the RocketMSP Podcast

In this video, Steve and Brian engage in a role play to discuss cybersecurity risk assessment and its implications for business decisions.In this video, we cover:- Best case scenarios for a cybersecurity risk assessment.- What to do if issues are found during the assessment.- Addressing cost differences in proposed solutions.- Gathering information about the client's current spending.- Timely decision-making and considerations for transitioning to a new provider.

MessageSpecs is a marketing and communications consultancy founded by Joel Benge that specializes in helping technical companies, like managed service providers (MSPs), nail their messaging and communications.Steve Taylor, host of the RocketMSP Podcast, interviews Joel Benge, Founder & CEO of MessageSpecs.Today's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less!Get started with Comet Backup here: https://drp.li/QzgtdMentioned in this episode:Comet BackupWe’ve all been there – the phone rings, your largest client is on the line, totally panicked. Their CEO spilled coffee all over her laptop and it’s completely dead. Everything she needed for her investor presentation tomorrow was on that laptop. There’s nothing more heart-stopping than losing business-critical data. Whether you get hit with ransomware, hardware failure or human error, data loss can be a business ending event. Backups are your final stand when a threat penetrates your layers of defense. That’s where Comet Backup comes in. Comet is a secure, reliable backup solution designed specifically for MSPs. Protect computers, servers, virtual environments, emails and databases. You choose where the data is stored – backup to local on-prem storage or any of the leading cloud providers to slash your storage costs. Comet grows with your business with scalable per-device pricing. Test drive Comet Backup with a 30-day free trial. Get $50 free credit when you sign up with the promo code ROCKETMSP. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less at cometbackup.com. Comet Backup, the backup solution that MSP’s trust. Comet Backup

If you're an MSP or channel vendor, there's a good chance you've got a microphone at your desk. We all get stuck doing Zoom and Teams meetings every day, but there's something YOU can do to make the experience better for everyone else.I've got some great tips on how to get broadcast-quality sound without having to spend a ton of money.Shure MV7 MicrophoneToday's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less!Get started with Comet Backup here.Mentioned in this episode:Comet BackupWe’ve all been there – the phone rings, your largest client is on the line, totally panicked. Their CEO spilled coffee all over her laptop and it’s completely dead. Everything she needed for her investor presentation tomorrow was on that laptop. There’s nothing more heart-stopping than losing business-critical data. Whether you get hit with ransomware, hardware failure or human error, data loss can be a business ending event. Backups are your final stand when a threat penetrates your layers of defense. That’s where Comet Backup comes in. Comet is a secure, reliable backup solution designed specifically for MSPs. Protect computers, servers, virtual environments, emails and databases. You choose where the data is stored – backup to local on-prem storage or any of the leading cloud providers to slash your storage costs. Comet grows with your business with scalable per-device pricing. Test drive Comet Backup with a 30-day free trial. Get $50 free credit when you sign up with the promo code ROCKETMSP. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less at cometbackup.com. Comet Backup, the backup solution that MSP’s trust. Comet Backup

Overe offers a free Microsoft 365 security assessment tool for MSPs and their small business clients. In this interview, host Steve talks with Overe CEO Paul Barnes about how the platform helps MSPs easily evaluate and improve their customers’ #Microsoft365 #Office365 security posture.Paul explains how Overe integrates with Microsoft environments to provide actionable recommendations based on license types and business specifics. The software identifies misconfigurations, policy gaps, and other issues that leave data and systems vulnerable. Overe helps guide MSPs and clients toward better #cybersecurity hygiene and compliance.Key topics include:Simplifying #Microsoft365 security managementAutomating monitoring and protectionGenerating customized improvement recommendationsIntegrating with other security products for fuller threat visibilityGiving unified visibility across SaaS environmentsWhether you’re an MSP helping clients or an SMB needing better security assurance, Overe can rapidly uncover risks and priorities for hardening your Microsoft 365 environment.Check out the free Overe Microsoft 365 assessment at https://www.overe.io to evaluate your security status today!Today's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less! Get started with Comet Backup here: https://drp.li/Qzgtd#Overe #CyberSecurity #MSPs #SaaSSecurity #TechDemo #LiveDemo

