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

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv and Sean Lardo discuss the upcoming Pitch IT competition by ConnectWise. They introduce Tim Golden from ComplianceRisk.io, who talks about their platform called Polygon, which provides governance as a service for MSPs. Polygon helps MSPs streamline their policies, procedures, and compliance documentation, making it easy and efficient to manage at scale. Tim explains how Polygon integrates with various tools, including ConnectWise, Fort Mesa, and Microsoft Graph API. He also shares advice for MSPs just starting out in compliance and highlights the policy packs available on their platform. Highlights:Pitch It competition sponsored by ConnectWise aims to find innovative startup vendors aligned with MSPs' mission and growth.Polygon by ComplianceRisk.io offers governance as a service, streamlining compliance documentation and processes for MSPs.Integration with ConnectWise, Fort Mesa, Microsoft Graph API, and other tools enhances data management and documentation.Advice for MSPs starting in compliance: pick a framework (e.g., CIS, CompTIA's Trustmark) and start documenting gradually.Policy packs in Polygon facilitate documentation, including HIPAA and FTC policies.Reminder to vote for ComplianceRisk.io in the Pitch It competition on August 29th.=== Websites MentionedComplianceRisk.io - The website of Compliance Risk, offering governance as a service and compliance consulting for businesses. ConnectWise https://www.cisecurity.org: CIS (Center for Internet Security) - A nonprofit organization providing guidelines and best practices for cybersecurity. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview: Microsoft Graph API - A RESTful API provided by Microsoft for integrating with various Microsoft services and data.=== 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 #MSPs #PitchItCompetition #GovernanceAsAService #ComplianceRisk #PolygonPlatform #Cybersecurity #AssetManagement #DocumentManagement #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

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv continues the summer series for the Connectwise Pitch It program. He interviews Walter Contreras from Binox MSP, who shares his experience as an immigrant and the development of Binox. Binox MSP is a Sales and Marketing solution for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) that provides human verified B2B leads, along with an exclusive PSA (Professional Services Automation) to CRM (Customer Relationship Management) bi-directional sync and marketing automation to help convert those leads into customers. Binox MSP integrates with ConnectWise PSA, Datto Autotask PSA, Kaseya/BMS, Synchro, and Halo. It sends leads to Infusionsoft, HubSpot, and other CRMs.Binox focuses on lead generation and provides human-verified data to help MSPs target prospects effectively. Walter emphasizes the importance of maintaining a personal connection with prospects and believes that Binox enhances the human capacity in sales processes. The conversation highlights the various features of Binox, including website reveal, browser extension, and SMS texting. Highlights:Binox MSP is a revenue growth platform designed for MSPs, providing lead generation and CRM features.Binox offers human-verified data and contact information for targeted prospects.The platform integrates with ConnectWise and provides bi-directional synchronization.Marketing automation tools and partnerships, like MyMatrix, are available within Binox.Binox's browser extension helps identify decision-makers and provides contact information.The platform includes a built-in dialer and SMS texting feature for efficient communication.Walter emphasizes the importance of taking action and building personal connections with prospects.Binox aims to enhance the human capacity in sales processes rather than replacing it with AI.Website: https://binoxmsp.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 #BinoxMSP #LeadGeneration #CRM #MarketingAutomation #SalesProcess #Data #HumanVerifiedData #Integration #BrowserExtension #SMSMarketing #ITNationConnect #Orlando === 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

Wayne Creamer from Symoda joins the podcast to discuss their client-facing customer service platform. Symoda aims to improve the customer experience for MSPs and their clients by providing better communication, self-service solutions, and a focus on the client's overall support experience. The platform integrates with popular PSAs like ConnectWise and Autotask, allowing MSPs to create and update tickets directly within the app. Symoda also plans to harness AI to automate tasks and provide a more seamless experience for end users.Key Takeaways:Symoda is a client-facing customer service platform that improves the customer experience for MSPs and their clients.The platform integrates with popular PSAs like ConnectWise and Autotask, allowing MSPs to create and update tickets directly within the app.Symoda aims to automate tasks and provide self-service solutions to improve efficiency and reduce friction in the support process.=== Websites Referencedhttps://symoda.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 #PitchItProgram #SharkTank #StartupInnovators #MSPSupport #ChannelProgram #Symoda #CustomerService #MSPCommunication #PSAIntegration #AutomatedTasks #CustomerExperience #MSPClient  === 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, Marvin Bee and Sean Lardo discuss the ConnectWise PitchIT program, a Shark Tank-style competition for emerging and innovative vendors. They are joined by Naren Sathiya from Telivy, a company that automates cybersecurity risk assessments. Telivy helps identify and analyze cyber liabilities across various security areas and offers remediation plans through partner vendors. They also assist MSPs in educating clients about their cyber liabilities and can help save on insurance costs. The episode highlights Telivy's focus on risk advisory for MSPs and the growing importance of digital risks for small businesses.=== Websites Referencedhttps://www.telivy.com/https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/telivy=== HighlightsTelivy automates cybersecurity risk assessments and helps identify and analyze cyber liabilities.Telivy offers remediation plans and works with partner vendors for assistance.They help MSPs educate clients about their cyber liabilities and save on insurance costs.Telivy emphasizes the role of MSPs as risk advisors and the increasing importance of digital risks for small businesses.=== 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 #ITNationConnect #ITNation #Cybersecurity #MSPs #VendorSpotlight #RiskAdvisory #DigitalRisks #Automation === 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, Marvin Bee is joined by Lynn from ASCII and Technology Attorney Bradley Gross. They discuss the ASCIII Edge event in Tampa Florida, and the upcoming Taste of Success, which are local dinner learns organized by the ASCII group. The dinner learns offer an intimate setting for MSPs to network and learn from industry experts like Bradley Gross and Corey from new so. The hosts emphasize the importance of keeping the events small and conversational. The podcast concludes with plans to expand the Taste of Success to more locations in the future.Highlights:ASCII group organizing local dinner learns called the Taste of Success for MSPs in Minneapolis and Denver.Taste of Success Dinner Learns provide an intimate setting for networking and conversations.Bradley Gross is known as the "Batman" of the MSP attorney industry.The events are intentionally kept small for better conversations.Plans to expand dinner learns to more cities in the future.=== The ASCII Edge conference was held in Tampa, Florida on June 21-22, 2023. The conference is designed for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) to come together, share best practices, and learn from one another's experiences. The event was held at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. There were private peer meetings of ASCII members, networking opportunities, and time to meet with sponsors. The conference also had a focus on cybersecurity, with a private meeting about the Conceal secure browser extension.#asciiedge #podcast #itbusinesspodcast === 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," we took a deep dive into the Microsoft 365 Journey to the Cloud. We covered everything from enhanced email protection to customizing conditional access policies for top-notch security.But that's not all! We also discussed the benefits of utilizing Teams Channels for client communication and monitoring. And of course, we couldn't forget about the failed conditional access and password issues that can sometimes pop up.Now, let's talk about the highlights of this episode:Moving a client to Microsoft 365 Business Premium for enhanced email protection.Importance of customizing conditional access policies for enhanced security.Utilizing Teams Channels for client communication and monitoring.Discussion on failed conditional access and password issues.Timestamps:10:11 - Moving a client to Microsoft 365 Business Premium for enhanced email protection.19:26 - Importance of customizing conditional access policies for enhanced security.27:48 - Utilizing Teams Channels for client communication and monitoring.48:41 - Discussion on failed conditional access and password issues.