SMB Community Podcast

Why Your Business Is Worth More When You Are Not Involved in Daily Operations

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

NinjaOne’s reported growth and positioning within the MSP software landscape presents a notable development for service providers evaluating vendor ...

Getting Margins Right: The Essential Mix of Recurring, Product, and Professional Services for MSPs

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The episode centers on profit margins and service mix strategies for MSPs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining recurring revenue margins above 5...

Do You Always Say Yes? MSP Sales, Partnerships, and Project Management

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Microsoft’s decision to increase pricing across its Microsoft 365 product suite, excluding Business Premium, is a notable development for MSPs and I...

Has M&A Activity for MSPs Picked Up in 2026?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.theinformation.com/articles/iran-war-imperils-300-billion-gulf-ai-spending?utm_campaign=article_email&utm_content=article-16718&utm_medium...

Navigating Invisible Work: AI, Automation, and the Challenge of Proving Value as an MSP

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A significant risk area discussed is the challenge of “invisible work” in managed services due to increasing automation and the adoption of artifi...

Building Your MSP as the Local Hometown Favorite: Practical Community Strategies

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The most consequential development highlighted in the episode is Anthropic’s refusal to alter its AI contract terms for the US federal government, s...

Getting Clients to Take Data Privacy Seriously in the Age of AI and Compliance

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The primary discussion in the episode centers on the increasing risk to data privacy posed by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) application...

Practical Tips for Better Business Conversations and Simple Contracts for MSPs

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This Week's Highlights:1. Elevating Your Business ConversationsEver feel anxious about those business-focused meetings with customers? You’re not al...

How MSPs Can Stand Out: Storytelling, AI Expertise, and Handling Stage Fright

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak dive into practical insights for MSPs and IT service providers, powered by Small Biz Thoughts.Th...

Exploring Channel Marketing: An Interview w/ Amy Slater of Innovative Events

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosted by James Kernan, guest Amy Slater from Innovative Events discusses her transition from the medica...

AI's Impact on MSPs: A Discussion with Steve Shattuck

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, Amy interviews Steve Shattuck, VP of Global Partner Ecosystem and Business Development at GoTo...

Maximizing Tax Savings: R&D Credits for Tech Companies with Justin Maxwell

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, our host James Kernan welcomes Justin Maxwell of Big Life Financial to discuss crucial changes...

Exploring the Future of MSPs: An Interview w/ Tim Thomson

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: Exploring the Future of MSPs: AI, Cybersecurity, and Building Trust In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan intervie...

Training Investments and Tech Trends for 2026

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss their upcoming travel plans and the busy start to 2026. They tackl...

Opportunities Ahead: How to Navigate 2026

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the key challenges and opportunities MSPs (Managed Service Provide...

2026: AI Market Strategies in the New Year

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss various strategies for IT professionals and MSPs ...

Top Opportunities for 2026

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss the top opportunities for Managed Service Provide...

Pricing: How to Navigate Changes

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a range of topics from winter weather arriving early to significan...

What are the Best KPI's?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy kick off with a weather update from Michigan and Nebraska and discuss the ...

Is Distribution Dead?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the evolving landscape of IT distribution and whether it is becomi...

New Years: 2026 Strategy/Planning

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the importance of timely year-end planning for IT professionals, s...

How To Finish The Year Strong

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss strategies for IT professionals to finish the year on top, includi...

Enhancing AI Literacy for IT Professionals: An Interview with Leslie Dewey

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosted by James Kernan, special guest Leslie Dewey, CEO of Sweetwater Street, shares her exper...

Exploring Cyber Risk Management: An Interview with Kevin Schmidt

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Kevin Schmidt from Coalition. They discuss the importance of cyberse...

Optimizing Monthly Cashflows for MSPs

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss weekend highlights and then dive into crucial advice for improving...

Maximizing AI: Leverage and Monetization

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the monetization of AI for MSPs, leveraging existing skills and to...

Results for MSPs: An Interview with Sam Saab and Bob Lewis

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: Exploring Results Software with CEO Sam Saab and CRO Bob Lewis In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews Sa...

Purchasing Local Competition: Is It Worth It?

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss a wide range of topics relevant to the MSP community. ...

Microsoft Partner Program Changes & Updates

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a variety of tech topics relevant to IT professionals. They start ...

Navigating Pricing Models

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss various topics relevant to the IT professional community. A signif...

Optimizing Business Valuations

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various strategies for making MSP companies more valua...

Embracing AI: Insights & Rollout Strategies

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Attracting Top-Tier Tech Talent

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics including the challenges of hiring level 3 and leve...

Dave Sobel Demonstrates Agentic AI at The Business of Tech

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Navigating Price Increases

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

Client Success Stories Leveraging Lansweeper

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Navigating Managed Service Contracts: What Is Best?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: Navigating IT Contracts, AI Trends, and Industry Events: A Recap In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss t...

