The Geek Freaks Podcast

33 Episodes

Reverse

Don't Take the Bait

2020-09-1814:46

Within the last few months, there has been a 600% uptick in phishing attempts, which means people are still falling for these email scams. It’s up to you to stay safe and keep your data protected from bad actors. In this episode of the Geek Freaks Podcast Ron uncovers popular attacks with DropBox, OneDrive, and Michigan State University. He also shares more information on how to stay safe and alert.

Let's Talk About Our New Reality

2020-09-0412:11

While most of us want to return to ‘normal’ or how life was before COVID-19, that’s just not realistic for the world of business. We must move forward and adapt to our new reality. In this episode of the Geek Freaks Podcast, Ron opens up the floor to you all; Agency Owners, Principals, Producers, CSRs, and so on. Let’s talk about what worked and what didn’t with the transition from office to remote work. How will you improve and make changes for 2021, and all of those little stumbling blocks along the way.

Celebrating One Year of the Geek Freaks Podcast

2020-08-1425:41

It has been 1 year since the release of our very first episode, but 25+ years of Omega Computer Services. We have a great staff and are very fortunate to be where we are right now. Time sure flies by when you’re being geeky. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST Ron reminisces about the start of Omega and explains what sets us apart as a managed service provider for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Benefits of a Niche Insurance Agency

2020-07-3120:20

When most people look for a place to eat, they typically try to determine what the restaurant specializes in before deciding to dine in. Studies show that as society continues to move forward, individuals are looking for companies who specialize in what they are looking for, the insurance industry is no different. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Ryan Spalding, CEO of Worthy Insurance Group, on the Insurance Hot Seat to explain how beneficial it is to find a niche for your insurance agency.

Don't Get Reeled In: Understanding Phishing Emails

2020-07-1715:56

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message. It’s important to protect your sensitive information now more than ever. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST Ron explains how to spot phishing scams, how they work and why you should partner with someone who can help you stay on high alert for “phishy” activity.

Controlling Your Agency's Data

2020-06-2616:35

Data is one of the most important assets for any organization, yet most people don’t treat it as such. As most of us return to work after the shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are expecting a sprawl of data, as most people were working from home on personal devices. Now is the time to gain control of where your data is located and be fully prepared for the worst-case scenario. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, our very own Ron Harris explains how properly backing up your data could potentially save your agency years’ worth of information.

Bingo, Bango, They're In

2020-06-0516:46

Cyber criminals don't care about your data, they care about your money. Tricking innocent people with clickbait and malicious code is easier than you think when there are so many news headlines and anxiety in the air. However, there are many ways to protect your business from a ransomware attack during challenging times. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST Ron explains the business of ransomware, how to protect your data from an attack, and why it's important to have a plan in place and a partner you can trust.

How to Approach Sales During A Pandemic

2020-05-2220:40

Selling insurance can be tricky during a time when everyone has many more important things to worry about, and with good reason. However, now is the perfect time to build trust and establish rapport with prospects, especially since insurance is designed to provide peace of mind. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Precious Norman-Walton, President of the Dallas Chapter of the CPCU Society, on the Insurance Hot Seat to explain how empathy and building relationships will grow your agency during a global pandemic.

Return of the Geek Freaks

2020-05-0817:18

As the Michigan stay-at-home order continues to get extended due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, Omega is still encouraging employees to practice social distancing. However, as an essential business, we have decided to allow employees to return to the office in staggered shifts as of Monday, May 4 (May the fourth be with us all). In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST Ron and Thomas discuss what it’s like returning to the office after about 6 weeks of working remotely.

Is My Data Safe Working From Home?

2020-04-1722:55

As many businesses continue working from home during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S., hackers are finding ways to instill fear into the workforce in the form of phishing emails, ransomware, and remote desktop hacks. Now more than ever, it's imperative to protect your agency's data from hackers, especially with the many security risks regarding remote work. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Victor Congionti, Co-Founder/CEO at Proven Data on the Insurance Hot Seat to explain the types of cyber attacks many businesses are currently experiencing, and what security protocols you should implement to prevent these attacks.

