Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

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 Mentioned

• ComplianceRisk.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 [email protected].

Join the PitchIT waitlist for next year: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit

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#ITBusinessPodcast #MSPs #PitchItCompetition #GovernanceAsAService #ComplianceRisk #PolygonPlatform #Cybersecurity #AssetManagement #DocumentManagement #ITNationConnect

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

In this episode of the IT Business Podcast, Marvin Bee interviews Ed Manna from Bizzity about their podcasting setups and the equipment they use. Ed shares that for their video podcast, they use the A10 Mini Pro ISO and a Sony A6000 camera, along with other accessories like tripods, wireless mics, and a light. They discuss the benefits of using iPhones and GarageBand for podcasting, and Ed mentions his plans to create content on the business side of being a tech company and feature requests. They also talk about the usefulness of tools like the Stream Deck and DaVinci editing software. Ed shares information about Bizzity and invites listeners to connect with him for any questions or collaborations.

Website: https://www.bizzity.com/

Time Stamped Highlights:

01:10: Introduction and discussion about podcasting setups

04:05: Ed shares his video podcasting equipment, including the A10 Mini Pro ISO and Sony A6000 camera

08:20: Marvin talks about his current setup and his interest in wireless mics

10:30: Ed discusses the accessibility of equipment and the use of GarageBand and iPhones for podcasting

15:50: Plans for creating content on the business side and feature requests

19:00: Discussion on man-on-the-street type of videos and the portability of equipment

21:50: Ed talks about the benefits of the Stream Deck for preprogramming actions

25:05: The simultaneous streaming and recording capabilities of the A10 Mini Pro ISO

28:15: Marvin mentions the multi-track recording feature of the Rodecaster and discusses editing options like DaVinci and Camtasia

33:25: Ed shares that Bizzity's product is live and invites listeners to check it out

35:30: Wrapping up the interview and contact information for Ed and Bizzity

===

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 Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

What could be the ultimate choice between Threat Locker and Cyber Fox when it comes to cybersecurity for your business? Ali Johnston, a seasoned IT business owner based in Satellite Beach, Florida, joins us to spill the beans on her decision-making process. Ali details why she chose CyberFOX over ThreatLocker after a comprehensive product evaluation. Her insights highlight that the choice is not as clear cut as it might seem and is heavily influenced by the specific needs of your business.

Ali also explains why she wants to switch from N-Able to Kaseya and why she wants to be able to press a button to deploy software.

Lastly, we venture into Ali's experiences at various tech events and expos, including the Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Dallas, Texas.

(0:00:12) - Comparing Threat Locker and Cyber Fox

(0:08:55) - Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

(0:14:28) - Networking and Technology Support for Businesses

(0:29:31) - Global Security and School Safety

(0:38:26) - Comparing RMM and PSA Software

(0:50:56) - Switching RMMs and Marketing Challenges

(1:03:20) - Florida Events, News, and Florida Man

=== Links from the show

Beltech Services: https://beltechservices.com/

• IT consulting company that offers a range of services, including cybersecurity, cyber insurance, and backup and data recovery.

ASIS International: https://www.asisonline.org/

• ASIS International is a professional organization for security professionals that issues certifications, standards, and guidelines for the security profession.

ThreatLocker Signs on as Gold Sponsor for MSP Expo 2024: https://tinyurl.com/58ufep7j

SonicWall Revamps Partner Program: https://tinyurl.com/mparva4m

Florida Man Arrested for Settings Ex's Jaguar on Fire: https://tinyurl.com/3ywct4p5

=== Upcoming Events

https://www.dattocon.com/: October 2-4, 2023, at the Intercontinental in Miami Florida. DattoCon is an annual educational and networking event for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in North America. The conference provides valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in the MSP industry, with breakout sessions covering topics ranging from cybersecurity to personnel management.

https://events.ascii.com/: October 18-19, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Reston Virginia. ASCII Edge is an MSP conference that offers business strategy sessions and fresh content for growing Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

https://www.mspexpo.com/east/: February 13-15, 2024, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo 2024 is a trade show for companies in the communications and technology industries, including enterprises and SMBs.

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

=== Show Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: NetAlly: https://www.netally.com/

Live Show Partner: Computers Done Right: https://computersdoneright.com/

Live Show Partner: Instant Houescall: https://instanthousecall.com/

=== Support the Show

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Kelsey was mistakenly nominated as the 'best guest' on a podcast she had never been on. Kelsey's career journey is anything but ordinary, and we unravel the twists and turns that led her to this pivotal moment, examining the fresh responsibilities that come with her leadership role. We also sneak a peek behind the curtain of event planning and content creation, along with Kelsey's insights from co-hosting 'Actually a Podcast'—all while fostering deep connections within the MSP community.

We share a few laughs over the unexpected demographics of our listeners and dissect the strategy behind selecting the most effective platforms for connecting with clients. The cybersecurity stakes are high, and we don't shy away from the critical discussions on privileged access management and user verification at CyberQP—with a side of light-hearted IT jokes to keep things lively. So come for the insights, stay for the humor, and leave with a broader perspective on IT professionalism and cybersecurity awareness.

=== Links from the episode

CyberQP Website: https://cyberqp.com/

Podcast: actually, a podcast

Facebook Group: actually a podcast

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Dr. Carrie Johansson, a key speaker at the upcoming Business Reinvention Summit. The summit, organized by Therese Skelly, is scheduled for October 21-26 and features ten accomplished women sharing their experiences and strategies for business reinvention.

Dr. Johansson, with over 20 years of experience in private practice specializing in anxiety, trauma, and PTSD treatment, will be presenting on psychological flexibility, emotional resilience, and boundary setting. She explains that psychological flexibility is about working with your current reality, accepting it (not necessarily approving of it), and determining the best next move.

The summit aims to help business owners, particularly women, who feel stuck and need guidance on moving forward. It offers a blend of business transformation and personal growth strategies. Dr. Johansson emphasizes the summit's focus on providing actionable, effective information that can be implemented in a reasonable amount of time.

Each presenter will offer a free gift to attendees, with Dr. Johansson providing a mid-year habits workbook designed to help maximize Q4 both personally and professionally. The summit is free to attend, with daily Zoom sessions and the option to access recorded interviews afterward.

While the summit primarily targets female business owners, Dr. Johansson encourages men to participate as well, noting that much of the content is universally applicable. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity for self-assessment and growth, helping attendees tap into their current situation and choose their next steps wisely.

Websites and Links:

• Business Reinvention Summit: https://tinyurl.com/5476u4yk
• Dr. Carrie: https://www.coloradotherapycare.com/
• Self Help on the Go Book: https://amzn.to/489PqhG

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast