Frankly MSP

Neurologist Dr. Mary Rensel shares her tips for increasing your productivity—and happiness—with a little brain care.  Find resource links and a complete transcript of this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/082

Do or die? Sean Muller says now is the time to think about how to add artificial intelligence and machine learning to your organization. The benefits are huge but the costs don’t have to be. And if you’re not thinking about or already working AI & ML into your tech strategy, your competitors most certainly are. Find resource links and a complete transcript of this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/081

The US federal government recently announced a second round of PPP loans and have expanded what you can spend the money on. Up to 40% of the stimulus check can now be spent on software and cloud technology. We dig into the details with Brian Leimbach, president and CEO of CIO Advise, who shares his tips on how to put that money to best use. Find resource links and a complete transcript of this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/080

You’ll never have time for strategic, high-value IT work if you’re constantly bogged down with repetitive tasks. Using scripts to automate those mundane tasks is key for cranking up your productivity. We explore the criteria for deciding which IT tasks to automate, how to find an automation solution that works for your team, and ways to evaluate open-source tools. Find resource links and a complete transcript of this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/079

Our industry isn’t plagued by a shortage of qualified cybersecurity and IT pros, says Spirion CIO Gabe Gumbs. The real problem is technology. Not only are we looking for the wrong people using the wrong criteria, we’re giving those people really bad tools to solve their problems. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/078

Tune into our recap of some of the best & most popular Frankly IT episodes of 2020. Major themes: cybersecurity, IT leadership & that pandemic thing. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/077

The service desk isn’t just for IT anymore—and that’s great news for IT teams everywhere. atSpoke CEO Jay Srinivasan shares the three things he believes will define the service desk in 2021 and beyond, and what IT teams need to do to lead the coming wave of automated cross-department service. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/076

With more people working from home permanently, will we see SD-WAN become a viable solution for private residences? Experts say we’re already headed that way. We speak to John Fruehe, an independent technology analyst, and Ben Niernberg, the EVP at MNJ Technologies, about what they’re seeing in the market already and what that spells for the future. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/075

Author & coach Melanie Parish shares how familiar agile development principles can be applied to leadership to unlock innovation & success from your technical team.  Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/074

In this special Halloween episode, we explore the intersection of IT and the paranormal. Yeah, that’s right. We’re taking our tech and we’re going ghost hunting, with paranormal researcher Kristy Sumner. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/073

Consultant John O’Shaughnessy shares his top 5 tips & tricks for uncovering big cost-savings in your IT budget. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/072  

Struggling to get users to comply with your IT security practices? You might be going about it the wrong way. Rubica CEO Frances Dewing explains why people-first design is the best way to secure IT assets while keeping users on side. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/071

Leading the IT service team is a tough assignment. Consultant Todd Kane reviews common stumbling blocks and how to overcome them to thrive in this challenging but rewarding role. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/070

Julie Forsythe, VP of Engineering at Auvik Networks, shares how using a Top 10 list helps build efficiency, cohesion, and job satisfaction within a technical team. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/069

Should you move to virtual desktops? Nerdio’s Joseph Landes joins us to look at the trend, the tech, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you or your clients. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/068

Author & former IT pro Bob McGannon shows us how to cultivate growth, efficiency & engagement within our teams… by knowing when to go off book & teaching them to do the same. Learn why Bob says intelligent disobedience is the difference between good & great leaders, and how you can land on the side of the greats. Find resource links & timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/067

Today’s biggest network threats might just be coming at you from scammers using totally legal and legit data. Are you ready? Learn just how deep the threat goes and what you can do about it. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/066

Deal broker & author Linda Rose share her tips for getting more money for your MSP and what COVID has done to the M&A market for technology service providers (it might not be what you think). Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/065

We’ll be paused on new episodes for two months but we’ll be back later in the year with more great shows. For tips on getting your content fix while we’re paused, visit the show notes at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/update

Coronavirus may have lots of companies scrambling but at this MSP in Cleveland, Ohio, things are firmly under control. CEO Jim Millican and Operations Manager Travis Grundke share their approach to client management and communications at Ashton Technology Solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the definition of risk will look a whole lot different in the future. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/064

From developing BYOD policies to tips for helping workers secure their home networks, Webroot’s Ken Thon provides guidance on implementing a layered security approach while enabling your clients to work from home. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/063

How to initiate a security conversation with clients, making security part of your standard packages, and what to do when clients say no—Sophos account exec Matt Bernacchi shares what he sees working for MSPs today. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/062

The blue ocean of co-managed IT, seagull vendors, the infinite game of cybersecurity, and hard MSP lessons learned are all up for discussion in this straight-talking panel recorded at Frankly MSP Live 2020. Datto’s Rob Rae leads the conversation with Bob Coppedge of Simplex-IT, Vince Tinnirello of Anchor Network Solutions, and Brian Weiss from ITECH Solutions. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/061

Having trouble finding tech talent? Looking to make easier sales? Emotional intelligence could be your secret to cracking the code. Mark Copeman, author of Helpdesk Habits, shares how cultivating soft skills in your team can produce hard results in multiple areas of your business. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/060

What new and evolving security threats will you be grappling with this year? We dig into Trend Micro’s cybersecurity predictions for 2020 from their latest report, The New Normal. On the agenda: The evolution of ransomware and IoT attacks, deep fakes, targeting employees through their home networks, and more. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/059

When do acquisitions make sense for your MSP? Greg Sharp, founder of a New Zealand MSP called base2, has done three acquisitions so far. In this on-stage interview recorded live at Frankly MSP Live 2020, Greg shares his insights on assessing prospective sellers, financing strategies, and best practices for integrating the new company into your own.  Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/058

All the greatest bits and bites from 2019, rounded up on one delicious episode. Start here for ideas and inspiration to make positive changes in your MSP this year. We’ve pulled together key insights from interviews on security, marketing, managing the service desk, and more. See show notes and access resource links for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/podcast/057  

Auvik CEO Marc Morin explores the leader’s role in holding the vision for the company and encouraging their team to stretch.

