Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Point Your Clients to this IoT Explanation

One of my other blogs - Consultant or Amateur - is designed to be a place you can point your clients and say, "See. This guy's telling you the same thing I am." It's basically technical advice your client will understand. And it can help you convince them to make the right decisions about technology.

I just posted a new item there: Setting up an Internet of Things network. It's entitled "IOT - Internet of Things Basics for Small Business."

My advice is to isolate the IoT devices to a separate network segment. I give a very basic diagram and discuss the possibility of adding a firewall to separate the traffic.

But I'm also clear that business owners should contact YOU - their network professional - to help them find the right solution. I don't mention all the options because there are too many. For example, if they have the right firewall already, you can simply create a VLAN.

My goal here is to provide a site you can safely send your clients to, without fear that I'll try to get their business. I don't want their business. I want YOU to keep reading this blog. :-)

Your feedback is always welcome.

:-)

Monday, November 27, 2017

2018 Course Schedule Finalized - 5-Week Online Classes for Managed Service Providers

Small Biz ThoughtsWhite Board

Courses Offered 2018

Registration Information



Big Changes for 2018:

Classes repeated at 4 PM. Certain classes will be offered at both 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Pacific time. We are trying this with some classes in order to see if there's a market for the 4:00 PM offering. Specifically, I'm hoping my friends in Australia will join us live across the international dateline. 

In addition, we are offering repeat classes for some of our most popular classes. For example, the Managed Services in a Month course is offered in January and again in July. So if you miss the first one, you can take the second. In addition, if you register for the first set of classes, you can also take the second at no additional charge.

And, finally, we have added some new classes. Obviously, "Managed Services in a Month - Applying the Book" is revised for the new book. And I'm introducing the all-new course, "Service Agreements for SMB Consultants - Applying the Book." And it late October I'll announce a new course on Cloud Services. Stay tuned.


Registration is Open NOW

If you need to spend some money in 2017 . . . education for 2018 is a great way to invest your dollars!


All classes are only $259 per person. Each class is five weeks. All classes are recorded for students and include related reading materials and assignments to help you get the most out of your investment. You don't have to turn in the "homework" of course, but you are encouraged to complete it. If you want feedback from the instructor, it is always available.



Register NowCourse 5W09 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - January 9 - February 6, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W16 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Wednesdays January 31 - February 28, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W07 - Instructor: Rayanne Buchianico
- Five Tuesdays - February 13 - March 13, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

- Five Tuesdays - March 20 - April 17, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W04 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Wednesdays April 4 - May 2, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W08 - Instructors: Karl W. Palachuk and Manuel Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - April 24 - May 22, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W14 - Instructor: Josh Peterson
- Five Tuesdays - May 29 - June 26, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W12 - Instructor: Rayanne Buchianico
- Five Tuesdays - July 3 - July 31, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W09 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Wednesdays July 18 - August 15, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

NOTE: This course is on five consecutive Wednesdays
Register NowCourse 5W13 - Instructor: Manuel Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - August 7 - September 4, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W15 - Instructor: Rayanne Buchianico
- Five Tuesdays - September 11 - October 9, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W16 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Wednesdays September 19 - October 17, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W01 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - October 16 - November 13, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W17 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Wednesdays - October 31 - November 28, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific

Register NowCourse 5W10 - Instructor: Karl W. Palachuk
- Five Tuesdays - November 20 - December 18, 2018
- All classes start a 9:00 AM Pacific AND 4:00 PM Pacific


Questions? 

email [email protected]

Friday, November 24, 2017

A Buncha Friends Got Together for a Sale . . .


Super Good Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale
Hello, everyone.

I am pleased to announce that I've teamed up with a number of great folks to bring you some amazing opportunities on "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" (didn't put that in the subject line because it's guaranteed to get filtered). These bargains are good through Cyber Monday unless otherwise noted.

(P.S., I'm not getting a piece of any of these sales. Just so you know.)

Have fun shopping!
Call That Girl's Outlook Troubleshooting Training for Technicians

$49

Now Only $9.99 !!!
Learn from an Outlook Expert how to troubleshoot, repair and resolve Outlook technical issues. Outlook is a program that contains a lot of data, lots of moving parts and offers 100’s of features which are all guaranteed to break at some point. As well, it’s the program most used with the Office 365 Business Plans. These videos will train you how to properly prepare, repair and learn Outlook in a 360 view.

Technicians should buy these videos to:

  • Advance their technical knowledge with Outlook, Exchange and supporting Office 365
  • Stop losing unbillable time trying to resolve issues you are not familiar with
  • Raise your rates and offer Outlook as a premium service
  • Have a marketing advantage over your competitors because you can promote Outlook as a service your company offers
HIPAA For MSPs 

$20 Off Pro Membership
Are you tired of trying to figure out HIPAA on your own? Sick of the confusion and frustration?

You need HIPAAforMSPs.com! The Internet's ONLY HIPAA resource built by MSPs, for MSPs.

As a member, you'll learn how HIPAA impacts your business; How to properly address HIPAA internally; How to help your clients who need HIPAA compliant IT services; How to build a profitable Compliance-as-a-Service offering and much more.

Act now to get $20 off our Professional Membership for as long as you're a member by using coupon code BFRIDAY2018! Invest in yourself and your business in 2018 by learning how to specialize in this lucrative niche.

The Fast & Easy Way to Get New IT Services Customers on Facebook

$47 (Regular price $497)
Facebook for MSP's. Have you tried and failed at running Facebook ads? Learn how to setup Facebook the right way so you can run profitable Facebook ads to get new leads and grow your MSP business. 

You'll find generic Facebook ad courses for $997 and higher. This course, developed by ChannelPro Network and is specifically designed with the MSP in mind. You'll get step-by-step instructions how to get everything setup, how to choose the right ads for your offer, how to retarget, and much more.
Computer Business Breakthrough

$99
Computer Business Breakthrough is an online training program specifically designed for IT consultants and computer business owners...taught by two of your peers, Matthew Rodela and Lisa Hendrickson.

In the training we teach you how to escape the grinding break/fix mindset of cheap clients and feast/famine finances so you can focus on becoming a truly sought-after expert in your field.

Join the community of like-minded technology consultants and complete an online course comprising of 49 training videos, helpful interviews, downloadable resources, and bonus content.

Act now to get over 50% off!
Tech Site Builder

40% off the annual plan (first year only)
Tech Site Builder is a hosted website builder that allows you to quickly and easily build a clean, professional, and effective website for your IT business.

With TSB we walk you thorugh building your website using our secure website builder platform with video tutorials and walk-throughs. Key benefits include: built-in SEO, mobile optimized design, page builder, custom form builder, and much more!

Tech Site Builder was developed for computer business owners, by a computer business owner, to help you attract and convert more clients through your website. 

From now through Cyber Monday get 40% off the first year of the annual payment plan.
Have Fun!


-- KarlP

:-)

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Buy One Give One - Giving That Makes a Real Difference in the World

B1G1: Buy One Give One

For every sale we make at SMB Books, we will donate seven days worth of clean drinking water to families in Cambodia.



November 2017

Effective immediately, Small Biz Thoughts is proud to announce that we have partnered with B1G1 (Buy One Give One) to provide ongoing support to a worthwhile charity.

For every sale we make at SMB Books, we will donate seven days worth of clean drinking water to families in Cambodia. See our "giving story" on B1G1.

Here's how is works: The cost of providing these services is very small by U.S. economic standards. As a result, a small amount of money given in U.S. dollars can make a huge impact in poor economies. Our regular contributions are amplified significantly.


The Project We Fund:

Access to safe drinking water is the foundation for the issues of health, education, food, and livelihood. This water is provided via the means of a Bio-Sand Water Filter that lasts up to two decades or more and is able to provide for an entire family. A Bio-Sand Filter (BSF) is a point-of-use water treatment system adapted from traditional slow sand filters. Cambodia has over 9,000,000 cases of diarrhoeal disease, costing the nation $448 million a year. One of the easiest ways to combat poverty and disease is to provide access to clean water sources.

In U.S. dollars, is cost just over one cent to provide clean drinking water for a family for one day. So it literally costs less than one dime per week. By giving money for each sale we make, our small contributions make a huge difference in Cambodia.

In addition to the Buy-One-Give-One donations, we have pledged to make regular monthly donations. Imagine giving one hundred dollars and having a massive impact! That's what happens with individual contributions through B1G1.

Visit our "giving story" on B1G1. Look into the details. And if you can make an additional contribution, even a small amount can make a big difference. Or look around and find another charity that you can support.


Who Can YOU Support with B1G1?

Imagine improving your company's marketing by choosing one or more charities -- in the U.S. or anywhere in the world -- and pledging to support them through your business.

