false126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-125-impostor-syndrome--72330930 
Discussed in this episode:
AI Model Spending is a Black Hole
More reasons to get smart about token spending sooner versus later
Lemhi Launches the SaaS Platform MSPs Need to Deliver AI as a Recurring Managed Service
Uber Lost & Found Index includes breast milk, ankle monitor
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72330930Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:15:25 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why the rapid emergence of usage-based AI pricing schemes is going to make “token economics” and AI spend management essential skills for MSPs as well as the importance of giving everyone inside an MSP an understanding of big... 
Discussed in this episode:
AI Model Spending is a Black Hole
More reasons to get smart about token spending sooner versus later
Lemhi Launches the SaaS Platform MSPs Need to Deliver AI as a Recurring Managed Service
Uber Lost & Found Index includes breast milk, ankle monitor
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>5477false125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode124-fighting-the-terminator--72216511 
Discussed in this episode:
S**t Happens in AI. Veeam Says It Has the Answer.
ThreatLocker launches Zero Trust network and cloud access to stop credential-based cyberattacks
Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72216511Fri, 29 May 2026 16:41:46 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Veeam’s bold attempt to invent a whole new kind of data-focused platform for the age of AI, as well as why and how to earn your way to more and better client referrals. Then they’re joined by Danny Jenkins, CEO of ThreatLocker,... 
Discussed in this episode:
S**t Happens in AI. Veeam Says It Has the Answer.
ThreatLocker launches Zero Trust network and cloud access to stop credential-based cyberattacks
Lettuce introduce you to the live frog found in this grocery store salad bag
 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3773false124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-123-more-cowbell--71925578
Discussed in this episode:
From Anthropic: Building a new enterprise AI services company with Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Goldman Sachs
Robot passenger causes flight delay in California 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71925578Fri, 08 May 2026 16:16:26 +0000MSP ChatComing to you live from Nerdio’s NerdioCon event in sunny Palm Springs, CA, Erick and Rich discuss why Anthropic’s new AI services venture for midsize businesses is the latest reason MSPs need to get moving on an AI strategy, as well as techniques for...
Discussed in this episode:
From Anthropic: Building a new enterprise AI services company with Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Goldman Sachs
Robot passenger causes flight delay in California 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>2831false123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-episode-delicious-feeling--71870825
Discussed in this episode:
2026 Kaseya State of the MSP Report
On-demand webinar: The MSP playbook: Insights from the 2026 State of MSP Report
Which brand won April Fools in 2026? 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71870825Tue, 05 May 2026 15:37:28 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Datto, Erick and Rich discuss why cyber resilience services continue to be a source of revenue and growth for MSPs and what that says about how they should construct their service portfolio and...
Discussed in this episode:
2026 Kaseya State of the MSP Report
On-demand webinar: The MSP playbook: Insights from the 2026 State of MSP Report
Which brand won April Fools in 2026? 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3792falsebonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-122-place-your-bets--71803962
Discussed in this episode:
MSP Chat Episode 88: From the Server Room to the Boardroom
Cynomi Redefines How MSPs Scale Cybersecurity Services and Growth with the Launch of New CISO Intelligence AI Agents
Police arrest man who replaced US$34,000 worth of Lego pieces with pasta 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71803962Fri, 01 May 2026 15:11:33 +0000MSP ChatLive from the Kaseya Connect 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich discuss Kaseya’s giant AI platform rollout and strategies for turning your renewal process into a retention machine. Then they’re joined by Cynomi CEO David Primor for an...
Discussed in this episode:
MSP Chat Episode 88: From the Server Room to the Boardroom
Cynomi Redefines How MSPs Scale Cybersecurity Services and Growth with the Launch of New CISO Intelligence AI Agents
Police arrest man who replaced US$34,000 worth of Lego pieces with pasta 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3904false122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-121-fomo-pressure--71593751
Discussed in this episode:
Business Resilience and the System of Speed
New Survey Highlights Gap Between Perceived AI Readiness and Tested Disaster Recovery CapabilityAutonomous but Not Controlled: AI Agent Incidents Now Common in Enterprises
Agentic AI’s Scary Security RisksChinese car company patents voice-activated 'in-vehicle toilet' 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71593751Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:01:50 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why agentic AI makes business resilience versus just cyber resilience a necessity for end users and a strategic relationship builder for MSPs, as well as why and how MSPs can boost net revenue retention with their clients. Then...
Discussed in this episode:
Business Resilience and the System of Speed
New Survey Highlights Gap Between Perceived AI Readiness and Tested Disaster Recovery CapabilityAutonomous but Not Controlled: AI Agent Incidents Now Common in Enterprises
5035false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-120-master-of-time-and-space--71379710
Discussed in this episode:By
Richard Stiennon: Mythos Preview Is a Break-Glass Moment
From beginning to end: Soccer team switches two coaches with opposite names Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered.

Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71379710Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:36:27 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what Anthropic’s Mythos Preview model and Project Glasswing initiative portend for the future of security in managed services as well as how to turn your service desk into a powerful extension of your sales organization. Then,...
Discussed in this episode:By
Richard Stiennon: Mythos Preview Is a Break-Glass Moment
From beginning to end: Soccer team switches two coaches with opposite names Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered.

Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>5150false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-episode-zero-tolerance--71293137
Discussed in this episode:
2026 Kaseya Cybersecurity Outlook Report
Backup and recovery solutionsRethinking cyber resilience for modern IT
Owl found napping on antique store shelf in New York
Real-life possum found hiding in soft-toy display at Tasmanian airport]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71293137Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:12:17 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Datto, Erick and Rich talk about why there’s still plenty of growth potential in backup and security for MSPs and why their clients need help in both areas now more than ever, as well as why...
Discussed in this episode:
2026 Kaseya Cybersecurity Outlook Report
Backup and recovery solutionsRethinking cyber resilience for modern IT3571falsebonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-119-lopsided-biceps--71235304
Discussed in this episode:

Balancing AI innovation and cost: The new FinOps mandate
Rev.io Doesn’t Fear Claude Code. It Loves It.
North Carolina flight delayed by bee swarm on turbine 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71235304Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:51:52 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why anyone using or selling LLM tokens badly needs FinOps help, as well as why an MSP’s onboarding process determines how long new clients stay, how much they spend, and how profitable they become. Then they’re joined by...
Discussed in this episode:

Balancing AI innovation and cost: The new FinOps mandate
Rev.io Doesn’t Fear Claude Code. It Loves It.
North Carolina flight delayed by bee swarm on turbine 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4611false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-118-that-newfangled-thing--71064920
Discussed in this episode:
Treeline Raises $25 Million to Reinvent IT ServicesSonic
Wall Reframes Annual Research Around SMB Protection Outcomes, Reveals the Seven Deadly Sins in 2026 Cyber Protect Report
Thieves steal 12 tons of KitKat bars in Europe chocolate heist
How a Massive KitKat Heist Turned Into Crisis PR Gold 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71064920Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:08:46 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Treeline, a new kind of venture capital-backed MSP with interesting implications for the competitive landscape, as well as tips for driving more business with clients by clarifying your value proposition. Then they’re joined by...
Discussed in this episode:
Treeline Raises $25 Million to Reinvent IT ServicesSonic
Wall Reframes Annual Research Around SMB Protection Outcomes, Reveals the Seven Deadly Sins in 2026 Cyber Protect Report
Thieves steal 12 tons of KitKat bars in Europe chocolate heist
4096false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-117-embrace-the-cookie-cutter--71007142
Discussed in this episode:

Closing the AI Governance Gap
Start Grow Manage home page
Decades ago, a Maryland sailor burned his winter socks. Now it's a spring tradition 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71007142Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:24:17 +0000MSP ChatLive from the 2026 RSA Conference in San Francisco, Erick and Rich discuss the puzzling lack of interest in AI governance among MSPs and a go-giver lead generation concept proven to work by Erick himself. Then they’re joined by Jeff Loehr and Joe...
Discussed in this episode:

Closing the AI Governance Gap
Start Grow Manage home page
Decades ago, a Maryland sailor burned his winter socks. Now it's a spring tradition 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4319false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-116-accidental-f-bomb--70765033
Discussed in this episode:
Summit Holdings Launches “MSP-as-a-Service” Operating Model to Help MSPs Scale Faster and Increase Recurring Revenue
Further thoughts on AI and managed services from Alex Stanton:
Mapping the Next Golden Age of Managed Services
AI “Systems of Action” Have Worrying Implications for PSA Vendors'Cheetozard' auction results in a Guinness World Record 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70765033Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:20:55 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss MSP-as-a-Service, a new outsourcing option for newcomers to managed services and existing MSPs who need more time to go all-in on building an AI practice, plus three practical steps any MSP can take to ensure they’re dedicating...
Discussed in this episode:
Summit Holdings Launches “MSP-as-a-Service” Operating Model to Help MSPs Scale Faster and Increase Recurring Revenue
Further thoughts on AI and managed services from Alex Stanton:
Mapping the Next Golden Age of Managed Services
AI “Systems of Action” Have Worrying Implications for PSA Vendors'Cheetozard' auction results in a Guinness World Record 
Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly...]]>5450false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-115-stick-the-landing--70628347
Discussed in this episode:

Slide Raises $70 Million Series B Led by General Catalyst to Expand Its Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Platform for Managed Service Providers
MSP Well websiteBuffalo Wild Wings unveils wing-flavored protein espresso martini 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70628347Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:40:20 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about why Slide’s Series B funding round, the MSP Well initiative, and GTIA’s 2026 Community and Councils Forum all underscore why community is more important than ever in the channel. Then Erick explains why reviewing client...
Discussed in this episode:

Slide Raises $70 Million Series B Led by General Catalyst to Expand Its Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Platform for Managed Service Providers
MSP Well websiteBuffalo Wild Wings unveils wing-flavored protein espresso martini 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3273false115fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-114-haves-and-have-nots/
Discussed in this episode:
Cybercrime Victimization Climbs to Record High 44% Over Five-Year Period
New N‑able and Futurum Report Reveals How AI is Reshaping Cyber Resilience
Overview of Omdia 2026 MSP Trends and Predictions Report
Callers to Washington state hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70487959Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:09:58 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss recent evidence about security awareness and alert fatigue that show why outsourced, AI-based automation must play a critical part in how MSPs protect their clients, as well as practical ways to enforce proper security with your...
Discussed in this episode:
Cybercrime Victimization Climbs to Record High 44% Over Five-Year Period
New N‑able and Futurum Report Reveals How AI is Reshaping Cyber Resilience
Overview of Omdia 2026 MSP Trends and Predictions Report
Callers to Washington state hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>5806false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-113-chatbot-doom-loop--70389583
Discussed in this episode:

MSPs Need to Accelerate AI Evolution. Distributors Say They Can Help.Scale
Pad MSP Trends Report 2026
Uber employees have an AI clone of CEO Dara Khosrowshahi — and use 'Dara AI' before talking to the big boss himself 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70389583Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:45:28 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the right and wrong way to think about automating customer relationships with AI, as well as the connection between scalable service delivery and attractive exit prices. Then they’re joined by ScalePad CEO Chris Day for a deep...
Discussed in this episode:

MSPs Need to Accelerate AI Evolution. Distributors Say They Can Help.Scale
Pad MSP Trends Report 2026
Uber employees have an AI clone of CEO Dara Khosrowshahi — and use 'Dara AI' before talking to the big boss himself 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>5183false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-112-no-seagulling--70143824
Discussed in this episode:
Summary of Omdia’s 2026 MSP predictions
Lexful Goes God-Mode on AI
Boxer loses hairpiece in the ring and blames mother’s shampoo

 Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70143824Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:05:39 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the reasons MSPs need to be implementing AI automation tools and the risk limits they should consider when doing so, as well as concrete strategies for growing profits and exit value by simplifying your tool stack and customer...
Discussed in this episode:
Summary of Omdia’s 2026 MSP predictions
Lexful Goes God-Mode on AI
Boxer loses hairpiece in the ring and blames mother’s shampoo

 Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4070false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-111-the-wave-is-here--70038544
Discussed in this episode:
AI is a Growing Business Yet Risky Bet for Channel Partners
IDC North America Partner Landscape 2025: Vendor Relations, Cloud Marketplaces, and Distribution
Introducing Google Cloud Partner Network: What partners should know
Dallas 12-year-old achieves nuclear fusion after four years of effort 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70038544Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:01:03 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why the channel’s AI maturity is stuck in a three-year rut according to IDC and what MSPs can do about it, plus strategies for converting focus and discipline into accelerated growth. Then they’re joined by the managing director...
Discussed in this episode:
AI is a Growing Business Yet Risky Bet for Channel Partners
IDC North America Partner Landscape 2025: Vendor Relations, Cloud Marketplaces, and Distribution
Introducing Google Cloud Partner Network: What partners should know
Dallas 12-year-old achieves nuclear fusion after four years of effort 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3950false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-110-buying-into-florida--69830591
Discussed in this episode:
AI-Native IT Documentation Platform Redefines How MSPs Work, Solving Pain Points and Generating Value in Real Time
Mega MSPs Are Old News. Say Hello to the Mega Megas.
By Abraham Garver: Unlocking Higher MSP Multiples: How Peer Group M&A Outshines Conference Connections
Seahawks fan hasn’t cut his hair since Super Bowl 49 loss, won’t until Seattle wins again

 Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69830591Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:21:52 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Lexful’s ambitions to build the ultimate AI-native data repository for MSPs, as well as proven strategies for updating your managed services prices between renewals. Then they’re joined by M&A expert Abraham Garver of FOCUS...
Discussed in this episode:
AI-Native IT Documentation Platform Redefines How MSPs Work, Solving Pain Points and Generating Value in Real Time
Mega MSPs Are Old News. Say Hello to the Mega Megas.
By Abraham Garver: Unlocking Higher MSP Multiples: How Peer Group M&A Outshines Conference Connections
Seahawks fan hasn’t cut his hair since Super Bowl 49 loss, won’t until Seattle wins again

 Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4452false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-109-inherited-chaos--69677814
Discussed in this episode:

Flamingo home page (including links to OpenMSP and OpenFrame)
Flamingo’s Unorthodox Plan to Turn MSP Systems of Record into Loss Leaders
The Top 10 Most Overused Email Buzzwords 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69677814Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:06:52 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the impact that security and AI maturity are having on MSP valuations and three concrete techniques for increasing valuations by increasing EBITDA. Then they’re joined by Michael Assraf, CEO and founder of Flamingo, to explore...
Discussed in this episode:

Flamingo home page (including links to OpenMSP and OpenFrame)
Flamingo’s Unorthodox Plan to Turn MSP Systems of Record into Loss Leaders
The Top 10 Most Overused Email Buzzwords 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4339false109fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-108-you-got-chocolate-in-my-peanut-butter/
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise To Acquire zofiQ—Bringing AI-Powered Automation to IT Solution Providers
MSP Chat interview with Lee Silverstone of zofiQ
A Channelholic article on Thread
Waymo passenger flees after car drives on Phoenix light rail tracks 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69554348Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:04:27 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what ConnectWise buying zofiQ says about the future of AI automation and tool stacks for MSPs and how to make sales excellence as important a part of your culture as technical excellence. Then they’re joined by two top...
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise To Acquire zofiQ—Bringing AI-Powered Automation to IT Solution Providers
MSP Chat interview with Lee Silverstone of zofiQ
A Channelholic article on Thread
Waymo passenger flees after car drives on Phoenix light rail tracks 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4758false108fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-107-s-mores-for-the-channel--69448899
Discussed in this episode:

Ingram Micro’s Crawl, Walk, Run Strategy for Partner AI
Omdia: Data centre, AI services and cloud marketplaces to drive partner growth in 2026
Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.8% in 2026, Exceeding $6 Trillion For the First TimeThe Business of Tech podcast
MSP Radio Acquires Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider University
A Welcome Investment in the Spirit of MSP Community
Monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis and AI is complicating efforts to capture them 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69448899Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:27:40 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the easily overlooked opportunity for MSPs in AI prep work like implementing infrastructure and how MSPs can prepare themselves operationally to meet rising end user demand for AI services and solutions. Then they’re joined by...
Discussed in this episode:

Ingram Micro’s Crawl, Walk, Run Strategy for Partner AI
Omdia: Data centre, AI services and cloud marketplaces to drive partner growth in 2026
Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.8% in 2026, Exceeding $6 Trillion For the First TimeThe Business of Tech podcast
MSP Radio Acquires Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider University
3532false107fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-106-the-ai-shts-getting-real/
Discussed in this episode:
AI “Systems of Action” Have Worrying Implications for PSA Vendors
By Kevin Lancaster: MSPs, the AI $hit is about to get real
By Kevin Lancaster: The 2026 AI Maturity Model for MSPs
Microsoft Discovers MSPs. Again.
The Case of the $400,000 Massachusetts Lobster Heist 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69367668Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:39:00 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why the rise of AI-native “systems of action” poses a potential threat to the future of PSA solutions, as well as strategies for building an effective, valuation-boosting MSP leadership team. Then they’re joined by Kevin...
Discussed in this episode:
AI “Systems of Action” Have Worrying Implications for PSA Vendors
By Kevin Lancaster: MSPs, the AI $hit is about to get real
By Kevin Lancaster: The 2026 AI Maturity Model for MSPs
Microsoft Discovers MSPs. Again.
The Case of the $400,000 Massachusetts Lobster Heist 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4749false106fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-105-slop--69242713
Discussed in this episode:
AI’s potential excites executives and investors, but general public remains skeptical, survey says
CEOs to Keep Spending on AI, Despite Spotty Returns
Fathom Insights: Rising AI Use, Rising Calls for Action
How People Around the World View AI
Microsoft Discovers MSPs. Again.
Microsoft Intune Blog: Addressing multi-tenant management challenges for MSPs with Microsoft Intune and partner innovations
Merriam-Webster names ‘slop’ the word of the year 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69242713Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:57:36 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss overcoming the gap between employer enthusiasm toward AI and employee mistrust, plus strategies MSPs can use for transitioning from IT provider to business consultant. Then they’re joined by Jason Ulacio of informer to explore...
Discussed in this episode:
AI’s potential excites executives and investors, but general public remains skeptical, survey says
CEOs to Keep Spending on AI, Despite Spotty Returns
Fathom Insights: Rising AI Use, Rising Calls for Action
How People Around the World View AI
Microsoft Discovers MSPs. Again.
3810false105fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-104-ai-dog-years--69110783
Discussed in this episode:
Jim Siders joins Shield Technology Partners as Chief Executive Officer
Merch commemorating drunk Virginia raccoon raises over $250,000 for animal shelter
SNL’s drunk raccoon sketch
Trashed panda merch 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69110783Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:09:44 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what MSPs should make of AI-native, venture-funded MSP rollup Shield Technology Partners working side-by-side with OpenAI and hiring a C-level Palantir executive as its new CEO, as well as how and why to design your MSP for exit...
Discussed in this episode:
Jim Siders joins Shield Technology Partners as Chief Executive Officer
Merch commemorating drunk Virginia raccoon raises over $250,000 for animal shelter
SNL’s drunk raccoon sketch
Trashed panda merch 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored. ]]>4738false104fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-103-controlled-chaos--68985561
Discussed in this episode:
News Flash: Networks and Endpoints Still Exist
Cisco 360 Partner Program Empowers Partners to Drive Profitability in an AI Era
Cisco Simplifies Security for Managed Service Providers, Accelerating Their Hybrid Mesh Firewall Deployments and Business Growth
Drone drops crab legs, steak and weed into South Carolina prison: “Folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay crab boil” 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68985561Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:11:39 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about strategies for changing endpoint and network management from increasingly commoditized services to profit engines, as well as three strategies for accelerating MSP growth in AI, cloud, and remote productivity. Then they’re...
Discussed in this episode:
News Flash: Networks and Endpoints Still Exist
Cisco 360 Partner Program Empowers Partners to Drive Profitability in an AI Era
Cisco Simplifies Security for Managed Service Providers, Accelerating Their Hybrid Mesh Firewall Deployments and Business Growth
Drone drops crab legs, steak and weed into South Carolina prison: “Folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay crab boil” 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3706false103fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-102-cyber-wargames/
Discussed in this episode:
Veeam Data Platform v13 Launches and Redefines the Standard for Cyber Resilience, Advanced Data Protection, Security and Identity Controls, and AI-Powered Intelligence
A New Era for Accelerating Safe AI at Scale: Veeam to Acquire Securiti AI; Unifies Data Resilience with DSPM, Privacy and AI Trust
Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68890444Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:19:42 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Veeam’s addition of AI data to its data protection mission and what that says more broadly about challenges and opportunities in security for MSPs, as well as concrete tactics for retaining good clients and filtering out bad...
Discussed in this episode:
Veeam Data Platform v13 Launches and Redefines the Standard for Cyber Resilience, Advanced Data Protection, Security and Identity Controls, and AI-Powered Intelligence
A New Era for Accelerating Safe AI at Scale: Veeam to Acquire Securiti AI; Unifies Data Resilience with DSPM, Privacy and AI Trust
Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3891false102fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-101-trading-fours/
Discussed in this episode:
Episode 5: Navigating the Managed Services Landscape in the Cloud Age
Episode 20: Cracking the Code on MSP Relationships
Episode 27: Why M&A is Still OK for MSPs
Episode 59: End Game of End Games
Episode 62: Rough is Enough
Episode 66: It Takes a Community to Secure an End User
Episode 71: Don’t Buy Voldemort
Episode 74: No Timmies Allowed
Episode 76: Human to Human
Episode 77: 75 Days of Uptime
Episode 88: From the Server Room to the Boardroom
Episode 95: Kirk Versus Picard 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68762720Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:37:51 +0000MSP ChatJust in time for Thanksgiving, Erick and Rich celebrate 100 episodes of MSP Chat by trading thoughts on the show’s most thought-provoking, headline-grabbing, memory-making conversations. Then, just for fun, they share their favorite “One Last Thing”...
Discussed in this episode:
Episode 5: Navigating the Managed Services Landscape in the Cloud Age
Episode 20: Cracking the Code on MSP Relationships
Episode 27: Why M&A is Still OK for MSPs
Episode 59: End Game of End Games
Episode 62: Rough is Enough
Episode 66: It Takes a Community to Secure an End User
1805false101fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-100-caffeine-foul/
Discussed in this episode:
Top Down Ventures Announces Release of its Industry-first Research Report: The State of MSP Capital in the Age of AI
Coffee-stealing parrot captured at South Korean cafe

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68679648Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:23:50 +0000MSP ChatOr is it caffeine fowl? You decide after listening to Erick and Rich discuss why venture capital funds are flooding into makers of AI software for SMBs and MSPs, plus tips on the most effective ways for MSPs to get lead generation mileage out of brief...
Discussed in this episode:
Top Down Ventures Announces Release of its Industry-first Research Report: The State of MSP Capital in the Age of AI
Coffee-stealing parrot captured at South Korean cafe

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3610false100fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-99-hugs-for-customers--68568451
Discussed in this episode:

MSP Chat Episode 35: Achieving Media Mastery
From The Business of Tech: Datto Sues Slide: An Exclusive Investigative Report
‘I try to make them feel as ignorant as possible’: German museum’s ‘grumpy guide’ is surprise hit 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68568451Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:23:25 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about the refreshing candor with which ConnectWise acknowledged past mistakes at its IT Nation Connect event and whether or not MSPs will buy into its plans to do better going forward, as well as tips for getting attention and...
Discussed in this episode:

MSP Chat Episode 35: Achieving Media Mastery
From The Business of Tech: Datto Sues Slide: An Exclusive Investigative Report
‘I try to make them feel as ignorant as possible’: German museum’s ‘grumpy guide’ is surprise hit 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>2889false99fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-98-ai-is-coming-for-us/
Discussed in this episode:
zofiQ Takes on the Hyperautomation Big Boy
sYes, There’s a Parallel Parking Championship, and I Was a Contender

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68491433Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:44:27 +0000MSP ChatJoin Erick and Rich for a whirlwind visit to two tech conferences. First up is Ingram Micro’s ONE show, where they discuss the new definition of distribution in the age of AI as well as tactics for raising rates in response to rising costs without...
Discussed in this episode:
zofiQ Takes on the Hyperautomation Big Boy
sYes, There’s a Parallel Parking Championship, and I Was a Contender

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4134false98fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-97-buzzword-soup-of-the-day--68344743
Discussed in this episode:

Security Risks of Agentic AI: A Model Context Protocol (MCP) Introduction
Securing the Agentic AI Control Plane: Announcing the MCP Security Resource Center

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68344743Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:47:53 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the MCP protocol’s underappreciated security risks and how to handle clients at financial risk due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Then they’re joined by Glenn Mathis, CEO of Integris, to discuss a giant MSP’s...
Discussed in this episode:

Security Risks of Agentic AI: A Model Context Protocol (MCP) Introduction
Securing the Agentic AI Control Plane: Announcing the MCP Security Resource Center

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4045false97fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-96-surfjacked--68262777
Discussed in this episode:
Are we in an AI bubble?
Move Over, Private Equity. Venture Capital is Investing in MSPs Too.
Shield Technology Partners Is Building Something Totally New in Managed Services
Surfboard-stealing otter attacks resume at California beach 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68262777Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:54:10 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss whether or not we’re in an AI bubble and how much MSPs should be worried if we are, before exploring strategies for increasing profitability and client retention by selling outcomes instead of tools. Then they’re joined by the...
Discussed in this episode:
Are we in an AI bubble?
Move Over, Private Equity. Venture Capital is Investing in MSPs Too.
Shield Technology Partners Is Building Something Totally New in Managed Services
Surfboard-stealing otter attacks resume at California beach 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3232false96fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-95-kirk-versus-picard/
Discussed in this episode:
Forrester Research: Global Cybersecurity Spending To Exceed $300B By 2029Comp
TIA: State of Cybersecurity 2025
Cyprus has a cat problem: One feline for every resident 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68174400Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:53:34 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the opportunity in cybersecurity for MSPs and the skills gap contributing to it, plus three strategies for coping with competition, client budget constraints, and profitability pressures. Then they moderate a panel discussion on...
Discussed in this episode:
Forrester Research: Global Cybersecurity Spending To Exceed $300B By 2029Comp
TIA: State of Cybersecurity 2025
Cyprus has a cat problem: One feline for every resident 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>5045true95fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-94-right-industry-right-time--68083563
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Acquires Leading AI-Powered Email Security Provider INKY
Nobel committee unable to reach prize winner who is ‘living his best life’ hiking off grid 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68083563Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:35:10 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what Kaseya buying INKY says about the strategies stand-alone security vendors must embrace to remain competitive in the future, and why stand-alone MSPs competing with rollups should employ those strategies too. Then they’re...
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Acquires Leading AI-Powered Email Security Provider INKY
Nobel committee unable to reach prize winner who is ‘living his best life’ hiking off grid 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3185false92fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-93-jet-engine-on-a-paper-plane/
Discussed in this episode:
MIT report: 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing
Music by Ed Morales
California police pull over a self-driving Waymo for an illegal U-turn, but they can’t ticket 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67988949Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:31:22 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about some flaws in that now famous MIT study suggesting that 95% of AI pilots end in failure, as well as three techniques for setting the right AI expectations with your clients. Then they're joined by TD SYNNEX executives Ed...
Discussed in this episode:
MIT report: 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing
Music by Ed Morales
California police pull over a self-driving Waymo for an illegal U-turn, but they can’t ticket 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4614false93fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-92-sherlocked/
Discussed in this episode:
Microsoft blog post: Addressing multi-tenant management challenges for MSPs with Microsoft Intune and partner innovations
Dolphins ‘deliberately get high’ on puffer fish nerve toxins by carefully chewing and passing them around 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67944386Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:21:51 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Microsoft’s newfound interest in SMBs and their MSP partners as a source of cloud growth, plus three tips for avoiding client onboarding chaos. Then Rich is joined by Michael George and Dee Zepf of Syncro for a conversation...
Discussed in this episode:
Microsoft blog post: Addressing multi-tenant management challenges for MSPs with Microsoft Intune and partner innovations
Dolphins ‘deliberately get high’ on puffer fish nerve toxins by carefully chewing and passing them around 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>3785false92fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-91-eaten-alive--67854435From Prompt to Profit: The MSP Playbook for AI-Driven Client Success. And finally, one last thing: A new AI-based podcast service that spells certain doom for Erick, Rich, and MSP Chat. 

Discussed in this episode:

From Prompt to Profit: The MSP Playbook for AI-Driven Client Success
5,000 Podcasts. 3,000 Episodes a Week. $1 Cost Per Episode — Behind an AI Start Up’s Plan 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67854435Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:01:32 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Syncro CEO Michael George’s take on why Microsoft is destined to dominate the managed services landscape and what that means for MSPs and vendors alike, as well as techniques for protecting your clients from deepfake phishing...From Prompt to Profit: The MSP Playbook for AI-Driven Client Success. And finally, one last thing: A new AI-based podcast service that spells certain doom for Erick, Rich, and MSP Chat. 

