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

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

Latest episodes

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Jul 26, 2023 • 21min

549 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: Bizzity

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee interviews Ed Mana, the founder and CEO of Bizzity, a software-as-a-service platform aimed at helping managed service providers (MSPs) improve their sales and marketing processes. Bizzity focuses on making sales and marketing faster and easier for MSPs, helping them save time, boost revenue, and focus on growing their business. The platform offers features such as streamlined quoting processes, efficient integration with other tools, fast data syncing, and real-time analytics and reporting.Overall, Bizzity aims to provide MSPs with a comprehensive solution to enhance their sales and marketing efforts and ultimately boost their business success.Key Takeaways:Bizzity is a software-as-a-service platform designed to help MSPs improve their sales and marketing processes.The platform focuses on streamlining quoting processes, offering efficient integrations, fast data syncing, and real-time analytics.Bizzity prioritizes customer fit and aims to have raving fans rather than raving lunatics as clients.The software provides features like version control to avoid quote mistakes and a dashboard for a clear overview of the sales process.Bizzity's product feed includes 1.3 million records, accessing major distributors like D&H, TD Synnex, and Ingram.The platform offers real-time updates and fast analytics to ensure MSPs can work efficiently and close deals quickly.Website: https://www.bizzity.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ManagedServiceProviders #ITProfessionals #ConnectWisePitchIT #SummerSeries #PitchItProgram #ITNationConnect #MSPs #SalesAndMarketing #Bizzity #SoftwareAsAService #QuotingProcess #Integrations #DataSyncing #RealTimeAnalytics #ManagedServices #ChannelCon #ITNation #TechBusiness #BusinessTechnology === 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
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Jul 26, 2023 • 20min

548 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: HacWare

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee speaks with Juan Fernandez, the channel chief, and Tiffany Ricks, the founder of HacWare. HacWare is a startup competing in ConnectWise's PitchIT program, which aims to find vendors with emerging technologies that complement ConnectWise's ecosystem and support MSPs.HacWare provides a 100% automated phishing simulation and security awareness training platform to educate end-users on identifying and avoiding phishing attempts. Their platform utilizes generative AI to create targeted phishing simulations based on real phishing trends and user vulnerabilities. HacWare's reporting goes beyond simple pass/fail results, providing insights into risky user behaviors and the potential cost of security breaches to the organization.Key Takeaways:HacWare is an automated phishing simulation platform using generative AI for targeted training.HacWare's reporting offers insights into risky user behaviors and potential costs of security breaches.HacWare's platform helps MSPs save time, increase revenue, and provide value to their customers.HacWare distinguishes itself through its unique generative AI capabilities, compliance support, and partner support program.Website: https://www.hacware.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ConnectWise #PitchIT #PhishingSimulations #AIsecurity #MSPs #ManagedServiceProviders #CybersecurityTraining #EmergingTechnologies #TechStartups #CybersecurityAwareness #ITNationConnect #InformationSecurity #SecurityTraining #CyberThreats #DataProtection #ITBusiness #AIinCybersecurity #PhishingPrevention #CybersecuritySolutions #TechEntrepreneurs === 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
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Jul 26, 2023 • 19min

547 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: Datastream Insurance

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee interviews Larry Meador, the channel chief for DataStream Insurance. DataStream is a specialty cyber insurance-only broker with over 40 different carriers in their portfolio. They focus on partnering with MSPs and MSSPs to help their SMB clients get insured. The company uses AI and machine learning to analyze data, enabling them to offer better products and help MSPs get ahead of the insurance process. The discussion revolves around the misconceptions surrounding cyber insurance and the recent increase in premiums due to a lack of understanding from some insurance carriers.Key Takeaways:DataStream is a specialty cyber insurance-only broker, working with MSPs and MSSPs to insure SMBs.DataStream uses AI and machine learning to analyze data and offer better insurance products.Cyber insurance has experienced a rise in premiums due to some insurance carriers' lack of understanding about the unique risks involved.MSPs can benefit from partnering with DataStream to save time and reduce liability when referring customers for cyber insurance.The IT Nation Connect in November will feature a Pitch It program where DataStream will participate as an emerging vendor.Website: https://datastreaminsurance.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ITprofessionals #cyberinsurance #MSPs #MSSPs #ITNationConnect #PitchItProgram #DataScience #AI #machinelearning #cybersecurity #emergingvendors #SMBs #insurance #cyberresilience #actuarialdata #premiums #ITNation #Orlando #technology #cyberliability === 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
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Jul 26, 2023 • 47min

