SMB Community Podcast

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss various topics relevant to the IT professional community. A significant segment is dedicated to addressing the ongoing debate of per seat versus per device pricing models in Managed Service Providers (MSP), emphasizing the evolving nature of MSP pricing strategies. The hosts further explore the economy's impact on MSPs, highlighting opportunities for growth and hiring during downturns. They also delve into the underestimated risks and potential of AI technology in business, covering recent research on AI hallucinations and the importance of source verification. The episode wraps up with updates on upcoming events and projects, including James Kernan's new book on selling MSPs and Amy's AI course starting in October.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction  02:56 Question of the Week: Per Seat vs. Per Device Pricing 10:35 Crypto Market Trends and Implications 13:45 Economic Outlook and Opportunities for MSPs 19:12 Microsoft 365 Offer for Students 21:28 AI Adoption in the Channel and Business 29:37 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various strategies for making MSP companies more valuable before a sale, including eliminating red flags, organizing business documentation, and having a clear elevator pitch. They also talk about industry trends such as the growing demand for specialized services like cloud computing and cybersecurity, the resurgence of buyer interest in smaller companies, and the impact of AI on business valuations. The hosts review recent cybersecurity incidents affecting major companies and discuss the potential need for a dedicated cyber military force. Additionally, the podcast covers notable industry news including Google's legal battle over search data, Elon Musk's new project to rival Microsoft, and Tesla's strategic shift towards humanoid robots. The episode concludes with upcoming events and courses aimed at helping MSPs leverage AI for their businesses.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome  01:39 MSP Question of the Week: Increasing Company Value 06:09 Trends in M&A for Small Businesses 10:09 Recent Cybersecurity Incidents 14:19 Google's Legal Win and AI Impact 16:26 Elon Musk's New Ventures: Macro Hard and Tesla Robots 20:32 Fall Plans and Upcoming AI Course  --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss various topics including the shift in weather in the Midwest, the importance of developing an AI practice for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and insights from top MSP executives about AI in the workforce. Amy highlights her AI course for MSPs, emphasizing the need for an AI acceptable use policy. The hosts also discuss the potential challenges and opportunities in AI investments, recent news about foldable phones from Apple, and the significance of the Windows 95 anniversary. Additionally, they mention the partnership between Ninja One and Halo, and James shares details about the upcoming Millionaire Mastermind event in September.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings  02:14 MSP Question of the Week: Starting an AI Practice 06:22 AI in the Workforce: Insights from Executives 12:00 Tech News: Apple and Microsoft Updates 17:19 Ninja One and Halo Partnership 19:05 Upcoming Events: Millionaire Mastermind  21:27 Conclusion and Contact Information --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics including the challenges of hiring level 3 and level 4 IT professionals, the importance of certifications and ongoing education in the IT industry, and the current job hiring trends influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also touch upon an interesting study on the growth of millionaires globally and its implications. The hosts offer practical advice for SMBs on developing relationships with subcontractors and enhancing company culture to attract top talent.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:08 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting Top-Level Technical Talent 08:47 Discussion on Millionaires and Wealth Distribution 15:24 The Importance of In-Person Job Interviews 19:34 Value of Job Skill Certificates and Continuous Learning 27:27 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 this episode, host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dave Sobel to talk about his "explainer video" on Artificial Intelligence. Dave is the host of the Business of Tech Podcast - https://businessof.tech.  Recently, Dave posted a video describing all the ways he uses AI agents to collect articles, filter them, and give him enough information to put together a show. He also reveals all the tools he uses for database management, storage, and everything else.  This is a great example of the kinds of things IT consultants need to be helping their clients with regarding AI! See Dave's video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXw2mrmW6lk.  Subscribe to the SMB Community Podcast at https://smbcommunitypodcast.com. Feedback always welcome.        

