ERP124 - Security as a Utility

Today I’m excited to bring you a really insightful conversation with Brian Largent. Brian brings nearly two decades of experience running an MSP that specializes in co-managed IT services, particularly in complex and regulated industries like healthcare and manufacturing. In this episode, Brian and I get into the nitty-gritty of co-managed IT. What it means, why it’s not just for large enterprises, and how his team lives and breathes this model for clients, unexpectedly in rural markets.  We dive into the real challenges and opportunities of working alongside internal IT teams, what makes for a successful partnership, and some lessons learned from both our journeys in the MSP space. Whether you’re an MSP looking to branch into co-managed services or looking to improve your co-managed offering, you’ll get a ton of actionable insights from this conversation. This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.

Welcome back to the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Anup Ghosh with Threatmate. Anup and I deep dive into one of the MSP industry’s hottest—and sometimes most confusing—topics: cybersecurity. But instead of focusing on the aftermath of a security incident (what they call “right of the boom”), we shift the conversation to proactive measures—what it really means to operate “left of the boom.” We unpack the concept of security as a utility, discuss how to utilize NIST and CIS frameworks, and explore fear-based selling. This episode is packed with insights that will help you strengthen your security posture before disaster strikes. So listen in to stay ahead of the next big threat. This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.

Welcome back to another episdoe of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Melby and Ryan Barton with New Charter Technologies.  Sure, AI is everywhere these days, but we cut through the hype to talk about how things actually changed when ChatGPT hit the scene and suddenly put powerful AI tools in the hands of everyone. Ryan shares how that breakthrough moment inspired him to roll up his sleeves and experiment with AI in real business scenarios. Peter talks about why New Charter decided to take a hands-on approach with AI, instead of just waiting around for vendors to figure it out. We talk honestly about what’s working, what isn’t, and why sometimes you just have to make your own path with new technology. If you want an inside look at how AI is impacting MSPs or you’re just curious about what’s really possible right now, tune in! We’ve got practical insights, plenty of candid takes, and even a few laughs along the way. This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.

Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Paul Green,  the author of "MSP Marketing Start Here," for a deep dive into the world of LinkedIn social marketing. This episode is perfect for MSPs looking to streamline their marketing efforts. Paul shares insights from his book, emphasizing the importance of simplifying marketing strategies and focusing on building long-term relationships through platforms like LinkedIn. He discusses practical steps like creating engaging content, leveraging LinkedIn's unique tools and features, and the power of setting up reliable marketing systems. Todd and Paul also explore the importance of connecting with ideal clients, the impact of video content, and why consistency is key to achieving success in the competitive MSP ecosystem. Use the insights to discover actionable tips that can transform your LinkedIn presence and take your marketing to the next level. Also there is a time limited ester egg at the end of the pod, so listen early and stick around till the end for that bonus. This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! Today, we dig into the timeless wisdom of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” with Andrea Caldwell, VP of Coaching and consulting at Franklin Covey. Celebrating the book's 35th anniversary, Andrea sheds light on why Stephen Covey's principles have stood the test of time, attributing their longevity to the foundational truths they encapsulate. We explore how these habits have shaped our personal and professional lives, emphasizing the significance of paradigms, proactive behavior, and continuous self-renewal. Whether you're familiar with Covey’s work or new to these concepts, this episode promises to offer valuable insights into creating a more intentional and effective life. So let’s go! This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP Account Management course course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.

In this episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Markov from Strategy Overview. Alex and I continue the rethinking vCIO series.  Alex is a long-time friend of the podcast, appearing in a very early episode of the pod (ERP031).  I had him back to jam on vCIO again. We explore the importance of mature VCIO practices, the integration of AI and automation, and maintaining high standards in client services.  Enjoy the continued conversation in rethinking the vCIO series.

Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, we continue our series on Rethinking the vCIO role in MSPs. I’m joined by Jim Tarala from VCIO University to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the vCIO role. We'll explore the importance of role clarity, client segmentation, and tips for distinguishing between account managers and vCIOs. Jim shares valuable insights into the need for a strategic approach when targeting different client segments and how MSPs can create value with vCIO services. Listen for more actionable strategies to refine your client interactions and elevate the services you provide. This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Check out my latest course! MSP Account Management.

On this episode of Evolved Radio, we’re continuing our rethinking vCIO series with Adam Walter from Humanize IT. Adam helps give a fresh perspective. Adam has years of experience as a director of security and as a vCIO in the corporate world. He has great insight on what it’s like sitting on the other side of the table from a typical MSP.    In this episode, Adam shares a compelling story from his career, highlighting the crucial role of curiosity in client interactions. Whether you're an MSP owner, a vCIO, or someone looking to enhance client relationships, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you rethink your vCIO strategy. This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Check out my latest course! MSP Account Management.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Alex Farling from Empath. In the last episode, Luis Giraldo and I were talking about vCIO. Alex was listening to the episode and took up my challenge to fight us in the comments. Alex has lots of opinions and experience in the vCIO field, having built one of the leading platforms for vCIO out there. Interestingly, even Alex says he hates the term vCIO and explains why. We also discuss "firing" clients, the critical role of communication in maintaining positive relationships, agendas, and the nuanced roles required in smaller MSPs. This is another episode packed with insights and on the role of account management in the MSP space. So get ready to rethink the vCIO role again with us on the Evolved Radio Podcast! This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Check out my brand new course - vCIO and Account Management for MSPs   Or my other online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.

Today, I’m chatting with my old friend Luis Giraldo, Chief Experience Officer at Scalepad. Luis and I are discussing how most of our industry might be doing vCIO all wrong. vCIO has the Critical Objective of creating real client value by delivering services that lead to genuine business outcomes, but many struggle to make this a reality. We discuss why people hate the vCIO title and ideas about what we should call it instead. We discuss some common pitfalls, like focusing too much on tools over processes. Whether you’re trying to start or improve your vCIO process, this episode is a must-listen. So let’s go. This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses. Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.