Side by side in person at the recent Kaseya Connect Global conference in Las Vegas, Erick and Rich chew over the disruptive, industry-shaking implications of the new Kaseya 365 subscription and why K365 is one more reason for MSPs to assess their current tool and solution stack, just as they should be doing periodically anyway.Then they’re joined by Dave MacKinnon, N-able’s chief information security officer, to discuss what tabletop exercises are and why every MSP should be doing them. Important listening! And finally, one last thing: a cicada invasion in South Carolina so loud that residents were calling 9-1-1 about the noise.Discussed in this episode:Bonus Post: Kaseya Bids to Shake Up MSP Economics with Kaseya 365Cicadas are so noisy in a South Carolina county that residents are calling the police

Erick and Rich discuss the security-related dangers of selling AI services, and why mitigating them is a smarter move than sitting on the sidelines, as well as why it may be time to hit the reset button on your website. Then, in a first for MSP Chat, your hosts join Eric Anthony, of the All Things MSP podcast, for a simulcast conversation about what the new channel ecosystem means for MSPs and their vendor relationships and much, much more. And finally, one last thing: How a U.K. attorney finalized a client’s divorce by mistake, and why the government refused to undo the error.Discussed in this episode:All Things MSPThreading the AI Risk/Reward NeedleWrong couple get divorced after solicitor ‘clicks wrong button’

In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by SuperOps, Erick and Rich discuss TD SYNNEX’s plans to help its partners get into the market for sophisticated AI solutions, and the reasons MSPs need to stop talking about technology outcomes with clients and start talking about business outcomes instead. Then they’re joined by SuperOps channel chief Juan Fernandez for an insightful look at the mindset and toolset changes MSPs must make to keep pace with evolving customer needs. And finally, one last thing: how AI helped a Finnish coffee roaster create a new blend that apparently doesn’t taste like a hallucination. Discussed in this episode:TD SYNNEX Cuts to the AI ChaseA coffee roastery in Finland has launched an AI-generated blend. The results were surprising

Erick and Rich discuss why recent research suggests that AI, “junk-gun ransomware,” and massive threat volumes suggest that security services will be in high demand among SMBs for some time to come. Then their colleague Charlene, Channel Mastered’s CMO, joins in to discuss the secrets behind the industry’s best partner programs. Hint: it’s more about people than spiffs. And finally, one last thing: An Italian restaurant’s wildly successful strategy for getting customers to surrender their phones while dining. Discussed in this episode:Artificial Intelligence Gives Security Teams the Upper Hand, “2024 Cyberthreat Defense Report” FindsCheap, Independently Produced ‘Junk Gun’ Ransomware Infiltrates the Dark Web, Sophos FindsGenAI Drives 1,760% Surge in Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks, According to New Report by Perception PointMore than Half of Generative AI Adopters Use Unapproved Tools at Work73% of Security Professionals Say They’ve Missed, Ignored or Failed to Act on a High Priority Security Alert MSP Association of America (use code “MSP10” for 10% enrollment discount)

Erick and Rich discuss Google’s big push into the channel generally—and SMB channel specifically—to attract AI partners, and the two magic questions MSPs should never end a sales meeting without asking. Then they’re joined by Canalys analyst Jay McBain for a fascinating look at how selling to millennials, competing with accounting firms, and other long-term trends will require MSPs to upend many of their most settled assumptions. And finally, one last thing: what happened when a Scottish train passenger mistook a cosplaying Star Wars stormtrooper for a security threat. Discussed in this episode:Bonus Post: Google Has a Lot of Partners. It Wants a Lot More.Platforms are the winners on Wall Street. How do you move from being a Channel Chief to a Platform (Ecosystem) Chief?Reported armed man at Scottish train station was 'Star Wars' Stormtrooper

Erick and Rich discuss the larger lessons for the channel in Gmail’s 20th birthday and how to use speaking appearances—especially at in-person events—to boost your credibility with customers, vendors, and peers. Then they’re joined by Channel Mastered colleague Mark Crall for an informed, in-depth conversation about what MSPs value most in a vendor. And finally, one last thing: A bluegrass theme song for this show written and performed by AI.Discussed in this episode: Building Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 1 – Customizing Partner ProgramsBuilding Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 2: Cracking the MSP CodeBuilding Blocks of MSP Channel Success Part 3: MSP Sales Hiring 101Song: Down Home with MSP ChatSong: The Joy of MSP Chat