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the MSP community. They start with a casual chat about the weather and gardening before moving on to a listener's question regarding the best ways to communicate price increases to customers. The conversation shifts to security concerns, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities in printers and scan-to-email features, and the implications for MSPs. They also discuss recent developments in AI, including users' reactions to changes in Chat GPT and the security risks posed by new hacking techniques. The episode concludes with discussions about managing various devices on networks, upcoming events and courses, and the importance of continual learning and adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 Weather and Personal Updates 02:44 Handling Price Increases 11:03 AOL's Nostalgic Announcement 12:25 ChatGPT and AI Developments 17:07 Printer Security Concerns 23:27 Upcoming Events and Courses 27:22 Closing Remarks --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, our host James Kernan, along with guests Christina Klein from Land Sweeper and Martin from B2B Cyber Secure, discuss the importance of data, automation, and innovative tools in transforming the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. Christina and Martin share their experiences and successes using Lansweeper to drive IT asset discovery, risk assessment, and cybersecurity compliance. They also explore how MSPs can leverage Lansweeper data to enhance service offerings and build trust with clients. The episode highlights future developments in AI and automation for Lansweeper and provides listeners with actionable steps to integrate these tools into their operations. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 00:26 Meet the Guests: Christina Klein and Martin Dubreuil 01:21 Martin's Success with Lansweeper 03:12 Christina on Leveraging Lansweeper data  09:18 The Role of Cybersecurity in MSP Operations 13:53 Automation and Integration with Lansweeper 23:40 Future of Lansweeper and AI Integration 28:48 Conclusion and Signoff --- About Christina Klein:   Christina Klein has worked in the tech industry for 27 years. Her current role is the VP of Global Managed Service Providers.  Her career has spanned from global giants like Microsoft & AWS to scale-ups like Movere and Lansweeper.  Passionate about building & communicating the value of technology solutions through partnerships, Ms. Klein is an award-winning public speaker, 2023 Channel Chief and 2023 Role Model of the Year finalist.  About Martin Dubreuil:   With over 20 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, Martin Dubreuil specializes in IT asset discovery, risk assessment, and managed security services. As Associate & Director of Advisory Services at B2B Cyber Secure, a strategic partner of Lansweeper, he helps organizations secure their IT environments, optimize asset management, and strengthen compliance.  For the past 12 years, Martin has leveraged Lansweeper to provide comprehensive network visibility, vulnerability detection, and cybersecurity insights. His expertise enables businesses to identify risks, reduce attack surfaces, and implement proactive IT security strategies through managed services and automation.  "Using Lansweeper, we uncover network vulnerabilities by identifying unmanaged assets, providing insights for improving both IT and OT environments."  --- 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

Overview: Navigating IT Contracts, AI Trends, and Industry Events: A Recap In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the importance of managed service contracts and how they impact the valuation and security of IT businesses. They cover recent industry events including ChannelCon in Nashville, applauding its organization and opportunities for networking with top vendors. Finally, they delve into the positive economic impact of AI on the IT sector, with insights on job security concerns and the future of various professions. Tune in for advice on leveraging opportunities in the ever-evolving IT landscape.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:15 Vacation Highlights 05:48 Question of the Week: Managed Service Contracts 10:56 Channel Con Event Recap  19:22 Positive Economic Trends and AI Impact 27:24 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews renowned wellbeing coach Ana Nikseresht. They discuss her journey from Iran to the U.S. and her evolution into a wellbeing coach. Ana shares her holistic approach to health, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical aspects. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, consistency, and compassionate accountability in achieving lasting results. Ana also discusses practical tools, like the Carb Manager app, to help clients track their progress. The episode underscores the transformation possible through dedicated coaching and intentional living.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction to the SMB Community Podcast 01:02 Meet Ana Nikseresht: A Journey from Iran to the US 02:14 Anna's Personal Health Struggles and Transformation 05:02 The Honor Approach: Personalized Wellbeing Coaching 11:27 Tools and Techniques for Lasting Health 15:57 Success Stories and Client Experiences 18:51 Conclusion and Contact Information --- About Ana Nikseresht: Connect with Ana at TheAnaApproach@gmail.com --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the pros and cons of text marketing campaigns for IT businesses, emphasizing their annoyance and potential limited use for alerts and existing clients. They provide updates on recent IT security threats, including Microsoft's vulnerability in SharePoint servers and the Ingram Micro ransomware attack. The hosts also address industry events such as ChannelCon and news about Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhones. Additionally, they highlight recent acquisitions, such as Kaseya's confirmed purchase of Technology Marketing Toolkit led by Robin Robins. The episode concludes with a discussion of top cities for jobs and small business opportunities in the U.S.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:05 MSP Question of the Week: Text Marketing Campaigns 10:46 Industry News: Microsoft SharePoint Attacks 13:11 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack 15:47 Apple's Foldable Technology 18:22 Kaseya Acquires Technology Marketing Toolkit 20:54 Upcoming Event: Channel Con   26:25 Conclusion and Farewell --- About Shannon Bingham: Shannon Bingham is an Omaha-based entrepreneur and beauty industry leader who co-founded Seven Salon & Boutique in 2004, earning national recognition such as Salon Today’s Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons. A professionally trained cosmetologist, she's also an international brand educator for TIGI and IGK, Vice‑Chair of Nebraska's DHHS Board of Cosmetology, and an award‑winning photographer. In recent years, Shannon has leveraged her platform as Mrs. Nebraska International 2023 and Mrs. Midwest International 2024 to advocate passionately for adoption awareness, sharing her personal journey and inspiring local families.   Learn more about Shannon at https://linktr.ee/shanbingham --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Shannon Bingham, a successful business owner, former beauty pageant winner, and passionate adoption advocate. Shannon talks about her journey from growing up in Lennox, Iowa to owning a successful salon in Omaha, Nebraska. She discusses her personal experience with adoption and offers advice for those considering it. Shannon also shares marketing tips for small business owners, emphasizing the importance of consistency, authenticity, and understanding your audience. She highlights the different social media platforms and their uses, and discusses her upcoming involvement in community initiatives like 'Dance for a Chance' and the NCHS back-to-school program.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Meet Shannon Bingham: Pageant Queen and Business Owner  01:28 Shannon's Journey and Passion for Adoption 03:08 Navigating the Adoption Process 12:02 Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners 14:20 Shannon's Social Media Strategies 20:58 Upcoming Projects and Closing Remarks --- About Shannon Bingham: Shannon Bingham is an Omaha-based entrepreneur and beauty industry leader who co-founded Seven Salon & Boutique in 2004, earning national recognition such as Salon Today’s Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons. A professionally trained cosmetologist, she's also an international brand educator for TIGI and IGK, Vice‑Chair of Nebraska's DHHS Board of Cosmetology, and an award‑winning photographer. In recent years, Shannon has leveraged her platform as Mrs. Nebraska International 2023 and Mrs. Midwest International 2024 to advocate passionately for adoption awareness, sharing her personal journey and inspiring local families.   Learn more about Shannon at https://linktr.ee/shanbingham --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan is joined by Justin Maxwell, a partner at Big Life Financial. The discussion centers around exit planning, legacy creation, and strategic planning for IT professionals and business owners. Justin explains the concept of a fractional family office and how Big Life Financial offers comprehensive services that include accounting, investment management, insurance, estate planning, and boutique investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear end goal in mind, regular tax planning, and the benefits of proactive financial strategies. Justin also provides insights into innovative legacy planning methods, such as investing in your own business and creating family foundations. The episode concludes with practical advice for business owners and the availability of additional learning resources and courses from Big Life Financial.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction  00:28 Special Guest Introduction: Justin Maxwell from Big Life Financial 01:41 Understanding Family Offices and Their Importance 04:26 Strategic Planning for Business Owners 06:51 Tax Strategies for Business Owners 11:50 Exit Planning and Wealth Preservation 14:03 Innovative Legacy Planning Ideas 18:45 Courses and Coaching for Wealth Building 21:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 24:35 Closing Remarks --- About Justin Maxwell: Justin was a teacher and researcher before he started working with the BLF team in 2019. Justin discovered the entrepreneurial itch and quickly found that, like education, the financial and tax world loves to push everyone through the same square box. However, this doesn’t work in education or finance. His mission is to change that approach and deliver holistic tax and financial solutions for fellow successful entrepreneurs.   Learn more about Justin at www.biglifefinancial.com Connect with Justin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmaxwellwealthpreserve/ --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy delve into best practices for conducting employee reviews, emphasizing regular feedback and separating reviews from raises. The hosts also cover recent cybersecurity news, highlighting a ransomware attack on Ingram Micro and the ongoing saga with TikTok's ownership changes and cybersecurity compliance.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 4th of July Weekend Recap 04:20 MSP Question of the Week: How Often Should You Conduct Employee Reviews? 12:13 Ingram Micro Ransomware Attack 17:30 TikTok's New US App 19:59 Upcoming Events and Announcements 21:51 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

