Zulfiya Forsythe | What Happens When an MSP and AI Expert Join Forces
Join Brian Doyle on the latest episode of MSP Business School, where he sits down with Zulfiya Forsythe from the Omaldi Group. Zulfiya shares her experience entering the MSP sector and how accidents in work collaborations often create remarkable opportunities for business growth. As a data analytics expert, she discusses how her partnership with MSPs enhances client satisfaction by offering data-driven insights and AI-based automation. In this episode, Zulfiya Forsythe delves into the world of AI, exploring its vast capabilities and addressing common business challenges. Emphasizing the practicality of AI beyond the buzz, she explains how AI can be leveraged to improve business processes and addresses why automation is sometimes a more appropriate solution. Zulfiya highlights some of her successful AI integrations, including Vicki, an AI-powered voice agent that minimizes call management issues, and the Foreman Agent, a tool enhancing data access efficiency for construction companies and municipal operations. Key Takeaways: Zulfiya Forsythe has successfully integrated AI and automation into business processes, highlighting the partnership between AI-driven tools and traditional business operations. Discussing her agent Vicki, Zulfiya demonstrates how AI aids in managing customer service by answering calls and integrating data into client systems, subsequently increasing client retention and efficiency. The Foreman Agent exemplifies AI's capacity to streamline data retrieval by transforming extensive historical data into easily accessible insights, revolutionizing industries like construction. AI should not be confused with simple automation; while both improve processes, AI brings the ability to understand and process natural language, enhancing communication efficiency. A strategic approach to AI and automation can significantly optimize operations, allowing business leaders to focus on core business strategies while maintaining quality and service standards. Guest Name: Zulfiya Forsythe LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulfiya-forsythe-akbarova-cpa-0214b98/ Company: Omadi Group Website: https://omadligroup.com Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com
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Josh Kotler | How to Turn Your MSP into a Scalable, Sellable Machine
Join Brian Doyle on the MSP Business School podcast as he delves into the essential strategies for MSPs aiming for a successful business exit. Brian is joined by expert guest Josh Kotler from Canyon Point, who shares insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and offers invaluable advice for MSPs contemplating their exit strategies. This episode will guide you through the stages and steps necessary to enhance your exit and achieve the most rewarding outcome. Kotler emphasizes the importance of reaching a $4-10 million revenue mark for MSPs. He explains that this growth is essential for significant enterprise value creation, which is crucial for attracting higher multiples at the time of sale. Through his experience, Kotler also provides a glimpse into how MSPs can transform from owner-centric operations to scalable businesses. Listeners will gain insights into how to optimize financial management, improve operational efficiencies, and leverage peer networks to thrive and prepare for future transitions. Key Takeaways: Importance of Scaling: Kotler advises that MSPs should aim to reach at least $4 million in revenue to ensure a meaningful and profitable exit. Role of the Owner: Reducing the owner's involvement in daily operations increases business independence, enhancing the overall value during a sale. Building Financial Health: Maintaining robust financials and proper KPI tracking is crucial for demonstrating business maturity to potential buyers. Seek Guidance: Joining peer groups or consulting with experienced professionals can provide the insights needed for successful business evolution. Intentional Planning: It's vital for MSP owners to be proactive, starting their exit planning well in advance to optimize opportunities for successful transactions. Guest Name: Josh Kotler LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkotler/ Company: Canyon Point Technologies Website: https://canyonpoint.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com
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Alex Farling | Building the Next Generation MSP
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle converses with Alex Farling, a notable name in the Managed Service Provider sector. The discussion revolves around Alex's rich professional journey, from his early days in corporate training to managing an MSP, and eventually co-founding Lifecycle Insights. The conversation highlights how current trends, specifically AI, are forging new paths for MSPs to transition into strategic advisors, rather than purely technical service providers. Focusing on the rise of AI and its influence in the MSP landscape, Alex elucidates how technology is providing unprecedented opportunities for businesses to streamline operations without jargon-laden pitches. He delves into his latest venture, Empath, which aims to aggregate and centralize thought leadership and learning within the MSP industry. By cultivating a platform for continuous learning, Alex and his team aim to equip MSPs with the tools needed to grow and adapt in the fast-evolving tech environment. The episode is a treasure trove of insights for MSPs seeking to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Key Takeaways: AI as a Catalyst: AI offers a unique chance for MSPs to become true strategic advisors, helping businesses streamline operations without using overly technical language. Decentralized Thought Leadership: Empath focuses on creating a centralized learning platform, aggregating insights from various thought leaders to guide MSPs in diverse areas beyond just cybersecurity. Transparency and Accountability: Alex stresses the importance of scorecards in driving team success and keeping everyone aligned toward shared goals. Empath's Innovative Approach: By collaborating with vendors and MSP insiders, Empath is building a comprehensive educational platform that supports progressive learning paths for MSP professionals. Continuous Growth and Learning: The episode underscores the value of ongoing training and accountability in transforming MSPs and helping them achieve excellence. Guest Name: Alex Farling LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjfarling/ Company: Empath Website: https://empathmsp.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com
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George Mellor | You're Already the Trusted Advisor. Act Like It.
In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle sits down with George Mellor, founder of VCIO Growth, to discuss transforming the roles of Virtual Chief Information Officers (VCIOs) within Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The conversation shines a light on the evolving landscape of QBR processes and the critical need for VCIOs to focus on client business outcomes rather than mere technical metrics. George shares insights from his journey in the MSP space, offering expertise on enhancing client relationships and maximizing business value. Throughout this episode, listeners are invited to explore how MSPs can avoid the commodity trap by emphasizing strategic client interactions. George discusses the pitfalls of focusing QBRs on ticket numbers and refresh cycles, urging a shift towards aligning technology initiatives with the client's business objectives. The discussion also delves into the potential of AI in MSP operations. By initiating AI conversations with clients, MSPs can harness new opportunities for business growth and demonstrate their value as trusted advisors in the tech space. This episode is packed with practical advice and innovative strategies for MSPs looking to enhance their VCIO capabilities. Key Takeaways: VCIOs need to focus on the client's business objectives rather than just showcasing technical achievements. Effective QBRs should integrate a strategic narrative that aligns with the client's long-term goals and business outcomes. AI presents a significant opportunity for MSPs to innovate and lead conversations with clients about technology governance and security. By engaging in deeper strategic dialogues, MSPs can transition from being seen as vendors to becoming integral business partners. Fractional VCIO services can bridge knowledge gaps and prepare MSPs for more effective client interactions, ultimately driving business growth. Guest Name: George Mellor LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mellor-kloudreadiness/ Company: vCIO Growth Website: https://vciogrowth.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com
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Janessa Soucy | The Partner Success Playbook: Lessons MSPs Can't Afford to Ignore
In this episode of "MSP Business School," host Brian Doyle welcomes Janessa Soucy, a vital part of the vCIO Toolbox team, to delve into the critical role of partner success in client retention. As Brian highlights the value of nurturing existing client relationships over acquiring new ones, Janessa offers her insights and experiences from transitioning from teaching to the MSP sector. Together, they explore how a partner success role can significantly impact an organization's client engagement and retention strategies. Throughout the conversation, Brian and Janessa underscore the importance of maintaining client relationships to minimize churn rates, a common industry challenge. Janessa shares her learnings and experiences from her first six months in the MSP industry, highlighting the proactive steps taken by vCIO Toolbox to refine client engagement practices. With relevant SEO keywords such as "client retention," "MSP industry," "partner success," and "customer satisfaction," this episode offers valuable guidance for MSPs looking to strengthen their client bonds and achieve sustained growth through improved customer success initiatives. Key Takeaways: Customer Success Investment: The value of investing in a dedicated partner success role can greatly enhance client retention and satisfaction by facilitating better client understanding and service offerings. Cost Efficiency in Retention: Retaining an existing customer is five to seven times more cost-effective than acquiring new clients, making client retention strategies crucial for sustained growth. Leveraging Surveys and Feedback: Deploying tools like customer satisfaction surveys helps gather essential client feedback, informing strategies to improve service delivery and address customer needs proactively. Operational Consistency: Consistently engaging with clients through mediums like newsletters and consistent touchpoints can enhance visibility and client connection. Education and Outreach: Providing educational content, resources, and training not only empowers clients but also strengthens their trust and dependence on the service provider. Website: https://www.inforcer.com/ Host: Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylemetathinq/ Sponsor: vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com
A podcast geared to Technology Service Providers where we bring you strategies and tactics to grow your business and build a winning culture.
This podcast helps MSPs and MSSPs accelerate their business through strategies, tips, and tactics for driving sales, marketing, and account management.
Join our host, Brian Doyle, every Tuesday!
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