Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

In this episode, Uncle Marv interviews Meredith Payne, Senior Director of Business Development at TDSynnex. They discuss the evolution of TDSynnex and its commitment to supporting MSPs in today's dynamic IT landscape.Meredith shares insights into the MSP Evolve program, a framework designed to help MSPs grow and optimize their businesses. The conversation covers the range of support services, training programs, and tailored solutions available to MSPs through this initiative. Meredith emphasizes the importance of understanding each MSP's unique needs and tailoring solutions to maximize their market potential.The discussion also touches on TDSynnex's Stream One cloud platform, billing management tools, and the new digital bridge initiative, which aims to connect MSPs with TDSynnex resources directly from their existing applications. Meredith highlights TDSynnex's commitment to providing a hybrid model that supports both digital and traditional sales approaches.Why Listen:This episode offers valuable insights for MSP owners and IT professionals looking to optimize their partnerships with distributors and leverage the resources available to them. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of TDSynnex's MSP Evolve program and its potential to enhance their businesses.What You'll Learn:The evolution of TDSynnex and its commitment to supporting MSPsDetails about the MSP Evolve program and its benefitsHow TDSynnex's Stream 1 cloud platform can streamline operationsThe new digital bridge initiative and its potential to improve efficiencyStrategies for leveraging TDSynnex's resources to grow your MSP businessActionable Tips:Explore the MSP Evolve program and its consultation process to identify opportunities for partnershipLeverage TDSynnex's Stream 1 cloud platform and billing management tools to streamline operationsTake advantage of the white-labeled storefront option to expand your reach and automate sales processesStay engaged with TDSynnex through events and webinars to learn about new offerings and enhancementsConsider TDSynnex's global presence when planning to scale your MSP business into new marketsCompanies and Websites Mentioned:TDSynnex (tdsynnex.com)Ingram Micro (ingrammicro.com)Arrow Electronics (arrow.com)D&H Distributing (dandh.com)Microsoft (microsoft.com)=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv interviews Mike Psenka from Moovila about their AI project management platform and its benefits for MSPs. Mike addresses listener questions from the previous episode, particularly focusing on how Moovila alerts users to project deviations and integrates with PSAs like ConnectWise, Halo, and Autotask. The Critical Path Engine continuously analyzes project portfolios, identifying risks and capacity conflicts, and virtualizes updated timelines, and reschedules engineers, with the option for project managers to supervise and approve changes. Mike emphasizes the value of Moovila's operations and support teams, who assist customers with onboarding, digital transformation, and template customization.Mike also addresses the value proposition for smaller MSPs (five or fewer employees), highlighting how Moovila can reduce operational costs, minimize the need for specialized project management hires, and provide redundancy in organizational knowledge. Upcoming features like Project Hub will offer a library of best practice templates for various tasks, further enhancing the platform's utility. He also dives into how Moovila helps MSPs manage multiple projects by identifying capacity conflicts across the entire portfolio, considering virtualized dates based on project status to prevent scheduling churn.The discussion further explores the collaborative nature of the MSP industry and how Moovila adapts to the specific needs of MSPs compared to other sectors like construction. Mike likens Moovila to "RMM for projects," emphasizing its ability to monitor, identify risks, and provide alerts, similar to how RMM tools manage endpoints. He also explains the probability of project delays and how Moovila helps MSPs address these inevitable issues proactively.Why Listen:Discover how AI-driven project management can revolutionize your MSP, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enabling better resource allocation. Learn how Moovila's unique approach can address the inherent challenges of project management and position your MSP for future success.What You'll Learn:How Moovila integrates with PSAs to provide real-time project updates.The benefits of the Critical Path Engine for identifying and resolving project risks.How Moovila can help smaller MSPs scale efficiently and manage resources.The concept of "RMM for projects" and its application to project management.How Moovila addresses the probability of project delays and minimizes their impact.Actionable Tips and Advice:Automate repeatable tasks: Templatize common tasks like customer onboarding to quickly create projects and assign them to engineers automatically.Understand your critical path: Ensure your team understands the critical path process to proactively manage projects.Embrace supervised automation: Use Moovila's AI to identify potential issues and virtualize solutions, but always have a project manager supervise and approve changes.