With Erick back in the saddle after a two-episode absence, he and Rich discuss the importance of N-able’s recent decision to build a cutting-edge ecosystem of cross-app integration partners. Then Erick walks you through how to use cyber insurance requirements as a tool for getting tight-fisted clients to say yes to an enhanced cybersecurity stack. That’s followed by an interview with the fascinating Jesse and Reese Tuttle, of AP2T and Compliology, to discuss deepfakes and other next-gen phishing risks, why many security awareness training solutions fail to address them, and what MSPs should do to better protect their customers. And finally, one last thing: a contest that inspired a crowd of Parisian waiters to move fast for a change. Discussed in this episode:N-able Joins Team EcosystemHurry up and wait: Servers speed-walk through Paris, reviving a century-old race

Erick’s out again this week, so Rich is joined by co-host James Kernan, Channel Mastered’s Chief Leadership Strategist, to discuss changing tech talent hiring conditions and what MSPs should do about them. Then James shares a three-part tip of the week on why successful MSPs stay positive, stay connected, and are always, always marketing, and Acronis President Gaidar Magdanurov provides an insider’s take on how AI and other trends are changing the security threat landscape and creating new security revenue opportunities for MSPs. And finally, one last thing: an inspiring tale of two sanitation workers going above and beyond the call of duty to help a New Yorker find her lost wallet in a truck full of garbage. Discussed in this episode:Latest data shows little movement in tech industry employment, CompTIA analysis findsService Leadership Releases Groundbreaking Results in its 2024 Annual IT Solution Provider Compensation ReportGartner Survey Finds Just 46% of Employees Are Satisfied with Their Career DevelopmentNew York woman's missing wallet found in mound of trash

Erick’s out this week, so Rich discusses five top things the most successful MSPs today have in common, according to CompTIA, with special guest host and Channel Mastered CRO Mark Crall instead. Then Mark (who is also a former MSP from the industry’s early days) shares two tips on driving employee satisfaction and loyalty. And stay tuned, as Rich discusses obstacles that prevent MSPs from capitalizing on the “blue ocean” opportunity in compliance and strategies for overcoming them with Carl Bjerke, of compliance vendor Compliancy, in an interview recorded earlier alongside Erick. And finally, one last thing: The miracle putt that won an Auburn University basketball fan a free Toyota. Discussed in this episode:My Fellow Channelholics, The State of the Channel Is…Auburn student makes a 94-foot, length-of-the-court putt and wins a car

Erick and Rich talk about the underappreciated opportunity for MSPs in managed print and run through a few of the secrets to improving relationships between MSPs and vendors. Then they’re joined by Axcient VP of Marketing Bryce Roberts for an insightful conversation about the many ways to do more for your customers and make more for yourself with BDR. And finally, one last thing: An attempt in St. Louis to break the Guinness World Record for wearing underwear on your head. Discussed in this episode:There’s a Red-Hot SMB Market Opportunity in…Print?!?Museum attempts world record for underwear worn on head

In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Hornetsecurity, Erick and Rich discuss why security and services are the two hottest segments in IT, and why vCISO services are a giant opportunity combining both. Then Erick’s tip of the week details a methodology for building a sales roadmap that will help you reach your growth goals. Next, Hornetsecurity evangelist Andy Syrewicze joins in for a survey of underappreciated security vulnerabilities in Microsoft 365, and how to address them. And finally, one last thing: rats on a plane! Discussed in this episode:IT spending to accelerate 6% in 2024 and partner-delivered IT to account for 73%NIST Releases Version 2.0 of Landmark Cybersecurity FrameworkMuch Pain, Lots of Gain for Virtual CISOsPlane grounded for three days after in-flight rat sightingThe Security Swarm podcast

Erick and Rich discuss how customer experience differs from customer service, and why it matters more than ever at a time when managed network and endpoint services have become commoditized. Then Erick offers a tip of the week on the right way to build service bundles. That’s followed by a can’t miss conversation with Andrew Smith, Channel Mastered’s digital marketing guru, on the inside secrets to constructing online lead generation campaigns that deliver big, consistent results. And finally, one last thing: how a microbrewery turned a brewhouse mishap captured on viral video into a brilliant marketing hook.Discussed in this episode:Experience MattersCrafting the Perfect Lead Gen Offer: A Game ChangerBuilding a High-Conversion Landing Page: 9 Reasons My Landing Pages Convert at 47% (When the Average Is 4.02%)Tank malfunction drenches brewery employee with beer

Following up on their conversation in episode 13 about Hatz AI and the MRR opportunity in artificial intelligence, Erick and Rich revisit that topic again this week in an in-depth conversation with Hatz AI founder and CEO Jimmy Hatzell. That comes after a look at the role AI plays in future plans at ConnectWise and Nerdio, and the right way to handle the difficult task of firing an employee. And finally, one last thing: How chipmaker TSMC is having unexpected success making a new kind of chip—green cocoanut-flavored snack chips. Discussed in this episode:ConnectWise on AI and RPA: Move Fast, Get Serious, Stay SafeEnough About AI. Nerdio’s Still Excited About the CloudAI MRR FTW?TSMC finds its green chips are highly sought after... the edible ones