SaaS Alerts helps MSPs secure and monitor SaaS applications for their SMB clients. Their platform centralizes security across apps like Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and more.In this episode, I interview SaaS Alerts CEO Jim Lippie to learn about the latest enhancements to their platform and research on the SaaS security landscape. We discuss:Fortify: Their new automated policy engine to instantly improve Microsoft Secure Scores.Key findings from the 2023 SaaS Application Security Insights report on emerging threats and risky end-user behaviors.How SaaS Alerts is helping MSPs simplify compliance automation and governance.Their roadmap and what new integrations and capabilities MSPs can expect.If you support SaaS apps for SMBs, this conversation with Jim will give you an insider's view of the SaaS Alerts roadmap. You'll learn how they aim to help MSPs improve security, meet compliance needs, and gain operational efficiencies.Today's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less!Get started with Comet Backup here.

Looking to expand your MSP offerings into a lucrative new area? Compliance services could be the perfect addition.In this exclusive interview, compliance guru Alex Spigel shares her proven framework for profitably delivering compliance assessments and solutions to clients.As COO of Choice Cyber Solutions, Alex has equipped over 500 MSPs to provide compliant managed services. She's also pioneered programs with CompTIA to simplify cybersecurity compliance for the MSP community.Alex reveals insider tips to help you:Identify the top 1-2 compliance areas to focus on firstDeliver compliant services efficiently without overspendingGenerate leads and attract ideal compliance clientsEstablish credibility with key certificationsSignificantly increase recurring revenueIf you want to future-proof your MSP with new offerings, don't miss Alex's advice on getting started the right way.Today's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less!Get started with Comet Backup here.

Are you relying on legacy, siloed security tools that leave dangerous gaps? In this episode, Matt Holland of Field Effect shares how MSPs can implement truly unified cybersecurity without the tool overload.We discuss:Rising threats SMBs face compared to 5 years agoWhy a holistic approach is criticalConsolidating key capabilities into a unified systemEvaluating new security options wiselyAvoiding common mistakes MSPs makeTracking metrics that reveal security impactPreparing for emerging regulationsThe recent SEC charges against SolarWinds's CISOWhether you're looking to evolve your security offerings or interested in a new partner, this episode has great insights for MSPs.Check out the links below for additional resources mentioned in this episode:Field Effect: www.fieldeffect.comChannel Program 2023 Technology Map: https://channelprogram.com/technologymapChannel Program NaviStack: https://channelprogram.com/navistackToday's sponsor is Comet Backup. Use the exclusive promo code: ROCKETMSP when you sign up to get $50 USD Free Credit for your first 90 days with Comet. Start running backups in 15 minutes or less!Get started with Comet Backup here.

I sat down with Tom Lin, Chief Revenue Officer of AvePoint, to discuss their governance, risk, and compliance platform designed specifically for managed service providers. In this wide-ranging interview, Tom shares details about AvePoint's unique approach to GRC that allows MSPs to easily manage client Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace environments.

Steve interviewed Darren Strong from Scalable MSP about how to kick off the new year by setting up your team for success. They discussed how to plan, communicate, and execute a 12-month business strategy and growth plan across an entire organization.Key points from their discussion:Start planning your next year's strategy 2-3 months before it begins to give time to build buy-in. Involve key team members to get diverse perspectives and ideas.Break down your growth target into a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) figure using the "rule of 78" method. This calculates how much MRR you need to add each month to hit your annual goal.Communicate the strategy through team meetings, department meetings, and sales kickoffs. Make sure everyone understands their role in achieving the goals.Use leading and lagging metrics like MRR, customer satisfaction, service levels, and cross-selling rates to track progress. Course correct if falling behind.Motivate through fostering individual success, not just financial incentives. Help employees feel pride in their work.Communicate consistently in the right style for each audience. Tailor to "lions, turtles, camels, and monkeys".Celebrate wins by putting customer feedback dollars towards team events and charity. This incentivizes engagement.Capture lessons learned all year long to enhance future planning. Use tools like OneNote or quarterly meetings.The key is aligning the entire company through consistent, tailored communication and tracking metrics to stay on course towards strategic growth goals.Learn more about Scalable MSP here.

