MSP Chat
A look at the strategies, services, and success tips IT providers need to make it big in managed services from two of the industry’s most experienced MSP authorities, Erick Simpson and Rich Freeman of Channel Mastered
Episodes
May 10, 2024 • 48 mins
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 tablet...
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May 3, 2024 • 77 mins
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, m...
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May 1, 2024 • 59 mins
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...
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April 26, 2024 • 65 mins
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 su...
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April 19, 2024 • 78 mins
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. A...
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April 12, 2024 • 69 mins
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 perfo...
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April 5, 2024 • 76 mins
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 ...
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March 29, 2024 • 62 mins
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 ...
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March 22, 2024 • 50 mins
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” opportunit...
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March 15, 2024 • 64 mins
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 ...
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March 14, 2024 • 77 mins
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 se...
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March 8, 2024 • 72 mins
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 generati...
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March 1, 2024 • 55 mins
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 chipmak...
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February 23, 2024 • 72 mins
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 market...
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 market...
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February 16, 2024 • 73 mins
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 M...
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February 9, 2024 • 72 mins
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 Ha...
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February 2, 2024 • 58 mins
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 ...
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January 26, 2024 • 76 mins
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 d...
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January 19, 2024 • 58 mins
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 to...
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January 12, 2024 • 53 mins
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 b...
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