Friday, January 30, 2015

Free Webinar: 5 Benefits Integrated CRM Brings to the IT Services Provider

Please mark your calendars for a free webinar with Results Software.

We use Result CRM in-house. We're just learning about the newest version. So I asked Sam to put together a webinar that is NOT a salesy tour of the menu options. 

This webinar will focus on the benefits of CRM and how you can make money selling CRM solutions to your clients. If you've only used Microsoft CRM, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the flexibility, power, and ease of use of Results.

(No, I'm not being paid to say that.)

Details:

5 Benefits Integrated CRM Brings to the IT Services Provider

Free Educational Webinar

February 9th 

1:00 PM Eastern / 10 AM Pacific





Join us on Monday, February 9th and learn how companies use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) to simplify their day to day operations and build successful and profitable business relationships. In this webinar we will take you above the hype to learn what CRM is and why it is relevant and important to you and your clients. 

We will also explore how to identify when a CRM solution is needed, using actual case studies and real life examples.  You’ll also learn how traditional CRM has evolved and the important differentiators of today’s Integrated CRM systems.

If your business goals include learning about the tools that can help your clients save time and money, increase growth and improve their operations, you won’t want to miss this dynamic webinar!

Join Sam Saab, President & Founder of Results Software, to explore:

  • What is CRM?
  • Why is CRM relevant and important?
  • Signs that a CRM Solution is Needed
  • The Case for Integrated CRM
  • Offering your Clients an Integrated CRM 
  • Interactive Q&A
Register Now

Your Hosts:

Sam Saab, President & Founder of Results Software

Sam Saab is passionate about helping businesses succeed! Sam is a recognized pioneer in the CRM industry and office automation technologies. In 2002, Sam developed and launched Results CRM as an integrated business solution that helps businesses centralize their data, streamline their operations and improve their business relationships. Sam is a national speaker and published author on CRM topics including business growth strategies, office automation, virtual offices, boosting sales and gaining a competitive advantage. 

For more information about Sam Saab, please visit www.SamSaab.com.


Karl W. Palachuk, Small Biz Thoughts

Karl W. Palachuk, is a technology consultant, author, speaker, trainer, and coach. He is the author of fifteen books. He has built several successful businesses, including two managed services companies. His books include Managed Services in a Month and The Network Documentation Workbook. Karl is a frequent trainer and speaker in the SMB Community. His popular blog can be found at SmallBizThoughts.com. He has more than twenty years experience as an I.T. professional and serves on advisory panels for several hardware and software companies.


:-)

Still the best Quick-Start Guide to Managed Services: 


by Karl W. Palachuk 

Now only $39.95 at SMB Books!

Ebook or Paperback

Learn More!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Final January Webinar - Migrating off Windows 2003 Servers - Zynstra, HP, Hybrid Clouds

PLEASE don't miss our final January Webinar with Zynstra on Thursday, January 29th at 9:00 AM Pacific!

Register for the Free Webinar:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/564255437079256322

All month long, we've doing webinars with the Zynstra Hybrid Cloud team to explore how you can generate massive new revenue in 2015 with Zynstra Hybrid Cloud solutions.

Each week we've gone deeper into the Zynstra appliances. We've done a test drive. We've looked a pricing configurators. And we've answered lots of questions.

Tomorrow we're going to do a little Windows Server 2003 themed workshop. Windows Server 2003 is at "End of Life" this year and yet 40% of the servers out there are still WS03. What's your solution?

The agenda is:

- Recap on Zynstra and their principle deployment partner MyCloudMSP

- SBS and WS2003 - Intro and "Is it a real opportunity?"

- Explore Options for those still on WS03 (Transaction or as a service; On premise or in cloud; How to decide?)

- Qualifying best approach for your customers

- Audience feedback on opportunity

- Generating a proposal

- Technical Q & A

This is particularly timely since HP just announced "Operation Crescendo" to capture $1 billion in sales for HP and their partners. Microsoft has vowed that the world is really coming to an end for WS03 on July 14, 2015. See the CRN article here:

http://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300075492/hp-launches-1-billion-operation-crescendo-windows-server-2003-upgrade-offensive.htm


Previous Webinars

You can view two of our previous webinars on my YouTube channel, including the webinar from last week on the size/price configurator tool. The videos are here:

Webinar 1 - Hybrid Cloud Opportunities with Zynstra

Webinar 2 - Hybrid Cloud Opportunities


Join us and find out why Hybrid Cloud simply IS the way technology will be delivered from now on.