=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv interviews David Jooste from the MSPAA (MSP Association of America) about the organization's mission and activities. David emphasizes that the MSPAA focuses on public-facing advocacy for MSPs, connecting them with the business community rather than solely providing internal business advice. He highlights their efforts at events like the IT Expo, where they ensure MSPs get recognition and opportunities to speak. The MSPAA also facilitates networking dinners where MSPs can build relationships. David explains that MSPAA is unique because it does not focus on how an MSP runs its business but instead focuses on distributing MSP content to the business community. MSPAA also offers opportunities such as open contracts, which are business opportunities from companies looking for MSPs. David addresses the common question of how the MSPAA differs from other industry organizations like ASCII and CompTIA. He reiterates that the MSPAA is externally focused, aiming to increase public awareness of MSPs. They offer resources and support, but don't dictate how MSPs should run their businesses. David shares a success story of a new MSP that significantly grew its client base through its association with the MSPAA. He also mentions virtual spaces for MSPs to connect and discuss business growth. MSPAA has been approached by companies in Canada, Australia, the UK, HP, Lenovo, Oracle, and Google who are interested in getting access to MSPs. MSPAA offers a complimentary first year of membership. After verification, members are given a searchable profile on the MSPAA website and opportunities for interviews, webinars and event hosting.Why Listen?This episode provides valuable insights into a unique organization dedicated to promoting MSPs to the broader business community. Learn how the MSPAA can help you gain visibility, build relationships, and grow your business through public advocacy and community engagement, without the pressure of membership fees or vendor pitches.What You'll LearnHow the MSPAA differs from other MSP organizations.The benefits of public-facing advocacy for MSPs.How to get involved with the MSPAA and its events.How the MSPAA helps MSPs connect with potential clients.The importance of building relationships within the MSP community.Companies & Websites Mentioned:MSPAA (MSP Association of America): https://mspaa.net=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv shares his recent experience migrating mailboxes and data files to SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365 for a referral client. The project, involving 14 mailboxes for 10 users, presented challenges such as limited access to the previous hosting environment and mailboxes exceeding size limits. Marv highlights how PowerShell became essential for overcoming these obstacles, performing tasks more efficiently than the Microsoft 365 portal would allow. He emphasizes that while the portal is task-oriented, PowerShell’s object-oriented nature provides greater flexibility and speed, especially when dealing with multiple mailboxes or complex configurations.Marv provides practical advice for those new to using PowerShell with Exchange Online, including running PowerShell as an administrator, using a dedicated admin account with multi-factor authentication, and keeping the Exchange Online management module updated. He also shares specific scripts he used during the migration, such as those for gathering mailbox information, enabling auto-expanding archives, and removing "prohibit send receive" statuses. Marv encourages listeners to download the scripts he used, test them out, and provide feedback for improvement.Why Listen:This episode provides valuable insights into how PowerShell can streamline Microsoft 365 migrations and other IT tasks. Whether you're new to PowerShell or looking to expand your scripting skills, you'll gain practical knowledge and actionable tips to improve your efficiency and effectiveness.What You'll Learn:Why PowerShell is often better and faster than the Microsoft 365 portal for certain tasks.Best practices for connecting to Exchange Online using PowerShell.How to use PowerShell scripts to gather mailbox information and manage mailbox settings.How to enable auto-expanding archives and resolve mailbox quota issues using PowerShell.The importance of embracing PowerShell as a valuable tool in the modern IT landscape.Actionable Tips:Always run PowerShell as an administrator for necessary permissionsUse a dedicated admin account with multi-factor authentication for enhanced securityRegularly update the Exchange Online management moduleStart with basic PowerShell scripts and gradually expand your knowledgeLinks:Download my PDF of PowerShell Scripts: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/365-exchange-powershell/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAlly=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv interviews Mike Psenka, CEO of Moovila, winner of the 2024 SWAG Award, about revolutionizing project management for MSPs. Mike discusses Moovila's origins, stemming from challenges observed in both the construction industry and the MSP space, and how their AI-driven platform addresses the unique needs of MSPs, particularly those looking to scale or improve their efficiency. They discuss how Moovila helps MSPs transition from traditional project management to a more automated, reliable system, emphasizing the importance of trusting the data and proactively identifying potential issues. The conversation explores the "project paradox," highlighting the