Geek Speak

Despite  global efforts the number of cyber attacks get worse each year.  While the statistics seem dreadful,  nearly every industry has had to embrace new solutions and prepare for the future.  Although many have embraced cyber security,  it is still  the number one concern for many business owners today.  This concern puts MSP’s in a great position to address these apprehensions, and add cybersecurity services to their offerings. 

At the CompTIA Channelcon 2022  Conference CEO Todd Thibodeaux announced the launch of a new program to foster more careers in technology.  With the need for jobs in most sectors of the economy CompTIA is looking to supercharge individuals to be ready to launch full force into the IT industry.  Harry Brelsford of SMB Nation sits down with Dave Sobel to discuss this new initiative as well as the CompTIA Channelcon Conference as a whole.

By Gary Audin

Subscription revenue is very attractive. The Managed Service Provider (MSP) business plans call for continuing and expanding subscription services. Developing these services requires capital, new staff, is risky, and can take a long time to be successful. This encourages the MSP to look for services they can resell. Does the MSP white label a service or sell a branded service?

Windows 11 has arrived, and was designed with you at the center.  With a world who is heavily reliant on using PC’s, Microsoft has focused on delivering an OS that makes your life easier,  more secure, connected, all while helping you get things done faster. 

Marketing during the pandemic was a shift for many businesses, as we went from in person handshakes to digital marketing and communication.  With these fluctuations it probably comes to no surprise that consumer behavior shifted during the pandemic, with businesses shutting their doors, and face to face interactions becoming nearly nonexistent.  Now that the world is opening up many businesses are looking back at the long term implications of the pandemic in terms of how they market themselves. 

When someone says public speaking, some people love it, and others are terrified of the thought.    Although you may have a fear of public speaking, at some point in your career you will be called upon to do some sort of public speaking.  It may be to a board room of colleagues, or onstage at a conference, but at some point you will need to speak up.  

Podcasting is a booming industry with an estimated 2 million active shows, and about 70% of US citizens aware of podcasts. Although, podcasting has been around for awhile the popularity has grown and is predicted to continue to grow.   With the growth in podcasts there are many things podcasters need to focus on in order to keep their audience coming back for more. 

Small and Medium businesses have been hit hard over the past couple years.  From the pandemic, to retaining and recruiting top talent, to most recently dealing with supply chain challenges, inflation, and more.   These changes have left  businesses to rapidly change their business models to keep up with the ever fluctuating landscape.

The Russia-Ukraine war is driving elevated concerns for cyber security risks worldwide.   While the current climate is unpredictable, cybersecurity experts are warning organizations to prepare for a potential in increased cyber- attacks by updating software, making sure patches are up to date, use multifactor authentication, and strengthen your passwords.    

Zebra recognizes the challenges SMB companies face in today’s economy,  and have built the SMB Specialization Program to help provide resellers the tools and support  they need to build a strong pipeline and close deals in a highly competitive market.   

Marketing is hard, time consuming, and typically the last thing you work on (if it leaves the to do list).  Although, marketing is typically pushed to the wayside, it is your avenue to improve your businesses profit, recurring revenue, work life balance, and driving more customers to ultimately help you grow your MSP.   

Small and Medium businesses are already balancing the cost of doing business and the margins continue to get thinner.  Between the unpredictable supply chain raising costs, labor cost on the rise, and finding talent,  small and medium businesses are having to make hard decisions when it comes to pricing.