546 Maximize Your Tech Return on Investment (ROI)

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee interviews Nathaniel Morris, from EQ Digital, on maximizing technological value for businesses. They discuss how technology is an expensive investment, and many companies fail to get the most value out of it due to improper deployment, redundancies, and lack of understanding of its impact on the business. Nathaniel emphasizes that technical teams need to understand the business context and articulate how technology can enable better capabilities and deliver more value to the company.Nathaniel explains how companies can identify issues with their culture, trust, and clarity, which are essential for a healthy technology organization. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and alignment between business and tech partners to deliver real value to customers.Highlights:Technology is an expensive investment, and businesses need to ensure they get the maximum value out of it.Technical teams should focus on understanding the business context and how technology impacts the organization positively.Companies can add 20% in business value without adding new technology by leveraging existing resources and understanding their impact on the business.When technology decisions are made without considering the business's needs and customer experience, it can lead to significant financial losses.An outside perspective can help identify and address trust, clarity, and culture issues within an organization.Building culture is about creating the right conditions and ensuring a trustworthy environment with clarity for employees.Healthy technology organizations require a balance of trust, culture, and clarity among their teams.Transparency between technology providers and clients fosters a partnership that drives value for both parties. EQ Digital focuses on emotional intelligence and business alignment in the digital transformation process.=== Website: https://eqdigital.com/=== #ITBusinessPodcast #businessandtech #technologyalignment #harmonyinbusiness #leadership #businessvalue #ITstrategy #technologyconsulting #businessoptimization #digitaltransformation #businessintelligence #EQDigital #ROI #vendors #trust #culture #clarity #processoptimization #partnerrelationships #businesscontext #technologyimplementation #technologyintegration #businessgrowth #businesssuccess === 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
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Jul 22, 2023 • 14min

545 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: vCIOToolbox

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee and Sean Lardo discuss the ConnectWise PitchIT program, a shark tank-like competition for emerging vendor technologies and services that complement the ConnectWise ecosystem and support the MSP mission. They introduce Brian Doyle, co-founder and CEO of vCIOToolbox, a unified platform for VCIOs and VCsOs to engage with their customers, build roadmaps, and guide them towards using technology to improve their organizations. vCIOToolbox consists of two core products: On-Point Manage and Cyberance, which help MSPs build cyber programs for their customers and create new revenue streams. Brian explains how vCIOToolbox streamlines the process of conducting QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) and building strategic plans with customers to align technology goals with business objectives. The Power QBR Formula Blueprint is introduced as a five-step process to improve customer relationships and retention. Brian also talks about the Ramp Camp, a coaching and training program to help MSPs implement the vCIOToolbox process effectively.Key Takeaways:ConnectWise PitchIT program is a shark tank-like competition for emerging vendor technologies and services that complement the ConnectWise ecosystem and support the MSP mission.vCIOToolbox is a unified platform for VCIOs and VCsOs that helps engage with customers, build roadmaps, and guide them towards leveraging technology for organizational improvement.vCIOToolbox  offers two core products: On-Point Account Management Platform and VC Sub-suite Cyberants, aiding MSPs in building cyber programs and generating new revenue streams.The vCIOToolbox process streamlines QBRs and helps align technology goals with business objectives through strategic planning and joint strategic plans with customers.The Power QBR Formula Blueprint is a five-step process for conducting effective QBRs and enhancing customer relationships.Ramp Camp is a coaching and training program to help MSPs implement the vCIOToolbox  process with accountability and optimize results.Website: https://vciotoolbox.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ConnectWise #PitchIT #MSP #ManagedServiceProviders #Technology #IT #VCIO #CyberSecurity #QBR #QuarterlyBusinessReview #ITNationConnect #EmergingVendors #BusinessImprovement #StrategicPlanning #TechnologyRoadmap #CustomerEngagement #BusinessObjectives #RampCamp #Coaching #Training #Accountability === 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
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Jul 22, 2023 • 16min

544 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: Grok Stream

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee continues the summer series on the ConnectWise PitchIT program. He is joined by Sean Lardo, who explains that PitchIT is a shark tank-like competition sponsored by ConnectWise. The featured vendor in this episode is Josh Kindiger from Grok Stream, a company specializing in AI and machine learning for operations centers of MSPs. They integrate with various systems, helping MSPs proactively and predictively identify and fix problems in real-time, aiming for self-healing operations. Their multi-tenant platform ensures data security and offers efficient implementation, showcasing value in a short timeframe.Key Takeaways:PitchIT is a competition sponsored by ConnectWise, seeking the best emerging technologies to support MSPs.Grok Stream is an AI and machine learning company focused on optimizing operations centers for MSPs.Grok Stream's platform integrates with RMMs and ticketing systems to provide real-time, proactive problem identification and resolution.Their multi-tenant platform ensures data security and allows efficient implementation.The goal is to help MSPs achieve self-healing operations and ensure customer satisfaction with minimal downtime.Website: https://grokstream.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ConnectWise #PitchIT #MSP #AI #MachineLearning #GrokStream #OperationsCenter #RealTime #Proactive #SelfHealing #DataSecurity #TechCompetition #EmergingTechnologies #ManagedServiceProviders #TechStartup #ITNationConnect #TechInnovation #BusinessTech #ArtificialIntelligence === 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
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Jul 22, 2023 • 17min

543 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: Phalanx

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, host Marvin Bee and guest Sean Lardo discuss the ConnectWise 2023 Pitch It competition. PitchIT is a shark tank-like competition sponsored by ConnectWise, seeking emerging vendors in the IT space that complement ConnectWise's ecosystem and support the mission of managed service providers (MSPs). The guest for this episode is Ian Garrett from Phalanx, a lightweight data loss prevention and document mapping solution. Phalanx offers data protection by encrypting sensitive documents across various workspaces like Office 365 and Google Workspaces, making it a valuable tool for MSPs serving clients in finance, government contracting, and other sectors handling sensitive information.Key Takeaways:PitchIT is a shark tank-like competition by ConnectWise for emerging vendors in the IT space. The top three finalists of PitchIT get free booth space at IT Nation Connect, and the winner receives a grand prize of $70,000.Phalanx offers lightweight data loss prevention and document mapping to help protect sensitive documents across various workspaces.Phalanx's solution is functional at all levels, from sole proprietors to large enterprises, making it suitable for various MSP clients.The solution operates with Zero Trust data access, enhancing security in remote and hybrid work environments.Phalanx's development was inspired by the need for improved cyber strategies in the post-COVID era of remote work.Website: https://www.phalanx.io/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #MSP #Connectwise #PitchIt #VendorSpotlight #ConnectWise #ITNationConnect #Phalanx #ZeroTrustDataAccess #DataProtection #DocumentMapping #SecureFileSharing #EndpointSecurity #CloudSecurity === 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
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Jul 20, 2023 • 39min

542 Do You Build Custom Servers?

Highlights:Marvin highlights the NetAlly AirCheck G3 Wireless Analyzer, a versatile tool for testing and analyzing Wi-Fi networks, and shares a real-world use case during a client visit.He talks about his experience in building custom servers for a major network upgrade project and compares the cost and convenience of doing so with established vendors like HP, Dell, and Lenovo.Marvin seeks advice from the community on installing Hyper-V for the first time and asks for tips and gotchas to look out for during the process.The podcast also promotes TechCon Unplugged, an upcoming event for IT professionals to gather and share knowledge.Lastly, Marvin mentions the possibility of attending DattoCon in Miami and discusses the benefits of visiting the Kaseya Center for a day trip.=== Here is a list of websites mentioned in the show:AirCheck G3 Wireless Analyzer: netally.com/AirCheckBuy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K9VUlNHP Enterprise: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/home.htmlDell: https://www.dell.com/en-usLenovo: https://www.lenovo.comTechCon Unplugged: techconunplugged.comASCII Cup: https://events.ascii.com/DattoCon: https://www.dattocon.com/=== #ITBusinessPodcast #AirCheckG3 #NetAlly #ITProfessional #ManagedServiceProvider #TechDepartment #VendorPitches #Interviews #Wi-FiTesting #AirCheck #EtherScope #LinkRunner #LinkSprinter #NetworkTesting #TechSupport #DomainController #ActiveDirectory #NetBIOS #VLAN #DataVLAN #PhoneVLAN #NetworkCables #NetworkDiscovery #Wi-FiAnalyzer #CustomServers #ServerConfiguration #HyperV #VirtualMachines #ScreenConnect #ConnectWise #RemoteSupport #InstantHouseCall #TechConUnplugged #ASCII #DattoCon #ITConference #Miami #ITServices === 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
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Jul 19, 2023 • 13min

