Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

Importance of Effective Communication in Business

Listen in as we unravel the complex layers of communication and conflict resolution that IT professionals often grapple with when they step away from their machines and into leadership roles. We touch on a variety of challenges that tech experts face, from enhancing their leadership abilities to managing the return of cloud-based workloads to on-premises solutions, offering insights that aim to refine your leadership skills in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Karen and I shed light on the critical nature of respecting personal time within professional settings and how assertiveness in communication can uphold that respect. We dissect the concept of shared responsibility in both workplace relationships and personal interactions, underlining the 50/50 approach to conflict resolution. We dive further into the intricacies of training and onboarding, stressing the dual responsibilities leaders and employees share in fostering a productive and engaged learning environment.

Karen highlights the impact of communication on business relationships, emphasizing the need for tech professionals to enhance their communication skills to foster positive interactions with clients and colleagues.

The Importance of Proactive Leadership

Our conversation takes you through the importance of assertive leadership, proactive strategies to create a thriving workplace culture, and the essential tools to prepare for successful negotiations and challenging dialogues. The conversation also touches on the common challenges leaders face, like time constraints and lack of knowledge, which can lead to a reactive rather than proactive approach to management.

We explore simple, free strategies to improve workplace communication, emphasizing the importance of ceasing gossip to build trust among team members. Karen recommends using breathing exercises, like box breathing, to maintain composure during challenging moments, whether it's presenting at a meeting or navigating conflict resolution.

Despite encountering some audio glitches, the conversation provides valuable takeaways for IT professionals. We explore the complexities of communication in professional environments, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for individuals looking to elevate their leadership and communication competencies in the IT sector.

Links from the show:

Cairn (Human Made Rock Stack): http://tinyurl.com/37zr7yn2

Why Companies are Leaving the Cloud: http://tinyurl.com/yc2yt5nz

ConnectWise Revolutionizes the Future with Robotic Process Automation (RPA): http://tinyurl.com/59bc2uhh

Applications Open for ConnectWise PitchIT Program: http://tinyurl.com/4uyzxy4h

Florida Man Arrested at WaWa over Handicap Spot: http://tinyurl.com/5fe99wu8

Website: https://karenknab.com/

=== 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

=== Music:

• Show Intro: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo, By AlexanderRufire
• License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast welcomes Henry Timm, the dynamic CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, who shares his insights on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of managed IT services. This episode dives into the balance between running a successful MSP and actively participating in industry events, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration among IT professionals. Henry emphasizes that success in this field is not just about profit but also about fostering relationships and supporting one another in a competitive environment.

In this engaging conversation, Uncle Marv and Henry explore the challenges and rewards of attending nearly 50 industry events in a year. Henry discusses how his strong team and established systems allow him to manage his MSP effectively while being a prominent figure in the tech community. They touch on the shifting dynamics between MSPs, vendors, and private equity, advocating for a more collaborative approach that prioritizes community over competition. Henry also introduces listeners to the Tech Degenerates, a vibrant community of MSPs and vendors that fosters knowledge sharing and support without the pressure of sales pitches.

Guest Bio:
Henry Timm is the CEO of Phantom Technology Solutions, a managed IT services provider based in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, dedicated to empowering businesses across the Midwest since 2010.

Websites and Links:

• Phantom Technology Solutions: phantomtechsolutions.com
• Florida man accused of stabbing brother in neck for ‘talking over’ food while cooking: https://tinyurl.com/54wyycnj
• Compression Packing Cubes: https://amzn.to/40NYV4m

People Mentioned for Shout Outs:

• JB Fowler
• John Carlo
• Mike Smith
• Rob Rae

=== 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

=== Music:

• Show Intro: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo, By AlexanderRufire
• License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

In this action-packed episode of the IT Business Podcast, Uncle Marv serves up two interviews straight from the bustling floor of IT Nation Connect in Orlando.

First up, Vinh Pham from Secureframe breaks down how their compliance automation platform is revolutionizing the way MSPs handle frameworks like CMMC, NIST, and CIS. Vinh explains how Secureframe's continuous monitoring keeps clients compliant in real-time, not just with point-in-time snapshots. He also dishes on their free partner program and the game-changing GAFA assessment tool.

Then, James Allen from PIA takes the mic, sharing how their AI-powered service desk solution is transforming MSP profitability. James drops some jaw-dropping stats, including one partner who boosted their endpoint-per-tech ratio from 190 to 357! He also teases an upcoming presentation titled "I gave ChatGPT 50,000 tickets and this is the result" - talk about spicy! Both guests offer unique perspectives on how emerging technologies are reshaping the MSP landscape. From streamlining compliance to supercharging service desks, this episode is packed with insights to help your MSP level up.

