In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle welcomes back industry analyst and media personality Dave Sobel. Known for his critical and transparent approach, Sobel dives into the transformative journey of his recent acquisition, discussing the strategic merger with Carl Polachuk's Small Business Thoughts Community. This episode provides an in-depth look into the dynamics of the merger and acquisition process, touching upon essential topics such as collaboration, community building, and strategic growth within the MSP industry.

During the conversation, Dave Sobel elaborates on the critical importance of transparency and unbiased content in media, specifically within the IT services sector. Sobel shares insights on his approach to acquisitions, emphasizing the value of due diligence, legal consultation, and careful financial planning. By integrating his media expertise with Carl Polachuk's well-regarded community resources, Sobel aims to craft a holistic educational ecosystem for MSPs, stressing the need for adaptation in the face of technological advancements such as AI and automation.

• Transparency and community are central to building valuable resources in the MSP space, as demonstrated by Dave Sobel's recent acquisition of the Small Business Thoughts Community.
• Transitioning to new business models involves careful strategic planning and risk assessment, including extensive collaboration with legal, financial, and advisory teams.
• Embracing new technologies like AI requires a balanced approach, focusing on both technical execution and business strategy to ensure sustainable growth.
• Legal and governance aspects are critical when integrating new technological solutions, highlighting the importance of thorough contract reviews and stakeholder alignment.
• Building a community that supports the ongoing education and development of MSPs is vital for navigating the constantly evolving tech landscape.

Guest Name: Dave Sobel

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesobel/

Company: MSP Radio

Website: https://mspradio.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle introduces Keegan Sullivan, a creative marketing force leading the charge at Threat Captain. The discussion highlights Keegan's unique approach to marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and creative expression in an industry saturated with sameness. Keegan shares his professional journey, from his early days of capturing stories with a camera to his current role, where he uses his talents to demystify complex concepts and build captivating narratives that resonate with audiences.

Throughout the episode, Keegan offers insights into his strategies for making Threat Captain's marketing efforts distinct and memorable. He emphasizes the significance of empathy in storytelling, focusing on understanding the audience's needs and concerns. Keegan also discusses the balance required between professional and personal authenticity on platforms like LinkedIn, encouraging professionals to present their true selves to establish genuine connections. Furthermore, the episode explores Keegan's passion project outside of work—a cigar tracking app called Ashtag—and its journey to the Apple App Store, showcasing his continual drive to innovate and create in various domains.

• Empathy in Marketing: Keegan highlights the importance of empathetic storytelling in connecting with audiences, advocating for a focus on understanding the audience's problems and demonstrating genuine interest in solving them.
• Authenticity on LinkedIn: Keegan stresses the value of authenticity in professional networking, advising listeners to present their real selves to build trust and stand out in a sea of corporate sameness.
• Consistent Branding: The conversation underscores the power of consistent visuals and voice in branding, demonstrated through Threat Captain's recognizable marketing presence.
• Diverse Content Strategies: Keegan shares his approach to content creation, emphasizing the need to cater to various audience preferences through different content types, from educational to humorous posts.
• Innovation Beyond Work: Keegan's development of the cigar tracking app, Ashtag, exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to solving everyday challenges with creative solutions.

Guest Name: Keegan Sullivan

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegssully/

Company: ThreatCaptain

Website: https://threatcaptain.com/

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle takes listeners through a comprehensive exploration of Technology Business Reviews (TBRs) and their evolving role in the MSP industry. TBRs have shifted from data-heavy presentations to become more strategic and client-focused, addressing clients' growing needs around cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management.

Brian Doyle delves into a structured approach to Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), breaking down the process into four distinct phases. Each phase targets specific aspects of technology management—from setting a solid foundation in Q1 to addressing security and risk in Q2, examining health and assets in Q3, and culminating in a year-end summary. By consistently updating scorecards, roadmaps, and strategic plans, MSPs can provide clients with a clearer view of progress and maintain transparency and trust in their business relationships.

• Brian Doyle emphasizes the need for MSPs to transition TBRs from sales meetings to strategic planning sessions to better engage clients.
• Implementing a quarterly QBR cadence helps in systematically addressing security risks, assets, and compliance, ensuring consistent client engagement.
• The joint strategic plan is crucial for aligning technology goals with business objectives, providing clarity on project impacts and fostering better decision-making.
• Regular feedback loops, such as CSAT and Net Promoter Score surveys, are vital for maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in client organizations.
• Documenting risk assessments and client decisions is essential for liability protection and demonstrating value in MSP services.

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com