In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchik and James Kernan dive into the best AI tools for marketing and sales, including popular choices like ChatGPT and Gong. They discuss the latest news in the IT industry, such as Fred Voccola's abrupt resignation from Kaseya and the rebranding of CompTIA's nonprofit arm. The conversation also covers expectations from Apple's upcoming product updates and potential regulatory actions in consumer privacy. Lastly, Amy and James share details about their upcoming educational classes focused on AI management and mergers and acquisitions, respectively.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 

01:04 MSP Question of the Week: AI Tools for Marketing and Sales

02:26 Exploring AI Tools and Newsletters

04:53 Using AI for Content Creation and Marketing

06:08 AI in Video Content and Sales Tools

10:33 Kaseya CEO Resigns: https://www.crn.com/news/channel-news/2025/fred-voccola-out-as-kaseya-ceo-5-things-to-know   

14:14 CompTIA's New Identity and Mission 

16:29 Apple's Upcoming Innovations

20:43 Consumer Privacy Concerns: What’s next for our privacy? | MIT Technology Review

22:16 Upcoming Classes and Events

24:51 Conclusion and Sign-Off

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

In this Thursday episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan talks with Mike Anderson, Director of Global Channels for EZDMark. They discuss the importance of DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) in improving email deliverability and protecting domains from spoofing.

Mike shares his journey from the car business to technology, and explains how EZDMark's user-friendly analytics platform aids MSPs in managing DMARC concerns and monetizing these services. They highlight the platform's risk assessment tool, which allows MSPs to generate quick, customized risk assessments to attract potential clients. The episode concludes with details on special promotions and the simplicity of onboarding with EZDMark.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction to SMB Community Podcast

00:54 Meet Mike Anderson from EZDMark

01:58 Mike Anderson's Journey into Technology

03:08 Understanding EZDMark and DMARC

04:33 EZDMark's Unique Features and Benefits

06:34 The Power of EZDMark's Assessment Tool

10:31 Onboarding and Special Promotions

14:06 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews Mike Semel, a prominent expert in cybersecurity compliance. Mike shares his extensive background in the IT industry, dating back to the 1970s, and discusses his transition from being an MSP to becoming a top compliance consultant. They delve into the differences between cybersecurity and compliance, the significance of proper documentation, and the importance of risk-based selling for MSPs. Mike also introduces his comprehensive educational program and a new CMMC reference guide aimed at helping MSPs ensure their clients' compliance with evolving regulations. The discussion highlights the urgent need for MSPs to deliver compliant services and the growing regulatory scrutiny in various industries.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast

00:27 Meet Mike Semel: Compliance Guru

01:27 Mike's Journey in the IT Industry

03:29 The Importance of Compliance in IT

05:20 Cybersecurity vs. Compliance

09:35 Mike's Consulting Services

10:58 Challenges and Solutions in Compliance

14:49 Educating MSPs on Compliance

22:05 Risk-Based Selling for MSPs

28:48 CMMC and the Future of Compliance

31:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

Link for Semel Consultings CMMC Reference Guide:   https://www.semelconsulting.com/

Link for their MSP training program:    https://semelconsulting.mykajabi.com/semel-consulting-msp-landing-page-final-1

1.) MSP Question of the week:  What are your channel predictions for the new year of 2025?

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2.) Notes on the News

1. Microsoft is planning to invest about $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/tech/microsoft-ai-data-centers/index.html
2. Last week, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the law, clearing the way for it to take effect on January 19. Days later, TikTok asked the court to issue a temporary pause on the ban while the company asks the Supreme Court to review its challenge to the law:  https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/13/tech/tiktok-ban-appeals-court-supreme-court/index.html

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

To kick off the new year, hosts James and Amy discuss business plans & goals, this week's MSP question of the week, as well as year-end news.

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1.) MSP Question of the week:  When should a business update their business plan and goals?

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2.) Notes on the News

1. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has resigned as of December 1: https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/tech/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-resigns/index.html
2.  In late November, a ransomware attack disrupted a third-party software used by Starbucks to track and manage its baristas’ schedules. As a result, the coffee chain has had to switch to manual operations:  https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/25/tech/starbucks-ransomware-attack/index.html

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

In the final episode of the calendar year 2024, Amy and James sit down to discuss the final MSP Question of the week as well as current events and news.

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1.) MSP Question of the week:  How often should you and your business attend channel events?

