• Should I Cut My Prices to Win More Business?
    Oct 3 2024

    Hosts James and Amy discuss pricing and the question around discounts for certain clients.

    1.) MSP Question of the week: Should you discount your price to win the deal?

    " The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten."
    - Benjamin Franklin –

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    2.) Notes On The News

    1. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced a provisional decision to impose a fine of £6.09M ($7.74 million) on Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd (Advanced) for its failure to protect the personal information of tens of thousands when it was hit by ransomware in 2022.

    2. Cyberattacks on Microsoft 365 Security -- The increased number of cyberattacks on MS 365 data have forced many to adopt tools to protect themselves.

    3. Microsoft copilot “wave 2” was released last week -- Cool thing is they have included tons of user feature requests ( almost 800 )

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

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    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

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    26 mins
  • How Do You Find Good People?
    Sep 27 2024

    Hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss the struggles of recruiting and what key qualities to look for when recruiting good people.

    1.) MSP Question of the Week: When struggling with recruiting, how do you find good people/talent?

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    2.) Notes On The News

    1. ConnectWise Expands MSP Platform with Acquisitions of Axcient and SkyKick, Strengthening Data Protection and Cloud Management

    1. Microsoft will begin force-upgrading Windows 11 22H2 systems to version 23H2 starting October 8, 2024, as the former reaches end of support: Microsoft Forces Windows 11 Upgrades and Tightens Office Security as IT Departments Brace for Changes

    2. Apple launched new iPhone 16 in September 2024

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    Our upcoming events and more:

    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

    Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

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    28 mins
  • Should you offer vCISO services with your security offering?
    Sep 20 2024

    Host James Kernan discussses security offerings, specifically looking at offering vCISO services as part of your cyber security stack.

    1.) MSP Question of the Week: Should you offer vCISO services?

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    2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

    Host James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing, to discuss being strategic about M&A discussions.

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    3.) Notes On The News

    Chris Day, founder of ScalePad, has taken over as CEO, focusing on creating an integrated suite of products rather than pursuing new acquisitions. Outgoing CEO Dan Wensley will remain as a shareholder and advisor.

    Additionally, a recent IBM study reveals that business leaders' confidence in IT has significantly declined, with only 47% considering their IT organization effective, down from 69% in 2013

    Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/german-intelligence-says-russian-gru-group-behind-nato-eu-cyberattacks-2024-09-09/

    Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-nvidia-s-record-usd279b-market-cap-loss-stack-up-8706251?utm_source=perplexity

    A recent IBM study reveals that business leaders' confidence in IT has significantly declined, with only 47% considering their IT organization effective, down from 69% in 2013

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – NEXT WEEK Sept 26-27th

    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

    Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!!


    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

    Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

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    19 mins
  • Smaller Businesses Need Different Security Services - An Interview with Dor Eisner
    Sep 12 2024

    Host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dor Eisner, CEO of Guardz. Right off the bat, Eisner points out the reason enterprise cybersecurity attacks are different from those focused on small business. Like it or not, most of the attacks that work against SMB clients will not work against larger enterprises.

    Eisner discusses the toolsets that are built specifically to attack small businesses, and marketed that way on the dark web. Assuming you don't want to spend time browsing the dark web, it's good to have a partner who is willing to.

    Guardz is focused completely on securing small businesses, and helping them to secure their networks in a way that helps them lower their insurance premiums. Think about what that means for your clients: A dashboard that benchmarks a network against the requirements and checklists used by cybersecurity insurance companies to set rates.

    A secure network AND lower insurance rates: That's a great combination!

    You can connect with Guardz at: https://guardz.com

    Request a Guardz Demo at https://guardz.com/schedule-a-meeting/

    Karl asked about pricing and was pleased to find a very transparent, friendly pricing structure. Dor gives the pricing in the podcast, and it's posted clearly on the web site. In addition, you are not locked into longterm, inflexible contracts. Scale up and down as you need.

    Also check out the free internal-use licensing for MSPs. Learn it. Use it. And integrate Guardz into your solution.

    You get your free demo, free license, and some great sales tools at https://guardz.com. Check out the full podcast to hear Dor's advice on sales techniques and the response options for various clients and attack alerts.

