MSP Chat

56:36

Episode 47: Human Beings Suck at Probability

MSP Chat ·

2024/10/25

Erick 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 strategic initiatives like building an ecosystem manageable. Then they’re joined by Mike Psenka, president and CEO of project management vendor Moovila, for a deep-dive conversation on challenges and opportunities in MSP project management. And finally, one

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59:43

Episode 46: The Bear in the Neighborhood

MSP Chat ·

2024/10/18

Erick 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 service bundles. Then they’re joined by Dave Russell, SVP of enterprise strategy at data protection heavyweight Veeam, for an insightful look at the blurring lines between backup and security, and what they mean for the channel. And finally, one last thing:

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54:57

Episode 45: vAIO

MSP Chat ·

2024/10/11

Erick 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 AI-related opportunities for MSPs in data management. And finally, one last thing: a new AI-powered ETF that uses an LLM trained on the wisdom of Warren Buffett among others to build an investment portfolio all on its own. Discussed in this episode:Your

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75:24

Episode 44: 100% of Your 50%

MSP Chat ·

2024/10/04

Erick 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 book on how overseas technical workers can help MSPs grow faster, increase profits, and raise their valuation. And finally, one last thing: a new AI tool that threatens to put Erick and Rich out of their podcast-hosting job. Discussed in this

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92:23

Episode 43: Transformational, Not Transactional

MSP Chat ·

2024/09/27

Erick 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 Technical Services and Brian Weiss of ITECH Solutions for a look at how two leading-edge MSPs are incorporating AI into their client service roster. And finally, one last thing: The nightmare every parent who brings a four-year-old to a museum full of

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83:27

Episode 42: Short Attention Spans

MSP Chat ·

2024/09/20

Rich 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 speaks with Channel Program CEO Kevin Lancaster about strategies both vendors and MSPs can use to forge stronger, more successful relationships. And finally, one last thing: A look at the weirdest lost-and-found items (including a pet lizard and a $6

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60:29

Episode 41: Hidden Gems

MSP Chat ·

2024/09/13

Erick 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 a crowded marketplace. Then, in an MSP Chat first, Erick goes from co-host to interview guest for a segment in which Rich asks him to share hidden gems of advice for the audience in growth, pricing, hiring, retention, and more. And finally, one last

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78:52

Bonus Episode: Integration is Everything

MSP Chat ·

2024/09/10

In 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 Reglat, CEO of Sxipher, and Lisa Bryant, Sxipher’s CRO, to explore the pen test challenge and opportunity for MSPs and the value of integration in cybersecurity. And finally, one last thing: The critical hole, as it were, in a criminal mastermind’s escape

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54:54

Episode 40: The AI Trifecta

MSP Chat ·

2024/09/06

Erick 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 making real money in AI through business process optimization. And finally, one last thing: Evidence that raccoons have trouble distinguishing Tesla Cybertrucks from dumpsters. Discussed in this episode:Managed SaaS Alerts now. Managed everything

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68:46

Episode 39: Google Wants YOU

MSP Chat ·

2024/08/30

Erick 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, for a view from atop one of the world’s largest tech companies on the opportunity for MSPs in AI. And finally, one last thing: Hellmann’s says everything’s better with mayonnaise, including cologne. Discussed in this episode:Canalys: Hyperscaler cloud

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77:38

Episode 38: Egos Are Expensive

MSP Chat ·

2024/08/23

Erick 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 M&A landscape in managed services, the pros and cons of selling to private equity, and what the future holds for smaller MSPs in an industry filled with bigger and bigger competitors. And finally, one last thing: Proof that mayonnaise makes

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77:41

Episode 37: The Cash Faucet

MSP Chat ·

2024/08/16

Erick 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 for nailing the all-important new client onboarding process. Then they’re joined by Dave Sobel, host of the Business of Tech podcast, for a free-ranging conversation about benchmarking MSP performance, the future of SaaS management, vendor consolidation,

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64:18

Episode 36: Cheesecake Factory Channel

MSP Chat ·

2024/08/09

Live 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 vice president of industry research, for more talk about the evolving nature of vendor-MSP relationships in today’s channel. And finally, one last thing: cocaine shark!Discussed in this episode:No, Really, IoT’s for Real This TimeBlockchain or

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62:14

Episode 35: Achieving Media Mastery

MSP Chat ·

2024/08/02

Missed 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 MSP opportunity in AI infrastructure and compliance, and before one last thing: an AI robotics innovation that’s hard to beat for sheer nightmare-inducing creepiness. Discussed in this episode:The AI Goldmine Hiding in Plain SightA robot gets a face of

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80:14

Bonus Episode: Si Se Puede!

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/30

In 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 track non-billable labor, and over half say they don’t have a way to measure operational efficiency. Erick’s tip of the week then explains why those facts are holding MSPs back and what to do about it. Then your hosts are joined by SuperOps channel

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66:47

Episode 34: PCs are Back!

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/26

Erick 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 of partner managed and XaaS sales, for a discussion of underleveraged revenue opportunities in security, networking, and beyond, plus the role partner programs can play in helping MSPs pursue them. And finally, one last thing: How a potty-mouthed

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83:04

Bonus Episode: Training, Education, and Success

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/23

In 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 shortage of MSP talent. Then they’re joined by Acronis President Gaidar Magdanurov for an in-depth conversation about the value of education for MSPs and how vendors can help their partners address education pain points and opportunities. And finally, one

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85:34

Episode 33: Pandora’s Jewel Box

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/19

Erick 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 Harden and Carrie Green to discuss the power of community in the SMB channel. And finally, one last thing: the surprisingly long tail enjoyed by floppy disks in Japan and Germany. Discussed in this episode:Channelholic: Going global gets a lookThe

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86:02

Episode 32: Bigger Than Kaseya 365

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/12

Erick 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 market reception to the Kaseya 365 solution introduced earlier this year, and the “monster, monster, monster” announcement Kaseya will make in October. And finally, one last thing: why Erick and Rich may be accessories to a copyright infringement

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53:15

Episode 31: PR Is Not What You Think

MSP Chat ·

2024/07/05

Break 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 of “mega MSPs” means for smaller ones and three smart ways for MSPs of any size to differentiate themselves from competitors. And finally, one last thing: why people lined up for hours in Boston to see a very stinky flower. Discussed in this episode:The

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