Guest Bios:

• Vinh Pham is from Secureframe, a compliance automation platform helping MSPs turn security frameworks into revenue generators.
• James Allen is the Vice President of Sales at PIA, bringing AI-powered efficiency to MSP service desks from his base in Tampa, Florida.

Websites Mentioned:

• Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/partners
• PIA: https://pia.ai/

People Mentioned for Shout Outs:

• Manny
• Tim Coach
• Brook Lee
• Joe A. Todd
• Aaron Hadibazi
• Todd Clark
• Gary Pica
• Peter Kajawa
• Sean from Tag
• Marissa from Tag
• John from CMIT

=== 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

=== Music:

• Show Intro: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo, By AlexanderRufire
• License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Revisiting Strategic Marketing Planning

We kick things off by revisiting the concept of having a strategic marketing plan before executing tactics. Tim explains that most businesses get the sequencing wrong - you need to define your target market and ideal clients first, then identify where they are and what messaging will resonate with them. This "fuel" informs the marketing "vehicles" or tactics you'll use. Tim outlines his three power questions to identify ideal clients: who do you love working with, who are your most profitable clients (based on gross profit, not just revenue), and which clients are you getting the best results for? Clients that check all three boxes are your sweet spot to target.

Defining Your Target Market

From there, Tim walks through a process for defining your target market:

1. Analyze the demographics of your ideal clients - industries, roles/titles, company sizes, etc.
2. Dig into the psychographics - their pain points, goals, aspirations, and the results they want.
3. Evaluate if the market is viable by looking at size, buying power, accessibility, and growth potential.

As you go through this exercise, smaller sub-groups or niches will emerge that you can focus your marketing efforts on more effectively.

Researching Where Your Ideal Clients Congregate

The final piece is understanding where your ideal clients get information and spend time online/offline. Tim recommends using AI tools like Perplexity to research things like:

• Influencers they follow
• YouTube channels they watch
• Podcasts they listen to
• Social media groups they're in
• Forums and online communities
• Email lists they subscribe to
• Associations, trade shows, and events they attend

This creates a roadmap of all the places you can get in front of your target audience through marketing activities and strategic partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

• Define your ideal clients before executing marketing tactics
• Ask: Who do you love working with, who's most profitable, and who get the best results for?
• Analyze demographics, psychographics, and market viability to identify your target
• Use AI to research where your ideal clients congregate online and offline
• Focus your marketing efforts on the channels/platforms your target audience uses

Links from the show:

Rialto Marketing website: https://www.rialtomarketing.com/

AI-powered conversational search engine: https://www.perplexity.ai/

81-Year-Old California Man was a slingshot terrorist for 10 years: https://tinyurl.com/yc2yj249

Florida Woman jumps from Naples pier after sex to escape police: https://tinyurl.com/bdzazusw

Florida Mom Offers man sex with her 10-year-old daughter for $5: https://tinyurl.com/2ambnhsw

Florida Man Goes Viral on Wheel of Fortune: https://tinyurl.com/yrucnve6

=== 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

=== Music:

• Show Intro: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo, By AlexanderRufire
• License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

In this episode of Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast, Marvin Bee is joined by Jerry Koutavas from ASCII and Sean "the Man of Summer" Lardo from ConnectWise. They are streaming live from Clearwater, FL at the ASCII Edge event. The episode begins with playful banter about being fantastic on the first day of summer and plans for the upcoming ASCII events. Jerry explains the name change from ASCII Success Summit to ASCII Edge, emphasizing the focus on business content and best practices for MSPs. Shawn discusses the collaboration between ASCII and ConnectWise to support startups and emerging technologies, providing exposure and sponsorship opportunities. They highlight the importance of early adoption and building relationships with MSPs. Marvin expresses his appreciation for being made aware of new companies and technologies that can benefit his MSP business. The hosts discuss the upcoming event and their joint efforts to help MSPs improve their operations. The episode concludes with lighthearted remarks and anticipation for the rest of the event.

Highlights:

Uncle Marv and his guests are live from the ASCII Edge event in Clearwater, FL.

ASCII has rebranded from Success Summit to ASCII Edge, focusing on business content and best practices for MSPs.

ConnectWise and ASCII collaborate to support startups and emerging technologies in the industry.

Early adoption and building relationships with MSPs are essential for success.

The event provides MSPs with exposure to new vendors and technologies.

The hosts are excited about the event and their joint efforts to improve the industry.

===

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.

=== 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

=== Music:

• Show Intro: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo, By AlexanderRufire
• License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024