Discussed in this episode:

From Prompt to Profit: The MSP Playbook for AI-Driven Client Success
5,000 Podcasts. 3,000 Episodes a Week. $1 Cost Per Episode — Behind an AI Start Up’s Plan 

Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.]]>4562false91fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-90-bullet-train/
Discussed in this episode:
General Catalyst’s Latest AI Bet Is in IT
New AI Platform Darcy
IQ Automates Deal Flow and Accelerates Win Rates for B2B Services Companies
IT Nation Evolve peer groups
Signup form for Arlin’s private daily morning email list that covers faith, family, and business
For information on Arlin’s success to significance peer groups and legacy planning, email arlin@arlinsorensen.com
Guinness World Records turns 70 - and highlights some unclaimed records]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67760241Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:32:48 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss DarcyIQ and Titan, two companies whose rapid progress in AI for managed services underscores why MSPs need to take AI seriously ASAP, plus three tips for scaling your business without adding headcount. Then they’re joined by...
Discussed in this episode:
General Catalyst’s Latest AI Bet Is in IT
New AI Platform Darcy
IQ Automates Deal Flow and Accelerates Win Rates for B2B Services Companies
IT Nation Evolve peer groups
3924false90fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-89-feature-product-platform/
Discussed in this episode:
The Challenges to Ensuring Information Is Secure, Compliant and Ready for AI, a report by OpenText and Ponemon Institute
Top Down Ventures
The Top Down LinkedIn Newsletter
Top Down Horizons event
A New York woman dug for 3 weeks to find her own engagement ring diamond]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67636552Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:42:23 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about the growing need for virtual Chief AI Officers and what it means for an MSP to be one, plus tips on selling cybersecurity services without actually selling. Then they’re joined by Joel Abramson and Mark Scott of Top Down...
Discussed in this episode:
The Challenges to Ensuring Information Is Secure, Compliant and Ready for AI, a report by OpenText and Ponemon Institute
Top Down Ventures
The Top Down LinkedIn Newsletter
5168false89fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-88-from-the-server-room-to-the-boardroom/
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Wants to Sell AI Through MSPs As Well As To Them
Pizzeria mishap left at least 85 people intoxicated with THC after infused oil used for dough]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67546118Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:04:17 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the present-day opportunity for MSPs in cloud FinOps and the emerging need for AI FinOps, plus some proven advice for managing service desk capacity for maximum efficiency and minimum employee churn. Then Rich is joined by...
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Wants to Sell AI Through MSPs As Well As To Them
Pizzeria mishap left at least 85 people intoxicated with THC after infused oil used for dough]]>3920false88fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-87-growing-or-dying/
Discussed in this episode:
The New Rules of Partner Programs are Still TBD
10 Tips for Modern MSPs to Evaluate Vendor Channel Programs
Man posed as an ambassador and ran a fake embassy, Indian police say]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67474541Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:03:01 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the multiple issues (and yes, AI is one of them) leading more MSPs to consider joining forces with a rollup rather than go it alone, plus three criteria MSPs should apply when evaluating vendor partner programs. Then they’re...
Discussed in this episode:
The New Rules of Partner Programs are Still TBD
10 Tips for Modern MSPs to Evaluate Vendor Channel Programs
Man posed as an ambassador and ran a fake embassy, Indian police say]]>3857false87fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-86-the-ensaasification-of-everything/
Discussed in this episode:
Building the Workforce of the AI Future
How a “People Company” is Going AI
There’s No ServiceNow for MSPs. Xurrent Aims to Close That Gap.
A zoo in Denmark asked patrons to donate their pets. Not as attractions, but for food]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67375690Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:09:46 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss early examples of how MSPs are re-tooling their workforce for the age of agentic AI as well as effective, empathetic techniques for addressing underperforming staff members. Then they’re joined by Chris Black, technical advisor...
Discussed in this episode:
Building the Workforce of the AI Future
How a “People Company” is Going AI
There’s No ServiceNow for MSPs. Xurrent Aims to Close That Gap.
A zoo in Denmark asked patrons to donate their pets. Not as attractions, but for food]]>3601false86fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-85-thinking-bigger/
Discussed in this episode:
Is Your Next Help Desk Tech Named Claude?
Slide is Living in the MCP Future
Radioactive wasp nest found at site where US once made nuclear bombs]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67265479Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:48:22 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why LLMs, chatbots, and MCP could combine to revolutionize the way technicians interact with RMM, PSA, and other line-of-business systems, as well as how delivering business resilience rather mere uptime can be a ticket to...
Discussed in this episode:
Is Your Next Help Desk Tech Named Claude?
Slide is Living in the MCP Future
Radioactive wasp nest found at site where US once made nuclear bombs]]>3887false85fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-84-if-you-build-it-will-they-come/
Discussed in this episode:
UKON Announces Strategic Partnerships with Cork, CreditPulse, Blackpoint Cyber, and SeedPod
Spectra Releases Certification of Resilience for MSPs; Launches Advisory Board
‘Come with me, Chuck E’: Florida police arrest mascot for credit card fraud as children look on]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67242156Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:56:21 +0000MSP ChatLive and side by side at GTIA’s ChannelCon event in Nashville, Erick and Rich discuss Pax8’s bold plan to re-invent marketplaces for the agentic AI era, and a roadmap MSPs can use to get started in AI services before it’s too late. Then they’re joined...
Discussed in this episode:
UKON Announces Strategic Partnerships with Cork, CreditPulse, Blackpoint Cyber, and SeedPod
Spectra Releases Certification of Resilience for MSPs; Launches Advisory Board
‘Come with me, Chuck E’: Florida police arrest mascot for credit card fraud as children look on]]>5920false84fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-83-private-equity-without-private-equity--67089857
Discussed in this episode:
AI-Native Approaches to AI-Era Managed Services
InfiltrateIQ’s AI to Z Approach to Pen Testing
There are Riches in Niches in AI for MSPs
MSP Owners GroupRoughly 1,500 tarantulas found stuffed in boxes meant for chocolate cake]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67089857Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:36:10 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the pros and cons for MSPs of placing bets on today’s emerging crop of startup AI automation vendors and the best practice roadmap for helping clients make AI-driven business model shifts. Then they’re joined by Juan Fernandez,...
Discussed in this episode:
AI-Native Approaches to AI-Era Managed Services
InfiltrateIQ’s AI to Z Approach to Pen Testing
There are Riches in Niches in AI for MSPs
MSP Owners GroupRoughly 1,500 tarantulas found stuffed in boxes meant for chocolate cake]]>4402false83fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-82-break-fix-of-the-future--67022824
Discussed in this episode:
73% of Organizations With up to 2,000 Employees Rely on MSPs to Manage the Security Challenges of Growth
AI-Enabled Robot Performs Gallbladder Surgery]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67022824Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:26:44 +0000MSP ChatWondering about the future of managed services? Erick and Rich (who’s back after a multi-week absence) explain why new research from Barracuda suggests offering consultative security and AI services to midsize businesses is a big part of the answer....
Discussed in this episode:
73% of Organizations With up to 2,000 Employees Rely on MSPs to Manage the Security Challenges of Growth
AI-Enabled Robot Performs Gallbladder Surgery]]>3183false82fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-81-sewer-gators-are-real--66765557MSP 501 rankings from Channel Futures—the industry’s gold standard for identifying top-performing managed service providers. He breaks down why this data-driven list matters, how it boosts credibility, attracts vendors, and fuels internal momentum, and highlights the top trends driving this year’s winners—like AI adoption, security-first service models, and compliance-driven growth. Next, he explains why the time is now to update your LinkedIn profile. Then, Erick shares insights from his on-site interview with Bill Brandel, EVP and President, North America at Ingram Micro, recorded live at the Trust X Alliance Unplugged 2025 event in Philadelphia, where “connection” was the theme of the day. And finally, one last thing: Sewer Gators are real—and they’re living their best lives underground in Florida. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Why the MSP 501 matters (even if you didn’t make the list)
• Ingram Micro TrustX Alliance Unplugged 2025
• One Last Thing: Florida’s not-so-mythical alligator in the sewer system

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66765557Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:46:50 +0000MSP ChatThis week, Erick flies solo and dives into the newly released 2025 MSP 501 rankings from Channel Futures—the industry’s gold standard for identifying top-performing managed service providers. He breaks down why this data-driven list matters, how it...MSP 501 rankings from Channel Futures—the industry’s gold standard for identifying top-performing managed service providers. He breaks down why this data-driven list matters, how it boosts credibility, attracts vendors, and fuels internal momentum, and highlights the top trends driving this year’s winners—like AI adoption, security-first service models, and compliance-driven growth. Next, he explains why the time is now to update your LinkedIn profile. Then, Erick shares insights from his on-site interview with Bill Brandel, EVP and President, North America at Ingram Micro, recorded live at the Trust X Alliance Unplugged 2025 event in Philadelphia, where “connection” was the theme of the day. And finally, one last thing: Sewer Gators are real—and they’re living their best lives underground in Florida. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Why the MSP 501 matters (even if you didn’t make the list)
• Ingram Micro TrustX Alliance Unplugged 2025
• One Last Thing: Florida’s not-so-mythical alligator in the sewer system

]]>1679false81fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-80-this-is-why-we-can-t-have-nice-things--66646162
Discussed in this episode:
16 Billion Apple, Facebook, Google And Other Passwords Leaked
Pax8 Beyond 2025 Day 1 Recap
Stanley Cup damaged as the Florida Panthers celebrate a second straight championship]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66646162Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:06:25 +0000MSP ChatA staggering 16 billion credentials linked to major services—Apple, Facebook, Google, and more—have just been confirmed leaked and Erick explores the grim reality and potential aftermath, and what it means for MSPs, as well as the types of AI services...
Discussed in this episode:
16 Billion Apple, Facebook, Google And Other Passwords Leaked
Pax8 Beyond 2025 Day 1 Recap
Stanley Cup damaged as the Florida Panthers celebrate a second straight championship]]>2533false80fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-79-pax8-nerdio-making-ai-real-for-msps--66536845
Then Erick is joined by Nerdio CRO Joseph Landes on the floor at Pax8 Beyond 25 for a wide-ranging discussion on best practices for building a profitable Microsoft Cloud practice, what’s next for Nerdio partners, and why automation is key to solving the MSP talent gap.

Discussed in this episode:
Pax8’s Integrations Hub: Marketplace Stickiness via Automation
Nerdio’s AI-Powered Cloud Management Platform]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66536845Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:28:14 +0000MSP ChatFresh from the floor at Pax8 Beyond 25, Erick and Rich break down one of the event’s biggest announcements: the launch of PAX8’s new Integrations Hub and what it reveals about the evolving role of distribution, marketplaces, and the push for vendor...
Then Erick is joined by Nerdio CRO Joseph Landes on the floor at Pax8 Beyond 25 for a wide-ranging discussion on best practices for building a profitable Microsoft Cloud practice, what’s next for Nerdio partners, and why automation is key to solving the MSP talent gap.

Discussed in this episode:
Pax8’s Integrations Hub: Marketplace Stickiness via Automation
Nerdio’s AI-Powered Cloud Management Platform]]>2552false79fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-78-the-holy-triangle/
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Launches PSA Powered by Asio and Connect
Wise Pro at IT Nation Secure 2025Australian woman completes 7,079 pull-ups in 24 hours]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66416537Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:01:52 +0000MSP ChatSpeaking just after this week’s ConnectWise IT Nation Secure event, Erick and Rich discuss the simplified new ConnectWise Pro subscription plan and best practices for optimizing your client agreements before an exit. Then they’re joined by John...
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Launches PSA Powered by Asio and Connect
Wise Pro at IT Nation Secure 2025Australian woman completes 7,079 pull-ups in 24 hours]]>3817false78fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-77-75-days-of-uptime/
 Discussed in this episode:
In Defense of Seams
Atera Autopilot is (Almost Eerily) Live
Thousands of people have embarked on a virtual road trip via Google Street View]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66333619Fri, 30 May 2025 16:02:35 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich ponder the tradeoffs of using an all-inclusive managed services platform versus going with best of breed as well as techniques for migrating managed service clients to a standardized services stack. Then they’re joined by Yoav Susz,...
 Discussed in this episode:
In Defense of Seams
Atera Autopilot is (Almost Eerily) Live
Thousands of people have embarked on a virtual road trip via Google Street View]]>4552false77fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-76-human-to-human/
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Brings B2C Rewards to B2B Relationships
TD SYNNEX Partner Loyalty program
TD SYNNEX PartnerLINK program
LegoGPT is here to make your blocky dreams come true]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66187269Fri, 23 May 2025 15:46:14 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why vendors are introducing partner loyalty programs and how MSPs can cement their position as trusted advisors while locking in revenue by aligning IT budget discussions with a client’s financial planning cycles. Then they’re...
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Brings B2C Rewards to B2B Relationships
TD SYNNEX Partner Loyalty program
TD SYNNEX PartnerLINK program
LegoGPT is here to make your blocky dreams come true]]>2530false76fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-75-dropping-the-ai-bomb/Discussed in this episode:
There’s Money in AI. There’s Profit in Vertical AI.
Exclusive Networks: Aggregating Services
Blog post by Abraham Garver: Unlocking Higher MSP Multiples: How Peer Group M&A Outshines Conference Connections]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66104682Fri, 16 May 2025 15:33:09 +0000MSP ChatInspired by the panel discussion they led at a recent conference, Erick and Rich discuss how real MSPs are making real money in AI, as well as three proven techniques for increasing the value of your managed services business in a crowded M&A...Discussed in this episode:
There’s Money in AI. There’s Profit in Vertical AI.
Exclusive Networks: Aggregating Services
Blog post by Abraham Garver: Unlocking Higher MSP Multiples: How Peer Group M&A Outshines Conference Connections]]>3728false75fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-74-no-timmies-allowed--66005267
Discussed in this episode:
Death to Seams
How the democracy sausage, a polling day snack, became Australia’s election symbol]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66005267Fri, 09 May 2025 15:49:00 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss efforts by Kaseya and Syncro to eliminate the seams between “seamlessly integrated” products by fusing them all into one solution, as well as strategic, non-salesy ways to upsell your clients. Then they take you live to the...
Discussed in this episode:
Death to Seams
How the democracy sausage, a polling day snack, became Australia’s election symbol]]>4947false74fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-73-naked-farm-to-table/Discussed in this episode:
2025: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Born
N‑able Report Reveals the Future of the SOC Relies on AI, While Human Intervention Remains Essential
Kaseya announces latest innovations at Connect 2025
Seattle goes full bloom on naked gardening day]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65832097Fri, 02 May 2025 15:49:17 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the long-term implications for MSPs of new research on agentic AI from Microsoft and N-able, as well as how and why MSPs should get back to often forgotten sales basics. Then they’re joined live from the Kaseya Connect...Discussed in this episode:
2025: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Born
N‑able Report Reveals the Future of the SOC Relies on AI, While Human Intervention Remains Essential
Kaseya announces latest innovations at Connect 2025
Seattle goes full bloom on naked gardening day]]>3003false73fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-72-certificate-tsunami/
Discussed in this episode:
Fear Itself
Seattle crosswalk buttons hacked to sound like Jeff Bezos; SDOT exploring ‘stronger security measures’]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65706414Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:48:36 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss how economic uncertainty is affecting IT spending plans, as well as what MSPs can do to navigate declining markets, supply chain disruptions, and other challenges to service delivery and profits. Then they’re joined by Mark...
Discussed in this episode:
Fear Itself
Seattle crosswalk buttons hacked to sound like Jeff Bezos; SDOT exploring ‘stronger security measures’]]>4018ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse72fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-71-dont-buy-voldemort/
Discussed in this episode:
Will Shadow AI Make SaaS Management Mainstream?
Cyber RISE home page
Middle-Aged Man Trading Cards Go Viral in Rural Japan Town]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65627731Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:27:20 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why AI might be the spur MSPs need to take SaaS app management as seriously as they do device management, as well as why and how to avoid the dangers that come with letting too few clients account for too much revenue. Then...
Discussed in this episode:
Will Shadow AI Make SaaS Management Mainstream?
Cyber RISE home page
Middle-Aged Man Trading Cards Go Viral in Rural Japan Town]]>3971ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse71fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-70-cheer-not-fear/
Discussed in this episode:
Slide Says No to Platform
Slide website
Oral Hygiene Just Got Crispy: KFC Drops Fried Chicken-Flavored Toothpaste (Yes, It’s Real)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65484001Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:25:39 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the tailwinds and headwinds that Slide, Datto founder Austin McChord’s new BDR venture, is likely to face in the MSP marketplace as well the secrets to charging user-based prices that reflect your service delivery costs...
Discussed in this episode:
Slide Says No to Platform
Slide website
Oral Hygiene Just Got Crispy: KFC Drops Fried Chicken-Flavored Toothpaste (Yes, It’s Real)]]>4141false70fullhttps://mspmastered.com/podcasts/episode-69-bad-news-quickly-good-news-slowly/
Discussed in this episode:
Logicalis 2025 CIO Report: CIOs under pressure to deliver a return on innovation
“It May Seem Like a Prank, but It’s No Joke!” 7-Eleven Teases Strange New Donut With Mysterious Filling
Kaseya Connect 2025 website. Use code “MSPChat20” for 20% off on admission.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65391493Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:21:55 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the gap between how much business leaders want AI solutions and how unsatisfied they are with the solutions they’re getting, and why most MSPs should have at least one tech doing nothing but Level 1 help desk work. Then they’re...
Discussed in this episode:
Logicalis 2025 CIO Report: CIOs under pressure to deliver a return on innovation
“It May Seem Like a Prank, but It’s No Joke!” 7-Eleven Teases Strange New Donut With Mysterious Filling
Kaseya Connect 2025 website. Use code “MSPChat20” for 20% off on admission.]]>4352false69fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-68-throwing-flags/
Discussed in this episode:
Don’t Sell Hardware
Vowel movement: Abrdn renames itself Aberdeen to remove ‘distractions’]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65135805Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:19:26 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss HP’s solution-focused strategy for avoiding hardware commoditization and three tactics for improving MRR predictability. Then they’re joined by Tim Golden of Compliance Scorecard for an expert’s take on why and how to get into...
Discussed in this episode:
Don’t Sell Hardware
Vowel movement: Abrdn renames itself Aberdeen to remove ‘distractions’]]>3628falsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-67-the-north-star/Discussed in this episode:
New details about ConnectWise’s forthcoming pricing options
NinjaOne Secures $5 Billion Valuation and $500 Million Funding to Redefine Automated Endpoint Management
Colombian police catch a man smuggling packets of cocaine under toupee
Man found with a live turtle concealed in his pants by TSA at a New Jersey airport]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65009476Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:03:23 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss new pricing options coming this summer from ConnectWise and techniques for prodding reluctant clients to adopt security best practices. Then they’re joined by Peter Bretton, vice president of product strategy at NinjaOne, for a...Discussed in this episode:
New details about ConnectWise’s forthcoming pricing options
NinjaOne Secures $5 Billion Valuation and $500 Million Funding to Redefine Automated Endpoint Management
Colombian police catch a man smuggling packets of cocaine under toupee
Man found with a live turtle concealed in his pants by TSA at a New Jersey airport]]>3440ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse67fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-66-it-takes-a-community-to-secure-an-end-user/
Discussed in this episode:
The Goldilocks Strategy for Managed Services M&A
Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report
CISA Secure By Design program
A Cheeto shaped like the beloved Pokémon Charizard is auctioned for $87,840]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64870064Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:05:29 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Evergreen Services Group’s M&A alternative to centralized MSP rollups and three strategies for enhancing your client onboarding process. Then they’re joined by Huntress CEO Kyle Hanslovan for a wide-ranging look at the...
Discussed in this episode:
The Goldilocks Strategy for Managed Services M&A
Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report
CISA Secure By Design program
A Cheeto shaped like the beloved Pokémon Charizard is auctioned for $87,840]]>4048false66fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-65-game-over-man--64734584
Discussed in this episode:
Quantum Computing Isn’t Tomorrow’s Security Threat
Sibyl Consulting home page
Channelholic profile of Sibyl Consulting
New Research Reveals 84% of IT Leaders Trust AI Agents Equally or More than Humans]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64734584Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:07:45 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why it’s not at all too early to be taking the security implications of quantum computing seriously and three tips for achieving competitive differentiation. Then they’re joined by Nancy Henriquez, CEO of Sibyl Consulting, for...
Discussed in this episode:
Quantum Computing Isn’t Tomorrow’s Security Threat
Sibyl Consulting home page
Channelholic profile of Sibyl Consulting
New Research Reveals 84% of IT Leaders Trust AI Agents Equally or More than Humans]]>3735false65fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-64-wonderful-synergy--64610656
Discussed in this episode:

Learning From ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker launches new solutions, further advances Zero Trust security resilience and adoption
Sophos and Pax8 Announce Strategic Partnership to Streamline Security Managemen
tInformation about Secure by Design
Information about Secure by Demand
What Americans Would Want In An AI Boss]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64610656Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:35:36 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the five new products from ThreatLocker and what they say about the company’s future direction as well as avoiding the dangers of relying too heavily on a few big clients. Then Rich, flying solo for an interview recorded during...
Discussed in this episode:

Learning From ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker launches new solutions, further advances Zero Trust security resilience and adoption
Sophos and Pax8 Announce Strategic Partnership to Streamline Security Managemen
t3997ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse64fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-63-theres-no-patch-for-stupidity/
Discussed in this episode:
Press release: New Charter Technologies Acquires Orchestrate AI to Pioneer Next-Generation MSP Services
From Channelholic: Hot Take: New Charter Acquires Orchestrate AI Labs
Coors Light Statement on Misspelled Ads]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64489691Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:16:10 +0000MSP ChatAnd trust us, there’s no stupidity in this episode. Just Erick and Rich talking about what New Charter Technologies buying a vendor that specializes in AI-based service desk optimization says about the future of managed services and three critical...
Discussed in this episode:
Press release: New Charter Technologies Acquires Orchestrate AI to Pioneer Next-Generation MSP Services
From Channelholic: Hot Take: New Charter Acquires Orchestrate AI Labs
Coors Light Statement on Misspelled Ads]]>4934ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse63fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-62-rough-is-enough/
Discussed in this episode:
Has Atera Gone Full Agentic?
The Tech Tribe home page
Information about ScaleCon 2025
Book by Nigel Moore: Package, Price, Profit: The Essential Guide to Packaging and Pricing Your MSP Plans
The heist of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania becomes a whodunit that police have yet to crack]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64372728Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:47:43 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Atera’s agentic AI RMM feature and how to avoid burning out your technicians. Then they’re joined by Nigel Moore of The Tech Tribe for an insider’s look at trends and opportunities this year in managed services. And finally, one...
Discussed in this episode:
Has Atera Gone Full Agentic?
The Tech Tribe home page
Information about ScaleCon 2025
Book by Nigel Moore: Package, Price, Profit: The Essential Guide to Packaging and Pricing Your MSP Plans
The heist of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania becomes a whodunit that police have yet to crack]]>4318false58fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-61-under-the-big-open-tent/
Discussed in this episode:
Hot Take: NinjaOne Buys Dropsuite
GTIA home page
GTIA Communities and Councils Forum home page
Visitors flock to New York botanic garden for a whiff of a flower that smells like a rotting corpse]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64232521Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:05:18 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss NinjaOne’s $252 million acquisition of Dropsuite and three tips for managing cash flow and profitability. Then they get an insider’s introduction to the Global Technology Industry Association (which you might know by its former...
Discussed in this episode:
Hot Take: NinjaOne Buys Dropsuite
GTIA home page
GTIA Communities and Councils Forum home page
Visitors flock to New York botanic garden for a whiff of a flower that smells like a rotting corpse]]>4214ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse61fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-60-eat-less-drink-less-exercise-more/
Discussed in this episode:
Hot Take: AvePoint, Cytracom, and the Platform Play in Managed Services
How do AvePoint and Cytracom define platform?
Service Leadership Q3 Index Data Reveals Revenue Growth Slowdown But Continued Profitability for Managed Service Providers and Revenue Growth for Value-Added Resellers
Google’s NotebookLM had to teach its AI podcast hosts not to act annoyed at humans]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64089753Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:44:43 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what dual acquisitions by Cytracom and AvePoint say about the importance of platforms in managed services, as well as why and how to get in on the large and growing opportunity in co-managed IT. Then they’re joined by Peter...
Discussed in this episode:
Hot Take: AvePoint, Cytracom, and the Platform Play in Managed Services
How do AvePoint and Cytracom define platform?
Service Leadership Q3 Index Data Reveals Revenue Growth Slowdown But Continued Profitability for Managed Service Providers and Revenue Growth for Value-Added Resellers
Google’s NotebookLM had to teach its AI podcast hosts not to act annoyed at humans]]>4350ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse60fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-59-end-game-of-end-games--63868924
Discussed in this episode:
Rackspace The 2025 State of Cloud Report
Progresso launches Soup Drops, a hard candy that's 'soup you can suck on']]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63868924Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:55:05 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich are joined by Kaseya Co-Founder and Vice Chairman Fred Voccola in his first interview since stepping down as CEO to discuss why he’s changed roles and what it means for Kaseya partners. That comes after your hosts talk about recent...
Discussed in this episode:
Rackspace The 2025 State of Cloud Report
Progresso launches Soup Drops, a hard candy that's 'soup you can suck on']]>4005ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse59fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-the-enemy-within/
Discussed in this episode:
ShieldCRS website
By Rob Sims: Protecting Against Inevitable Insider Threats
Check Point Software’s 2025 Security Report Finds Alarming 44% Increase in Cyber-Attacks Amid Maturing Cyber Threat Ecosystem
Cybersecurity Insiders: Insider Threat Report – New Data Shows Spike in Insider Attacks in 2024
Many young adults 'unable to do basic DIY tasks' - including changing light bulbs


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63776117Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:45:47 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Alchemi Data Management, Erick and Rich talk about the connection between data security and insider threat security, and why both are more important than ever right now, as well as three...
Discussed in this episode:
ShieldCRS website
By Rob Sims: Protecting Against Inevitable Insider Threats
Check Point Software’s 2025 Security Report Finds Alarming 44% Increase in Cyber-Attacks Amid Maturing Cyber Threat Ecosystem
Cybersecurity Insiders: Insider Threat Report – New Data Shows Spike in Insider Attacks in 2024
3728ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://mspmastered.com/podcasts/episode-58-walk-like-a-duck/
Discussed in this episode:
Platform is the Plan at Ingram Micro
LA tech entrepreneur nearly misses flight after getting trapped in robotaxi]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63727722Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:13:59 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Ingram Micro’s platform-based strategy for driving growth and winning partner loyalty, as well as three proven techniques MSPs can use to build credibility with sales prospects. Then they’re joined by Nick Heddy, president and...
Discussed in this episode:
Platform is the Plan at Ingram Micro
LA tech entrepreneur nearly misses flight after getting trapped in robotaxi]]>3279ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse58fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-57-confusing-and-misunderstood/
Discussed in this episode:
Happy Days Are Here Some More!
CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook 2025 report
Mike Semel’s free CMMC 2.1 Desktop Reference Guide
Woman arrested in Spokane after saying she was too busy to return rental car]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63638806Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:53:06 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what research from CompTIA implies about the year ahead for the channel in AI, plus three proven strategies for navigating client budget constraints. Then they’re joined by compliance guru Mike Semel for a deep dive look at what...
Discussed in this episode:
Happy Days Are Here Some More!
CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook 2025 report
Mike Semel’s free CMMC 2.1 Desktop Reference Guide
Woman arrested in Spokane after saying she was too busy to return rental car]]>5746ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse57fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-56-living-in-the-future/
Discussed in this episode:
MSPs Love Platforms
Eighty Percent of Security Leaders Prefer Platform-Based GenAI, Finds Crowd
Strike State of AI Survey
Significant changes reported in the managed services software market (PSA/RMM) today
Thousands of Santas and a few Grinches hit the streets for annual SantaCon bar crawls]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63563993Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:03:56 +0000MSP ChatWelcome to 2025! Erick and Rich kick off the year by discussing research from last month showing just how much MSPs value platforms, explaining how to use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to generate leads without cold calling, and sharing New Years...
Discussed in this episode:
MSPs Love Platforms
Eighty Percent of Security Leaders Prefer Platform-Based GenAI, Finds Crowd
Strike State of AI Survey
Significant changes reported in the managed services software market (PSA/RMM) today
Thousands of Santas and a few Grinches hit...]]>2416ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse54fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-55-lets-go-to-the-whiteboard/
Discussed in this episode:
The Agents Are Coming
Brad Gross’s Website
Canadian man wins Microsoft Excel World Championships in Las Vegas]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63408757Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:07:51 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what agentic AI will mean to MSPs and three techniques for getting more from your vendor relationships. Then they’re joined by attorney Brad Gross for a conversation about legal New Year’s resolutions every MSP should adopt. And...
Discussed in this episode:
The Agents Are Coming
Brad Gross’s Website
Canadian man wins Microsoft Excel World Championships in Las Vegas]]>2600ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse55fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-54-punched-in-the-face/
Discussed in this episode:
Nadir Merchant’s Haymakers for Hope donation page
Ingram Micro Signs New Agreement with AWS to Drive Channel Partner Services Capabilities and Scale
Channelholic Hot Take: Ingram Micro and AWS Double Down on Marketplace Collaboration
Which Marketplace? Wrong Question.
Think ‘brain rot’ summed up 2024? Oxford agrees it was the word of the year]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63289291Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:12:37 +0000MSP ChatDon’t worry. Listening to this week's episode of MSP Chat will be insightful rather than painful. Erick and Rich discuss what a new collaboration agreement between Ingram Micro and AWS Marketplace says about marketplaces and MSPs generally, plus three...
Discussed in this episode:
Nadir Merchant’s Haymakers for Hope donation page
Ingram Micro Signs New Agreement with AWS to Drive Channel Partner Services Capabilities and Scale
Channelholic Hot Take: Ingram Micro and AWS Double Down on Marketplace Collaboration
Which Marketplace? Wrong Question.
Think ‘brain rot’ summed up 2024? Oxford agrees it was the word of the year]]>3800ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse54fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-53-prepare-for-sprawl/
Discussed in this episode:
KnowBe4’s Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents To Combat AI-Generated Phishing Attacks and Measure Cyber Risk in Humans
Colin Knox’s research LinkedIn posts:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
ChatGPT was tasked with designing a website. The result was as manipulative as you’d expect]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63179601Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:58:43 +0000MSP ChatDid you know that the average MSP bundle includes 13 product categories? Erick and Rich discuss that and a host of other research insights in this episode with Colin Knox, CEO of Gradient MSP. They also dive into the hype and reality of agentic AI and...
Discussed in this episode:
KnowBe4’s Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents To Combat AI-Generated Phishing Attacks and Measure Cyber Risk in Humans
Colin Knox’s research LinkedIn posts:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
4075ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse53fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-52-password123--63016260
Discussed in this episode:

77% of MSPs Juggle as Many as 10 Cybersecurity Point Solutions to Protect their SMB Customers, Guardz Survey Finds
Gartner Forecasts Global Information Security Spending to Grow 15% in 2025Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.3% in 2025
OECD report: Who will be the workers most affected by AI?
New Survey Finds 67% of Americans Have Had a Kitchen Appliance Break Down While Preparing a Holiday Meal]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63016260Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:47:07 +0000MSP ChatIn what’s fast becoming an annual Thanksgiving week tradition, Erick and share three semi-serious things they’re each thankful for in 2024, from the job security provided by bad password hygiene to having a job not imperiled by AI. And finally, one...
Discussed in this episode:

77% of MSPs Juggle as Many as 10 Cybersecurity Point Solutions to Protect their SMB Customers, Guardz Survey Finds
Gartner Forecasts Global Information Security Spending to Grow 15% in 2025Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.3% in 2025
OECD report: Who will be the workers most affected by AI?
New Survey Finds 67% of Americans Have Had a Kitchen Appliance Break Down While Preparing a Holiday Meal]]>1534ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse52fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-51-2-packs-a-day--62931945
Discussed in this episode:

John Holland on M&A: “Cybersecurity, Consolidation, IT Services Driving ‘Robust’ M&A in 2024”
Canadian rock band plays world's deepest concert in a mine]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62931945Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:28:23 +0000MSP ChatDon’t worry, Rich hasn’t acquired a serious smoking habit recently. It just sounds like he has, because after five straight weeks on the road his voice has quit on him. That didn’t stop him and Erick from diving into how communities like TD SYNNEX...
Discussed in this episode:

John Holland on M&A: “Cybersecurity, Consolidation, IT Services Driving ‘Robust’ M&A in 2024”
Canadian rock band plays world's deepest concert in a mine]]>3742ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse51fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-50-getting-intentional--62740330Your B.R.A.N.D. Unleashed: 9 Proven Strategies That Build Trust and Maintain Lasting Client Loyalty. And finally, one last thing: Does it matter if you’re polite to AI? 