If you're an MSP or IT professional, you know that cybersecurity is a top priority. But with so many different cybersecurity solutions on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your business.In this interview, I speak with Arnaud Drizard, co-founder of Bastion, an all-in-one cybersecurity platform for MSPs and IT professionals. Arnaud shares his insights on the biggest challenges facing MSPs in cybersecurity today, and how Bastion's platform can help MSPs overcome these challenges.We also discuss Bastion's unique value proposition, its pricing model, and its plans for new product and service development.If you're looking for a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that can help you improve your service deliverability and grow your business, then this interview is for you.

I had the opportunity to chat with David Sohn, the Founder and CEO of Helpt. Helpt is a US-based Outsourced Helpdesk service for US MSPs. They offer two pricing models: per-minute and per-user. We talk about Helpt's strengths and weaknesses, dive into pricing, and more in this interview. Learn more about Helpt at https://gethelpt.com. Learn more about RocketMSP at https://rocketmsp.io.

FlexPoint is a billing automation platform that performs a bunch of key tasks for your MSP:Integrates with your PSA and accounting software to sync invoices and payment status between the two.Provides a client portal where clients can see invoice and payment history, update payment information, and pay invoices.Automates invoice payments based on client, contract name, or even a generic "AutoPay is enabled" statement in the invoice message.Gives clients the ability to spread out payments on larger invoices.In this interview with Victor Lopez from FlexPoint, I asked him a ton of deep questions about his company and the platform. He then gave me a demo of FlexPoint in action.If you're looking for a way to save time and money on your MSP billing, then be sure to check out FlexPoint.FREE RESOURCESMSP Comparison Charthttps://bit.ly/rocketmsp-ccFOLLOW USYouTubehttps://bit.ly/3yWB6cjLinkedInhttps://bit.ly/3P0QWrR

In this episode of the RocketMSP Podcast, I interview Amy Luby, the VP of Ecosystems & Community at Seceon, a leading provider of AI-powered XDR and SIEM solutions for MSPs and MSSPs. Amy gives us a deep dive into the Seceon platform, explaining how it can help MSPs and MSSPs to:Detect and respond to threats more effectivelyReduce the complexity of their security stackImprove their profitabilityWe also get a live demo of the Seceon platform, where Amy shows us how it can be used to investigate and respond to a security incident in real time.If you are an MSP or MSSP looking for a way to improve your cybersecurity posture, then you don't want to miss this episode!Key TakeawaysWhat is XDR and SIEM?How can XDR and SIEM help MSPs and MSSPs?What are the key features of the Seceon platform?How can the Seceon platform help MSPs and MSSPs to detect and respond to threats more effectively?How can the Seceon platform help MSPs and MSSPs to reduce the complexity of their security stack?How can the Seceon platform help MSPs and MSSPs to improve their profitability?Learn MoreVisit the Seceon website to learn more about their AI-powered XDR and SIEM solutions for MSPs and MSSPs.https://seceon.com

Join us for an exclusive live interview with Matt Linn, the co-founder and COO of Thread. Thread is a chat tool specifically designed for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and their clients.What to Expect:• A comprehensive overview of Thread, highlighting its key features and benefits.• A live demonstration showcasing the functionality of the tool.• A deep dive into a recent issue where some users experienced data loss due to a product code error. Matt Linn will address this issue, discussing the steps taken by Thread to rectify the situation.This interview is a must-listen for MSPs and anyone interested in learning more about Thread, its capabilities, and the proactive measures taken by the company to ensure data security and reliability. Don't miss out!