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2.) Notes on the News

1. Tiktok will be banned from the U.S. starting on January 19, 2025. Will they be forced to sell or shut down?
2. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin prices have surpassed $100,000 for the first time in history. How will President-elect Trump's administration handle this? https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/tech/bitcoin-100k-trump-hnk-intl/index.html 
3. Broadcom ,AT&T have reached a settlement in the VMWare legal dispute https://www.ciodive.com/news/broadcom-att-vmware-settlement-licensing-support-lawsuit/733763/  
4. On the move - Channel moves of executives moving/going

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3.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person: Jason Rorie from Triad Resource LLC

Jason Rorie, a seasoned IT and Cyber Security professional with over two decades of experience, has launched a visionary new venture in the realm Cyber Security. Triad Resource, LLC focuses on security within Governance, Risk, and (GRC), both Federal and Commercial sectors. Rorie who has been in IT and Cyber Security for over 20 years, brings a wealth of experience to Triad Group. The company's mission is to empower organizations with the knowledge tools needed to enhance their Cyber Security posture, ensuring Confidentiality, Integrity, and (CIA) data.

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New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

To finish off the calendar year 2024, host James Kernan sits down with Karl Palachuk to discuss this year's hot topic: mergers & acquisitions. In this episode, James and Karl uncover the importance of timing and understanding when the ideal time to buy/sell a practice would be.

Our upcoming events and more:

Check out the link below for details on upcoming 2025 events:

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Now nearly halfway into December, James and Amy return to discuss Q4 marketing plans and recent headlines in the news.

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1.) MSP Question of the week:  What are some good marketing campaigns to run at the end of the calendar year?

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2.) Notes on the News

a). Amazon Chip Supplier: As one of the top web server suppliers in the world (AWS), Amazon is capitalizing on a great market opportunity. 

b.) Paid Training for Cybersecurity: James and Amy both realize there is a big skills gap in our industry. While training can be expensive and time-consuming, training can help cultivate culture and knowledge amongst your team.

https://www.technewsworld.com/story/paid-training-placement-program-eases-cybersecurity-hiring-challenges-179437.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/23/how-tech-bros-bought-americas-most-pro-crypto-congress-ever.html

https://www.channele2e.com/news/canalys-rmm-psa-leadership-matrix-ninjaone-halopsa-have-a-lot-of-momentum

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Our upcoming events and more:

December 4: M&A Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ

December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX

New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

To kick off the month of December, James and Amy are back with another episode of the SMB Community Podcast.

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1.) MSP Question of the week:  Should I require my remote employees to return to the office?

In response to a recent article by Amazon, it sounds not so desirable. For Amazon, their reasoning was due to a lack of innovation. Perhaps there is a type of creative thinking that is missing? Tune in to hear more!

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Our upcoming events and more:

December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX

Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter! 

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”! 

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Another fun week of James and Amy! Following Halloween, James and Amy shared their mission of Halloween costumes and handing out Halloween candy. Kicking off this week's episode, DATTOCON missed out an opportunity for press and hype.  From lack of a major announcement, there is a PR opportunity missed. 

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1.) MSP Question of the week:  How can you hold your team accountable?

Business coaches are being hired all across the country due to a lack of accountability. Instead, James and Amy share some insightful areas to strengthen your accountability with your team:

• Set goals with your team on a set cadence either daily or weekly
• Create expectations in writing with your team. Utilizing meetings, such as a daily huddle, can be a great opportunity to do a checkin with the team and leadership.
• Enhanced communication is effective accountability. Accountability is not conflict, instead, accountability is effective communication.
• Train your employees. Without proper training, it is difficult to hold employees accountable.

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2.) Notes on the News

a). The Consequences of Getting Hacked: DNA-testing website 23andMe fights for survival

   https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gm08nlxr3o

b.) How big tech instends to power AI's thirst for energy:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/04/data-centers-how-big-tech-intends-to-power-ais-thirst-for-energy.html

A huge upswing in the number of data centers worldwide shows no signs of slowing down, prompting Big Tech to consider how best to power the artificial intelligence revolution.

Some of the options on the table include a pivot to nuclear energy, liquid cooling for data centers and quantum computing.

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3.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person:  Dan Amaro w/ E-Merge Real Estate from Ohio. Dan shares his story of success of becoming a full-time realtor and the steps he took to persevere.

Learn more about Dan by following him on social media or sending an email to [email protected].

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Our upcoming events and more:

December 4: M&A Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ

December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX

Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter! 

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”! 

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/ 

Sponsor Memo:

Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6).

If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out.

There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it.

For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

Hosts James and Amy are back this week to discuss the series of noteworthy headlines from this week as well as this week's MSP question of the week.

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1.) Notes On The News

1. IT Nation - one announcement
2. CompTIA Aquired - New Divisions will be created
3. Department of Labor - Ruling for Overtime Labor

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2.) MSP Question of the week:  Are you a REAL MSSP? What does it take to become a MSSP?

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Our upcoming events and more:

December 4: M&A Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ

December 5-6: MASTERMIND LIVE in Scottsdale, AZ

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

December 11: Channel Program M&A Forum in Dallas, TX

Check out Amy’s weekly newsletter! 

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting “Weekly Tips”! 

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/