Discussed in this episode:
Your B.R.A.N.D. Unleashed: 9 Proven Strategies That Build Trust and Maintain Lasting Client Loyalty
Should I Be Polite to AI?" Study Reveals Most Adults Say Yes]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62740330Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:44:09 +0000MSP ChatLive from the ChannelPro Defend West event in Newport Beach, Calif., Erick and Rich discuss a quietly weighty new “Automation as a Service” offering from RPA vendor Rewst and how rigorous documentation can pay off big during M&A negotiations. Then...Your B.R.A.N.D. Unleashed: 9 Proven Strategies That Build Trust and Maintain Lasting Client Loyalty. And finally, one last thing: Does it matter if you’re polite to AI? 

Discussed in this episode:
Your B.R.A.N.D. Unleashed: 9 Proven Strategies That Build Trust and Maintain Lasting Client Loyalty
Should I Be Polite to AI?" Study Reveals Most Adults Say Yes]]>3025ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse50fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-49-put-a-dollar-in-the-cuss-jar--62643004
Discussed in this episode:
AI hoax causes thousands to show up in Dublin, Ireland, for non-existent Halloween parade]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62643004Fri, 08 Nov 2024 17:02:11 +0000MSP ChatNo actual cussing on this episode. Just Erick and Rich discussing Pax8’s new partner program and essential service quality KPIs every MSP should track. Then they’re joined by Rayanne Buchianico of ABC Solutions for a conversation about CFOs and why...
Discussed in this episode:
AI hoax causes thousands to show up in Dublin, Ireland, for non-existent Halloween parade]]>3390ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse49fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-48-user-cloud-security--62577047
Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Video Post: Kaseya 365 Does User Security Now Too
Oddly satisfying video of the Stillwater Harvest Fest pumpkin drop]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62577047Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:43:45 +0000MSP ChatLive from DattoCon 2024 in Miami, Erick and Rich discuss the new Kaseya 365 User security solution and three hiring practices that will set new employees up for long-term success. Then they’re joined by Mike Puglia, the general manager of Kaseya’s...
Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Video Post: Kaseya 365 Does User Security Now Too
Oddly satisfying video of the Stillwater Harvest Fest pumpkin drop]]>3432ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse48fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-47-human-beings-suck-at-probability/
Discussed in this episode:
Throne’s toilet camera takes pictures of your poop]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62502573Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:32:55 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss how MSPs can profit from pursuing the same ecosystem strategy that ConnectWise and N-able use to compete in the market for managed services suites, and how a disciplined approach to change management can help MSPs make big...
Discussed in this episode:
Throne’s toilet camera takes pictures of your poop]]>3396ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse47fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-46-the-bear-in-the-neighborhood--62379782
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Report: Channel Partners Seek Balance Between Accelerating AI Innovation and Core Technologies
2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions
California man accidentally pays neighbor's power bill for years]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62379782Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:46:52 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss new data from TD SYNNEX suggesting that while AI may be where the growth is in managed services security’s still where the money is, as well as how MSPs can use SLAs and KPIs to drive clients toward bigger, more expensive...
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Report: Channel Partners Seek Balance Between Accelerating AI Innovation and Core Technologies
2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions
California man accidentally pays neighbor's power bill for years]]>3583ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse46fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-45-vaio/
Discussed in this episode:
Your Favorite Vendors May be Headed for a Sale
Deepwater Managing Partner and AI Investing Expert Launches New Investment Firm, Intelligent Alpha, and First ETF to Deliver Alpha-Generating AI-Powered Investments]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62300403Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:12:12 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss a wave of private equity-funded vendor M&A activity due in 2025 and what it means for MSPs, as well as advice for building a strong company culture. Then they’re joined by Sam Valme of AvePoint for a conversation about...
Discussed in this episode:
Your Favorite Vendors May be Headed for a Sale
Deepwater Managing Partner and AI Investing Expert Launches New Investment Firm, Intelligent Alpha, and First ETF to Deliver Alpha-Generating AI-Powered Investments]]>3297ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse45fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-44-100-of-your-50/
Discussed in this episode:

Thoma Bravo Exec on New Connect
Wise CEO: “He’s an Innovator”
The Secret to Building Winning Global Teams: How to Leverage Offshore Talent to Exponentially Increase Profitability and Valuation, by Sunny Kaila
Sunny Kaila’s LinkedIn]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62218791Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:05:09 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why private equity firm Thoma Bravo says Manny Rivelo is the right choice to be ConnectWise’s new CEO and three tips for improving customer retention. Then they’re joined by Sunny Kaila, CEO of IT By Design, to discuss his new...
Discussed in this episode:

Thoma Bravo Exec on New Connect
Wise CEO: “He’s an Innovator”
The Secret to Building Winning Global Teams: How to Leverage Offshore Talent to Exponentially Increase Profitability and Valuation, by Sunny Kaila
Sunny Kaila’s LinkedIn]]>4524ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse44fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-43-transformational-not-transactional/
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Accelerates Next Generation of Data Protection and Cybersecurity for MSPs with Acquisitions of Axcient and SkyKick
5K Technical Services
ITECH Solutions
The ancient jar smashed by a 4-year-old is back on display at an Israeli museum after repair  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62124885Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:38:06 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss what ConnectWise buying Axcient and SkyKick says about the future of managed services suites and techniques for optimizing service delivery. Then in a two-part interview segment they’re joined first by Corey Kirkendoll of 5K...
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Accelerates Next Generation of Data Protection and Cybersecurity for MSPs with Acquisitions of Axcient and SkyKick
5K Technical Services
ITECH Solutions
The ancient jar smashed by a 4-year-old is back on display at an Israeli museum after repair  ]]>5543ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse43fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-42-short-attention-spans/
Discussed in this episode:
For MSPs, It’s Go Global or Go Home
Channel Program’s emerging integration strategy
Channel Program is giving MSPs visibility into their solution stack
NaviStack: Navigate Your Stack
Hotel Room Innsights Report: Hotels.com Pulls Back the Covers on the Surprising World of Hotels ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62039894Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:07:02 +0000MSP ChatRich explains the valuation-growing logic of leveraging overseas technical resources and the competitive dangers of not doing so. Erick then shares some concrete success tips based on his use of offshore employees years ago in his MSP days, and Rich...
Discussed in this episode:
For MSPs, It’s Go Global or Go Home
Channel Program’s emerging integration strategy
Channel Program is giving MSPs visibility into their solution stack
NaviStack: Navigate Your Stack
Hotel Room Innsights Report: Hotels.com Pulls Back the Covers on the Surprising World of Hotels ]]>5007ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse42fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-41-hidden-gems--61385163
Discussed in this episode:
ScalePad is running a platform play of its own
Top dog Joey Chestnut beats his archrival and his own hot dog-eating world record]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61385163Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:27:45 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss how recent news from ScalePad underscores the growing trend toward managed service tool makers building integrated platforms with shared data layers and why it matters, as well as three ways MSPs can differentiate themselves in...
Discussed in this episode:
ScalePad is running a platform play of its own
Top dog Joey Chestnut beats his archrival and his own hot dog-eating world record]]>3629ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-episode-integration-is-everything--61324929
Discussed in this episode:
It’s all about efficiency
Genesis Autonomous Deep Learning AI Penetration Testing by Sxipher
After months on the run, a murder suspect falls through the ceiling and into custody ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61324929Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:44:20 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Sxipher, Erick and Rich discuss how integrated MSP tool stacks appear to produce higher sale valuations and how and why to get serious about IoT management. Then they’re joined by Christophe...
Discussed in this episode:
It’s all about efficiency
Genesis Autonomous Deep Learning AI Penetration Testing by Sxipher
After months on the run, a murder suspect falls through the ceiling and into custody ]]>4732ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-40-the-ai-trifecta/
Discussed in this episode:
Managed SaaS Alerts now. Managed everything later?
Canalys: Managed cybersecurity services face an existential threat
Gartner Forecasts Global Information Security Spending to Grow 15% in 2025
West McDonald on LinkedIn
GoWest.ai home page
Latest episode of West McDonalds Assessments and Insights podcast
Racoons Mistake Cybertruck For A Trash Can]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61284907Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:22:12 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why it’s not just smaller MSPs buying into MDR services and other outsourced security offerings and three keys to effective communication with clients. Then they’re joined by West McDonald of AI consultancy GoWest.ai to discuss...
Discussed in this episode:
Managed SaaS Alerts now. Managed everything later?
Canalys: Managed cybersecurity services face an existential threat
Gartner Forecasts Global Information Security Spending to Grow 15% in 2025
West McDonald on LinkedIn
GoWest.ai home page
Latest episode of West McDonalds Assessments and Insights podcast
3294ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse40fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-39-google-wants-you/ 
Discussed in this episode:
Canalys: Hyperscaler cloud marketplace sales to hit US$85 billion by 2028
Google Partner Advantage website
Google Partner Hub
Google Cloud blog
Hellmann's Mayo Cologne Is Enjoyable For All The Wrong Reasons]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61173610Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:46:21 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why the time for MSPs to get serious about online marketplaces is now and three tips for managing growth. Then Rich is joined by Colleen Kapase, Google’s global channel chief, and Sharon Prosser, Google’s VP of SMB cloud sales,... 
Discussed in this episode:
Canalys: Hyperscaler cloud marketplace sales to hit US$85 billion by 2028
Google Partner Advantage website
Google Partner Hub
Google Cloud blog
4126ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse39fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-38-egos-are-expensive/
Discussed in this episode:
It’s all about APIs for SaaS Alerts
The 20’s VISION ’24 event site
Tim Conkle’s email address: tconkle@rolandtech.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61104189Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:05:42 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why securing SaaS applications is harder than it ought to be and three techniques MSPs can use to up their cost tracking and management game. Then Rich is joined by Tim Conkle, CEO of The 20, for an insider’s take on the current...
Discussed in this episode:
It’s all about APIs for SaaS Alerts
The 20’s VISION ’24 event site
Tim Conkle’s email address: tconkle@rolandtech.com]]>4658ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse38fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-37-the-cash-faucet/
Discussed in this episode:
Dave Sobel’s Business of Tech podcast
Silicon Valley’s Trillion-Dollar Leap of FaithAI Infrastructure Spending Forecast to Be Over a Trillion Dollars Over the Next Five Years, According to Dell'Oro Group
S&P Global Market Intelligence Foresees Rapid Expansion of Generative AI Software Market by 2028 to $52.2 Billion
Canalys analyst Jay McBain on channel attitudes toward AI
‘Delicate, authentic, charismatic’: Dolce & Gabbana launches €99 dog perfume]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61028936Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:18:08 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why MSPs shouldn’t let generative AI’s recent slide toward Gartner’s Trough of Disillusionment stop them from investing in what will still—eventually—be a big potential money maker for them, as well as critical best practices...
Discussed in this episode:
Dave Sobel’s Business of Tech podcast
Silicon Valley’s Trillion-Dollar Leap of FaithAI Infrastructure Spending Forecast to Be Over a Trillion Dollars Over the Next Five Years, According to Dell'Oro Group
S&P Global Market Intelligence Foresees Rapid Expansion of Generative AI Software Market by 2028 to $52.2 Billion
Canalys analyst Jay McBain on channel attitudes toward AI4661ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse37fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-36-cheesecake-factory-channel/
Discussed in this episode:
No, Really, IoT’s for Real This Time
Blockchain or Bust
CompTIA Volley (podcast)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60958254Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:41:36 +0000MSP ChatLive from CompTIA ChannelCon 2024, Erick and Rich discuss the importance of finding time to research leading-edge technologies like IoT and blockchain and what vendors can do to earn the trust of MSPs. Then they’re joined by Carolyn April, CompTIA’s...
Discussed in this episode:
No, Really, IoT’s for Real This Time
Blockchain or Bust
CompTIA Volley (podcast)]]>3858ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse36fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-35-achieving-media-mastery/ 
Discussed in this episode:
The AI Goldmine Hiding in Plain Sight
A robot gets a face of living ‘skin’ that allows it to smile]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60902029Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:35:26 +0000MSP ChatMissed CompTIA’s ChannelCon event this year? You’re in luck. Erick and Rich have included the session about building successful relationships with members of the IT media (like Rich) in this episode of the show. That comes after a discussion of the... 
Discussed in this episode:
The AI Goldmine Hiding in Plain Sight
A robot gets a face of living ‘skin’ that allows it to smile]]>3734ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse35fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-si-se-puede/
Discussed in this episode:
SuperOps State of MSP Efficiency 2024 Report
SuperOps partners with Pax8 to become the first PSA-RMM platform on the marketplace
Screen-shots anyone? AI bartender debuted in hotel near Disney World]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60867031Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:51:38 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by SuperOps, Rich kicks things off by sharing some alarming findings from the new SuperOps State of MSP Efficiency 2024 report, including that a quarter of MSPs don’t have a PSA, over a third don’t...
Discussed in this episode:
SuperOps State of MSP Efficiency 2024 Report
SuperOps partners with Pax8 to become the first PSA-RMM platform on the marketplace
Screen-shots anyone? AI bartender debuted in hotel near Disney World]]>4814ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-34-pcs-are-back/ 
Discussed in this episode:
Canalys analyst Jay McBain on the PC sales “supercycle”
The Cisco partner program
Cisco partner managed services
Cisco partners LinkedIn site
Elisabeth De Dobbeleer on LinkedIn
Ken Seitz on LinkedIn]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60792062Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:43:17 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the coming “supercycle” of PC sales and three techniques MSPs can use to manage remote employees. Then they’re joined by Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, vice president of the Cisco Partner Program, and Ken Seitz, Cisco’s senior director... 
Discussed in this episode:
Canalys analyst Jay McBain on the PC sales “supercycle”
The Cisco partner program
Cisco partner managed services
Cisco partners LinkedIn site
Elisabeth De Dobbeleer on LinkedIn
4007ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse34fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-training-education-and-success/
Discussed in this episode:
Acronis joins the XDR club
Acronis MSP Academy
Hippos might fly: UK research discovers animal can get airborne]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60778833Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:04:04 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Acronis and its new MSP Academy, Erick and Rich discuss how the XDR solution Acronis recently introduced underscores important cybersecurity trends and three tactics for overcoming the ongoing...
Discussed in this episode:
Acronis joins the XDR club
Acronis MSP Academy
Hippos might fly: UK research discovers animal can get airborne]]>4984ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-33-pandoras-jewel-box/
Discussed in this episode:
Channelholic: Going global gets a look
The Secret to Building Winning Global Teams: How to Leverage Offshore Talent to Exponentially Increase Profitability and Valuation, by Sunny Kaila, CEO, IT By Design
5 Questions with John Harden: 2024 CompTIA Community North America Future Leader Award Winner
5 Questions with Carrie Green: 2024 CompTIA Community North America Community Leadership Award Winner
CompTIA ChannelCon 2024 home page and registration ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60732065Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:47:52 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why MSPs should give outsourcing some of their tech work overseas a second look, and the secrets to preventing project creep and seep. Then Rich is joined by MJ Shoer, CompTIA’s Chief Community Officer, and CompTIA members John...
Discussed in this episode:
Channelholic: Going global gets a look
The Secret to Building Winning Global Teams: How to Leverage Offshore Talent to Exponentially Increase Profitability and Valuation, by Sunny Kaila, CEO, IT By Design
5 Questions with John Harden: 2024 CompTIA Community North America Future Leader Award Winner
5 Questions with Carrie Green: 2024 CompTIA Community North America Community Leadership Award Winner
CompTIA ChannelCon 2024 home page and registration ]]>5134ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse33fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-32-bigger-than-kaseya-365/
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8’s first IT management stack
Follow-up post on Pax8’s IT management stack
What’s Bigger Than Kaseya 365?AI’s Most Ambitious Music Generators Accused of ‘Massive’ Infringement In New Lawsuit
Episode 20: Cracking the Code on MSP Relationships (the part about Suno begins around the 1:02:50 mark)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60666001Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:04:11 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Pax8’s budding IT management stack and how MSPs can keep pace with evolving customer expectations. Then they’re joined by Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola for a wide-ranging conversation about trends in security and AI, the initial...
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8’s first IT management stack
Follow-up post on Pax8’s IT management stack
What’s Bigger Than Kaseya 365?AI’s Most Ambitious Music Generators Accused of ‘Massive’ Infringement In New Lawsuit
Episode 20: Cracking the Code on MSP Relationships (the part about Suno begins around the 1:02:50 mark)]]>5162ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse32fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-31-pr-is-not-what-you-think/
Discussed in this episode:
The Mega MSPs Are Coming
Six Channel PR Misperceptions You MUST Avoid]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60572834Fri, 05 Jul 2024 21:45:56 +0000MSP ChatBreak out the fireworks! Erick and Rich are joined by Channel Mastered PR guru Bill Robbins to dispel common misconceptions about public relations and lost opportunities to benefit from it. That comes after a discussion of what the coming appearance...
Discussed in this episode:
The Mega MSPs Are Coming
Six Channel PR Misperceptions You MUST Avoid]]>3195ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse32fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-30-when-you-think-ai-think-storage/
Discussed in this episode:
Hard data on private equity-backed MSPs
What happened when 20 comedians got AI to write their routines]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60532019Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:11:36 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss data from ConnectWise unit Service Leadership detailing the advantages MSPs backed by private equity enjoy relative to independently owned competitors, and how those independently owned providers can fight back. That’s followed...
Discussed in this episode:
Hard data on private equity-backed MSPs
What happened when 20 comedians got AI to write their routines]]>4129ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse30fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-28-ai-aint-just-software-2/
Discussed in this episode:
Of ConnectWise, Security, and Ducks
$3.99 thrift store find turns out to be nearly 2,000-year-old Mayan vase]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60463931Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:42:35 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss ConnectWise’s stealthy step into the XDR market and how to set strong, effective Q3 business growth goals. Then Rich is joined by Gerwai Todd, CEO of Pia, to explore the present and future of AI as an operational efficiency tool...
Discussed in this episode:
Of ConnectWise, Security, and Ducks
$3.99 thrift store find turns out to be nearly 2,000-year-old Mayan vase]]>3954ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse29fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-28-ai-aint-just-software/
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8 Unveils Next Generation Marketplace Experience
There’s a Red-Hot SMB Market Opportunity in…Print?!? ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60387797Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:30:00 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Pax8’s ambitious new online marketplace and how to turn lost deals into future sales. Then Dave McQuarrie, chief commercial officer at HP Inc., joins in to explore often underappreciated AI-related revenue streams for MSPs in...
Discussed in this episode:
Pax8 Unveils Next Generation Marketplace Experience
There’s a Red-Hot SMB Market Opportunity in…Print?!? ]]>4443ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse28fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-27-why-ma-is-still-ok-for-msps/
Discussed in this episode:
Cybersecurity Skills Shortage Is Ranked as the Biggest Risk to MSPs and Their Clients
To Rollup or Not to Rollup? That is the Question for MSPs
Fortune cookie numbers earn Va. woman $50,000 Powerball prize]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60312610Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:05:16 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss research from Sophos that suggests security vendor and tool consolidation are on the rise as well as the importance of keeping your messaging aligned with your target market as it evolves over time. Then they’re joined by Craig...
Discussed in this episode:
Cybersecurity Skills Shortage Is Ranked as the Biggest Risk to MSPs and Their Clients
To Rollup or Not to Rollup? That is the Question for MSPs
Fortune cookie numbers earn Va. woman $50,000 Powerball prize]]>5483ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse27fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-26-not-your-fathers-network/
Discussed in this episode:
Why “DSPM” Was the Acronym to Watch at This Year’s RSA Conference
To fend off tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60118296Fri, 24 May 2024 17:13:35 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the issues (hint: they mostly concern AI) making data security posture management a hot new revenue opportunity and how to turn local networking events into marketing goldmines. Then they’re joined by JB Fowler of Domotz for a...
Discussed in this episode:
Why “DSPM” Was the Acronym to Watch at This Year’s RSA Conference
To fend off tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji ]]>3641ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse26fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-24-this-changes-everything/Episode 24: This Changes EverythingSide by side in person at the recent Kaseya Connect Global conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich chew over the disruptive, industry-shaking implications of the new Kaseya 365 subscription and why K365 is one more reason for MSPs to assess their current tool and solution stack, just as they should be doing periodically anyway. Then they’re joined by Dave MacKinnon, N-able’s chief information security officer, to discuss what tabletop exercises are and why every MSP should be doing them. Important listening! And finally, one last thing: a cicada invasion in South Carolina so loud that residents were calling 9-1-1 about the noise. 

Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Post: Kaseya Bids to Shake Up MSP Economics with Kaseya 365
Cicadas are so noisy in a South Carolina county that residents are calling the police]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60083879Sat, 18 May 2024 16:51:46 +0000MSP ChatEpisode 24: This Changes EverythingSide by side in person at the recent Kaseya Connect Global conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich chew over the disruptive, industry-shaking implications of the new Kaseya 365 subscription and why K365 is one more...Episode 24: This Changes EverythingSide by side in person at the recent Kaseya Connect Global conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich chew over the disruptive, industry-shaking implications of the new Kaseya 365 subscription and why K365 is one more reason for MSPs to assess their current tool and solution stack, just as they should be doing periodically anyway. Then they’re joined by Dave MacKinnon, N-able’s chief information security officer, to discuss what tabletop exercises are and why every MSP should be doing them. Important listening! And finally, one last thing: a cicada invasion in South Carolina so loud that residents were calling 9-1-1 about the noise. 

Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Post: Kaseya Bids to Shake Up MSP Economics with Kaseya 365
Cicadas are so noisy in a South Carolina county that residents are calling the police]]>3450ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse24fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-25-your-msa-is-broken-ai-is-to-blame/
Discussed in this episode:
The Secure By Design pledge has a shot
Secure by Design Pledge
Threading the AI Risk/Reward Needle
Snakes almost on a plane: TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger’s pants]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60060509Fri, 17 May 2024 17:22:05 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the federal government’s Secure By Design pledge, a modest first step toward getting software and hardware makers to adopt security best practices they should have embraced long ago, as well as the many rewards of hosting open...
Discussed in this episode:
The Secure By Design pledge has a shot
Secure by Design Pledge
Threading the AI Risk/Reward Needle
Snakes almost on a plane: TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger’s pants]]>3736ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-23-risk-and-opportunity--59799110
Discussed in this episode:
All Things MSP
Threading the AI Risk/Reward Needle
Wrong couple get divorced after solicitor ‘clicks wrong button’]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59799110Fri, 03 May 2024 18:14:03 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the security-related dangers of selling AI services, and why mitigating them is a smarter move than sitting on the sidelines, as well as why it may be time to hit the reset button on your website. Then, in a first for MSP Chat,...
Discussed in this episode:
All Things MSP
Threading the AI Risk/Reward Needle
Wrong couple get divorced after solicitor ‘clicks wrong button’]]>4646ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse23fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-ai-today-ai-tomorrow/
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Cuts to the AI Chase
A coffee roastery in Finland has launched an AI-generated blend. The results were surprising]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59747661Wed, 01 May 2024 15:31:02 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by SuperOps, Erick and Rich discuss TD SYNNEX’s plans to help its partners get into the market for sophisticated AI solutions, and the reasons MSPs need to stop talking about technology outcomes...
Discussed in this episode:
TD SYNNEX Cuts to the AI Chase
A coffee roastery in Finland has launched an AI-generated blend. The results were surprising]]>3588ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-22-it-s-all-about-people--59658358
Discussed in this episode:
Artificial Intelligence Gives Security Teams the Upper Hand, “2024 Cyberthreat Defense Report” Finds
Cheap, Independently Produced ‘Junk Gun’ Ransomware Infiltrates the Dark Web, Sophos Finds
GenAI Drives 1,760% Surge in Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks, According to New Report by Perception Point
More than Half of Generative AI Adopters Use Unapproved Tools at Work73% of Security Professionals Say They’ve Missed, Ignored or Failed to Act on a High Priority Security Alert
MSP Association of America (use code “MSP10” for 10% enrollment discount)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59658358Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:51:31 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss why recent research suggests that AI, “junk-gun ransomware,” and massive threat volumes suggest that security services will be in high demand among SMBs for some time to come. Then their colleague Charlene, Channel Mastered’s...
Discussed in this episode:
Artificial Intelligence Gives Security Teams the Upper Hand, “2024 Cyberthreat Defense Report” Finds
Cheap, Independently Produced ‘Junk Gun’ Ransomware Infiltrates the Dark Web, Sophos Finds
GenAI Drives 1,760% Surge in Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks, According to New Report by Perception Point
More than Half of Generative AI Adopters Use Unapproved Tools at Work3935ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-21-all-msps-need-to-change-is-everything/

Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Post: Google Has a Lot of Partners. It Wants a Lot More.
Platforms are the winners on Wall Street.
How do you move from being a Channel Chief to a Platform (Ecosystem) Chief?
Reported armed man at Scottish train station was 'Star Wars' Stormtrooper]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59513148Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:05:16 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss Google’s big push into the channel generally—and SMB channel specifically—to attract AI partners, and the two magic questions MSPs should never end a sales meeting without asking. Then they’re joined by Canalys analyst Jay...

Discussed in this episode:
Bonus Post: Google Has a Lot of Partners. It Wants a Lot More.
Platforms are the winners on Wall Street.
How do you move from being a Channel Chief to a Platform (Ecosystem) Chief?
Reported armed man at Scottish train station was 'Star Wars' Stormtrooper]]>4734ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse21fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-20-cracking-the-code-on-msp-relationships/
Discussed in this episode:
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 1 – Customizing Partner Programs
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 2: Cracking the MSP Code
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 3: MSP Sales Hiring 101
Song: Down Home with MSP ChatSong: The Joy of MSP Chat]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59400593Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:18:53 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the larger lessons for the channel in Gmail’s 20th birthday and how to use speaking appearances—especially at in-person events—to boost your credibility with customers, vendors, and peers. Then they’re joined by Channel Mastered...
Discussed in this episode:
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 1 – Customizing Partner Programs
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 2: Cracking the MSP Code
Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 3: MSP Sales Hiring 101
Song: Down Home with MSP Chat4186ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse20fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-19-phishing-is-the-apt-youre-probably-doing-nothing-about/
Discussed in this episode:
N-able Joins Team Ecosystem
Hurry up and wait: Servers speed-walk through Paris, reviving a century-old race]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59311127Fri, 05 Apr 2024 18:06:49 +0000MSP ChatWith Erick back in the saddle after a two-episode absence, he and Rich discuss the importance of N-able’s recent decision to build a cutting-edge ecosystem of cross-app integration partners. Then Erick walks you through how to use cyber insurance...
Discussed in this episode:
N-able Joins Team Ecosystem
Hurry up and wait: Servers speed-walk through Paris, reviving a century-old race]]>4593ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse19fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-18-ais-double-edge-security-sword/ 
Discussed in this episode:
Latest data shows little movement in tech industry employment, CompTIA analysis finds
Service Leadership Releases Groundbreaking Results in its 2024 Annual IT Solution Provider Compensation Report
Gartner Survey Finds Just 46% of Employees Are Satisfied with Their Career Development
New York woman's missing wallet found in mound of trash ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59220424Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:24:51 +0000MSP ChatErick’s out again this week, so Rich is joined by co-host James Kernan, Channel Mastered’s Chief Leadership Strategist, to discuss changing tech talent hiring conditions and what MSPs should do about them. Then James shares a three-part tip of the... 
Discussed in this episode:
Latest data shows little movement in tech industry employment, CompTIA analysis finds
Service Leadership Releases Groundbreaking Results in its 2024 Annual IT Solution Provider Compensation Report
Gartner Survey Finds Just 46% of Employees Are Satisfied with Their Career Development
New York woman's missing...]]>3753ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-17-comptias-five-keys-to-msp-success-in-2024/ 
Discussed in this episode:
My Fellow Channelholics, The State of the Channel Is…
Auburn student makes a 94-foot, length-of-the-court putt and wins a car]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59133776Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:11:38 +0000MSP ChatErick’s out this week, so Rich discusses five top things the most successful MSPs today have in common, according to CompTIA, with special guest host and Channel Mastered CRO Mark Crall instead. Then Mark (who is also a former MSP from the industry’s... 
Discussed in this episode:
My Fellow Channelholics, The State of the Channel Is…
Auburn student makes a 94-foot, length-of-the-court putt and wins a car]]>3018ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse17fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-16-theres-money-on-the-table-in-bdr-and-managed-print/
Discussed in this episode:
There’s a Red-Hot SMB Market Opportunity in…Print?!?
Museum attempts world record for underwear worn on head]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59052173Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:11:44 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich talk about the underappreciated opportunity for MSPs in managed print and run through a few of the secrets to improving relationships between MSPs and vendors. Then they’re joined by Axcient VP of Marketing Bryce Roberts for an...
Discussed in this episode:
There’s a Red-Hot SMB Market Opportunity in…Print?!?
Museum attempts world record for underwear worn on head]]>3860ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse16fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-are-your-m365-customers-really-secure/
Discussed in this episode:

IT spending to accelerate 6% in 2024 and partner-delivered IT to account for 73%
NIST Releases Version 2.0 of Landmark Cybersecurity Framework
Much Pain, Lots of Gain for Virtual CISOs
Plane grounded for three days after in-flight rat sightingThe Security Swarm podcast]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59049113Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:00:35 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Hornetsecurity, Erick and Rich discuss why security and services are the two hottest segments in IT, and why vCISO services are a giant opportunity combining both. Then Erick’s tip of the week...
Discussed in this episode:

IT spending to accelerate 6% in 2024 and partner-delivered IT to account for 73%
NIST Releases Version 2.0 of Landmark Cybersecurity Framework
Much Pain, Lots of Gain for Virtual CISOs
Plane grounded for three days after in-flight rat sightingThe Security Swarm podcast]]>4654ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-15-customer-experience-matters/
Discussed in this episode:
Experience Matters
Crafting the Perfect Lead Gen Offer: A Game Changer
Building a High-Conversion Landing Page: 9 Reasons My Landing Pages Convert at 47% (When the Average Is 4.02%)
Tank malfunction drenches brewery employee with beer]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58962937Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:20:10 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss how customer experience differs from customer service, and why it matters more than ever at a time when managed network and endpoint services have become commoditized. Then Erick offers a tip of the week on the right way to...
Discussed in this episode:
Experience Matters
Crafting the Perfect Lead Gen Offer: A Game Changer
Building a High-Conversion Landing Page: 9 Reasons My Landing Pages Convert at 47% (When the Average Is 4.02%)
Tank malfunction drenches brewery employee with beer]]>4349ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse15fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-14-hot-warm-and-cold-on-ai-in-managed-services/
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise on AI and RPA: Move Fast, Get Serious, Stay Safe
Enough About AI. Nerdio’s Still Excited About the Cloud
AI MRR FTW?TSMC finds its green chips are highly sought after... the edible ones]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58869169Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:14:47 +0000MSP ChatFollowing up on their conversation in episode 13 about Hatz AI and the MRR opportunity in artificial intelligence, Erick and Rich revisit that topic again this week in an in-depth conversation with Hatz AI founder and CEO Jimmy Hatzell. That comes...
Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise on AI and RPA: Move Fast, Get Serious, Stay Safe
Enough About AI. Nerdio’s Still Excited About the Cloud
AI MRR FTW?TSMC finds its green chips are highly sought after... the edible ones]]>3320ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse14fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/bonus-episode-sponsored-by-beachhead-solutions-an-inside-look-at-compliance-for-msps/
That’s followed by nuggets of wisdom on running successful webinars from an experienced master of the art (Erick) and a deep dive with Cam Roberson, Beachhead’s vice president of sales and marketing, on how to cash in on the compliance opportunity for MSPs.

