Uncle Marv welcomes Annie Mosbacher and Kristin Spiotto, co-founders of Decoded Strategies, to discuss their unique approach to marketing for MSPs. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted chat about recent movies, setting the stage for a deeper dive into storytelling in marketing.

Annie and Kristin explain how their company differs from traditional marketing agencies by focusing on story-based strategies. They emphasize the importance of positioning the customer as the hero and the company as the guide in marketing narratives. This approach helps MSPs create more engaging and effective marketing messages that resonate with their target audience.

The duo highlights common mistakes MSPs make in their marketing efforts, such as jumping straight into tactics without developing a clear brand story. They stress the need for MSPs to invest time in crafting their unique message before spending money on websites, SEO, or other marketing channels.

Annie and Kristin share insights on how MSPs can become trusted guides for their clients, emphasizing the importance of empathy and authority in marketing communications. They also discuss the challenges of differentiating in a crowded market and offer strategies for standing out. The conversation touches on Decoded Strategies' journey into the MSP space, their partnerships with industry organizations like ASCII, and their upcoming workshop for MSPs looking to improve their marketing strategies.

Throughout the episode, Annie and Kristin provide valuable advice for MSPs looking to enhance their marketing efforts, emphasizing the power of clear, customer-centric messaging and the importance of storytelling in building lasting client relationships.

Websites mentioned:

• Decoded Strategies - www.decodedstrategies.com
• Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/35yfpa2u
• Contact for ASCII Webinar? Email hello@decodedstrategies.com
• Wild Robot Movie Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/bdj8un77

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv kicks off the show by addressing the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, particularly in the Western Carolina and Eastern Tennessee areas. The storm caused significant damage, with at least 162 deaths reported and 1.3 million customers still without power across several states.

The conversation then shifts to disaster recovery planning, with Jason and Justine sharing their thoughts on preparing for unexpected events. They discuss the importance of cloud-based solutions and the need for comprehensive disaster recovery strategies, even in areas not typically prone to certain types of natural disasters.

The podcast delves into the recent TechCon Unplugged conference, with both guests offering their insights and takeaways. They highlight the quality of content, the value of networking opportunities, and the unique atmosphere that sets TechCon apart from larger industry events. The discussion touches on topics such as hiring practices, process improvements, and the benefits of smaller, more intimate conferences.

Uncle Marv also announces his decision to join the National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP), an organization focused on transforming the IT industry into a recognized profession and establishing high standards and ethics for IT service providers.

The episode concludes with a lighthearted segment featuring "Florida Man" stories, including amusing anecdotes from Oklahoma and Florida, showcasing the quirky side of local news.

Links from the show:

1. National Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP) - https://nsitsp.org/
2. Oklahoma Man steals truck to go to court: https://tinyurl.com/2bjh2m8h
3. Florida Man "going to jail as a pickle thief": https://tinyurl.com/yc3n52ve
4. Oklahoma Woman drives drunk on airport runway: https://tinyurl.com/2fnaz6a2

Upcoming Conferences:

• ASCII Edge (The Cup) October 23-24 in Tampa: https://events.ascii.com/tampa/
• DattoCon, October 28-30 in Miami: https://www.dattocon.com/
• IT Nation Connect, November 6-8 in Orlando: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-na
  • Save $250 complements of the IT Business Podcast with Promo Code MarvinBPodcast250

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by apologizing for not addressing Hurricane Helene earlier in the week. He provides an update on the hurricane's impact, mentioning its landfall as a Category 4 storm near Perry, with winds reaching 140 mph and affecting millions of residents. He then shares his go-to hurricane tracking apps:

• Hurricane Tracker (paid version for faster alerts)
• Windy (for detailed wind speed information)
• MyRadar (for comprehensive weather data and forecasts)

The main focus of the episode is a recent conversation Uncle Marv had with a new business owner. This entrepreneur had encountered a challenging prospective client and made the tough decision to decline the opportunity. Uncle Marv applauds this decision and outlines three key takeaways:

1. Recognizing and declining problematic clients early: Uncle Marv emphasizes the importance of identifying red flags in potential clients, such as undervaluing expertise or having unrealistic expectations.

• Setting clear boundaries and expectations: He stresses the need for a structured onboarding process and clear communication of responsibilities between the service provider and the client.
• Focusing on quality over quantity: Uncle Marv shares his own experience of running a "boutique" business, highlighting the benefits of specializing in a specific industry (in his case, law firms) and concentrating on high-value services.

The episode concludes with encouragement for new and struggling business owners to be selective with clients and prioritize quality relationships for long-term success.

Websites Mentioned

• Hurricane Tracker app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-hurricane-tracker-alerts/id1020486515)
• Windy app (https://www.windy.com)
• MyRadar app (https://myradar.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://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv kicks off the show with exciting news about Eric Torres joining Pax8 as the vice president of channel and community engagement. He then introduces his guest, John Boden from Questing Hound Technology Partners, a Florida-based MSP. John shares the unique story behind his company's name, which originates from a John Masefield poem and his family's sailing adventures. The conversation shifts to Questing Hound's services, including managed IT and co-managed IT solutions for various industries, with a focus on businesses that embrace technology.

The main topic of discussion is TruGrid, a secure remote access solution that both Marv and John highly recommend. They explore the benefits of TruGrid, including its ease of use, security features, and integration with Active Directory. John emphasizes how TruGrid helped his company navigate the challenges of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also covers MSP strategies, with John sharing insights on standardization, client onboarding, and the importance of evaluating vendor relationships beyond just product features. He stresses the significance of working with companies that align with MSP goals and continuously improve their offerings.