    Connect with Guardz on social media at:

    • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Guardz_com
    • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/guardz/
    • Twitter - https://x.com/GuardzCyber
    • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/guardz_cyber/
    • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/guardzcom/

    About Dor Eisner

    Dor Eisner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz, working to create a safer digital world for SMBs. Dor has over 20 years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. Prior to founding Guardz, Dor worked at IntSights, a Rapid7 company, as their VP of Business Development, as well as at Alarum Technologies as Director of Sales.

    Dor began his career in cybersecurity in the Israeli Defense Force’s 8200 Unit as Cyber Security Team Lead.

    About Guardz

    Guardz distinguishes itself in the cybersecurity market with the first AI-Native MDR solution that redefines security management for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with an automated detection and response platform. It simplifies and strengthens security operations, enabling MSPs to protect their SMB customers against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

    Guardz’s MDR empowers MSPs by integrating fragmented security controls into a cohesive, unified security ecosystem. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, the platform correlates data across multiple sources – such as dark web monitoring, email security, and cloud services – to detect threats at their earliest stages. This capability ensures that all security components, from user profiles to endpoint protection, work harmoniously, reducing the risk of overlooked vulnerabilities.

    Guardz’s cost-effective pricing reduces cybersecurity expenses by up to 75% compared to traditional solutions, making it accessible for businesses with lean IT teams. The platform also supports MSPs through the MSP Growth Hub, offering tools for business development, including ROI reports and AI-powered risk assessments.

    By combining innovation, affordability, and comprehensive protection, Guardz positions itself as a leader in the cybersecurity industry, empowering MSPs and their SMB clients to thrive in a safer digital world. Learn more at https://guardz.com.

    -- -- --

    Thank you to Guardz for sponsoring this interview.

    :-)

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    23 mins
  • Amplify your Marketing Efforts with Rialto Marketing
    Sep 10 2024

    Host James Kernan sits down with an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick, President of Rialto Marketing.

    Founded in 2012, Tim created Rialto with the vision of having a positive lasting impact on the businesses they work with. Tim believes there are three (3) critical elements of marketing: strategy, planning, and leadership. Having a passion for developing and growing businesses has allowed Tim and Rialto Marketing to accomplish groundbreaking marketing campaigns over the years.

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

    Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!!


    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

    Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

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    21 mins
  • Sharing Big Wins and Successes
    Sep 5 2024

    Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding big wins, Windows 10 End of Life, and an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick

    1.) MSP Question of the Week: Can you share some big wins?

    Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss various successes and wins with clients over the years.

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    2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

    Host James Kernan interviews Tim Fitzpatrick, the President of Rialto Marketing. Rialto provides marketing consulting and outsourced CMO services to help B2B professional service firms that need accelerated growth without the full-time cost.

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    3.) Notes On The News

    This week, James and Amy discuss the Windows 10 End of Life deadline and marketing campaigns to try.

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

    Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!!


    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

    Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

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    20 mins
  • Do you have an entry level MSP offering?
    Aug 29 2024

    1.) The MSP Question of The Week - Do you have an entry level MSP offering?

    This week, James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down to discuss entry level MSP offerings. Does your company offer one? Hear James and Amy speak about the benefits and drawbacks that an entry-level MSP offering can have on your business.

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    2.) Notes on the News

    Discussion on Olympics: Athletics abilities

    Media giant TikTok’s response to the U.S. ban decision.

    CNN article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/27/tech/tiktok-response-to-us-ban/index.html

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

    Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!!

    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

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    28 mins
  • Unifying the IT Channel Industry with the Channel program
    Aug 26 2024

    Host James Kernan sits down with Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry.

    Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon are the co-founders of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry.

    Kevin Lancaster has a strong background in the channel technology space. He previously served as the CEO of ID Agent, a cybersecurity company, which he grew significantly before its acquisition by Kaseya.

    Matt Solomon also has extensive experience in the industry. He worked alongside Kevin at ID Agent and later became the Channel Chief at Kaseya. Matt has spoken at over 150 industry events across six countries. Together, they launched Channel Program to create a collaborative, video-enabled platform for IT Service Providers and Vendors.

    Do you have any specific questions about their work or the Channel Program?

    Check them out: Channel Program | Home

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    Our upcoming events and more:


    MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

    http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

    Use “EARLYBIRD” as the coupon code to save $200!!

    SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

    www.smbtechfest.com

    Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter!

    Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

    Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”!

    Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

    Our Social Links:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

    https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

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    23 mins