Thursday
January 29th
9:00 AM PST

Register for the Free Webinar:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/564255437079256322

CloudMSP Named First North American Distributor to offer Zynstra's Hybrid IT Solution for SMBs to Partner Channel

Just got a note from my friends over at CloudMSP (www.mycloudmsp.com). Looks like my local friends are teaming up with my UK friends to bring this amazing product to the U.S.

Here's the press release:

- - - - - 

CloudMSP First North American Distributor to offer
Zynstra's Hybrid IT Solution for SMBs to Partner Channel

State-of-the-Art Technology Available to Businesses in Time for
Looming Windows Server 2003 End-of-Support Deadline

SACRAMENTO, CA, January 28, 2015 – CloudMSP, a specialty value-added distributor of cloud and information technology solutions, has announced it is the first distributor of Zynstra, the pioneer in enterprise-class hybrid IT for the Small Medium Business (SMB) in North America.

Zynstra’s expansion into North America comes on the heels of great success abroad, where they have already gained significant momentum with its innovative hybrid IT solutions and sold to Europe's SMB market through their partner network.
Through CloudMSP, North American partners, including MSPs, VARs and telecom agents, can offer their SMB customers enterprise-class IT without the enterprise cost, just in time for the Windows Server 2003 and Small Business Server end-of-support deadline. Zynstra's subscription based model means businesses can upgrade their critical IT infrastructure without an upfront capital expense.

“We are excited be the first distributor in North America to offer such a game-changing service to the channel partner community,” said Jeffery Ponts, executive VP of CloudMSP. "Partners can leverage Zynstra's SMB IT Appliance, a fully-managed solution comprising an on-premises server integrated with cloud based services, to meet their customers' need to replace their Windows Server 2003 or Small Business Server, due to the impending end-of-support deadline.”

"CloudMSP is focused on enabling partners to switch from a break-fix model, to a more stable annuity model, making Zynstra's subscription based services a perfect addition to our portfolio," said CloudMSP president Daniel Langton. "Zynstra's product will also help standardize our partner's operations and, by leveraging Zynstra's technology and expertise to manage and support the server, partners will be able to focus their resources on more profitable professional services.” 

“Zynstra has a 100-percent channel model, so finding the right partners is very important,” said Nick East, Zynstra CEO. “CloudMSPs model for supporting and enabling partners through marketing programs, sales tools and strong technical resources is a holistic approach to going to market that will benefit partners greatly as they introduce Zynstra's services to their customers.” 

Zynstra’s Cloud Managed Server Appliances deliver enterprise class, worry-free IT for a simple monthly fee, making it an attractive and affordable option for SMBs. Sold as a service, through CloudMSP's partners, it is fully managed and supported by Zynstra. 

Key standard features include:

     Core IT services: A private cloud on one or more clustered servers, pre-integrated with network gateway, Active Directory, file and print servers, a range of managed applications, and a managed virtual machine “infrastructure as a service” environment are all included on the Zynstra appliance. Backup management and disaster recovery capabilities are built in, including a reverse backup for Office 365 users.

     Automatic updating: All support and management are conducted automatically and behind the scenes, so routine maintenance by the SMB is eliminated. Upgrades and security patches are always kept current.

     Pre integrated: The SMB IT Appliance comes out of the box integrated with Office 365, Azure and other key cloud applications.

Partners who wish to learn more about selling Zynstra through CloudMSP can visit www.mycloudmsp.com.

About CloudMSP
CloudMSP is a specialty value-added distributor of cloud and hybrid IT solutions. CloudMSP aims to ensure its partners are prepared to successfully navigate the new landscape of converged IT and telecommunications through widespread adoption of cloud technology.

CONTACT:
Shawn Cordner

215 839-9639

- - - - -
:-)

Monday, January 12, 2015

Tune into My Annual "State of the Nation" Address for Small Biz IT Professionals - Wednesday

Tune into My Annual "State of the Nation" Address for Small Biz IT Professionals - Wednesday, January 14th, 2015


Update:

This presentation was recorded and you can view it here:

- - - - -
Mark your calendar now and don't miss this once-a-year podcast. For six years now, I've produced a podcast on the "State of the Nation" for small technology providers.

Don't miss this year's podcast.

Karl's Annual State of the Nation Address
Wednesday, January 14th
9:00 AM Pacific

Here's the Link you'll need:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8799183012889057537

No cost. Register now!

Paste that into your calendar so you don't forget!