In this special bonus episode of MSP Chat, sponsored by Beachhead Solutions, Erick and Rich talk with Sam Daigle of Kennebunk Cyber Systems about why now’s a great time for MSPs to launch compliance practices, and how to go about doing it. That’s followed by nuggets of wisdom on running successful webinars from an experienced master of the art (Erick) and a deep dive with Cam Roberson, Beachhead’s vice president of sales and marketing, on how to cash in on the compliance opportunity for MSPs.And finally, one last thing: How a carry-on bag full of rotten fish on a recent Delta Airlines flight made cramped seats, bad food, and schedule delays all look like minor inconveniences. Discussed in this episode:https://www.beachheadsolutions.com/lp/2024-msp-compliance-reportDelta flight rerouted after maggots fall on passenger

Erick and Rich discuss an intriguing effort by startup Hatz AI to help MSPs earn recurring revenue from artificial intelligence and how to plan for and profit from 2024’s calendar of IT industry conferences. Then Scott Barlow, vice president of global MSP at Sophos, shares his take on managed security, managed detection and response, and other important security topics for MSPs. And finally, one last thing: The adventures of Tidy Mouse! Discussed in this episode:AI MRR FTW?Hatz AI Raises $2.5M to Enable MSPs to Deliver AI-as-a-ServiceMouse filmed tidying up man's shed every night

Erick and Rich explain why SonicWall buying Banyan Security suggests bigger and better things ahead for SASE in secure SMB networking and how to create positive brand image for your company. Then Derik Belair, CEO & co-founder of cloud management and security vendor Augmentt, joins in to discuss the current state of the cloud market and opportunities for MSPs in 2024. And finally, one last thing: how local residents of Grand Haven, Mich., called attention to a giant pothole badly in need of repair by building a living room inside it. Discussed in this episode:SonicWall Accelerates SASE Offerings; Acquires Proven Cloud Security ProviderSASE Rules the NetworkWhat's the deal with the pothole in Grand Haven?

Erick and Rich discuss some intriguing statistics from IDC’s latest North American Partner Landscape study and the why-to and how-to of offering flexible work arrangements. Then Connor Swalm, CEO of Phin Security, joins them for an expert’s take on maximizing customer benefit and revenue in security awareness training, constructing a great MSP security stack, and giving yourself “permission to suck”. And finally, one last thing: a possible answer to a recent Krispy Kreme mystery in the City of Light.Discussed in this episode:The Dickensian State of Today’s ChannelKrispy Kreme arrives in France. Parisians can’t get enough

Erick and Rich dive into the larger meaning of SonicWall’s recent purchase of Solutions Granted and share advice on using LinkedIn for lead generation. Then they’re joined by Alex Farling, Kyle Christensen, and Wes Spencer of MSP education vendor Empath for a deep dive into what’s now and next for managed security and much more. And finally, one last thing: What happened when Google Maps led a driver headed for Los Angeles into a desert dead end instead.Discussed in this episode:SonicWall makes a services play of its ownGoogle apologizes after map led drivers down dirt path into the desert

Erick and Rich discuss a new solution from SaaS Alerts that reveals how much money MSPs can make securing more than just Microsoft 365 and Erick’s AI-powered “30/30/30 strategy” for generating leads on social media. That’s followed by a timely and important conversation with Val King, CEO of Ascent Portal, about the often overlooked compliance opportunity for MSPs. And finally, one last thing: the search for a thief with a sweet tooth who made off with 10,000 Krispy Kreme donuts. Discussed in this episode:SaaS Alerts Extends Protection Beyond Core SaaS Business Apps with App Wizard, Pushes for Industry ChangePolice search for thief who stole van loaded with 10,000 Krispy Kreme donuts

Erick and Rich explore the significance of Kaseya’s new outsourced help desk service and why now’s the time to build your client solution roadmap for 2024. They’re then joined by the multi-talented Lisa Shorr—an MSP, corporate brand coach, and Channel Mastered’s chief brand strategist—for an insightful conversation about how vendors can build trusted relationships with MSPs. And finally, one last thing: a new world record for the biggest serving ever of a stinky noodle dish from China.Discussed in this episode:Kaseya Announces New Offerings, Special Recognitions6 Strategies to Become A Trusted V.E.N.D.O.R.What Does an MSP See When They Look at You? Brand Credibility or Brand Confusion?Chinese company cooks up world record serving of smelly noodles