And finally, one last thing: How a carry-on bag full of rotten fish on a recent Delta Airlines flight made cramped seats, bad food, and schedule delays all look like minor inconveniences.

Discussed in this episode:
https://www.beachheadsolutions.com/lp/2024-msp-compliance-report
Delta flight rerouted after maggots fall on passenger]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58785141Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:47:42 +0000MSP ChatIn this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Beachhead Solutions, Erick and Rich talk with Sam Daigle of Kennebunk Cyber Systems about why now’s a great time for MSPs to launch compliance practices, and how to go about doing it. That’s...
That’s followed by nuggets of wisdom on running successful webinars from an experienced master of the art (Erick) and a deep dive with Cam Roberson, Beachhead’s vice president of sales and marketing, on how to cash in on the compliance opportunity for MSPs.

And finally, one last thing: How a carry-on bag full of rotten fish on a recent Delta Airlines flight made cramped seats, bad food, and schedule delays all look like minor inconveniences.

Discussed in this episode:
https://www.beachheadsolutions.com/lp/2024-msp-compliance-report
Delta flight rerouted after maggots fall on passenger]]>4355ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-13-early-days-in-ai-mrr/
Discussed in this episode:
AI MRR FTW?
Hatz AI Raises $2.5M to Enable MSPs to Deliver AI-as-a-Service
Mouse filmed tidying up man's shed every night]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58696704Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:02:13 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss an intriguing effort by startup Hatz AI to help MSPs earn recurring revenue from artificial intelligence and how to plan for and profit from 2024’s calendar of IT industry conferences. Then Scott Barlow, vice president of global...
Discussed in this episode:
AI MRR FTW?
Hatz AI Raises $2.5M to Enable MSPs to Deliver AI-as-a-Service
Mouse filmed tidying up man's shed every night]]>4430ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse13fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-12-sase-and-the-cloud-in-2024/
Discussed in this episode:
SonicWall Accelerates SASE Offerings; Acquires Proven Cloud Security Provider
SASE Rules the Network
What's the deal with the pothole in Grand Haven?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58588545Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:23:04 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich explain why SonicWall buying Banyan Security suggests bigger and better things ahead for SASE in secure SMB networking and how to create positive brand image for your company. Then Derik Belair, CEO & co-founder of cloud management...
Discussed in this episode:
SonicWall Accelerates SASE Offerings; Acquires Proven Cloud Security Provider
SASE Rules the Network
What's the deal with the pothole in Grand Haven?]]>4324ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse12fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-11-understanding-vendor-relations-and-security-awareness-training/
Discussed in this episode:
The Dickensian State of Today’s Channel
Krispy Kreme arrives in France. Parisians can’t get enough]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58536194Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:21:08 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss some intriguing statistics from IDC’s latest North American Partner Landscape study and the why-to and how-to of offering flexible work arrangements. Then Connor Swalm, CEO of Phin Security, joins them for an expert’s take on...
Discussed in this episode:
The Dickensian State of Today’s Channel
Krispy Kreme arrives in France. Parisians can’t get enough]]>3497ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse11fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-10-the-future-of-managed-security/
Discussed in this episode:
SonicWall makes a services play of its own
Google apologizes after map led drivers down dirt path into the desert]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58434492Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:02:17 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich dive into the larger meaning of SonicWall’s recent purchase of Solutions Granted and share advice on using LinkedIn for lead generation. Then they’re joined by Alex Farling, Kyle Christensen, and Wes Spencer of MSP education vendor...
Discussed in this episode:
SonicWall makes a services play of its own
Google apologizes after map led drivers down dirt path into the desert]]>4593ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse10fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-09-going-big-in-the-cloud-and-compliance/
Discussed in this episode:
SaaS Alerts Extends Protection Beyond Core SaaS Business Apps with App Wizard, Pushes for Industry Change
Police search for thief who stole van loaded with 10,000 Krispy Kreme donuts]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58337170Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:54:08 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss a new solution from SaaS Alerts that reveals how much money MSPs can make securing more than just Microsoft 365 and Erick’s AI-powered “30/30/30 strategy” for generating leads on social media. That’s followed by a timely and...
Discussed in this episode:
SaaS Alerts Extends Protection Beyond Core SaaS Business Apps with App Wizard, Pushes for Industry Change
Police search for thief who stole van loaded with 10,000 Krispy Kreme donuts]]>3530ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse9fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-08-building-trusted-relationships/
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Announces New Offerings, Special Recognitions
6 Strategies to Become A Trusted V.E.N.D.O.R.
What Does an MSP See When They Look at You? Brand Credibility or Brand Confusion?
Chinese company cooks up world record serving of smelly noodles]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58167340Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:54:07 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich explore the significance of Kaseya’s new outsourced help desk service and why now’s the time to build your client solution roadmap for 2024. They’re then joined by the multi-talented Lisa Shorr—an MSP, corporate brand coach, and Channel...
Discussed in this episode:
Kaseya Announces New Offerings, Special Recognitions
6 Strategies to Become A Trusted V.E.N.D.O.R.
What Does an MSP See When They Look at You? Brand Credibility or Brand Confusion?
Chinese company cooks up world record serving of smelly noodles]]>3185ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse8fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/episode-07-pe-and-sase-for-smbs/
Discussed in this episode:
Not a Big PE Fan? Consider Small PE Instead
Itchy left hand leads North Carolina man to $100,000 lottery prize
Mom skeptical of prankster son's lottery win]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58073620Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:11:37 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss alternatives to traditional private equity firms for MSPs seeking an exit and how to build a minimum required bundle of services for all your managed service clients. Then they’re joined by John Tippett, COO of Cytracom, for a...
Discussed in this episode:
Not a Big PE Fan? Consider Small PE Instead
Itchy left hand leads North Carolina man to $100,000 lottery prize
Mom skeptical of prankster son's lottery win]]>2893ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-06-a-view-from-the-top-at-watchguard--58007959
And finally, one last thing about how an emergency alert test foiled an Amish man's clever scheme to hide a forbidden cell phone.

Discussed in this episode:
Worldwide Spending on Purpose-Built Sustainability Services Will Reach $65 Billion in 2027 according to a New IDC Forecast

New Acquisition Powers AI-based Network Detection and Response and Open XDR Capabilities for WatchGuard

Amish men carrying forbidden cell phones outed by national emergency alert test.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58007959Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:25:26 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich explain why now's the time to get in on the fast-growing demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services and explore proven techniques for reducing platform and vendor sprawl. Then, they're joined by Prakash Panjwani,...
And finally, one last thing about how an emergency alert test foiled an Amish man's clever scheme to hide a forbidden cell phone.

Discussed in this episode:
Worldwide Spending on Purpose-Built Sustainability Services Will Reach $65 Billion in 2027 according to a New IDC Forecast

New Acquisition Powers AI-based Network Detection and Response and Open XDR Capabilities for WatchGuard

Amish men carrying forbidden cell phones outed by national emergency alert test.]]>3406false6fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/

Discussed in this episode: Kaseya's AI Strategy: don't "eff things up": https://www.channelholic.news/p/kaseyas-not-so-unspoken-partner-compact#%C2%A7kaseyas-ai-strategy-dont-eff-things-up Kaseya Introduces AI-based Managed Service Automation: https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2023/10/04/kaseya-introduces-ai-based-managed-service-automation/ From JumpCloud: Tool Sprawl, External Threats, and Security are top concerns for IT Admins: https://jumpcloud.com/press/tool-sprawl-external-threats-and-security-are-top-concerns-for-it-admins Wally, the emotional support Alligator, went to see the Phillies. Then he went Viral: https://www.npr.org/2023/09/29/1202615294/wally-emotional-support-alligator-phillies-game
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57944936Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:25:23 +0000MSP ChatIn this episode of the MSP Chat podcast, hosts Rich, Erick, and guest Antoine Jabara, co-founder and general manager of MSP products at JumpCloud, discuss the cloud age and how MSPs can make the best use of it. The conversation begins with a review of...

Discussed in this episode: Kaseya's AI Strategy: don't "eff things up": https://www.channelholic.news/p/kaseyas-not-so-unspoken-partner-compact#%C2%A7kaseyas-ai-strategy-dont-eff-things-up Kaseya Introduces AI-based Managed Service Automation: https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2023/10/04/kaseya-introduces-ai-based-managed-service-automation/ From JumpCloud: Tool Sprawl, External Threats, and Security are top concerns for IT Admins: https://jumpcloud.com/press/tool-sprawl-external-threats-and-security-are-top-concerns-for-it-admins Wally, the emotional support Alligator, went to see the Phillies. Then he went Viral: https://www.npr.org/2023/09/29/1202615294/wally-emotional-support-alligator-phillies-game
]]>3995ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse5fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/
And finally, one last thing: A story about an indignity even the coolest smartphone isn’t worth enduring.

Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Announces Integrations with Microsoft in Collaboration to Benefit Managed Service Providers, WorldwideEgnyte Announces Industry-Specific Artificial Intelligence SolutionsWoman rescued from outhouse toilet after climbing in to retrieve Apple Watch, Michigan police say

Erick and Rich discuss the expanding dominance of the Microsoft cloud and how to ready yourself in Q4 for a triumphant new year. Then they’re joined by MSP guru James Kernan, Channel Mastered’s chief leadership strategist and channel growth expert, for an expert exploration of EOS best practices. And finally, one last thing: A story about an indignity even the coolest smartphone isn’t worth enduring.Discussed in this episode:

• ConnectWise Announces Integrations with Microsoft in Collaboration to Benefit Managed Service Providers, Worldwide
• Egnyte Announces Industry-Specific Artificial Intelligence Solutions
• Woman rescued from outhouse toilet after climbing in to retrieve Apple Watch, Michigan police say

And three, two, one, blast off! Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another episode of the MSP Chat Podcast, your weekly visit with two talking heads talking with you about the services, strategies, and success tips you need To make it big in managed services, I am Rich Freeman. I am Chief Content Officer at Channel Master, the organization responsible for this fine show.I am joined this week, as I am every week, by your other co host,

Eric Simpson. He is our Chief Strategist at Channel Master, also a long time friend of mine. And Eric, how are you doing this week?I'm feeling strong this week, Rich. Strong is the operative word. So, uh... Yes, I'm ready and, and excited and I'm juggling more fireballs this week than I have been the last few weeks, uh, if for folks that, you know, are regular listeners to our podcast, no, I've been kind of under the weather a little bit, but, uh, probably 85 percent now.I'm gladto hear you're feeling strong, um, and, yeah, so you've traded off feeling a little bit under the weather with the cold or what have you for singed hands from all that fireball juggling going on, but, uh, it's a better situation all around, so that is progress, and, and Eric, we're gonna dive right into our story of the week here, and it's actually, it's kind of two different stories.the week Um, with a common theme that will become apparent right away. And both of these, um, uh, news stories broke last week as we record this. The first one came from ConnectWise, and they announced that they have forged an alliance relationship with Microsoft that's going to allow ConnectWise to offer Microsoft Defender for Business as a managed security service through the ConnectWise NDR, Managed Detection and Response service.Um, so, you know, obviously they've been doing managed security, um, at ConnectWise, they have an NDR offering. They also have an EDR component of that that they've been doing and continue to do, um, in alliance with Sentinel 1, um, but there was so much, um, demand, uh, among MSPs and their clients for Microsoft Defender for Business because, of course, as we know, while you can buy that standalone, Eric, it, it comes with the business premium license in Microsoft 365, so lots of SMBs out there are already paying for it.Product has a great reputation, so there are a lot of people who want to use it, a lot of MSPs who want to offer it, but not necessarily manage it. So now, um, you can do that via ConnectWise, they will manage it for you. Story number one, within 48 hours of that story breaking, I get another... Announcement from Ignite, a content collaboration and government, governance platform.Um, and they're announcing that their platform now integrates with Microsoft Teams. So if people, um, want to collaborate on a document that's stored in the Ignite, uh, platform within Teams, they can do that. They can save documents back out to the Ignite platform via Microsoft Teams. Similar sort of thing.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57801290Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:17:51 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the expanding dominance of the Microsoft cloud and how to ready yourself in Q4 for a triumphant new year. Then they’re joined by MSP guru James Kernan, Channel Mastered’s chief leadership strategist and channel growth expert,...
And finally, one last thing: A story about an indignity even the coolest smartphone isn’t worth enduring.

Discussed in this episode:
ConnectWise Announces Integrations with Microsoft in Collaboration to Benefit Managed Service Providers, WorldwideEgnyte Announces Industry-Specific Artificial Intelligence SolutionsWoman rescued from outhouse toilet after climbing in to retrieve Apple Watch, Michigan police say

Erick and Rich discuss the expanding dominance of the Microsoft cloud and how to ready yourself in Q4 for a triumphant new year. Then they’re joined by MSP guru James Kernan, Channel Mastered’s chief leadership strategist and channel growth expert, for an expert exploration of EOS best practices. And finally, one last thing: A story about an indignity even the coolest smartphone isn’t worth enduring.Discussed in this episode:

• ConnectWise Announces Integrations with Microsoft in Collaboration to Benefit Managed Service Providers, Worldwide
• 3735false4fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/msp-chat-03-scott-bauer/Quoter, Erick and Rich discuss a vision of the MSP of tomorrow based on Rich’s recent conversation with Janet Schijns of JS Group and how to gain competitive advantage by automating and integrating your sales quoting and payment collection platforms in response to changed buying expectations since the arrival of Covid.
  
  Then Scott Bauer, director of marketing at Quoter, joins in to explore best practices and underleveraged opportunities for MSPs in their quoting, approval, and payment processes.
  
  And finally, one last thing. Or rather, *two*: a river of wine in Portugal to go with last week’s $32,000 wheel of cheese, and a profane road sign in Houston that invited motorists to…well, listen to the show to find out.
  