=== Websites and Resources: Skyline IT Management: https://skylineitmgmt.com/Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://tinyurl.com/2x25wnxeMigrate your content to Microsoft 365: https://tinyurl.com/2y3ebpa2Migration for your Microsoft 365 Tenants: https://tinyurl.com/5xepc6f4Florida Man Throws BBQ Grill at Police: https://tinyurl.com/ybfkm9z6=== #ITBusinessPodcast #Microsoft365 #ITproviders #cloudmigration #BusinessStandard #BusinessPremium #AzureAD #Intune #conditionalaccess #securitypolicies #phishingpolicies #dynamicgroups === 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 podcast episode, Marvin Bee and Dinah Giles from Skyline IT Management discuss various topics related to Microsoft 365 and cloud migration. They cover subjects like licenses, cloud adoption, client criteria for migration, hybrid scenarios, customization and branding, and the cost considerations of transitioning to premium licenses. They also touch upon topics like calendar sharing and deploying Windows 10 using cloud configuration. The episode concludes with an invitation to a live show  July 12, 2023 where they will answer questions from the audience. Highlights:Discussion on licenses and the difference between standard, basic, and premium licenses.Importance of cloud migration for IT providers and the potential for business expansion.Considerations for selecting clients who are interested in moving to the cloud.Customization and branding options available in Microsoft 365.The security benefits of customization and branding.Exploring the deployment of Windows 10 and customization through Azure AD and Intune.Cost considerations and options for annual commitments and discounts.Explanation of the hybrid model and the steps involved in moving clients to the cloud.The importance of setting up domains and configuring DNS settings.The benefits of using Microsoft 365 for small businesses.Mention of a live show on July 12th for further discussions and Q&A.=== Websites and Resources: Skyline IT Management: https://skylineitmgmt.com/Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://tinyurl.com/2x25wnxeMigrate your content to Microsoft 365: https://tinyurl.com/2y3ebpa2Migration for your Microsoft 365 Tenants: https://tinyurl.com/5xepc6f4=== #ITBusinessPodcast #Microsoft365 #ITproviders #cloudmigration #BusinessStandard #BusinessPremium #AzureAD #Intune #conditionalaccess #securitypolicies #phishingpolicies #dynamicgroups  === 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," the hosts discuss the importance of tailored content and videos for MSPs. They emphasize the need for guidance in creating content that aligns with an MSP's model, clients, and goals. They also highlight the value of being involved in meetings and providing guidance for implementing marketing plans. The hosts stress the importance of fair compensation for content production and goal alignment. The episode concludes with a discussion about the MSP Corner website and the supportive community it offers.Highlights:The hosts provide guidance on creating tailored content and videos for MSPs.They emphasize the value of being involved in meetings and providing guidance for marketing plans.Fair compensation for content production and goal alignment is discussed.The MSP Corner website and its supportive community are highlighted.=== List of Websites and Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:MSP Corner - https://mspcorner.com/Single Point of Contact - https://singlepointoc.com/A Definitive Guide to Cybersecurity by Gregory Morawietz - https://amzn.to/46IHToU=== Hashtags:#MSPCorner #ContentCreation #VideoMarketing #MarketingPlan #SEOBestPractices #DigitalFootprint #WebsiteOptimization #SalesGoals #MarketingGoals #LeadGeneration #OnlinePresence #BusinessGuidance #TailoredContent #MarketingStrategies #Webinars #SocialMediaMarketing #DigitalMarketing #OnlineAdvertising #KeywordResearch #AdWords #SearchEngineOptimization #MarketingEducation #VendorEngagement #CaseStudies === 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 podcast episode, Marvin Bee and Diana Giles continue their discussion about Microsoft 365 and setting up clients in the cloud. They start by briefly recapping the differences between Business Standard and Business Premium licenses. Diana shares her screen and introduces M365maps.com, a website that provides visual representations of the various licensing options in Microsoft 365. They emphasize the importance of understanding licensing requirements for clients and encourage IT providers to consider moving their clients to the cloud.Diana then dives into the process of setting up a client's Microsoft 365 environment. She discusses the need to clean up user accounts and ensure proper formatting for user names during migration from a server. She also mentions the option to import users' accounts using an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file. Diana highlights the significance of having the necessary licenses in place before assigning them to users, as