Topics Include:
Highlights and Lowlights from 2014
Cloud Services Going Forward
The Economy and SMB
Strategies for Creating Wealth with your Managed Service Business

- - - - -

We like to call ourselves entrepreneurs. But "business owner" and entrepreneur are not the same thing.

Think about the difference between business people and entrepreneurs. A business person will look at a great idea and see a product, and even how to make money with that product. An entrepreneur will look at the same thing and see how to create a new business venture.

Too many business owners aren't entrepreneurial at all. They are business people. That means they're working hard trying to make the business work every day instead of looking at the much bigger picture.

Tune in to learn more.

The economy is going to really hit it's stride in 2015. Will you have phenomenal growth?

Join me for some ideas!

Wednesday, January 14th
9:00 AM Pacific

Register Now:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8799183012889057537

Sunday, January 11, 2015

New Core Standard Operating Procedures Class to Kick Off Our 2015 Schedule

Core Standard Operating Procedures for Small IT Providers

Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - Jan. 13 - Feb. 10, 2015 Register Now
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

You're guaranteed to learn something that will make or save you the price of admission!



This course will cover the most important procedures you need to have in place to run an efficient and highly profitable Managed Services Business.

Whether you're a new "Computer Consultant" or an experienced Managed Service Provider, you need to create successful processes that will propel your company forward. Nothing is more critical to making profit than having the right processes and procedures in place!

When I take on new coaching clients, they have many of the same issues over and over again. And almost all of them boil down to SOPs - Standard Operating Procedures. Or the lack thereof.
Everyone knows you need SOPs. In fact you probably know which ones you need. But where do you start?
Checklist
You will learn
  • A practical introduction to SOPs
  • The relationship matrix of SOPs
    • Clients
    • Employees
    • Vendors
    • Internal Organization
  • The Ten Most Important SOPs for your IT Consulting Business
  • SOPs management, organization, and updates
  • Implementation strategies internally
  • Implementation strategies for clients
  • Service Department SOPs
    • Building
    • Training
    • Deployment
    • Upkeep
  • Avoiding the biggest pitfalls with SOP development and deployment
  • Building an Action Plan that works

Delivered by Karl W. Palachuk, blogger and author of the very popular "SOP Friday" posts at http://blog.smallbizthoughts.com.

Includes five weeks of webinar classes with related handouts, assignments, and "office hours" with the instructor.

This course is intended for business owners and managers. It is particularly useful for the Service Manager or Operations Manager.

Join us!

Friday, January 09, 2015

Webinars: Hybrid Cloud Opportunities - with Zynstra

Hybrid Cloud Opportunities - with Zynstra

Yesterday we held our first of four webinars on nurturing Hybrid Cloud Opportunities with the Zynstra cloud appliances.

Please join us each Thursday at 9:00 AM Pacific for the remaining webinars - Free:

Jan 15 - 9 AM PST

Jan 22 - 9 AM PST

Jan 29 - 9 AM PST

Register for Free:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/564255437079256322

Join me and the Zynstra Hybrid Cloud team to explore how you can generate massive new revenue in 2015 with Zynstra Hybrid Cloud solutions. The January calls will demonstrate the Zynstra Hybrid Cloud solutions, talk to U.S. partners who are currently making money with Zynstra, and conclude with an "open forum" to answer all your questions.

One registration is good for all four calls.

Join us and find out why Hybrid Cloud simply IS the way technology will be delivered from now on.

I've enjoyed working with Zynstra for the last 18 months or so. Join us for the Channel Program Kick-Off and Let's Get This Party Started!


Not "Just" a Replacement for SBS

One of the topics of discussion in the SMB community for the last five years has been the "replacement" of Small Business Server. When you start from that perspective, you miss a great deal about what's changed in technology in the last 5-10 years.

Think about it: If you were to design the perfect small business network today, would you put Active Directory, RDS, Exchange, SQL, IIS, file storage, and backup all one one box? I don't think so!

Our cloud offering, since late 2008/early 2009 has consisted primarily of
- Local storage
- Local backup mirrored to the cloud
- Hosted Exchange
- Hosted Web site(s)
- Separate servers if clients need Exchange, SQL, etc.

We are excited about the Zynstra Hybrid Cloud solution because it fits right in with everything we're already doing.

Machines exist as VMs, completely autonomous from one another. So you can join them to the domain and migrate services over one at a time as needed.

The bottom line: You can put each service exactly where it works best.


The Recorded Webinar

Yesterday's webinar is recorded and you can view it here:


That should also bring up lots of other suggested interviews regarding the Zynstra family of appliances.

Have fun!

If you have questions, please join us for one of the other webinars in January.

:-)