Health in the Workplace: Interview with Ana Nikseresht

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews renowned wellbeing coach Ana Nikseresht. They discuss her journey...

Marketing Campaigns via Text Messaging: Good or Bad?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, e...

The Importance of Giving Back: Interview with Shannon Bingham

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews Shannon Bingham, a successful business owner, former beauty pageant wi...

Strategic Exit Planning and Wealth Preservation: Interview with Justin Maxwell

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan is joined by Justin Maxwell, a partner at Big Life Financial. The discussion cent...

How Often Should You Conduct Employee Reviews?

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy delve into best practices for conducting employee reviews, emphasizing reg...

The Power of Peer Groups

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, emphasizi...

How To Attract & Retain Top Talent

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

CloudFlare Outage: Facing IT Challenges and Market Competition

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to delve into a series of key topics for IT professionals and man...

Navigating Modern Challenges and Opportunities: Borrowing Funds

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss various topics relevant to the IT and MSP community. The hosts d...

Strategies for Retaining Key Employees During Acquisitions

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss how to retain key employees during company acquisitions, sharing r...

The Future of MSPs and AI's Impact on the Industry

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss their Memorial Day experiences before diving into a deep discussio...

Where is the Market: Where do I sell my MSP Practice?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss the viability of selling small MSP practices, emphasize the growin...

MSP Industry Trends: Interview with Rich Freeman of Channelholic

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews industry guru Rich Freeman of Channelholic. Rich discusses his ba...

Exploring the Four-Day Work Week

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy & James dive into the concept of a four-day work week for IT professionals. They exp...

Strategies For Selling Your Business

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: Join hosts Amy and James in this episode of the SMB Community Podcast as they delve into the best practices for selling your Managed Service...

Navigating Growth and Strategic Planning for MSPs

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this week's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss various aspects of running a successful MSP. Th...

Embracing EOS and Navigating Industry Challenges

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James are back! The main topic revolves around the Entrepreneurial Operating Sys...

Exploring Leadership as a Level 1 Tech

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to discuss a range of topics relevant to IT professionals. They s...

AI Tools: Which One Is The Best?

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss a variety of news and trends that affect the MSP community. Key to...

Enhancing Workplace Efficiency with AI: Interview with Zulfiya Forsythe of Omadli Group

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan from Kernan Consulting interviews Zulfiya Forsythe, CEO and founder of Omadl...

Rebranding and Future Growth: An Interview of MJ Shoer of GTIA

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, James Kernan interviews MJ Shoer of GTIA, formerly known as CompTIA. MJ shares his extensive...

Strategizing MSP Growth: Windows 10 End of Life

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview:  In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan dive into how IT professionals can leverage the end-of-...

Offshoring vs. Local Hiring: Where to Find Success

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Thursday episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss recent events and trends in the IT and business wo...

Maximizing Industry Events: Tips, Trends, and Insider Insights

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy discuss effective strategies for making the most out of attending industry...

Business Valuations: What is My Worth?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss various topics including the aftermath of the Sup...

Enhancing MSP Success: AI, Customer Retention, and Industry Trends

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak discuss the transformative impact of AI on MSP sales and ...

How Should I Answer My Client Calls? Live vs. Attendant

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss winter weather conditions across the Midwest, the...

MSPs and the Evolving Tech Environment: Reselling Hardware & Software

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the dynamics of reselling computer hardware and software for MSPs, emphasizi...

Exploring AI Tools in Marketing and Sales

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy Babinchik and James Kernan dive into the best AI tools for marketing and sales, including p...

Unlocking the Potential of DMARC: An Interview w/ Mike Anderson

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Thursday episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan talks with Mike Anderson, Director of Global Channels for EZDMark. They discu...

Compliance in the New Year: Interview with Mike Semel

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode of the SMB Community Podcast, host James Kernan interviews Mike Semel, a prominent expert in cybersecurity compliance. Mike shares ...

Channel Predictions for 2025

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

1.) MSP Question of the week:  What are your channel predictions for the new year of 2025? --- 2.) Notes on the News Microsoft is planning to inve...

Business Plans/Goals: How Often Should These Be Updated?

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off the new year, hosts James and Amy discuss business plans & goals, this week's MSP question of the week, as well as year-end news. --- 1.) ...

How Often Should You Attend Channel Events?

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of the calendar year 2024, Amy and James sit down to discuss the final MSP Question of the week as well as current events and new...

Mergers & Acquisitions: When Is The Best Time To Buy/Sell?

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To finish off the calendar year 2024, host James Kernan sits down with Karl Palachuk to discuss this year's hot topic: mergers & acquisitions. In this...