it streamlines the setup process.Moving on, Diana explains the importance of setting up user groups and recommends utilizing dynamic groups for easier management. She demonstrates how to create dynamic membership rules for device groups in Azure AD. Diana emphasizes the benefits of using dynamic groups for automation and ease of user management.The conversation then shifts to conditional access policies, which play a crucial role in maintaining a secure Microsoft 365 environment. Diana provides an overview of the policy settings and showcases examples like multi-factor authentication, allowed/disallowed locations, and template options for conditional access policies. She stresses the importance of creating naming conventions and using detailed policies to enhance security.Lastly, Diana highlights the advanced threat protection features in Microsoft 365, specifically safe attachments and safe links, which provide enhanced security for emails. She mentions that these features require premium licenses for full functionality.The episode concludes with Marvin Bee asking about license requirements for different user types, and Diana explains that while some users may not require premium licenses, it ultimately depends on their specific needs.Highlights:Recap of differences between Business Standard and Business Premium licensesIntroduction to M365maps.com for visual representations of licensing optionsCleaning up user accounts and formatting names during migrationImporting user accounts via Excel spreadsheet or CSV fileImportance of having licenses in place before assigning them to usersSetting up user groups and utilizing dynamic groups for easier managementExploring dynamic membership rules for device groups in Azure ADOverview of conditional access policies and their settingsCreating naming conventions and using detailed policies for enhanced securityAdvanced threat protection features: safe attachments and safe linksLicense requirements for different user types=== Websites Mentioned: https://skylineitmgmt.com/https://m365maps.com/=== #ITBusinessPodcast #Microsoft365 #ITproviders #cloudmigration #BusinessStandard #BusinessPremium #AzureAD #Intune #conditionalaccess #securitypolicies #phishingpolicies #dynamicgroups  === 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, Marvin Bee is joined by Diana Giles from Skyline IT Management to discuss the benefits and process of transitioning to Microsoft 365 and the Azure cloud. Diana shares her background and how she became a 365 guru, emphasizing the shift from break-fix to managed service provider (MSP) model. They explore the advantages of moving to the cloud, including enhanced security, convenience, data accessibility, and control through policies and compliance measures. They delve into the features of Microsoft 365 Business Premium, such as conditional access, mobile device management, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. The conversation touches on topics like file syncing with Files on Demand, hybrid deployments, and considerations when migrating from on-premises systems. The episode concludes with a brief discussion about starting fresh versus transitioning existing clients and the possibility of migrations from other platforms.Diana's Website: https://skylineitmgmt.com/Microsoft 365 Websiteshttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365https://www.office.comhttps://status.office365.comEpisode Highlights:Diana's journey from being an IT professional to becoming a 365 guruBenefits of moving to the cloud, including enhanced security and data accessibilityOverview of Microsoft 365 Business Premium and its featuresExploring policies, compliance, and control options in Microsoft 365File syncing and storage with OneDrive and SharePointConsiderations for hybrid deployments and client migrationsStarting fresh versus transitioning existing clients to the cloud=== Microsoft 365 is a product family of productivity software, collaboration, and cloud-based services owned by Microsoft. It includes online services such as Outlook.com, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and programs formerly marketed under the name Microsoft Office (including applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook on Microsoft Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and on the web) . Enterprise products and services associated with these products such as Exchange Server, SharePoint, and Yammer are also included. The Office 365 brand remains in use for its enterprise, education, healthcare, and governmental plans.=== #ITBusinessPodcast #ChatsWithAGuru #365Guru #CloudComputing #Azure #Microsoft365 #ManagedServiceProviders #CloudMigration #DataSecurity #RemoteWork #BusinessProductivity #FileSyncing #SharePoint #OneDrive #Teams === 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