This kind of giving is very easy and makes a huge difference.

I am grateful to Greg Lipschitz from Summit Internet in Australia for introducing me to B1G1.


:-)

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Bering McKinley Announces 3rd Annual Sales & Service Retreat


I got a note from my friend Josh Peterson over at Bering McKinley. Here's the announcement of their 3rd Annual Big Game Sales & Service Retreat in Las Vegas

Las Vegas
February 5-6, 2018

Early Bird pricing ends December 15th




Join us at the 3rd Annual
Bering McKinley Las Vegas Retreat
This event delivers a jam-packed agenda across two and a half days with 5 breakout sessions led by industry experts and unparalleled networking opportunities starting on Sunday’s Superbowl kick-off and extending through Tuesday afternoon’s farewell wrap-up.

Excel your business acumen by attending our five critical pillars for growing your business.
Superbowl party, hotel rooms, High Roller happy hour and daily lunch are all included in the registration fee (if you register before December 15). 

?Take advantage of this opportunity to learn, network and up your business game in 2018.


FREE Two Nights Stay at LINQ® Las Vegas*
+ 5 Jam-Packed Sessions in Sales, Service, Finance, and Culture + Parties + Lunches and MORE!
EARLY BIRD ONLY $777*
SPACE IS LIMITED!
*Early Bird Pricing Ends 12/15/17. Regular price $850. Free Hotel offer to first 40 Early Bird Registrants.


2018 ‘BIG GAME’ KICK-OFF PARTY
Let’s start this retreat on the right foot with our 3rd Annual BIG GAME at THE VEGAS SPORTS BOOK IN THE LINQ® . We will be taking bets to see which team will win. We will have complimentary specialty drinks, prizes and more!


GROUP FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
MONDAY, FEB 5 • 9:30AM-12PM
Presenter: Josh Peterson, Bering McKinley

We’ll be training you on the 14 Key Financial Metrics. You don’t need 100’s of crazy micro detailed numbers. You need the fundamentals and you need to know the benchmarks. Oh, by the way, these are THE ONLY NUMBERS IN THE INDUSTRY you can trust. They are pulled right from your Quickbooks. No easily manipulated spreadsheets to skew the results. 


BUILDING A PROFITABLE SALES ENGINE
MONDAY, FEB 5 • 1PM-3PM
Presenters: Ben Altman & Josh Peterson of Bering McKinley

It’s crazy to think that our industry isn’t filled with great sales people after all these years. In what backwards world are we living in that someone in your company isn’t attempting to sell your services each and every day? 


BUILDING A PROFITABLE SALES ENGINE
MONDAY, FEB 5 • 1PM-3PM
Presenters: Ben Altman & Josh Peterson of Bering McKinley

It’s crazy to think that our industry isn’t filled with great sales people after all these years. In what backwards world are we living in that someone in your company isn’t attempting to sell your services each and every day? 


SECRETS BEHIND GETTING YOUR BRAND RANKED IN GOOGLE
MONDAY, FEB 5 • 4PM-5:30PM 
Presenters: Ginger & WInston Clay

Everyone knows that the buyer’s journey begins online with a Google search. Getting ranked by Google and making it to the first page can feel like a mix of voodoo and science.



SERVICE DELIVERY ON STEROIDS
TUESDAY, FEB 6 • 10AM-11:30PM
Presenters: Stephanie Krintz and Daniel Lapish

Get ready, we are going to challenge everything you ever thought you knew about Dispatch. Did you know that your Agreement Gross Profit and Effective Hourly Rate are directly related to how well you’ve mastered your dispatch model?


CREATING A DYNAMIC COMPANY CULTURE
TUESDAY, FEB 6 • 1PM-2:30AM
Presenter: Matthew Middlesetter of Compex Tech

You just spent two days analyzing everything you do. YWe need to make sure the team is ready for you. Matthew Middlestetter is going to make sure you walk away knowing the difference between Employee Loyalty and Employee Job Satisfaction.


FREE Two Nights Stay at LINQ® Las Vegas*
+ 5 Jam-Packed Sessions in Sales, Service, Finance, and Culture + Parties + Lunches and MORE!
EARLY BIRD ONLY $777*
SPACE IS LIMITED!
*Early Bird Pricing Ends 12/15/17. Free Hotel offer to first 40 Early Bird Registrants.





:-)