Arlin Sorensen, VP Brand and Ecosystem Evangelism at ConnectWise, tells us what MSPs think about the most, and shares his thoughts on where the managed services industry might be headed in the next few years. 

“It’s bigger than all of us.” MJ Shoer, executive director of the new TSP-ISAO, tells us what the ISAO is, who’s behind it, how it works, and why you as an MSP absolutely need to join it. Find resource links and timestamped show notes for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/056

Anthony English, author of How to Sell Your IT Services (Without Feeling Sales-y) shares a few simple techniques for taking the pressure and anxiety out of the MSP sales process. See timestamped show notes and access resource links for this episode at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/055  

Former MSP Andrew Moon shares a personal story of burnout and recovery, the norms he sees pushing MSPs into workaholic mode, and advice for bringing balance and happiness back into your business. See time-stamped show notes and links to the products and resources mentioned on this episode at https://www.auvik.com/054      

Justin Reinmuth, an insurance agent who specializes in working with technology service providers, walks us through what insurance coverage your MSP needs and why, and how to make sure you’re using cyber insurance optimally as a protection strategy. See the show notes with links and time stamped content at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/053

Joseph Landes of Nerdio walks us through how to take advantage of four Microsoft programs that can save MSPs up to 80% on Azure costs and lay the foundation for a profitable cloud practice. Show notes at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/052  

“We’re all in this together,” says Wes Spencer of Perch Security. Wes discusses the scope and nature of recent MSP-focused ransomware attacks and the practical steps you can take right now to protect yourselves, your clients, and the managed services industry.  Find show notes at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/051

Bestselling business author Mike Michalowicz joins us to chat about his newest book, Clockwork. We also discuss his former life as an IT service provider, what that business taught him about success, and how to stop carrying your business on your back. BONUS! A rap puppet video and a few familiar voices help us celebrate Podcast 50. Show notes (& bonus video!) at https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/050

Scott Millar of IT Rockstars shares his proven methods for generating a steady stream of leads with video, and how to overcome common objections to getting in front of the camera.

Chris Reckord, CEO of the only pure-play MSP in Jamaica, talks about what’s happening in tech on the island, a few of the successes and challenges his MSP is experiencing, and what opportunities might exist for you in Jamaica. https://www.auvik.com/franklymsp/podcast/048/

WatchGuard’s Ryan Orsi explains the Wi-Fi security framework he wants to see supported industry-wide—and how MSPs can use it to generate more business. TimMcBride of Logos IT Solutions shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

Consultant Erick Simpson discusses why a dedicated dispatcher is well worth the investment for your MSP, how to know when you’re ready to make that hire, and best practices for the role. Neil Holme, Impact Business Technology, shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

raig Pollack of FPA Technology Services discuss why words matter to his MSP and how the language we use can shape market perceptions. Barb Paluskiewicz of CDN Technologies shares 1 Thing—and a personal story—that’s made a difference to her MSP business.

Caleb Christopher of Infosec Consulting walks us through a weighted decision matrix and how to use one to make confident decisions with full team buy-in. Nathan Rizzo, Rx Technology, shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

Sitima Fowler reveals the powerhouse marketing tactics that have helped her build Capstone IT from startup to three locations and $6 million in revenue. Plus, we hear from Richard Tubb in an excerpt from the special episode for the May 2019 Frankly MSP Brain Trust.

Todd McQuilkin of Air-IT shares how the Service Desk Institute has helped his MSP grow its efficiency and profitability. Aaron Marks of ArcSource Consulting shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

Lynn Souza of Kyber Security shares why she chose to leave behind 30 years of branding to shift from MSP to MSSP, the pains and challenges of that shift, and the upside her company has enjoyed. We dig into the results of a cybersecurity survey from Continuum, and Aaron Kane of CTI technology shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

Tobin Lehman of marketing agency New North tells us what makes an MSP website great at bringing in leads and where to focus your efforts if you want to improve your lead numbers. Daniel Abdallah of the Brookfield Group shares 1 Thing that’s made a difference to his MSP business.

Channel veteran Ted Hulsy shares his insider tips on preparing the ground for a successful first sales hire in your MSP. Beth Burnside, CEO of CMIT Solutions of Erie, offers up a success secret that has helped her double her MSP’s revenue every year for 5 years.

Martin Haak, CEO of Infinite Edge, shares how outsourcing his IT service delivery grew his business by almost 50% in one year, shifted his mindset, helped him take a true vacation, and left him free to focus on sales, strategy, and leadership. Dom Price of Atlassian shares 1 Thing that could change your MSP business.

Thinking about offering private cloud to your MSP clients? Best to go in with your eyes wide open, says John Watkins of Florida-based inRsite IT Solutions. John walks us through what it took to build his MSP’s thriving private cloud offering, including the many hurdles and challenges they had to overcome on their way to profitability. Corey Kirkendoll of 5K Technical Services shares 1 Thing that changed his MSP business.

ITque CTO DJ Forman describes his company’s painful two-year transition from break-fix to managed services—and how the end result was totally worth the effort. Jamie Warner from eNerds shares 1 Thing he believes has helped his company hit the MSP 501 seven years in a row.

Tech marketer Paul Green outlines the three audiences every MSP should build for low-cost, high-impact marketing. Paul also explains the true meaning of DOA in your MSP business. Derek Gabriel of Ignite Solutions shares 1 Thing that changed his MSP business.