Join us for an exciting live interview with Colin Knox, the CEO of Gradient MSP. We'll be discussing the challenges and solutions in the managed services sector, the role of Gradient MSP, and its impact on the industry.This interview will cover a range of topics including:• The mission and offerings of Gradient MSP• Key features and user experience of their platform• How Gradient MSP is shaping the future of managed services• Security measures implemented by Gradient MSP• Training, support, and pricing detailsCALL TO ACTIONIf you're interested in the world of managed services and want to know more about innovative solutions in this space, make sure to tune in on September 6th, 2023 at 1 PM US Eastern Time. Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video to help spread the word. Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on all our latest content!SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSStay connected with us on other platforms:LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/company/rocketmspLinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/stevetayloritFacebook Page: https://facebook.com/rocketmspCREDITSThis video was produced and hosted by Steve Taylor. Special thanks to Colin Knox for sharing his time and insights.DISCLOSUREThis video is not sponsored. Any views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and the guest.#GradientMSP #CEOInterview #ManagedServices #TechTalk #LiveInterview

Visualize your tech stack like never before with NaviStack by Channel Program. I ask the tough questions about data privacy, features, and pricing in this episode.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Orrin Klopper, CEO and Co-Founder of Netsurit, to delve into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and its transformative potential for business growth. With decades of experience and a track record of successful acquisitions, Orrin shares his unique perspective on scaling businesses through strategic acquisitions.We explore the ins and outs of identifying suitable acquisition targets, carrying out due diligence, and ensuring a smooth integration post-acquisition. Orrin also sheds light on the role of private equity firms in the MSP industry, and how they're shaping the acquisition landscape.But it's not all about strategy and finance. Orrin emphasizes the human side of acquisitions, from cultural fit to communication, and how these factors can make or break a deal. He also shares valuable advice for other MSPs looking to grow through acquisitions.

IntroductionIn today's episode, we're thrilled to bring you an in-depth discussion on building and retaining top-tier talent in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. Our special guest is Connor Swalm, the co-founder of Phin Security, who shares his unique insights and strategies that have fueled the company's impressive growth.Detailed SummaryWe cover a wide range of topics including:00:00 - Episode Intro: Building & Retaining Stellar TalentKick off the episode with a brief introduction of what's in store.01:15 - Meet Host Steve Taylor & Guest Connor SwalmGet to know your host, Steve Taylor, and our special guest, Connor Swalm.02:30 - Trust & Freedom in Phin's Work EnvironmentWe delve into the core company values at Phin Security.04:45 - Phin's Flexible Time Off PolicyDiscover how flexibility is encouraged at Phin Security.07:10 - Personal Growth at PhinLearn about the support system for personal growth and development at Phin.09:30 - Working at a Startup: Risks & OpportunitiesWe discuss the risks and growth opportunities at startups.13:00 - Honesty in Hiring & "You're the Person If" DocUncover the importance of transparency during the hiring process.17:15 - Phin's Hiring & Documenting ProcessesConnor shares his approach to hiring and documenting processes.21:00 - Employee Creativity, Intelligence & FreedomExplore the importance of creativity, intelligence, and freedom at Phin.23:30 - Phin's Unique Onboarding & Growth PlansDiscover Phin's unique approach to onboarding new hires and their growth plans.26:15 - Value of Feedback & Fulfilled EmployeesUnderstand why employee satisfaction and feedback are crucial at Phin.29:00 - Money, Mission & MotivationConnor shares his perspective on these three key elements.32:15 - Overcoming Hiring Struggles & AdviceLearn how to navigate initial hiring struggles and get advice for MSPs.35:30 - Remote-First Advantages & Hiring CautionsDiscuss the benefits of being remote-first and considerations during the hiring process.38:00 - Phin's Hiring Focus & Getting to Know CandidatesLearn about Phin's hiring process and their focus on personal connections.41:30 - Open Communication & Constructive CriticismFind out why open communication is valued at Phin.45:15 - Building a Company of ExcellenceDiscover how Phin avoids compromises and prioritizes excellence.48:00 - Unlimited PTO & AccountabilityHear Connor's thoughts on unlimited PTO and the importance of accountability.Call to ActionIf you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel if you haven't already. Don't forget to turn on notifications so you don't miss out on our future content!Related LinksTo learn more about Phin Security, visit their website: https://rocketmsp.captivate.fm/phinCreditsThis video was produced and hosted by Steve Taylor. Special thanks to Connor Swalm for his invaluable...

Check out TopLeft, a Kanban board for your ticketing system.

Check out the ChatStyle demo with Chris Dix. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rocketmsp/message