  Discussed in this episode:
  
  
  • Why Stephen Jay Gould is the New Face of the Channel
  • Quoter home page
  • Distillery spill floods streets of Portuguese town with wine
  • Electronic construction sign displays profanity in Houston
  
  
  
  Machine Generated Transcription
  
  And, three, two, one, blast off! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of the MSP Chat Podcast, your weekly visit with two talking heads talking with you about the services, strategies, and success tips you need. to make it big and manage services. This is a sponsored episode of the show. It's sponsored by our friends at Quoter.We'll tell you a little bit more about Quoter, a little bit later on in the program. We'll have a visit with one of their executives as well, as a matter of fact. Um, but this, uh, I am one of your co hosts for the show. My name is Rich Freeman. I am Chief Content Officer at Channel Master, the organization responsible for this broadcast.Your other co host is our Chief Strategist. at Channel Mastered. He is also my friend of many years, my co worker, my colleague, Eric Simpson, a man who knows how to catch a cold and never let it go. Eric, how you doing?Well, Rich, I'm doing better than I was earlier this week, and hopefully by next show I'll be completely past This little cold struggle challenge that I've been dealing with for quite a bit now.Thanks for asking.You bet. And for folks who don't know, actually, um, Eric had this cold when we were recording the last episode. We didn't talk about it at all, but that's, you know, it's been at least a week, it's been over that, um, basically, that this lingering cold has been with you. But yes, I am, I am confident, Eric, by the next time we record a show, this will not be an issue for you anymore.I'm not a quitter, Rich. That's, that's why I'm hanging on to the call.Exactly. Alright, well let's dive into our story of the week here. Um, and this was inspired by a couple of different things, Eric. Um, uh, a blog post that I wrote on Channelholic, my blog, and also a, uh, an interview I did. I was a podcast guest.Um, uh, and this was recorded earlier this week. I was a guest on a podcast called Start, Manage, Grow, um, for MSPs. It's hosted by Joe Rojas and Jeff Lair. Great show, um, by the way, go check it out. Um, they were talking with me about something that I wrote. For Channel Pro Magazine, um, a few years back when I was over there and it was about the attributes that the most successful, fastest growing MSPs tend to have in common.And I flagged three particular things that conveniently for me all began with the letter S. Um, and that was scale, specialization, and standardization. So, scale, you know, you, you, uh, build the business to grow from the get go, so that's never a barrier. Um, specialization, like in a vertical industry, for example, is going to differentiate you.And standardization in what you sell and your, your workflows and so on is going to make you more efficient. And the more I was talking about this with Joe and Jeff, the more it occurred to me that it might be time to add a fourth S to that list, Eric. That S being... Strategy. And the thinking behind that was inspired by this blog post that I alluded to before, which was about this giant change that's taking place in the channel right now.And this is not, not a small sort of evolution of the channel. This is a big change. Thank you. break a sea change. And the essence of it is for many, many years, for about as long as there's been a chat channel, you as a channel partner, as an MSP, an IT provider, you did a lot of things for your customers.But if you were to stack rank those things, particularly in the mind of the customer, top on the list is you were the person who sold them their software and their hardware. I mean, they, they didn't have a distribution relationship. Even when, you know, Dell. com
  
  The Full Transcription]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57693133Sat, 18 Nov 2023 00:44:34 +0000MSP ChatIn this special episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by https://www.quoter.com/, Erick and Rich discuss a vision of the MSP of tomorrow based on Rich’s recent conversation with Janet Schijns of JS Group and how to gain competitive advantage by automating...Quoter, Erick and Rich discuss a vision of the MSP of tomorrow based on Rich’s recent conversation with Janet Schijns of JS Group and how to gain competitive advantage by automating and integrating your sales quoting and payment collection platforms in response to changed buying expectations since the arrival of Covid.
  
  Then Scott Bauer, director of marketing at Quoter, joins in to explore best practices and underleveraged opportunities for MSPs in their quoting, approval, and payment processes.
  
  And finally, one last thing. Or rather, *two*: a river of wine in Portugal to go with last week’s $32,000 wheel of cheese, and a profane road sign in Houston that invited motorists to…well, listen to the show to find out.
  
  Discussed in this episode:
  
  
  • Why Stephen Jay Gould is the New Face of the Channel
  • Quoter home page
  • Distillery spill floods streets of Portuguese town with wine
  • Electronic construction sign displays profanity in Houston
  
  
  
  Machine Generated Transcription
  
  And, three, two, one, blast off! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of the MSP Chat Podcast, your weekly visit with two talking heads talking with you about the services, strategies, and success tips you need. to make it big and manage services. This is a sponsored episode of the show. It's sponsored by our friends at Quoter.We'll tell you a little bit more about Quoter, a little bit later on in the program. We'll have a visit with one of their executives as well, as a matter of fact. Um, but this, uh, I am one of your co hosts for the show. My name is Rich Freeman. I am Chief Content Officer at Channel Master, the organization responsible for...]]>3867channelmastered,mspchatfalsefullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/
  Discussed in this episode: Worldwide Spending on Purpose-Built Sustainability Services Will Reach $65 Billion in 2027, According to a New IDC Forecast: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828094920/en Why Advisory Boards Are a Successful SaaS Vendor’s Secret Weapon: https://channelmastered.com/why-advisory-boards-are-a-successful-saas-vendors-secret-weapon/ Smarty pants! Defense department is developing high-tech 'spy' UNDERWEAR that captures audio, video and geolocation for intelligence agents and police: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12480095/Smarty-pants-Defense-department-developing-high-tech-spy-UNDERWEAR-captures-audio-video-geolocation-intelligence-agents-police.html]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58077441Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:02:00 +0000MSP ChatErick and Rich discuss the opportunities in ESG services and avoiding project scope creep. Then, they’re joined by Louise Broekman of the Advisory Board Centre and Annette Taber of BOARDSWAP to discuss the power of advisory boards for vendors and...
  Discussed in this episode: Worldwide Spending on Purpose-Built Sustainability Services Will Reach $65 Billion in 2027, According to a New IDC Forecast: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828094920/en Why Advisory Boards Are a Successful SaaS Vendor’s Secret Weapon: https://channelmastered.com/why-advisory-boards-are-a-successful-saas-vendors-secret-weapon/ Smarty pants! Defense department is developing high-tech 'spy' UNDERWEAR that captures audio, video and geolocation for intelligence agents and police: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12480095/Smarty-pants-Defense-department-developing-high-tech-spy-UNDERWEAR-captures-audio-video-geolocation-intelligence-agents-police.html]]>4005ericksimpson,mspchat,mspchatpodcast,richfreemanfalse2fullhttps://channelmastered.com/msp-chat/
  Discussed in this episode:
  Generative AI will be a US$158.6 billion opportunity for the channel ecosystem by 2028
  Spanish cheese breaks world record in $32,000 auction
  
  Machine Generated Transcription
  
  MSP Chat Podcast 01 Michelle Ragisa McBain [00:00:00] And 3, 2, 1. Blast off, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome. Welcome to the inaugural episode of MSP Chat, your weekly visit with two talking heads talking with you about the strategies, success tips, and services you need as an MSP to grow the business And stay ahead of the competition. My name is Rich Freeman. I am the Chief Content Officer of Channel Mastered, your host, uh, for this, uh, program, and the company that's responsible for this fine program. I am joined by your co-host, also from Channel Mastered. He is my friend, my colleague, and [00:01:00] our Chief Strategist at, uh, Channel Mastered. His name is Eric Simpson. Eric, welcome to the show. Welcome to the show yourself, Rich. We are back, baby. I just, I'm so excited. To be able to put on this great podcast with you, my colleague, friend, business partner, uh, it's just exciting to be back and to deliver the content that we feel our audience is interested in. Throw a few tips out there, have a little bit of a humor and have some really great interviews with some amazing guests. So I can't wait to get into today's inaugural episode with you, Rich. Totally agree, folks. You're gonna learn a few things, have a little fun along the way if we're doing our job right. So, thanks for tuning in. Let's jump straight in, Eric, to our story of the week. Um, and guess what? Surprise, surprise, people. It has to do with AI. Um, [00:02:00] specifically some very interesting, uh, and rather sizable projections for the size of the generative AI market for service providers. We'll get to that in a second. Uh, hat tip to our mutual friend, Eric Dave Sobel, of the Business of Tech podcast. He pointed me to some research I otherwise don't think I would have seen. It's from Constant Contact, and they recently went out to a whole bunch of small businesses and asked them, are you using AI, generative AI, are you getting results? Um, of the businesses, the small businesses that are using AI, 91 percent of them say it has made their business more successful. Of the entire sample, all the businesses, including the ones not yet using AI, over a quarter, um, expect AI and automation to save them at least 5, 000. Over the first 12 months that they're using it, but, and here's the key thing, 74 percent of the surveyed small businesses are interested in using AI or automation in their business. 55 percent um, say their, their [00:03:00] interest has grown in the last 6 months, not a terribly big surprise there, but 46 percent say they have only a beginner's understanding about the benefits of these technologies. Eric, that screams... Services opportunity, obviously. They need someone like, say, an MSP to help them understand what this AI stuff is about and how they can put it to work. And how big an opportunity is there if you go ahead and be that IT provider? Well, here's some data from this week from Canalys. The, uh, analyst organization there, they are predicting that generative a ai. And mind you, this is just generative ai. AI is a much bigger field, right? Generative AI alone will be a $158.6 billion billion dollar opportunity for the channel ecosystem. By 2028. Now the word ecosystem in there is important because the, the research covers, um, you know, MSPs and system integrators and VARs, as well as software makers [00:04:00] and developers. So this is for anyone who is creating software or helping other people use it. But the number one, they stack ranked the revenue opportunities and that 158 CEO A. I. Services. And this is the strategic guidance, what you need to do, how to use it, how to apply it to growing the bottom line. Number four on this top four list is reselling, co selling, and upselling A. I. products from software developers who account for the number two and number three opportunities on the list. So, even if you're not providing A. Strategic guidance. You have an opportunity to make money in AI. So what are they suggesting that you do, basically, Canalys, to get yourself ready? Well, they have a four-part list here. They said, start out by kind of deciding where you're going to play in that generative AI ecosystem. Are you going to be the strategic advisor? reseller, etc. [00:05:00] Um, start accumulating expertise, obviously, you need to study up before you're ready to talk with the stuff about customers. And that means you're going to want to partner up with somebody who can help you with that. Now, I'm guessing for a lot of the folks in our audience, the logical candidate is Microsoft, they are a leader in generative AI through their relationship with open AI. And I'm guessing everybody here is doing business with them anyway. Could be Google, could be somebody else, but find somebody who knows more about this than you do, who you partner with, draw on their resources and expertise to get the certifications and the skills you need, then go to market. What do you think, Eric? Uh, sounds like a pretty big, uh, opportunity. It's a huge opportunity, Rich, and, you know, as I'm listening, uh, to those statistics, I'm reminded of You know, the before four times, before the electrical grid, right? Before the electrical grid was in place, and we're talking, you know, 100-plus years ago, right? The electric grid, Folks had, [00:06:00] you know, the story is the, the, the, the, the company that would bring you a block of ice to put in your, you know, ice box, right? It was like delivering milk every day. They'd bring a block of ice, they'd haul it up, they'd put it in your ice box, and there was no electricity. That's how people kept stuff cold. And, and when the electric grid started to be a thing, like we're gonna light up, right, everyone's homes, there'll be light and electricity, and there'll be refrigerators and things like that. These folks that were delivering the ice to the ice box were threatened because they thought they would be out of a job. The companies would be like, oh my goodness, our whole business model is topsy turvy. Well, what they didn't realize was, by deploying the electrical grid, it spurred such innovation. It created industries, it created companies, it created all the things that plug into your electrical socket. That's what the electrical grid [00:07:00] produced. It tremendously accelerated the growth, uh, of entrepreneurism and businesses and, you know, services. And this is what this reminds me of. We have a lot of this, you know, FUD, fear, uncertainty, and doubt about AI. Like, oh, people are going to lose their jobs. You know, we're going to be out of work. It's going to replace, you know, this segment of workers. And I heard a really smart person say, uh, a few months ago, The only people that are going to lose their jobs to AI are the folks that aren't getting in on the AI opportunity, right? So skill up, get those, you know, uh, tune yourself up and then help others, help as MSPs, helping clients navigate this, and really understand the value proposition and, and pivot. You're MSPs. You've seen lots of, of, uh, products and services come and go. Some [00:08:00] stay and some don't, but we're talking about managed IT services. Holy cow. What a revolution that was, right, Rich? We're talking about cloud. What a revolution. People had the same FUD. About cloud, I remember very clearly being at a Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference when they announced what they were doing and the partners lost their minds. Oh my goodness, you're going to sell this and sell it directly and, and yes, but you have to pivot. The world changes. Take, take advantage of these opportunities. AI is such a huge opportunity, backed by the data that you just shared with us, Rich. And, you know, it's, it's one of those things where it's, it's different than anything we've ever seen. We, the, the early adopters will be the most successful. We're already seeing, I'm already seeing this industry taking off. There are tons and tons of online training courses. There are consultants, there are coaches that will teach you how [00:09:00] to leverage AI. In your business. And guess what? Not a lot of them are MSPs. Yet. Yeah, you know, a few really important points there, uh, Eric. And, you know, the people, the only people,]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57584625Sat, 11 Nov 2023 03:50:30 +0000MSP ChatIn the very episode of a brand-new podcast, your hosts Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman explore the $158.6 billion channel opportunity in AI and how MSPs can leverage AI in their own businesses while minimizing risk. Then they speak with SonicWall...
  Discussed in this episode:
  Generative AI will be a US$158.6 billion opportunity for the channel ecosystem by 2028
  Spanish cheese breaks world record in $32,000 auction
  
  Machine Generated Transcription
  
  MSP Chat Podcast 01 Michelle Ragisa McBain [00:00:00] And 3, 2, 1. Blast off, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome. Welcome to the inaugural episode of MSP Chat, your weekly visit with two talking heads talking with you about the strategies, success tips, and services you need as an MSP to grow the business And stay ahead of the competition. My name is Rich Freeman. I am the Chief Content Officer of Channel Mastered, your host, uh, for this, uh, program, and the company that's responsible for this fine program. I am joined by your co-host, also from Channel Mastered. He is my friend, my colleague, and [00:01:00] our Chief Strategist at, uh, Channel Mastered. His name is Eric Simpson. Eric, welcome to the show. Welcome to the show yourself, Rich. We are back, baby. I just, I'm so excited. To be able to put on this great podcast with you, my colleague, friend, business partner, uh, it's just exciting to be back and to deliver the content that we feel our audience is interested in. Throw a few tips out there, have a little bit of a humor and have some really great interviews with some amazing guests. So I can't wait to get into today's inaugural episode with you, Rich. Totally agree, folks. You're gonna learn a few things, have a little fun along the way if we're doing our job right. So, thanks for tuning in. Let's jump straight in, Eric, to our story of the week. Um, and guess what? Surprise, surprise, people. It has to do with AI. Um, [00:02:00] specifically some very interesting, uh, and rather sizable projections for the size of the generative AI market for service providers. We'll get to that in a second. Uh, hat tip to our mutual friend, Eric Dave Sobel, of the Business of Tech podcast. He pointed me to some research I otherwise don't think I would have seen. It's from Constant Contact, and they recently went out to a whole bunch of small businesses and asked them, are you using AI, generative AI, are you getting results? Um, of the businesses, the small businesses that are using AI, 91 percent of them say it has made their business more successful. Of the entire sample, all the businesses, including the ones not yet using AI, over a quarter, um, expect AI and automation to save them at least 5, 000. Over the first 12 months that they're using it, but, and here's the key thing, 74 percent of the surveyed small businesses are interested in using AI or automation in their business. 55 percent um, say their, their [00:03:00] interest has grown in the last 6 months, not a terribly big surprise there, but 46 percent say they have only a beginner's understanding about the benefits of these technologies. Eric, that screams... Services opportunity, obviously. They need someone like, say, an MSP to help them understand what this AI stuff is about and how they can put it to work. And how big an opportunity is there if you go ahead and be that IT provider? Well, here's some data from this week from Canalys. The, uh, analyst...]]>2580channelmastered,mspchat,podcastfalsefull