Year-End Marketing: What Are Some Good End of Year Campaigns?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now nearly halfway into December, James and Amy return to discuss Q4 marketing plans and recent headlines in the news. --- 1.) MSP Question of the we...

Return to Office: Risks and Rewards

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off the month of December, James and Amy are back with another episode of the SMB Community Podcast. --- 1.) MSP Question of the week:  Shou...

How Do I Hold My Team Accountable?

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Another fun week of James and Amy! Following Halloween, James and Amy shared their mission of Halloween costumes and handing out Halloween candy. Kick...

MSSP vs. MSP: Why does Security Matter?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts James and Amy are back this week to discuss the series of noteworthy headlines from this week as well as this week's MSP question of the week. -...

Measuring Success: What KPI's Do You Use?

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts James and Amy sit down this week to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure success with your business.   1.) MSP...

How to Navigate HIPAA: Interview with David Sims

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, host James Kernan speaks with David Sims, founder of Security First IT, regarding navigating HIPAA from the lens of MSP business ownership....

How to Stand Out: Differentiating Your Business

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to the podcast, host James sat down with Tim Fitzpatrick from Rialto Marketing. Topics include defining your processes, establishing your on...

Leveraging Chambers of Commerce for Client Attraction

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Barber - Cheaper Than a Geek https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjbarber/ Host Karl had a great chat with Christopher Barber from Cheap...

What Do You Do If Your Customer Won't Take Your Recommendations?

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts James and Amy sit down this week to discuss difficult situations where the customer will not take your prosposal or recommendation   1.) MSP Qu...

Should I Cut My Prices to Win More Business?

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

  Hosts James and Amy discuss pricing and the question around discounts for certain clients.   1.) MSP Question of the week:  Should you discount...

How Do You Find Good People?

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Amy Babinchak and James Kernan discuss the struggles of recruiting and what key qualities to look for when recruiting good people. 1.) MSP Quest...

Should you offer vCISO services with your security offering?

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan discussses security offerings, specifically looking at offering vCISO services as part of your cyber security stack. 1.) MSP Questio...

Smaller Businesses Need Different Security Services - An Interview with Dor Eisner

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dor Eisner, CEO of Guardz. Right off the bat, Eisner points out the reason enterprise cybersecurity attacks are diff...

Amplify your Marketing Efforts with Rialto Marketing

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick, President of Rialto Marketing. Founded in 2012, Tim created Rialto with ...

Sharing Big Wins and Successes

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding big wins, Windows 10 End of Life, and an exclusive interview w...

Do you have an entry level MSP offering?

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - Do you have an entry level MSP offering? This week, James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down to discuss entry level ...

Unifying the IT Channel Industry with the Channel program

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry. Kevin Lanc...

Smaller Businesses Are the Testbed for Malware - A Look at the Huntress Threat Report

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host Karl got together with Jamie Levy, Director of Adversary Tactics from Huntress.  Jamie is also a longtime researcher, developer and board member...

Using Alternative Payments to Process Customer Payments, Improve cash flow and Grow revenue!

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with Baxter Lanius to discuss automating customer payments using the software tool, Alternative Payments. At Alternativ...

What you learned as a vendor, that you WISHED you knew as an MSP

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with Dustin Puryear to discuss sales and marketing for MSP's. Dustin Puryear is indeed a prominent figure in the tech w...

Larry Garcia of Strety

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with Larry Garcia to discuss the EOS compatible and reporting collaboration tool known as Strety.  Larry Garcia is ...

Quoting Projects: Should You Quote Hourly or Fixed-Fee?

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding project quotes, the Olympics, and an exclusive interview with ...

Jason Miller of BitLyft Cybersecurity

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Host James Kernan sits down with Jason Miller, founder and CEO of BitLyft Cybersecurity, for an exclusive interview.  As the founder, Jason has dedic...

Crowdstrike Outage - How Were You Affected?

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - How did Crowdstrike affect you? This week, James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing. J...

Mandy Teply of the Fit Method

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) Interview with Mandy Teply of the Fit Method. Hear how health and fitnes in the workplace can help with motivation and productivity. ---  Our upc...

Rob Scott of Monjur

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) Interview with Rob Scott, co-founder of Monjur Contracts-as-a-service legal solutions ---  Our upcoming events and more: MASTERMIND LIVE – Den...

Where do you draw the line with Cyber Security?

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) The MSP Question of The Week Where do you draw the line with Cyber Security?      ---  2.) Notes On The News  We talk: Cyber Security Insuran...

When Is The Best Time To Sell Your MSP?

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

1.) The MSP Question of The Week When is the best time to sell your MSP? ---  2.) Notes On The News  We talk: June's Auto Dealership Hack and Pax8 B...