Naked Florida Man: https://tinyurl.com/4728rtfr

Upcoming Conferences:

• ASCII Edge (The Cup) October 23-24 in Tampa: https://events.ascii.com/tampa/
• DattoCon, October 28-30 in Miami: https://www.dattocon.com/
• IT Nation Connect, November 6-8 in Orlando: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-na
  • Save $250 complements of the IT Business Podcast with Promo Code MarvinBPodcast250

Websites Mentioned:

• Questing Hound Technology Partners: https://questinghound.com
• TruGrid: https://trugrid.com
• NetAlly: https://netally.com
• SuperOps: https://superops.ai
• Pax8: https://pax8.com
• Axcient: https://axcient.com
• Clio: https://clio.com
• Meraki: https://meraki.cisco.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://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv kicks off the show by thanking the organizers of TechCon Unplugged, praising the strong sense of community at the event. He announces ESET as the winner of the best conference swag, highlighting their useful battery chargers and other items.

Marv then dives into a personal story about his ongoing struggles with AmeriGas, a propane delivery service. He uses this experience to emphasize the importance of effective automation and customer service in the IT industry, warning listeners not to fall into similar traps with their own businesses.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to comparing small and large conferences. Uncle Marv shares his preference for smaller events like TechCon Unplugged, citing the increased opportunities for meaningful interactions and the tight-knit community feel. He acknowledges the benefits of larger conferences for newcomers seeking to explore a wide range of vendors but emphasizes the unique value of the connections made at smaller gatherings.

The show wraps up with Florida man stories, including an update on the 2024 Florida Python Challenge winner, a bizarre traffic stop involving a man with a live squirrel in his shirt, and the discovery of a mummified alligator head in an abandoned car.

Links:

• Get Your TechCon Unplugged 2024 Swag: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast/shop
• Florida Man Bags 20 Pythons to Win $10,000: https://tinyurl.com/bdft7x54
• Police Find Squirrel in Man's Shirt: https://tinyurl.com/mwjnukhe
• Alligator head found in abandoned Buick–in Florida: https://tinyurl.com/hv6p9t8h

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv begins by acknowledging the significance of September 11th and its impact on the nation. He then introduces Brian Weiss, diving into Brian's background in the IT industry.

Brian recounts his early career, starting with his passion for video games and LAN parties, which led to his first job at a computer store called Computer Stuff. He describes how he identified the need to separate business services from residential, creating a team focused on commercial clients.

The conversation moves to Brian's decision to start his own business, ITECH Solutions, in 2005. He explains how the company evolved from break-fix services to a managed services model, driven by the need for stable revenue during the 2008 recession.

Brian shares a pivotal moment in his company's history - a major security incident in 2018 that affected half of their clients. He describes how the company survived this crisis, losing only one client and ending the year with a slight negative profit margin. This experience led to a significant shift in their business model, focusing more on cybersecurity and SaaS services.

The episode also touches on Brian's personal growth as a leader, including his experience with alcoholism and rehabilitation, which he credits with improving his leadership skills.

Throughout the conversation, Brian offers insights into the challenges of running an MSP, the importance of adapting to industry changes, and the value of building strong relationships with clients and vendors.

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv explores Cork's evolution with Dan Candee, the new CEO, and Carlson Choi, co-founder and Chief Product Technology Officer. They discuss Cork's meteoric rise in the MSP space, attributing it to their ability to listen to and implement partner feedback.

The conversation covers Cork's unique approach to cybersecurity, including their agentless platform that integrates with nearly 40 different cybersecurity vendors. Dan and Carlson emphasize Cork's focus on empowering MSPs with insights and financial backing through their warranty program.

A key highlight is Cork's partnership with DataStream, offering discounted cyber insurance policies to MSPs and their clients. This collaboration acknowledges the security measures implemented by MSPs using Cork's platform, resulting in premium reductions of 20-50%.

Dan shares his vision for Cork, emphasizing core values like "love plus performance" and the importance of listening to partners. He discusses his commitment to spending eight hours a week on the front lines with partners and customers to gather feedback.

Carlson reveals upcoming features, including a Business Email Compromise (BEC) reporting compliance report, showcasing Cork's commitment to continuous improvement based on MSP feedback.

The episode concludes with insights into Cork's field presence at industry conferences and their dedication to community engagement.

=== Links

• Cork Website: https://corkinc.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://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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

Uncle Marv delves into the complexities of transitioning clients between MSPs, emphasizing the need for professionalism and clear communication. He recounts a recent experience where he was offboarding a client to a larger MSP, highlighting the challenges and misunderstandings that arose during the process. Marv stresses the importance of respecting existing contracts, maintaining open communication, and following industry-standard practices for handovers.

The episode also touches on the value of small MSPs and solo technicians in the industry, with Marv defending their role and expertise. He discusses the typical responsibilities of both onboarding and offboarding MSPs, including the transfer of credentials, documentation, and support duties.

Marv promotes the upcoming TechCon Unplugged event and discusses his role as emcee. He also shares insights on using NetAlly tools for network testing and configuration.

The episode concludes with a Florida Man story featuring the arrest of a city mayor for DUI, adding a touch of humor to the technical discussion.

Links:

• Techcon Unplugged: https://techconunplugged.com/
  • Need a discount code? Use MSP75 for $75 bucks off.
• NetAlly CyberScope Air: https://tinyurl.com/35jhbfzp
• Bradley Gross Podcast: Offboarding: You're Doing It Wrong: https://tinyurl.com/359wmyaw
• Florida Mayor arrested and facing DUI charges: https://tinyurl.com/9bk9dm7x
• Two Florida Men rob hardware store with lawn mower: https://tinyurl.com/294zwh6d
• Alabama man dies in Florida hospital; surgeon removes wrong organ: https://tinyurl.com/yh9wu5c8

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
• Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
• Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

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