COVID-19, Remote Work, and the Managed I.T. Experience

2020-04-0323:59

Michigan’s first 2 Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were confirmed on March 10, 2020. Over the course of only two weeks, the number of cases broke 1,300 ultimately leading Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to issue a statewide stay-at-home order for all non-essential workers on March 23, 2020. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST Ron and Thomas discuss their in-house experience switching to remote work as part of the statewide effort to practice social distancing and how managed I.T. has given clients peace of mind during a time of uncertainty

So You Want To Start An Independent Insurance Agency?

2020-03-2024:59

Starting an agency from scratch can be difficult and complex but not impossible, and the pros certainly outweigh the cons. If this is your first entrepreneurial venture, be prepared for many roadblocks along the way. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Tara Smith, Principal at Birchfield Independent Insurance Agency on the Insurance Hot Seat to talk about her experience starting her own insurance agency, and the benefits of being an independent agent in a captive world.

The Importance of Culture and Diversity in the Workplace

2020-03-0619:50

In today's world, workplace diversity and inclusion are business necessities. Diverse employees can bring together their different talents, experiences and various skillsets to come up with creative and inventive solutions. In honor of Women's History Month, Madison, Monica, and Celia take over the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST to discuss their experience as women in the tech industry, as well as the importance of company culture and the benefits of having diverse employees.

[Pt. 2] Understanding the Michigan Auto Insurance Reform

2020-02-2128:05

Today, Michiganders are required by law to maintain a "No-Fault" automobile insurance policy, which includes coverage for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. The existing No-Fault law has been reformed so that on July 2, 2020, and later, many changes will take effect, including giving Michigan drivers a choice of six options for their level of PIP coverage. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Jeremy MacDonald, President at Mid-Michigan Agency, and Jason Verlinde, President at Verlinde Insurance Agency, on the Insurance Hot Seat to discuss the impact this new law will have on the Michigan insurance agencies statewide.

The Real Cost of Ransomware

2020-02-0723:43

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim's files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to that data, but that's not the only price you pay if your business is attacked. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, Ron and Thomas discuss real-life examples of ransomware victims, the repercussions of an attack, how incredibly accessible this malicious software is to hackers and the importance of having protection and a data recovery plan in place.

[Pt. 1] Understanding the Michigan Auto Insurance Reform

2020-01-2419:33

Today, Michiganders are required by law to maintain a "No-Fault" automobile insurance policy, which includes coverage for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. The existing No-Fault law has been reformed so that on July 2, 2020, and later, many changes will take effect, including giving Michigan drivers a choice of six options for their level of PIP coverage. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Bill Springer, Principal at Conrad Insurance Agency on the Insurance Hot Seat to discuss the impact this new law will have on the insured Michiganders.

Looking Forward: 2020 Tech Predictions

2020-01-1027:29

The year 2020 opens a new decade of innovation and opportunities for incorporating new technology in the workforce. Heading into the new year there is clear momentum for emerging technologies in automotive, 5G, A.I. and automation, augmented reality, and much more. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, Ron, Luis, and Kris share their own personal technology predictions and discuss statistics for the year 2020.

Is Your Agency's Candidate Experience F.C.D.D. Up?

2019-12-2025:28

Talent acquisition is a key component for growing your agency. Although HR technology spending is increasing, the candidate experience should never take a backseat. Some agencies may be adopting HR tech to help with talent acquisition without a strategy in place. On this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Keynote & TEDx Speaker Ira Wolfe from Success Performance Solutions on the Insurance Hot Seat to discuss his latest book “Recruiting in the Age of Googlization” and why you should avoid F.C.D.D. (frustration, confusion, disappointment, and distraction) for your agency's candidate hiring experience.

A Year In Review: 2019 Tech Recap

2019-12-0630:04

Just like that 2019 is almost over! A lot happened this year in the digital world of tech and cybersecurity. The rise of new technologies, ideas, and cyber-crime. In this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, Ron, Luis, and Kris discuss what was predicted in tech versus what actually happened for the year. Tune in to hear what was a hit or miss for technology in 2019.

Less Clicks More Magic

2019-11-2222:33

Is your agency management system living up to its full potential? That doesn't always mean having the shiniest product on the block with all the bells and whistles. On this episode of the GEEK FREAKS PODCAST, we put Jordan Owens and Michael Doran from Strategic Insurance Solutions on the Insurance Hot Seat to talk about the Partner Platform, what their clients say is a complete system, and the importance of function over aesthetics.

#box-pro-ellipsis-173230330035055{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Geek Freaks Podcast