statistical likelihood of project delays and the critical need for early risk detection and clear communication with clients. Mike shares how smaller MSPs can also benefit from the platform, particularly through community sharing of best practices and future automations that reduce manual tasks. Why Listen:This episode offers MSPs practical insights into overcoming project management challenges, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing profitability. It provides a fresh perspective on leveraging AI to automate and optimize project workflows, enabling MSPs to deliver consistent, high-quality results and build stronger client relationships through transparent communication.What You'll Learn:How AI-driven project management can improve efficiency and reduce errors in MSP operations.The concept of the "project paradox" and its implications for managing project timelines.Strategies for effectively communicating project status and potential delays to clients.The benefits of productizing projects and leveraging community best practices.Actionable Tips & Advice:Embrace Automation: Explore tools like Moovila that can automate project tasks, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.Communicate Proactively: Establish clear communication channels with clients and keep them informed of project progress, potential delays, and any necessary adjustments.Focus on Credibility: Prioritize accurate project timelines and transparent communication to build trust and strengthen client relationships.Productize Your Services: Develop standardized project templates and processes to improve efficiency and consistency in your service delivery.Companies & Websites Mentioned:Moovila: https://www.moovila.com/Connectwise: https://www.connectwise.com/Kaseya: https://www.kaseya.com/Monday: https://monday.com/Microsoft Project: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/project/project-management-softwareSmartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/Caterpillar: https://www.caterpillar.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv kicks off the podcast catching us up on his busy week at IT Expo in Fort Lauderdale, complete with a listener luncheon and MSP panel appearance! He also gives us an update on his ongoing Office 365 migration saga (we've all been there, right?). The main event is a return visit from Chris Keith of Hirexe, diving deep into the benefits of hiring South African staff to augment your IT organization. Chris shares how Hirexe helps MSPs go beyond just finding help desk techs, and how they can even source talent for marketing, SEO, and more! They discuss the rising popularity of South Africa as a talent pool. Chris emphasizes that it isn't just about labor costs, but also about cultural affinity, similar time zones, and a sophisticated workforce. They then explore the rigorous vetting process Hirexe uses, including video recordings and personality assessments, to ensure you get the right fit. Chris also addresses concerns about commitment, emphasizing that Hirexe ensures employees receive a significant pay increase, remote work opportunities, and a supportive onboarding experience. Marv and Chris then explore the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the MSP world, discussing the importance of focusing on vision and strategy rather than getting bogged down in technician-level tasks. Chris explains that Hirexe can free up business owners to be true entrepreneurs by providing affordable, high-quality talent. They wrap up with a discussion about changing workplace expectations and the importance of results-oriented work. And of course, it wouldn't be a show with Uncle Marv without a Florida Man story!Guest Bio: Chris Keith is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Hirexe, a company specializing in connecting MSPs with top-tier talent from South Africa. Chris is passionate about helping business owners focus on vision and growth by providing affordable, high-quality staffing solutions.Companies and Websites Mentioned:Florida Man Shoo Alligator from backyard pool: https://tinyurl.com/4wv296utHirexe: https://hirexe.com/IT Business Podcast: https://itbusinesspodcast.com/Somewhere.com (formerly Support Shepherd): https://www.somewhere.com/Zero Trust World: https://ztw.com/MSPChannelJobs.com: https://www.mspchanneljobs.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv hosts cybersecurity expert Matthew Fisch and Attorney Christopher Regan to discuss the crucial "boom" moment during a cyber incident. They explore what happens when a cybersecurity disaster strikes and how to respond effectively. The conversation kicks off by defining what "boom" means in cybersecurity terms. Matt explains that it's not always a sudden event but can be a process that unfolds over weeks or months. They stress the importance of staying calm and having a well-prepared incident response plan. Chris, a seasoned privacy attorney, shares insights on the legal implications of declaring an incident and the importance of using the right terminology. The team discusses the value of cyber insurance and how insurers can provide crucial support during an incident. The experts offer practical advice for IT professionals and MSPs on the front lines of incident response. They emphasize the need for proper documentation, secure communication channels, and the importance of preserving evidence. The episode wraps up with a reminder to be cautious about sweeping minor incidents under the rug and the potential consequences of not following through on stated security policies.