541 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: Orpheus Cyber

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, our guest is Karla Reffold, COO of Orpheus Cyber, a company specializing in vulnerability prioritization and risk ratings. Karla explains how their platform helps organizations improve their security by predicting which vulnerabilities are likely to be exploited in the future, saving time and resources. She also discusses how Orpheus Cyber assists with supply chain management by providing risk ratings for suppliers. The episode concludes with the host expressing excitement about meeting Karla at IT Nation Connect.Highlights:The Pitch It 2023 program is a Shark Tank-style competition sponsored by ConnectWise.Orpheus Cyber offers vulnerability prioritization and risk ratings.Their platform predicts which vulnerabilities are likely to be exploited in the future, saving time and resources.Orpheus Cyber's platform also helps with supply chain management by providing risk ratings for suppliers.The platform eliminates the need for time-consuming and incomplete questionnaires.Maintaining up-to-date vulnerability scans and considering supply chain management are crucial for MSPs.Orpheus Cyber's solution is efficient, fast, and cost-effective, especially for small to medium businesses.Website: https://orpheus-cyber.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #MSP #Connectwise #PitchIt #VendorSpotlight #ConnectWise #ITNationConnect #SharkTankCompetition #Startups #MSPs #Cybersecurity #VulnerabilityPrioritization #RiskRatings #SupplyChainManagement  === 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
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Jul 19, 2023 • 15min

540 PitchIT Vendor Spotlight: B2BToolbox

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv interviews Norm MacConkey from B2B Toolbox, formerly known as MPS Toolbox. B2B Toolbox provides a turnkey e-commerce solution for ConnectWise resellers, allowing them to create an online storefront and sell a wide range of products, including IT hardware and software. The platform enables customers to easily browse, select, and purchase products without the need for direct interaction. B2B Toolbox also offers marketing services to help drive traffic to the resellers' websites. The episode discusses the benefits of offering e-commerce capabilities and emphasizes the importance of capturing revenue from hardware and software sales that might otherwise go to larger retailers like Amazon. The host and guest express their enthusiasm for B2B Toolbox's participation in the ConnectWise Pitch It competition and their hope to be selected as one of the finalists.Highlights:The 2023 ConnectWise Pitch It program is a Shark Tank competition for innovative startup companies that can support the mission of managed service providers (MSPs).The first-place winner receives $70,000, the second-place winner receives $30,000, and the third-place winner receives a fictitious prize (mentioned humorously in the podcast).B2B Toolbox (formerly MPS Toolbox) provides a turnkey e-commerce solution for ConnectWise resellers, enabling them to create an online storefront for selling a wide range of products.Customers can easily search, browse, and purchase products from the resellers' websites without the need for direct interaction.B2B Toolbox offers marketing services to help drive traffic to the resellers' websites and increase online sales.The platform allows resellers to exclude products or categories they don't want to sell and ensures customers have access to products suitable for their business needs.B2B Toolbox emphasizes the importance of capturing revenue from IT hardware and software sales, which can account for a significant portion of customer spending.Website: https://theb2btoolbox.com/=== PitchIT is an annual accelerator program created by ConnectWise in 2018 to incubate growth in startup integration partners dedicated to the MSP space. The company is offering small companies the chance to take part in a 16-week program where participants receive a thorough business assessment, gain coaching from industry experts, earn placement on the ConnectWise marketplace, engage in co-marketing and more.The finalists are selected to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect. The PitchIT 2023 program is officially underway, and 27 companies have been selected to participate in the program.Interested but still have questions? Email PitchIT@ConnectWise.com.Join the PitchIT  waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit=== #ITBusinessPodcast #B2BToolbox #eCommerceSolution #ConnectWiseResellers #ManagedITServices #ITHardware #ITSoftware #OnlineShopping #BusinessSolutions #MSPs #PitchItCompetition #ITNationConnect === 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

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