Overview: In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the value of peer groups for MSP business owners, emphasizing their role in solving operational challenges. They highlight how different peer groups focus on various aspects like sales, marketing, and technical support. The duo also covers recent news including the Iranian-Israeli cyber conflict's implications for MSPs, Nvidia's stock performance, and Canada's trade tax developments. Additionally, they discuss a significant decline in Windows desktop use and Reddit's stance against AI-generated content. To wrap up, they share details on valuable promotions from industry experts and remind listeners to sign up for relevant newsletters and mastermind groups.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:37 Question of the Week: Peer Groups for MSP Business Owners 08:01 Book Recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality 12:19 Event Highlights: Mastermind Event in Omaha 15:08 Current Events: Iranian-Israel Conflict and Cybersecurity 17:18 Tech News: Nvidia Stock and Canada-US Trade Talks 19:37 Industry Trends: Decline of Windows Desktops 24:42 Reddit's War Against AI 27:11 Promotions and Free Offerings for IT Professionals 29:06 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- 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

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy have a jam-packed agenda. They start off discussing the ongoing heatwave affecting various parts of the country before diving into critical cybersecurity concerns related to the U.S.'s recent conflict with Iran. They emphasize the importance of securing critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks. They then tackle the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent, highlighting the importance of work-life integration, competitive compensation, and a strong company culture with unique perks. Additionally, they stress the urgency of upgrading Windows 10 machines to Windows 11 to ensure security and compliance. The podcast concludes with announcements about upcoming industry events and a giveaway featuring valuable resources for MSPs.  --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Welcome  02:22 Cybersecurity Alert: US-Iran Conflict 04:16 MSP Question of the Week: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent 13:00 Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade Urgency 16:52 MSP Upcoming Events  19:44 Conclusion and Farewell --- 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