=== Websites and Links: Fort Mesa - https://fortmesa.com/Florida Man in dalmatian onesie outruns troopers, tasers, and K9's: https://tinyurl.com/23f75f2x=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv welcomes Chris Keith, founder of HireXE, to discuss the challenges of hiring in the IT and MSP space. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey, from digital advertising to creating a hanger company, before focusing on solving the talent acquisition problem in the channel. HireXE's unique approach involves tapping into the South African talent pool, where Chris has found high-quality, cost-effective professionals familiar with the MSP industry. He explains how their rigorous vetting process and full-time employment model benefit both MSPs and employees. The conversation covers the specifics of HireXE's services, including their month-to-month contracts, seamless integration with client companies, and their ability to handle various roles from L1 tech support to service coordinators. Chris also touches on their plans to develop an AI-driven matching system to streamline the hiring process further. Looking to the future, Chris discusses HireXE's focus on the channel market and their plans to attend industry events like ASCII. He also shares his interest in useful AI tools and his role as a "Useful AI guy," highlighting the potential of AI in enhancing productivity and decision-making in business.Companies and Websites Mentioned: HireXE - hirexe.comMSP Channel Jobs - https://www.mspchanneljobs.com/Zorus - https://zorustech.com/RedrO- https://orderredro.com/ASCII Edge 2025 - https://events.ascii.com/Snipd - https://www.snipd.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner: NetAllyInternet Provider: RythmzDigital Partner: Designer Ready=== LICENSE CERTIFICATEThis license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revokable basis, for this Registered Project.Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNMLFor any queries related to this document or license please contact Envato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv welcomes Ryan Miller, Chief Information Security Officer at RootPoint, to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity. They dive into the recent buzz around Ghost GPT, an AI-powered tool that's causing concern in the tech world. Ryan offers a balanced perspective, explaining that while such tools may make certain hacking tasks easier, they don't necessarily lower the barrier to entry for cybercriminals as much as some fear. The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing IT security in today's landscape. Ryan shares insights on the importance of proper security practices, including the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and the risks associated with certain vendor requirements. He emphasizes the value of collaboration between IT professionals and employees, cautioning against practices that can alienate staff, such as overly aggressive phishing simulations. Uncle Marv and Ryan also touch on the evolving nature of managed services, with Ryan highlighting RootPoint's approach of tailoring enterprise-level solutions for their clients. The episode wraps up with a humorous Florida Man story, providing a light-hearted end to an informative discussion on serious cybersecurity matters.=== Links and Companies MentionedRootPoint - https://www.rootpoint.com/AV Summary Report: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/av-summary-2024/Florida Man Arrested Despite Having Ankle Monitor: https://tinyurl.com/3c6ap245Florida Halo Law Protects First Responders: https://tinyurl.com/244p87x9ThreatLocker - https://threatlocker.com/Mitel - https://www.mitel.com/Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

In this episode of Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast, host Marv welcomes Cat Orsini, a marketing strategist with a fresh take on business growth. Cat dives into her journey from using manipulative "bro marketing" techniques to developing a more authentic, relationship-focused approach. Cat introduces her concept of the Action Incubator and explains how she helps businesses create "firework experiences" to shorten sales cycles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different buyer types and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly. Cat also shares insights on common mistakes businesses make when trying to scale, including automating failure instead of success and treating networks like one-night stands. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Cat and Marv discuss the psychology behind decision-making in sales. Cat stresses the need to address both emotional and logical aspects of buying, providing valuable tips for IT service providers looking to build trust with potential clients. Throughout the episode, Cat sprinkles in practical advice on time management, content creation, and the strategic use of data in marketing. She introduces her new Spark CRM system and explains how it helps turn networks into net worth. This episode is packed with actionable insights for IT business owners looking to improve their marketing strategies and build stronger, more authentic relationships with clients.=== Links and Companies Mentioned: Action Incubator - https://actionincubator.com/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast